VINCENT MASSEY P.S.

NEWSLETTER

A Peanut & Nut Safe School

Bev Assinck, Principal                                                             Jackie Robinson, School Council Chair    Beverly_Assinck@kprdsb.ca                                                 stillscrappin@yahoo.ca          

Lenore O’Rahilly Acting Principal

DATES TO REMEMBER

October 1 – World Habitat Day

October 2 – International Day of

Non-Violence

Simchat Torah

October 2  – Junior Soccer at Clarington Fields – Cancelled see Oct. 10

October 4 – Cross Country at Courtice Secondary

Oct 5 – Orange Shirt Day

October 5 – World Teachers Day

October 8 – Thanksgiving Day/School Closed

October 9 - Intermediate Soccer at Clarington Fields

Pizza Day

October 9 – German Pioneers Day

Navratri begins

October 10 – Jr. Soccer at Orono Fields

October 15 – Room 111 to Wilmot Creek

October 16 – World Food Day

October 17 – International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

October 18 – Persons’ Day

Dussehra

Navratri ends

October 22 – Bus Safety

October 24 – United Nations Day

October 24 - Jr. Flag Rugby at Clarington Fields

October 26- Intermediate Flag Rugby at Clarington Fields

October 26 – Picture Retake Day

October 31 – Hallowe’en

DATES TO LOOK FOR

Nov 1 – Gr. 7 Immunizations

Nov 2 – Dental Screening

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

The days of fall are indeed upon us with the beautiful array of colour on our neighbourhood trees!
Throughout the month of September, the staff and students worked together to establish and settle into effective routines and positive relationships, it is our hope that these efforts will support success in learning and happiness in living as we continue to build community here at Vincent Massey PS.  
Our Open House was very well attended - it was great to see and meet so many families as they visited classrooms and mingled with staff.  I hope that during your visit you were able to visit your child’s class, learn something new and meet the educators that work closest with your children. Thank you for taking the time to share the evening with us!
During Safe and Caring School Week our school community practiced a number of emergency responses - we will continue to practice periodically throughout the school year. Our goal is to work together to make

VINCENT MASSEY P.S.

NEWSLETTER

A Peanut & Nut Safe School

November 2018

Bev Assinck, Principal                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Jackie Robinson, School Council Chair   

Beverly_Assinck@kprdsb.ca                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   stillscrappin@yahoo.ca                               

Lenore O’Rahilly                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Acting Principal                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Principal’s Message

Dear Families of Vincent Massey PS,

November already!  It is hard to believe that we already have two months of school under our belts and the time for our first reporting period is upon us. Progress Reports will be sent home on November 8^th and if not already done so, your child’s teacher will be sending information about conferences as well.

At this time, I would like to express my personal thanks to the Vincent Massey Public School community for a tremendous first ‘leg’ of our learning journey.  Thank you staff and students for your enthusiasm in and outside the classroom - you are awesome!   The many volunteers who help out daily in so many ways are an invaluable asset to our students and school and we are especially thankful for their on-going support and involvement. And as always, our School Council continues to support our efforts in so many ways—thank you!

The month of October ended in proper fashion with a Fall and Hallowe’en celebration...  By all appearances, a good time was had by staff, students alike!

This month we will focus our attention as a school community on three very important events.  On November 9^th we will assemble for our Day of Remembrance where we will honour and show our respect for the men and women that served our country during history’s most trying times.  As a sign of our appreciation and respect, each student will be given and be wearing a poppy for our assembly. This flower is a very significant and respected symbol for this day - it is also an important way of reminding us that every one of these brave Canadians is never to be forgotten. To this end, a small, voluntary, monetary donation will be gratefully accepted on November 9^th in support of our local legion – Bowmanville #178.  Our Assembly will begin at 10:45 a.m.  Please join us if you are able.

On Saturday, November 11^th, a wreath donated by our school, will be laid at the Cenotaph at the Bowmanville Remembrance

VINCENT MASSEY P.S.

NEWSLETTER

A Peanut & Nut Safe School

December, 2018

Bev Assinck, Principal                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Jackie Robinson, School Council Chair   

Beverly_Assinck@kprdsb.ca                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           stillscrappin@yahoo.ca

VINCENT MASSEY P.S. January 2019 NEWSLETTER

A Peanut & Nut Safe School

Nicholas Shea, Principal Jackie Robinson

NEW & IMPORTANT

When dropping off

and picking up students.

If busses are present

in the main

parking lot

vehicles will not be

permitted to enter

Please obey no parking signs!

Check out the New Canada Food Guide

Please enjoy the attached February Newsletter

It is that time of year!

If you require out of boundary bussing or sitter/childcare requests for 2019-2020, please read the attached document.

BATTERY RECYCLING PROGRAM

Vincent Massey is starting a battery recycling program.  We encourage students to bring in any old batteries.  There is a white pail just outside the office for them to go in. Please put tape on the positive and negative ends of the battery

Help us Help the Environment!

Vincent Massey Spirit Wear Shop is Now OPEN!

Visit http://vincentmasseypsbowmanville.entripyshops.com/ to register. Shopping at this site works like any other online shopping site, with orders shipped directly to you. Vincent Massey will receive a 10% rebate on all purchases through this site. We will be using these funds to purchase new jerseys.  

Go online and register today to discover the variety of items available. There are many different logo designs available and options to personalize items in different ways. There are even some special logos for our Grade 8 Grads.

Vincent Massey is sharing our new jersey design so personalized jerseys can be purchased and used for sports teams. The jersey shirt will be a black ATC Pro Team Tee (Youth, Men’s and Ladies sizes are available). Choose the same logo shown in the picture (on back), along with a number for the back, the words: “Be Awesome” in white on the right shoulder and students may choose to add their name above the number (as seen in the example shown on back).

See the attached document for more information

VINCENT MASSEY P.S.
NEWSLETTER - March 2019
A Peanut & Nut Safe School

ATTENTION YOUTH: Are you interested in having a voice in your #community? You  can join and benefit by receiving: community service hours, gaining skills and experience, helping to develop #youth social media, connecting with other youth and receiving FREE training opportunities! Visit durham.ca/youth for more information or to join. #YouthEngagement

VINCENT MASSEY P.S.

NEWSLETTER

A Peanut & Nut Safe School

May 2019

Please find attached the June newsletter

Starting next school year, we can use School Messenger to send tests to families who opt in!  This is a quick and easy way to receive important information about school events, attendance, and more.

Please see the attached flyer for more information.

Order your VMPS Spirit wear on our very own website and the school will receive 10% back on every order submitted. Visit the website below: …https://vincentmasseypsbowmanville.entripyshops.com

Parent Volunteers Needed: Contact Mr. Shea for more INFO!!

Dear Parents/Guardians and Community members,

                Research has shown that reading the same text for several days in a row helps children retain new words and allows them to gain confidence in their ability to read. As a response to this idea, Vincent Massey Public School is excited to announce the start of a new Volunteer Reading Program. This program will allow students to read with an adult on a daily basis. We are hoping to invest 10 minutes a day so that your child can become a better reader and a life-long learner.

We are asking for volunteers who can come and support our Volunteer Reading Program. The minimum time requirement is an hour one day per week. (Please let us know if you can do more than an hour or more than one day as this would help us with scheduling and benefit more students.) Please fill in and detach the bottom portion of this letter and have your child hand it to their teacher, and their teacher will pass it on to Mr. Shea.

Thanks so much for volunteering and we are looking forward to working with all of you in supporting our young readers to become life-long learners.

Who do you call?? Please call Mr. Shea at 905-623-5502 or email nicholas_shea@kprdsb.ca

Please help us collect donations for Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services.

Kaps4Kids

On Tuesday, November 5, 2019 Vincent Massey will be encouraging our students to wear their KAPS.  In exchange for a $1 donation students will be permitted to wear their hat, cap, scarf, etc.  Funds raised will go to the OPACC (Ontario Parents Advocating for Children with Cancer).

This fundraiser is to support a student at Charles Bowman who has been fighting Leukemia since August 2016.  He will be taking his final medication at a hockey game with his team to celebrate his beating Cancer.  One of our Vincent Massey students is part of the team and we are excited to support him and his teammate.  Remember our school motto.

“I am because we are…together we are a community”

Please see the water testing letter for KPRDSB buildings

VINCENT MASSEY P.S.

NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER

Thank you to the school community for supporting our Scholastic Book Fair. We are able to purchase over $2000.00 worth of books for our library and were able to keep these books too!

Please disregard the previous "December Newsletter"  I have attached the correct version.

Sorry for any inconvenience

Suzanne

January Grandfather Teaching

Truth is represented by the turtle as he was here during the creation of Earth and carries the teachings of life on his back.  The turtle lives life in a slow and meticulous manner because he understands the importance of both the journey and the destination. Truth is to know all of these things. Apply faith and trust in your teachings.  Show honor and sincerity in all that you say and do.  Understand your place in this life and apply that understanding in the way that you walk.  Be true to yourself and all other things.

REGISTER ONLINE NOW FOR KINDERGARTEN AT KPR SCHOOLS

Local public schools are making it easier for families to register their children to start Kindergarten this September. Online registration is now open for all Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPR) schools.

All children who will be four years old by December 31, 2020, will be warmly welcomed to begin Kindergarten this fall in KPR’s supportive, stimulating and inclusive classrooms. Parents and guardians can visit www.kprschools.ca/kindergarten at any time to:

• confirm which school serves their area
• register their child online
• get practical resources to help prepare their child for a smooth transition to Kindergarten
• find out if there’s a before- and after-school child care program offered at their school
• sign up for free, regional Kindergarten Information Nights.

Kindergarten Information Nights

Four evening Kindergarten Information Sessions will be held across KPR, with each running from 5:30-7 p.m. as follows:

Tuesday, February 11 – C.R Gummow Public School, 311 Cottesmore Ave., Cobourg

Wednesday, February 19 – Harold Longworth PS, 350 Longworth Ave., Bowmanville

Tuesday, March 3 – Duke of Cambridge PS, 47 Liberty St. N., Bowmanville

Tuesday, March 10 – Otonabee Valley PS, 580 River Rd. S., Peterborough

The sessions are free, and pre-registration is required, to ensure sufficient take-home resources for every participating family.

The regional Kindergarten information sessions will offer families a peek into the Kindergarten experience. Parents and guardians also will receive learning resources to help prepare their children for Kindergarten and support their learning at home. In addition, families will have the opportunity to meet with community agencies and partners that serve families in their area. 

Please see the attached package regarding the junglesport program coming to Vincent Massey February 24-28, 2020.

This program is for all our students.  Payment is through school cash only (information on how to sign up is in the package).  

Forms and payment is due to the school by Friday February 14, 2020.

Please find attached the February 2020 newsletter.

Also a reminder to send in the Junglesport permission forms and payment.  This is sure to be an exciting event that your child/children will enjoy.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EVERYONE WELCOME AT UPCOMING FILM SCREENINGS, DISCUSSIONS HOSTED BY KPR IN HONOUR OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH

The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board invites everyone in our communities to join us at three free events organized for February in honour of Black History Month.

Screening of the documentary The Last White Knight – Is Reconciliation Possible?, followed by discussion with award-winning filmmaker Paul Saltzman, will take place on the following two evenings:

            Tuesday, February 18

            7 p.m.

            Bowmanville High School

49 Liberty St. N., Bowmanville

Wednesday, February 19

7 p.m.

Adam Scott Collegiate Vocational Institute

175 Langton St., Peterborough

In addition, the film More Than a Month by African-American filmmaker Shukree Hassan Tilghman will be screened, followed by discussion, on:

            Thursday, February 27

            7 p.m.

            Campbellford District High School

            119 Ranney St. N., Campbellford

Pre-registration is not required for any of the three community events.

Paul Saltzman is a two-time Canadian Emmy Award-winning film and television producer-director with more than 300 films, both dramas and documentaries, to his credit. His 2008 documentary, Prom Night in Mississippi, featuring actor Morgan Freeman, premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. His most recent film, The Last White Knight—Is Reconciliation Possible? premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2012.

Shukree Hassan Tilghman chronicles his cross-country campaign to end Black History Month. He stops in various cities, wearing a sandwich board, to solicit signatures on his petition to end the observance. He explains that relegating Black History Month to the coldest, shortest month of the year is an insult, and that black history is not separate from American history. Through this thoughtful and humorous journey, he explores what the treatment of history tells us about race and equality in a “post-racial” America.

-30-

For further information, contact Judy Malfara, School Liaison and Communications Lead, at 705-742-9773 or toll-free at 1-877-741-4577, ext 2001.

is recognizing Black History through the lens of Diversity, Inclusion and Privileged. Exploring Child Slavery/Labour, & Reconciliation. Also, using the Humanae exhibit as powerful conversations about perceptions and topics. #WeAreKPR #KPRisAwesome @JackNigro

Reminder: ETFO Strike Action - February 14

A reminder that elementary teachers within our board are scheduled to withdraw their services tomorrow, Friday, February 14, 2020.  As a result, all KPR elementary and intermediate schools will be closed to students tomorrow.

Secondary students will attend school as usual.  

Before- and after-school programs at KPR elementary schools may choose to offer full-day programming on this day. We encourage families using these programs to check directly with the childcare operator. Parents may expect picketing at school sites. Our local elementary teachers’ federation has indicated that parents accessing childcare facilities will not be delayed.

We are hopeful that negotiations between the provincial government and the teachers’ federations will continue and will result in a new agreement.  In the meantime, we will monitor provincial developments closely and, should this situation change, we will provide updates to parents and guardians through:

• School Messenger
• Local news media
• Our website and social media platforms: kprschools.ca, @kprschools on Twitter, and Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board on Facebook.

New Phone Number, Web Address, Phone App Coming for Reporting Absences

At KPR, student safety is our highest priority, and we thank families for adopting the automated safe arrival system to help ensure students arrive safely at school each day. 

Starting this September, we will be introducing a new automated Student Absence Reporting System.  Therefore, you will need to create a NEW account to report your children’s absences online. 

You will receive an email in August with instructions on how to create your new account and download the mobile app.  You also will receive a magnet in September with the new Student Absence Reporting System details.  Unfortunately, since ownership of the reporting software has changed, we cannot simply transfer your child’s information to the new system.

Watch for more information in the summer.

Many parents and guardians have been wondering what effect the legalization of marijuana will have on  KPR schools. In short, KPR schools will treat cannabis in much the same way they treat alcohol: students of any age will not be allowed to use marijuana at schools, on school buses or field trips. 

 Once the new federal law comes into effect this October 17:

• non-medical marijuana use will be legal only for those age 19 and older 
• any student, at any age, could be suspended for possessing or being under the influence of cannabis at school
• any student who shares marijuana with others younger than 19 could be expelled from school
• it will be illegal for adults to use cannabis on, or within 20 metres of, school grounds
• it will be illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis, and drivers age 21 or under will not be allowed to have any cannabis in their system.

 If you have any questions about cannabis at school, please speak with your principal or vice-principal.  Further information on the new law is available at Ontario.ca/cannabis.  Information on how to talk to your child about cannabis can be found at Cannabis Information – CAMH.

KPR wishes everyone a happy holiday. We hope that this time allows for some much needed rest for students, staff, parents and guardians, and allows families opportunities to celebrate together.

While the holidays can be joyous, they can also be difficult for some.  We wanted to provide families with some resources you may find useful over the holiday season. Our mission is that all students remain safe, and this includes their mental and physical well-being.

Mental health is a state of well-being; it is relevant to all of us.  According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, in any given year, one in five people in Canada experiences a mental health crisis or illness.  It is important to us that we remind everyone to use resources that are accessible to all.  These include:

• the Be Safe App, a free mobile app that aims to help young adults make healthy decisions during a crisis; it can be downloaded onto cell phones from https://besafeapp.ca/
• Kids Help Phone, also available 24/7, at 1-800-668-6868 or text “CONNECT” to 686868
• Four County Crisis line, available 24/7 for Northumberland and Peterborough County residents at 1-866-995-9933
• Durham Mobile Crisis Services, available 24/7 for anyone experiencing a crisis, at 905-666-0483 or 1-800-742-1890
• Connex Ontario Mental Health Helpline, provides information about mental health services in Ontario 24/7, at 1-866-531-2600 or www.connexontario.ca
• Ontario 211, a free helpline that connects people to community and social services in your area, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling 2-1-1.

Your family also has access to your closest hospital, as well as to regional supports serving specific areas of KPR.

Let's keep our mental health and the mental health of those we love and care about in the forefront.  We encourage you to use community support services if you ever find yourself or someone near and dear to you struggling and in need of assistance.

Once again, we wish everyone season’s greetings, a Merry Christmas, and safe holidays.

Grief Resources

Is your child experiencing loss and grief?  Here are some resources recommended by our School Board Counsellors:

http://www.kprschools.ca/en/students/well-being/mentalhealth/grief.html

Do you have concerns about your child’s social, emotional or mental health that may be hindering their ability to thrive at school?

KPR schools have skilled clinicians who can support your child and you in finding answers. School Board Counsellors have professional degrees and specialize in work with children, youth and families. Please contact your School Principal for more information.

http://www.kprschools.ca/en/students/well-being/mentalhealth/schoolboardcounsellorservices.html

Mental health is an important part of our overall well-being.  Students experiencing mental health issues may have problems with mood, focus, behaviour and their ability to relate to peers, maintain friendships, do well in school and participate in activities.

But where can parents and guardians go for help if they are concerned about their child's or teen's mental health?  For more information, and suggestions for helpful resources, visit: 

http://www.kprschools.ca/en/students/well-being/mentalhealth.html

Hey, KPR Family: We missed you! We're looking forward to seeing everyone back at school September 3. If you moved over the summer, or have questions for school staff, please contact the school office between August 22-29. Otherwise, September 3 is the big day for KPR students to get back into the swing of things!

We want to provide this update to inform our parents of ongoing negotiations with our transportation providers.                                                                       

STSCO (Student Transportation Services of Central Ontario) manages transportation services for 26,100 students every day on behalf of the Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir, Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board, and the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board.

Daily service is delivered by local school bus companies contracted by STSCO, and we have been in discussion with our providers for a number of months to reach new contract terms.

Negotiations are continuing and we are working towards reaching an agreement with local school bus operators for the coming school year.

It is our goal to arrive at new contracts that recognize the important and professional service our bus drivers provide in transporting our students safely to and from school.

We remain optimistic that normal bus service will be in place for students for the start of the school year. Should this situation change, we will inform parents/guardians as soon as possible.

Regular updates on this matter will be posted by STSCO at stsco.ca and on Twitter at @stsco_ca and shared by the school boards and local media. 

STSCO (Student Transportation Services of Central Ontario) and local school bus companies contracted by STSCO have reached a tentative agreement on new contract terms.

As a result, there will be normal bus service for students for the start of the school year.  Please visit stsco.ca for further information.

The KPR Board is committed to providing safe learning environments for all. When students behave inappropriately, principals use progressive discipline to change behaviour. When student behaviours pose a potential threat to safety or serious harm, KPR’s Violence Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA) protocol helps principals take immediate steps to protect student well-being.  While such incidents are rare, the VTRA outlines how we work with local police, mental health providers and community agencies to keep students safe. Read more about the protocol, including notification requirements, in the Safe, Caring and Restorative Schools section of kprschools.ca .  As always, student safety is our first priority.  Should you have any questions, please speak with your principal.

Calling all parents and caregivers: join us the morning of Saturday, October 19 at Port Hope High School for KPR’s free, annual Parent Conference! Dr. Michael Ungar, world renowned expert on building resiliency in children and youth, will talk about The Risk-Taker’s Advantage: How to Make Kids More Resilient by Not Bubblewrapping Them. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to hear his engaging advice, while also enjoying free child minding for ages two and older, light refreshments and information booths staffed by local organizations serving families. Stay tuned for more information and registration details later in September at www.kprschools.ca

KPR welcomes parents of students ages 12-17 to register for a free, two-day Mental Health First Aid course, September 23-24 in Peterborough.  Space is limited. For details and registration, visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/mental-health-first-aid-tickets-71846457689  

Now’s your chance to register for KPR’s free, annual Parent Conference, featuring internationally renowned resilience researcher Dr. Michael Ungar!

Registration continues until October 11 at www.kprschools.ca for:

2019 Parent Conference

The Risk-Taker’s Advantage: How to Make Kids More Resilient by Not Bubblewrapping Them

Saturday, October 19

9 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Port Hope High School, 130 Highland Dr., Port Hope

With Keynote Speaker: Dr. Michael Ungar

Plus light refreshments, child minding for ages 2 & older, & booths by agencies serving families

Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear Dr. Michael Ungar, a funny and engaging speaker who is considered one of the top experts on resilience in Canada and internationally.

It’s all FREE. If you need assistance, have questions or if there are accommodations that would make the conference more accessible for you, please call 705-742-9773 or toll-free 1-877-741-4577, ext. 2001, or email judy_malfara@kprdsb.ca

Thursday, October 3, 2019

Parent Update: CUPE Strike Action – School Closures

Further to our message yesterday, and after extensive consideration, we are writing to inform parents that if a provincial agreement is not reached over the weekend, and CUPE (Canadian Union of Public Employees) staff begin their announced full withdrawal of service, schools will be closed to students on Monday, October 7, 2019. 

We share your concern and disappointment with this possibility, and wanted to provide an update on our plans as soon as possible to allow parents to make alternative arrangements if needed.

Student safety is always our first priority. This decision has been made because we do not believe we can provide safe and secure learning environments for all students in the event of a full CUPE strike.

Our considerations include:

• supervision of students;
• medical supports and care for all students;
• safe operation of water and sanitation systems, including legislated water flushing;
• conditions of school buildings and classrooms, and
• overall safety and security.

We are pleased that negotiations have been reported to be continuing on Friday. We remain hopeful that a provincial agreement can be reached this weekend to avert disruption to our students and families.

We will continue to monitor developments closely and will provide confirmation to parents about school status for Monday as soon as we are able. This will likely be on Sunday evening, through:

• School Messenger
• Local news media
• Our website and social media platforms: www.kprschools.ca, @kprschools on Twitter, and Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board on Facebook.

Sincerely,

Diane Lloyd, Chairperson of the Board
Jennifer Leclerc, Director of Education

Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board is excited to offer three travel for credit courses in July 2020. The first course, Civics and Careers, is offered to students currently in grade nine. The second course, English, Grade 11, University Preparation, is offered to students entering grade eleven. The third course, French immersion and core is offered to students entering grade eleven. You are invited to attend an information session in your region for more information.

RSVP to the meeting at: www.eftours.ca/creditinfo

Contact: John Ford 1-877-741-4577, ext. 3124

…to register for KPR’s Parent Conference coming to Port Hope HS Saturday, October 19, 9-11:30 a.m. The child minding service is full, but there are still some seats left for the adults to hear world-renowned resilience expert Dr. Michael Ungar. A funny and engaging speaker, he will talk about The Risk-Taker’s Advantage: How to Make Kids More Resilient by Not Bubblewrapping Them. Register by October 15 from our home page at kprschools.ca

All families and community members are invited to attend three free events being held in honour of KPR's 3rd annual Indigenous Peoples Awareness Month. 

Each evening event is a film screening followed by a panel discussion, as follows:

  Thursday, November 14, 7 p.m.
  Adam Scott Collegiate Vocational Institute, Peterborough 
  Screening & discussion of Colten Boushie Documentary

  Thursday, November 21, 7 p.m.
  Port Hope High School 
  Screening & discussion of Rumble

 Thursday, November 28, 7 p.m.
 Bowmanville High School 
 Screening & discussion of Our People Will Be Healed

Pre-registration is not required.  Drop in at these free events!

Parents and caregivers:

Registration opens November 8 for the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board’s Parent Workshops on Kids Have Stress Too!  

The workshops will run from 10-11:30 a.m. at three locations:

              Friday, November 29 at the Education Centre in Peterborough

              Tuesday, December 10 at KPR’s Kirby Professional Learning Centre in Clarington

              Tuesday, March 31 at Port Hope High School

Visit kprschools.ca after November 8 for details and to register for one of these workshops!

Meet HGTV star Kate Campbell while learning about opportunities in the skilled trades at Women in Trades & Technology. This event, of particular interest to female students in Grades 7-12, will take place at Fleming College in Peterborough as follows:

Tuesday, November 19
6 p.m.
Kawartha Trades & Technology Centre, Fleming College

Meet successful skilled tradespeople and have your questions answered, tour the Trades & Technology Centre, and listen to advice from HGTV star carpenter and keynote speaker Kate Campbel, and enjoy refreshments and giveaways.

To register, visit https://flemingcollege.ca/women-in-trades-and-technology  

KPR is seeking comments from students, parents, guardians, staff and community members regarding the proposed school year calendar for 2020-21. Three possible options are being considered, and KPR would like to know which option our stakeholders prefer. Please review the proposed calendar options and comment online at www.kprschools.ca by Friday, December 6. If you are not able to access the online survey, please contact your school office for a paper copy.

Saving money for your child’s education after high school may seem impossible. But there is money available from the Government of Canada that can help.

When you open a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for your child, the government can add money to it, to help you save. For example, the Canada Learning Bond is available for children from low-income families, born in 2004 or later. It pays up to $2,000. To receive it, you just need to name your child as a beneficiary in the Registered Education Savings Plan. You don’t have to contribute additional funds of your own into the RESP if you are not able to do so.

Other government money may also be available. If you do contribute additional funds into the RESP, you may also qualify for a Canada Education Savings Grant.

Having a RESP will help you save for your child to attend a trade school, apprenticeship program, college or university after high school. There are lots of options. You can find out more at Canada.ca/education-savings, by calling 1-800-622-6232, or by visiting a Service Canada Centre near you.

Families: now’s the time to register your child for Kindergarten! If your child will turn four before the end of December, make sure you register online at www.kprschools.ca/kindergarten 

We also encourage you to take advantage of the coming regional Kindergarten Information Session closest to you. Sessions will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. as follows:

Tuesday, February 11 – C.R. Gummow Public School, 311 Cottesmore Ave., Cobourg

Wednesday, February 19 – Harold Longworth PS, 350 Longworth Ave., Bowmanville

Tuesday, March 3 – Duke of Cambridge PS, 47 Liberty St. N., Bowmanville

Tuesday, March 10 – Otonabee Valley PS, 580 River Rd. S., Peterborough

The sessions are free, and pre-registration is required, to ensure sufficient take-home resources for every participating family. The evening will offer you a peek into the Kindergarten classroom and give you resources to help prepare your child for school. You also will be able to meet with community agencies and partners that serve families in your area.

Reminder: Parents of KPR Elementary Students

This note is a reminder to parents that, as a result of a one-day full withdrawal of service by elementary teachers, all our elementary schools will be closed to students tomorrow, January 28.

Intermediate schools (Grades 7-8) within secondary schools will also be closed to students.

In addition, the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has announced today they will be escalating rotating strikes throughout the province beginning next week if central labour agreements are not reached by the end of January.

As part of this action, KPR teachers are scheduled to participate in two full withdrawals of service next week:

• Wednesday, February 5 (rotating one-day strike locally)
• Thursday, February 6 (province-wide one day strike)We understand and appreciate that these are challenging and difficult days for everyone, and we remain hopeful that a provincial agreement can be reached soon.
• We will continue to follow this situation closely and are committed to providing you with accurate and timely information as soon as we are able.

Secondary Exams Continue

Tomorrow – Tuesday, January 28 – will be a regular exam day at all of our secondary schools. Students will write their exams as scheduled.

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

To All Parents/Guardians and Staff:

The purpose of this communication is to provide you with some information regarding the Wuhan Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

The safety and well-being of our students and staff is always our main priority.

We are following this issue closely, and we are working in close cooperation with our local health units. As we do when addressing all broad-based community health issues, we rely on local health authorities for advice, counsel and guidance as we move forward.

We understand, however, that there may be heightened apprehension or concern in our school communities.

We want to reassure you that:

• We are ready and able to take whatever action regional health authorities recommend to reduce the risk to our school communities. At this time we have been given no additional or specific directions regarding the operation of our schools. Normal school days and activities are in effect.
• Our schools are emphasizing with students, as we always do during the seasonal flu season, the importance of regular, thorough hand washing and good personal hygiene.
• Our custodians always provide very thorough and effective cleaning and disinfecting of schools. In schools with higher rates of absence due to illness, additional sanitation procedures are put in place.
• We are encouraging everyone to wash hands well and often with soap and warm water, and use “cover your cough” techniques. This includes coughing into your sleeve or arm.

As always, we are asking students and staff who are ill to remain at home until they are feeling better. If you are experiencing severe flulike symptoms, please contact a health professional.

Along with this letter, you may find further information on this issue online on our website, www.kprschools.ca, including a letter from Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer for the province of Ontario, which contains important information about the current public health response to the Wuhan Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

As Dr. Williams says in his letter, “Students, parents and school communities should rest assured that the province is working together in close cooperation with its partners in both the education and health care sectors to ensure the continued safety and wellbeing of students and staff.”

You may wish to contact your local public health unit for additional information specific to your communities. Several webpage links are included below. Most importantly, students who are sick should be kept home, and not attend either regular school or before/after school programs until they are free of symptoms. Together, we will work to keep our students and staff safe and healthy.

Sincerely,
Dr. Jennifer Leclerc
Director of Education

Ministry of Health
https://www.ontario.ca/page/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov

Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit
http://www.hkpr.on.ca/

Peterborough Public Health
https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/

Durham Public Health
https://www.durham.ca/en/health-and-wellness/health-and-wellness.aspx

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
https://hpepublichealth.ca/

Trustees have approved the 2020-2021 School Year Calendar for submission to the Ministry of Education for final approval.

Highlights of the approved calendar include:

1^st day of classes – Tuesday, September 8, 2020
Last day of classes – Tuesday, June 29, 2021
Winter Break – Monday, December 21, 2020 to Friday, January 1, 2021 (Monday, January 4, 2021 will be the first day of classes)
March Break – Monday, March 15 to Friday, March 19, 2021

Important Update for Secondary Students, Parents & Guardians:
Secondary Schools Closed Tuesday, February 4

As a result of a full withdrawal of service by secondary teachers in the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, all KPR secondary schools will be closed this Tuesday, February 4, 2020.  Parents may expect picketing at secondary school sites. 

The closure is in response to rotating strikes across Ontario announced by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF). Student safety is our top priority, and KPR does not believe we can provide safe environments if our teachers are not present.

Important note: Intermediate schools (Grades 7 and 8) within secondary school sites, and all elementary schools, will be open and operating as normal on February 4.

Following the one-day closure on February 4, secondary schools are expected to return to normal operations for the rest of next week.

We understand that these are challenging days for everyone, and we remain hopeful that a provincial agreement can be reached soon. We will continue to keep parents informed of any further developments, through School Messenger and the Labour Update section of our home page at kprschools.ca 

Important Update for Elementary Parents & Guardians:
Elementary Schools Closed February 5 and 6

As a result of full withdrawal of service by elementary teachers in the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, all KPR elementary schools will be closed on Wednesday, February 5 and Thursday, February 6.

Intermediate schools at secondary school sites will also be closed to students February 5-6 (Grades 7-8 only).

The closure is in response to rotating strikes announced by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) if provincial-level negotiations did not result in a new agreement by the end of January. Since no agreement was reached by the weekend, ETFO has confirmed the strikes will proceed. In KPR ETFO’s case, the elementary strikes will take place this Wednesday and Thursday.

As always, student safety is our first priority, and we cannot provide safe learning environments without our teachers.

We understand that these days have been extremely difficult and challenging for everyone, and we remain hopeful that the provincial issues can be resolved soon.

Before and after-school programs operating in KPR elementary schools may choose to offer full-day programming on these days, and we encourage families using these programs to check directly with the childcare operator. While there may be picketing at school sites, our local teachers’ federation has indicated that parents accessing childcare facilities will not be delayed.

We are monitoring the provincial labour situation closely, and we remain committed to providing you with accurate and timely information as soon as possible, through School Messenger and our home page at kprschools.ca 

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Parent Update: ETFO Strike Action February 11 and 14

As you know, the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has been holding rotating, one-day full withdrawals of service at various school boards across the province, and province-wide.

As part of this action, KPR elementary teachers are scheduled to participate in two days of strikes next week:

• Tuesday, February 11 (province-wide, one-day strike)
• Friday, February 14 (rotating one-day strike locally).

As a result, all KPR elementary and intermediate schools will be closed to students on February 11 and February 14.

Secondary students will attend school as usual on those days.

We understand that this situation is difficult for everyone.

We encourage families using before- and after-school programs located in our schools to check directly with the childcare operator about the possibility of full-day programs on those days. Parents may expect picketing at school sites. Our local elementary teachers’ federation has indicated that parents accessing childcare facilities will not be delayed.

We are hopeful that provincial negotiations will continue and will result in a new agreement. In the meantime, we will monitor provincial developments closely and, should this situation change, we will provide updates to parents and guardians through:

• School Messenger
• Local news media
• Our website and social media platforms: www.kprschools.ca, @kprschools on Twitter, and Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board on Facebook.

Sincerely,

Diane Lloyd                                      Jennifer Leclerc
Chairperson of the Board        Director of Education

Three community events organized by the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board for Black History Month are being postponed.  Documentary screenings and discussions originally set for February 18 at Bowmanville High School, February 19 at Adam Scott CVI in Peterborough and February 27 at Campbellford District HS, will be rescheduled to allow for more full and rich dialogue between our schools and communities.

KPR’s Black History Month events are meant to nurture important dialogue between our staff and all the communities we serve. The three evenings will be rescheduled to a time when KPR can anticipate more staff presence for the vital discussions we feel are needed for sustained progress in addressing the important issues of race and equity in our schools and communities.  Watch for new dates and details.

Parent Update: Provincial strike day – secondary and elementary teachers: February 21

As you know, secondary and elementary teachers have been holding rotating, one-day full withdrawals of service at various school boards across the province.

As part of this action, we have been informed that all secondary and elementary teachers are scheduled to participate in a province-wide strike on:

Friday, February 21, 2020

As a result, all KPR schools will be closed to students on that day.

We encourage families using before- and after-school programs located in our schools to check directly with the childcare operator about the possibility of full-day programs on those days. Parents may expect picketing at school sites. Our local elementary teachers’ federation has indicated that parents accessing childcare facilities will not be delayed.

We are hopeful that provincial negotiations will continue and will result in a new agreement.  In the meantime, we will monitor provincial developments closely and, should this situation change, we will provide updates to parents and guardians through:

• School Messenger
• Local news media
• Our website and social media platforms: www.kprschools.ca, @kprschools on Twitter, and Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board on Facebook.