Joyceville Public School

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Newsletter – Weekly Update</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Families,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We’ve had another wonderful week of learning and community at our school. Classrooms continue to be full of energy, creativity, and meaningful learning—students are engaging in hands-on tasks, rich discussions, and collaborative activities across all grades. This week, we were also pleased to welcome our Superintendent,&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mike Blackburn</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, for a school visit. Mr. Blackburn spent time in classrooms observing instruction, student engagement, and the overall learning environment. He commented on the strong relationships between staff and students, the purposeful learning happening across grade levels, and the positive, welcoming atmosphere felt throughout the building. Thank you to our staff for the thoughtful, student-centred experiences they create every day.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We also want to extend a sincere thank-you to our&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Advisory Council (SAC)</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;for supporting our school in so many ways. Our recent&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">SAC Movie Night</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;was a terrific evening for families, and the trip to the&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Kingston Frontenacs game</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;was a great community-building experience for our students. These events bring us together and help create memorable moments for our learners. We appreciate SAC’s ongoing support and commitment.</span></p><hr><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">See Yourself in Limestone – Student Census (Nov. 24–28)</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A reminder that the&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Student Census</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;will take place the week of&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">November 24–28</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;for students in&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grades 4 to 12</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. The census is a voluntary, confidential survey that helps us better understand the identities, experiences, and needs of our students.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Key points:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Participation is voluntary</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Responses are confidential</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students may answer as much or as little as they choose</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Opt-Out Information</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you prefer that your child not participate, please contact the school principal. Students who are opted out will not receive the survey and will be given an alternate activity.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Opt-Out Deadline: Friday, November 14, 2025</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you miss the deadline but still wish for your child not to complete the census at school, please contact the office next week and we will support you.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Resources—including FAQs, video overviews, and survey copies—are available on the LDSB website.</span></p><hr><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Important Public Health Update – First Confirmed Case of Influenza A</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Southeast Public Health (SEPH) has confirmed the&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">first case of Influenza A</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;for the 2025–2026 season. Please take a moment to review the information below so we can continue keeping our school community healthy.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">About Influenza</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Influenza can cause mild to severe illness and may lead to serious complications, even in otherwise healthy children and adults.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Immunization</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">flu vaccine</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;is the best protection and is available free for all Ontarians aged&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">6 months and older</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Available through health-care providers and pharmacies</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">SEPH is offering immunization clinics for children under 5 who cannot receive it from their primary provider</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Everyday Prevention</strong></b></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitizer</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Assist young children in using sanitizer and store it safely out of reach</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Symptoms of Influenza</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Fever (over 38°C), dry cough, chills, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, runny nose, loss of appetite</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Young children may also experience nausea or vomiting</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When to Keep Your Child Home</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please keep students home when unwell. They may return once they are:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Fever-free, and</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Their symptoms have improved for at least&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">24 hours</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;(48 hours for vomiting/diarrhea)</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">SEPH recommends wearing a&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">well-fitting mask for 10 days</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;after symptoms begin.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For more information, please visit Ontario’s respiratory illness webpage.</span></p><hr><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Parking Lot Safety Reminder</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As mornings get busier and weather conditions change, please continue using extra caution in our parking lot. Drive slowly, avoid passing other vehicles, watch carefully for students crossing, and use designated drop-off areas only. These small steps ensure everyone’s safety during arrival and dismissal times.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Morning Supervision Reminder</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We want to remind families that&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">morning supervision for students begins at 8:55 a.m.</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;To ensure student safety, we ask that children&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">not be dropped off on the yard before this time</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, as there are no staff supervising prior to 8:55 a.m.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Your cooperation helps us maintain a safe and well-supervised environment for all students at the start of the school day. Thank you for your attention to this important safety reminder and for helping keep our students safe.</span></p><hr><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Clothing – Two Ordering Options</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Families now have&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">two ways</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;to order school clothing:</span></p><ol class="editor-list-ol"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School-Day</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;– A selection of school clothing items can be purchased directly through your School-Day account.</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Specialty Trophies</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;– Additional options, colours, and styles are available here:</span><br><a href="https://specialtytrophies.ca/4g/joycevilleps/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" title="https://specialtytrophies.ca/4g/joycevilleps/" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">https://specialtytrophies.ca/4g/joycevilleps/</span></a></li></ol><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">These are&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">two separate ordering sites</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, each offering&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">different items</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;for families to choose from.</span></p><hr><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Important Upcoming Dates &amp; School Events</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please mark the following dates on your calendar:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Pancake Tuesday – November 25</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">All students will enjoy Pancake Tuesday during first snack.</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Volunteer Firefighters</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;will be onsite helping cook and serve!</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you to our&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Advisory Council (SAC)</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;for supporting this event.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Poinsettia Pick Up - Thursday, December 4</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Jingle Bell Walk – Friday, December 5</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Families are encouraged to send&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">non-perishable food items</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;to support local food banks.</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This event teaches students about giving back while bringing holiday cheer to our community.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Picture Retake Day – Monday, December 8</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students who missed Picture Day or who require retakes will have the opportunity to do so.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Holiday Gift Room – December 8, 9 &amp; 10</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students will have the opportunity to choose small gifts for family members.</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A joyful three-day tradition made possible by the generosity and time of our volunteers and SAC.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Holiday Luncheon – December 10</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A school-wide meal for all staff and students.</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A warm thank-you to our&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Bingo Committee</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;for sponsoring and hosting this special tradition.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Holiday Concert – Wednesday, December 17</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We will host both an&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">afternoon matinee</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;and&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">evening performance</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Exact performance times will be shared with families soon.</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students and staff are already hard at work preparing for this highlight of the year!</span></p><hr><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. Our school continues to thrive because of the strong relationships between students, families, staff, and our community. We look forward to another great week ahead!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Joyceville Community,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please mark down Wednesday, October 8 in your calendars for this year's school photos!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/2f2cf517-53ae-4fa1-a83a-fda5a3800f58" alt="pic day" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Joyceville Community,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">🌟 </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Terry Fox Run Success!</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> 🌟</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We had a </span><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">fantastic</em></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Terry Fox Run this week! Students and staff gave it their all and came together to continue Terry Fox’s </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Marathon of Hope</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our school has already raised </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">over $4,600</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">—far surpassing our original goal of $1,000. Way to go, everyone! 🎉</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A huge thank you goes out to all who have donated. If you would still like to contribute (or add to your donation), you can do so until the end of the day </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sunday</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. We’ll be announcing which class raised the most money on </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Monday morning</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><hr><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">🌽 </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank You for a Wonderful Corn Roast &amp; Open House!</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> 🌽</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A heartfelt thank you to our </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Advisory Council</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> and our </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">dedicated staff</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> for organizing such a fantastic Corn Roast and Open House. The evening was filled with great food, warm conversations, and a true sense of community.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are especially grateful to </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Forman Farms</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> for generously donating the corn and to </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Bingo</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> for their support in helping organize the event. Your contributions made the evening extra special!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Events like this remind us of the power of strong relationships between the school and the community. When we come together, we create not only memorable experiences but also the foundation for a supportive and thriving environment for our students.</span></p><hr><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">🧡 </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">National Day for Truth and Reconciliation &amp; Orange Shirt Day – September 30</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> 🧡</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As we approach </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Orange Shirt Day</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> and the </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">National Day for Truth and Reconciliation</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> on September 30, we are reminded of our responsibility to learn intentionally about the history and legacy of Residential Schools, and the impact they continue to have today.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This day calls us to </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">honour the children who never returned home</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, to </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">support Survivors and their families</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, and to reflect on the ongoing journey of reconciliation. It is also a time to commit to building understanding, respect, and meaningful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in our classrooms and communities.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Together, through learning and action, we can ensure that </span><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Every Child Matters</em></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><hr><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">🥪 </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Hot Lunch Program is Back!</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> 🍎</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We’re excited to share that our </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Hot Lunch Program</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, run through </span><a href="https://www.lunchboxorders.net/" target="_new" rel="noopener" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lunchbox</strong></b></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, is now live! Families can browse the menu, place orders, and enjoy the convenience of fresh, tasty meals delivered right to the school.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This program is a wonderful way to make lunches easier while also supporting our school community. We encourage families to check it out and take advantage of this service.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Have a wonderful weekend!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sincerely,&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mr. Morency</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>