Joyceville Public School

<h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Joyceville Public School Newsletter</span></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As we wrap up the final day before March Break, I want to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful week we had at Joyceville. Our classrooms have been full of learning, collaboration, and positive energy, and it continues to be great to see students supporting one another and engaging in their work each day.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With March Break now here, we hope all of our students and families enjoy a well-deserved week of rest, time outdoors, and time together. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for the next stretch of the school year.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A very special thank you goes out to our incredible Bingo Committee for their generosity in providing every student with a Shamrock Milkshake on Thursday. Gestures like this bring so much joy to our students and help make school a fun and memorable place to be. Our Bingo Committee does so much to support Joyceville, and we are truly grateful for their ongoing commitment to our school community.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We wish everyone a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable March Break!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Kindergarten Registration for September 2026</span></h4><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have a child who will be starting Kindergarten next year, we strongly encourage families to register as early as possible. Early registration helps us plan staffing, classroom organization, and supports to ensure a smooth and successful start for our youngest learners. If you know families in the community with kindergarten-aged children, please help us spread the word.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 8 Graduation – Save the Date</span></h4><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please note that our Grade 8 Graduation will take place on Tuesday, June 23 at 5:30 p.m. We look forward to celebrating this important milestone with our graduating students and their families.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mr. Guild will be sending more detailed information directly to Grade 8 families in the coming weeks.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In the Classroom: Focus on Writing and Math</span></h4><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Across Joyceville, our staff continue to engage in short learning cycles in both writing and mathematics to better support student growth.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In writing, teachers are implementing the SRSD (Self-Regulated Strategy Development) model. This approach helps students explicitly learn strategies for planning, organizing, and reviewing their writing while also building independence and confidence as writers.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In mathematics, staff are using current assessment information to identify specific skill areas and provide targeted instruction during focused learning cycles. This work allows teachers to respond quickly to student needs and monitor progress closely. This work will continue immediately after the March Break and we will share more information in the weeks and months ahead. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Upcoming Dates</span></h4><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">March 30 – Country Fair Planning Meeting, 6:00 p.m. in the Library</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">April 14 – Dental Screening (JK/SK, Grades 1, 2, and 7)</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">March 24- SK/1 class field trip to Agnes Hetherington Art Gallery</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Year Calendar is Approved</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Ministry of Education has approved Limestone’s recommended 2026-2027 school year calendar. The school year will begin with a P.A. Day on September 1, 2026, with the first day of classes for students on September 2, 2026. A </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/school-year-calendar" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">printable version of the calendar is available on Limestone’s website</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Budget Survey</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Trustees are seeking feedback on the Limestone District School Board budget planning process for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. Families are encouraged to take a few minutes to provide feedback on areas or priority. The survey is anonymous and can be accessed online at </span><a href="https://bit.ly/2026-2027LDSBBudgetSurvey" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">bit.ly/2026-2027LDSBBudgetSurvey</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> . The survey closes March 23, 2026.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Video: Limestone’s Student Achievement Plan in Action – EQAO Highlights</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As previously shared, the Ministry of Education released the 2024-2025 Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) results in December, and we are pleased to share that Limestone has achieved its strongest performance in four years, with gains across every testing category.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Limestone’s results are consistent with provincial trends in many areas and show meaningful improvement in others, including among specific student groups. In fact, Limestone is performing at or above the provincial average in nearly all measures.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">These results reflect the collective efforts of Limestone educators, Educational Assistants, program teams, and school leaders—supported by the ongoing commitment of students and families across our district. We are extremely proud of the dedication and hard work that contributed to these achievements.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are pleased to share a </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1qQcIXSyFU" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">video update with families on Limestone’s Student Achievement Plan in Action – EQAO Highlights</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. This </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1qQcIXSyFU" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">short video</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> provides an overview of Limestone’s Student Achievement Plan and how it guides our shared work to support student learning and well-being.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Through insights from members of the Limestone Senior Team, families will learn about the key priorities shaping our efforts, the thinking behind our actions, and how collaboration, evidence, and reflection help us improve. The video highlights how data, professional learning, and shared leadership work together to move learning forward, while keeping students, belonging, and continuous growth at the centre. It offers a look at how planning connects to practice as we work together toward positive outcomes for all Limestone students.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Revisions to Grades 7, 8, and 10 History Curriculum</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Minister of Education has announced updates to the Grades 7, 8, and 10 History curriculum for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With these updates, in Grades 7, 8, and 10, students will learn about significant contributions of Black individuals and communities to Canada’s foundation as a nation, and the obstacles they faced in the pursuit of building an inclusive and prosperous country.&nbsp;The Grade 10 History course will also have new learning on extreme political and social ideologies, the Holocaust and rising antisemitism, and the Holodomor famine in Ukraine.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Learn more about the updated curriculum on the </span><a href="https://www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ministry of Education’s Curriculum and Resources website.</span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ministry Resources for Reading and Math</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There are many resources available to support your student’s learning in math and literacy, offering engaging activities that make learning both fun and effective for students and families. To explore these tools, visit Limestone’s </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/tutoring" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Online Learning Resources and Tutoring webpage</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you for your continued partnership and support of student learning and well-being across Limestone. We are grateful for the role families play in helping students feel supported, connected, and successful, and we look forward to continuing our work together.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Have a wonderful March Break!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mr. Morency</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></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;">As we head into the final week before March Break, there is a sense of excitement building throughout Joyceville! With the promise of some warmer weather on the horizon, students and staff are looking forward to the change of season and a well-earned break. It has been a busy and productive few weeks at the school, and we are proud of the great work happening in our classrooms every day.</span></p><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Hot Lunch Program – Lunchbox Registration</span></h4><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Families who wish to participate in our hot lunch program must register through Lunchbox. If you require any assistance with registration, please contact the school office and we will be happy to help.</span></p><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Pizza Day Update</span></h4><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The missed pizza day from January 16 has been rescheduled for Monday, March 9.</span></p><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Kindergarten Registration for September 2026</span></h4><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have a child who will be starting Kindergarten next year, we strongly encourage families to register as early as possible. Early registration helps us plan staffing, classroom organization, and supports to ensure a smooth and successful start for our youngest learners. If you know families in the community with kindergarten-aged children, please help us spread the word.</span></p><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Director’s Update – Key Highlights</span></h4><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Limestone District School Board has approved the 2026–2027 school year calendar (Option 2), with:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">September 1, 2026 – P.A. Day</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">September 2, 2026 – First day of classes for students</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Families are also invited to a free community evening with author Monique Gray Smith on March 12 at Queen’s University. Additionally, the Virtual School Survey for 2026–2027 is now open until March 13 for families who may be considering that option.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Board continues to share math and literacy resources for families through the Limestone Online Learning Resources and Tutoring webpage.</span></p><hr><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 8 Graduation – Save the Date</span></h4><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please note that our Grade 8 Graduation will take place on Tuesday, June 23 at 5:30 p.m. We look forward to celebrating this important milestone with our graduating students and their families.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mr. Guild will be sending more detailed information directly to Grade 8 families in the coming weeks.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In the Classroom: Focus on Writing and Math</span></h4><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Across Joyceville, our staff continue to engage in short learning cycles in both writing and mathematics to better support student growth.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In writing, teachers are implementing the SRSD (Self-Regulated Strategy Development) model. This approach helps students explicitly learn strategies for planning, organizing, and reviewing their writing while also building independence and confidence as writers.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In mathematics, staff are using current assessment information to identify specific skill areas and provide targeted instruction during focused learning cycles. This work allows teachers to respond quickly to student needs and monitor progress closely.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are proud of the thoughtful, evidence-informed work happening in classrooms and look forward to sharing more about student growth in the months ahead.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Upcoming Dates</span></h4><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">March 9- Make up Pizza date</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">March 12 – Shamrock Shakes- free from our School Advisory Council!!</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">March 30 – Country Fair Planning Meeting, 6:00 p.m. in the Library</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">April 14 – Dental Screening (JK/SK, Grades 1, 2, and 7)</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Director's Update</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Posted on&nbsp;March 5, 2026</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Families,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With March now underway, and March Break fast approaching, I would like to share a few updates with families:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Year Calendar is Approved</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Ministry of Education has approved Limestone’s recommended 2026-2027 school year calendar. The school year will begin with a P.A. Day on September 1, 2026, with the first day of classes for students on September 2, 2026. A </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/school-year-calendar" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">printable version of the calendar is available on Limestone’s website</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Budget Survey</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Trustees are seeking feedback on the Limestone District School Board budget planning process for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. Families are encouraged to take a few minutes to provide feedback on areas or priority. The survey is anonymous and can be accessed online at </span><a href="https://bit.ly/2026-2027LDSBBudgetSurvey" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">bit.ly/2026-2027LDSBBudgetSurvey</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> . The survey closes March 23, 2026.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Video: Limestone’s Student Achievement Plan in Action – EQAO Highlights</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As previously shared, the Ministry of Education released the 2024-2025 Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) results in December, and we are pleased to share that Limestone has achieved its strongest performance in four years, with gains across every testing category.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Limestone’s results are consistent with provincial trends in many areas and show meaningful improvement in others, including among specific student groups. In fact, Limestone is performing at or above the provincial average in nearly all measures.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">These results reflect the collective efforts of Limestone educators, Educational Assistants, program teams, and school leaders—supported by the ongoing commitment of students and families across our district. We are extremely proud of the dedication and hard work that contributed to these achievements.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are pleased to share a </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1qQcIXSyFU" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">video update with families on Limestone’s Student Achievement Plan in Action – EQAO Highlights</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. This </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1qQcIXSyFU" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">short video</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> provides an overview of Limestone’s Student Achievement Plan and how it guides our shared work to support student learning and well-being.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Through insights from members of the Limestone Senior Team, families will learn about the key priorities shaping our efforts, the thinking behind our actions, and how collaboration, evidence, and reflection help us improve. The video highlights how data, professional learning, and shared leadership work together to move learning forward, while keeping students, belonging, and continuous growth at the centre. It offers a look at how planning connects to practice as we work together toward positive outcomes for all Limestone students.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Revisions to Grades 7, 8, and 10 History Curriculum</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Minister of Education has announced updates to the Grades 7, 8, and 10 History curriculum for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With these updates, in Grades 7, 8, and 10, students will learn about significant contributions of Black individuals and communities to Canada’s foundation as a nation, and the obstacles they faced in the pursuit of building an inclusive and prosperous country.&nbsp;The Grade 10 History course will also have new learning on extreme political and social ideologies, the Holocaust and rising antisemitism, and the Holodomor famine in Ukraine.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Learn more about the updated curriculum on the </span><a href="https://www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ministry of Education’s Curriculum and Resources website.</span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Become a Homestay and Host an International Student: A Meaningful Experience for You and Your Family</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Each year, LDSB welcomes more than 120 international students into schools across the district from countries around the world, including Brazil, Italy, China, Germany, Japan, Mexico, France, Vietnam, Rwanda, and many others. Hosting an international student is a meaningful way to bring the world into your home while making a positive difference in a young person’s life. Limestone homestay families are carefully matched with students and supported by dedicated Limestone staff throughout the placement, so families are never on their own. Hosting offers opportunities for cultural exchange, the development of lasting relationships, and a monthly stipend to help offset costs. To learn more about how hosting works, the supports in place, and why many local families choose to open their homes, visit </span><a href="https://internationaled.limestone.on.ca/become_a_homestay" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">internationaled.limestone.on.ca/become_a_homestay</strong></b></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ministry Resources for Reading and Math</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There are many resources available to support your student’s learning in math and literacy, offering engaging activities that make learning both fun and effective for students and families. To explore these tools, visit Limestone’s </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/tutoring" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Online Learning Resources and Tutoring webpage</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you for your continued partnership and support of student learning and well-being across Limestone. We are grateful for the role families play in helping students feel supported, connected, and successful, and we look forward to continuing our work together.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Krishna Burra</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Have a wonderful week and March Break when it comes!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mr. Morency</span></p><hr><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr"><br></h4><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Joyceville Public School Newsletter</span></h3><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A Message to Families</span></h4><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It has certainly been a true winter week at Joyceville! With fresh snow on the ground, many of our students have been enjoying the continued winter fun at recess. While the snow has been great for outdoor play, the temperatures are still quite chilly. Please continue to send students with warm winter clothing (hats, mitts, snow pants, and boots) so they can comfortably enjoy their time outside.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We were also grateful to only have one snow day this week — always a small victory in a Canadian winter! Despite the weather, it has been another busy and positive week of learning, teamwork, and school spirit here at Joyceville.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you, as always, for your continued support.</span></p><hr><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Hot Lunch Program – Lunchbox Registration</span></h4><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Families who wish to participate in our hot lunch program must register through Lunchbox. If you require any assistance with registration, please contact the school office and we will be happy to help.</span></p><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Pizza Day Update</span></h4><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The missed pizza day from January 16 has been rescheduled for Monday, March 9.</span></p><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Kindergarten Registration for September 2026</span></h4><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have a child who will be starting Kindergarten next year, we strongly encourage families to register as early as possible. Early registration helps us plan staffing, classroom organization, and supports to ensure a smooth and successful start for our youngest learners. If you know families in the community with kindergarten-aged children, please help us spread the word.</span></p><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Director’s Update – Key Highlights</span></h4><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Limestone District School Board has approved the 2026–2027 school year calendar (Option 2), with:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">September 1, 2026 – P.A. Day</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">September 2, 2026 – First day of classes for students</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Families are also invited to a free community evening with author Monique Gray Smith on March 12 at Queen’s University. Additionally, the Virtual School Survey for 2026–2027 is now open until March 13 for families who may be considering that option.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Board continues to share math and literacy resources for families through the Limestone Online Learning Resources and Tutoring webpage.</span></p><hr><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 8 Graduation – Save the Date</span></h4><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please note that our Grade 8 Graduation will take place on Tuesday, June 23 at 5:30 p.m. We look forward to celebrating this important milestone with our graduating students and their families.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mr. Guild will be sending more detailed information directly to Grade 8 families in the coming week.</span></p><hr><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Boys’ Basketball – A Season to Celebrate</span></h4><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are very proud of our boys’ basketball team for an outstanding season. The team competed with determination and sportsmanship and advanced all the way to the semi-finals of the district tournament.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you to our families for your continued support from the sidelines and behind the scenes. A special thank you to Mr. Guild for his commitment and coaching throughout the season. Most importantly, congratulations to our players for representing Joyceville Public School with such pride and teamwork.</span></p><hr><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">LEGO Robotics Team Shines at St. Lawrence College</span></h4><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our LEGO Robotics team made us incredibly proud at their competition today at St. Lawrence College. The students demonstrated creativity, problem-solving, and perseverance throughout the event.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you to our families for supporting the team, to School Advisory Council for helping fund this opportunity, and to Madame for her dedicated coaching and leadership. We are so proud of our students for the way they represented Joyceville Public School.</span></p><hr><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">JEDI Club Leadership During Black History Month</span></h4><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Joyceville students have been engaging in meaningful learning and leadership through the work of our JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Club in recognition of Black History Month. Club members collaborated to research and create a series of student-friendly profiles highlighting influential Black Canadians and leaders.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This work has been shared with classrooms across the school and is also proudly displayed in our main hallway. The display not only celebrates important voices and contributions but also serves as an authentic literacy opportunity, inviting students to read, reflect, and learn as they move through the building.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are very proud of our JEDI Club members for their thoughtful work, student leadership, and commitment to helping make Joyceville a welcoming and inclusive place for all learners.</span></p><hr><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In the Classroom: Focus on Writing and Math</span></h4><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Across Joyceville, our staff continue to engage in short learning cycles in both writing and mathematics to better support student growth.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In writing, teachers are implementing the SRSD (Self-Regulated Strategy Development) model. This approach helps students explicitly learn strategies for planning, organizing, and reviewing their writing while also building independence and confidence as writers.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In mathematics, staff are using current assessment information to identify specific skill areas and provide targeted instruction during focused learning cycles. This work allows teachers to respond quickly to student needs and monitor progress closely.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are proud of the thoughtful, evidence-informed work happening in classrooms and look forward to sharing more about student growth in the months ahead.</span></p><hr><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Upcoming Dates</span></h4><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">March 4 – Grade 8 Graduation Photos</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">March 12 – Milkshakes for Sale (in support of Grade 8 Graduation)</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">March 30 – Country Fair Planning Meeting, 6:00 p.m. in the Library</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">April 14 – Dental Screening (JK/SK, Grades 1, 2, and 7)</span></li></ul>