October 16, 2026
Hello Joyceville Families,
There is something pretty special about a small school. You get to know one another well, you notice when someone needs a little extra encouragement, and accomplishments, whether big or small, tend to be shared by everyone. I was reminded of that again this week at Joyceville.
This week our staff also had an opportunity to reconnect around our school improvement work and the learning priorities we have set for our students. We have been looking carefully at student learning information and thinking about the next steps that will make the biggest difference for children. That work continued through our Joyceville staff meeting materials this week and our School Achievement Plan.
While families may not always see that behind-the-scenes work, its purpose is very simple: to know our students well and help each of them grow from where they are. Alongside academics, we want Joyceville to continue to be a school where children feel safe, cared for and comfortable being themselves.
I continue to be grateful for the care our staff show our students every day and for the support we receive from Joyceville families. When school and home work together and children know there are caring adults around them, it makes a tremendous difference.
Thank you for being such an important part of our school community. I hope you and your family have a wonderful fall weekend.
Scott Morency
Principal, Joyceville Public School
Upcoming Dates
- October 20 – Fire Safety Presentations for Kindergarten and Grade 4
- October 26 – PA Day (No School for Students)
- October 28 – Hamilton/Rodrigues Field Trip to Fruition Farms
- November 6 – Picture Retake Day
- November 16 – Londry/Bennett Field Trip to Gould Lake
- November 17–19 – Book Fair
- November 18 – Kingston Frontenacs School Day Game for Bennett (Grade 3/4) and Guild (Grade 7/8) Students
- November 19 – Movie Night hosted by SAC
- November 20 – PA Day (No School for Students)
- November 25 – Gallagher/Burnham Field Trip to Gould Lake
- December 9 – Turkey Lunch hosted by SAC
- December 16 – Holiday Show (More Details to Follow)
Families will receive additional information from classroom teachers regarding upcoming field trips and activities.
A special thank you to our School Advisory Council for the time and energy they put into organizing events for our students and families. These opportunities bring our community together and are an important part of what makes Joyceville such a special place.
🎸 Private Music Lessons at Joyceville 🎸
Ready to make some music? 🤘
Derek McGowan is a member of the Joyceville community, a dad to two JPS students, and for the past four years, he's been bringing private music lessons right to Joyceville on Mondays!
Derek is a full-time guitar, bass and ukulele teacher with over 30 years of experience. Whether your child is just picking up an instrument for the first time or ready to take their playing to the next level, Derek keeps lessons fun, encouraging and tailored to what they actually want to play.
From pop, hip-hop and country to blues, hard rock and heavy metal, there's something for every future musician (and rock star 🤘).
Interested in getting your child playing? Reach out to Derek directly for more information, availability and how to get started.
Let's make some noise! 🎶🎸
Phone: 905-699-3121
Email: derekmcgowanmusic@gmail.com
Milk and Pizza Orders
🥛 Milk
Milk orders begin on the first Tuesday of each new month. Milk for each month is due the last Thursday of the previous month. Orders can be placed on School-Day.
Milk is a great fundraiser for the school, and we appreciate the support of our families!
🍕 Pizza
Pizza orders are also available on School-Day. Pizza orders help fund our Grade 8 graduation.
Pizza orders happen on Fridays unless there is a PA Day or holiday, in which case pizza will be served on Thursday.
Orders for each week are due on Tuesday nights. Any orders that are placed after may not got processed for that week.
Thank you for supporting our graduating students!
A Few Important Reminders
Morning Arrival and Parking
Morning supervision begins at 9:00 a.m.
Students should not arrive on school property before that time, as staff supervision is not available.
Our parking lot can become busy during arrival and dismissal. Please drive slowly, watch carefully for students and families, and ensure that areas needed by our school buses remain clear.
Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe.
Changes to After-School Plans
If your child's regular dismissal routine is changing, please contact the school before 3:00 p.m.
After 3:00 p.m., our office and classroom staff are busy preparing students for dismissal, and we cannot guarantee that a late phone call, email or message will reach your child in time.
Thank you for helping us ensure that every student gets home safely.
Attendance and Punctuality
Regular attendance and arriving at school on time make a difference for students.
Morning supervision begins at 9:00 a.m. and classes begin at 9:10 a.m. Arriving on time allows students to settle in, connect with classmates and take part in classroom routines and learning from the beginning of the day.
We know there will be times when illness, appointments or family circumstances make absences unavoidable. If attendance becomes challenging for your child, please reach out so we can work together to support them.
Our Daily Schedule
Time | Activity |
|---|---|
9:00 a.m. | Morning Supervision Begins |
9:10–10:50 a.m. | Learning Block 1 |
10:50–11:30 a.m. | Recess and Nutrition Break |
11:30 a.m.–1:10 p.m. | Learning Block 2 |
1:10–1:50 p.m. | Recess and Nutrition Break |
1:50–3:30 p.m. | Learning Block 3 |
3:30 p.m. | Dismissal |
Reporting Student Absences – SafeArrival
Please remember to report all student absences and late arrivals using SchoolMessenger SafeArrival.
SafeArrival can be used for:
- Full-day absences
- Extended absences
- Late arrivals
Families can use the SchoolMessenger app, the online portal or the automated telephone system.
SafeArrival Telephone: 1-855-257-9349
SafeArrival is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and future absences can be entered in advance.
Whenever possible, please use SafeArrival rather than calling the school directly. Students arriving after the school day has begun should check in at the office before going to class.
Volunteering at Joyceville
We are always grateful for family and community members who are willing to volunteer their time.
Throughout the year, there may be opportunities to assist with field trips, classroom activities, special events, extracurricular activities and other school programs.
Families interested in volunteering can contact Bobbi Jo in the school office for information about the necessary paperwork and Vulnerable Sector Check process.
Your time, energy and willingness to help are an important part of what makes Joyceville such a wonderful school community.
Thank you for your continued support of Joyceville Public School. Together, we make a difference for our students!