September Is Finding Its Rhythm
We are a few weeks into the school year now, and Joyceville is beginning to feel settled.
Classroom routines are taking shape, students are becoming comfortable with their schedules and there is lots of learning and activity happening throughout the building. It is always nice at this point in September to move beyond some of the start-up work and begin enjoying everything that makes a school year feel like a school year.
There is also lots coming up at JPS. Our Open House and Corn Roast is just around the corner, fall activities are underway, and October will bring Picture Day, our Terry Fox Run and more.
Thank you to our families for staying connected and for helping us get the year off to such a positive start.
Open House & Corn Roast – September 24
We are looking forward to welcoming Joyceville families to our annual Open House and Corn Roast!
Thursday, September 24
Classroom Visits: 5:00–5:45 p.m.
Families are invited to come into the school, visit classrooms, meet staff and let students show you around their learning spaces.
Corn Roast: 5:45–7:00 p.m.
Following classroom visits, everyone is invited outside for our Corn Roast.
Families are asked to contribute to our potluck:
- Students in JK/SK through Grade 5/6 – please bring a savoury dish
- Students in Grades 6/7 and 7/8 – please bring a sweet dish
- Please include any serving utensils needed for your dish
Parent Council will provide the corn, plates and cutlery, and milk for children has been donated.
Please bring lawn chairs or a picnic blanket and plan to stay for some time together as a school community.
Pizza & Milk Ordering Is Now Open
Pizza and milk are now available to order through School-Day.
Families who would like their child to participate should log in to the School-Day site and place their orders.
Please check School-Day regularly for ordering deadlines and other school items that become available throughout the year.
🏃♀️ Terry Fox Run – Friday, October 9
We are proud to once again be fundraising in support of the Terry Fox Foundation.
Our Joyceville Terry Fox Run will take place on:
Friday, October 9
Families who would like to make a donation can visit our school fundraising page:
Terry Fox School Fundraising Page
When making a donation, please be sure to select your child's teacher's name so the donation is counted toward the class total.
There is also a little friendly competition this year — the class that receives the most donations will earn a:
Free pizza lunch! 🍕
Thank you for supporting our students and helping us continue Terry Fox's incredible legacy.
Picture Day – October 9
A reminder that Picture Day is also Friday, October 9.
It will be a busy day at Joyceville with both individual school photos and our Terry Fox Run taking place.
More information about Picture Day will be shared with families as the date gets closer.
A Few Important Reminders
Morning Arrival & 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.
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.
Attendance & 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
- 9:00 a.m. – Morning supervision begins
- 9:10–10:50 a.m. – Learning Block 1
- 10:50–11:30 a.m. – Recess & Nutrition Break
- 11:30 a.m.–1:10 p.m. – Learning Block 2
- 1:10–1:50 p.m. – Recess & 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.
SchoolMessenger SafeArrival Portal
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.
Food, Celebrations & Allergy Safety
We ask families not to send food or treats into school for birthdays, holidays or classroom celebrations.
With allergies, dietary restrictions and medical needs within our school, food brought in for sharing can create unnecessary risks.
Joyceville is also a nut-safe school environment. Please do not send foods containing peanuts or tree nuts to school. Individual classrooms may have additional allergy considerations depending on student needs.
Thank you for helping us keep celebrations safe and inclusive for everyone.
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.
Student Accident Insurance
Limestone District School Board requires students participating in extracurricular activities to have accident insurance coverage.
Families may use their own existing coverage for expenses not covered by the Provincial Health Plan or purchase Student Accident Insurance through Reliable Life Insurance Company.
Coverage may help with expenses such as dental injuries, fractures and other costs that may not be covered by OHIP or a family workplace benefit plan.
Families are encouraged to review their current coverage and decide what best meets their needs.
More information and online purchasing are available at:
School Advisory Council
Thank you to the parents and guardians who attended our first Joyceville School Advisory Council meeting of the year.
School Council is an important way for families to stay connected with the school, hear about what is happening at Joyceville, share ideas and provide input.
You do not need to hold an elected position to attend. All Joyceville parents and guardians are welcome at School Council meetings.
Information about our next meeting will be shared with families.
Private Music Lessons 🎸
Private music lessons continue to be available at Joyceville on Mondays with Derek McGowan.
Derek teaches guitar, bass and ukulele and has more than 30 years of experience.
For more information about lessons and availability:
905-699-3121
derekmcgowanmusic@gmail.com
Coming Up at Joyceville
Thursday, September 24 – Open House & Corn Roast
Classroom visits: 5:00–5:45 p.m.
Corn Roast: 5:45–7:00 p.m.
Friday, October 9 – Picture Day
Friday, October 9 – Terry Fox Run
Thursday, October 22 – Swim to Survive
Friday, October 30 – Swim to Survive
Friday, November 6 – Swim to Survive
Lots to Look Forward To
The next few weeks are shaping up to be busy ones at Joyceville.
Our Open House and Corn Roast is always a great opportunity to bring families, students and staff together, and we hope to see lots of you here on September 24. After that, October will bring Picture Day, Terry Fox, Swim to Survive and plenty of learning and activity in classrooms.
As the year gets busier, we will continue to use these newsletters to highlight the things families need to know without trying to pack every reminder into every edition.
Thank you for staying connected, reading our updates and continuing to support the work happening at JPS.
Have a great week, Joyceville!