School Newsletter – Weekly Update
Dear Families,
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, Mike Blackburn, 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.
We also want to extend a sincere thank-you to our School Advisory Council (SAC) for supporting our school in so many ways. Our recent SAC Movie Night was a terrific evening for families, and the trip to the Kingston Frontenacs game 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.
See Yourself in Limestone – Student Census (Nov. 24–28)
A reminder that the Student Census will take place the week of November 24–28 for students in Grades 4 to 12. The census is a voluntary, confidential survey that helps us better understand the identities, experiences, and needs of our students.
Key points:
- Participation is voluntary
- Responses are confidential
- Students may answer as much or as little as they choose
Opt-Out Information
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.
Opt-Out Deadline: Friday, November 14, 2025
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.
Resources—including FAQs, video overviews, and survey copies—are available on the LDSB website.
Important Public Health Update – First Confirmed Case of Influenza A
Southeast Public Health (SEPH) has confirmed the first case of Influenza A for the 2025–2026 season. Please take a moment to review the information below so we can continue keeping our school community healthy.
About Influenza
Influenza can cause mild to severe illness and may lead to serious complications, even in otherwise healthy children and adults.
Immunization
The flu vaccine is the best protection and is available free for all Ontarians aged 6 months and older.
- Available through health-care providers and pharmacies
- SEPH is offering immunization clinics for children under 5 who cannot receive it from their primary provider
Everyday Prevention
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitizer
- Assist young children in using sanitizer and store it safely out of reach
Symptoms of Influenza
Fever (over 38°C), dry cough, chills, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, runny nose, loss of appetite
Young children may also experience nausea or vomiting
When to Keep Your Child Home
Please keep students home when unwell. They may return once they are:
- Fever-free, and
- Their symptoms have improved for at least 24 hours (48 hours for vomiting/diarrhea)
SEPH recommends wearing a well-fitting mask for 10 days after symptoms begin.
For more information, please visit Ontario’s respiratory illness webpage.
Parking Lot Safety Reminder
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.
Morning Supervision Reminder
We want to remind families that morning supervision for students begins at 8:55 a.m. To ensure student safety, we ask that children not be dropped off on the yard before this time, as there are no staff supervising prior to 8:55 a.m.
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.
School Clothing – Two Ordering Options
Families now have two ways to order school clothing:
- School-Day – A selection of school clothing items can be purchased directly through your School-Day account.
- Specialty Trophies – Additional options, colours, and styles are available here:
https://specialtytrophies.ca/4g/joycevilleps/
These are two separate ordering sites, each offering different items for families to choose from.
Important Upcoming Dates & School Events
Please mark the following dates on your calendar:
Pancake Tuesday – November 25
All students will enjoy Pancake Tuesday during first snack.
Our Volunteer Firefighters will be onsite helping cook and serve!
Thank you to our School Advisory Council (SAC) for supporting this event.
Poinsettia Pick Up - Thursday, December 4
Jingle Bell Walk – Friday, December 5
Families are encouraged to send non-perishable food items to support local food banks.
This event teaches students about giving back while bringing holiday cheer to our community.
Picture Retake Day – Monday, December 8
Students who missed Picture Day or who require retakes will have the opportunity to do so.
Holiday Gift Room – December 8, 9 & 10
Students will have the opportunity to choose small gifts for family members.
A joyful three-day tradition made possible by the generosity and time of our volunteers and SAC.
Holiday Luncheon – December 10
A school-wide meal for all staff and students.
A warm thank-you to our Bingo Committee for sponsoring and hosting this special tradition.
Holiday Concert – Wednesday, December 17
We will host both an afternoon matinee and evening performance.
Exact performance times will be shared with families soon.
Students and staff are already hard at work preparing for this highlight of the year!
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!