September Start Up Newsletter

Dear Joyceville Families,

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! We hope everyone had a wonderful summer and was able to enjoy time with family and friends. There is always something special about the beginning of a new school year - seeing familiar faces, welcoming new students and families, and looking ahead to all of the learning, growth and experiences the year will bring.

At Joyceville, we want every student who walks through our doors to feel that they belong, that they are known and valued, and that they have people around them who believe in what they can accomplish. Our staff are committed to creating classrooms where students feel safe to learn, take risks, ask questions, build relationships and discover their strengths.

We also know that our best work happens when school and home work together. Joyceville has always benefited from a strong sense of community, and we look forward to continuing to build those connections with our families throughout the year.

First Day Arrival & Safety

To help make the first morning as safe and smooth as possible, we strongly encourage families whose children are eligible for bus transportation to have students take the bus on the first day. School parking lots and drop-off areas can become especially congested on the first morning, with buses arriving, families dropping students off and staff helping children get to the right place. Reducing vehicle traffic helps us create a safer environment for everyone.

Teachers and staff will be outside to welcome students, gather them into their classes and begin lining students up for a safe and organized entry into the school. If you are driving your child to school, we ask that you drop them off and keep your goodbye brief. We know the first day can bring some big feelings, but a warm, confident and quick goodbye is often best for children and also helps keep our parking and drop-off areas moving safely for other families and buses. Thank you for helping us start the year safely and positively.

Medical Safety Plans & Student Medication

The safety and well-being of our students is extremely important. Families of students with a medical condition such as anaphylaxis, asthma, diabetes or epilepsy are required to complete an updated Plan of Care each school year.

Please ensure that all medical information, emergency contacts and required medication are current and provided to the school as soon as possible. If your child requires medication or a medical procedure during the school day, additional authorization forms may also be required.

Plan of Care and medication forms can be found on the Limestone District School Board website under Policies and Procedures – Section 300: Students Related Forms.

If you have questions about which forms are required for your child, please contact the school office and we will be happy to help.

Thank You for a Great Start

A tremendous amount of work happens behind the scenes to get a school ready for September.

A special thank you goes to our caretaking staff, Donnie Garrison and his team, for all of their work throughout the summer preparing our building for the return of students and staff.

Thank you as well to our Office Administrator, Bobbi Jo Scott, whose organization and preparation leading up to September are an important part of helping Joyceville have a successful start to the school year.

Our teaching and support staff have also been busy preparing classrooms, organizing materials and planning for the students who will soon be walking through their doors. We greatly appreciate the time, care and energy our entire staff puts into making Joyceville a welcoming place for students.

A Note About Classes and Staffing

As happens every September, our current class organization and staffing are based on the student enrolment information available as we begin the year. During the first couple of weeks of school, enrolment is reviewed across the Board and staffing allocations or class organizations can sometimes change.

We understand that changes can be difficult for students and families. If any changes are required at Joyceville, we will keep families informed and share information as soon as we are able. Our priority will always be to make any necessary transitions as smooth as possible for students.

Meet Our 2026-2027 Joyceville Staff

Join Our School Advisory Council (SAC)

Our School Advisory Council is a great way for parents and caregivers to become more connected to Joyceville and have a voice in our school community. SAC brings families and school staff together to share information, exchange ideas and support opportunities for students.

You do not need previous experience, and you do not need to commit to attending every meeting to become involved. New members and new ideas are always welcome. Our first meeting will be held on September 9th at 6 pm. Our annual Open House and Corn Roast will be on September 24th.

Important Dates for 2026-2027

Student Progress and Reporting

Teachers will communicate with families throughout the year about student learning, progress, strengths and next steps. Elementary students receive a Progress Report in the fall, a Term 1 Provincial Report Card in the winter and a Term 2 Provincial Report Card at the end of the school year.

Specific 2026-2027 report distribution dates will be shared with families once they are confirmed.