Dear Families,

Thanks to all who were able to join us for our annual Open House! It is always great to get to say hello to so many members of our school community.

After the business of re-organizing, next week looks fairly quiet. Monday is our first SAC meeting of the year, and we are always looking for new members and volunteers. SAC is also introducing the first fundraiser of the year, Honey For Stingers. Check out all the sweet choices in the information poster. This weekend is last the last chance to order hot lunches for October so get those pizza and sub orders in. Also in School Day are TPCS magnets for sale, $2 each. Each purchase enters you into a free draw for a Thanksgiving dinner, a turkey and all the fixings like stuffing and potatoes, and even a pie for dessert! Details on this and more are in the posters below, be sure to read them all!

The Indigenous Education Team of LDSB is very excited and honoured to welcome back Tahnee Bennett (Six Nations of the Grand River) for another year of virtual Kanyen'kéha (Mohawk Language) programming in LDSB schools! 

 We are incredibly grateful to receive Tahnee's time, knowledge, and expertise. In addition to supporting LDSB students, she shares her language revitalization work with numerous school boards and organizations across Ontario, and we are fortunate to benefit from her time and generosity. If you would like your child registered, please e-mail me directly.

Also see below for steps on how to report a student absent using the Safe Arrival system. Calling in and reporting your child absent will prevent calls from the school reporting them absent.

Below please read through the important information included below this message. Our regularly updated yearly calendar contains all upcoming events into the new year. Policies and procedures are also linked for your convenience.

Please reach out if you have questions or concerns,

Bill Dowling

REPORTING STUDENT ABSENCE

How to report an absence

In some instances, students may need to be away from school for illness, appointments or other events. Parents/caregivers can use the SafeArrival system to report a full day absence, an extended student absence and also a late arrival to school. When reporting an absence for a secondary student parents/caregivers will also be able to select an early departure. To report an absence, use one the following methods:

School Messenger application

1. Use the email address you provided to the school.
2. Use your mobile device to download and install the free SchoolMessenger blue app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store, the SchoolMessenger website portal, or from within the LDSB mobile app.
3. Tap Sign Up to create your account. Please ensure you use the same email address your student’s school has on file. If you do not use that same email address, you will not be able to create an account, or may not be able to see the "Attendance" option. You may have already created an account when we introduced the Communicate broadcast system.
4. Select Attendance from the menu, then select Report an Absence and follow the prompts.

SchoolMessenger SafeArrival website portal

1. Use the e-mail address you provided to the school.
2. Go to the website SchoolMessenger website portal.
3. Click Sign Up to create your account. Please ensure you use the same email address your student’s school has on file. If you do not use that same email address, you will not be able to create an account, or may not be able to see the "Attendance" option. You may have already created an account when we introduced the Communicate broadcast system.
4. Select Attendance from the menu, then select Report an Absence.

Interactive toll-free telephone

1. Call 1-855-257-9349 toll-free to report an absence using the automated phone system.
2. Follow the instructions to report an absence.

These options are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For any school day in the school term up to the cut-off time on the day of the absence. Future absences can be reported at any time using any one of these methods.

Please do not call the school directly to report your student's absence.

Daily Schedule

TPCS Cell Phone Policy

Cell phone use by students impacts not only the learning environment but also the safety and privacy of others. In accordance with the Limestone District School Board’s Policy as well as the Ministry of Education’s Policy, students are not to be using cell phones at school unless they are directed to do so by their teacher for instructional purposes. As a staff, we have discussed why certain students may need to use their cell phones while at school and we will make sure we connect with those students and their parents to make a plan. We also want to highlight that if there needs to be any communication between home and school during the school day, this needs to go through the main office by calling 613-354-2121.hen your child arrives at school, they will be directed to put their device in a safe container in the classroom. If your child does not follow the expectations around cell phone use, their device will be housed in the office for the day. There will not be any warnings given. Your child will be able to pick it up at the end of the day. If their device is being misused again, a parent/guardian will be asked to come pick up the cell phone. This policy extends to the use of headphones/earbuds without direct permission from a teacher. Our goal is to make the most use of class time and create an effective, focused, and respectful learning environment for all students.

LDSB Student Dress Policy

The Limestone District School Board is committed to upholding human rights, and creating an equitable, inclusive, and accessible school climate that ensures all students and staff feel safe, comfortable, and accepted. Please review our updated Student Dress Policy using the attached document

Administrative Procedure 352 Student Clothing

Allergen Awareness - Nut-Free School

Thank you for packing nut-free snacks! Please communicate with teachers before sending any treats in for your student's class.