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April Newsletter

<img src="/images/ebf7e2e1-795c-4874-9333-b7d0762d7a2f" alt="hello april (Banner (Landscape)) (1)" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Sydenham Storm Updates</h2><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Our Give 30 Food Bank Campaign ending this week but will have the bin until April 2nd...thank you so much for all of the donations - the bin is almost full!<img src="/images/1bbe0ec7-ee4f-4592-acee-7ce4905c596d" alt="Untitled design (16)" width="541" height="541" style="width:541px;height:541px;display:inline-block;float:right"></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Kids On Stage practices are in full swing! Thank you to the many staff working on this event! We appreciate you! </li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Spring Fling - April 2 - See School Day for more info!</li></ul><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">School Advisory Council </h2>Our next meeting is Monday, March 30th at 5:30 pm in the Learning Grove (first classroom on the left).Did you know that we work hard to keep meetings to an hour? We know that your time is precious and we want you to be able to come!Did you know that we have pizza and babysitting for the kiddos while you join us? We know that life can be super busy!Did you know that you don't have to come to every single meeting? We love seeing new people come out even if it is just once or twice a year!<img src="/images/fffc0c2a-b551-45a3-8f02-c7239e77b32a" alt="Copy of February 2026 Event Schedule" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Literacy Learning at Sydenham</h2>Our Storm Kiddos have been focusing on finding 'The Gist' of a piece of text to help with reading comprehension. Check out the info below!<img src="/images/f1c6a4a8-dfde-4fd8-8ac5-bd4b7ee693de" alt="April Literacy Newsletter" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Mathematics at Sydenham</h2>Last year we shared this website with you as a way to encourage math thinking and reasoning in a fun and non-thre<img src="/images/e0bf8101-ede1-485f-88da-5ec40e8c8659" alt="Math before bed" width="220" height="206" style="width:220px;height:206px;display:inline-block;float:right">atening way. This year in our newsletters we have been talking about math reasoning being the journey to the answer and not just the final answer. Math Before Bed is a website that displays images to spark math conversations with your children. Check it out - this might just be a great activity to add into your daily routine. [<a href="https://mathbeforebed.com/" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Click this link to access the website!</a>]Ask your child: <ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">What do you notice?</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">What do you wonder? </li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">How many? How do you know? </li></ul><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">School Mental Health Ontario Parent Webinars</h2>[<a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhwdsb86405.acemlna.com%2Flt.php%3Fx%3D4lZy~GE5U3jM6KKsyNHIUBSg~a2mjt9vv-g1jaTJIXPL65J~_Ey7xOlt3XMk-RVfjDZo2nfFJ4Gg7p0KyNyYWOhy3U&data=05%7C02%7Callportm%40limestone.on.ca%7C0136817849fc48c96fe408de88e6efca%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C639098722730167197%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C4000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=LdMSmB9hzg1%2BRuBHftGhUN9opF07NFO9gvT2EB3fZ0E%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link">Click this link for more information on the webinars in the graphic below.</a>]<img src="/images/1da83569-4027-4808-82a3-fdd8b381882c" alt="SMHO Parent Webinars" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"><img src="/images/6ad40596-4dcc-4efd-9410-d5b065f73c0f" alt="Postcard Sydenham Storm Kinder Reg (48 x 30 in) (5.59 x 4.33 in) (2)" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Health Unit Resources</h2><img src="/images/826b27ce-f5c8-443f-bdbc-b6946712ff81" alt="April Health Unit" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">[The section below will be at the end of every newsletter - so if you have arrived here - thank you for reading our full newsletter - we appreciate you!]</h2><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">How Do I Report An Absence?</h2>Please use the Safe Arrival system to report your child's absence; if you need to call to report an absence, please call 1-855-257-9349 (see instructions below) If your child will be late, please report a full day absence and then we will sign them in when they arrive. Computerized call outs occur around 9:30 for students absent with no reported absence in our system. This call out system is a mandatory safety feature to ensure you know your child is not at school and can follow up as needed. For this reason, if your child is late, it is important that they stop into the office so that Mrs. Thompson can change their absence to 'Late' so that you don't receive an unnecessary and worrisome phone call that your child is not at schoolHow to report your absence:1. Toll-free telephone<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;">Call 1-855-257-9349 toll-free to report an absence using the automated phone system.</li></ul>2. School Messenger App<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;">Use your mobile device to download and install the free SchoolMessenger blue app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store, the <a href="https://go.schoolmessenger.com/#/home" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="editor-link">SchoolMessenger website portal</a>, or from within the LDSB mobile app.</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;">The first time you use the app, you must select 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.</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;">Select Attendance, then select Report an Absence and follow the prompts.</li></ul>3. <a href="https://go.schoolmessenger.ca/#/account/login" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="editor-link">SchoolMessenger SafeArrival Website Portal</a><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;">Visit the <a href="https://go.schoolmessenger.ca/#/account/login" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="editor-link">SchoolMessenger website portal</a>.</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;">The first time you use the app, you must select 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.</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;">Select Attendance, then Report an Absence and follow the prompts.</li></ul>

2026-03-26 20:35:53.139 +0000 UTC

March Newsletter

<img src="/images/152c7a9b-2bc9-4343-9f15-959ca4ac8bc1" alt="MArch newlster banner" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Sydenham Storm Updates<img src="/images/35f14621-08d1-4360-b015-46d9cd5b4a66" alt="food bank" width="558" height="195" style="width:558px;height:195px;display:inline-block;float:right"></h2><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">Our Give 30 Food Bank Campaign is now underway! The donation bin is near the water fountain by the gym. </li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Kids On Stage practices are in full swing! Thank you to the many staff working on this event! We appreciate you! </li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Spirit Day: Friday, March 13 will be GREEN Day</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">March Break - No School March 16 - 20<img src="/images/271d8a93-1904-4eda-bbcc-1007200711e7" alt="Join us" width="369" height="369" style="width:369px;height:369px;display:inline-block;float:right"></li></ul> <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">School Advisory Council </h2>Our next meeting is Monday, March 30th at 5:30 pm in the Learning Grove - babysitting provided! All are welcome!<h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"> </h2> <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Kindergarten Registration NOW OPEN!!</h2><img src="/images/5035b90e-eff4-41c3-9e8d-cb205c0d3f96" alt="2026 01 05 Kindergarten Student Registration E Newsletter Graphic 1" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"> <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Literacy Learning at Sydenham</h2>Sydenham students continue to make huge gains in their literacy skills. We are continuing to focus on the basic reading and writing skills and also focusing on vocabulary and morphology. See below for more info![Click this document link to access the live links in the graphic below<ie-document data-lexical-document-id="d39d190a-8a51-403b-b9c0-4e6ffacf72a3"></ie-document>]<img src="/images/96dbd02a-a604-4ba8-955a-9c9d9ae93679" alt="March Lit" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"> <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Mathematics at Sydenham</h2>In our first term newsletters, we have been sharing Math Reasoning activities for you to try with your Storm Kiddos. As we are continuing on this journey, we are adding in some activities with numbers. Similarly to previous activities, these will have multiple answers. Feel free to 'play' with the math - have them draw and/or talk about their answers. Math reasoning is about the journey to the answer and not just getting to the answer. <img src="/images/e3d91c07-76fa-4bf1-90ea-092e0a63439f" alt="Math Riddles Worksheet" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"> <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">Health Unit Resources</h2><img src="/images/432d6cb4-ce36-440b-a6f8-434ebf824a34" alt="2026 02 05 Healthy Relationship with Food Body Newsletter Insert Elementary" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"> <h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">[The section below will be at the end of every newsletter - so if you have arrived here - thank you for reading our full newsletter - we appreciate you!]</h2><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr">How Do I Report An Absence?</h2>Please use the Safe Arrival system to report your child's absence; if you need to call to report an absence, please call 1-855-257-9349 (see instructions below) If your child will be late, please report a full day absence and then we will sign them in when they arrive. Computerized call outs occur around 9:30 for students absent with no reported absence in our system. This call out system is a mandatory safety feature to ensure you know your child is not at school and can follow up as needed. For this reason, if your child is late, it is important that they stop into the office so that Mrs. Thompson can change their absence to 'Late' so that you don't receive an unnecessary and worrisome phone call that your child is not at schoolHow to report your absence:1. Toll-free telephone<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;">Call 1-855-257-9349 toll-free to report an absence using the automated phone system.</li></ul>2. School Messenger App<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;">Use your mobile device to download and install the free SchoolMessenger blue app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store, the <a href="https://go.schoolmessenger.com/#/home" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="editor-link">SchoolMessenger website portal</a>, or from within the LDSB mobile app.</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;">The first time you use the app, you must select 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.</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;">Select Attendance, then select Report an Absence and follow the prompts.</li></ul>3. <a href="https://go.schoolmessenger.ca/#/account/login" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="editor-link">SchoolMessenger SafeArrival Website Portal</a><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;">Visit the <a href="https://go.schoolmessenger.ca/#/account/login" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="editor-link">SchoolMessenger website portal</a>.</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;">The first time you use the app, you must select 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.</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;">Select Attendance, then Report an Absence and follow the prompts.</li></ul>

2026-03-01 16:31:16.708 +0000 UTC

February STORM Update

2026-02-08 23:55:54.055 +0000 UTC

Upcoming Events

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Victoria Day - No Classes for Students

P.A. Day - No Classes for Students

Last Day of School for Students

P.A. Day - No Classes for Students

Victoria Day - No Classes for Students

P.A. Day - No Classes for Students

Last Day of School for Students

P.A. Day - No Classes for Students

About Our School

Welcome to Sydenham Public School, nestled in Kingston's downtown. Our school is one of Ontario's oldest continuing schools first opened in 1853 as Kingston County Grammar School. We host students from Kindergarten to Grade 8 including a core French program which begins in Grade 1.

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What's New at the District

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Upcoming Family Engagement and Climate Survey

The Limestone District School Board is inviting families to take part in the Family Engagement and Climate Survey. This survey gives families an opportunity to share their experiences with their student’s school and with the school board.The feedback helps us understand what is working well and where we can improve. It also supports schools and school councils in building welcoming, safe, and supportive school communities.The survey includes questions about:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem">How schools communicate and share information</li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem">Whether families feel welcome, included, and connected</li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem">Barriers to taking part in school activities, such as time, childcare, language, accessibility, or cost</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem">Safety and bullying, including reporting and follow‑up</li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem">Licensed Before and After School Programs, including questions to help inform future planning</li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem">Some questions ask about family background to help us better understand different experiences across our communities</li></ul>Participation is voluntary and anonymous. Families may skip any questions they choose. No names or identifying information are collected. Results are shared only as grouped summaries and are used to support learning, planning, and improvement at the board, school, and school council levels.The survey will be open from May 1 to May 11 and will be available online. Families will receive an e-mail on May 1 with a link to the survey. Paper copies will also be available at your school’s administrative office starting May 1.The survey was developed with input from families and advisory committees, including the Parent Involvement Committee, to reflect a wide range of perspectives. Families are encouraged to <a href="https://youtu.be/kKxSsDtggew" class="editor-link">watch this short video about the survey.</a>Thank you for sharing your voice and helping strengthen our schools and school communities.Patty GolloglyAssociate Superintendent of Curriculum & Program Services: School Climate & Community EngagementLimestone District School Board

2026-04-23 20:30:53.848 +0000 UTC

Message from the Director

Dear Families,As we enter the spring season and final third of the school year, we are reminded of this season’s promise of renewal and growth, and the key role schools and families have together in supporting student learning and well-being. This time of <a href="about:blank" class="editor-link">year</a> brings many opportunities for learning both inside and outside of the classroom, along with the return of outdoor extracurricular activities. While this week has been very wet and rainy, the warmer temperatures of spring are upon us.  I would like to take this opportunity to share a few important updates with you:P.A. Day – Friday, April 17A reminder to families that tomorrow, Friday, April 17, is a P.A. Day. There will be no classes for students, and we look forward to welcoming them back to school on Monday.Family Engagement and Climate Survey – Coming in MayIn early May, Limestone will be inviting families to take part in a Family Engagement and Climate Survey. The optional survey is anonymous, and families can choose which questions they want to answer.The survey asks about topics such as feeling connected to school, family involvement, safety and bullying, communication, before- and after-school programming, and how technology like artificial intelligence is used in schools.The feedback shared through this survey helps schools and the school board understand what is working well, what could improve, and what may make it harder for some families to take part. Your feedback helps strengthen communication, support student well-being, and improve school experiences for everyone.More information will be shared leading up to the survey being live in early May. <a href="https://youtu.be/kKxSsDtggew" class="editor-link">Families are encouraged to watch a short video</a> featuring Senior Staff and a Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) Co-Chair, who share more about the Family Engagement and Climate Survey and why family voice is so important.Human Rights InformationLaunched in October 2022, the Limestone’s Student Human Rights Reporting Tool provides a way for students, families, caregivers, and staff to report human rights concerns involving LDSB students, including matters related to discrimination and harassment. Reviewing and analyzing this information helps support safe, welcoming, and inclusive school environments and supports the board’s obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code. The <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/dff6803b-6f2d-4d36-a758-68758a63ceb3/2026-04-09-Student-Human-Rights-Data-Summary-for-2024-2025.pdf" class="editor-link">Student Human Rights Reports – 2024-2025 Summary is now available online</a> and can be accessed by families. Student Census 2025 UpdateIn November 2025, Limestone completed the See Yourself in Limestone: Student Census 2025, a voluntary and confidential survey that helps us better understand students’ identities and school experiences. The findings support planning and decision-making that promotes equity, well being, and student success across Limestone schools. An overview of the Student Census 2025 was presented to the Board of Trustees at last night’s board meeting. Families are encouraged to <a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/news/see-yourself-in-limestone-2025-student-census-update-20260416133605" class="editor-link">visit the Limestone District School Board website to review the full Student Census summary</a> and learn more about how student voice is helping shape our work. Mental Health Supports Available for StudentsIn response to tragic events, locally or globally, students may experience a wide range of emotions, including sadness, confusion, worry, or questions about what they may be hearing from others. Students may react in different ways depending on their age, experiences, and how connected they feel to the situation. With time, reassurance, and support from caring adults, these reactions often ease.We encourage families to keep lines of communication open at home, to invite questions, and to offer reassurance as needed. If you have concerns about your student or would like support, please refer to the following resources:<ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://smho-smso.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Supporting-your-childs-well-being.pdf" class="editor-link">Supporting Your Child’s Well-being</a></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://smho-smso.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Caring-for-yourself-while-caring-for-others.pdf" class="editor-link">Caring for yourself while caring for others: A parent’s guide to self-care</a></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://smho-smso.ca/parents-and-caregivers/" class="editor-link">By Your Side</a> (parent/caregiver resources to support mental health learning)</li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://maltbycentre.ca/" class="editor-link">Maltby Centre</a></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://onestoptalk.ca/" class="editor-link">One Stop Talk</a></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://kidshelpphone.ca/" class="editor-link">Kids Help Phone</a> (Call 1-800-668-6868 or Text “Connect” to 686868)</li><li value="7" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://211ontario.ca/" class="editor-link">2-1-1 Ontario</a></li></ul>If you are worried about your student’s immediate safety, or the safety of others, please seek urgent assistance by calling 9-1-1, your local mobile crisis service (613-354-7388), or by going to the nearest emergency department.Thank you for your continued support of Limestone schools and their communities. Your partnership, feedback, and engagement play an important role in strengthening student learning and well-being across Limestone. Limestone staff remain committed to collaborating with families to create safe, inclusive, and supportive school communities where every student can learn and see themselves in Limestone. Krishna BurraDirector of Education

2026-04-16 20:30:19.127 +0000 UTC

Neurovibes Celebrates Neurodiversity April 29, 2026

<h2 class="editor-heading-h2">A vibrant event celebrating neurodiversity with inspiring talks, creative spaces, and an inclusive community experience.</h2>Now entering its third year, Neurovibes is a community event celebrating neurodiversity through engaging talks, creativity, and connection.Attendees can hear from inspiring speakers, explore interactive spaces, and connect with community partners and vendors in a welcoming, inclusive environment. The event is designed to support different sensory needs while bringing people together to learn, share, and celebrate neurodivergent experiences.When: April 29, 2026, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. (Doors open at 4:00 p.m.)Where: Queen's Biosciences Complex, 116 Barrie Street, Kingston Register now at: <a href="https://bit.ly/Neurovibes2026%20" class="editor-link">bit.ly/Neurovibes2026</a>.<h2 class="editor-heading-h2"> </h2><img src="/images/0d9fba3e-4cf2-480e-973b-7617e4932a7f" alt="Neurovibes 2026 Poster" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block">

2026-04-16 16:10:44.021 +0000 UTC

Land Acknowledgement

The Limestone District School Board is situated on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek and Haudenosaunee. We acknowledge their enduring presence on this land, as well as the presence of Métis, Inuit, and other First Nations from across Turtle Island. We honour their culture and celebrate their commitment to this land.