October Newsletter
Greetings Sydenham Storm Families!!
September is over and October is on its way! We have had a grand time getting to know your children and working together with them to learn our school routines.
We had the excitement of an unplanned fire alarm in September and then followed up practicing a few more fire drills in the days following. Next week is Fire Safety Week and we anticipate a surprise visit from the Fire Department so that we can show them our Fire Drill Skills!
Find below important information for families as our school year moves along and we begin more activities, field trips, and extra curriculars. As always, if you need anything please feel free to reach out to our office team or classroom staff at syden@limestone.on.ca or at 613-548-3491.
Sincerely,
The Sydenham Storm Office Team
Parent/Guardian Drop Off
Students are to come onto the school yard between 8:40 am and 8:55 am each morning. Families are reminded that they are not to arrive earlier than 8:40am as there is no supervision on the yard before that time.
Emergency Practice Drills
We have had all of our term 1 fire drills. Students did an amazing job being safe and calm when exiting the building. Next up will be our lockdown drills. Staff will be having age appropriate conversations around lockdowns. If you wish to discuss this with your children, we have attached a social story that will help explain lockdowns and expectations during lockdowns.
Recess
Students go outside for 3 recess breaks, and sometimes are outside with their class for various learning activities. Students are encouraged to wear sunscreen during the warmer months, and have a sun hat outdoors. Appropriate warm weather clothing (layers) is recommended as well, as our days begin to get colder.
We will be going outside for recess in (light) rain or shine and as such, students should come to school prepared to go outside even if it is lightly raining (rain coat, rubber boots, etc.). In the event of heavier rain we will remain indoors, but we will try to be outside for recess whenever possible in order for students to expend extra energy, get fresh air, and to help improve focus and learning in the classroom.
Field trips, walking trips, clubs, and more!
Please remember that vulnerable sector screening checks are required for parents to participate in these types of activities. You will not be able to attend these activities without first completing these checks through the City of Kingston Police Department. Please email the school (syden@limestone.on.ca) prior to applying for a criminal check as you will need a letter from the school in order to have the check completed at a discounted, volunteer rate.
Safe Arrival - How Do I Report An Absence?
Please use the Safe Arrival system to report your child's absence; please do not call/email the school to report an absence. Although notifying classroom staff is always welcome, absences must be put into our computer system by the families to avoid mix ups and frustrating calls from the computer system. Thanks for your help with this!
(If families are planning an extended vacation, please inform the office by emailing the dates to syden@limestone.on.ca
Extended absences in School Day can be put in for one week and Mrs. Thompson can extend.)
How to report your absence:
1. Toll-free telephone
- Call 1-855-257-9349 toll-free to report an absence using the automated phone system.
2. School Messenger App
- 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.
- 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.
- Select Attendance, then select Report an Absence and follow the prompts.
3. SchoolMessenger SafeArrival Website Portal
- Visit the SchoolMessenger website portal.
- 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.
- Select Attendance, then Report an Absence and follow the prompts.
Insure My Kids
School Board Policy states that participation on school sports teams (both elementary and secondary) is conditional on obtaining at least the basic student accident insurance coverage for the student or proof of external private coverage through your family plan. The cost of basic coverage is approximately $17.00 per year. This covers the student while attending school during the school day. The time spent by students participating in school-sponsored teams is considered part of the school day, even if the games and/or practices are held outside of the regular school hours. It is recommended that all parents consider this program. Visit www.insuremykids.com to get this inexpensive and highly recommended insurance.
Looking for Occasional Staff!
Are you looking to be an occasional yard supervisor or occasional staff member at Sydenham? We are looking for caring, dedicated occasional staff who have flexible schedules, a CPIC with vulnerable sector screening and an interest in supporting students. Please email syden@limestone.on.ca to learn more.
Upcoming Dates:
Oct 9 - Road Racers to Fort Henry
Oct 10 - Terry Fox Event - Please check out our Fundraising Page!
Oct 11 - PA Day
Oct 14 - No School
Oct 17 - Ms. King/Ms. Bryson’s classes to Little Cat
Oct 25 - Movie Night
Oct 30 - Picture Day!