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Posted on 2026-01-25 20:23:37.746 +0000 UTC
Dear Simcoe Star Families,
This week is a four-day school week, with Friday being a PD Day and no school for students. Thank you so much to all of you for your continued flexibility and understanding during the recent snow days and bus cancellations - we truly appreciate it! We also extend a big thank-you for your generous support of our “Tat-A-Staff” Grade 8 graduation fundraiser. It was such a fun event!
THIS WEEK
- Monday, January 26th: (Day 1)
- Kanyen'kéha and Anishinaabemowin language classes are ongoing this week
- Grade 3/4 floor hockey at first recess
- Intermediate basketball practice at second recess
- Girls Inc. after school
- Spirit Day! Wear blue, yellow, or any JG Simcoe PS gear. You can buy Simcoe swag here: https://specialtytrophies.ca/4g/JGSIMCOESTORE/
- Tuesday, January 27th: (Day 2)
- YMCA Group for Grade 3 and 4 students after school
- Chess Club in Room 108 at first recess
- Intermediate basketball practice at second recess
- Wednesday, January 28th: (Day 3)
- Grade 7 Off-Property Day
- Intermediate basketball practice at second recess
- Girls Inc. after school (off-site)
- Running and Reading after school
- School Advisory Council (Parent Council) at 3:30pm - all are welcome!!
- Thursday, January 29th: (Day 4)
- Bright Futures Kingston tutoring from 3:00-4:00
- Intermediate basketball practice at first recess
- Chess Tournament at Molly Brant ES
- Choir at afternoon recess
- Grade 8 Off-Property Day
- Girls Inc. after school
- Friday, January 30th:
- PD Day - no school for students
UPCOMING DATES OF SIGNIFICANCE
- February 7th:
- KCHC Winter Carnival at Salvation Army Church from 12:00-3:00
- February 13th:
- Term 1 report cards will be sent home
- February 16th:
- Family Day - no school
- March 2nd:
- Grade 8 Graduation Picture Day
- March 16th to 20th:
- March Break
STUDENT PICK-UP AND DROP OFF AND BUS ZONE SAFETY:
- **Important**: We have designated bus and student loading zones. Please do not park between the pylons so we can safely load/unload our students into vehicles and onto buses. Thanks so much!
- To ensure student safety and ease of flow, please wait on the main sidewalk along the road when picking up Grade 1/2 students from the kindergarten area. This will allow our kinder team to better hand-off our kindergarten students in a safe and calm fashion. Thank you!
2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR SURVEY:
- The Limestone District School Board is developing the 2026-2027 school year calendar. With Labour Day falling later than usual in 2026, the creation of a balanced and consistent calendar has presented more challenges than in typical years.
- In collaboration with our coterminous boards—the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board and the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board—we have prepared four calendar options for consideration. We are seeking feedback from members of the Limestone community to help guide our final decision.
- Option 1 Overview:
- First Day of School: September 1, 2026
- Winter Break: December 21, 2026 to January 1, 2027
- March Break: March 15 to 19, 2027
- Last Day of School: June 24, 2027
- Professional Activity Days:
- August 31, 2026
- September 25, 2026
- October 26, 2026
- November 27, 2026
- January 29, 2027
- May 31, 2027
- June 25, 2027
- Click here to view School Year Calendar – Option 1 (PDF)
- Option 2 Overview:
- First Day of School: September 2, 2026
- Winter Break: December 21, 2026 to January 1, 2027
- March Break: March 15 to 19, 2027
Please note, March 12 is a Board Holiday - Last Day of School: June 28, 2027
- Professional Activity Days:
- September 1, 2026
- October 26, 2026
- November 20, 2026
- January 29, 2027
- April 23, 2027
- May 31, 2027
- June 29, 2027
- Click here to view School Year Calendar – Option 2 (PDF)
- Option 3 Overview:
- First Day of School: September 8, 2026
- Winter Break: December 21, 2026 to January 1, 2027
- March Break: March 15 to 19, 2027
- Last Day of School: June 29, 2027
- Professional Activity Days:
- September 3, 2026
- September 4, 2026
- October 26, 2026
- November 27, 2026
- February 2, 2027
- May 31, 2027
- June 30, 2027
- Click here to view School Year Calendar – Option 3 (PDF)
- Option 4 Overview:
- First Day of School: September 8, 2026
Please note that Friday, September 4, 2026, is a Board Holiday - Winter Break: December 21, 2026 to January 1, 2027
- March Break: March 15 to 19, 2027
- Last Day of School: June 29, 2027
- Professional Activity Days:
- September 2, 2026
- September 3, 2026
- October 26, 2026
- February 2, 2027
- April 16, 2027
- May 31, 2027
- June 30, 2027
- Click here to view School Year Calendar – Option 4 (PDF)
- First Day of School: September 8, 2026
- Please take a few minutes to complete this short survey. The survey will remain open until February 9 at 12:00 p.m.
- Survey link: bit.ly/20262027SchoolYearCalendar (you can ask at the main office for a paper copy, if preferred)
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN:
- Kindergarten registration is now open! https://www.limestone.on.ca/kindergarten
- You can also ask at the office for a paper registration form :)
A NOTE FROM PUBLIC HEALTH:
THE IMPORTANCE OF ARRIVING ON TIME AND STAYING ALL DAY
- At JG Simcoe PS, we believe every student deserves the best chance to reach their full potential - and that starts with great attendance and being on time!
- Did you know that missing just 20 minutes of class a day adds up to 100 minutes a week, 400 minutes a month, and over 4000 minutes a year? That’s equal to 66 hours—or 11 full school days of lost learning time!
THIS THURSDAY'S MENU
SO THANKFUL TO PLAY! CHARITABLE GAMING ASSOCIATION!
- Did you know that our school benefits greatly from Play! Charitable Gaming Association? Through Kingston Play!, we can afford sporting and outdoor equipment, additional craft supplies and books, additional Lexia accounts, and more! We are SO THANKFUL to this community partner for supporting our Simcoe Stars in so, so many ways!
SMOKING AND VAPING
- Please do not smoke or vape on school property. You must be 20 metres away from school property. We have many staff and students with asthma, other respiratory disorders, and who are medically fragile. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe!
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND SEXUAL HEALTH
- As part of LDSB's commitment to ongoing transparency and communication with families, please follow the link to Form 325-D on the LDSB website. It outlines the Human Development and Sexual Health curriculum expectations for Grades 1-8.
- Families can request to have their child or children exempted from instruction related to Human Development and Sexual Health expectations by completing and returning an exemption form for each child (Form 325-B) five school days before the start of instruction.
- Prior to instruction, your child's classroom teacher will inform parents/guardians when the expectations related to the Human Development and Sexual Health expectations in Strand D will be covered.
INSURANCE
- The LDSB requires that students have student accident insurance in order to participate in extra-curricular activities. Before students will be allowed to participate in these events, parents/guardians must confirm their own coverage for items not covered under the Provincial Health Plan, or purchase an insurance plan (www.insuremykids.com).
INDIGENOUS SELF-IDENTIFICATION
- The Limestone District School Board (LDSB) invites students to voluntarily and confidentially self-identify as Indigenous. Elementary and secondary students with First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit ancestry can self-identify.
- School board self-identification is based on any degree of Indigenous ancestry (Status, Non-Status, Métis citizenship, etc.). Self-identification can be withdrawn at any time. LDSB, in accordance with the Ministry of Education, Ontario, does not require proof of identity to self-identify.
- https://www.limestone.on.ca/indigenous-self-identification
ALLERGEN AND SCENT AWARENESS
- Thank you for packing nut-free snacks! Please communicate with teachers before sending any treats in for your student's class.
- We have some staff and students alike who get migraines triggered by strong scents. Please avoid wearing perfume and cologne and using strong scented laundry detergent. Thank you!
LICE CHECKS
- Head lice are common among school-aged children, and early detection and treatment help prevent them from spreading to others. Regularly checking your child’s hair and treating right away avoids unnecessary discomfort.
- By working together as a school community, we can keep everyone healthy and comfortable. Please reach out to the school if you have any questions or need assistance
INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY EVENTS
- Akwe:kon is for Indigenous youth aged 7-12 and provides a space where our youth can feel safe to be themselves and accepted for the wonderful little humans they are. Join us! Questions? Contact Lynda at susan.peters@kncln.ca. | 1(613) 544-306
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
