DEAR SIMCOE STAR FAMILIES,
We are ushering in our fourth week of school and with it comes the arrival of autumn. We are excitedly getting the most from the season by embracing outside time – some student led sports’ days, outdoor smudging opportunities, an upcoming trip to Gould Lake, and more. Check out our newsletter for information about upcoming events.
**TOMORROW** - THE SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL (SAC) NEEDS YOU!
· Our first SAC meeting of the 2025-2026 school year and SAC elections will take place on Monday, September 22nd, 2025, at 4:00pm. All are welcome!
· Positions for election/nomination are:
o Chair/Co-chair
o Vice Chair
o Treasurer
o Secretary
o Fundraising Coordinator
o Indigenous Representative
o Divisional Representatives
· Nominations (for others and self) are due by 12:00 noon on Monday, September 22nd. Email jgsim@limestone.on.ca with any questions
**THIS WEEK** - TERRY FOX RUN
· Our Terry Fox Run is on Thursday, September 25th at 2:00pm
· You can donate heort ongoing research: https://schools.terryfox.ca/110753
· Students should wear a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable running shoes
FREE LUNCH!
· You can sign your student up for FREE lunch every Thursday thanks to the Food Sharing Project. Lunch comes with a main, milk, and fruit of some sort.
· You can sign up here (https://foodsharingproject.store/) and paper sign up sheets were sent home, as well.
· If you signed up by the 19th, your student would get food on the 29th. If you signed up after that, they will get lunch the first Thursday in October.
DATA VERIFICATION FORMS – PLEASE RETURN ASAP
· Data verification forms have been sent home. Please update phone numbers, email addresses, addresses, and those contacts who have permission to pick up your student from school, as needed. Please have your student return the form to their teacher. Thank you! **If you didn’t receive a form, please let us know.
STUDENT LED ACTIVITY DAYS
· Our older students are embracing their roles as leaders in our school! Grade 7 and 8 students will be leading Grade 3 and 4 students in outdoor activities during the afternoon on Tuesday, September 23rd. It promises to be a lot of fun!
· There is one water station, so students are encouraged to bring a towel and change of clothes. Please label items accordingly.
· Grade 5 and 6 students will be leading Grade 1 and 2 students in fun activities at a later date. Stay tuned!
SMOKING AND VAPING
· Please do not smoke or vape on school property. You must be 20 metres away from the school. 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 or embarrassment. 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
THIS WEEK
· Monday, September 22nd (Day 4)
- Soccer at Morning Recess
- Spirit Day! Wear blue, yellow, or any JG Simcoe PS gear
- You can buy Simcoe swag here: https://specialtytrophies.ca/4g/JGSIMCOESTORE/
- Girls Inc. after school
- School Advisory Council Meeting and Elections at 4:00pm
· Tuesday, September 23rd (Day 5)
- YMCA group after school for Grade ¾ students
· Wednesday, September 24th (Day 1)
- Soccer at Morning Recess
- Grade 7 Off-Property Day
- Girls Inc. after school
· Thursday, September 25th (Day 2)
- Choir at second recess
- Grade 8 Off-Property Day
- Girls Inc. after school
- Terry Fox Run at 2:00pm
· Friday, September 26th (Day 3)
- Dance Club at second recess
UPCOMING DATES OF SIGNIFICANCE
· September 29th:
o Bus Safety Presentations
· September 30th:
o Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
· October 16th and 17th:
o KFL&A Public Health Dental Screenings for JK, SK, Grades 1, 2, 4, 7
· October 27th:
o Picture Day
· November 10th:
o Grade 7 Immunizations
· December 2nd:
o Picture Retake Day and Class Photos
· March 2nd: Grade 8 Graduation Picture Day
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
