Dear AVPS Families, 💚💛
October, here we come!🐊🍂
As we continue moving further into the fall season, our school is buzzing with learning, friendship, and school spirit. Students are settling into routines, building confidence, and demonstrating what it means to be part of the Amherstview Public School community. Thank you to our staff and families for working together to support a successful and positive start to the year.
As the weather begins to change, please remember to send students dressed for the conditions each day. Outdoor learning, recesses, and fresh air remain important parts of the school day, and appropriate clothing helps everyone stay comfortable and ready to learn.
In classrooms, staff are focusing on establishing strong literacy and math routines while building the foundational skills that students need for success. These early weeks are all about creating positive habits, strengthening learning skills, and helping every student become the best learner they can be.
A special shout-out goes to our AVPS Gator athletes who participated in soccer tournaments this week and for those getting ready for the cross-country race in a couple of weeks. We are proud of the dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship our students demonstrate. Thank you to our soccer coaches Mme. Lemoine, Mme. Honcoop, and M Greenly, and cross-country coaches Mme. Mackenzie, Ms Irwin, Mme Leeder and Mme. Leppik for generously sharing their time and talents, and to families for supporting practices, games, and competitions.
Most importantly, let's continue to be the caring and supportive Gator community we are known for. Be kind. Treat others with respect. Help one another. Every day is an opportunity to be your best self and make a positive difference for someone else.
Please join us for our fall Open House on Wednesday October 21, beginning at 4:30 pm. You will have an opportunity to see your child’s class, meet your child’s teacher, and visit the Scholastic Book Fair which will run from October 21-23.
We have included information about volunteering below and the process for sharing police checks (CPIC).
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We look forward to all the exciting learning and activities that the fall season will bring.
Go Gators! 🐊💚💛
Here’s to another great week, Gators! Chomp Chomp! 🐊💚💛
Brigid Steele Principal, Christine Kennedy VP & the AVPS Gator Staff Team
📋 A Few Important Reminders
🏃🏾AVPS Cross-Country Running Team
The AVPS Cross-Country Running Team has been working hard at practices over the past couple of weeks! Students in Grades 3–8 were invited to try out, with practices taking place during break times for Grades 3–4 and after school for Grades 5–8.
We are now gearing up for the Regional Cross-Country Meet at Fort Henry on October 15, 2026. Students who have regularly attended practices and try-outs, returned their orange Permission to Participate in Extracurricular Activities form, and demonstrated that they can run the required distance (approximately 2 km) will be invited to participate through School-Day.
Please check School-Day for a permission form by Monday, September 28. Forms are due by Thursday, October 1. Unfortunately, we cannot accept forms after this date, as students must be registered with the event organizers. Changes to registration are not permitted after registration closes.
We’re looking forward to another awesome Cross-Country season! Please contact Mme MacKenzie with any questions.
Sincerely,
AVPS Cross-Country Running Coaches
Mme MacKenzie • Mme Leppik • Ms. Irwin • Mme Leeder
Terry Fox Walk/Run/Roll
In 1980, Terry Fox showed us that one person can make a difference if they try. Now, it's our turn to do our best to help those affected by cancer. On September 28 our school will participate in the annual Terry Fox Walk, Run, Roll. Together we can make a difference.
Learn more about Terry's amazing legacy at Terry Fox Run Info and donate to the AVPS challenge at Donate to AVPS Terry Fox Run. Thank you for your generous support!
Volunteering at Amherstview Public School
We love volunteers! If you intend to volunteer at our school this year, please ensure that your Vulnerable Sector Check was completed within 6 months of the date you start volunteering.
A new process in place in Limestone District School Board. If you are interested in volunteering, you will need the new LDSB school letter to attach to your application when you apply. Please reach out to your child's teacher every three years update CPIC and years in alternate years volunteers are asked to complete an offence declaration. AVPS to obtain the LDSB school letter.
Once you have your police record check back, you must submit it to Police Record Check Portal. Once it is submitted you will be able to volunteer all year.
We apologize and know it is time consuming but safety is our first priority. We hope to see you on school trips and in the building soon!
As always, thank you for your ongoing support, partnership, and trust. Schools are strongest when families and staff work together, and we're grateful to have such an engaged and caring community behind our Gators.
Here’s to another great week, Gators! Chomp Chomp! 🐊💚💛
Brigid Steele Principal, Christine Kennedy VP & the AVPS Gator Staff Team
Coming up this week:
Date | What's happening at AVPS |
|---|---|
Concussion Awareness Week | |
Monday, Sept. 28 | Terry Fox – AVPS Run, Walk, Roll Event |
Tuesday, Sept. 29 | Terry Fox – AVPS Run, Walk, Roll Event (Rain Date) |
Wednesday, Sept. 30 | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day |
Thursday, Oct. 1 | |
Friday, Oct. 2 | Bus Safety Presentations · AVPS colours Green & Gold or Gator gear! |
Upcoming Dates
October
8 -- Bus Patroller Training
15 -- Cross-country Regional Race
19 & 20 – Photo Day – Class & Individual
20 — Cross-country (District)
21 – Open House
21-23 – Scholastic Book Fair
Oct. 26 — PA Day
Safety Drills
Each fall and spring, LDSB schools are required to complete three practice fire drills along with other safety drills, including hold and secure and lockdown. We will begin practicing these drills in the coming weeks. Educators will prepare students in development mentally appropriate ways for these important drills. We practice these drills so that we can be prepared, if we need to use them.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day
Wednesday, September 30th, 2026, is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.
This day invites us to intentionally engage in learning about the Residential School System, and the true history of relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. It is a time to mourn the children who never returned home, and to honour the Survivors, their families, and their communities.
Concussion Awareness Week is coming up: September 27–October 3, 2026
Concussion is a serious public health issue affecting all Canadians. Early recognition of concussion, proper medical assessment, and appropriate management make a difference in recovery. But Canadians need simple, easy-to-follow steps on how to care for a concussion or where to find good information. Through efforts such as Concussion Awareness Week, we can provide this. The Concussion Awareness Week will share key messages with Canadians and help them access important resources. Rowan Stringer’s Story Rowan’s Law was named for Rowan Stringer, a high school rugby player from Ottawa, who died in the spring of 2013 from a condition known as second impact syndrome (swelling of the brain caused by a subsequent injury that occurred before a previous injury healed). Rowan is believed to have experienced three concussions over six days while playing rugby. She had a concussion but didn’t know her brain needed time to heal. Neither did her parents, teachers, or coaches. Rowan’s Law and Rowan’s Law Day were established to honour her memory and bring awareness to concussions and concussion safety.
Please see information about what to do should a child get a concussion.
· Concussion guide for Athletes
· Concussion guide for parents and caregivers
· Signs of a concussion poster
Human Development & Sexual Health Curriculum
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. For a more detailed overview of this process, please refer to Administrative Procedure 325: Exemption From Human Development and Sexual Health Instruction (listed under the Policies and Procedures section of the LDSB website), or contact the school.
Dates of Significance
The Limestone District School Board is dedicated to promoting human rights, equity, diversity, and inclusion for all staff and students. We celebrate the diversity of our community and recognize the importance of significant dates throughout the year, offering opportunities to learn about the religious, cultural, and awareness days observed within our district.
LDSB prioritizes dates that impact learning, ensuring these events and observances enhance students' educational experiences. By focusing on these dates, we aim to foster meaningful learning, reflection, and engagement, while integrating them into the curriculum. Learning resources are continually developed and made available to educators for classroom use The following dates highlight secular and creed-based observances and holidays, significant events and celebrations, public holidays, and other important dates. Please note that the list is not exhaustive and may be updated as needed. Please follow the link below to access dates of significance each month.
🤝 Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers play an important role in making our school a welcoming and vibrant community. If you’re interested in getting involved, please click the link below to learn more every bit of support makes a difference. There are different options for as little or as much as you would like !
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf5jeQ9p9T9N02tra3l9xL_80wMRrXCCxXC8CyPoS6YPtKwBQ/viewform
👥 School Advisory Council (SAC)
Our next School Advisory Council meeting will be held on:
Tuesday, October 27 in the library
As always, thank you for your ongoing support, partnership, and trust. Schools are strongest when families and staff work together, and we're grateful to have such an engaged and caring community behind our Gators.
School Council Update
Our School Advisory Council held its first meeting of the year September 23, including elections for the 2026–2027 School Council.
A big thank you to all of our 2025–2026 Council members for the time, energy and commitment they gave to supporting our students, families and school community throughout the past year. These are some of the many ways SAC helped support AVPS last year with your fundraising help!
We’re also excited to welcome this year’s incoming Council, including members stepping into new or old positions and leadership roles. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered their time and taken on a role this year. We’re looking forward to bringing new ideas, building on last year’s successes and continuing to support our AVPS community.
2026–2027 SAC
- Chair – Danielle Preston
- Secretary - Lyndsay Johnson
- Treasurer – Amanda Arbuckle
- Fundraising Coordinator – Carrie Finn
- Gator Fest Event Coordinator–Erin Blanchard
- Minor Events Coordinator– Britta Flood
- Hot Lunch and Volunteer Coordinator - Karlee Peterson
- Members at Large: Rodrigo Barillas, Kaileigh Babcock, Marsha Snyder, Ebony Walker, Cynthia Cotmen, Rebecca McEwen, Lisa Cassidy
Join Us at Our Next Meeting!
📅 Tuesday, October 27
⏰ 6:00–7:00 p.m.
📍 School Library or online
All families are welcome to attend. Come learn more about what’s happening, share ideas and find ways to get involved!
🍕 Hot Lunch Is Ready to Order!
We’re excited to kick off another year of Hot Lunch! Based on feedback from families last year, we’re happy to offer some new options while continuing to support local businesses.
Wednesdays – Papa’s Pizza 🍕
Fridays – Brynn’s Fresh Market 🥪
How to Order – Quick Steps
- Visit www.lunchboxorders.net
- Click “Create an Account” and follow the steps to register.
- Add your child(ren) to your profile. Be sure to select Amherstview as the city, then choose the school, teacher and grade.
- Click a blue calendar date to view available meals and place your order.
- Pay securely online using Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Debit Visa or prepaid card.
Thank you for supporting our Hot Lunch program and our local community. We’re looking forward to a delicious year ahead!
Interested in Volunteering? 🙋♀️🙋♂️
Our school community is stronger with the support of our amazing volunteers! Whether you can help regularly or just occasionally throughout the year, we’d love to have you involved.
Volunteer opportunities may include helping with Hot Lunch, special events, fundraisers, school activities and more.
Interested in lending a hand? Email us at avpssac@outlook.com to learn more or be added to our volunteer list.
Every little bit of help makes a difference!
For general inquiries, email us anytime at avpssac@outlook.com
Follow Us on Facebook
Amherstview Public School Advisory Council https://www.facebook.com/AVPSAC NEW!! Follow Us on Instagram AVPSSAC
Prevalent Medical Conditions
To help us gather important medical information about your child, we ask that you select the correct Plan of Care form below, complete it and return it to the school as soon as possible. If you require us to administer daily medication, you will also need to complete the necessary paperwork for us to be able to do this.
Daily medication will need to be dropped off at school. Students cannot carry medications in their backpack, at any time. Please call the school to make arrangements for dropping off.
**Be sure to also include the supplementary forms if medication may need to be administered by school staff.
The health and safety of our students is our top priority. Thank you for helping us stay informed on your child's medical conditions and Plan of Care.
Supplemental Forms
Click below for necessary supplementary forms needed including:
· Form 314-A2 - Administration of Medication
· Form 314-A3 - Administration of Epi-Pen
· Form 314-B2 - Medical Procedure Form
New Requirements Regarding Cell Phones and Vaping
To promote healthy and welcoming school environments, please use the link provided to view the PPM128: The Provincial Code of Conduct.
More information is available on LDSB's website.
Late Arrival? Early Dismissal?
End of Day Dismissal Changes for Students
To help us manage the busy start and end of the school day, please let your child’s teacher know in advance about any changes to their regular routine by note or email.
For unexpected changes, please contact the office before 1:30 p.m. so we can ensure the information is shared with your child’s classroom.
Pick-Ups During Recess/Nutrition Breaks
If you are picking up your child during 10:45–11:25 a.m. or 1:05–1:45 p.m., please send a note or email to your child’s teacher in advance. This ensures your child knows to come to the office.
Please do not pick up your child directly from the yard. All student pick-ups must be coordinated through the office so attendance can be properly tracked.
Pick-Ups and Drop-Offs
Please buzz at the SIDE DOOR, which is currently our temporary front entrance for daytime pick-ups and drop-offs. It is located on the left-hand side of the school when facing the building from Fairfield Boulevard.
Reporting A Student Absence 
Reporting your child’s absence through School Messenger is an essential part of our daily attendance process and helps us ensure the safety and well-being of all 370 students. Whether your child is away due to illness, a family commitment, or participating in a school activity such as a sports tournament, it’s important that their absence is recorded. For students attending school-sponsored events, coaches or supervising teachers will update attendance records so these absences do not count against them. However, we still ask families to report these absences through School Messenger to help us maintain accurate records and confirm each student’s whereabouts. Your cooperation supports a safe and organized school environment.
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.
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.
Reporting late arrivals
Parents/caregivers are instructed to report late arrivals using the new Late Arrival option, including the expected arrival time to school. When a student arrives, they are expected to sign in at office and staff make the amendment in our student information system. When a student leaves early, again they are expected to sign out (with parental permission) and again the amendment is made in our system. This method allows us to best track student attendance to ensure safety.
The SafeArrival system makes it easier for you to report your student’s absence, reduces the time it takes for our school staff to verify student attendance, and responds to unexpected or unplanned student absences. This time savings makes it faster and more efficient to account for all students and their safety.
Parking for Families and Visitors and Pick Up for Walkers
· When the bell rings at 3:25 p.m., walkers will be dismissed from the meeting class meet up spot and staff will release students to parents/guardians as they see them. Please ensure your child makes eye contact with or waves to their educator before leaving.
Human Rights Reporting Tool
Harassment, discrimination, and hate have no place in Limestone schools. As a school board, we are committed to providing all students, staff, and families with a positive school community environment.
As a reminder, the LDSB has the Student Human Rights Incidents and Reporting Tool available to students and families to report any incidents or complaints.
Gator Gear
We are working with our provider to create a new design for our Gator Gear. Stay tuned!
Allergy Alert
We have several students with life-threatening allergies. A reminder that our school is nut aware: please ensure that your child's snacks and lunch do not contain any nut products. Classroom teachers will communicate any additional food allergies that families will need to be aware of. Thank you for your support in keeping all of our students safe!
Visitors
All visitors must buzz at the side entrance (Left hand side of the school when you are looking at the front of the building on Fairfield Boulevard) and sign in in the visitor book in the main office. You will receive a visitor tag. Please note all volunteers require a CPIC with vulnerable sector check.
Indigenous Self-Identification
Please see the link below for more information and to self-identify, if you wish: https://ldsb.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9U2iaUl9GIFILb0
Join Team Gator
Looking for Paid Yard Supervisors & Food Share Volunteers
We are looking for people to work as lunch and yard supervisors for 1 or 2 hours a day. Please call the school or e- mail amstv@limestone.on.ca
Criminal Police Background Check (CPIC) with vulnerable sector check required.
We are also looking for volunteers to assist with food preparation for our Food Share program. Please email the school if you are interested in helping out!
At Amherstview, We Care!