Dear AVPS Families, 💚💛
Happy Friday, Gator families! 🐊 What a week! We were so proud of our student council for leading a meaningful Remembrance Day assembly, and of all our Gators for their thoughtful reflection. 🌺
As the weather turns cooler, please send your child dressed for the weather, with warm layers, hats and mittens. We head outside for recess every day! 🧤❄️ Please be sure to read below about the upcoming rollout of our Words Matter Campaign.
Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week
November 16-20
Next week, students, staff, and families are encouraged to learn more about bullying and its impact on student learning and well-being. Please check out the LDSB resources shared below. On November 17, we invite everyone to wear pink to show we stand for kindness and inclusion.
🩷 November 17: Pink Shirt Day
🤝 November 15–21: Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week — continuing our conversations about kindness, inclusion, and respect.
Thank you, Gator families, for your continued partnership, generosity, and support. It takes all of us to make our school a great place to learn and grow, and we’re glad you’re part of the team!
Be kind. Be curious. Look out for one another.
Go Gators! 💚💛
Brigid Steele, Principal, Christine Kennedy, VP & the AVPS Gator Staff Team
Words Matter Campaign
Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and a sense of belonging at school. This year, AVPS is proud to participate in the Words Matter Campaign, a school-wide initiative that supports students, educators, and families in creating learning environments where everyone feels valued and included.
Language has the power to build connections, strengthen relationships, and foster belonging. It can also cause harm or reinforce stereotypes. Through the Words Matter Campaign, students will develop the knowledge and skills to recognize the impact of discriminatory language, communicate respectfully, and contribute to a positive and inclusive school community.
What is the Words Matter Campaign?
Words Matter is an educational initiative that provides age-appropriate learning opportunities for students and professional learning for educators to strengthen respectful communication and respond effectively when harmful or discriminatory language occurs. The campaign is grounded in the belief that mistakes can become meaningful learning opportunities when students are supported with empathy, accountability, and guidance.
Throughout the school year, students will participate in classroom learning and school-wide activities that encourage:
- Empathy and perspective-taking
- Understanding the impact of words
- Positive bystander skills and allyship
- Respectful communication
- Restorative conversations when harm occurs
How will the school respond to harmful language?
As part of this initiative, our school is committed to responding to harmful and discriminatory language in ways that prioritize student safety, learning, and accountability.
When incidents occur, school staff consider the individual circumstances and respond using a restorative approach that focuses on education, reflection, and support for those impacted and the person using the harmful language, and, where appropriate, progressive discipline. Our goal is not only to address the behaviour but also to help students understand its impact, repair harm, shift behaviours, and ultimately strengthen our school community.
Opportunities for families
Families play an essential role in helping children develop respectful communication skills. Throughout the campaign, we will share information and resources to support conversations at home and help reinforce the learning taking place at school.
As part of the Words Matter Campaign, parents and caregivers will also have the opportunity to participate in a Words Matter Parent & Caregiver Workshop, where you can learn more about the initiative, explore strategies for discussing respectful language at home, and ask questions.
Stay tuned for more information about a Workshop for caregivers. 💚💛
Additional resources and information will be shared throughout the year.
We are excited to begin this important work together and look forward to partnering with you throughout the year. Together, we can help create a school community where every student feels respected, valued, and that they belong.
Hot Lunch Reminder
We have noticed an increasing number of students coming down on hot lunch days expecting to receive lunch, but unfortunately, we do not have an order for them in our system.
We know how disappointing this can be for students, so we kindly ask families to double-check that their hot lunch orders have been successfully placed and confirmed.
If you believe you have placed an order but your child did not receive their lunch, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at avpssac@outlook.com We are always happy to look into it and help figure out what may have happened.
Thank you for your continued support in helping our hot lunch program run smoothly!
Toys vs. Tools
Gator Families, we need your help!
Please talk with your child about bringing only school-appropriate items each day. Toys and collectibles can distract from learning, lead to lost items and disagreements, and clutter desks, making thorough cleaning difficult. Please contact your child’s educator about any fidgets needed to support learning. Fidgets should support focus without distracting others. Thank you for your partnership!
Quiet, simple options to discuss include:
Soft stress balls
Therapy putty
Small tactile strips attached beneath the desk
Soft fabric hand loops
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.
Coming up this week:
Date | What's happening at AVPS |
|---|---|
Monday, Nov. 9 | |
Tuesday, Nov. 10 | |
Wednesday, Nov. 11 | Hot Lunch Remembrance Day Assemblies Kindergarten-Grade 2 – 9:45-10:15 Grades 3-8 – 10:30-11:10 |
Thursday, Nov. 12 | |
Friday, Nov. 13 | Hot Lunch Progress Reports (Grades 1-8) & Kindergarten Communication of Learning: Initial Observations come home |
Upcoming Dates
· November 2–8 – Treaties Recognition Week
· November 8 – Indigenous Veterans’ Day
· November 8 – 🪔 Diwali & Bandi Chhor Diwas
· November 11 – 🇨🇦 Remembrance Day
· November 13 – 📚 Progress Reports & Kindergarten Initial Observations Sent Home
· November 15–21 – Bullying Awareness & Prevention Week
· November 16 – Louis Riel Day
· November 17 – 💗 LDSB Pink Shirt Day
· November 20 – ⭐ P.A. Day – No School for Students
· November 20 – National Child Day
· November 24 – Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
· November 29 – Beginning of Advent
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.
SAC Upcoming Fundraiser
Save the date
On February 24, 2027 we will plan to host our second annual AVPS Showcase Your Roots event 4:30 – 6 pm
💚💛 At AVPS, we celebrate the many cultures, traditions and experiences that make our Gator community such a special place to learn and grow! 🐊
👥 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.
🤝 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
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!
📅 Wednesday, November 18
⏰ 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!