AVPS Families,
A Note From the School Team
Thank you for the fantastic Jingle Bell Walk today! Even on this chilly day, our Gators filled the neighbourhood with goodwill, laughter, and school spirit as we walked together as one community.
Our food drive donations are steadily growing, and we are grateful for your generosity. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to contribute, we will be collecting items until December 16. Please see the list of suggested items below. Every contribution makes a meaningful difference for families in need.
Thank you as well for your support with our ongoing safety concern regarding crossing the street near the bus lineup. It is essential that all students, families and staff use the crosswalk to help us maintain a safe arrival and dismissal for everyone. We appreciate your continued support.
A heartfelt thank-you goes out to Brookland Fine Homes and John Armitage for their generous donation to support families within our AVPS community. We know this time of year can be challenging, and if your family is in need, please reach out—we are here to help in any way we can.
This week, we had the joy of welcoming the ESS Secondary School Band. Their visit filled our school with music, singing, laughter, and dancing, adding to the sense of togetherness we value so deeply at AVPS.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to help all Gators—from JK to Grade 8—reach their full potential.
Families: We Need Your Help - Safety Concern
Please use the corner of Amherst Dr. & Fairfield Blvd. where the crossing guard is located. Please follow the directions of the crossing guard only to avoid any unnecessary safety issues. There is a second crossing guard at the front of AVPS helping students and families cross Fairfield Blvd. into the park across from the font doors of AVPS.
EQAO Results
The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) assessments are standardized test that measure students’ literacy and mathematic skills at key stages of their K-12 education in Ontario's publicly funded schools. More in information can be found at EQAO.
Below are the results from the primary and junior EQAO assessments for the 2024 2025 school year. A huge Gator chomp to students and staff for your hard work! Thank-you to families for your work at home that supports student learning.
We are so proud of the hard work in building essential foundational skills in the areas of reading, writing and mathematics.
Grade 3
Grade 6
Words Matter Campaign
Classrooms are digging into resources through the Words Matter Campaign through the Harmony Movement.
Working closely with our Equity Team, we are supporting students, staff, and families in addressing harmful language and creating respectful, inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive.
This learning will:
- empower students to respond confidently to discriminatory language,
- strengthen their voices, and
- Help our whole community build a culture where everyone feels valued and respected.
Together, we can address harm and rebuild a strong sense of belonging across our school.
Welcome to Winter Event
We can’t wait to welcome Gator families to our Welcome to Winter celebration!
Please see the Hold the Date notice below.
Bus Cancellation Days
On bus cancellation days, schools remain open unless you hear otherwise. If you drive your child to school on these days, please pick students up at their class lineup spot at 3:25 PM.
End-of-Day Pickups
Please avoid calling the office after 3:00 PM to arrange pick-ups. By this time, classes are packing up, transitioning outdoors, or already heading to the buses.
Weather-Ready Reminder
Thank you for sending your child with clearly labeled, weather-appropriate clothing—including extra items as needed. Being prepared helps students stay comfortable, focused, and ready for learning and play each day.
Resources that support foundational literacy and math skills at home can be found through the links below!
We appreciate every conversation and connection we share with our families. We love supporting all Gators—big and small—and truly value our partnership with families.
Please reach out to the school if you have any questions, we are here to support you!
Admin Team Brigid Steele P, Drew Boyce VP & the AVPS Gator Staff Team
St. Lawrence College: Seeking Participants for Skills Building Clinic
Looking for Gator Spirit Wear? Visit the AVPS E-Store
Visit the AVPS e-Store to view and order Gator Gear!
AVPS School Advisory Council 2025-2026
📅 Next SAC Meeting
Our next School Advisory Council (SAC) meeting will be held on Thursday, January 15 at 6:00 p.m.
Join us in the school library or online everyone is welcome!
All meetings will be in person at 6:00 pm in the AVPS library and online, through MS Teams.
Everyone who is part of our Gator family is welcome to attend any of our meetings this year. Childcare will be provided. We look forward to hearing your voice!
💬 Did You Know?
We have School Advisory Council Representatives for each division! If you have a question, concern, or aren’t sure who to ask, reach out to your division rep they’re here to help!
- Kindergarten: Kaileigh Babcock – kaileighbabcock@gmail.com
- Primary (Grades 1–3): Britta Flood – brittaflood@gmail.com
- Junior (Grades 4–8): Gelareh Monajemi – gelareh@goldtalentagency.com
For general inquiries, email us anytime at avpssac@outlook.com
Follow Us on Facebook
Amherstview Public School Advisory Council https://www.facebook.com/AVPSAC
Stay in the Loop!
Our SAC has created a handy calendar to make it easy to keep track of all school events, fundraisers, and important updates in one place. Check it regularly to stay up to date!
🎨 Sign Painting Fundraiser!
Join us for a fun evening of creativity at our Sign Painting Fundraiser on December 16 in the AVPS Library. All proceeds support school initiatives! Register by December 9 by visiting www.facebook.com/loghomecreation Spots are limited, so don’t miss out!
🍕🥪 Hot Lunch is Back!
Families can now enjoy two lunch days each week Wednesdays with Boston Pizza and Fridays with Subway.
Orders are placed through Lunch Box
How to Order - Quick Steps
1. Visit www.lunchboxorders.net
2. Click “Create an Account” follow the steps to register
3. Add your child(ren) to your profile, select city (Amherstview), including school, teacher, and grade (very important for correct delivery!).
4. Click a blue calendar date to view meal options and place orders
5. Pay securely online using: Visa / MasterCard / Discover / Debit Visa / Prepaid
Get Involved!
We’re always looking for volunteers to help make our school events a success! If you’re interested in lending a hand, please fill out our Google Form. It’s quick and easy to sign up and stay connected with upcoming opportunities.
Lost & Found – Please Take a Look!
Our Lost & Found is overflowing with water bottles, hoodies, jackets, and other items looking for their owners. Please remind your child to take a look, or stop by yourself to check the collection.
Coming Up This Week
Day | What's happening at AVPS |
Monday, December 8 | Origami Club Non-perishable food items for the Lions Club being collected from November 24th to December 16th |
Tuesday, December 9
| Music Club Grades 4 to 8 |
Wednesday, December 10
| Hot Lunch O’Rourke Trip |
Thursday, December 11
| Music Club Grade 3 Lemoine/Jaynes Trip |
Friday, December 12
| Putos Class Trips Today – Putos, Honcoop, Vander Baaren, McCrea Dance Club Hot Lunch |
Upcoming Dates
December 2025
- 16 – School Council Paint Night
- 18 - Welcome Winter Open House Time TBD
- 19 -Spirit Day - PJ Day
- December 22 - January 2 - Winter Break
January 2026
- 5 - First day of school 2026
- 30 - PA Day No School for Students
February 2026
- 13 - Term 1 Report Cards go Home
- 16 - Family Day Holiday
March 2026
- 16 to 20 - March Break
April 2026
- 3 - Holiday
- 6 - Holiday
- 17 - PA Day No School for Students
May 2026
- 18 - Victoria Day Holiday
- 29 - PA Day No School for Students
June 2026
- 18 – Tentative Grade 8 Graduation
- 19 – Tentative Gr. FI Farewell Celebration
Inclement Weather Season
As we approach the inclement weather months (roughly early November to early April), our transportation partner, Tri-Board Student Transportation Services (Tri-Board), works closely with their school bus companies to determine if it is safe to offer school transportation on inclement weather days. School buses function differently than other vehicles, and sometimes, although it is safe for the average family vehicle to travel, it is not safe for a school bus to be on the road. Due to the geographic size of our district, weather conditions can vary significantly from one region to another. As a result, there are times when transportation cancellations may only apply to specific areas experiencing adverse conditions, while other regions remain unaffected. Having to cancel school transportation is understandably disruptive to families, but Tri-Board always puts the safety of their 30,000-plus bus riders first and foremost in their decision-making. Learn more about how to help make the winter season and bus cancellation days easier for families to manage on our website.
Free Access to IDELLO for the French as a Second Language Community
We are excited to share that Télévision française de l’Ontario (TFO) is offering free access to IDELLO for families in the French as a Second Language (FSL) community!
IDELLO is a rich online platform that offers virtual training, events, and resources designed to support French-language learning for educators, parents, and students. It is a great way to explore engaging content and strengthen language skills at home.
In recognition of Truth and Reconciliation Day, IDELLO also features a special resource collection for Grades 5 to 12. These materials help students learn about the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada and encourage thoughtful reflection on building a better future.
To request free access, families can contact TFO directly at support@idello.org.
Do not miss this opportunity to bring meaningful French-language learning and cultural reflection into your home!
Ministry and Board Resources for Math and Literacy
There are many resources available designed to support your student’s learning in math and literacy, offering engaging activities that can make learning fun and effective for students and families. Visit Limestone’s Online Learning Resources and Tutoring webpage to learn more.
School Mental Health Ontario Resources
School Mental Health Ontario offers a variety of free resources for educators, students, and families. To stay updated with the latest information, resources, and research, families can visit the SMHO website. Simply scroll to the bottom of the page, click on "Connect with Us," and enter your contact information.
Progressive Discipline and Promoting Positive Student Behaviour - Administrative Procedure 353
Limestone District School Board is committed to building and sustaining a positive school climate that is safe, inclusive, and accepting for all students enrolled in the Board’s schools in order to support their education so that all students reach their full potential. It is important that all students have a safe, caring and accepting school environment in order to maximize their learning potential and to ensure a positive school climate for all members of the school community.
Progressive Discipline & Promoting Positive Student Behaviour