May 4 to 8, 2026
AVPS Families, 🐊
It’s been an action-packed and exciting week here at AVPS! 💚🐊 💛
A big Gator chomp goes out to Grade 3 and 4 students who participated in the AVPS Track and Field Day—your energy, teamwork, and determination made us proud! A huge thank-you to staff for working to create a positive team environment and for your support of students. 🏃♂️🏃♀️
We also want to celebrate all of the Gators who competed in the Bay Ridge Road Race—what an incredible effort! 🎉 A heartfelt thank you goes to Mme. Mackenzie, Mme. Bigelow, Mme. Leppik and Mme. Lecompte for their dedication, encouragement, and hard work in support of the AVPS running team and making these opportunities possible for our students. AVPS Track and Field Day Grades 5–8 Bantam/Senior will take place on May 4th.
Our Heritage Fair was a huge success! A big Gator chomp to the students and Mme. Putos, M. Saunders and Mlle. Scott staff for their hard work, creativity, and outstanding presentations. The variety of topics and depth of learning on display were truly impressive.
Spirit Day – May 8
Mlle. Honcoop’s grade 2/3 class gathered the most points from the recent student council organized spirit week and have chosen ‘celebrity day’ as the next theme for our spirit day on May 8. Bring your spirit Gators! Dress up as your favorite celebrity!
If you to would like to provide any information related to class placement for the 2026-2027 school year, please see further information below. All written requests must be received no later than May 11th. Emails can be sent to amstv@limestone.on.ca
🔔 So Much More Ahead!
Please take some time to carefully read through this newsletter, as it is filled with important updates and information about upcoming events, including:
Discover Kindergarten 🧸
· Family Roots Evening 🌍
· Scholastic Book Fair 📖
· Track and Field Days 🏅
· Basketball Tournaments 🏀
…and so much more!
As we head into Mental Health Awareness Week, we encourage families to review the resources shared below and continue supporting one another with care and connection. Counselling support is available at the school. Please reach out to amstv@limestone.on.ca if you feel your child is in need. 💚💛
Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support and partnership—it makes our Gator community stronger every day! 🐊💛
Brigid Steele (P), Drew Boyce (VP) & The AVPS Gator Staff Team
Family Engagement and Climate Survey NOW OPEN!!
The Limestone District School Board’s Family Engagement and Climate Survey is now live and we invite families to share their experiences with their student’s school and with the school board.
Your feedback helps Limestone understand what is working well and where we can improve, and supports welcoming, safe, and supportive school communities.
The survey is open from April 30 to May 11 and is available online. Paper copies are also available at your school’s administrative office.
Access the Family Engagement and Climate Survey online.
Participation is voluntary and anonymous. You may skip any questions you choose, and no identifying information is collected.
Thank you for sharing your voice and helping strengthen Limestone schools and school communities.
Jump Rope for Heart
On Monday May 4th AVPS will kick off Jump Rope for Heart. Please see the postcard that was sent home with your child today for more details.
This event teaches our students the importance of giving back and encourages them to learn the EASY healthy habits, so they understand the importance of staying active, eating well and taking care of their heart and brain health.
The funds our school raises will help support important heart and brain research funded by Heart & Stroke. If you wish to donate please follow the link Amherstview Public School - Amherstview | Heart & Stroke Jump Rope for Heart to help AVPS reach our goal!
Mlle. Jaynes F1 class – plant inquiry success!
Excitement is growing, and students and staff are working hard preparing for the upcoming Fossils play planned for May 20 & 21st! More information will be shared with families as we get closer to the date.
Mental Health Week - Canadian Mental Health Association
This year’s national theme being “Come together, Canada – Stronger Connections. Better Mental Health.”
This theme highlights the importance of meaningful social connection as a protective factor for mental well‑being. Research consistently shows that fostering a sense of belonging can enhance resilience, reduce stress, and support overall health across all age groups.
Throughout the week, our school will be engaging students in activities that promote inclusion, positive relationships, and supportive school environments. These daily initiatives are designed to strengthen classroom and schoolwide connections, encourage empathy and kindness, and reinforce that every member of our community is valued.
We invite families to join us in recognizing Mental Health Week by taking moments at home to connect, whether through conversation, shared activities, or simply checking in with one another. Together, we can help create a community where all students feel safe, supported, and connected.
Here are some related resources from School Mental Health Ontario that you may find useful:
- https://smho-smso.ca/parents-and-caregivers/
- https://smho-smso.ca/online-resources/info-sheet-helping-your-child-manage-digital-technology/
- https://smho-smso.ca/online-resources/easy-and-fun-mental-health-activities-for-home/
Class Requests – 2026/2027
We are beginning to organize for the upcoming school year. This includes staffing, timetables and new registrations. Our planning also addresses next year’s class placements for students.
The creation of classes is a complex task that takes into account many factors. When determining placements for next year we consider learning and academic needs, behavioural and social needs, gender balance and class size. Our ultimate goal is to create balanced classrooms that maximize the potential for student learning.
We recognize that, in a few individual cases, there may be important reasons why a specific placement is requested. In these cases, please submit a written or emailed request directly to our office indicating the reasons for your request. The request should identify the optimal conditions for your child’s success but should not indicate a specific teacher request. We will do our best to accommodate your child’s needs but cannot guarantee specific placements. All written requests must be received no later than May 11th.
Emails can be sent to amstv@limestone.on.ca
AVPS Discover Kindergarten Event – Wednesday, May 27
More information to come!
Registration 2026-2027
Our Intention: To make a positive difference in the lives of every student, in every classroom, in every school.
Check out the opportunities for Gators below!!
A BIG Gator Thank-you & Merci for AVPS Staff for your hard work and time to bring these great opportunities to students! All information below is shared with student daily during announcements.
AVPS Track and Field Day Grades 5–8
Bantam/Senior will take place on May 4th
Students will spend the first two blocks of the day competing in events such as the 100m, 200m, and 400m sprints, as well as long jump and triple jump. All events will take place on the school yard during the school day.
Results will be recorded and used to help select the AVPS Track and Field Team, which will compete at the Invista Centre in early June.
Please ensure your child is prepared by wearing comfortable clothing and outdoor running shoes. Bringing sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle is also recommended.
AVPS Track and Field Coaches
The AVPS Spring Running Club is in full swing. Thank you for reminding your athlete to bring their outdoor running shoes on practice days (Mondays and Wednesdays), regardless of what the weather is like in the morning. Often, the rain clears up by practice time and students must be wearing outdoor running shoes to participate in running practice.
Inclement Weather
In the event of inclement weather during practice time (pouring rain or thunder/lightning), we will not run outside. The grade 5-8 after school practice will continue indoors for those who need to wait for pickup at 4:00. In this case, we will move the pickup location to the front doors of the school. Please meet your athlete there at 4:00 to be signed out by a coach.
Road Races
For those students who consistently come to running practice, there is an opportunity to participate in local road races. Please check SchoolDay for information and a permission form for the upcoming Bayridge Road Race which will take place on Tuesday, April 28th, 2026.
We are also planning on attending the Napanee Hawk Run on Tuesday, May 12th, 2026. More information about this race will be on SchoolDay in the coming weeks.
Thank you,
Mme Bigelow, Mme MacKenzie, Mme Leppik and Mme Lecompte
Coming Up This Week
Day | What's happening at AVPS |
Monday, May 4 | · AVPS Track & Field Day Grades 5-8 · May 4-10 Mental Health Week |
Tuesday, May 5 | · Tallack's Martial Arts Group |
Wednesday, May 6 | · Hot Lunch |
Thursday, May 7 | · Music Club Grade 3 |
Friday, May 8 | · Spirit Day – Celebrity Day – dress like your favorite celebrity! |
Upcoming Dates
May 2026
· 14 – Scholastic Book Fair & AVPS Showcase Your Roots Family Event Evening – more information to come!
· 18 - Victoria Day Holiday
· 20 – Fossils Play
· 21 - Fossils Play
· 29 - PA Day No School for Students
June 2026
· 8 – Gator Fest 4-6 pm! More information to come!
· 17 – Tentative Grade 8 Graduation *NEW guidelines for all graduations (includes grade 6 farewell celebration – outside of school hours) We will share more information about these celebrations as we get closer to the date.
· 18 – Tentative Gr. 6 FI Farewell Celebration
· 24 – Term 2 Report Cards come home
· 25 – Last day of school for students
· 26 – PA Day
Dates of Significance
The Words Matter Campaign aims to reduce the incidence and impact of harmful and discriminatory language within our school community. 💚💛
🐊 This whole-school initiative includes activities engaging staff, students, and parents/caregivers.
As we know, it takes a team to make an impact. We are committed to providing students, educators, and families with the resources and support needed to maximize the impact of this work through Words Matter and the LDSB Equity Team.
The pocket guide for addressing harmful language below is being used at AVPS. We are sharing with families as a resource to support conversations at home.
TVO Kids It's My Party!
40 Books by Black Canadian Authors - CBC
Books by Black Canadian Authors
Looking for Gator Spirit Wear? Visit the AVPS E-Store
https://specialtytrophies.ca/amherstviewpublicschool/
AVPS Dominos Pizza Fundraiser
The Dominos Pizza fundraiser for AVPS is back!
Grab dinner for your family and support AVPS through this great fundraiser brought to you from the amazing School Advisory Council (SAC) at AVPS and Dominos Pizza!
Next Date May 20
Our Lost & Found is quickly filling up! 🧤👕🧢
If your child is missing any items, please encourage them to check the Lost & Found area as soon as possible. Families are also welcome to stop by and take a look.
AVPS School Advisory Council 2025-2026
📅 Next SAC Meeting
· Our next School Advisory Council meeting (SAC) will be held on April 22, 2026.
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!
🎨 Paint Night Fundraiser – Don’t Miss Out!
Join us for a fun and creative evening in support of our school! Paint Night is the perfect way to relax, connect, and create something beautiful.
Spots are limited, so be sure to register soon to secure your place! All proceeds go toward supporting school initiatives and activities for our students.
We can’t wait to see you there! 🖌️✨
🤝 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.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf5jeQ9p9T9N02tra3l9xL_80wMRrXCCxXC8CyPoS6YPtKwBQ/viewform
💬 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!
🍕🥪 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
Student Supports 💚💛
We encourage families to keep lines of communication open at home, to invite questions, and to share reassurance as needed. If you have concerns about your student or would like support, please refer to the following resources:
· Supporting Your Child’s Well-being
· Caring for yourself while caring for others: A parent’s guide to self-care
· By Your Side (parent/caregiver resources to support mental health learning)
· Kids Help Phone (Call 1-800-668-6868 or Text “Connect” to 686868)
If you are worried about your student’s immediate safety, or the safety of others, please seek urgent assistance by calling 9-1-1, your local mobile crisis service (613-354-7388), or by going to the nearest emergency department.
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.
Resources from Public Health
Centre for Healthy Screen Use at the Canadian Paediatric Society.
Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt, Canada Research Chair in Youth Mental Health and Violence Prevention. You can access the podcast on the main page of the website: Healthy Teens Podcast: new episode on the impacts of cyberbullying.
This 30-minute podcast covers more than cyberbullying, speaks to the power of bystanders, and offers advice to families who learn that their student is being bullied or is bullying.
Additional Resources
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.
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!
