Dear AVPS Families,
Today, we bid farewell to Ms. Barb Rolfe, our amazing Office Administrator. Ms. Rolfe has managed the AVPS office for over nine years! A HUGE thank you to Ms. Rolfe for her incredible support, dedication, and hard work supporting Gators both big and small, staff and families, and the AVPS community. We wish you all the best in your new role and know just how fortunate that school is to have you walk through the doors.
Merci & thank you! Once a Gator, always a Gator, chomp chomp!
November is a special month for reflection, gratitude, and learning. As we approach Remembrance Day and Indigenous Veterans Day, we take time to pause and remember the courage, sacrifices, and strength of those who gave so much for our freedom. It’s a time to think deeply about everything we have — our safety, our environment, our community, and the kindness we share with one another.
We will plan two assemblies on November 11. Please see the details below.
This month is also Indigenous Education Month, a time to celebrate and learn from the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples. Together, we can continue to build understanding, respect, and gratitude as we shine more light and positivity in our school and community.
🧦 Socktober Success!
As Socktober wraps up, we’re proud to share that—thanks to your generosity and the incredible efforts of our AVPS staff and students—we’ll be donating a whopping 1093 pairs of socks to those in need within our community. WOW!!
Thank you, Gators, for making a difference!
📚 Learning in Action
Our students are digging into their learning, showing perseverance, and reminding us daily that we can do hard things together! Let’s continue to support one another, stay curious, and spread kindness wherever we go. Teachers have been preparing progress reports, which will come home to families on November 13.
💻 Tech Time with Ms. O’Rourke’s Class
This week, Ms. O’Rourke’s class had an exciting hands-on learning experience in the tech classroom with Mr. Cardy. Activities like these spark curiosity, build collaboration and problem-solving skills, and connect learning across subjects like math and technology. See the photos below!
❤️ Remembrance Day
We will plan to host two in person assemblies this year, families are welcome to join their child’s assembly.
The first assembly will be for K to 2 in the gym. The assembly will start at 9:30 a.m. Classes may choose to lay a wreath in the front hall or at the Cenotaph in the park across the street.
The second assembly will be for 3 to 8 in the gym. The assembly will start at 10:50 a.m. for approximately 45 minutes.
Students who are involved in Brownies, Guides, Pathfinders, Scouts and Cadets are welcome to wear their uniforms. A special welcome to our military families.
To accommodate the schedule change for our assemblies, nutrition break and recess for the whole school will be shifted to start at 10:00 am to 10:40 am.
🧥 Weather-Ready Reminder
Thank you for sending clearly labeled, weather-appropriate clothing (including extra items) with your children. Being prepared helps students stay comfortable, focused, and ready for learning and play throughout the day.
You can support our school by ordering through Oliver’s Labels—a fundraiser organized by AVPS School Council. Keep track of your child’s belongings and help our school community at the same time!
Resources that support foundational literacy and math skills at home can be found through the links below!
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
See Yourself in Limestone – Student Census Survey
The upcoming See Yourself in Limestone Student Census. The census is a voluntary and confidential survey for students in Grades 4 to 12. Please note, there was one error in the message shared with you regarding the dates of the Student Census. The correct dates are November 24 to 28, 2025.
As a reminder, families who do not want their student(s) to complete the survey must contact their school Principal by Friday, November 14, 2025. Opting out means the student will not receive the survey in their e-mail inbox.
By better understanding students’ identities and experiences, we can remove barriers and better support students in accessing what they need to succeed.
Learn more about the Student Census and how it supports equity in Limestone: limestone.on.ca/student_census
You’re Invited: Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fair Open House
Limestone families – explore student opportunities in the skilled trades!
Join us for the Level Up! Open House and:
Get up close: Watch skilled trades professionals in action during live demonstrations and explore using tools and machinery.
Meet the experts: Chat one-on-one with employers, apprentices, tradespeople, and instructors who share real-world insights and personal journeys in the skilled trades.
Plan student pathways: Explore apprenticeship pathways with expert guidance and resources provided by Skilled Trades Ontario.
When: December 2, 2025, 3:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Where: Kingston, Slush Puppie Place, 1 The Tragically Hip Way, Kingston
Who: All Limestone families welcome
Cost: Free! No registration needed
About Level Up!
Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fairs are a series of dynamic, multi-day events that connect you with Ontario’s top skilled trades professionals from industry organizations, post-secondary institutions, businesses, associations and more.
Visit a skilled trades career fair near you and explore Ontario’s 140+ skilled trades through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, while hearing directly from tradespeople and local employers about rewarding, life-changing career paths.
To learn more, visit levelupontario.ca/open-house.
Looking for Gator Spirit Wear? Visit the AVPS E-Store
Visit the AVPS e-Store to view and order Gator Gear!
AVPS Lost & Found – Are you missing things?
AVPS School Advisory Council 2025-2026
📅 Next SAC Meeting
Our next School Advisory Council (SAC) meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 20th 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.
- Chair: Danielle Preston
- Vice Chair/Co-Chair: Karlee Peterson
- Treasurer: Amanda Arbuckle
- Secretary: Lyndsay Johnson
- Divisional Reps: Kindergarten – Kaileigh Babcock, Primary – Britta Flood
- Junior/Intermediate - Gelareh Monajemi
- Member at Large: Lisa Cassidy, Marsha Snyder, Matt St. Jean
- Fundraising Coordinator: Carrie Finn
- Volunteer/Hot Lunch Coordinator: Courtney Saccary, Karlee Peterson
- Event Coordinator: Erin Blanchard
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!
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!
🌲 Upcoming Fundraiser: CC Farms
Details available on School Day about our next fundraiser with CC Farms! You’ll be able to order winter planters and wreaths perfect for gifting or decorating at home.
Orders Due: November 13th
Pick up Date: December 2nd 3:30pm to 5:30pm
🍕🥪 Hot Lunch is Back!
We’re so excited to launch our Hot Lunch Program this year! Families can now enjoy two lunch days each week Wednesdays with Boston Pizza and Fridays with Subway.
Orders are placed through Lunch Box, with a helpful guide available to walk you through the process. You can order one week at a time or for multiple weeks in advance just be sure to place your order by Sunday for the upcoming week.
Our first lunch delivery dates will be November 5th and November 7th
https://schoolcashonline.com/
Check your inbox as an email was sent to all families with a How To Guide for Registering and Ordering.
Reach out to avpssac@outlook.com if you are having issues or have any questions.
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.
💬 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
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook ! Amherstview Public School Advisory Council https://www.facebook.com/AVPSAC
Coming Up This Week
Day
| What's happening at AVPS
|
Monday, November 10 |
Origami Club |
Tuesday, November 11
| Remembrance Day – More assembly information above, times listed here: 9:30 am – K-2, 10:50 am – Grades 3-8
|
Wednesday, November 12
| Hot Lunch Photo Retake Day |
Thursday, November 13
| Spirit Day – Character Day (Book or Movie), Music Club Grade 3 Progress Reports go Home CC Farms Orders Due |
Friday, November 14
| PA Day – No School for Students Final day to opt out of Student Census Please E-mail: amstv@limestone.on.ca |
Upcoming Dates
November 2025
- 8 - National Indigenous Veterans Day
- 17 to 21 Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week
- 20 - School Advisory Council Meeting 6-7 pm
- 21 Pink Shirt Day
December 2025
- 2 - CC Farms Fundraiser Pick Up 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
- 18 - School Advisory Council Meeting 6-7 pm
- 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
Upcoming November 14 PA Day
Sign up today for our FREE Girls Inc. PA Day Camp on November 14, 2025 for girls+ in grades 1 to 3!
Click HERE for more register. Please share the attached flyer with anyone who might be interested.
If you have any questions or need help with registration, contact Quinlan Smith at quinlansmith@girlinclimestone.ca.
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.
Student Achievement Plan – Opportunity to Provide Feedback
- An update on Limestone’s Student Achievement Plan is included in the most recent Board Meeting package (pages 37 through 39). This update is interim because we are still awaiting the release of 2024-2025 EQAO data and other provincial data. The plan outlines how the Board is working to support student success in three key areas:
Achievement in Core Academic Skills (literacy and numeracy) - Preparation for Future Success (graduation rates, career pathways)
- Student Engagement and Well-Being
Families are encouraged to review the update included in the October Board Meeting package and learn more about how Limestone is tracking progress and creating opportunities for all students. Once we have EQAO and other provincial data, another update will be shared.
As of today (October 30, 2025), we have still not received EQAO and other provincial data for the 2024-2025 school year. As a result, based on the Limestone District School Board Strategic Plan we have provided an interim report on our continued work to support improved student learning and well-being.
Question for Families:
What feedback, if any, do you have regarding the Board's goals and high impact strategies focused on improving student learning and well-being? Share your feedback with Limestone online here.
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.
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.
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
Bringing Outside Food into Classrooms
Due to the presence of various allergies within our school, it is essential to inform your child’s educator in advance if you are wanting to bring food to share in your child's classroom for reasons of celebration.
Please connect with your child's educators well ahead of time to arrange the timing. Only store-bought, prepackaged food items with clearly labeled ingredient lists are permitted.
Please provide the ingredient list to your child's educator at least two days in advance so they can communicate with families so they can decide whether their child can participate. Thank you for your cooperation.
