Dear AVPS Families, 💚💛
Gator Tracks Family News October 12-16, 2026
As we head into Thanksgiving weekend, we want to take a moment to share how grateful we are for our incredible Gator community! The strong connections between home and school make such a difference in supporting our students and helping them learn, grow, and thrive. Thank you to our families, staff, and students for all you do to make Gator Town such a great place to be. Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!
Fall is such a beautiful time of year, and we hope this long weekend gives everyone a chance to pause, spend time with family and friends, get outside and be present in the beauty that is fall. After a busy start-up, sometimes the best thing we can do is slow down, take a breath and enjoy the people around us.
A special thank you to our coaches, club leaders and staff who give their time and energy to create these opportunities for our students.
📋 IEPs: Individual Education Plans will be sent home with families of students who have IEPs on October 15. Please take some time to review the plan and reach out to your child’s educator if you have questions.
Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome families to our Open House on Wednesday, October 21, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. This will be a great opportunity to meet your child’s educators, visit the school and get a glimpse into their learning environment.
📚 Scholastic Book Fair: The Book Fair will run October 21–23 and will be open for families to visit during Open House on October 21. Please see more information below.
We have also included information below about volunteering and the process for sharing police checks (CPIC).
From our Gator family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! 🐊
Go Gators!
Brigid Steele Principal, Christine Kennedy VP & the AVPS Gator Staff Team
*New Update Re: Sending Treats*
As we work to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all of our students, we are making an important change regarding food brought into the school.
Due to the high number of food allergies within our school community, we will no longer be permitting outside food to be brought into the school for student birthdays.
We know that sending a special treat to celebrate a child’s birthday is a thoughtful and meaningful tradition for many families. However, with the wide variety of food allergies and sensitivities in our school community, it can be very difficult to ensure that treats are safe for everyone. Even foods that appear to be allergy-friendly may contain allergens or have been prepared in environments where cross-contamination can occur.
Our goal is to ensure that every student can fully participate in classroom celebrations without feeling excluded or having their safety put at risk. This decision is about both safety and inclusion, and we appreciate your understanding and support.
There are many wonderful ways to celebrate birthdays and special occasions at school without food. Teachers can help students celebrate through classroom activities, birthday messages, special jobs, or other non-food celebrations.
School-organized cooking activities and cultural celebrations involving food may still take place. These will be carefully planned and managed by school staff, with ingredients and preparation considered in advance to address students’ needs.
Our goal is for every student to participate in classroom celebrations safely and feel included. Thank you for your understanding and partnership in helping us care for our whole school community!
Thank you for helping us keep our school community safe, healthy, and inclusive for everyone.
📋 A Few Important Reminders
🏃🏾AVPS Cross-Country Running Team
The AVPS Cross-Country Running Team has been working hard at practices and students in Grades 3–8 are gearing up for the Regional Cross-Country Meet at Fort Henry on October 15, 2026. Go Gators!
Sincerely,
AVPS Cross-Country Running Coaches
Mme MacKenzie • Mme Leppik • Ms. Irwin • Mme Leeder
AVPS Scholastic Book Fair 📚
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to the AVPS Library on October 21st–23rd! Students will have the opportunity to browse, create wish lists, and purchase books throughout the fair, with families welcome to shop during our evening hours on October 21st & 22nd from 3:30–6:30 PM. Every purchase supports our school, so come find some great new books and help us make this year’s Book Fair a success!
Volunteers Needed - We’d love to offer two evening shopping opportunities for families this year, but we need more volunteers both during the school day and in the evenings to make that possible. If we don’t have enough volunteers, we will unfortunately need to offer just October 21st as an evening shopping time.
If you’re available to lend a hand, please contact Carrie Finn, our Book Fair Host, at avpsfundraisingco@gmail.com with your availability during the hours listed above. A valid CPIC is required to volunteer during the Book Fair.
Many thanks for helping us make this year’s Book Fair a success and for supporting our AVPS students!
Happy Reading!
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.
Free Community Event: An Evening with Barbara Coloroso – Monday, October 26, 2026
Join us on Monday, October 26, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Napanee District Secondary School (245 Belleville Road, Napanee) for an evening with best-selling author and parent educator Barbara Coloroso.
With humour, heart, and real-world wisdom, Barbara inspires parents, educators, and community members to raise resilient, empathetic children while building stronger relationships and connections.
Barbara is the author of the best-selling books Kids Are Worth It! and The Bully, the Bullied, and the Not-So-Innocent Bystander.
This free community event is open to all; however, online registration is required. Attendees are also invited to submit questions in advance through the registration form.
Coming up this week:
Date | What's happening at AVPS |
|---|---|
Monday, Oct. 12 | Thanksgiving Monday - No School |
Tuesday, Oct. 13 | |
Wednesday, Oct. 14 | |
Thursday, Oct. 15 | Cross Country Regional Race; IEPs come home |
Friday, Oct. 16 | AVPS colours Green & Gold or Gator gear! |
Upcoming Dates
October
12 - Thanksgiving Holiday - no school
15 -- Cross-country Regional Race
19 & 20 – Photo Day – Class & Individual
20 — Cross-country (District)
21 – Open House
21-23 – Scholastic Book Fair
26 — PA Day - no school for students
27 – School Council Meeting 6 PM Library
28 – Respect Recognition Assembly – 10:15 am Grades 4-8, 11:30 am Grades K-3 – All Gator families are welcome to join and families of students receiving recognition, will be contacted by their child’s teacher.
E-scooters are easy to find, but they aren't toys and aren't designed for kids. In Ontario, you must be at least 16 years old to ride wherever e-scooters are permitted.
In Kingston, e-scooters are not currently permitted. The City is developing a Micromobility Regulations Strategy — with updated rules around e-scooters, e-bikes and other lightweight, rideable transportation — to support safe, accessible and sustainable travel around Kingston. The strategy, which considers public engagement feedback and research into best practices, will be presented to Council for consideration later this year.
Find out more at Micromobility Regulations | Get Involved Kingston by Communications & Public Engagement.
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.
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.
👥 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!
📅 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!