From the Timberwolves Den (January 25, 2026)

📝 Principal's Message

Our school continues to be a busy and vibrant place, with students engaged in learning both in and out of the classroom. Many students are taking part in clubs and extracurricular activities during recess and after school, giving them opportunities to explore interests, build skills, and connect with peers. Thank you to the staff who organize and support these activities.

Please note that the Bus Safety Presentations, originally scheduled for last week, have been rescheduled to February 9 due to the inclement weather day. We appreciate everyone’s flexibility and look forward to these important safety presentations.

Coming up this week at Truedell:

Tuesday, January 27th - Family Literacy Day

• Boys Basketball Game vs. Lancaster from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Truedell PS.
• Girls Basketball Game vs R.G. Sinclair from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at R.G. Sinclair PS.

Wednesday, January 28th:

• Boys Basketball Game vs. R.G. Sinclair PS from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at R.G. Sinclair PS.

Thursday, January 29th:

• Swim to Survive for Ms. Hendricks’ and Mrs. L. Hilton’s classes. In addition to Thursday January 29th, future Swim to Survive dates are February 5, and March 2. Swim to Survive will be postponed and rescheduled on inclement weather days.

Friday, January 30th:

• PA Day - No classes for students. Staff are preparing Term 1 report cards.

We wish all of our student athletes the best of luck in their games this week. Thank you to our coaches for their time, dedication, and commitment. Go Timberwolves!

On Tuesday, TPS will celebrate Family Literacy Day with a variety of activities that encourage students to enjoy reading throughout the school day. Students will have opportunities to read with guest readers, take part in special reading activities, and explore new books in fun and engaging ways. Be sure to check out the “Literacy in Limestone” poster below for tips on supporting oral language at home.

Please note that Friday, January 30 is a PA Day. There will be no school for students as staff will be working on Term 1 report cards, which will be sent home on February 13. For all key dates in Limestone, a PDF version of the 2025-2026 School Year Calendar is available online.

Please continue reading for important updates from our community partners and the Limestone District School Board. Below, you’ll find information about an upcoming PA Day vaccination clinic offered by Southeast Public Health, a Black History Month event, Grade 8 Open House dates, and details on Kindergarten registration with the Limestone District School Board.

As always, thank you to our families for your continued partnership and support. We look forward to another positive week of learning, growth, and connection at Truedell.

Wishing everyone a great week ahead and all the best for a successful Term 2!

Yours in Education,
David Allison
Principal

Kindergarten and Early Learning

Kindergarten is a wonderful new world of learning and growing. We learn how to read, how to write and we make so many new friends. Our educator teams help us along the way! You can feel confident your child will be cared for within safe and inclusive environments. 

For more information about what is required at time of registration, and to register a new student visit Register A Student. 

The Limestone District School Board is committed to your student’s development from Kindergarten to graduation. In Limestone Kindergarten classrooms, children are involved in many activities designed to help young learners explore, discover, play and grow. Kindergarten programs across Ontario offer a full day of learning for four and five year olds. We are unique in offering both English and French Immersion programs in both Year 1 (Junior) and Year 2 (Senior) Kindergarten.

Students may start school in September if they turn age four (Year 1 Kindergarten) or age five (Year 2 Kindergarten) by December 31 of that year. Those students who are already enrolled in Year 1 Kindergarten do not register again. We welcome new students looking to begin Year 1 or Year 2 to our schools year-round, but we encourage parents and guardians to pre-register children in February for the upcoming school year.     

Discover Kindergarten in Limestone and learn more about our Kindergarten program, resources, and tips to help your student prepare for Kindergarten. 

Grade 8 Snowball Dance at BSS!

Host an International Student – Be a Part of Kingston’s Global Community

Limestone is proud of our long tradition of hosting students from other countries.  The demand for Kingston, and Canada, as a learning destination is rapidly growing.  Students from over 15 different countries are here now staying with great homestay families in Limestone. Our International Education team is looking for more families to become homestay hosts to great international students.

We currently have 19 students on our waiting list that have applied to Limestone for 2026-2027 and need a home. They range from one semester to one year stays and are from Germany, Spain, Japan, Brazil, Slovakia, Czechia, Italy and Denmark.

Host families will be paid a tax-free monthly stipend to host students. All students in the program attend local intermediate or secondary schools and range in age from 12 to 17 years old. Our International Education team works hard to make a great match for your family, that can last a lifetime.

Families can learn more by visiting Limestone’s International Education website or phoning the International Education offices at 613-544-7745 ext. 288.

Vaccine Clinic - PA Day (January 30th)

Southeast Public Health has asked us to share information about their upcoming vaccine clinic on the PA Day, January 30th. Book online at http://kflaph.net/routine-paday.

National Non-Smoking Week

Please see the message below from Southeast Public Health.

The nicotine industry continues to target young people through fun flavours and high-tech devices designed to increase addiction. During National Non-Smoking Week, families can help young people better understand the risks and start important conversations at home.

Parents and caregivers can watch this short video to learn more: www.notanexperiment.ca/parents

Students who would like help quitting or cutting back on vaping, smoking, alcohol, other substances, or even technology use can book a free virtual appointment at: www.youthvast.ca

This 2-minute video will tell you more about the process:

Black History Month - Opening Ceremony

Grade 8 Information Nights

The Limestone District School Board is hosting Grade 8 Parent Information Nights at our secondary schools across the region for families and students to attend. Parent information nights include a special presentation about the secondary school, its programs, and the registration process. It is a great opportunity to learn about the wide variety of programs available for secondary students in Limestone—including expanded opportunities, French immersion, the International Baccalaureate program, and more.

Literacy in Limestone - Oral Language

January Updates from BGC South East and EarlyON

Mental Health Resources for Youth and Families

Something for Dads

Frontenac, Lennox, and Addington Science Fair

Updates from Southeast Public Health

Stay Up to Date on Bus Delays and Cancellations

Sign up for Bus Status Alerts through Tri-Board’s Student Portal

• Families should sign up for bus status alerts by creating an account in Tri-Board’s Student Portal. Families can add their student to their account, so they are signed up to receive alerts for their specific bus and zone cancellations.
• When all transportation is cancelled across the district, the notification is sent as a general notice from Tri-Board to everyone with an account. Tri-Board does their best to post this alert by 6:00 a.m.
• Tri-Board will be communicating all bus delays and cancellations. The LDSB will not be communicating this information directly with families. The best way to receive communication regarding bus cancellations or delays is through the Student Portal.

School Attendance Matters

Consistent school attendance helps students build a strong foundation of knowledge, encourages a sense of responsibility, and allows teachers to better support each student's individual needs, leading to improved academic performance and a more cohesive classroom environment.

Lunchbox is a simple, easy-to-use online platform that lets you order lunch from local favorites — delivered right to your child’s school!

✅ You can view the full ordering calendar by logging into your Lunchbox Account.

📖 Need help getting started? Please access the step-by-step guide on how to use the Lunchbox ordering platform.

📅 Key Dates for Truedell Families

• PA Day: Friday, January 30, 2026
• Family Day: Monday, February 16, 2026
• March Break: March 16–20, 2026
• Good Friday: Friday, April 3, 2026
• Easter Monday: Monday, April 6, 2026
• PA Day: Friday, April 17, 2026
• Victoria Day: Monday, May 18, 2026
• PA Day: Friday, May 29, 2026
• Last Day of School for Students: Thursday, June 25, 2026
• Final PA Day: Friday, June 26, 2026

Professional Activity (P.A.) Days are used for various activities, including assessment, report card preparation, conferencing, school-based planning, school improvement, student achievement updates, instructional strategies to support closing the gap and high achievement, and planning linked to the Board plan for student achievement. On P.A. Days, there are no classes for students.

The Limestone District School Board is situated on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek and Haudenosaunee.

We acknowledge their enduring presence on this land, as well as the presence of Métis, Inuit, and other First Nations from across Turtle Island. We honour their culture and celebrate their commitment to this land.