From the Timberwolves Den (January 19, 2026)

📝 Principal's Message

Our school community is full of activity, with students engaged both in the classroom and beyond. We are grateful to our staff for leading clubs and activities during recess, giving students extra opportunities to explore their interests and develop new skills.

As communicated earlier in the week, we would like to share a staffing update with our school community: I served as Principal of Truedell Public School for Term 1, and as of February 2, Ms. Hilda Barrett will be assuming the role of Principal. We are pleased to welcome Ms. Barrett to the Truedell community. It has been a pleasure to be part of this wonderful school, working alongside families and students, and I wish everyone all the very best in the months ahead!

We warmly welcome Monsieur Liam Vachon-Hearn to Truedell. He has been covering for Madame Amy Daoust these past couple of weeks and will now continue in a long-term occasional teaching position. Bienvenue à Truedell, Monsieur Vachon-Hearn !

There are several events coming up this week:

• Monday, January 19 – Bus Safety Presentations
• Friday, January 23 – Students from Ms. Squarebriggs’ 7/8B, Mr. Keeler’s 7/8A, Ms. Young’s 6/7, and Mrs. Phippen’s 5/6 classes will be attending the Queen’s Women’s Hockey Game. Go Gaels!

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 below for important updates from our community partners and the Limestone District School Board.

Wishing everyone a great week ahead.

Yours in Education,
David Allison
Principal

Grade 8 Snowball Dance at BSS!

Bayridge Secondary School cordially invites Truedell’s Grade 8 Crew to our first annual Snowball Dance! Here’s what you need to know…

When: Thursday, January 29th, 2026

Where: Bayridge Secondary School Cafeteria

Why: Because dancing with 150 of your closest friends is FUN!

There will be games, a friendly dance-off, prizes and more! 

**Students must have brought back the permission form, or bring it on the night to attend.*

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.