Dear Families,
Welcome to our Truedell community- we can't wait to see you for our Open House on September 22nd 3:45-5:15 PM. Classrooms will be open to meet staff and say hello. We encourage you to meet fellow classmates families as we continue to build and foster friendships.
On September 15th, many primary classes are celebrating International Dot Day - a day all about creativity, courage, and discovering what makes each of us unique! We invite students and staff to show their originality by wearing their favourite polka dots and celebrating the simple idea that everyone can “make their mark.”
SAFETY WEEK & EMERGENCY DRILLS:
Our school will be conducting a series of emergency practice drills to help students and staff become familiar with our safety procedures and ensure we are prepared to respond appropriately in an emergency.
Throughout the coming weeks, students will participate in the following drills:
- Fire Drill (x 3) – practicing how to safely and calmly evacuate the building.
- Shelter-in-Place Drill – practicing how to remain safely inside the school during a situation that may require us to stay indoors.
- Hold and Secure Drill – practicing procedures for keeping everyone safely inside the school while regular activities continue indoors.
- Lockdown Drill – practicing procedures designed to keep students and staff safe during a potential threat inside or near the school.
These are practice drills only, and our staff will prepare students in an age-appropriate manner. We understand that some emergency terminology may sound concerning, and we will reassure students that these exercises are an important part of keeping our school community safe.
SPORTS:
Junior and senior boys and girls soccer has started. A huge thank you to our coach Madame Amy for making this possible for our students. School Day permission forms will follow this week.
Running club sign up has occurred, and more information will be shared soon. about practices, an event at Lancaster after school, and Cross Country. A huge thank you to coaches Mrs. Montgomery, Ms. Hilton & Ms. Nolan who will be leading the running club this year. Permission forms on School Day will follow shortly.
SCHOOL-BASED & CLINICAL SUPPORT:
We’re excited to welcome Emily Kennedy, OT, who will be providing KidsInclusive Tier 1 school-based Occupational Therapy support. This universal, school-based approach helps promote participation, inclusion, independence, and success for all students within their everyday school environment.
Truedell PS will receive speech and language services during Block #1 (September 14- October 30) with Meghan Armsworthy, communicative disorders assistant. Our school-based speech-language pathologist is Carol Martin who guides service delivery. Some students are already on her list and will continue to receive speech services with an updated consent while some students may be new referrals!
Our student support counsellor, will be on site on Tuesdays this year. You may see them on the school yard, running programs in classes and during eating time, leading assemblies, meeting with students 1 on 1 or in a small group, and so much more! Consent forms are sent home for SSC to work with students.
CPICS FOR VOLUNTEERS:
Thank you for helping us create a safe and welcoming environment for all of our students!
TERRY FOX FUNDRAISER & EVENT
We are also excited to share that our Terry Fox Fundraiser has officially started!
Order a Terry Fox T-shirt through School-Day. All Terry Fox t-shirt sales are added to our school fundraising total, with proceeds supporting cancer research.
Our Terry Fox Walk, Run, & Roll will take place on September 24th on the basketball court @ 2pm. We are looking forward to coming together as a school community to honour Terry's legacy and support such an important cause. More information about the event will be sent home soon.
Data Verification Forms & Computer Use Agreement
Hard copies of Data Verification Forms were sent out in last week to ensure we have the most up to date information in our Aspen database. If your contact information has changed over the summer, please provide us with an update via email before the start of school.
Families who have a student in JK or are new to TPS will receive a secure match key in order to access School Day.
Each year, we require families to sign off on our Computer Use Agreement in order for their students to access technology.
Lunchbox Lunch Program
We will be using Lunchbox for our Lunch Program for efficiency of ordering and delivering beginning the week of September 21st! The Lunchbox Lunch Program is available Tuesdays through Fridays.
Please note, you are not obligated to order. All money raised supports our fundraising efforts for student resources. Although you are welcome to create an account and explore the www.lunchboxorders.net site now, please remember that class placements may change in the month of September as it requests a teacher name when you register.
The vendors include, Edo Japan, Gino’s, Greektown & Topper's pizza .
Food Share Program
We will be offering the Food Share Program to all of our classes. All students can access this program. Please reach out if your student has dietary restrictions. More information will follow about Grade 7 & 8 students leaving school property for lunch on Fridays commencing after Thanksgiving.
Karate Kids® Lunch-Time Program
The Karate Kids® Lunch-Time Program begins this fall. Staff from Tallacks Martial Arts run the program in our school gym. Please note this program is optional. Karate Kids® will begin on Tuesday, 15th September.
Service Dogs
Only service dogs are allowed on school property - this is standard practice across the Limestone District School Board in order to keep you, your dog, and staff and students safe. Owners with dogs without visible identification will be asked to leave school property. Thank you for your understanding.
School Timetable - Balanced Day
Time | Activity |
|---|---|
9:00 a.m. | Morning Bell Rings |
9:00-10:40 a.m. | 100 Instructional Minutes |
10:40-11:00 a.m. | First Nutrition Break |
11:00-11:20 a.m. | First Recess Break |
11:20-1:00 p.m. | 100 Instructional Minutes |
1:00-1:20 p.m. | Second Nutrition Break |
1:20-1:50 p.m. | Second Recess Break |
1:50-3:30 p.m. | 100 Instructional Minutes |
3:30 p.m. | Dismissal |
Staff Organization: 2026-2027
Teaching Staff | Support Staff | Custodial Staff | Administrative Staff |
|---|---|---|---|
K Montgomery J Olding S Broome A DAoust F White L Kuhnke E Cameron L Parkes K Bauml C Hendricks L Hilton A Dale T Hilton M Kenyon C Conner S McDuff | C St.John K Hawley K Nolan S Shunk B Armstrong J Dawson L Griffin
| S Sleeth J Herr | H Barrett T Farrell |
The School Advisory Council (SAC) Needs You!
SAC Elections & September Meeting Date
It's that time of year - parents/caregivers! School Advisory Council (SAC) elections for Executive Positions are coming up very soon! The first SAC Council Meeting of the 2026-2027 school year and Elections will take place on Monday, 21st at 5:30 pm. The elections will take place first with the SAC meeting following afterwards.
Please email nominations to the school or drop in to the office to pick up a form. Nominations are anonymous and you can nominate yourself or someone else for a position. If you are nominating someone, please ensure they are up for the position and have agreed to your nomination. The person you nominate must be available to be present at the meeting. Your nomination does not count as a vote; you must be present to vote.
Positions for election are:
Chair/Co-Chair: Represents, works with and provides support to all school community and council committee chairs. This person works closely with the school principal, school staff and parents to enrich the education of all students. Additionally, they preside over and conduct monthly council meetings, set agendas and schedule meetings (in consultation with the VP/Principal). The chair promotes discussion amongst council members and the community, receives and reports on correspondence sent and received by council. Acts as coordinator between the school board and council. Receives documentation from board and keeps council advised of board decisions, activities etc. Supports programs, initiatives and activities led by other council members and contributes to the monthly council newsletter.
Vice Chair: Presides at meetings in the absence of the chair or upon the incumbent’s inability to serve. Responsible for overseeing all sponsored events and programs.
Treasurer: Works with the council and coordinators in developing an operating budget, keeps a full and accurate account of receipts and expenditures and serves as the liaison with the Board of Education. Additional responsibilities include depositing/disbursing funds on behalf of the council, the preparation of monthly financial statements, and the preparation & filing of all necessary financial reports.
Secretary: Attends scheduled council meetings, records, maintains and distributes minutes of meetings, keeps non-financial records of council.
Fundraising Coordinator: Plans, manages fundraising activities of council. Works closely with the treasurer.
Inclusive Education Co-ordinator: Helps ensure that school programs, policies, and community events welcome and support students of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities. Act as a bridge between families and the school to champion equity and accessibility.
Indigenous Representative: This is a newer position with the SAC and will evolve and grow organically.
PIC (Parent Involvement Committee) Representative: PIC is an important advisory group that connects parents with their school board’s Chief Executive Officer and trustees. Attends monthly meetings at the Board Office alongside other PIC representatives and reports back to SAC members.
Member-At-Large: Attends meetings and participates in many aspects of council activities, as prescribed by council. Voting member.
Please note that not all positions need to be filled. Everyone who is part of our Truedell family is welcome to attend any of our meetings this year.
We look forward to hearing your voice!
Concussion Protocol - UPDATED!
LDSB is committed to helping all students succeed and lead safe, healthy, and active lives. As part of its commitment to student safety, injury prevention, and well-being, the Ministry of Education supports concussion awareness, prevention, identification, management, tracking, and training in schools through legislation, policy, and resources. Click HERE for more information on the LDSB website.
The office calls home for all students who have a head injury/suspected concussion. We encourage all students with symptoms of a concussion to be picked up from school and monitored by a caregiver and assessed by a medical professional.
The Concussion Protocol has been updated to align with the Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport (2024) and current international concussion guidance. The changes simplify the Return to Learn (RTL) and Return to Physical Activity (RTPA) process and support a safe, gradual, symptom-informed return to school and activity.
Key changes include:
• Simplified RTL and RTPA stages: Several stages have been combined to create a clearer and more consistent progression for students, families, and staff. • Earlier return to school: Students may return to school as early as Stage 2, with appropriate supports and monitoring of symptoms.
• Symptom-informed progression: Mild and brief increases in symptoms during Stages 1–3 may be acceptable if symptoms resolve within one hour.
• Earlier medical clearance: Medical clearance from a medical doctor or nurse practitioner is required after successful completion of RTPA Stage 3 and before beginning Stage 4.
• Symptoms after medical clearance: If symptoms return during Stages 4–6, the student must return to Stage 3 and be reassessed by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner.
• School responsibility: The designated lead is responsible for monitoring the student's progression through the RTL/RTPA stages and ensuring medical clearance is received before Stage 4.
• Parent/guardian responsibility: Parents/guardians are responsible for communicating changes in symptoms and providing written medical clearance following RTPA Stage 3.
Medical Plans of Care for Prevalent Medical Conditions
This message is intended for the families of students with prevalent medical conditions(AP 314) where documentation is needed by the school:
Please read if your student is attending Truedell Public School and has a medical condition. We are here to support students with medical conditions to fully access school in a safe, accepting, and healthy learning environment that fully supports their well-being.
In order to make sure we are able to support the needs of your child, we ask that you take the time to complete the appropriate medical forms. Mrs. Montgomery has sent home letters with forms to ensure that information on file is up to date.
Please note the following:
- Form 311 (B, C, D, E) is the Plan of Care, which is required by all students with Epilepsy, Diabetes, Asthma and / or Anaphylaxis. Please make sure to fill out the correct form(s) for your child’s medical condition.
- Form 311-A General POC
- Form 311-B - Epilepsy Plan of Care
- Form 311-C - Diabetes Plan of Care
- Form 311-D - Asthma Plan of Care
- Form 311-E - Anaphylaxis Plan of Care
- Form 314-A1 is the Authorization and Request for Administration of Prescribed Medication. If your child requires medication during school hours, this form MUST BE completed and signed by the physician.
- Form 314-A2 is the Authorization and Request for the Administration of Prescribed Medication. This form is for you to sign and give permission to the school to administer the medication indicated on Form 314-A1.
- Form 314-A3 is the Authorization and Request for the Administration of an Epi-Pen. This form is only required for students with Anaphylaxis.
- Form 314-B1 is the Administration of Medical Procedures. This form needs to be submitted if there is a certain medical procedure that needs to happen during school hours.
In accordance with Limestone District School Board Policy, students at risk for anaphylactic reaction, and have prescribed epi-pens, should have a plan for storage and ensure that Epi-pen is readily available to staff when they are at school. We store the second epi-pen at the main office.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the school.
Cell Phones in Schools
When can students use a mobile device: If a student is in Grade 6 and below, the mobile device can only be used before and after school.
If a student is in Grades 7-12, they must keep their personal mobile devices stored out of sight (i.e., in the teacher's locked closet) and either powered off or set to silent mode during instructional time, except when an educator grants explicit permission for use under the specified circumstances.
What parents/caregivers can do: You can teach your student about finding a healthy balance in using technology by limiting screen time at home. You can also:
- Read Media Smarts’ tips for managing your kids’ screen time
- Explore Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s (CAMH’s) services and resources if you have concerns about your child’s use of technology
- Explore School Mental Health Ontario resources to help you manage your child’s screen time
LDSB Dates of Significance
September
- September 19: Powley Day
- September 20-21: Yom Kippur
- September 25-October 2: Sukkot
- September 24: Terry Fox School Event & Walk, Run, Roll Event @TPS
- September 30: Orange Shirt Day / National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
October
- October: ADHD Awareness Month / Hispanic Heritage Month / Islamic Heritage Month / Women's History Month / K-2 Cyber Awareness Month (Provincial) / Learning Disabilities Awareness Month
- October 4: National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People
- October 2-4: Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah
- October 16: PA Day
- October 28: Picture Day (Individual)
- October 25: Anniversary of the Haldimand Treaty of 1784
November
- November: Indigenous Education Month / National Indigenous Disability Awareness Month
- November 1: All Saints Day
- November 2-6: Treaties Recognition Week
- November 7: Inuit Day
- November 8: Diwali / Bandi Chhor Diwas / Indigenous Veterans Day
- November 13: Progress Reports & COLs to Families
- November 16: Louis Riel Day
- November 20: PA Day
- November 24: Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
December
- December 4-12: Hanukah
- December 9: Big Bear Creek Land Claim Anniversary
- December 21: Winter Solstice
- December 24: Christmas Eve
- December 25: Christmas
January
- January 4: National Ribbon Skirt Day
- January 15: Birthday of Guru GObind Singh Ji
- January 29: PA Day
February
- February 6: Lunar New Year
- February 7-March 8: Ramadan
- February 10: Ash Wednesday
- February 12: Term 1 Report Cards & COLs to Families
- February 14: Have A Heart Day / National Day of Remembrance for MMIWG2S+
- February 21: International Mother Language Day
March
- March 9: Anniversary of the Longwoods Treaty
- March 9-10: Eid-ul-Fitr
- March 20: Nowruz (Ismailis) / Nowruz / Spring Equinox / Two-Spirit Celebration & Awareness Day
- March 21: Naw-Ruz
- March 22: Holi / World Water Day
- March 22-23: Purim
- March 26: Good Friday
- March 29: Easter Monday
- March 31: National Indigenous Languages Day
April
- April 14: Vaisakhi
- April 21-29: Pesach/Passover
- April 21-May 2: Ridvan
- April 22: Mother Earth Day
- April 23: PA Day
- April 30: Holy Friday
May
- May 5: Red Dress Day / National Day of Awareness for MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples
- May 10: Bear Witness Day / Spirit Bear's Bearthday
- May 16: Eid-al-Adha / Moose Hide Campaign Day
- May 19: Anniversary of the McKee Treaty of 1790
- May 20: Wesak
- May 31: PA Day
June
- June: National Indigenous History Month
- June 3: Anniversary of the Final Report of the National Inquiry into MMIWG 10-12: Shavuot
- June 6: Anishinaabe Giizhigad / Anishinaabe Day / Blue Jean Jacket Day
- June 14-15: Ashura
- June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day
- June 25: Term 2 Report Cards & COLs to Families
- June 29: PA Day
Human Development & Sexual Health
Parents/guardians play an important role in their children’s learning. As such, the Ministry of Education requires the Limestone District School Board to inform parents/guardians when instruction related to Human Development and Sexual Health will occur.
Please read the list of expectations by grade before exempting your student from this strand in the Ontario health curriculum using Form 325-B.
Form 325-A - Notice of Period of Instruction Grade 1 to 8
Form 325-B - Exemption Letter Parent Request
Form 325-C - Principal Acknowledgement of Exemption Request
Form 325-D - List of H.D. and S.H Instruction Expectations by Grade
Indigenous Self-Identification
The Limestone District School Board (LDSB) invites students to voluntarily and confidentially self-identify as Indigenous. Elementary and secondary students with First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit ancestry can self-identify HERE.
School board self-identification is based on any degree of Indigenous ancestry (Status, Non-Status, Métis citizenship, etc.). Self-identification can be withdrawn at any time. LDSB, in accordance with the Ministry of Education, Ontario, does not require proof of identity to self-identify.
Safe Arrival - Reporting a Student's Absence
There are three options for families to use to report a student's absence:
- SchoolMessenger App on your phone.
- SchoolMessenger website portal.
- call the automated attendance phone line at 1-855-257-9349
**Always enter "lates" as a full day even if the child will only be absent for half a day. It will adjust automatically once the student arrives.
For more information on how to report an absence please watch the video below or contact Mrs. Farrell in the office.
