Granite Ridge Education Centre

<h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Gryphon Gazette: Special Edition!</strong></b></u><br></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/ebfb644d-160e-443f-bedc-81fb027d3393" alt="skills 3" width="176" height="188" style="width:176px;height:188px;display:inline-block;float:right"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Hello Gryphon Families,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are excited to share this special edition of the Gryphon Gazette to celebrate and congratulate our students who represented Granite Ridge in the Limestone Skills Competition on February 26th, 2026. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A huge thank you to Mrs. Wilson, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Leonard, Mr. Hopkins and Ms. Tarasick for helping our students prepare for the competition, and for supporting them at the event. We are so excited to see the interest in this event build each year, and we are thankful to this staff team for making the opportunity to compete a reality for the students involved.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students who participate in the Skills Competition practice for hours, and demonstrate courage and commitment beyond measure. They work hard to showcase technical skill, adept ability, and operate with resilience under pressure. We are very excited to recognize and celebrate the efforts of all students involved - whether they earned medals or gained valuable experience. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The sense of school pride that we have after successful days like this is unmatched! And... Exciting news: All 8 secondary students who attended achieved medals, SIX of which will be representing us at Provincial Skills Competition in May!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/5d5ab4e3-befd-4d9e-ac23-25408b44409b" alt="congratulations" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><u><i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-italic editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Congratulations to the following participants:</strong></b></i></u></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">SECONDARY PARTICIPANTS:</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Danielle Gosse - Baking&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Hunter Cook and Trisian Cowen - Team of 2 Carpentry&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Azzy Hall-Green - Floristry&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lindsay Surra, Parth Chawla, Michael Benoit, and Nick Conboy&nbsp; - Team of four Robotics.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">ELEMENTARY PARTICIPANTS:</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Carpentry: </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Team 1: Thara Dhuck-Kaillon, Evelyn McLaren, Karly Brown, Sloan Craig</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Team 2: Liam Boles, Tripp Chaisson, Stanley Deline, Bryson Grimard</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Team 3: Triton Tryon, Noah Giles, Damien Cowen, Katie Wilson</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Robotics:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Alex Burke, Garrett Conboy, Xavier Craig, Camden Gardiner, Henry Jackson, Artemis Jennings, Eerie Jennings, Emery MacFarlane, Zander McLuckie-McAree, Walt Tarasick, Cheyenne Thomas, Mason Wilson</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><br></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/285b1cbd-d4cb-4820-b36a-547c355bc32d" alt="photographer" width="215" height="181" style="width:215px;height:181px;display:inline-block"></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><u><i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-italic editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Photos from the day!</strong></b></i></u></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/9f11ae6c-0590-446e-a300-db44fae55ddc" alt="Elementary Robotics 3" width="404" height="539" style="width:404px;height:539px;display:inline-block"><img src="/images/73aad867-9e83-40b4-9035-f3eed5cf8348" alt="Elementary Robotics 2" width="407" height="543" style="width:407px;height:543px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/fa23ce06-7a90-47c3-9dd4-987a01b31eaa" alt="Elementary Robotics 1" width="397" height="529" style="width:397px;height:529px;display:inline-block"><img src="/images/9cdbd0ce-55e8-42c8-8351-f9deb105f4c3" alt="Elementary Carpentry 3" width="396" height="527" style="width:396px;height:527px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/323ff211-bc6e-4a24-a1c9-d48e557fa316" alt="Elementary Carpentry 2" width="396" height="528" style="width:396px;height:528px;display:inline-block"><img src="/images/6494320c-6fda-4891-bad8-56f1479884b2" alt="Elementary Carpentry 1" width="399" height="532" style="width:399px;height:532px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/292d8430-8e8d-4b5a-b00d-20e7b93e1d52" alt="skills 5" width="402" height="536" style="width:402px;height:536px;display:inline-block"><img src="/images/faad1761-e7fe-4168-b834-561a458c73fd" alt="skills 2" width="404" height="539" style="width:404px;height:539px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/faad1761-e7fe-4168-b834-561a458c73fd" alt="skills 2" width="402" height="536" style="width:402px;height:536px;display:inline-block"><img src="/images/01478d84-49ca-4823-bd42-ab2d81e160fd" alt="skills 6" width="400" height="532" style="width:400px;height:532px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/5c26f366-d7a6-4f2a-a692-1000431394ff" alt="skills 7" width="390" height="519" style="width:390px;height:519px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><u><i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-italic editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">And the winners are...</strong></b></i></u></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/f71504c0-90bf-411c-bd79-47752a34f0da" alt="IMG 4654" width="503" height="671" style="width:503px;height:671px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Team of 2 Carpentry: Tristan Cowen &amp; Hunter Cooke pose with their finished product, in advance of celebrating their </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">SILVER</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> medal! Tristan and Hunter will be representing Limestone at the Provincial Skills Competition</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/762396d9-e073-430f-ac7e-8bf44b961079" alt="IMG 7362" width="505" height="673" style="width:505px;height:673px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Azzy Hall-Green earned a </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">SILVER</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Medal with her fantastic efforts in Floristry!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/41644914-ed7d-4237-b907-892960739497" alt="IMG 7364" width="550" height="733" style="width:550px;height:733px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our Robotics </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">GOLD</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Medalists: Parth Chawla, Nick Conboy, Maia O'Boyle &amp; Lindsay Surrah. This team will be representing GREC in the Provincial Skills Competition! </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/49b0d30f-73e3-4dbc-961b-90ad6c91273f" alt="skills 4" width="404" height="536" style="width:404px;height:536px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Danielle Gosse is bringing home a </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">BRONZE</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> medal for her baking brilliance!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/b2604ab9-f8c7-44cd-9bc8-1976b0e8a412" alt="Robotics" width="523" height="698" style="width:523px;height:698px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mr. Hopkins, Henry Jackson, Alex Buske, Garrett Conboy &amp; Eerie Jennings were all smiles after the students earned </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">GOLD </strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">medals in Lego Mechanics!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In Other News...</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/9f3f6ef9-9f61-460b-ae4e-40bfa6356f6e" alt="mark calendar" width="382" height="203" style="width:382px;height:203px;display:inline-block"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/9bea5387-bdc2-44b8-a843-4ba478b7ec79" alt="BINGO" width="716" height="965" style="width:716px;height:965px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><hr><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/e8d7ae5f-2c53-413b-84e2-ac4dc1e2dc18" alt="important dates" width="230" height="183" style="width:230px;height:183px;display:inline-block;float:right"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Upcoming Dates</strong></b></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">March 2026</span></h3><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">9 - 12 - Spirit Week!</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">16-20 - March Break</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">23 - IEPs go home (Term 2)</span></li></ul><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">April 2026</span></h3><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">3 - Good Friday Holiday</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">6 - Easter Monday Holiday</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">16 - Parent Council Bingo Night!</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">17 - PA Day - No school for students</span></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">24 – Secondary Midterm Reports Go Home</span></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">24 – Elementary Jr BB Tournament @ NAEC (tentative)</span></li></ul><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">May 2026</span></h3><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">18 - Victoria Day Holiday</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">19 - Welcome to Kinder Event!</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">29 - PA Day - No School for students</span></li></ul><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">June 2026</span></h3><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">9 - Athletic Banquet - 5:00pm</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">16-17 - Grade 12 Final Summative Evaluations &amp; Exams</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">18-24 - Semester 2 Final Examinations</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">23 - Grade 8 Graduation - 6:30pm</span></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">24 - Kindergarten Celebration - 1:30pm</span></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">24 - Final Elementary Reports Home</span></li><li value="7" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">25 - Grade 12 Graduation - 11am</span></li><li value="8" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">25 - Last day of school</span></li></ul><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Year Calendars</span></h2><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/7291ab76-99b5-43a1-8f2b-edaade7c53e8/2025-04-07-LDSB%20School%20Year%20Calendar-2025-2026.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">LDSB School Year Calendar 2025-2026</span></a></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/5850ce84-9e2b-4ee6-a774-c41cdc21bef1/2025-06-26-School-Year-Calendar-5-Day-Calendar.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Elementary 5-Day Calendar 2025-2026</span></a></li></ul><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Parent Council</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Parents &amp; Guardians,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We invite you to join our first Parent Council meeting on </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">the first Monday of each month, </strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">which will take place in the GREC Library or online via Zoom from 5:30-6:30pm.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Parent Council is a group of parents, guardians, staff, and community members who work together to support and enhance our school environment. Through these meetings, we discuss important topics, share updates, and make decisions that shape our school community.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Your insights and ideas are invaluable to us. We believe that a range of perspectives strengthens our efforts, and we would love to see more voices represented. Whether you have suggestions, or questions, or simply want to listen in, your involvement makes a real difference!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please consider joining us. We look forward to welcoming new and returning faces. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Prevalent Medical Conditions</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Schools are required to have a plan of care on site for any student with a prevalent medical condition. If your student has a prevalent medical condition, please take the time to fill out the appropriate form below and return the form to the school. Forms must be updated annually so that the school is aware of changes to plans.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If your student requires daily medications, these should NOT be carried in backpacks, but rather stored in the main office. If medications are to be administered by school staff, additional forms are required. Please reach out to the school if you have any questions, or to make arrangements for administration of medications.</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/6cb17e7d-afa6-5389-ba6c-8b822152fc91/Form%20311-D%20Asthma%20Plan%20of%20Care.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Asthma Plan of Care</span></a></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/8d3074f2-3d7a-5432-9e36-6488a4909f99/Form%20311-E%20Anaphylaxis%20Plan%20of%20Care.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Anaphylaxis Plan of Care</span></a></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/3145e7bf-68db-5d8e-9c6c-3986a3d947da/Form%20311-B%20Epilepsy%20Plan%20of%20Care.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Epilepsy Plan of Care</span></a></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/348c4b1c-73f6-5c1c-b5b9-945d10579288/Form%20311-C%20Diabetes%20Plan%20of%20Care.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Diabetes Plan of Care</span></a></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/8ca5dae7-cc6b-55d5-a27a-515b750ed82a/Plan%20of%20Care%20Generic.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Generic Plan of Care</span></a></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Late Arrival? Early Dismissal? </span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As you can appreciate, the office can be very busy at the beginning and end of each day. We ask that you notify your student's teacher (Elementary; note, email) or the main office (Secondary) about changes to regular routines ahead of time wherever possible. If there are unforeseen changes, please notify the office </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">before 1:30pm</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. This will allow us to relay the information to the classroom in a timely manner. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">All doors of the school building remain locked during the school day. Please continue to buzz at the front door for pick ups and drop offs during the day.</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Reporting a Student Absence</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Reporting Absences: </strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There are three options to use to report a student absence:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">use the SchoolMessenger App on your phone, select "Attendance", then "Report an Absence"</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">use the SchoolMessenger website portal</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Call the main office of the school</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Human Rights Reporting Tool</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/194b73ca-9423-4423-9236-2382c234d04a" alt="human rights" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Attendance Matters</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/63bfc51d-fddb-440d-9e53-c07f111df672" alt="attendance" width="685" height="669" style="width:685px;height:669px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/981f7563-db61-4bd3-8594-4f8bf65fd1b2" alt="lates" width="698" height="482" style="width:698px;height:482px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/e7cd2011-a045-49fc-9f91-0d14e4423d00" alt="land acknowledgement" width="684" height="429" style="width:684px;height:429px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/16952f8b-1566-44b1-b422-b14f522ad31e" alt="GREC Aerial" width="730" height="338" style="width:730px;height:338px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On Thursday February 26th, Granite Ridge staff welcomed parents and guardians of incoming grade 9 students with information regarding the transition to Secondary School, courses offered and required for graduation, and a short tour around the building. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> This </span><a href="/documents/fd8a195c-2951-42ca-812a-d3b49c6054a2/Grade-9-at-GREC-1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">LINK </strong></b></u></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">will provide you with a PDF version of the informational slides that were shared with parents and guardians in attendance. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">February 2026</strong></b></u><br></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/19161b5b-cbd5-4f58-a946-dd4c665c9e37" alt="February" width="490" height="310" style="width:490px;height:310px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Hello Gryphon Families,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">February marks the beginning of a new semester and term, as well as the renewal of academic pursuits across our K-12 community. With students transitioning into new courses, setting fresh goals, and teachers preparing dynamic lessons, this is a time for intellectual curiosity and growth. As we navigate the ever-changing winter weather that has kept us on our toes for the last number of weeks, we remain committed to fostering a supportive and inspiring learning environment. Let’s embrace this season as an opportunity to challenge ourselves, collaborate, and celebrate our achievements as a school. Here’s to a month filled with academic progress and enthusiasm!</span></p><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Before &amp; After School Program Survey Update</strong></b></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A sincere thank you to all families who completed our Before and After School Program interest survey. We had a positive response rate, and are happy to share that given the responses shared, we have entered the next phase. This phase includes an Expression of Interest that has been generated by the board and shared with the City of Kingston (our municipality for Early Years). </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">From here, the city of Kingston will share the expression of interest with third party providers, who, over the next 3-4 weeks will decide if they would like to apply to provide a program at our site. When the application phase closes, we will see if we have applicants, and process applications accordingly. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I will continue to update our school community at each phase. Any families with questions are welcome to contact the school. Please note that developing an expression of interest does NOT guarantee the establishment of a program. We still have some hurdles to jump - but we have a positive start!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">More to come...</span></p><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Kindergarten Registration</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Kindergarten registration is now underway at all schools across Limestone - and that includes at GREC! If your child was born in 2022, now is the time to register your new student to start school in September! More details regarding registration can be found here: </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/news/kindergarten-registration-is-now-open-2026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Kindergarten Registration is Now Open</span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We can't wait to meet our newest group of Gryphons!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/6df55289-4150-4e36-bc51-03909395cab0" alt="kinder registration" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/c8f79d31-0515-4e9f-ba80-e022a1538cf4" alt="kinder orientation" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">GRADE 9 Information Night</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are very excited to host our annual Grade 9 Information Night on Wednesday, February 25th, 2026! This night is a chance for all current Grade 8 students and families to find out more about what high school is all about! The night includes information sessions, tours, community resources and more.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Looking forward to seeing you there!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/c2bd2bad-7df2-4a39-8a55-c2ef70ddeaec" alt="high school" width="663" height="387" style="width:663px;height:387px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Messages from Tri-Board</strong></b></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are very thankful for our partnership with Tri-Board Transportation in getting our students safely to- and from- school each day! Please see the important information below regarding transportation for our upcoming school year!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/3fc9eb44-a631-4fd3-bc64-175ea2659678" alt="Tri Board Deadline2026" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/db2c00aa-3183-4144-8fd0-becf5d1ed270" alt="Triboard Info Handout" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><br></h2><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dental Screening</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Members of the Oral Health Team from Southeast Public Health will be visiting GREC on Wednesday, February 25th, to complete free dental screening for all students in Junior Kindergarten, Senior Kindergarten, Grade 2 and Grade 7. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/a6e42ac1-df14-448a-92a4-1325578ef13d" alt="dental screening" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">DELICIOUS FUNDRAISERS!</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It isn't too late to order pizza kits for home and support our Grade 8 graduation trip! </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/6bc27459-0fa3-49bc-85db-3856c6c430d6" alt="Little Caesars" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">AND HOW ABOUT SOME DESSERT?!</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/25148b24-0b22-4d6d-86ca-ecb71a42c2f1" alt="Cheesecake Fundraiser Flyer" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><hr><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">MARCHING INTO MARCH!</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/39a85bca-ba4f-4b73-bb96-bcecfbbef585" alt="kinder olympics" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/90620b87-2fa0-46c5-a912-d7140586a997" alt="March Spirit Days" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><hr><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Secondary Gryph Coins: Building Character</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We have recently unveiled our own school currency: the Gryph Coin! We are excited to embark on this new adventure, allowing opportunities for students to be celebrated for positive attendance and positive character! Speak with your student to find out more about how and why they have received Gryph Coins and what they can do with it!</span></p></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/a9e57872-72df-49da-b90e-cc5b05a448b7" alt="gryph" width="598" height="627" style="width:598px;height:627px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Looking forward to getting our Gryph-On!</span></p></p><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">HIPPY Program</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The&nbsp;Kingston Native Center and Language Nest is now offering the Indigenous Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY)&nbsp;program.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Indigenous&nbsp;HIPPY&nbsp;works with Indigenous parents/caregivers&nbsp;by&nbsp;providing an in-home school readiness program designed to empower parents/caregivers of children aged 3-5. This program empowers parents to be their child's first and most important teacher through weekly in-home visits.&nbsp;The curriculum focuses on areas of math, science, literacy,&nbsp;gross and fine&nbsp;motor&nbsp;and language.&nbsp;The program builds&nbsp;the&nbsp;parents/caregivers capacity, confidence and provides community connections.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Each week a&nbsp;HIPPY&nbsp;home visitor will meet with the parents/caregivers to provide evidence-based programing. The program is free of&nbsp;charge&nbsp;and&nbsp;we&nbsp;supply&nbsp;all materials needed including books,&nbsp;games&nbsp;and toys, which are yours to keep!&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have any questions, feel free to contact&nbsp;Kearstie&nbsp;Snary&nbsp;at&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:kearstie.snary@kncln.ca" title="mailto:kearstie.snary@kncln.ca" class="editor-link"><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">kearstie.snary@kncln.ca</span></u></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/754ac55b-d0de-4ae3-b409-1744420c7e68" alt="HIPPY" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">An Evening with Monique Gray</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Limestone District School Board Indigenous Education Team, in partnership with the Limestone Learning Foundation and Queen’s University’s Faculty of Education, are excited to offer a valuable evening: Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"We are pleased to welcome&nbsp;Monique&nbsp;Gray&nbsp;Smith, who will provide an in-person public talk inspired by her book,&nbsp;</span><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults</em></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, an adaptation of&nbsp;</span><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Braiding Sweetgrass</em></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;by Robin Wall Kimmerer."</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This gathering will bring together educators, families, students, Indigenous partners, teacher candidates, and community members to reflect on care, reciprocity, and connection to land and one another.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8b8b2250-c464-4d82-b8c7-df4f2e0d1907" alt="braiding sweetgrass" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Supporting Mental Health</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Free webinar series for parents/caregivers – Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health from School Mental Health Ontario</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are excited to share a valuable opportunity to support your child’s well-being. School Mental Health Ontario is offering a&nbsp;</span><a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhwdsb86405.acemlna.com%2Flt.php%3Fx%3D4lZy~GE5U3jM6KKsyNHIUBSg~a2mjt9vv-g1jaTJIXPL65J~_Ey7xOlr23Mn-RVfjDZo2nfEIYGg6HCKyNyYWOZw1k&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cmooreca%40limestone.on.ca%7C793a1591a7a64b0ab0fa08de6a5e7cd8%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C639065151569980217%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C4000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=mqHn8WN2yyATQv%2B5Ysq8j%2BXaENFc%2F%2BcjpLNX1hmUeg8%3D&amp;reserved=0" title="Original URL: https://hwdsb86405.acemlna.com/lt.php?x=4lZy~GE5U3jM6KKsyNHIUBSg~a2mjt9vv-g1jaTJIXPL65J~_Ey7xOlr23Mn-RVfjDZo2nfEIYGg6HCKyNyYWOZw1k. Click or tap if you trust this link." class="editor-link"><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">free webinar series</span></u></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;as part of the&nbsp;</span><a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhwdsb86405.acemlna.com%2Flt.php%3Fx%3D4lZy~GE5U3jM6KKsyNHIUBSg~a2mjt9vv-g1jaTJIXPL65J~_Ey7xOlr23Mn-RVfjDZo2nfEIYGg6HCKyNyYWOZw1E&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cmooreca%40limestone.on.ca%7C793a1591a7a64b0ab0fa08de6a5e7cd8%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C639065151569999811%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C4000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=v5pdYCLQ7uXH3QdxMgSEvNZzaW9AHOK6KDgCqVUCPSU%3D&amp;reserved=0" title="Original URL: https://hwdsb86405.acemlna.com/lt.php?x=4lZy~GE5U3jM6KKsyNHIUBSg~a2mjt9vv-g1jaTJIXPL65J~_Ey7xOlr23Mn-RVfjDZo2nfEIYGg6HCKyNyYWOZw1E. Click or tap if you trust this link." class="editor-link"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">By Your Side</strong></b></u></a><a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhwdsb86405.acemlna.com%2Flt.php%3Fx%3D4lZy~GE5U3jM6KKsyNHIUBSg~a2mjt9vv-g1jaTJIXPL65J~_Ey7xOlr23Mn-RVfjDZo2nfEIYGg6HCKyNyYWOZw1E&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cmooreca%40limestone.on.ca%7C793a1591a7a64b0ab0fa08de6a5e7cd8%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C639065151570015040%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C4000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=j111u%2FPb9uzQW7gAegbh0COTa9lubiA7Vsdmg38zl18%3D&amp;reserved=0" title="Original URL: https://hwdsb86405.acemlna.com/lt.php?x=4lZy~GE5U3jM6KKsyNHIUBSg~a2mjt9vv-g1jaTJIXPL65J~_Ey7xOlr23Mn-RVfjDZo2nfEIYGg6HCKyNyYWOZw1E. Click or tap if you trust this link." class="editor-link"><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;Learning Hub</span></u></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, designed to help parents and caregivers navigate important topics to support their children’s mental health.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This expert-led series will provide insights and practical strategies on:&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">✅ balanced device use&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">✅ vaping&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">✅ body image&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">✅ anxiety&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The webinars will also include answers to questions that parents/caregivers can provide ahead of the webinar, giving you the chance to ask questions and gain practical guidance.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">📅 Sessions run March to June&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">💻&nbsp;</span><a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhwdsb86405.acemlna.com%2Flt.php%3Fx%3D4lZy~GE5U3jM6KKsyNHIUBSg~a2mjt9vv-g1jaTJIXPL65J~_Ey7xOlr23Mn-RVfjDZo2nfEIYGg6HCKyNyYWOZw10&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cmooreca%40limestone.on.ca%7C793a1591a7a64b0ab0fa08de6a5e7cd8%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C639065151570030162%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C4000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=tv3Nj895J00HxKJuhScgcAPgE2LWMFAVgUpWNrQHltg%3D&amp;reserved=0" title="Original URL: https://hwdsb86405.acemlna.com/lt.php?x=4lZy~GE5U3jM6KKsyNHIUBSg~a2mjt9vv-g1jaTJIXPL65J~_Ey7xOlr23Mn-RVfjDZo2nfEIYGg6HCKyNyYWOZw10. Click or tap if you trust this link." class="editor-link"><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Register for free today</span></u></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/7666ec10-ab05-476c-92f2-b57ee37a09dd" alt="mental health" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We encourage all parents and caregivers to participate in this informative series. Together, we can support the well-being of our children and communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><hr><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Messages from Public Health: </span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/d0cc4eea-a4b3-4fb8-bb7c-c18d4cf3474c" alt="Eating" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/aaa27635-fa1f-4283-b34e-15606850ea22" alt="eating2" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><hr><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/e8d7ae5f-2c53-413b-84e2-ac4dc1e2dc18" alt="important dates" width="230" height="183" style="width:230px;height:183px;display:inline-block;float:right"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Upcoming Dates</strong></b></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">February 2026</span></h3><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">4 - Immunization Clinic</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">9-13 - Spirit Week!</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">11 - Bake Sale</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">12 - Elementary basketball at NAEC</span></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">25 - Dental Screening (JK, SK, Gr 2, Gr 7)</span></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">25-26 - Grade 12 Graduation Photos</span></li><li value="7" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">13 - Term 1 Report Cards Go Home</span></li><li value="8" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">16 - Family Day Holiday</span></li></ul><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">March 2026</span></h3><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2 - Grade 8 Graduation Photos</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">16-20 - March Break</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">23 - IEPs go home (Term 2)</span></li></ul><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">April 2026</span></h3><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">3 - Good Friday Holiday</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">6 - Easter Monday Holiday</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">16 - Parent Council Bingo Night!</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">17 - PA Day - No school for students</span></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">24 – Secondary Midterm Reports Go Home</span></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">24 – Elementary Jr BB Tournament @ NAEC (tentative)</span></li></ul><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">May 2026</span></h3><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">18 - Victoria Day Holiday</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">19 - Welcome to Kinder Event!</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">29 - PA Day - No School for students</span></li></ul><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">June 2026</span></h3><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">9 - Athletic Banquet - 5:00pm</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">16-17 - Grade 12 Final Summative Evaluations &amp; Exams</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">18-24 - Semester 2 Final Examinations</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">23 - Grade 8 Graduation - 6:30pm</span></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">24 - Kindergarten Celebration - 1:30pm</span></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">24 - Final Elementary Reports Home</span></li><li value="7" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">25 - Grade 12 Graduation - 11am</span></li><li value="8" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">25 - Last day of school</span></li></ul><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Year Calendars</span></h2><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/7291ab76-99b5-43a1-8f2b-edaade7c53e8/2025-04-07-LDSB%20School%20Year%20Calendar-2025-2026.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">LDSB School Year Calendar 2025-2026</span></a></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/5850ce84-9e2b-4ee6-a774-c41cdc21bef1/2025-06-26-School-Year-Calendar-5-Day-Calendar.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Elementary 5-Day Calendar 2025-2026</span></a></li></ul><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Parent Council</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Parents &amp; Guardians,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We invite you to join our first Parent Council meeting on </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">the first Monday of each month, </strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">which will take place in the GREC Library or online via Zoom from 5:30-6:30pm.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Parent Council is a group of parents, guardians, staff, and community members who work together to support and enhance our school environment. Through these meetings, we discuss important topics, share updates, and make decisions that shape our school community.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Your insights and ideas are invaluable to us. We believe that a range of perspectives strengthens our efforts, and we would love to see more voices represented. Whether you have suggestions, or questions, or simply want to listen in, your involvement makes a real difference!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please consider joining us. We look forward to welcoming new and returning faces. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Prevalent Medical Conditions</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Schools are required to have a plan of care on site for any student with a prevalent medical condition. If your student has a prevalent medical condition, please take the time to fill out the appropriate form below and return the form to the school. Forms must be updated annually so that the school is aware of changes to plans.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If your student requires daily medications, these should NOT be carried in backpacks, but rather stored in the main office. If medications are to be administered by school staff, additional forms are required. Please reach out to the school if you have any questions, or to make arrangements for administration of medications.</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/6cb17e7d-afa6-5389-ba6c-8b822152fc91/Form%20311-D%20Asthma%20Plan%20of%20Care.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Asthma Plan of Care</span></a></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/8d3074f2-3d7a-5432-9e36-6488a4909f99/Form%20311-E%20Anaphylaxis%20Plan%20of%20Care.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Anaphylaxis Plan of Care</span></a></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/3145e7bf-68db-5d8e-9c6c-3986a3d947da/Form%20311-B%20Epilepsy%20Plan%20of%20Care.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Epilepsy Plan of Care</span></a></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/348c4b1c-73f6-5c1c-b5b9-945d10579288/Form%20311-C%20Diabetes%20Plan%20of%20Care.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Diabetes Plan of Care</span></a></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/8ca5dae7-cc6b-55d5-a27a-515b750ed82a/Plan%20of%20Care%20Generic.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Generic Plan of Care</span></a></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Late Arrival? Early Dismissal? </span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As you can appreciate, the office can be very busy at the beginning and end of each day. We ask that you notify your student's teacher (Elementary; note, email) or the main office (Secondary) about changes to regular routines ahead of time wherever possible. If there are unforeseen changes, please notify the office </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">before 1:30pm</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. This will allow us to relay the information to the classroom in a timely manner. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">All doors of the school building remain locked during the school day. Please continue to buzz at the front door for pick ups and drop offs during the day.</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Reporting a Student Absence</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Reporting Absences: </strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There are three options to use to report a student absence:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">use the SchoolMessenger App on your phone, select "Attendance", then "Report an Absence"</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">use the SchoolMessenger website portal</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Call the main office of the school</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Human Rights Reporting Tool</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/194b73ca-9423-4423-9236-2382c234d04a" alt="human rights" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Attendance Matters</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/63bfc51d-fddb-440d-9e53-c07f111df672" alt="attendance" width="685" height="669" style="width:685px;height:669px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/981f7563-db61-4bd3-8594-4f8bf65fd1b2" alt="lates" width="698" height="482" style="width:698px;height:482px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/e7cd2011-a045-49fc-9f91-0d14e4423d00" alt="land acknowledgement" width="684" height="429" style="width:684px;height:429px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/16952f8b-1566-44b1-b422-b14f522ad31e" alt="GREC Aerial" width="730" height="338" style="width:730px;height:338px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>