October 2025
"October's poplars are flaming torches lighting the way to winter"
~ Nova Beir
We hope that all Gryphon families have enjoyed the last few touches of warm weather that we have had the luxury of experiencing. It has been a few years since we have been able to revel in extended hours for outdoor learning and play as we have this year - and we couldn't be happier. While the rain has come to start our week, we know that this brings its' own gifts, and the faces of our Kinder students jumping in puddles has been enough to remind us that joy can be found on even the cloudiest of days.
As we transition through the month of October, we share updates in the newsletter below. As always, please feel free to contact the school should you have any questions.
Reminder: School Phone Number Change
A reminder to families that in the spring, the school phone system changed, and with it, the phone number for the school. The new phone number for GREC is: 343-283-0500.
At this time, calls to the old phone number still work, however, this will not remain the case.
Friendly Reminders for ALL students and families (K-12):
The GREC school property:
- is NUT FREE
- is SCENT FREE
We have a number of staff and students - particularly elementary aged students - who have anaphylactic allergies and sensitivities to scent. Please help us keep our students and school community safe by ensuring lunches and snacks are nut-free, and by refraining from the use of scented products.
Individual Education Plans (IEP's)
IEP's were sent home with students last week. If your student has an IEP, remember that these documents are a working document - meaning, they can be adjusted as needed based on discussion between the school and home. We appreciate the feedback that we receive regarding IEP's and their content, as well as the opportunity to work with guardians as stakeholders in the education of your children.
As a point of interest, you may notice that the IEP looks different from previous years. Our platform used for writing the IEP's has changed, and so there are some changes in the "look" of IEP's.
If you have any questions regarding the IEP for your student, please fill out the attached comments section, or connect with your classroom teacher (elementary students and secondary SCS students) or Mr. Stott (secondary students). You can also request an IEP review meeting. The Identification, Review and Placement Committee meetings for students with formalized identifications will occur later in the year. More information will come at a later date.
Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test
The OSSLT will take place for Grade 10 students on Tuesday, November 18th and Wednesday, November 19th. Students will receive explicit instructions throughout the months of October and November, as well as in the days leading up to the test.
In order to help students prepare, prep sessions are taking place this week, as well as a practice test on Monday, October 27th. These prep sessions will allow students to familiarize themselves with the online test format, as well as to complete sample questions with explicit instruction and practice. Students will receive feedback after these sessions and practice test, and staff will work with students requiring additional support in advance of the test.
More communication will follow for students requiring to write the OSSLT. Families with questions are welcome to contact Mr. Donatelli (Lead Success Teacher) for more information as needed.
Algonquin Language Learning
Kwey kakina
With the support of the Indigenous Education team, we are happy to offer the opportunity for students across all grades at GREC to take part in learning Algonquin language. Lessons take place one day per week (Fridays) during the regular school day.
If you have interest in your student taking part in Algonquin language lessons, please reach out to the school.
Parking & Student Pick Up - Safety Update
There has been an increase in the number of vehicles parking on Road 38 during our end of day routines for student pick-up. Unfortunately, the additional vehicles along the side of the road is 
There have been no parking signs placed on the school-side of Road 38, north of the entrance, and there may be more added to the opposite side of the road as well. Parents and guardians who are picking up their student are encouraged to keep regular bus transportation routines as much as possible in order to reduce the number of vehicles coming to the school at the end of the day. For those who must pick up their student, please ensure that you are staying clear of no parking zones. Please do not park in front of the school on Road 38. If you choose not to park in the school lot and wait for buses to depart, there is additional parking available at the ball diamond and rink, as well as along Dickson Crescent. These places also provide sidewalks for students to safely make their way there.
Respect for Community
In the last number of weeks, we have had calls to the school from community members reporting concerns regarding our secondary student conduct in the community during the school day. Items of concern include leaving litter on private properties, large amounts of garbage being left behind at the rink and ball diamonds, misuse of carts at Mike Dean's, and loud and boisterous conduct with foul language on and around private properties.
This is not how we want students representing GREC; in fact it is the exact opposite. Administration will be visiting classes again to speak about these challenges. We would appreciate support from parents and guardians, and ask that you speak with your students about their choices of activities during unsupervised periods and encourage them to be positive representations of our school. Guardians of students who are known to be part of the challenges in the community will be contacted directly to explore possible solutions, which may include remaining on school property during breaks and lunch. Thank you for your support.
THANK YOU DAVID YERZA!
On September 24th, David Yerza completed yet another annual Swim-a-Thon event at the Perth Pool. We have been fortunate enough to have David's support with raising funds for school initiatives, and this year was no different, as David raised just over $950!
Thank you, David, for your generosity!
Hunting Season & Extended Absences
Hunting season is upon us, and many students at GREC take part in hunting trips with their families. In order to help us in supporting students before, during and after their absence with academics, please ensure that the school is aware of any planned extended absences for hunting - or any other reason throughout the year.
For secondary students, please also ensure that an EXTENDED ABSENCE FORM is completed. All students are responsible for work missed during their absence.
Friday Night Kids Club Halloween Update:
Friday Night Kids Club will have a Halloween party on October 24th. Please note that there will be no Kids Club on Friday, October 31st for Halloween.
Questions?
Reach out to Sarah McCullough - RFCS Youth Program Supervisor
Land O' Lakes Community Halloween Dance
SECONDARY October Spirit Week:
ELEMENTARY October Spirit Week:
Skills Competitions
Elementary and Secondary students in grades 4 to 12 are eligible to compete in the LDSB and Ontario Skills Competitions in the spring each year. At GREC, we would love to see students get involved in a variety of skills. For information about the Spring 2025 Skills Competition, you can click on this link: LDSB Skills. This website will be updated closer to competitions for 2026.
The Limestone Skills Competition is the lead-up to the Skills Ontario events that happen in early May each year. The gold medal winners from the Limestone event may be offered the opportunity to represent the LDSB at the Ontario Skills Competition.
The Skills Ontario Competition offers a unique opportunity for top students to demonstrate that they are the best in their field. Over three days, student competitors impress their educators, family, friends, and prospective employers. Winners are awarded with Gold, Silver, or Bronze medals and the opportunity to compete at the Skills Canada National Competition. From there, competitors could be headed to the WorldSkills Competition.
Examples of Skills categories in 2025 included (but were not limited to):
Students who are interested can speak with their classroom or subject-specific teachers to find out more! Stay tuned for more information as we get closer to the new year!
Annual Granite Ridge Christmas Store: Donations now being accepted!
Christmas Assistance Program
The Christmas Assistance Program is available to individuals and families in Central and North Frontenac through the Salvation Army Mississippi-Rideau Lakes Corps. Every attempt is made to have a hamper available to everyone who needs one. Families can apply by completing the following two forms, and calling the number on the application to set up an interview. Applications are due to Rural Frontenac Community Services by Friday, November 21st.
2025 Christmas Assistance Program Application
Appointments will be scheduled for applicants to come in with required information as applications are received.
Messages from Public Health:
Upcoming Dates:
October 2025
- 27-31 - Spirit Week
November 2025
- 11 - Remembrance Day Assembly
- 13 - Elementary Progress Reports go home
- 14 - PA Day - No school for students
- 17 - Bus Safety Presentations (JK-8)
- 17 - Photo Retake Day & Elementary Class Photos
- 18-19 - OSSLT
- 19, 25 - SHSM First Aid/CPR Training
- 20 - Secondary Midterm grades to OCAS & OUAC
December 2025
- Christmas Store
- 11 - Christmas Dinner (Tentative)
- December 22 - January 2 - Winter Break
January 2026
- 5 - Back to school!
- 30 - PA Day - No school for students
February 2026
- 25-26 - Grade 12 Graduation Photos
- 13 - Term 1 Report Cards Go Home
- 16 - Family Day Holiday
March 2026
- 2 - Grade 8 Graduation Photos
- 16-20 - March Break
April 2026
- 3 - Good Friday Holiday
- 6 - Easter Monday Holiday
- 17 - PA Day - No school for students
May 2026
- 18 - Victoria Day Holiday
- 29 - PA Day - No School for students
June 2026
- 9 - Athletic Banquet - 5:00pm
- 16-17 - Grade 12 Final Summative Evaluations & Exams
- 18-24 - Semester 2 Final Examinations
- 23 - Grade 8 Graduation - 6:30pm
- 24 - Kindergarten Celebration - 1:30pm
- 24 - Final Elementary Reports Home
- 25 - Grade 12 Graduation - 11am
- 25 - Last day of school
School Year Calendars
Parent Council
Dear Parents & Guardians,
We invite you to join our first Parent Council meeting on the first Monday of each month, which will take place in the GREC Library or online via Zoom from 5:30-6:30pm.
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.
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!
Please consider joining us. We look forward to welcoming new and returning faces.
Prevalent Medical Conditions
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.
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.
- Asthma Plan of Care
- Anaphylaxis Plan of Care
- Epilepsy Plan of Care
- Diabetes Plan of Care
- Generic Plan of Care
Late Arrival? Early Dismissal?
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 before 1:30pm. This will allow us to relay the information to the classroom in a timely manner.
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.
Reporting a Student Absence
Reporting Absences: There are three options to use to report a student absence:
- use the SchoolMessenger App on your phone, select "Attendance", then "Report an Absence"
- use the SchoolMessenger website portal
- Call the main office of the school
