Gryphon Gazette: September 2026
Hello and welcome back to all of our Gryphon Families!
We hope that all of our students and families have had a wonderful summer filled with lasting positive memories and adventures. As always, time has flown by and it is hard to believe that we are already getting ready to dive in to another school year. Staff at GREC couldn't be more excited to welcome students back into the building! 2026-2027 brings with it an opportunity for all of us to start fresh, set new goals, and face challenges with refreshed energy and vision.
Our first day of classes is Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026. Please keep in mind that the first day of school will be busy with so many students arriving for the first day of the year. Staff will be on hand to welcome students off the bus and to ensure they know where to go. Any families arriving by car should ensure they give themselves extra time in the morning, and - where possible - avoid the bus lane at the start and end of the day. Please also remember that there is a no parking zone marked by signs on Road 38 outside of the school entrance. Please support us in keeping all students, families, and staff safe by refraining from parking in the marked zones. There is parking available on Dixon Crescent as well as at the arena/ball diamond south of the school.
Elementary students will receive a welcome email from their classroom teacher on Tuesday, September 1st. Secondary students will be directed to their period 1 class upon arrival and receive a full timetable there.
We can't wait to start another exciting year of learning together!
Staff Changes for 2026-2027
We are always excited to welcome new folks to the GREC family! This year, we have some new folks joining the team, and a couple of staff to welcome back!
Welcome to...
Ms. Duncan - Elementary Planning Time
Mr. Dunphy - Secondary Auto
Ms. Gibson - Custodial Team
Ms. Gilbert - Secondary French
Ms. Gillam - Elementary French
Ms. Hackel - Grade 7/8
And a special welcome back to...
Mr. Palmer - Elementary IST
Ms. Rose - Secondary LST
Student Medical Information
The Limestone District School Board plays an important role in supporting students with prevalent medical conditions to fully access school in a safe, accepting, and healthy learning environment that supports well-being. Prevalent medical conditions (anaphylaxis, asthma, diabetes, and/or epilepsy) require a medical plan of care for school. These plans must be updated annually. All medical forms are accessible through the LDSB website, as well as at the bottom of each shared edition of the Gryphon Gazette (scroll to the bottom to find links to forms). Please email your child's completed medical forms to gredc@limestone.on.ca, or reach out to the main office with any questions.
A friendly reminder that we are a nut-free and scent-free school.
Please help us ensure that we are keeping all students and staff safe by ensuring that no products containing nuts or strong scents enter the school.
Elementary Organization 2026-2027
Our class organization for 2026-2027 is as follows:
JK/SK - Ms. Cronk & Ms. Hole
JK/SK - Ms. Wallin & Ms. Green
Grade 1/2 - Ms. Lees
Grade 1/2 - Ms. Gale
Grade 2/3 - Ms. McPhee
Grade 3/4 - Mr. Flegal
Grade 4/5 - Mr. Hopkins
Grade 5/6 - Ms. Tarasick
Grade 6/7 - Mr. Gilbertson
Grade 7/8 - Ms. Hackel
French - Ms. Conboy & TBD
IST - Mr. Palmer
SST - Ms. Putnam
CLASS PLACEMENTS
Elementary teachers will connect with families on Tuesday, September 2nd by email. School organizations and class assignments for students are created before all new registrations are finalized, and as such LDSB reviews all of their school populations in the first weeks of school. Based on enrollment, LDSB sometimes recommends reorganization of school and classrooms after the second week of school to optimize learning for all students. If there is any student movement at GREC between classrooms, the team will share any initial diagnostics and assessments with colleagues. Staff will be working on gathering information in the first two weeks and will collaborate to make transitions a positive experience. It is important to share with your child that changes to classes are a possibility in the third week of September. If GREC does face a reorganization, further communication will be provided.
Daily Schedule
Bus Notes - Change in Procedure for 2026/27
Bus notes will now be generated in the main office by Ms. Young.
For students requiring a Bus Note for transportation on an alternate bus any given day, please note the following:
- Parents/Guardians connecting with the school to make the request by phone must call the main office to request a bus note by 1:30pm on the day of the required bus.
- Alternatively, parents/guardians can send a note with specific details surrounding the request to school with their child.
- For elementary students, the classroom teacher will ensure the note is sent to the main office for processing, and bus notes will be provided to students before bus time.
- For secondary students, students should deliver the note to the main office upon arrival, during break between first and second period, or during lunch. Bus notes must then be picked up by students in the main office during break between period 3 and 4. We are no longer able to accept text messages as evidence of parent approval.
- Providing the office with as much advance notice as possible is appreciated; parents are welcome to connect with the school by phone or by sending a note days prior to the required bus. Given the demands on the daily schedule, we are not able to process bus note requests after 1:30pm on the same day of requested travel.
Thank you for your understanding and help in ensuring this process is as smooth as possible.
School Day - Online Payments
GREC will be utilizing School Day for online payments during the 2026-2027 school year. Teachers and supervisors of trips and events will post permission slips and fee information online through School Day for parents to access. This process is essential in helping us to reduce the amount of cash that is in the building.
Any families in need of support accessing their account, or families who are new to the school and in need of an account, please email gredc@limestone.on.ca for more information. You will be provided with a letter including a code for access to your own School Day account.
Cell Phone Policy & Vaping
As per PPM 128: The Provincial Code of Conduct, LDSB - along with all Ontario school boards - has revised it's code of conduct to reflect the new guidelines set by the Ministry of Education in 2024. These regulations; AP 350 and AP 146; can be found on the LDSB website for those interested in reading more, and are crucial for fostering safe and healthy learning environments, as well as for mitigating the risks associated with substance abuse.
Mobile devices in schools - what does this mean for students?
Students must not use cell phones and other personal mobile devices during instructional time except under the following conditions:
- For educational purposes, as directed by an educator
- For health and medical reasons
- To support special education needs
When can students use a mobile device: If a student is in Grade 6 and below, they can bring a mobile device to school but will only be able to use it before and after school.
If a student is in Grades 7-12, they must keep their personal mobile devices stored out of sight 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.
Vaping and smoking - what does this mean for students?
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 prohibits smoking (tobacco and cannabis) and the use of electronic cigarettes (vaping) at schools, on school grounds and all public areas within 20 metres of these grounds. Anyone smoking or vaping on school property is guilty of an offence and if convicted may result in a fine under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017.
LDSB Administrative Procedures 164, 146, and 350 outline the procedures for maintaining a smoke-free and vape-free environment.
What parents/caregivers can do: If your student vapes, help is available to quit. The Quash App is a great place to start. If your student does not vape, now is the time to have conversations about why they should not start.
Digital Citizenship
All students at GREC will have access to a variety of digital tools to support their learning while at school. It is important that students continue to understand the importance of digital citizenship, appropriate use of digital tools, and how to make safe choices while online. We would like to work in partnership with families to ensure our students know how to use digital tools safely and appropriately and appreciate positive messaging and reminders from parents/guardians throughout the school year.
All students must have a completed digital citizenship form signed in order to use digital tools at school. These forms will be sent home with elementary students, and completed at school by secondary students. Any parents with concerns are welcome to contact the school.
Secondary Laptops
Due to a variety of factors, including costs associated with repairing broken devices or replacing lost devices, GREC is returning to a shared laptop model in secondary. This means that students will no longer have a 1-1 device for individual use, but rather, teachers will sign out devices for use during class as needed. Any students who require a laptop to complete academic work outside of the school day are encouraged to connect with Ms. Thorne in the library for support. We do not want students to be disadvantaged by the change and will plan with individual students as needed to ensure academics remain fully accessible as needed.
Volunteering - Police Checks
Any parents or guardians wishing to volunteer at the school or on field trips MUST have a current (within 6 months) VALID police check with vulnerable sector. If you are considering taking part in any school-based activities with your child this year, it is best to be proactive and complete your police check as soon as possible, as they can take a number of weeks to be completed.
For those requesting police checks, please contact the school as we will provide you with a letter so that you can request the document free of charge.
Upcoming Dates
September 2026
- Sept 2 - First Day of School!
- Sept 3 - Grade 9 Orientation
- Sept 18 - Jr Boys Volleyball Tournament at NDSS
- Sept 23 - Eat Meet and Greet - 5-7pm
- Sept 25 - Sr Boys Volleyball Tournament at NDSS
- Sept 30 - Orange Shirt Day
- Oct 1 - Photo Day!
- Oct 5-9 - Safety Week
- Oct 16 - Academic Awards
- Oct 21 - Grade 7 & 8 Immunizations
- Oct 26 - PA Day
- Oct 29 - Photo Retakes
School Year Calendars
Parent Council
Dear Parents & Guardians,
We invite you to join our Parent Council meetings (typically 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 to the attention of the main office, or by emailing completed forms to gredc@limestone.on.ca. 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
