November 2025
November has arrived—a month that always seems to bring a special kind of magic to school communities. The mornings are crisp, the fields are turning golden, and our halls are buzzing with the excitement of new learning, seasonal projects, and the upcoming holiday spirit. It’s the perfect time to pause, look around, and appreciate the small but powerful moments that make our school such a remarkable place.
This month, as we continue to see and celebrate success of all kinds—not just the kind we see on our report cards, but the everyday successes found in encouraging words between classmates, teachers going the extra mile, and the ways our entire community lifts one another up. Whether it’s a second grader discovering and reading a new favorite book, a high schooler mastering a challenging skill, or students of all ages helping each other on their respective journeys, November reminds us that growth and success thrive where kindness is planted.
Let’s make this November full of warmth, wonder, and a whole lot of learning!
Indigenous Education Month
November is Indigenous Education Month—a time to learn from and celebrate the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples. As a school community, we look forward to continuing to build understanding, respect, and gratitude together.
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 will 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. We are happy to provide each interested student - no matter the grade - with an opportunity to learn individually or with their peers.
Progress Reports & Midterms
Elementary Progress Reports were sent home last week, as were the Initial Communication of Learning for Kindergarten students. High school midterm reports will be sent home in the coming week. Please take the time to review your student's report card with them. Families with questions are encouraged to reach out to classroom teachers.
Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week November 17–21
Next week, students, staff, and families are encouraged to learn more about bullying and its impact on student learning and well-being. Please check out the LDSB resources shared below. On November 21, we invite everyone to wear pink to show we stand for kindness and inclusion.
Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test
The OSSLT will take place for Grade 10 students on Tuesday, November 18th and Wednesday, November 19th. In preparation, students have taken part in multiple review sessions and a practice test, for which they received direct, individualized feedback.
Good luck with the task, Gryphons! Families with questions are welcome to contact Mr. Donatelli (Lead Success Teacher) for more information as needed.
Inclement Weather Routines
After a somewhat unexpected wintery blast, we were surprised to start last week with back-to-back bus cancellation days. Communication related to these days will always be sent out in the morning to the emails of guardians. For the most up-to-date information, families should consider following Tri-Board on social media, as well as registering for bus status alerts.
Families are remined that any students dropped off at the school on inclement weather days need to be picked up by the end of the day as well. Additionally, a reminder that the yard does not open for supervision in the morning until 8:05am. Students should not be dropped off at the school earlier than 8:05am.
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.
Secondary Attendance Incentive Program
Attendance is pivotal to student success. Beyond achievements in grades, regular school attendance provides numerous benefits, including improved academic achievement and better social-emotional development. Consistent attendance helps students build crucial skills, form positive relationships, increase their confidence, and stay on track to graduate. It also develops a sense of reliability that is valuable for future employment.
Understanding the benefits of positive attendance, we are excited to announce a new Attendance Incentive Program for secondary students that will begin on Monday, November 17th. We will be tracking attendance in 2 week periods. Any students who arrive on time daily, and attend all classes without absences for the two week period, will have a chance to win a gift card from stores of interest including Amazon, Best Buy, Sport Chek, Sephora, and more! In addition, other incentives will also exist for students with improved attendance habits.
Looking forward to celebrating Gryphons for good habits and dedication to attendance!
Reminder: See Yourself in Limestone – Student Census Survey
The upcoming See Yourself in Limestone Student Census. The census is a voluntary and confidential survey for students in Grades 4 to 12. The census will take place in classes November 24 to 28, 2025.
As a reminder, families who do not want their student(s) to complete the survey should have contacted their school Principal by Friday, November 14, 2025. Opting out means the student will not receive the survey in their e-mail inbox. Please contact Ms. Moore ASAP if you wish to have your student opt out and have yet to contact the school. Late notice may result in the survey link being shared through email.
By better understanding students’ identities and experiences, we can remove barriers and better support students in accessing what they need to succeed.
Learn more about the Student Census and how it supports equity in Limestone: limestone.on.ca/student_census
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.
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
November 2025
- 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
