Welcome Back, Newburgh Families!
Dear Families,
We are delighted to welcome our students and families to the 2026-2027 school year! We are excited for the year ahead and look forward to making it a year filled with learning, connection, and growth.
The first day of school is Wednesday, September 2. In line with our new balanced-day schedule, supervision will begin on the school yard at 8:55 a.m. Staff members will be outside wearing bright-coloured vests to help students find their classroom line-up areas and become familiar with their classmates and teachers. The bell will ring at 9:10 a.m. to signal the start of the school day.
The team at Newburgh Public School has been working hard behind the scenes to ensure a smooth start to the school year. Our school is sparkling and ready to welcome students! We would like to extend a warm welcome to returning and new staff to Newburgh this year and our sincere thanks to our custodial team for their dedication and hard work over the past several weeks and months in preparing for another successful year.
Throughout this newsletter, you will find important information to help ensure a successful start to the school year and keep you connected to our school community. Please do not hesitate to reach out by phone or email if there is anything we can do to support your family. Our new Office Manager, Sarah Shaw, is also looking forward to meeting students and families as we begin the new school year.
We are excited to reconnect with returning families, welcome those who are new to our school community, and begin another wonderful year of learning together.
We are looking forward to a terrific year ahead!
Jennifer Osborne, Principal and Tanyelle VanderSchoor, Vice-Principal
Newburgh Public School Staff 2025-2026
Principal Ms. Jennifer Osborne
Vice-Principal Mrs. Tanyelle VanderSchoor
Office Manager Mrs. Sarah Shaw
JK/SK Leah Birk/Chantelle Shook
Gr. 1/2 Jen Palmer
Gr. 3/4 Melissa Rennick
Gr. 4/5 Cathleen Caza
Gr. 6/7 Katie Olsen
Gr. 7/8 Mackenzie Myers (S. McEwen on leave)
French - Madame F. Moore
Student Support Teacher- Mrs. T. VanderSchoor
Planning Time Teacher- Ms. K. Tynski
Educational Assistant - Ms. C. Blanchard
Head Custodian - Ms. M. Hagerman
Evening Custodian-Ms. S. Wood
*The class organization is based on spring projected enrollment from last spring. Changes in enrollment may affect this organization starting the third week of classes.
FIRST DAY IMPORTANT INFORMATION
School Hour Change 2026/27
Beginning September 2nd, 2026, Newburgh Public School will transition to a balanced school day schedule, similar to other schools within the Limestone District School Board. The instructional day will run from 9:10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will include three 100-minute learning blocks, supported by two 40-minute nutrition and outdoor breaks. Morning supervision will begin at 8:55 a.m. This change is designed to support deeper learning, improved student engagement, and a more balanced daily routine for all students
Drop Off and Pick Up
When you are dropping off and picking up your child at school at the arrival and dismissal times, or if your child is walking to and from school, please use the gate in the north end gravel area and not the front of the school.
In the event that you need to drop off or pick up your child(ren) early during the school day, please buzz at the front office doors and stop by the office to sign your child(ren) in or out using the student drop-off/pick-up list. Ms. Shaw will retrieve your child(ren) from their classroom(s). If you have a message for the teaching staff, please use your child’s agenda or leave a message with the office. This helps ensure continuity of learning in every classroom.
Main Office
We are thrillled to welcome Newburgh's new office manager Sarah Shaw! Office hours are Monday through Friday from 7:45 am - 3:40 pm. We can be reached through our email nwbgh@limestone.on.ca or by calling the school at 613-378-2611. Emails and phone messages will be answered within 48 hours. For immediate assistance, please call back and to speak to someone.
Personal Toys
Thank you for monitoring personal toys, such as stuffed animals, squishy toys, Pokémon and hockey cards, coming into the school as these items cause disruption to our learning. While we understand how comforting or exciting these items can be, they are easily lost or misplaced or damaged during the busy school day. We want to avoid upset students, missing belongings and disruption to our learning; we ask that these items continue to stay at home.
September Important Dates
Tuesday, September 1 - PA Day - no classes for students
Wednesday, September 2 - First day of classes for students
Tuesday, September 15 - School Advisory Council Meeting 6:15 @ NPS. Everyone is Welcome!
Thursday, September 24 - NPS Open House
Tuesday, September 30 - National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day)
Monday, October 26 - PA Day
Tuesday, October 27 - Bus Safety Presentations
Tuesday, November 3 - Picture Day
Tuesday, November 10 - Grade 7/8 Immunization
Wednesday, November 18 - Picture Re-Takes
Time | Activity/learning block |
|---|---|
8:55 a.m. | Supervision begins on the yard |
9:10 to 10:50 a.m. | Learning block |
10:50 to 11:30 a.m. | Recess and nutrition break |
11:30 to 1:10 p.m. | Learning block |
1:10 to 1:50 p.m. | Recess and nutrition break |
1:50 to 3:30 p.m. | Learning block |
3:30 p.m. | Dismissal |
Important Information
CONCUSSION AWARENESS, PREVENTION AND CARE
The Ontario Ministry of Education requires all school boards to follow established concussion protocols to help prevent, identify, and manage concussions.
Please take a moment to review the information and resources below to learn more about concussion awareness, prevention, and care.
https://www.limestone.on.ca/concussion_protocols
STUDENT MEDICAL PLANS
https://www.limestone.on.ca/policies-procedures
DATA VERIFICATION and COMPUTER USE AGREEMENT
Data Verification Forms, Computer Use Agreement and new this year, Parent Information for Concussion Procedures, will be coming home the first day of school with your child. Carefully review this information and make updates and/or corrections as necessary and return to your child's teacher as soon as possible.
STUDENT ACCIDENT PROTECTION PROGRAM
The Limestone District School Board makes available Student Accident Insurance. Various affordable plans are available. Parents may enroll on-line at www.insuremykids.com or by completing the Student Accident Insurance package and mailing it directly to the company. Please note: participation in extra-curricular athletic activities requires parent signature verifying student accident insurance coverage through some insurance carrier.
AGENDA BOOKS
Agendas are provided by the Newburgh Public School to students in all grades to help students stay organized and instill a sense of responsibility. The expectation is that students record their homework and important events in their agenda daily. Each night parents should confirm that homework has been completed by signing. Teachers will check the agendas for correspondence from parents.
MOBILE DEVICES IN SCHOOLS
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 need to remain in their backpacks and powered off.
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. You can also:
- Read Media Smarts’ tips for managing your kids’ screen time
- Explore Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s (CAMH’s) services and resources if you have concerns about your child’s use of technology
- Explore School Mental Health Ontario resources to help you manage your child’s screen time
More information is provided in the link below.
https://www.limestone.on.ca/news/new-requirements-regarding-cell-phones-and-vaping-20240822182044
BUS INFORMATION
TRI-BOARD TRANSPORTATION
If your child rides the bus, Tri-board should have sent confirmation of your child's route. Please note, Stock is no longer a bus company providing transportation for Newburgh. Bus Transportation will be provided by Martin's bus lines this year. Please refer to the triboard website for the most recent busing information. You can also sign up for bus status alert emails at the Tri-board website to ensure you are notified of any late runs or cancelled routes.
If you are new to Newburgh Public School and require transportation, you will need to fill out the bus form at https://triboard.ca or if you want to verify your route for this year
ALLERGEN AWARENESS
Thank you for packing nut-free snacks! Please communicate with teachers before sending any treats in for your student's class.
CPIC
If you intend to volunteer in any capacity this school year, please complete a CPIC via the OPP website. Please feel free to pick up a form from Mrs. Shaw at the office. It is free of charge if you are volunteering with the school.
STUDENT ACCIDENT PROTECTION PROGRAM
The Limestone District School Board makes available Student Accident Insurance. Various affordable plans are available. Parents may enroll on-line at www.insuremykids.com or by completing the Student Accident Insurance package and mailing it directly to the company. Please note: participation in extra-curricular athletic activities requires parent signature verifying student accident insurance coverage through some insurance carrier.
PHYSICAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION CURRICULUM
The Limestone District School Board (LDSB) is committed to delivering health and physical education to all elementary students, using the Ontario Curriculum: Health and Physical Education, Grades 1-8, 2019. LDSB is committed to building positive school cultures that support student achievement and wellness. The Exemption from Human Development and Sexual Health Instruction, Grades 1 to 8 Procedure (the “Procedure”) was developed in response to the Ontario Ministry of Education’s Policy/Program Memorandum (PPM) No. 162 which requires school boards to develop a procedure that allows for students to be exempted, at the request of their parents/guardians, from instruction related to the Human Development and Sexual Health expectations found in Strand D of the Ontario Curriculum: Health and Physical Education, Grades 1-8, 2019 (the “Curriculum”). Classroom teachers will inform families of the timeline for delivering Strand D Human Development and Sexual Health Instruction, and an exemption letter will be provided. Below is a link to the expectations by grade.
https://www.limestone.on.ca/health___physical_education_curriculum
School Council
SAC Elections & September Meeting Date
It's that time of year - parents/caregivers! School Advisory Council (SAC) elections for Executive Positions are coming up very soon! The first SAC Council Meeting of the 2026-2027 school year and Elections will take place on Tuesday, September 15 at 6:15 pm. The elections will take place first with the SAC meeting following afterwards.
Please use the link below to submit nominations or drop by the school to pick up a hard-copy nomination form. Nominations are anonymous and you can nominate yourself or someone else for a position. If you are nominating someone, please ensure they are up for the position and have agreed to your nomination. The person you nominate must be available to be present at the meeting. Your nomination does not count as a vote; you must be present to vote. Nominations (for others and self) can be accessed in the link here https://forms.gle/Ng4a989BTKUrFekm6 and are due by 12:00 noon on Tuesday, September 15th. Hard copies of nominations can be picked up at the front office.
Positions for election are:
Chair/Co-Chair: Represents, works with and provides support to all school community and council committee chairs. This person works closely with the school principal and VP, school staff and parents to enrich the education of all students. Additionally, they preside over and conduct monthly council meetings, set agendas and schedule meetings (in consultation with the VP/Principal). The chair promotes discussion amongst council members and the community, receives and reports on correspondence sent and received by council. Acts as coordinator between the school board and council. Receives documentation from board and keeps council advised of board decisions, activities etc. Supports programs, initiatives and activities led by other council members and contributes to the monthly council newsletter.
Treasurer: Works with the council and coordinators in developing an operating budget, keeps a full and accurate account of receipts and expenditures and serves as the liaison with the Board of Education. Additional responsibilities include depositing/disbursing funds on behalf of the council, the preparation of monthly financial statements, and the preparation & filing of all necessary financial reports.
Secretary: Attends scheduled council meetings, records, maintains and distributes minutes of meetings, keeps non-financial records of council.
Indigenous Representative: This is a newer position with the SAC and will evolve and grow organically.
PIC (Parent Involvement Committee) Representative: PIC is an important advisory group that connects parents with their school board’s Chief Executive Officer and trustees. Attends monthly meetings at the Board Office alongside other PIC representatives and reports back to SAC members.
Member-At-Large: Attends meetings and participates in many aspects of council activities, as prescribed by council. Voting member.
For more information about this process and any other questions you may have about SAC, please see the link below.
https://www.limestone.on.ca/school-council
2026-2027 LDSB School Year Calendar
How To Report an Absence
Please use the Safe Arrival system to report your child's absence; do not call the school to report an absence. If your child is going to be absent from learning, please ensure you use the Safe Arrival system to report the absence. If your child will be late, please report a full day absence and then we will sign them in when they arrive. You cannot indicate a half day absence.
How to report your absence:
1. Toll-free telephone
- Call 1-855-257-9349 toll-free to report an absence using the automated phone system.
2. School Messenger App
- Use your mobile device to download and install the free SchoolMessenger blue app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store, the SchoolMessenger website portal, or from within the LDSB mobile app.
- The first time you use the app, you must select Sign Up to create your account. Please ensure you use the same email address your student’s school has on file. If you do not use that same email address, you will not be able to create an account, or may not be able to see the "Attendance" option. You may have already created an account when we introduced the Communicate broadcast system.
- Select Attendance, then select Report an Absence and follow the prompts.
3. SchoolMessenger SafeArrival Website Portal
Visit the SchoolMessenger website portal.
- The first time you use the app, you must select Sign Up to create your account. Please ensure you use the same email address your student’s school has on file. If you do not use that same email address, you will not be able to create an account, or may not be able to see the "Attendance" option. You may have already created an account when we introduced the Communicate broadcast system.
- Select Attendance, then Report an Absence, and follow the prompts.
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