Dear Families,
As the cooler weather settles in, November brings many important opportunities for learning, reflection, remembrance, and community connection.
Throughout November, students will engage in learning connected to Indigenous perspectives, Treaties Recognition Week, Remembrance Day, and Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week with Limestone recognizing Pink Shirt Day on November 17th. These important opportunities encourage our students to learn about our shared responsibilities, reflect on the past, and consider how each of us can contribute to a respectful, inclusive, and caring community.
On November 11, we are pleased to welcome Lieutenant Colonel Rory Moore, who will share his knowledge about the significance of Remembrance Day with our students. We look forward to coming together as a school community to honour and remember those who have served and continue to serve.
We are very proud of our cross-country runners and senior soccer players who represented our school this fall. Congratulations to all of our athletes for their commitment, perseverance, and school spirit!
Our recent Dance-A-Thon was another wonderful example of our school community coming together. A heartfelt thank you to the many parent volunteers and members of our School Advisory Council who helped make the event such a success. We also appreciated seeing so many of our intermediate students step into leadership roles and contribute to the event. Together, our school community raised more than $700, which meant three brave staff members took on the challenge of receiving a pie in the face! Thank you to all of our families who donated. Your generosity helps support athletic opportunities for our students throughout the school year.
In October, Individual Education Plans (IEPs) were sent home for family review and input. IEPs are working documents that can be adjusted, revised, and updated throughout the year as needed. When revisions are made, families will be notified and consulted. Thank you for taking the time to review your child's IEP and return the signed consultation page.
Similarly, Progress reports will be coming home on November 13th for you to celebrate your child's success and progress this far in the term. As always, please reach out to your child's teacher if you have questions or information you would like to share about these important documents.
With colder weather arriving, please ensure students come to school prepared for outdoor learning and play each day. Classes may have Physical Education outdoors, participate in outdoor learning, and spend recesses outside. Please consider sending your child with:
- a warm coat
- hat and mittens
- warm, weather-appropriate footwear
- extra socks and clothing when needed
- rain gear on wet days
Students will continue to spend time outdoors on rainy and colder days when conditions are safe. Our practice is for students to remain indoors when there is heavy rain, thunder and lightning, or when temperatures fall below -25°C with the windchill. If your family requires assistance accessing winter clothing, please contact the school. We are happy to help.
Finally, with cooler weather comes school bus delays and cancellations. Information for families regarding preparing for winter-related bus delays and cancellations has been added to the LDSB district site and all school sites as a news item: https://www.limestone.on.ca/news/preparing-for-winter-related-bus-delays-and-cancellations-2026-2027-
Thank you for your continued support, communication, and partnership. Whether you are volunteering, cheering on our students, supporting a fundraiser, reviewing school documents, or simply helping your child arrive each day ready to learn, your involvement makes a difference. As we move into November, we look forward to another month of learning, reflection, leadership, kindness, and connection together. Below are some important dates we will be recognizing as a school community.
November 1 to 30 | Indigenous Education Month |
November 8 | Diwali (Hinduism) |
November 1 to 7 | Holocaust Education Week |
November 2 to 8 | Treaties Recognition Week in Ontario |
November 5 to 11 | Veterans’ Week |
November 7 | International Inuit Day |
November 8 | Indigenous Veterans’ Day |
November 11 | Remembrance Day |
November 14 | World Diabetes Day |
November 16 | Louis Riel Day (Ontario) |
November 15 to 21 | Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week |
November 20 | Transgender Day of Remembrance |
November 17 | LDSB Pink Shirt Day |
Yours in Education,
Jennifer Osborne, Principal, and Tanyelle VanderSchoor, Vice-Principal
Newburgh's Pie In The Face?
Thank you to all families for their generous donations to our school's athletic activities this year! Way to go team!
Newburgh Public School Staff 2026-2027
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
STEA (Short Term Educational Assistant) - Jessica Crouse
Head Custodian - Ms. M. Hagerman
Evening Custodian-Ms. S. Wood
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
Ms. Sarah Shaw's 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.
Important Dates
November and all of the school's important dates and activities are available on Newburgh's website in the calendar section. Please follow the link below or access the calendar through our school's website.
https://newburgh.limestone.on.ca/
https://newburgh.limestone.on.ca/calendar
Remembrance Day Ceremony
Newburgh will be honoring Remembrance Day with a ceremony in the gym with guest speaker Lieutenant Colonel Rory Moore. On Remembrance Day, we pause to honor the courage, sacrifice, and service of those who have served and continue to serve our country in times of war, conflict, and peacekeeping. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and learning, as we remember the individuals who gave so much so that we may live in peace. Our ceremony will commence at approximately 11:30 and should last approximately 20 minutes. Parents are welcome to join us in the gym to observe this solemn occasion.
CREATING BALANCE IN A DIGITAL WORLD
Digital wellness helps children develop healthy, balanced habits with technology and screen time. As students explore digital wellness at school, we want to share a few simple ideas families can try at home. By listening, learning together, and keeping communication open, we can help children develop a healthy relationship with technology.
WHY DIGITAL WELLNESS MATTERS
Digital wellness can help children:
- Develop healthy habits and daily routines
- Get enough sleep and enjoy restful evenings
- Balance online activities with offline experiences
- Build face-to-face connections
- Make time for physical activity, hobbies, and outdoor play
- Reflect on their technology use and make thoughtful choices
SUPPORTING DIGITAL WELLNESS AT HOME
- Monitor screen time: Use built-in device features to help track and manage screen time.
- Create a screen-free zone: Choose a time or place, such as mealtimes or bedrooms, where devices are put away.
- Try a 60-minute wind-down: When possible, aim for screen-free time during the hour before bed. Encourage relaxing alternatives such as reading, talking, or listening to music.
RESOURCES FOR CAREGIVERS
- Centre for Healthy Screen Use - Canadian Paediatric Society
- Helping Your Child Manage Digital Technology
- Digital Literacy Resources for Parents
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 |
School Council
Our first School Advisory Council meeting and election for Executive Positions was held on September 15th. Here are your 2026-27 SAC executive members:
Chair: Stephanie Cornish
Secretary: Gina Millen
Treasurer: Maria Evans
We warmly welcome all parents to be a part of any and every council meeting, whether you are an elected member or a parent who would just like to listen in and hear more about what is going on at Newburgh PS. Meetings usually include an administrator's sharing component, reports from members in particular positions (treasurer, chairs etc) and some discussion items. Babysitting for school age children will be available.
Our next meeting we will take place on Tuesday, December 1 @6:15
Human Development & Sexual Health
Parents/guardians play an important role in their children’s learning. As such, the Ministry of Education requires the Limestone District School Board to inform parents/guardians when instruction related to Human Development and Sexual Health will occur. Please read the list of expectations by grade before exempting your student from this strand in the Ontario health curriculum using Form 325-B.
Form 325-A - Notice of Period of Instruction Grade 1 to 8
Form 325-B - Exemption Letter Parent Request
Form 325-C - Principal Acknowledgement of Exemption Request
Form 325-D - List of H.D. and S.H Instruction Expectations by Grade
Tier 1 OT Classroom Support
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.
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.
2026-2027 LDSB School Year Calendar
Check out the School Mental Health Family Resources following the link below
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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