Newburgh October News Update
Thank you to the many families who joined us for this year’s NPS Open House in September! It is always wonderful to see the excitement and pride our students show as they welcome their families into the school and share their classrooms and learning spaces.
If you didn’t have an opportunity to see our school-wide collaborative art project, led by Ms. Olsen’s Grade 6/7 class, be sure to check out the wonderful display of kindness and friendship in the photo above. What a great way to start another school year, coming together as a school community and demonstrating leadership, kindness, friendship, and belonging.
September was a busy and exciting month at Newburgh! Our School Advisory Council (SAC) held its first meeting of the school year. We are grateful to the family and community members who are supporting our school through SAC this year. You can learn more about our new SAC members later in this newsletter.
Activities are also getting underway across the school. Our students have been proudly representing NPS through senior soccer and cross-country running, providing wonderful opportunities to build teamwork, perseverance, school spirit, and friendships. Coming up is Newburgh's first annual Dance A-Thon. This event will bring together the school community for an afternoon full of dancing and fun. Proceeds from the Dance-A-Thon will go toward school athletics.
Throughout the past few weeks, we have also continued important learning and conversations as a school community through daily morning announcements and classroom activities and learning. Students and staff have been recognizing Truth and Reconciliation, learning about consent and the importance of respecting the choices and boundaries of others, and building awareness and understanding during Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness Month. We ended our week with a school wide Terry Fox Walk/Run, lead by our Grade 7/8 class. These opportunities help us continue to build a school where everyone feels respected, included, valued, and that they belong. We are off to a wonderful start, and we look forward to all the learning, leadership, celebrations, and connections that October will bring!
Halloween is fast approaching and this year's Dance A-Thon will run October 30th in the afternoon at the school. Canteen items will be available through School Day. Students are encouraged to wear black and orange for this fun event. To help ensure Halloween costumes are ready for those trick-or-treaters on Halloween night, we ask that costumes and costume accessories remain at home. This will help prevent items from being damaged, misplaced, or accidentally left at school. Thank you for your support and understanding.
We are looking forward to a fantastic month ahead.
Yours in Education,
Jennifer Osborne, Principal and Tanyelle VanderSchoor, Vice-Principal
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
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
School Hour Change 2026/27
Beginning September 2nd, 2026, Newburgh Public School transitioned 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
As some of you have already met, Sarah Shaw is Newburgh's new Office Manager. 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.
Emergency Procedures
Our Newburgh students will be practicing safety drills throughout the month of September and October. We will prepare our students and staff for fire safety and emergency procedures like hold and secure and lockdown drills. The Fire Department will visit on October 5th to see our Fire evacuation in action.
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September Important Dates
Monday, October 5 - Pizza Day hosted by SAC and Fire Department @ NPS to witness our Fire Evacuation
Monday October 12 - Thanksgiving Holiday
Wednesday October 14 - Regional Cross Country Meet
Friday, October 15- Senior Soccer Tournament @ NPS. Canteen available to sign up on School Day
Monday, October 19 - Pizza Day hosted by SAC
Monday, October 26 - PA Day (no school today)
Tuesday, October 27 - Bus Safety Presentations
Friday, October 30 - Black and Orange Day/NPS First Annual Dance A-Thon!
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 |
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, October 20 @6:15
Tier 1 OT Classroom Support
Links for families to review are below:
Resources for parents and guardians:
- MediaSmarts: Cyber Security Resources for Parents
- Get Cyber Safe: Keep the Kids in Your Life Cyber Safe Checklist
- Cyber Security Ontario: K-12 Zone
- ProtectKidsOnline.ca
- RCMP: Cyber Safety for Parents, Guardians, Caregivers, and Teachers
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.
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
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.
DON'T FORGET YOU CAN ORDER NEWBURGH WEAR ALL YEAR LONG WITH THIS LINK
