Ms. Watson's Period 3 Gym Class is to meet in the library today.

COURSE CHANGES will begin today. This will be a slow process so please be patient and remain in your assigned classes until then. If you need a course change please sign in the yellow folder in the library.

ACTIVITY FAIR will begin Thursday afternoon to Monday after lunch. Sign up for your favourite Club, team, activity. Permission Forms will be available for Boys Soccer, Boys Volleyball and Cross Country and practices/meetings will happening soon.

TODAY IN THE WELLNESS ROOM there will be Kool Aid and Cookies. Stop buy and check it out!!

EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD TERRY FOX, BC never saw himself as remarkable. Terry was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma - cancer - just above the knee, the subsequent amputation of his leg and experience in the cancer wards changed him forever. A newly nurtured reservoir of compassion, combined with a fierce determination to bring an end to the suffering cancer causes, Terry Fox set on a path that, quite simply, changed the world. You can change the world for someone as well by participating in our Terry Fox Fundraising events like BINGO in the library at lunch next week, coin drives leading up to our walk on Thursday September 26^th and our Dodgeball Team Challenge the week of September 16th. Stay tuned to announcements for more information.

STUDENTS ARE REMINDED that when crossing at a crosswalk with a bike, scooter or skateboard, please WALK across the street, do not ride. The crossing guards should not have to remind you to walk when crossing and they thank you for your cooperation.

INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN THE SKILLED TRADES?  Come to the Level Up Skilled Trades Fair next Thursday September 12 from 8:30 to 11.  Students will have 90 minutes to walk around, take part in interactive demonstrations and engage in conversations with different skilled trades organizations and employers.  There is no cost for this event.  Pick up your permission form in the library.  There are 25 seats so get your signed permission forms in to Mrs. Gavel ASAP to secure your spot.

As you may have already heard, NEW PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT LEGISLATION has resulted in changes to the use of mobile devices in schools. A mobile device is any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate or access the Internet, such as a laptop, cellphone, tablet or smart watch.

In order to ensure a focused and engaging learning environment, we will require all personal mobile devices be stored out of view during instructional time. Students who need to use their phones are asked to speak with an educator so that we can work together to find an appropriate solution. While we understand that these changes may be difficult, please know that creating and maintaining a protected space for learning in our classrooms is our goal.

PICTURE DAY is Wednesday, September 11^th.

NEW TO YOU OPEN TODAY

Do you care about the environment?  Do you support limiting garbage that ends up in our landfills? Do you like getting a good deal when you shop? Well then, Port Hope’s New To You store is for you. 100% off on all items!  Now that’s a deal! Today is the grand opening, come check it out.  The store is located right beside the office and will be open at lunch Tuesday’s and Thursdays.  If you have any questions, please see Ms. MacDonald or Josh Clark.

STUDENTS ARE REMINDED that when crossing at a crosswalk with a bike, scooter or skateboard, please WALK across the street, do not ride. The crossing guards should not have to remind you to walk when crossing and they thank you for your cooperation.

INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN THE SKILLED TRADES?  Come to the Level Up Skilled Trades Fair next Thursday September 12 from 8:30 to 11.  Students will have 90 minutes to walk around, take part in interactive demonstrations and engage in conversations with different skilled trades organizations and employers.  There is no cost for this event.  Pick up your permission form in the library.  There are 25 seats so get your signed permission forms in to Mrs. Gavel ASAP to secure your spot.

As you may have already heard, NEW PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT LEGISLATION has resulted in changes to the use of mobile devices in schools. A mobile device is any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate or access the Internet, such as a laptop, cellphone, tablet or smart watch.

In order to ensure a focused and engaging learning environment, we will require all personal mobile devices be stored out of view during instructional time. Students who need to use their phones are asked to speak with an educator so that we can work together to find an appropriate solution. While we understand that these changes may be difficult, please know that creating and maintaining a protected space for learning in our classrooms is our goal

COURSE CHANGES are a slow process so please be patient and remain in your assigned classes until then. We are slowly making progress.

ACTIVITY FAIR will begins today and will run until  Monday after lunch. Sign up for your favourite Club, team, activity. Permission Forms will be available for Boys Soccer, Boys Volleyball and Cross Country and practices/meetings will happening soon. No permission form No practicing!

WHO’S CANADA’S GREATEST HERO? I think it’s Terry Fox! When he was just 21, Terry started his Marathon of Hope. His courage inspired people to fundraise for cancer research across Canada and around the world.  has been doing the Terry Fox School Run for years. Our goal this year is to raise $1000! We are super excited for this year’s ‘Try Like Terry Challenges’ and we’re going to crush our fundraising goals just like Terry did! Here is how you can participate: Spare change - donate it in your homeroom beginning next week, Like Bingo? BINGO Challenge in the library Tuesday to Friday next week, $1 for 3 cards and yes there will be prizes! And Who doesn't love Dodgeball - A Dodgeball Challenge will begin Sept 17th. $5 for a team a 5 - listen to announcements for sign up days. Of course on the day of the walk we will have our traditional Terry Fox BBQ - $5 for Hot Dog, Chips and a Drink.

P4 IS OUR SAC (SPARTAN ADVISORY COUNCIL) & GR. 9 SPARTAN MANIA. Gr. 9 Students will go to P4 for attendance and then wait to be called to the gym. We will have indoor activities and for those wishing to slip and slide that will be outside AFTER our indoor opening activities. Can't wait to celebrate the finish your first week in Grade 9.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL your practices or tryouts begin Monday - you need a returned permission form in order to play. Please return your forms to Ms. Watson in the Library, Ms. Connor in room 205 or to Mr. Gray in room 143.

PICTURE DAY is Wednesday, September 11^th.

Student Forms and Medical Information

Please note that Student Verification Sheets, Computer Forms and Communication Forms have gone home with students this week.  Please ensure that these forms are completed and brought back to the school by Friday, September 13^th. 

Students with a Medical condition also received a form to be completed and returned to the school by Friday, September 13^th.  If your student has a Medical condition and did not receive a form please contact the school.

When TERRY RAN THE MARATHON OF HOPE, he wasn’t much older than you. He was just an ordinary kid with extraordinary determination. That’s the idea behind this year’s Terry Fox Run: No Matter What. Terry ran no matter the distance…no matter the obstacles…no matter the odds. Terry ran no matter what! Of course, we all have our own "no matter what's." So here’s an activity idea: write down something you want to achieve and your "No Matter What's" on the road to success. For example, I’m going to get an “A” on my next math quiz. Here’s my study strategy! I’m going to win my next match. Here’s how I’m prepping! I’m going to raise 25% more than I did last year for Terry Fox! This is how I’m going to do it!: Spare change - donate it in your homeroom beginning this week, Like Bingo? Play in the BINGO Challenge in the library Tuesday to Friday this week, $1 for 3 cards and yes there will be prizes! And Who doesn't love Dodgeball - A Dodgeball Challenge will begin Sept 17th. $5 for a team a 5 - listen to announcements for sign up days. Of course on the day of the walk we will have our traditional Terry Fox BBQ - $5 for Hot Dog, Chips and a Drink. You can use School Cash Online to Purchase the BBQ Lunch.

BOYS VARSITY SOCCER practices begin Tuesday after school on the main field.  A signed consent form must be completed before hand.

PORT HOPE FAIR – Baking competition for high school students…….Anyone interested please attend a meeting at lunch TODAY in Ms Ellis’ room 218.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL will begin tonight in the main gym. Remember to bring your permission forms to Ms. Watson, Ms. Connor or Mr. Gray. Practices will run Monday, Wednesday and Thursday this week afterschool.

LET’S SIGN UP …….Didn't have a chance to sign up for a club or activity last week? You can do so at lunch today in the main foyer. After today you will need to listen to announcements or approach a teacher running the club or activity for more information. Let's go Spartans!!

COURSE CHANGES are a slow process so please be patient and remain in your assigned classes until then. We are slowly making progress.

PICTURE DAY is Wednesday, September 11^th.

PICTURE DAY TOMORROW is Wednesday, September 11^th.

SOCCER

Practice today after school .  Have your form signed.

🎶 Port Hope High Music Club 🎶

Love music? Whether you’re into rock, pop, classical, jazz or anything in between, come jam with us at the Port Hope High Music Club! We're all about making music, learning new styles, and having fun together. No matter your skill level or favorite genre, there’s a spot for you here! We’ll be exploring different kinds of music based on what YOU want to learn. Professional musician instructors from Sounds of the Next Generation (SONG) will be your guides on this year-long musical journey.

When? Every Tuesday after school from 2:45-4:15 in the music room. We kick off on October 1st, so don’t miss it! 🎤🎸🎧

REGISTER FOR FREE HERE on School Talk or see Mrs. McCarthy in the office

ATTENTION NATURE LOVERS!  There are a limited number of seats left on the trip THIS THURSDAY to the Ganaraska Forest Centre.  We are doing a stream assessment and it promises to be a fun day: the bus leaves at 8:30 a.m. Thursday and returns in time for your bus ride home.  Environmental SHSM students can earn an additional certificate!  If you are interested, please see Ms Foster TODAY for a permission form.  There is not a cost for this trip.

A reminder that there is a STUDENT GOVERNMENT MEETING in the library tomorrow at lunch in the Large Conference Room.

Members of Sounds Of The Next Generation (SONG) and youth from the community are invited to participate in our Youth Coffee House open mic event on Saturday, Sept 14th in the Sculthorpe Room at the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope. The first 5 performers to register will receive a $10 rental voucher for Long & McQuade. Performance slots will be given in the order that registrations are received. Parents, guardians, friends, and family are welcome to attend!

Location:   Capitol Theatre (Sculthorpe Room), 20 Queen St, Port Hope, ON 

Schedule:  4:30pm-6pm Soundcheck/Run with participants, 6pm-6:45 pizza dinner, 7pm-8pm performance

Bring:         Any instrument you plan to use for your performance

Register using the google link on School Talk.

PERFORMER REGISTRATION LINK

Good morning! This year’s Terry Fox Run t-shirts feature the motto: No Matter What! Across the country, students are writing their own ‘No Matter What’ messages to share how Terry’s legacy inspires them. What’s your No Matter What? Think about it!  Show your friends and family that you are determined, strong, and resourceful…just like Terry! Come on staff and students at Port Hope High School! Let’s goooooooo!

Don't let Ms. Harnden's class stay in the lead with the coin drive - yesterday they donated $4.40 - who will beat that today. BINGO and Prizes in the library beginning today, $1 for 3 cards. Play 1 round or more! Each round is a $1 depending on the number of cards you would like to have.

A reminder that there is a STUDENT GOVERNMENT MEETING in the library TODAY at lunch in the Large Conference Room.

Boys Volleyball Practice tonight after school in the main gym. Please bring your permission forms.

A reminder to SAC of the meeting today in the library at lunch - large conference room.

THE GAY STRAIGHT ALLIANCE CLUB better known as the GSA is having its 1st official meeting Today at lunch in Room 222.

 The club does fundraising and activities and just provides an LGBTQ plus friendly place to chill and chat every Wednesday.

New members are always welcome!!! We are especially looking forward to meeting our grade 9s . So don't be shy, give it a try …..today at lunch in Rm 222

When you ‘Try like Terry,’ you can accomplish anything! Terry Fox believed we could have a world without cancer if we raised enough money for cancer research. So he began to plan his Marathon of Hope. His goal was HUGE! He wanted to run from St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Vancouver, BC, and inspire Canadians to give money for this very worthy and important cause. Sadly, Terry didn’t make it to Vancouver, but he sure did inspire us! It has been 44 years since the Marathon of Hope and Terry has helped raise more than $900 million!! Now it’s our turn! It’s time to set – and achieve – our own fundraising goals. We are off to a great start - keep those coins coming, join up for BINGO and prizes in the library $1 for 3 cards, sign up for  the Dodgeball Challenge $5 per team of 5 on Monday and Tuesday next week! Here are our Coin Drive Results so far:

Ms. Connor $12.35

Ms. Avery $19.10

Ms. Ellis $25.10

Ms. Foster $26.95

Ms. Harnden $63.10

Mr. Demill $75

The race is on!!

BOYS VOLLEYBALL Practice tonight in the main gym. Please remember your permission forms.

DANCE CLUB

Calling all Port Hope High School Dancers! Dance club starts today at 2:45 in the Drama Room. We will warm up, dust off our technique and learn some choreo. This year we will feature student choreography in lots of different styles! Join us in Room 101 every Thursday from 2:45 - 4pm. See you there!"

TERRY FOX

It’s time for a Terry Fox Moment. During his Marathon of Hope Terry set a goal to raise $1 million for cancer research. He crushed it. So he upped his goal: he wanted to raise $1 from every Canadian: there were 23 million of us back in 1980. Almost no one – except Terry – believed it was possible for a 21-year-old, one-legged runner to raise $23 million. But Terry crushed that goal, too! Today, thanks to kids like us and people from all around the world, more than $900 million dollars has been raised in Terry’s name! That money is helping the very best scientists in Canada discover new and better ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent cancer. The moral of this story is simple: You, too, can crush your goals if you Try Like Terry! Join us today at  lunch for BINGO and Prizes in the library $1 for 3 cards. Keep your coins coming you're doing amazing:

Ms. Aiello, Ms. Connor, Ms. Avery and Ms. Ellis have raised just over $60, Ms. Foster's Class has raise $51, Mr. Demill $100.86 and Ms. Harnden has a total of an amazing $151.05!! We are rocking this coin challenge - Lots of time to crush Harnden with 2 weeks left to bring in your coins or bills, it all helps!

DODGEBALL SIGN up will be in the Library $5 for a team of 5. Tournament play will begin on Wednesday next week. Let's get raising money for Terry Fox.

SPIRIT WEEK

We are looking forward to seeing all the twin outfits today!!!!

Tuesday – wear your school colors

Wednesday – wear your Adam Sandler inspired outfits

Thursday – Today is mismatch day

Friday – Today is beach day – ending the week with a splash.

Thanks for all your participation.

DO YOU ENJOY TRIVIA?  Then the Reach Team is for you!  We are meeting in the resource room at lunch.  Please bring your lunch and your curious minds 😊

If you have any questions, please see Ms. MacDonald.

BOYS SOCCER practice Tuesday in preparation for Wednesday game.  Be there.  All forms need to be signed.

DRIVER’S EDUCATION forms are available in the office.  Students may register for the on-line course to start anytime or register for the classes at CCI.  For more information stop by the office.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL Practice this week is Wednesday and Thursday night after school in the main gym. 

TERRY FOX

Raise more money for Terry Fox by participating in our Dodgeball Challenge beginning Wednesday at lunch in the main gym. $5 for a team of 5, sign up today at lunch outside the gym.

Attention all Gr. 11 & 12 Students St. Lawrence College in Kingston will be here at 12 noon in the lecture theatre. If you are interested in learning more about what St. Lawrence College has to offer then come join us at 12 noon in the lecture theatre

SPIRIT WEEK

Wednesday – wear your Adam Sandler inspired outfits

Thursday – Today is mismatch day

Friday – Today is beach day – ending the week with a splash.

Thanks for all your participation.

Just a reminder that The New To You Store will be open every Tuesday and Thursday for the first half of lunch.  Come and check it out and shop for free today at the beginning of lunch.

BOYS SOCCER practice TODAY in preparation for Wednesday game.  Be there.  All forms need to be signed.

DRIVER’S EDUCATION forms are available in the office.  Students may register for the on-line course to start anytime or register for the classes at CCI.  For more information stop by the office.

SPIRIT WEEK

Thursday – Today is mismatch day

Friday – Today is beach day – ending the week with a splash.

Thanks for all your participation.

Congratulations to Mr Demill’s class for winning school colours spirit day!!!

Gym is closed for the next week for the Terry Fox Dodgeball Challenge. Today at 11:15am we will see Team Kool Kids Klub face off in round one against Team Bubs and at 11:35 Team Joshua Clark challenge Team Average Joes. Who will come out triumphant??? Teams will play for 15 min each - whoever is ahead or winning after 15 min will claim the round. Full Schedule will be posted Thursday morning. 

Terry Fox Coin Drive has one week left who will catch Ms. Harnden's Class? Will it be Mr. Demill or Ms. Avery or some unsuspecting underdog?? Terry Fox BBQ Lunch can be purchased using school cash online or in the main foyer at lunch next week. Only $5 for Hot Dog, Chips and a Drink.

Boys Volleyball practice tonight after school. Uniforms and Schedules will be handed out. First Tournament Monday at Holy Cross in Peterborough beginning at 3pm

Are you looking for Volunteer Hours that you can do from home? Community Health Centres of Northumberland have a short project that requires copying of information from a PDF document, to an excel spreadsheet. It’s will only require a few hours of copy paste. Students can do this on their own computers, and would simply need an email address to send two documents to. There is no confidential information being exchanged.

Please contact Jill Williams if you are interested jwilliams@chcnorthumberland.ca

Just a reminder that The New To You Store will be open every Tuesday and Thursday for the first half of lunch.  Come and check it out and shop for free at the beginning of lunch.

It is that time of year again! Starting this week the Youth Room is back! Every Thursday from 2:30pm to 5pm in the Wellness Room. For all youth ages 12 to 19. Come in and join us for snacks, music, crafts, games, and more.

ATTENTION NATURE ENTHUSIASTS!  Are you interested in the environment?  Do you like spending time in nature or want to help our environment?  Environment Club meetings start THIS FRIDAY at lunch in the Library.  Bring your lunch and good ideas!  If you would like to be in the Environment Club but cannot make the meeting, please let Ms. Foster know.

Coin Drive update, one more week to go!

Top 3 Classrooms are Mr. Demill with $100.86 then Ms. Avery $106.55 and Ms. Harnden $211.25.

The BOYS SOCCER team kicked off their season yesterday with their first game in Peterborough against Holy Cross. They Played fantastic, dominating control of the ball for the majority of the first half. The boys rallied back from an early 2-0 deficit, getting the ball to Seb who scored both goals to tie the game going into half time. Fletcher played awesome in net, keeping the game close with many amazing saves and strong communication. He was also supported by the strong defence of Ryker, Phoenix, Jacob, Logan and Arash. The second half of the game was a hard fought battle, but Holy Cross ran away with the win. Help us wish the boys luck for their game Monday

YOUTH GROUP

“It is that time of year again! Starting this week the Youth Room is back! Every Thursday from 2:30pm to 5pm in the Wellness Room. For all youth ages 12 to 19. Come in and join us for snacks, music, crafts, games, and more.”

TERRY FOX DODGEBALL CHALLENGE kicked off yesterday with the Kool Kids Klub winning by default to Joshua Clark and the Average Joes annihilating the Bubs 5-0. Today will see up first The Avengers vs The T Team aka Teachers, second Kool Kids Klub vs Avenger Joes and finishing off the lunch hour is Joshua Clark vs the Bubs. Catch the action today in the main gym at lunch!!

Tickets go on sale for the Terry Fox BBQ on Monday in the main foyer. You can also use school cash online.

DUAL CREDIT CLASS

A reminder to Ms. Watson's Dual Credit Phys Ed Class that we are in the library ready to go at 12 noon. Come with your laptop!!

Boys Volleyball Practice afterschool tonight in the main gym. Uniforms and schedules are ready to go. First round of games are on Monday at Holy Cross in Peterborough. Gabe Soetens please see Ms. Watson in the library after announcements.

Just a reminder that The New To You Store will be open every Tuesday and Thursday for the first half of lunch.  Come and check it out and shop for free at the beginning of lunch.

Are you interested in learning about Christianity? Well you're in luck, because the Christian club will be meeting in the library at lunch every Tuesday. This club is a safe place to discuss and ask questions about religion, and no, you do not have to be religious to join.

Listen up PHHS! Are you trying to save money for your tuition, a trip, or a car? The annual OSSTF Student Achievement Awards competition is open and YOU could win $1000! All you have to do is create an original piece of writing, art, or media based on this year's theme Is Anyone Out There?. There are junior and senior grade awards, as well as awards for Essential, Workplace, Applied, Academic, College, and University streamed students. Speak to Mx.Kim for more details! 

Earn community hours while listening to music this coming Saturday, Sept. 28 from 4-8 pm at the bandshell at Memorial Park during the free Steel Band Concert. Volunteers are needed for face painting in the children’s activity tent and in many other areas too. Please see Mrs. McCarthy for more information.

A reminder to purchase your Terry Fox BBQ Lunch tickets $5 Hot dog, chips and a drink. On sale in the main foyer this week at lunch as well Student Government will be coming to homerooms.

Dodgeball games today are round one Average Joes vs Joshua Clark, then Kool Kids Klub vs the Bubs and finishing off the lunch hour we have Joshua Clark vs The Avengers. Wednesday we will see the final dodgeball game Average Joes vs The Teachers. Come out and catch the action, cheer on your favourite team.

Boys Volleyball Practice tonight in the main gym! First Game at CCI on Thursday.

Boys Soccer practice Wednesday after school.  Be there.

BOYS SOCCER practice after school, outside rain or shine.  Be prepared.

EARN COMMUNITY HOURS while listening to music this coming Saturday, Sept. 28 from 4-8 pm at the bandshell at Memorial Park during the free Steel Band Concert. Volunteers are needed for face painting in the children’s activity tent and in many other areas too. Please see Mrs. McCarthy for more information.

Listen up PHHS! Are you trying to save money for your tuition, a trip, or a car? The annual OSSTF Student Achievement Awards competition is open and YOU could win $1000! All you have to do is create an original piece of writing, art, or media based on this year's theme Is Anyone Out There? There are junior and senior grade awards, as well as awards for Essential, Workplace, Applied, Academic, College, and University streamed students. Speak to Mx.Kim for more details! 

Just a reminder that tomorrow, Friday, September 27^th is a PA Day.

October is Canadian Islamic History Month which aims to celebrate, inform, educate, and share with fellow Canadians the rich Muslim heritage and contributions to society: Contributions in sciences, humanities, medicine, astronomy, and other disciplines that have greatly benefited human progress. To further our goal in creating safe, inclusive spaces for all, we are very pleased to advise you that our board has arranged for the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) to come to Dr. M.S. Hawkins and Port Hope High School on October 24^th to present a workshop to all intermediate and secondary students called “A Teachable Moment on Islamophobia”. This presentation explores how Islamophobia may be impacting our schools and classrooms. Beginning with an overview of the term Islamophobia and an exploration of some common myths about Islam and Muslims, the presentation will examine ways to challenge Islamophobia and to build safe and inclusive schools for all students.

IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL CUSTODIAL WORKERS DAY today, October 2^nd, the students and staff would like to thank all custodians at Port Hope High School for your dedication and all that you do to keep our school safe and clean.  Thank you for working tirelessly during the summer to prepare for September, for getting our schools ready for events, and for being willing to lend a helping hand.  

BOYS VOLLEYBALL players are to be excused at 1:30 for your tournament at St Mary’s.  Be dressed and ready to go by 1:45.

COMMUNITY GARDEN

Come out after school today the community garden to help the Environment Club close down the garden for the winter and earn community service hours.  See Ms Foster for details!

THE BOYS SOCCER team faced off against Brock yesterday. They were strong in the defence with Tucker playing as the sweeper, getting back and clearing out anyone who made their way through, especially with those slide tackles.

 Jacob, Joe , Logan and Ben held the line and forced the players offside many times turning the pace of the game back in Port Hope’s favour.

Phoenix, Will and Jackson made some great plays on the outside mid field to get the ball up for scoring opportunities.

Tyrese kept the centre midfield strong and scored two breakaway goals. Tanner’s energy and drive resulted in a goal as well! 

Lorenzo and Kody stepped in as emergency back up goalies.. Making some incredible stops against a strong offence.

Congrats boys on a great game. 

The team will play against Kenner this afternoon in Peterborough. Help us wish them luck!

Please meet Miss Avery and Mr. Demill in the front foyer at the start of period 4.

CELL PHONES

Students are reminded that there is now government legislation and school board policy requiring cell phones to be stored out of view during instructional time. For students who continue to struggle with following this expectation, we will work with parents and guardians to come up with a solution which could include surrendering the phone to your teacher, the principal, or leaving it at home. Please direct any questions or concerns to your teacher or Mrs. McCarthy.

Dear KPR Families,

The first day of school is right around the corner and I hope you can feel the energy and excitement in the air as we count down the days!  

I hope that you’ve had a fantastic summer – finding time to connect with loved ones, take in the beautiful weather, and do the things that bring you joy. I am looking forward to a safe and successful return to school and the many #WeAreKPR memories that will be made in the year ahead!

For students who may be experiencing mixed emotions about returning to school, we have a number of great resources to support them as they adapt to new routines and relationships. 10 Tips for a Successful Back-to-School Transition is a resource from School Mental Health Ontario that offers helpful tips to support the transition.

With more students, vehicles, walkers and bicycles on the roads, our priority is to ensure a safe school start-up in the coming days. Please be aware that school zones are busy places, and it’s important to be cautious when traveling to and from school. We sincerely appreciate the contributions of our dedicated bus drivers, transportation staff, crossing guards, local police services and municipalities in keeping our students, staff and families safe.

I will continue to send bi-weekly updates to families this school year, with news and information to keep you informed. Of course, another great source of information and positive news is our KPR social media accounts. Please follow @kprschools on Facebook and Instagram for timely updates and #WeAreKPR stories this year!

Welcome back and wishing each of you a wonderful start to the 2024-2025 school year!

Best wishes,
 

Rita Russo
Director of Education

KPR News

Student Personal Devices

New provincial government legislation has resulted in changes to the use of mobile devices in schools. A mobile device is any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate or access the Internet, such as a laptop, cellphone, tablet or smart watch. 

To help ensure focused and engaging learning environments, all personal mobile devices must be stored out of view during the school day. Students in Grades K- 8 may not use mobile devices anytime during the school day (including recess), except as outlined below. Students in Grades 9-12 may use mobile devices during breaks.

Devices may be used in certain circumstances, including:

• for health and medical purposes,
• to support special education needs, or
• for educational purposes, as directed by an educator.

While these changes may be difficult, please know that creating and maintaining a protected space for learning in classrooms is our goal. Schools will be working with students to educate and support them as they adjust to these expectations. If students need to use their phones for reasons other than those outlined above, families should contact their school administration to discuss a shared solution.

Vaping in Schools

As you know, it has been our long-standing policy that smoking and vaping are not allowed on board property or in schools.

There are new provincial directives this year that support this policy, specifically that students cannot bring electronic cigarettes (vapes), cannabis, tobacco and/or nicotine products to school (including on school transportation).

If a student is in possession of an electronic cigarette (vape), tobacco or nicotine product, it is to be surrendered and disposed of.

As with the cell phone changes, we will work positively with students and families to implement these expectations.

Update from Public Health Partners

Public health partners have asked us to share that there has been a high rate of pertussis (whooping cough) cases over the summer months. They are encouraging families to ensure their children's immunizations are up to date and to get any needed vaccinations, including the pertussis vaccination, as soon as possible.

To read the full letter from public health click here.

For more information about immunizations and other public health updates, please visit your local public health unit’s website:

• Durham Region Health Department
• Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge Health Unit
• Peterborough Public Health
• Hastings Prince Edward Public Health Unit

The learning focus for the month of September is Truth and Reconciliation. To access weekly activities, reflection questions and resources to support your learning, visit the resource at the following link: September Passport to ReconiliACTION - Google Slides

Dear KPR Families,

Throughout September, schools are wonderfully full of community-building opportunities and learning for students, staff and families, such as Terry Fox days, school council meetings, open houses and so much more.

While this month has been filled with energy and excitement, my hope is that we each find time for reflection, leading up to September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

This is a day of remembrance, and a time to recognize the tragic history and harm caused by residential schools. We honour First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children and communities impacted by the residential school system and remember those who never returned home. In recognition of this observance, flags will be flown at half-mast at KPR schools and education centres. Schools participate in this day in age-appropriate ways, by engaging in discussion, reflection and learning that supports our collective journey towards reconciliation. More information about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is available from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and the Government of Canada.

In the coming days, we will be celebrating National Custodial Workers’ Recognition Day on October 2 and World Teachers’ Day on October 5.  To KPR custodians, trades and maintenance workers – we cannot say thank you enough for the work you do to keep schools safe, clean, accessible and welcoming for all students and families!

I’d also like to extend my sincere thanks to all of the amazing educators at KPR who have powerful impacts on many students every day, and every year. The collective commitment of all KPR staff to student success and well-being helps all students to excel in learning, succeed in life and enrich our communities!

For more information on days of significance coming up next month, including Rosh Hashanah from October 2-4 and National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S) on October 4, please visit KPR’s events calendar.

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

KPR News

PA Day Learning

We continue to share information with families about how KPR staff are learning and working together on Professional Activity (PA) Days to support students’ success. Detailed information about PA Days is posted on the KPR website, at www.kprschools.ca/pa-day-learning .

The September 27 Professional Activity (PA) Day will focus on the following areas:

• Literacy in Elementary and Secondary Schools
• Numeracy (Math) in Elementary Schools
• Secondary School Code of Conduct, and
• School Improvement Planning

Both teaching and support staff are participating in learning sessions focused on well-being and supporting student success. Thank you to everyone engaged in this important work. 

Report IT!

While we encourage students, staff and families to first address concerns directly with those involved in the situation, e.g. the teacher, principal, manager or superintendent, concerns may also be reported confidentially, through the online reporting tool – Report IT!  

More information about the Commissioner's Office of Human Rights, Equity & Accessibility and Report IT! is available on the Board website or by contacting the office directly at cohrea@kprdsb.ca