Fairfield Elementary School Update
May 16, 2022
Fairfield - A Great Place to Be
Spring is also the time when we plan for both the current end of year, while making plans for the next school year. There is a lot going on at FES and we encourage you to please read carefully through this newsletter as there is lots of information about:
Family Barbecue & Book Fair organized by the School Council on June 9th
Graduation takes place June 27th
Kindergarten Registration is open
Track & Field practices have begun
Staff Changes
And so much more!
Principal's Update
Family Barbecue at Fairfield - MARK YOU CALENDAR!
- Barbecue
- Scholastic Book Fair
- Loyalist Fire
- Loyalist Township Come Out & Play Trailer
More details to follow! Please watch for a pre-order form for the barbecue (hotdogs, hamburgers, drinks, etc.) All FES families are come to attend!
School Council
This is a GREAT way for parents and guardians to have a voice and to get to know other families in the school. Please consider attending - we would love to have you!
A huge shout out goes to the School Council this year for all of their hard work, especially organizing the barbecue, and recent hot dog days. You are amazing!
School Day
Sign up for School-Day: Permissions & Payments!
Limestone is excited to offer our families a new secure portal to complete permissions and payments online. With School-Day: Permissions & Payments, you will be able to complete permission forms and payments from any web browser using your SmartPhone, tablet, laptop or desktop.
Through this new online portal, you will be able to pay for items such as:
· Field trips
· Sporting events
· Student cards/athletic fees
· Hot lunch (where applicable)
The new easy-to-use portal will remove the risks associated with sending money to school with students, the frustration of lost or missing permission forms, and significantly reduce the amount of paper our school consumes.
The School-Day Introduction Letter came home last week with your child. Use the instructions in it to sign up for a School-Day account at www.school-day.com and connect to your child’s events and activities.
With your support, we look forward to a successful implementation of this practical application!
EQAO
EQAO provides a snapshot of students achievement and the assessments are based on the Ontario curriculum. Families will be provided with a report about their child's results in the fall of 2022.
The video below provides information about EQAO assessments
Kindergarten Registration
https://www.limestone.on.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=352782&pageId=639821
Discover Kindergarten in Limestone
The Kindergarten program, offered in both French and English, aims to nurture the whole child. Learning environments are intentionally designed with open-ended materials, sensory areas, literacy, mathematics and meaningful problem solving opportunities. The Kindergarten program allows children to develop emotionally, socially and physically: to grow creatively, and to engage in dialogue and celebrate their learning.
The program and classroom learning environments, both indoors and outside, support prior learning in meaningful activities that meet the Ontario Ministry of Education Kindergarten Program document (2016) expectations.
The Kindergarten program is based-on a foundation of play, which is essential to how children experience and make sense of their world. Play is a vehicle for learning and rests at the core of well-being, innovation and creativity. This program honours the active and exploratory learning styles of each young child. As children develop through similar stages at their own pace, this program provides learning experiences that meet individual curiosities, interests and developmental levels.
In the Kindergarten program, the classroom environment, teaching, learning, and assessment are structured around four “frames," or ways of being. Children’s learning is also evaluated and communicated to families in terms of these four frames. The frames - Belonging and Contributing, Self-Regulation and Well-Being, Demonstrating Literacy and Mathematics Behaviours, and Problem-Solving and Innovation, are conditions or ways of being that children naturally seek for themselves. What children learn in connection with all four frames lays the foundation for developing traits and attitudes they will need to become active, contributing, responsible citizens and healthy, engaged individuals who take responsibility for their own and others’ well-being.
Learn more about the Kindergarten program and play-based learning:
You can help your child prepare for the transition to Kindergarten by reviewing the following guides:
- Preparing For Kindergarten
- Make the Big Day a Happy One
School Year Calendar 2022-23
The Ministry of Education has approved the Limestone District School Board’s 2022-2023 School Year Calendar. Provincial regulations require that the school year shall start on or after September 1 and end on or before June 30. Every school year shall include a minimum of 194 school days.
The following key dates have been approved:
- First Day of School: Tuesday, September 6, 2022
- Winter Break: December 23, 2022, to January 6, 2023
- March Break: March 13, to March 17, 2023
- Last Day of School: Thursday, June 29, 2023
A printable 2022-2023 School Year Calendar is available here.
Graduation Rotation
Graduation Rotation is a program to recycle the gently used semi-formal attire by providing it to another graduate, keeping it from the landfills and making it available to another eco-conscious student.
With grade 8 graduation occurring during a time of rapid growth and change, Graduation Rotation hopes to provide a cost effective and eco-aware option to celebrate in style without breaking the bank.
A $25 deposit is paid at time of rental, and the full deposit is returned when the cleaned outfit is returned.
Graduation Rotation will take place at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Amherstview on Saturday May 28th from 9am-4pm. Dresses, suits, shoes and accessories will be available!
A huge thanks to FES staff members Mrs. Beal and Mrs. Pilon for planning and organizing this event for the Amherstview community!
Fire Drills
Graduation
Preparing for 2022-2023
Track & Field
We are thrilled to have approximately 70 Gr. 3-8 students out for Track and Field practices!
Practices have been taking place with try outs occuring on May 17th and 18th. Athletes who qualify for the June 1 regional track and field meet at Invista will receive their invites by Friday, May 20. Practices will continue for those athletes only, Monday-Thursday (May 23 excluded) after school until June 1. Thank you to our amazing team of coaches and community volunteers for supporting students in this extra-curricular sport.
A huge thanks to all volunteers and staff for organizing track and field events for students and for sharing so much of your time and expertise! Special thanks to staff members Mrs. Pennell, Mrs. Sullivan, Mrs. Norman, Mrs. Godfrey, Mrs. Doherty, Mrs. Zarzecki, Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Parkes; Teacher Candidates Ms. Makin, Ms. Minor, Ms. Marshall; and to parent volunteers Mrs. McAuley and Mr. Carson.
Important Upcoming Dates
May is Jewish Heritage Month and Asian Heritage Month
May 5-June 24 – EQAO window for Grade 3 and 6
Tuesday May 17 – Grade 7 & 8 Immunizations
Tuesday, May 17th: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
Wednesday May 18 – Virtual Presentation for Grades 6, 7, 8
Friday May 20 – Hot dog & freezie day
Monday May 23 – Victoria Day – no school
June is National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month
Wednesday June 1 – Regional Track & Field Day
Friday June 3 – PA Day – no school for students
Tuesday June 7 – District Track & Field Day
June 7& 8 Scholastic Book fair
Thursday June 9 – Family Fun Barbecue at FES 4:30-7:30pm
Friday June 10 - Hot dog & freezie day
Friday June 17 – FES Play Day
Friday June 17 - Hot dog & freezie day
Sunday June 19 - Kingston Pride Parade
Tuesday June 21 – Grade 7/8 Year End Trip
Thursday June 23 – Queen’s Engineering Seminars for various classes
Friday June 24 – Queen’s Engineering Seminars for various classes
Friday June 24 - Hot dog & freezie day
Monday June 27 – Grade 8 Graduation
Tuesday June 28 – Report Cards go home
Wednesday June 29 – Last day of school for students
Thursday June 30 – PA Day – no school for students
Statement from the LDSB regarding shootings in the US
We recognize that world events impact the lives of our students, staff, and families. The Limestone District School Board is saddened to learn of the mass shootings in the United States that took the lives of at least 11 people targeted in two incidents over the weekend in Buffalo and Southern California in what police are calling racially motivated hate crimes. We offer our sincere condolences to the communities grieving in the wake of these horrific acts of hatred, and to the family, friends, and anyone affected by this tragic event.
We acknowledge and recognize the legacy of anti-Black and anti-Asian racism that causes harm, violence, and too often, death. This kind of hate has no place in our communities, and no place in our schools. We stand with our local African, Caribbean, Black, and Asian communities, and we remain committed to combating racism and discrimination in all its forms. We will continue to work with our school communities to promote safe and inclusive learning and working environments for all students and staff.
Our educational services team has prepared some tips to potentially help you support children at this time:
Recognize that children and youth may become concerned that something bad will happen to themselves, family, or friends. Explain that safety measures are in place and reassure them that you and other adults will take care of them.
If your student is not focused on the tragedy do not dwell on it. Try to avoid having detailed adult conversations regarding the conflict in front of younger children. However, be available to answer questions to the best of your ability. Young children may not be able to express themselves verbally. Pay attention to changes in their behaviour or social interactions.
For some, limiting exposure to media coverage may be important. Images of a disaster or crisis can become overwhelming, especially if watched repetitively. Young children may not be able to distinguish between images on television and their personal reality. Older children may choose to watch the news—be available to discuss what they see and to help put it into perspective.
Be aware of your own needs. Do not ignore your own feelings of anxiety and concern or anger. Talking to friends, family members, and mental health counsellors can help. Let them know you are concerned. You will be better able to support them if you can express your own emotions in a productive manner.
In Limestone, we commit to educating our students in age-appropriate ways within a culture of caring with critical thinking, media literacy and empathy as our guide. Our goal is to create and support human rights and inclusive environments where everyone is welcomed, respected, and valued – and safe, and where democracy and peace are critical norms.
School Clothing Orders
A Few Reminders!
A few reminders please for families and students:
- Please have a change of shoes for indoors
- Don't forget a water bottle every day. All of the fountains are water bottle filling stations so students need to have a water bottle please
- Students are welcome to wear a mask; bringing a change of mask might be helpful
- The covid screener is to be done every day for every student. Please see the information in the updated covid screener: COVID-19 School & Child Care Screening Tool
- We go outside for 2 recesses each day - rain or shine. Please have students come prepared - some days they will need a sunhat and sunscreen and other days they might need a rain coat
Opportunity!
LDSB is looking for community members to join our Community Equity Advisory Committee! A great way to help support LDSB in identifying and eliminating barriers to an equitable and inclusive environment for staff, students, and the broader community. bit.ly/JoinCEAC
Covid Information
COVID School Protocols: https://www.limestone.on.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=352782&pageId=32609981
Daily COVID-19 Screening Tool: all staff and students must continue to screen for symptoms each day, and isolate when indicated: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/ (Please see detailed graphics below about the protocols that need to be followed if your child develops COVID-19 symptoms either at home or while at school
Take Home COVID-19 Tests: https://www.limestone.on.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=352782&pageId=3452616
On-line Learning Resources: https://www.limestone.on.ca/families/online_learning_resources
Remote Learning Support: https://www.limestone.on.ca/cms/one.aspx?portalId=352782&pageId=32531898
KFL&A COVID Vaccination Clinic Information: https://www.kflaph.ca/en/healthy-living/covid-19-vaccine.aspx
Safe Arrival - How to Report An 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.
- 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.
Stay Up To Date! Please check the following regularly...
Fairfield ES Twitter https://twitter.com/fesfalcons_ldsb?lang=en
Fairfield ES Website https://fairfield.limestone.on.ca/
LDSB Website https://www.limestone.on.ca/
LDSB Twitter https://twitter.com/LimestoneDSB
LDSB Facebook https://tinyurl.com/wbhjtku
LDSB Instagram https://instagram.com/limestonedsb?igshid=1epyma6c0g5qd
Fairfield Elementary School
Email: frfld@limestone.on.ca
Website: https://fairfield.limestone.on.ca/
Location: 59 Kildare Avenue, Amherstview, ON
Phone: 613.389.2636
Twitter: @FESFalcons_LDSB