Calvin Park Comet Communication
September 18, 2026
What a wonderful start to the school year! The beautiful weather has brought plenty of energy to our school, and it has been great to see students connecting with friends, settling into routines, and engaging in their learning. Classrooms are filled with curiosity, collaboration, and enthusiasm, and we look forward to all the growth and memorable moments the year ahead will bring.
Upcoming Dates
Tuesday, September 22
- Photo Day
- (Students participating in LESSA soccer will have their photo taken on September 23)
- LESSA Soccer Tournament
Thursday, September 24
- Calvin Park Open House 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Friday, September 25
- Terry Fox Run
Monday, September 28
- School Advisory Council Elections & First Meeting at 6:00 pm in the Library
Wednesday, September 30
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day
Attendance
Please use the Safe Arrival system to report your child's absence or late arrival.
If your child needs to leave early for an appointment, please email both the classroom teacher and Calvin Park office (calvp@limestone.on.ca).
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.
Clubs & Athletics
We are excited to offer a wide variety of extra-curricular opportunities for our students. We believe that engagement in school community is important for the social development and well-being of students. Participation can allow students to boost their self-confidence, improve their time management, learn new skills, improve their social skills, and improve their outlook towards school in general.
Students hear information about extra-curriculars on daily announcements and key information is also posted on the Student Activities bulletin board. This week students heard about opportunities for Eco Club, Volleyball Skills, Running Club, First Lego League Robotics, Coffee House, Rocket League (e-sports), and volunteer opportunities in the Kitchen.
Soccer: Good luck to the four Calvin Park Soccer Teams who are competing at the LESSA tournament on Tuesday, September 22! Go Comets!
Terry Fox Fall Running Club is underway! Student-athletes are working hard building their fitness and having fun on the running routes in Calvin Park every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:55 -10:35. Students may pick up a permission form on the Activity bulletin board.
Eco Club: As part of an ongoing Eco Club fundraiser we would like to invite you to purchase TruEarth’s eco-friendly laundry detergents. Our school will earn 30% of every sale until the end of September. To order please visit https://tru-earth.sjv.io/CalvinParkPS
Terry Fox Run
Friday, September 25th is our Terry Fox Run. Leading up to our event students will be participating in the "Coin Wars." Students are asked to bring in coins to raise money towards our $1900 goal. Our coin war jars will also be set up at our Open House on Thursday, September 24th from 5-6pm. You can also donate online at the link below.
https://schools.terryfox.ca/134159
Habitat Garden
Many of our classes have visited our Habitat Garden to learn about pollinating plants and to do art activities. Two of our brightest plants are the butterfly milkweed and the cardinal flower.
Off Property Lunch
This year, we will be offering students the opportunity to go off-property for lunch on assigned days. On off-property days, students may leave school property from 12:15-12:55 pm with guardian and school permission. During this time, they may home or go to a nearby restaurant or store to purchase lunch. Only students who return the signed consent form will be permitted to go off property. Please note that students are welcome to stay at school during this time and follow their regular lunch break/recess routines.
The off-property lunches will start on the following days:
- Thursday, October 1st - Grade 8 (and every Thursday thereafter)
- Wednesday, October 7th - Grade 7s (and every Wednesday thereafter)
Opportunities to make public transactions, such as the purchase of lunches at a restaurant or store, help students develop their financial literacy skills while also showcasing that they are becoming increasingly responsible and independent. With that being said, please note that Calvin Park PS staff do not provide off-property supervision.
Going off-property for lunch is subject to school approval in conjunction with guardian permission. When off-property, students must behave responsibly and appropriately, cross roads safely following pedestrian signals, eat their lunch off property, and return to school on time. Students are not permitted to store any leftover food or drinks in their lockers, so purchases must be consumed off school property. Students are aware that the opportunity to go off-property is a privilege which may be withdrawn if inappropriate conduct is demonstrated.
Watch for Off Property Permission Forms sent home next week.
School Advisory Council
School Advisory Councils increase parental involvement in schools and promote greater understanding of the education process. Monday, September 28 is the Calvin Park/LCVI School Advisory Council elections and first meeting. We will meet in the Library starting at 6:00 pm.
All are welcome! We hope to see you there. A virtual meeting link will be shared closer to the meeting date for those who can't make it in person.
Call for Nominations:
If you would like to nominate yourself or someone else for a position, please click on the following link: 2026-2027 Calvin Park/LCVI School Advisory Council Nomination Form. Please submit nominations by 12:00 pm on Friday, September 25. Nominations will also be accepted from the floor, provided the nominee is present to give assent to their nomination or such consent has been given in writing in the absence of the candidate.
Elected positions are for a 1-year term:
- Chair or Co-Chair
- Vice-Chair
- Indigenous Family Representative
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Member at Large/Divisional Representative
- Fundraising Coordinator
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Public Relations/Communications Coordinator
- Program/Event Coordinator
Traffic Reminders for Drop-Off/Pick-Up
The front of our school is very busy in the morning and at dismissal. Please take care when entering and exiting the front laneway at the front of the school. A reminder that the front lane way is for quick drop-off and pick-up. Cars should not be parked or idling in this area. At the end of the school day, if your student is not ready to be picked-up, you must move along to maintain traffic flow.
Consider picking up your student 5-10 minutes after dismissal time to help reduce congestion. Or consider dropping-off-/picking up your student at a pre-arranged meeting spot in the neighbourhood. Thank you for your help keeping everyone safe.
Medical Plans of Care
Medical plans of care must be reviewed and updated annually. Students with new or existing diagnosis of anaphylaxis, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, or any other medical condition that may require an emergency response must have a current medical plan of care. If your student requires one, fillable electronic forms are available on the school board website or below. Please submit completed forms to the school office at calvp@limestone.on.ca as soon as possible.
Consent Awareness Week
What is Consent Awareness Week? Canada's national campaign for dialogue, education, and action around consent. Consent Awareness Week is a chance to close that gap together: to slow down, ask better questions, and practice the kind of respect that makes everyone safer. Created by High School Too and Possibility Seeds and held annually during the third week of September (September 21–25 in 2026), it invites campuses, communities, workplaces, and organizations to have thoughtful, affirming, intersectional, and age-appropriate conversations about consent as a cornerstone of all relationships, not just intimate ones.
Check out theConsent Awareness Week Parent/Guardian/Caregiver/Kin Guide
Scents at school
Calvin Park/LCVI is a scent free school. We have students and staff who experience severe physical reactions when exposed to artificially made scents. The most severe reactions stem from colognes, perfumes, and body sprays. Please not wear scents at Calvin Park/LCVI, apply them before you come to school, or apply them while at school. Thank you for your help with this.
E-Scooters
Kingston Police have reminded the public that e-scooters are not currently permitted on municipal roads, sidewalks, trails, pathways, or other public spaces within the City of Kingston.
Individuals who choose to operate e-scooters or similar devices that do not comply with provincial and municipal regulations may be subject to enforcement action, including charges, fines, vehicle impoundment, and other penalties where applicable. Riders are responsible for understanding and complying with all laws governing the operation of these devices.
The City of Kingston has not yet opted into the pilot program and is currently reviewing e-scooters and other micromobility options through a process that will bring forward recommendations for Council’s consideration.
Kingston Police are committed to promoting road safety and will continue to enforce both provincial legislation and municipal bylaws related to e-scooters and other motorized devices. Riders should not assume that a device marketed as an e-scooter is legal to operate in Kingston or exempt from motor vehicle laws.
For more information about Ontario's e-scooter pilot program, visit ontario.ca/escooters.
COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS
Support is available in the community for families who may be looking for additional support for their student(s). Please see some of the available resources below.
Reaching out to a trusted adult, family member, friend, or support professional can also make a meaningful difference when someone is struggling. Encouraging help-seeking and connection can be an important protective factor for students.
- Kids Help Phone – Call or text 988 for 24/7 support across Canada
- Kids Help Phone – Text CONNECT to 686868 or access live chat at kidshelpphone.ca
- Maltby Centre (March 17 Kingston Walk-in Clinic; March 18 Sydenham Walk-in Clinic)
- One Stop Talk – Call 1-855-416-8255 or connect online
- Resolve Counselling Services in Kingston and Napanee
- One Roof Kingston (ages 12 to 25)
- Lennox and Addington Youth Hub (ages 10 to 24)
- In an emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department
