Calvin Park Comet Communication
October 2, 2026
It's hard to believe October is here! We want to extend our sincere thanks to our families for your ongoing support and partnership. We were especially pleased to see so many families at our recent Open House and BBQ. Thank you for joining us, connecting with staff, and sharing in a wonderful time together.
Upcoming School Events
October 5-9
- The week of October 5-9 is Emergency Procedures Week. Throughout the week, we will have a Fire Drill, practice Hold & Secure, and Lock Down drill.
Wednesday, October 7
- First Grade 7 Off-Property Lunch (every Wednesday)
Thursday, October 8
- Grade 8 Off-Property Lunch (every Thursday)
Friday, October 9
- Photo Retake Day
Friday, October 16
- Calvin Clothing Orders Due
Monday, October 19
- School Advisory Council Meeting 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Monday, October 26
- PA Day (no school for students)
Caretaker Shout Out
October 2 is Custodian Appreciation Day! We extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the whole caretaking team here at LCVI and Calvin Park. Thank you to Kelly Marshall, Trevor Stevenson, Wally Borsato, Neil Instant, Dana Price, Steve Fowler, Robin Ball, Kim MacNeil, and Ian McLachlan. This amazing team works hard to ensure that our school is welcoming, clean, safe and ready for students, staff, and community members.
Terry Fox Update
Our school raised over $2,100, including a $500 donation from Giant Tiger! Way to go Comets, even surpassing our goal! On Friday, September 25, students walked/ ran our track to continue Terry Fox's legacy and support cancer research.
Truth and Reconciliation
Calvin Swag & Grad Gear
Calling all Calvin Comets who are looking for school SWAG - the wait is over! The online store is now open. Check out our front display case for a few of the clothing options. The bundle is a great deal: Get a Calvin Hoodie, Long sleeve and short sleeve T-shirt for $65. All sizes are adult and prices include taxes. All Calvin Gear is available in Red and Navy Blue options.
The online store will be open until October 16th. It will open again for a period of time in the new year. Can’t wait to fill our halls with Calvin Spirit!
Order here: https://calvinparkspiritwear.ca/
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
Soccer Tournament Update
Comets had a strong showing at the LESAA Soccer Tournament on September 22.
The Boys Competitive team faced strong competition all day. They never gave up and in their last game they were down 2-0 and won the game 4-2. Grayson inspired this amazing comeback with his resilience and putting the team first.
The Boys Rec team had a great showing at this year’s tournament, finishing undefeated in all 3 games! They showed determination, teamwork, and positivity, on and off the field, and they should be very proud of their performance.
The Girls Rec team played hard, supported one another, and showed incredible growth throughout the season. With every game, the girls developed their skills, built confidence, and became a stronger team together. Nice finish with the shoot-out in the last game!
The Girls Competitive team played with incredible grit, determination, and heart, battling their way through the Division 1 LESAA tournament all the way to the finals against L'Acadie. We are proud to celebrate as Div 1 LESAA silver medalists! Their hard work, teamwork, and never give-up attitude were on full display throughout the tournament. Way to kick it up, Comets!
Volleyball
Tryouts continue next week at lunchtime:
Mon. Oct 5 | Tues. Oct 6 | Wed. Oct 7 | Thurs. Oct 8 | Fri. Oct 9 |
Grade 8 Boys | Grade 7 Boys | Grade 8 Girls | Grade 7 Girls | Grade 7 and 8 Boys |
Eco Club
Students interested in joining Eco Club are invited to an information meeting on Monday, October 5 at 12:15 pm.
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 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.
School Advisory Council
2026-2027 Executive Members
- Co-Chairs: Melissa Hudson and Yanina Kanevsky
- Indigenous Family Representative: Chantel Bird
- Secretary: Bibhian Caraballo
- Treasurer: Mark Foster
- Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) Representatives: Mark Foster and Melissa Hudson
- Public Relations/Communications Coordinator: Ali Darrach
- Program/Event Coordinator: Pin Zi Luo
- Members at Large: Betty Betts, Lori Hand, Virginia Venditti
The next meeting is Monday, October 19 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm in the Library. All are welcome!
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.
Student Accident Insurance
School Board Policy states that participation on school sports teams (both elementary and secondary) is conditional on obtaining at least the basic student accident insurance coverage for the student or proof of external private coverage through your family plan. The cost of basic coverage is approximately $17.00 per year. This covers the student while attending school during the school day. The time spent by students participating on school-sponsored teams is considered part of the school day, even if the games and/or practices are held outside of the regular school hours. It is recommended that all parents consider this program. Visit www.insuremykids.com to get this inexpensive and highly recommended insurance.
Scents at school
E-Scooters
Find out more at Micromobility Regulations | Get Involved Kingston by Communications & Public Engagement
Educational Assistant Reid Rowe-Young Receives Kingston Young Professionals 40 Under 40 Award
TVO Math Help
TVO Learn Mathify provides FREE online math help for Ontario students in Grades 4-12. Access this math tutoring website from any digital device, whenever you need the help.
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
Food Supports
Check out this new website to find food support in Kingston: https://kingston.food-help.ca/
Upcoming Significant Dates:
October: Cyber Awareness Month, ADHD Awareness Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Islamic Heritage Month, Women's History Month, K-12 Cyber Awareness Month, Learning Disabilities Awareness Month
October 2
- National Custodian Appreciation Day
October 2-4
- Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah (Judaism)
October 4
- Sisters in Spirit Day
October 10
- World Mental Health Day
October 12
- Thanksgiving Day (no school)
