Thank you for a great start to the 2025-2026 school year! As a 7-12 learning community, we are excited to continue to build a collaborative Calvin Park/LCVI learning environment with expanded opportunities to challenge and empower our students.
We encourage families to stay connected through our newsletters, school events, and classroom updates. Your involvement makes a world of difference, and we’re grateful for your partnership.
Here’s to a fantastic year ahead—let’s make it one to remember! We had a wonderful first month back, and we look forward to working together to support our Calvin Park Comets throughout the 2025-2026 school year.
Warmly,
The Calvin Park/LCVI Administration Team
Margaret Connelly (Principal), Allison Gladu (Vice-Principal), Suche James (Vice-Principal) and Elizabeth Yanch (Vice-Principal)
Reporting Student Absences
Please use the Safe Arrival system to report your child's absence or late arrival; do not call the school to report an absence. If your child is going to be absent or late to learning, please ensure you use the Safe Arrival system to report the 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.
Our Daily Schedule
At Calvin Park PS, we have three 100 minute blocks of instructional time, in addition to two nutrition breaks and recesses. Attendance and promptness are so important for students' learning. We encourage students to give themselves plenty of time to get ready and get out the door in the morning. If a student does miss a class, they should check in with their teacher and try to catch up as soon as possible.
Time | Period / Activity |
|---|---|
8:15 to 9:05 a.m. | Period 1 |
9:05 to 9:55 a.m. | Period 2 |
9:55 to 10:15 a.m. | Grade 7 Recess, Grade 8 Nutrition |
10:15 to 10:35 a.m. | Grade 7 Nutrition, Grade 8 Recess |
10:35 to 11:25 a.m. | Period 3 |
11:25 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. | Period 4 |
12:15 to 12:35 p.m. | Grade 7 Recess, Grade 8 Nutrition |
12:35 to 12:55 p.m. | Grade 7 Nutrition, Grade 8 Recess |
12:55 to 1:45 p.m. | Period 5 |
1:45 to 2:35 p.m. | Period 6 |
Calvin Park Open House
Thursday, October 16th
5:00 - 6:00 PM
Families are invited to our Calvin Park Open House.
This is an opportunity for caregivers to meet their child's teacher(s) and see the classrooms.
We hope to see you there!
Terry Fox Run
On Friday, September 26th Calvin Park students and staff participated in the Terry Fox Run! Our Comets did an amazing job showing our commitment to Terry's cause. Our school is grateful for the example of this wonderful Canadian Hero. A huge thank you to Ms. Boughen for organizing such a fantastic event!
- Families may still make a digital donation through our school’s Terry Fox fundraising page https://schools.terryfox.ca/105476
ORANGE SHIRT DAY AND NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
On September 30th, Calvin Park recognized Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On this day, we wore orange to honour Indigenous children who were taken from their families to attend residential schools and the survivors of residential schools. We reflected on the ongoing impact on their families and communities and the concept of “Every Child Matters.” We spent time listening, learning, and reflecting on our own roles in reconciliation. Together, we recognize the past, support healing, and commit to continuing to learn, reflect, and take action.
Expectations & Reminders
At Calvin Park, we have high expectations for student behaviour. Key topics were reviewed at grade assemblies in September.
- Culture of Respect & Inclusion: We are committed to creating an equitable, inclusive, and accessible school for everyone. We value our diversity and know it enriches our experiences and our school.
- Vaping/Smoking is not permitted on school property or within 20 metres of school grounds. Vape detectors in washrooms alert administration.
- Washrooms: Students are not permitted to congregate or hang out in washrooms.
- Cell Phones: As per the Ministry of Education's direction, cellphones are NOT to be used during instructional time. Cellphones shall be stored in student lockers and either powered off or set to silent during the instructional day. Parents/Guardians will be contacted if their student is not abiding by this directive.
- 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.
DATA VERIFICATION FORMS – PLEASE RETURN ASAP
- Data verification forms have been sent home. Please update phone numbers, email addresses, addresses, and those contacts who have permission to pick up your student from school, as needed. Please have your student return the form to their teacher. Thank you! **If you didn’t receive a form, please let us know.
- Keeping this information current helps us ensure smooth communication and student safety.
MEDICAL PLANS OF CARE - PLEASE RETURN ASAP
Each year, medical plans of care must be updated. Students with anaphylaxis, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, or another medical condition that may require an emergency response, need a medical plan of care. Please access fillable electronic copies of the forms here and send on the first day of school:
Medical Procedures & Plans of Care
If you would prefer a paper copy, please contact Ms. Leeman at: leemanl@limestone.on.ca
BGC Field Trips
This is a reminder to all CORE families that the BGC field trip information and permission forms are now located on School Day. Please ensure you have visited the School Day website as our class trips are beginning soon!
Food Sharing Program
The Food Sharing program will continue this year with snacks available in coolers placed daily in each classroom. These snacks are for all students to enjoy; all Food Share items are free.
Extra-Curriculars
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 mental well-being of students. Participation can allow students to enhance their academic performance, 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, which are also posted on the Student Activities bulletin board outside the French Office.
Senior Boys & Senior Girls Soccer
This year we had 2 competitive and 2 recreational teams compete at the LESAA soccer tournaments. Although the season was short, it was packed with intensity, talent, and unforgettable moments.
From precise passes to memorable goals, our Calvin Comets brought their best to every match. Their hard work, teamwork, and passion for the game were on full display. All team members sported their Red Comet Jerseys with pride!
We want to thank our supportive families and athletes who gave it their all. You made this condensed season one to remember.
Mr. Candela & Ms. Williams (Soccer Coaches)
Cross Country - See Ms. Boyce, Mr. Valberg and Mr. McCormac
Lego Robotics Club - See Mr. Wartman
Rocket League - See Mr. McCormac
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.
Calvin Park Clothing
Calvin Park clothing and Class of 2026 Graduation Gear is now available at the link below. This is the only time that the store is available this school year, so don't miss out!
CLOTHING ORDER LINKhttps://calvin-park-2025.myshopify.com/
Human Development And Sexual Health
- As part of LDSB's commitment to ongoing transparency and communication with families, please follow the link to Form 325-D on the LDSB website. It outlines the Human Development and Sexual Health curriculum expectations for Grades 1-8.
- Families can request to have their child or children exempted from instruction related to Human Development and Sexual Health expectations by completing and returning an exemption form for each child (Form 325-B) five school days before the start of instruction.
- Prior to instruction, your child's classroom teacher will inform parents/guardians when the expectations related to the Human Development and Sexual Health expectations in Strand D will be covered.
New Pedestrian Crossing on Sir John A. Macdonald Blvd
Message from City of Kingston:
The newly installed mid-block pedestrian signal along Sir John A. Macdonald Blvd makes it easier and safer for pedestrians and students to cross the road.
This is a two-stage crossing with a median waiting area for pedestrians.
1. Press the button to activate the walk signal for the first half of your crossing.
2. When you reach the median, press the button again to activate the walk signal for the second half.
Benefits of a two-stage crossing:
- Shorter, safer crossing distance with an accessible waiting area
- More time for pedestrians to cross compared to a traditional single-stage crossing
- Improves traffic flow by reducing vehicle wait times in each direction
To learn more, visit the City of Kingston’s Pedestrians webpage
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.
School Advisory Council Update
Call for Gently Used Sports Equipment
We are collecting gently used sports equipment for Calvin Park students to use at recess. If you have sports equipment that you would like to donate, please drop off at the Calvin Park Office. Items such as basketballs, volleyballs, soccer balls, frisbees, footballs, etc. would be appreciated. Thank you for your support.
On Monday, September 29 the first Calvin Park/LCVI School Advisory Council elections and meeting took place.
Congratulations to the following elected positions:
- Co-Chairs: Melissa Hudson & Yanina Kanevsky
- Indigenous Representative: TBD
- Secretary: Lisa Thibeault
- Treasurer: Bibhian Caraballo
- Fundraising Coordinator: TBD
- Volunteer Coordinator: TBD
- Public Relations/Communications Coordinator: Julia Krolik & Ali Darrach
- Program/Event Coordinator: Rechell Bernales
- Members at Large/Divisional Representatives: Betty Betts, Ali Darrach, Mark Foster, Tessa Morrison, Haley Somerville, Zannatin Tazreen, Sara Wellwood
- PIC Representatives: Melissa Hudson (LCVI) & Haley Somerville (Calvin Park)
School Advisory Councils increase parental involvement in schools and promote greater understanding of the education process. Please consider joining us this year - all are welcome!
Mental Health Resources
Did you know that our students can access mental health support at school? Emily Landon is a Student Support Counselor (SSC) and Tiff Idems is a Social Worker who provide support services to our students. Sometimes, students will tell us if they or one of their friends need help; at other times, we rely on students' caregivers to help us get the fuller picture. If you think your student would benefit from speaking to someone, please email gladua@limestone.on.ca and Ms. Gladu will help set up support. Also, please encourage your students to let their teacher know right away if any of their friends are talking about concerning topics or overwhelming stressors. They should not have to carry that weight alone, and help is available.
We are happy to partner with some community organizations, as well:
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES WEEK
A heads-up that next week is Emergency Procedures Week at LCVI/Calvin Park PS. Throughout the week, we will review our emergency responses with a practice Fire Drill, practice Hold & Secure, and Lock Down.
Upcoming Events ...
Wednesday October 1 - Thursday October 2: Yom Kippur
Thursday October 2: National Caretakers’ Day
Monday, October 6 - Thursday, October 9: Emergency Procedures Week
Wednesday October 8: X-country Team attends “Lancaster Run Around the Park”
Friday October 10: PA Day - no school for students
Monday October 13 - Thanksgiving Holiday
Thursday, October 16: Calvin Park Open House (5:00 - 6:00 pm)
2025-2026 LDSB School Year Calendar
A PDF version of the 2025-2026 School Year Calendar is available online.
