Weekly Memo - October 5-9

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Posted on 2026-10-04 14:05:09.116 +0000 UTC

Rideau Public School Weekly Memo October 5-9

Bonjour Rideau Families,

We have had great weather for apple picking. Nothing says fall like a freshly baked apple pie!

Lots going on at school again this week.

Yards - There has been an increase of hands-on behaviour on yards during recess (pushing, kicking, hitting). Although it is sometimes to play, most students do not enjoy getting hit. Staff will remind students of the rules and go over them again in class. Students who continue to struggle to keep their hands to themselves will have consequences (you hit, you sit). Students who run away from the supervisors, thinking they cannot get caught, will visit the office. We will have BRAVE workshops in early November to review social interactions with students. Setting boundaries and understanding peer dynamics are subjects being covered in these workshops.

Terry Fox - We met our goal, thanks to your generosity. This means that M. Derbyshire rode his Rhino to school. The kids were really excited! The website is still up and running for donation.

Parent Council Meeting - We had our AGM and elections. See results below as well as a link to the unofficial Facebook page. Our next meeting is Tuesday October 6 to discuss Boo Bash, the Halloween event.

Data verification - Please make sure the form is verified and returned to school. That information is essential to keep our records up to date.

Clothes Sale - Coming up October 24, your help is needed. This event is beneficial to everyone. See info below.

E-scouters - Message from the City: They are easy to find, but they aren't toys and aren't designed for kids. In Ontario, you must be at least 16 years old to ride wherever e-scooters are permitted. In Kingston, e-scooters are not currently permitted. The City is developing a Micromobility Regulations Strategy — with updated rules around e-scooters, e-bikes and other lightweight, rideable transportation — to support safe, accessible and sustainable travel around Kingston. The strategy, which considers public engagement feedback and research into best practices, will be presented to Council for consideration later this year. Find out more at Micromobility Regulations | Get Involved Kingston by Communications & Public Engagement.”

Food insecurity - With the never ending increase in the cost of food, many families are experiencing food insecurity. Here is a list of supports within the city. If you know of anyone in need of support with food, share this link with them https://kingston.food-help.ca/

This week

October 5 - Fire Drill
October 6 - School Council Meeting 3:45

Coming up

October 12 - Thanksgiving (no school)
October 13 - Fort Henry Cross Country
October 15 - 16 - Classes at Fruition Berry Farm
October 20 - District Cross Country, classes at Fruition Berry Farm
October 21 - Fire Drill
October 22 - Picture Day
October 24 - Used clothes sale
October 26 - PA Day
October 29 - Some classes to Gould Lake, Boo Bash
October 30 - Boo Bash
November 1 - All Saints Day
November 2-5 - Brave presentation
November 3 - Parent Council Meeting
November 9 - Picture retakes

Enjoy your Sunday!

Valerie Arsenault

Principal

Parent Council Corner

Elections were held at the AGM meeting. Here is our Council for this year:

Chair and Co-Chair - Rebecca Lister and Teena Hartwick
Secretary - Kate Alldred
Treasurer - Christian Muise
Fundraising Coordinator - Colleen Kircher
Events Coordinator - Alicia Lefebvre and Chelsea Bolton
Environmental Chair - Leilan Baxter
Communications Officers - Rachel Pankewich and Alyssa Gates
Kinder Reps - Rachel Pankewich, Alyssa Gates, Colleen Kircher, Chelsea Bolton
Members At Large - Numerous parents have joined this year
Community Representative -
Volunteer Coordinator -
Indigenous Rep -

If anyone knows community members who would be interested in the above positions, please have them reach out to Val or attend the next Parent Advisory Committee meeting. We are also looking for someone interested in attending the board's Parent Involvement Committee to attend their meetings.

If you would like to stay informed on various school activities and Parent Council Events, join this Facebook Group

Our next meeting is October 6 at 3:45. Babysitting is available.

Future meetings

November 3, 2026
December 1, 2026
January 12 2027
February 2, 2027
March 2, 2027
April 6, 2027
May 4, 2027
June 1, 2027

Here are the minutes for Parent Council Minute AGM September 29, 2026

Parent Council Minutes June 2, 2026

To reach out to parent council, email Rebecca at welfarerebecca@yahoo.ca.

Information & Events

Oct 24 2026 Sale Poster FINAL (A4)

DONATE

Oct 22/23, 8:00am-5:30pm

Clean clothing (sz 0-14), Books, and Tiny toys (smaller than your fist)

Drop off donations @ Rideau Public School (look for signs near Toronto St entrance)

Rideau students can bring small bags to school with them!

SHOP

Sat Oct 24, 9am-1pm

All sales are pay what you can. All $$ goes to the school

Pre-loved kids clothing 0-14 & Books

Rideau Public School Gym

Open to everyone, help us spread the word in the Kingston Community (through your socials, word of mouth, parent group chats, day cares, hockey teams, dance groups etc etc!)

Facebook event

Facebook Page

Instragram Posts

Volunteers needed

Oct 23: Sorting

We need help! Oct 23 anytime between 2:30-until it's done (~8pm)! Come for 15 min or come for 5 hours. Pop in for a few minutes before or after pick up, with or without kiddos! Every little bit helps!

Fun fact: The kids who came to help last year had a great time, bring your kids so they can be a part of this event that supports our community and the environment.

October 24: Take down

Swing by the school at ~2pm to pick up a few boxes of leftover items to donation locations

Contact Isla if you have questions! milne.isla@gmail.com

Artificial Intelligence in Limestone

In the Limestone District School Board, we are committed to helping students develop the skills and confidence they need to navigate today’s digital world. Technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), is already part of students’ everyday lives, and learning how to use it in a thoughtful and responsible way is important for their success in school and beyond.

We want all students to feel safe, supported, and informed when using digital tools. Students are learning about how technology can affect learning, mental health, and well-being, and how we can help students build healthy, balanced habits with their use of technology.

Students are also exploring how tools like AI can support learning and problem-solving in positive and meaningful ways. Our focus is on helping students become confident and responsible digital citizens who can use technology thoughtfully and safely to support their learning and well-being, both at school and at home.

Learn More:

Limestone’s AI Guiding Principles

Artificial Intelligence in Limestone

E scooter