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 Minutes June 2, 2026
To reach out to parent council, email Rebecca at welfarerebecca@yahoo.ca.
Information & Events
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!)
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
Mental Health Services Fall 2026 updated
Parking at School
Hot Lunch Orders
2026-2027 LDSB School Year Calendar
Nut-Free School
Thank you for packing nut-free snacks! Please communicate with teachers before sending any treats in for your student's class.
