Rideau Public School Weekly Memo October 19-23
Bonjour Rideau Families,
It seems we will have warmer weather this coming week, but it will soon be time to start thinking about gloves and hats. Please make sure your child's name is in them as we already have a mountain of lost and found clothes with no name. When you come to the used clothes sale on Saturday, make sure to stop by the Lost and Found closet in case you find something belonging to your child.
Picture Day - On Thursday, students will have their individual pictures taken. It might be good to postpone appointments as we do not know when your child's class will go. Past practice is that kindergarten classes go first. We are confident that every class will be able to go, but if that is not the case, the grade 5/6 classes would be the ones affected. Fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly. Retakes and class group pictures are scheduled for November 9.
Boo Bash - New this year, we are offering pizza. If you wish for your family to order a medium pizza (8 slices), either pepperoni or cheese, you can pre-order in SchoolDay for 10$. Make sure you select the right day. The limit for ordering is Thursday October 22 at midnight as we have to submit numbers on Friday.
Also, if you wish to volunteer your time or some baked goods (yes, the famous bake sale is still happening), complete this Google Form. This link is open to everyone: https://forms.gle/mmxEzcfNptMtGBJKA
WISE – Queen's Engineering Program is offering a STEM opportunities for girls grades 3-6. The workshops will be offered during recess once a week and groups will be divided for 3-4 together and 5-6 together. The purpose is to awaken a curiosity about science and technology in girls from a young age. Sign up sheets will go up this week.
Rideau Bingo - Volunteers Wanted!
Do you want to help support Rideau students without taking on a big time commitment? Join our bingo volunteer team!
Bingo is one of our easiest and most successful fundraisers. Each two-hour shift raises about $600 for Rideau, and since January our volunteers have brought in $9,000 for school priorities like new library books and shade for the kindergarten yard.
What's involved? Two volunteers spend a two-hour shift walking around the bingo hall, greeting customers, and occasionally clearing a food tray or emptying a recycling bin. That's it! The hall is smoke-free, and most volunteers only need to commit to one or two shifts every few months.
Our shifts are currently on Sundays, though this may change. The most important thing is simply being reliable and showing up for your shift.
Interested in joining us or learning more? Please fill out this form: Rideau PS Bingo volunteers!”
Clothes Sale - “This is a video from past events in case you're wondering what to expect! https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1C8H3QnkqR/
Good for your wallet, the planet, the school, and the communinity!
4 ways to help: 1. Spread the word 2. Volunteer 3. Donate 4. Shop! --->
1 Spread the word! Share, comment, like, tell a friend, post in a group chat, etc to help share the love (more donations, more shoppers, more impact, move love!)
2 Join the sorting party - volunteers needed!
Oct 23: Sorting
- Any time 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.
Oct 24: Take down.
- Swing by the school at ~2pm to pick up a few boxes of leftover items to donation locations
3 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!
- OR book a Porch pick up for Oct 23. https://forms.gle/wvhxbxpQusX8Spjm9
4 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
Message Isla if you have questions! milne.isla@gmail.com
Library All Hands on Deck - Our library fairy is gathering the troops on October 26 for some work in the library. High school students looking for volunteer hours are welcomed to help as well as parents who have some extra time on their hands. See poster below.
Brave Workshops - Our school is committed to supporting the well-being of every student. This year, we are proud to offer Brave Education workshops the first week of November, which align with our school’s strategic plan, as well as the Ministry of Education’s Policy/Program Memorandum 169 and PPM 144. These workshops will help our students develop essential social-emotional skills, promoting healthier relationships and fostering positive interactions throughout our school community.
Workshops
Setting Healthy Boundaries
Bullying, Conflict, and Relationships
Building Emotional Regulation
For at-home resources, please visit Brave’s resource page.
Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) -This is the committee of parents who operate at the board level. Their meetings are:
- October 22, 2026
- November 12, 2026
- January 21, 2026
- April 8, 2027
- May 27, 2027
This week
- October 19 - 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
Coming up
- 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 8 - Diwali, Bandi Chhor Diwas
- November 9 - Picture retakes
- November 10 - Lock Down Drill
- November 11 - Remembrance Day
- November 13 - Progress Reports go home
- November 17 - School Council Kindergarten Social for families of children in kindergarten
- November 20 - PA Day
Enjoy the week ahead!
Valerie Arsenault
Principal
Parent Council Corner
If you would like to stay informed on various school activities and Parent Council Events, join this Facebook Group
Our next meeting is November 3 at 3:45. Babysitting is available.
Future meetings
- 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
To reach out to parent council, email Rebecca at welfarerebecca@yahoo.ca.
Information & Events
WISE
Library Work Bee
Musical
Kingston Frontenac Public Library
The Kingston Frontenac Public Library is pleased to offer Bilingual Read & Play, a free six-week program for emergent French readers in Grades 1-3.
The program will run on Tuesday evenings from November 10 to December 15 at KFPL's Isabel Turner Branch.
Designed for children who would benefit from extra practice and encouragement, Bilingual Read & Play helps participants strengthen their French reading skills in a supportive and engaging environment.
Children will learn alongside friendly teen volunteers who are fluent French readers and speakers. Together, they will enjoy stories, games, conversation, and other interactive activities that make learning French fun. Through guided reading, language-rich play, and positive interactions with peers and mentors, participants will build their reading, listening, and speaking skills while gaining confidence in using French.
This program is ideal for children who are still developing their French language abilities. It is not intended for children who are already fluent French readers and speakers.
Registration is free and available through KFPL's website. Parents and caregivers can register their child online.
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.
