CENTENNIAL FAMILY UPDATE
Our annual Terry Fox Run will be held on Monday, September 28th at 12:15pm. Families are welcome to join us for our neighbourhood walk. Last year, Centennial raised over $750 for this great cause and this year we are hoping to raise $800. Families can donate on-line following the link below or send in a Toonie for Terry to the school. We will collect donations until our Open House. Thank you for your support!
https://schools.terryfox.ca/131344
Dear Centennial Families,
Our Centennial soccer teams participated in the Junior Soccer Tournament on Friday with a wonderful weather day! Both Boys and Girls teams enjoyed a competitive and fun day competing against other LDSB schools. Tremendous individual and team growth is to be celebrated by all! Thank you to coaches and family members for your support of student participation during the season!
This week we celebrate and recognize Orange Shirt Day and our walk in support of Terry Fox's Cancer Foundation. Classes will engage in age-appropriate learning around the significance of these dates.
Our Centennial OPEN HOUSE and Family BBQ will be held on October 8th from 4:30-5:30, with the BBQ open until 6:00. From 4:30-5:30, families are invited to visit classrooms, see student work, and connect with school staff. The BBQ will be open throughout the event for families to enjoy for a nominal fee, please bring cash for this event.
A reminder that, in coordination with the City of Kingston, we will be opening access at the gate closest to the crossing guard at Queen Mary. This will allow families full access to walk across the field and bring students to the supervised playground area at 8:50 am.
Please be advised that staff supervision begins at 8:50 am to welcome students to the tarmac area. Families should ensure that their student is brought to this area for safe entry to school in the morning. The gate will be secured during school hours for student safety and then unlocked at 3:20 for family access at the end of the school day.
Lani Fox, Jen Bocking, & Centennial Staff
Snapshot of the week @ Centennial
Date | Day | |
Mon. Sept 28 | 3 |
|
Tues. Sept 29 | 4 |
|
Wed. Sept 30 | 5 |
|
Thurs. Oct 1 | 1 |
|
Fri. Oct 2 | 2 |
How do I order Lunch for my Student at School?
We have two lunch options for students at Centennial. Every day of the week classes are supplied with snack bins to ensure that students have what they needs to feel regulated and properly fueled for the day - crackers, cheese strings, apples, yogurt, and cereal are available for students on an ongoing basis. Lunch options such as bagel and cream cheese, tuna sandwiches, boiled eggs, pita and hummus are also available.
OPTION 1: Lunch is Here! (FREE, Every WEDNESDAY)
Sign up for Healthy FREE Lunches every Wednesday from the Food Share Project. All meals are Halal, and allergy-sensitiv/begetarian options are available. Please see the attached information for sign-up or contact your classroom teacher to have your student signed up for the first term.
OPTION 2: LUNCH BOX - Pizza Tuesday & Thursday (FEE Based)
Sign your student up to receive a cheese, veggie, or pepperoni individual pizza on Tuesday, Thursday or both. Please see the sign-up information to opt-in for your student (s).
HOW CAN I SUPPORT MY CHILD AT HOME?
Is your child struggling with self-regulation? Learning to wait? Managing big emotions? It can be difficult to know where to start. Families who are looking to support their child's positive engagement at school may find the resources below helpful.
- THE OT CLASSROOM - see this site for resources and tip sheets that offer strategies for both home and school
- MALTBY VIDEO VAULT - offers short videos linked below on the following topics. The Maltby Website also offers additional resources, links as well as in-person student programs and workshops for parents/caregivers.
- Autism Services at Maltby Centre (15 minutes)
For the past 30+ years Maltby Centre has been the leading provider of evidence-based Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in the KFLA area. We offer a variety of services for children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our services are individualized for family, youth, and child’s needs. Under the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) we offer Foundational Family Services which are publicly funded to help support building family capacity.
As a result of participating in this workshop, you will:
• Review Foundational Services and how you can get started.
• Understand how to connect with Maltby Centre for Autism Services.
• Discover the breadth of Autism Services offered at Maltby Centre. - How to Shape a Behaviour (8 minutes)
For the past 30+ years Maltby Centre has been the leading provider of evidence-based Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in the KFLA area. We offer a variety of services for children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our services are individualized for family, youth, and child’s needs. Under the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) we offer Foundational Family Services which are publicly funded to help support building family capacity.
As a result of participating in this workshop, you will:
• Understand how new behaviours develop
• Learn how to define a target behaviour
• Learn how to break down a behaviour into smaller steps
• Learn how to shift reinforcement from one step to another - Preventing Crisis and Supporting Big Emotions (22 minutes)
It can be hard when big emotions happen. This workshop is designed to help caregivers support their children in ways that encourage regulation and make behavioural escalation less likely to occur. Through examples of common scenarios, we will discuss practical and helpful ways to use these strategies in real life.
As a result of participating in this workshop, you will be able to:
• Identify strategies to prevent behavioural escalation and encourage regulation
• Identify strategies to de-escalate big emotions safely in the moment - Why Use Visual Supports (14 minutes)
In this workshop, participants will receive a short presentation on the use of visual support to help teach children/youth with ASD, skills and independence. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and participate in group discussions.
As a result of participating in this workshop, you will be able to:
• Describe what visual supports are.
• Explain why visual supports can help your child/youth learn new skills or develop independence.
• Identify how to use visual supports to aid in your child/youth’s development. - Functions of Behaviour (39 minutes)
For the past 30+ years Maltby Centre has been the leading provider of evidence-based Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in the KFLA area. We offer a variety of services for children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our services are individualized for family, youth, and child’s needs. Under the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) we offer Foundational Family Services which are publicly funded to help support building family capacity.
As a result of participating in this workshop, you will:
• Understand the ABCs of your learner’s behaviour
• Understand positive and negative reinforcement
• Understand and be able to label the 4 functions of behaviour
• Understand what antecedent and consequence strategies are
• Understand your role in your learner’s behaviour - Reinforcement: The Why, What and How’s of Reinforcing Behaviour (23 minutes)
For the past 30+ years Maltby Centre has been the leading provider of evidence-based Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in the KFLA area. We offer a variety of services for children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our services are individualized for family, youth, and child’s needs. Under the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) we offer Foundational Family Services which are publicly funded to help support building family capacity.
As a result of participating in this workshop, you will:
• Understand how behaviour is learned
• Understand what reinforcement is and how it can affect behaviour
• Be able to label the ABCs of a behaviour
• Learn what positive and negative reinforcement are.
• Know how to pick a motivating reinforcer. - Transitions Through the Day (24 minutes)
Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder often find that their child/youth resists changing activities through the day. Child/youth personality, anxiety, and characteristics associated with autism spectrum disorder all
contribute to difficulties with transitions. This presentation covers the most common and effective strategies recommended to parents and caregivers to make transitions easier and less anxiety-provoking.
As a result of participating in this workshop, you will be able to:
• List challenges associated with autism that may impact children’s/youth’s abilities to make transitions.
• Identify and describe 5 transition strategies and corresponding tools that can be used to support many types of transitions.
• Create an individual plan to teach your child to complete one daily transition. - Coping with Challenging Behaviours (23 minutes)
- Autism Services at Maltby Centre (15 minutes)
SAC UPDATE:
Our Centennial SAC is growing with the addition of Events Co-ordinator, Terri MacDonald.
Chair: Tina McHale
Events Coordinator: Terri MacDonald
PIC Representative: Lia De Pauw
We would love to see additional members join School Council to assist with the following roles:
- Co-Chair/Vice-Chair
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Volunteer Co-Ordinator
- Division Representatives
As a part of the SAC Executive, you represent our School Community, share your perspective, and are involved in key decisions and planning that positively supports students and builds the strength of our school community. Parents/Guardians who are interested in being involved should reach out to the SAC or contact the school directly at centennial@limestone.on.ca or centennialschoolcouncil@gmail.com.
Lunch is Ready - Free Weekly Meal for Students Provided by the Food Share Project
The Food Sharing Project is bringing "Lunch is Ready" back to Centennial for the second year. Next week, students will have a chance to try a sample lunch provided by the program. Families will have an opportunity to opt into the program for the Fall/Winter session (Sept-Dec). All meals are Halal, and there are vegetarian and gluten-free options. Families can preview the fall menu below.
HOW CAN I REGISTER?
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Registration for the Lunch is Ready! (LIR) program opens on Monday, September 21 and closes on Friday, October 9.
Students who register will receive a free nutritious meal once per week, including a main course, fruit, and milk. Meals will be delivered to the school every Wednesday starting
October 21 through December 16
To view the menu and register your child, please visit: https://foodsharingproject.store/
Our goal is to provide free, nutritious meals to students at school.
Lunch is Ready 2026 27 FALL
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB - New STEM Programs!
Looking for fun and educational STEM opportunities outside of school? BGC South East offers 10-week evening and weekend programs for children and youth ages 4 to 18, with programs in coding, robotics, 3D printing, STEAM, environmental science, and more! Fall programs begin next week, with 1 session per week, and some spots are still open. Learn more and register here: https://boysandgirlsclubofkingstonareaincl.my.site.com/#/app/program/list/DIV-001/
Student Accident Insurance Available
Please see the student accident insurance coverage that is provided for families for minimal cost:
INSURE MY KIDS
See sign-up information using this link: INSURE MY KIDS
Ways to get Involved @ Centennial
🎉 Centennial PS Needs Bingo Volunteers! 🎉
Help support our school — just 2 hours of your time can make a big difference!
We're looking for volunteers to help out at Play! Gaming & Entertainment for our school's Bingo fundraising shifts. It’s an easy and fun way to contribute to our school community!
👋 What you’ll do:
• Greet and welcome guests
• Clear dishes and help keep the space tidy
• Assist with customer needs
🕒 Shift length: Just 2 hours
🧑🏫 Training:
• Complete a quick 15-minute online training
• Shadow an experienced volunteer for one shift
🔗 Ready to get started?
1️. Complete the online training: https://pcga-kingston.ca/Training
2️. E-mail us at centennial@limestone.on.ca to schedule your shadow shift
📣 Open to all members of the school community! Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, guardian, teacher, or staff member — we’d love to have your help!
Student Pick-Up & Drop-Offs:
- Families will see new signage indicating no-parking areas, Park & Stride signs, and the new crosswalk location.
- Marg and Fraser have returned this year as our School Crossing Guards (yay!). The location of crossing area is now west of Cliff Crescent.
- To support efforts to reduce traffic congestion and improve driver awareness, please see the Park & Stride map. This map shows areas where cars can park and where families can walk to access the school grounds.
- Park & Stride encourages parents and caregivers to park a short distance from the school and walk or roll the remainder of the route, helping to reduce vehicle volumes
In addition, updates to parking regulations in the school area have been completed to better support safe pick-up and drop-off operations. New parking signage reflecting these changes will be installed as part of the project.
Arrival & Dismissal
When students arrive at school and are dismissed from school each day, they have an assigned meeting place. A picture of each meeting place will be sent in the welcome letter on September 1st by the classroom teacher. Students should go to their assigned meeting place each morning and stay there until the bell rings and their teacher arrives.
The field will be available for play during recess later on in the day. In the morning, students are to remain on the pavement area until the bell.
Only students who are registered through Tri-Board Student Transportation Services are eligible to ride. If your student would like to travel home on the bus with a peer, there is no guarantee this will be possible. Written permission is required from both families to the teacher or the office, and there must be enough room on the bus to accommodate this request.
School Day Schedule
Time | Activity/learning block |
|---|---|
8:50 to 9:05 a.m. | Supervision begins on the yard |
9:05 to 10:45 a.m. | 100-minute learning block |
10:45 to 11:25 a.m. | Recess and nutrition break |
11:25 a.m. to 1:05 p.m. | 100-minute learning block |
1:05 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. | Recess and nutrition break |
1:45 to 3:25 p.m. | 100-minute learning block |
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
LDSB 2026-2027 School Year Calendar & Upcoming Dates
Dates of Significance
The Limestone District School Board is dedicated to promoting human rights, equity, diversity, and inclusion for all staff and students. We celebrate the diversity of our community and recognize the importance of significant dates throughout the year, offering opportunities to learn about the religious, cultural, and awareness days observed within our district.
LDSB prioritizes dates that impact learning, ensuring these events and observances enhance students' educational experiences. By focusing on these dates, we aim to foster meaningful learning, reflection, and engagement, while integrating them into the curriculum. Learning resources are continually developed and made available to educators for classroom use.
The following dates highlight secular and creed-based observances and holidays, significant events and celebrations, public holidays, and other important dates. Please note that the list is not exhaustive and may be updated as needed. Please follow the link below to access dates of significance each month.
LINK: Dates of Significance
Prevalent Medical Conditions
To help us gather important medical information about your child, we ask that you select the correct Plan of Care form below, complete it and return it to the school as soon as possible. If you require us to administer daily medication, you will also need to complete the necessary paperwork for us to be able to do this.
Daily medication will need to be dropped off at school. Students cannot carry medications in their backpack, at any time. Please call the school to make arrangements for dropping off.
**Be sure to also include the supplementary forms if medication may need to be administered by school staff.
The health and safety of our students is our top priority. Thank you for helping us stay informed on your child's medical conditions and Plan of Care.
Supplemental Forms
Click below for necessary supplementary forms needed including:
· Form 314-A2 - Administration of Medication
· Form 314-A3 - Administration of Epi-Pen
· Form 314-B2 - Medical Procedure Form
EXCITING NEWS!!! Centennial School Clothing has a new look! Orders can be delivered directly to Centennial. Check it out and ORDER HERE!
CommunityPartners:
Maltby Centre
Eye See, Eye Learn Eye Glasses Program
Eye See...Eye Learn® Program - Ontario Association of Optometrists
Bus Information for Parents
How to Apply for Transportation - Tri-Board (triboard.ca)
Kingston Public Library
Kingston Frontenac Public Library | Information Inspiring Imagination (kfpl.ca)
Community Living Kingston & District
Community Living Kingston & District - We’re here to help lead the way. (myclkd.ca)
School Messenger: Reporting Your Child's Absences
Centennial uses School Messenger to help communicate need-to-know information to families in a timely and efficient way via text, voice message, or email. Families can access School Messenger on a laptop, iPad or mobile phone. Most families find it very useful to download the School Messenger App.
Centennial also uses School Messenger to share out our weekly newsletter which contains extensive school information with families via text, phone, or email message. Our school will also use this tool for urgent items like event cancellations or school emergencies about school council meetings, or special events.
Registered parents/guardians will receive these messages through contact information that is collected in our student information system. This information is exchanged via a secure connection between the school board and SchoolMessenger. This is the same system that also allows parents/guardians to report their student’s absence in advance, or report back to the school regarding an unexplained absence.
Parents/guardians may choose how to receive these alerts by text message, email or phone call, with the exception of emergency events or attendance calls which will always be communicated via all contact methods on file with the school.
It is important that parents/guardians ensure schools have the most up-to-date contact information at the beginning of the school year. If your contact information changes during the school year, parents/guardians are asked to contact the school with the updated information.
School Messenger also allows teachers to communicate directly with families via a group message option. Teachers who choose to use this tool will provide families with a code so they can sign up for these messages, all available within the SchoolMessenger app or website.
The easiest way to have access to all these tools is to set up a SchoolMessenger account. We encourage you to create a SchoolMessenger account on your desktop, laptop, tablet and/or download the SchoolMessenger app. While an account is not required to use these new tools, it will allow you to review your contact information and communication preferences, and it stores all of your messages in one place.
Webinars for Parents - School Mental Health Ontario
Supporting Your Child’s Well-Being, a free webinar series created with parents/caregivers, for parents/caregivers. Each session will dive into important mental health and substance use health topics identified by families in Ontario - guided by subject matter experts who offer practical, evidence-informed strategies.
For full details on speakers and topics: SMH-ON | By Your Side Free Webinars | Blog
Can't make all dates? No problem! Select one or more of the sessions when you sign up.
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
Learning at Home: Resources include stories, games, and activities that you can engage in with your child to build literacy skills, grow confidence and offer connection time with your child.
See theRESOURCES PAGE HERE
Taking time every day to read or do a learning activity with children is crucial to a child’s development, improving a child’s literacy skills dramatically, and can help a parent improve their skills as well.
