CENTENNIAL FAMILY UPDATE
Dear Centennial Families,
What a great week at Centennial!
- We celebrated Dwarfism Awareness on Monday with a dash of green throughout the building.
- Our new Gaga Ball Pit has been a tremendous hit! Funded with Bingo money, students were thrilled with its arrival and the extensions that came later this week to create a bigger playing area.
- Field Trips to the Pumpkin Patch and Cataraqui Conservation Area were enjoyed by our primary classes.
- We gathered at a school-wide assembly on Thursday to bring students together and highlight our diversity and unique strengths, review school expectations, and encourage students to set personal goals to improve attendance at school.
- Family FALL FEST was a great success! Big thanks to our wonderful SAC and volunteers for creating the opportunity to enjoy a fun evening together!
Looking forward to another great week at Centennial!
Your Centennial Staff
Snapshot of the week @ Centennial
Week Ahead . . . and On The Horizon | ||
Treaties Recognition Week November is Indigenous Education Month | ||
Mon. Nov 2 | 1 | |
Tues. Nov 3 | 2 |
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Wed. Nov 4 | 3 |
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Thurs. Nov 5 | 4 |
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Fri. Nov 6 | 5 |
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Key Upcoming Dates:
- Nov 16: Photo Retakes
- Nov 17: Pink Shirt Day
A Message from your Centennial SAC
Thank you to Families for attending our Centennial PS Fall Fest on Thursday October 29. It was a fun-filled evening with a dance, games, activities, crafts, a canteen and bake sale. Approximately $1000 was raised which will go towards supporting our students and families in learning, collaborating initiatives and enhancements.
We had approximately 75 families in attendance, 240 individuals, with approx 100 Centennial PS students and includes about 25 volunteers in varying roles.
Special shout-out of Thanks to-
* Chris (with daughter Madi -- graduate of Centennial) for being our awesome DJ
* four Calvin Park student helpers (graduates of Centennial) Ethan, Evander, Allie & Ruth
* Highschool student volunteers Logan, Hanae, Wyatt H., Saul, Wyatt J., and Mason
* Council members Terri, Tina, Lia, Moriah, Melissa
* Parent volunteers Christina, Nigel, April & husband , Rachael, Jeremy, Emma, and a Grandma (Rachael's Mom).
* Baking sale volunteers
* Supporting Staff: Ms. Jackie (creative enthusiast), Ms Fox, Ms Bocking, & Ms Janet
* Moose Pizza
Our next meeting is on Tuesday, November 10th, 6 pm- 7:30 pm.
Please join us to learn more about what's happening at Centennial PS and in our Community.
You can also learn about ways how you can support (we could use more volunteers at events, bakers, behind-the-scenes stuff, and still have positions available in Executive roles (with support)-- Secretary, Treasurer, Vice-Chair, grade Divisional Reps, and Members at Large.
Whether you can help us some of the time or most times, or per event, let us know! We are a fun and collaborative group who want to see our Community feel supported and have fun!
Reach out to our school council email: centennialschoolcouncil@gmail.com
On behalf of School Council at Centennial PS
Thank you!
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 need 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)
Just a quick reminder: Centennial's online lunch ordering is open. If you haven't signed up yet, now's a great time to get started.
Ordering takes less than 2 minutes:
1. Create your free account
2. Choose your child's meals for the week
3. Check out — no cash needed
Order now at: www.lunchboxorders.net
Every order supports our school, so thank you for taking part.
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)
Lunch is Ready 2026 27 FALL
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:
- 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.
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
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.
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.
