Innisfil CentralPublic School

 Innisfil Central PS

2075 5TH LINE

Grade: JK-8

French Immersion: NO

Child Care Provider: Before and After School Program ONLY- YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka 

Superintendent: Lisa Coffey     Trustee: Donna Armstrong

STUDENT ABSENT 

MUST CALL 1-888-885-8065

or 

EMAIL: [email protected]

Translation can be created:

• 翻訳は可能です。学校[email protected]までご連絡ください。Hon'yaku wa kanōdesu. Gakkō officeinn@ scdsb. On. Ca made go renraku kudasai / مع مكتب المدرسة[email protected] yumkin alqiam bialtarjamati. tawasul mae maktab [email protected] / Перевести можно. Обратитесь в школу по адресу [email protected] Perevesti mozhno. Obratites' v shkolu po adresu [email protected] / Перекласти можна. Зверніться до школи [email protected] Pereklasty mozhna. Zvernitʹsya do shkoly [email protected] / Se puede traducir. Communiqués con la escuela [email protected]

Principal’s Message

Dear ICPS families,

As we approach the end of another school year, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your unwavering support and partnership. For me it has been just three short months in the role of principal and the time has flown by! I am so grateful for the warm and continuing welcome I have experienced since arriving at Innisfil Central on April 2nd.

I would like to commend our dedicated educators and support staff who are truly second to none. Their professionalism, care, and commitment to students creating a nurturing environment where our children can flourish has been excellent. I want to wish Ms. Kelman well as she looks forward to the arrival of a new addition to her family later this summer and takes time for maternity leave.  Thank you as well to Ms. Ijaz, Ms. Sottile and Ms. Hay who have been working in long term assignments at our school.  We wish them well wherever they land next September and hope to see them back at Innisfil Central again in the future.

Our School Council and volunteers also deserve a huge thank you. Your time, enthusiasm, and dedication have made a significant impact. From attending Council meetings, planning fundraisers and leading our amazing spring community social, your efforts have greatly enriched our school community.

I also want to extend my appreciation to Ms. Wales in the office who has demonstrated unwavering support to families, staff and students and me! From answering everyone’s questions, answering the phone and door, helping students with injuries and helping staff, she truly is a huge part of the heartbeat of the school!  Thank you Ms. Wales for your smiles, kindness, generosity and time.

Reflecting on these past three months I am very grateful for this staff and school community who have banded together to keep this school running smoothly over the last couple of years of leadership change. I am very excited to know that I have the opportunity to continue working with this staff and school community in the fall and I look forward to great things to come!

June is still brimming with exciting learning opportunities and fun school activities. As we wrap up the school year, please stay tuned to our website and your email for ongoing updates and announcements.

Thank you once again for a fantastic year at Innisfil Central Public School. I wish you all a safe and happy summer, filled with relaxation and joy!

Fred Van Arragon

Acting Principal

Innisfil Central P.S.

Thank you to one of our students, Max Sparrow and his dad Keith who helped prepare our jumping pits for Track and Field day by coming to the school with a rototiller and working up the sand and making it all fluffy and ready for the event.  We appreciate you and your generosity.

Congratulations to the members of our school community who received special recognition from the Simcoe County District School Board for their demonstration of excellent character.  In May, the school board hosted a beautiful character recognition evening for many of the county’s recipients of this special annual award.  At Innisfil Central, we want to pass along special congratulations and recognition to three individuals, one of our students, Willow Burbidge, our School Council chairperson, Ms. Kristy Simpson, and our wonderful music teacher, Ms. Voo.  Thank you for your demonstration of great character every day for our school community demonstrating kindness and care for everyone you come into contact with.  You are a big part of what makes our school community great!

The South Simcoe Police Service is hosting their annual bike safety rodeo
Our annual Bike Safety Rodeo is Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 9:30a.m. to 11:00a.m. and will be held at Alcona Glen Elementary School. All elementary school students are invited to this free event.  Young riders can have their bicycles inspected and helmets properly fitted.  There will be lots of fun activities and a bicycle safety course to show off your skills.

Shelter in place

SCDSB schools and worksites have established safety procedures which are in place to keep students and staff safe in emergency situations such as a shelter in place. A shelter in place is used when there is an environmental or weather-related situation, like a chemical spill outside the building, or a major storm. During a shelter in place, activities will continue inside the school, but students and staff will not be allowed to leave the building, including for bussing or pick-up by parent(s)/guardian(s).

It’s important for you to know that the safety of our students is our top priority. If you have any questions or concerns, as always, please contact the school.

SCSTC First Rider Program
WILL YOUR CHILD BE RIDING THE BUS FOR THE FIRST TIME?  The Simcoe County School Transportation Consortium provides a FREE one-hour program which provides parents and children with information about school bus safety, rules and even a ride on a real school bus!

All families in Simcoe County are invited to attend any of the sessions below - no registration is required.

The Summer 2024 First Rider Program dates, times and locations in the Innisfil area are:

Monday, August 19 at 9 and 10 AM at Alcona Glen Elementary School

Thursday, August 29 at 6 PM at Holy Cross Catholic School

In order to receive delay and cancellation notifications, families could check the SCSTC website or download the ‘BusPlanner Delays’ app from the Apple or Android app stores to receive delay notifications to their devices.  You would need to select Simcoe County STC as the transportation authority.  The app will need to be forced closed, but you will be able to select your student(s) routes or school to receive delays for.

The app will send a general notice for any cancellation in Simcoe County or Muskoka.  You would only need to know which ‘zone’ you’re in, so you would know which one to look out for in the app.

Transportation (BUS)- CENTRAL WEATHER ZONE

Bus Planner- Link

June PA Day
Friday, June 7 is a PA Day for elementary SCDSB students, Thursday, June 27 is a PA Day for secondary SCDSB students, and Friday, June 28 is a PA Day for all SCDSB students. Please refer to the 2023-24 School Year Calendar on the SCDSB website for more information: www.scdsb.on.ca/elementary/planning_for_school/school_year_calendar.

Below is a summary of the activities planned for the June 7 PA Day: 

Length: Full day

Topic: Evaluation and Reporting

Host: Simcoe County District School Board 

Educators will be working to complete the second provincial report card which will reflect students’ achievement of curriculum expectations introduced and developed from February to June of the school year, as well as students’ development of the learning skills and work habits during that period. This process includes both evaluation and reporting.

Elementary report cards will go home to parents/guardians on Friday, June 21, 2024.

Below is a summary of the activities planned for the June 28 PA Day:

Length: Full day

Topic: Reflection and Planning

School teams will use this day to review data and reflect on progress towards the achievement of their 2023-24 School Action and Equity Plan goals. They will also complete end-of-year administrative tasks and prepare learning spaces for fall start-up.

Planning after school friend visits
Please make sure all plans for friends to get together after school are pre-arranged prior to coming to school for the day.  We will not allow students to make these plans at school as it often leads to confusion,miscommunication and parents worried about their children.

Picking up your child at the end of the day
If you are picking your child up any time after 3:15 PM, please wait for your child to be dismissed and to meet you at the front of the school.  The office is extremely busy towards the end of the day and it is very difficult to communicate with classes and have a student come down for dismissal from the office just minutes before the bell.  Your support with this is greatly appreciated.

School Council:

• Monday Oct. 2, Nov. 6, Dec. 4, Feb. 5, Apr. 8, May 6 

PA Days:

• 2023: Sept. 22, Oct. 20, Nov. 17 

• 2024: Jan. 26, April 8, June 7, June 28

Elementary Reporting Schedule- GOES HOME 

• 2023: Nov. 9

• 2024: Feb. 16, June 21 

Holidays 

• 2023: Sept. 4, Oct. 9, Dec. 25-29 

• 2024: Jan. 1-5, Feb. 19, Mar. 11-15, Mar. 29 Apr. 1, May 20

• Heritage Recognition Link

• Holy Days & Holiday Calendar Link

Subscribe to Community Connects
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is excited to launch Community Connects, a new bimonthly newsletter for the SCDSB community. Our shared goal with this new tool is to keep our community partners and stakeholders informed while nurturing relationships that are built on accountability, trust, and transparency.

To learn more and subscribe, visit the Community Connects page on the SCDSB website: www.scdsb.on.ca/community/community_connects. 

Grade 8 students – register now for summer eLearning!
Earn a reach-ahead credit with summer eLearning in the SCDSB! The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is offering summer school eLearning courses in July 2024. Current Grade 8 students are invited to complete a reach-ahead credit, creating flexibility in their high school timetables! 

For summer 2024, courses available to students entering Grade 9 are: 

·         CGC1D - Issues in Canadian Geography 

·         PAF1O - Healthy Living and Personal Fitness Activities 

·         CHC2D - Grade 10 Academic - Canadian History since WWI 

·         CHC2P - Grade 10 Applied - Canadian History since WWI 

·         CHV2O/GLC2O – Civics/Careers 

eLearning is fully supported by certified teachers who are available electronically daily. Summer school program details can be found on the Learning Centres website at www.thelearningcentres.com/programs/summer_school.  

Safe Arrival system for SCDSB schools – call 1-888-885-8065 to report an absence 

The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) has a new Safe Arrival system at elementary schools. This system will support us in continuing to improve our home-to-school communication process and streamline absence reporting. To report a student absence, call 1-888-885-8065. Callers will be prompted to identify the school before leaving a message. Parents should include the student’s name, teachers’ name, dates, and reason for the absence. Another option is to email us at [email protected]  When schools do not hear from a parent/guardian, and a student is absent, the school will call home to find out the reason for the absence. If you have questions about the new system, please contact the school office.

Days of Awareness 2023-24

Days of awareness recognized by the SCDSB can be accessed by following this link: www.scdsb.on.ca/about/equity_and_inclusion. Some of the days of awareness for the month of June are:
June 1-30: Filipino Heritage Month
June 1-30: Italian Heritage Month
June 1-30: National Indigenous History Month
June 1-30: Portuguese History and Heritage Month
June 1-30: Pride Month
June 16: Father’s Day
June 16-20: Eid-al-Adha
June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day

Before and after school programs 2024-25 school year
Register now for before and after school programs for the 2024-25 school year. Please contact the child care operator directly to discuss fees and to register. More information and contact numbers can be found at scdsb.on.ca/elementary/planning_for_school/childcare_before_after.

Use of student information to transition from elementary to secondary
As students progress from elementary school to secondary school, important personal student information is shared which eases each student’s transition. Sharing this information also improves our ability to program effectively to benefit all students. The collection and use of personal student information for such purposes is authorized under the Education Act. Please note that all information used for the transition process is limited, secure, and protected at all times. Please contact Ms. Lisa Coffey, Superintendent of Education, if you would like more information about the transition process at Innisfil Central Public School.

Communications survey

The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) and your child’s school communicate with you through a variety of methods. We want to ensure that you are receiving information in a timely and consistent manner and that you know where to access information relevant to your child’s education at the SCDSB. Please take a moment to complete this: https://www.research.net/r/SCDSBcommunication. Your feedback will help shape the communications strategy for the 2024-25 school year at the SCDSB. 

The survey will be open from May 27 to June 14, 2024. Participation is voluntary and anonymous, as we are not collecting any names or contact information.

Registration now open for summer eLearning! 
Create flexibility in your timetable and earn a credit! The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is offering summer school eLearning courses in July 2024 for current high school students or adult learners who are interested in creating flexibility in their schedule, earning a new credit, or upgrading a previous mark. Students can advance online learning skills, earn missed credits, or fast-track preparation for graduation or post-secondary in just four weeks.  

Summer school program details can be found on the Learning Centres website at www.thelearningcentres.com/programs/summer_school.  

The SCDSB also supports secondary students in participating in a variety of EDUTravel credit programs in July and August. EDUTravel programs are offered in a variety of destinations including Canada, USA, and Europe.  For more information including costs, destinations, credits, and dates of commitment, visit: www.edutravelforcredit.com.  

Licensed summer school age child care programs

Child care programs for children in Kindergarten to Grade 6 are provided by independent, third-party child care operators in some SCDSB schools. To support your child care needs, some operators offer child care over the summer holidays. Registration in advance is required. Please contact the child care operator directly to discuss fees and to register. More information and contact numbers can be found at scdsb.on.ca/elementary/planning_for_school/childcare_before_after.

Learn a new language for free with the SCDSB! 

Children in Grades 1-8 can learn to listen, speak, and write in a new language or extend their knowledge of their first language through the Simcoe County District School Board’s (SCDSB) International and Indigenous Languages Elementary Program. Offered virtually on Saturday mornings, the program includes 2.5 hours of instruction each week, at no cost. Languages offered are based on sufficient enrolment and instructor availability and may include Farsi, Russian, Spanish, Tamil, Turkish, and Indigenous languages. 

To learn more and preregister for the program, visit www.thelearningcentres.com/programs/IILE. Program start dates will be established once minimum enrolment is reached. 

Kempenfelt Rotary Kids Fishing Day

The 24th annual Kempenfelt Rotary Kids Fishing Day will take place at Heritage Park on June 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each child will receive a complementary fighting rod, bait, food, drinks, and a snow cone. For more information visit: letsfish.ca/.

Spend a fraction of your time on math!

New math problems, games, and activities are added to Math at Home monthly! Visit www.scdsb.on.ca/MathatHome to find fun, engaging ways to support your child in learning math.

Looking for ways to continue supporting your child’s learning at home during the summer months? Visit Math at Home for summer learning inspiration and ideas throughout the summer too. 

Mental health promotion strategy of the month - Gratitude Moment
Well-being is a Strategic Priority in the Simcoe County District School Board, and our mental health and well-being department provides monthly strategies to support student and family well-being.

This month’s strategy is Gratitude Moment. Viewing the world and relationships through a lens of gratitude can help children and youth intentionally notice the positive elements in their day and shift the balance towards optimism, even when facing a challenge. To practice Gratitude Moment at home, model to your child/youth how to express a gratitude. Explain what it means to be grateful or thankful. Share something you are thankful/grateful for as an example and in turn, have your child share something they are thankful/grateful for. Repeat this practise as often as you would like. Practicing Gratitude Moment can be done any time of the day or at regular times, such as at mealtime or before bed. Consider writing down the ideas and posting them in your home or creating a gratitude jar.

See School Mental Health Ontario’s (SMHO) social-emotional learning poster series (with audio) for a Gratitude Moment poster that can be used at home: smho-smso.ca/online-resources/easy-and-fun-mental-health-activities-for-home/.

Find more easy and fun mental health activities to do at home here: smho-smso.ca/online-resources/easy-and-fun-mental-health-activities-for-home/.

Follow the Mental Health and Well-being social media accounts (@SCDSB_MHWB) to see how well-being is being supported in our schools.

Sora summer reads
Sora Sweet Reads 2024 has begun and will run until August 26. This program is designed to encourage students to keep reading all year long. View a collection of free, simultaneous-use ebooks (and select audiobooks) that range from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/3bt3e8uv. 

Homestay hosts needed for international education program

When international students are welcomed into SCDSB schools, our programs and community benefit, and local students get life-changing Canadian experiences that positively shape their world views. Without you, the SCDSB can't deliver this exciting program. You can help by inviting international students to stay with your family while they study in our community.

To support homestay families, the SCDSB has partnered with the Canada Homestay Network (CHN), a not-for-profit, family-run, Canadian business that's been a leader in homestay since 1995. CHN provides cultural and first-language support to hosts 24/7, and an allowance to help offset expenses.

 What you provide:

1. Access to nutritious meals and snacks

2. Utilities, internet, and laundry access

3. A private bedroom, desk, and closet

4. A patient, caring, and friendly Canadian family home atmosphere!

For more information about being a Canada Homestay Network host, please visit: whyihost.ca.

June cyber awareness topic: social media 

For the month of June, the cyber awareness topic is social media. It is important to be proactive to protect yourself from the potential dangers associated with social media. This month, ECNO has  provided practical tips to manage your mental health and well-being in relation to social media use.  

Access the ECNO Cyber Awareness Tip Sheet for June to stay informed about this month’s theme and explore additional resources: ecno.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ECNO-CAM-Calendar-23-Aug3023_SocialMedia.pdf. 

Identify the signs

To quote the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), “too much tech and too little talk could delay communication development”. In collaboration with Screen Time Action Network, ASHA has developed a series of informative handouts for parents/guardians about healthy screen time habits for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers: identifythesigns.org/resources-for-families/.

Information provided by Speech-Language Pathologist, Early Identification & Education, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions

Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions is in need of foster care providers and fundraising support. Listen to a recent podcast discussing these topics: gnpmidhurst.com/b/jasmine-botter--lisette-gagne-of-simcoe-muskoka-family-connexions.

Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions actively works to eliminate systemic barriers and provide accommodations based on respecting the dignity of every person regardless of their identity. They believe in keeping children and youth in their community, circle of support, and geographic location when an alternative place of safety is required.

Contact [email protected] for any fundraising questions, or visit this page to inquire about fostering: familyconnexions.ca/contact/.

Information provided by Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions

Outdoor play

Active play does more than help kids to achieve the 60 minutes of physical activity they need every day, it supports their development in many ways – especially when the play is outdoors, self-directed, and fun. This allows kids to test boundaries and problem-solve, develop social skills and resolve conflict, and learn to control their emotions and behaviour. 

Active play outdoors in the fresh air and nature also helps to improve mood and lower stress. Support your child to play outside with friends in the neighbourhood and at your local park as much as possible.

For more information, visit www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.

Information provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit

Stay safe in the sun

It only takes one bad sunburn as a child to increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Follow these sun safety tips to keep you and your family safe this summer:

• Check the daily UV forecast. When the UV index is three or higher protect your skin as much as possible. Limit your time in the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. when harmful UV rays are present even on a cloudy day.

• Cover up. Wear a wide brimmed hat that shades the face, neck, and ears and light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes covering as much of the body as possible.

• Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply a generous amount to uncovered skin. Reapply after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. Don’t forget a sunscreen lip balm.

• Seek shade or bring your own.

• Protect your eyes. Wear sunglasses or prescription eyeglasses with UV-protective lenses. 

Avoid using tanning beds or deliberately trying to get a suntan and avoid getting a sunburn. Remember no tan is a safe tan! Use sources of vitamin D that are safer than exposing yourself to UV rays such as cow’s milk, fortified plant-based beverages, fatty fish like salmon and sardines, margarine, egg yolk, and fortified yogurt.

For more sun safety tips, visit www.simcoemuskokahealth.org or call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 to speak with a public health nurse.

Information provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit

Before & After School Care @ Innisfil Central

Call the YMCA Simcoe Muskoka directly for ALL information related to child care.

Phone: 705-984-1109

[email protected]

SCDSB Website Link

School Year Calendar