November is indigenous awareness month

November 5-9 is Treaty Recognition Week

November 8 is Indigenous Veterans Day

It’s spirit week!

Today – Blue and Gold day

Friday – Jean Day

We scare hunger

Thanks again to everyone who brought in items for We Scare Hunger!  Every class did an amazing job, but there were some clear winners…an Honourable Mention goes out to Ms. Longley and Ms. Leonard’s classes and the two classes that tied for first are MR. MARRIS AND MR CHISLETT!

Thanks again!

Wrestling

Our Wrestling season is about to begin.  Anyone interested in joining the team should see either Mr. Chislett or Mr. Glover for a permission form.  Practice begins next Monday in the Cage above the big gym after school.

You must purchase a SAC PAC in order to participate in a sport.

International night

The International Night planning meeting for tonight, has been cancelled.

Thank you

gsa 

Happy GSA Thursday, Kenner.  Did you know that the word “drag”, coined by Shakespeare, is an acronym meaning “dressing resembling a girl”?  The GSA will be meeting today at lunch in Room 222.  Guys, gals and non-binary pals are welcome.

White pine book club

1st White Pine Book Club is Wednesday, November 7 at lunch in the Library Seminar Room.

Hope to see you there!

Ms peter’s pd 2 class

Ms. Peters Period 2 P.E. Class, please come to Room 235 for our guest speaker.

Don’t get changed.

 sr boys volleyball

Last Thursday, in Sr. Boys Volleyball action, Kenner won their last match over St. Thomas Aquinas to place third at COSSA.  Special thanks go out to Mrs. Quinlan, Mr. Blowes and Mr. Hutchinson.

Great season, Rams!

Social services

A Staff Member from Peterborough Social Services will be available to meet with students in the Main Office from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. today.

Driver education

Attention potential drivers:   Road Rules Driving School might be able to help you with their driver education classes.  If you are 16 and have your G1 licence and are interested in Driver Education, come to the office to pick up a registration form for the session to be hosted here at Kenner.  The course runs from Nov 21 - Dec 5 in Rm 121.  The cost is $755.  If you are interested in this course, please come to the Office for a form.  There is a minimum requirement of 12 students to make the class run.  See Mrs. Quinlan for more information.

Day of silence

“WE are Silent” is tomorrow!  Stay silent for a day to stand in solidarity with people around the world whose voices aren’t heard.  If you want to participate, meet in the foyer tomorrow morning.  All participants will be invited to a pizza party at lunch.

Student council

There will be a Student Council meeting at the start of lunch today in Room 160.

Jr boys cossa ‘A’ volleyball

Kenner hosted the Jr. Boys COSSA ‘A’ volleyball championships last Thursday.  Our boys were sluggish to start, but quickly recovered, winning their semifinal match against Nicholson High School, 3 sets to 1.  In the Gold Medal match, Kenner went down in the first 2 sets, but fought back, winning the 3rd.  Kenner kept it close, and rallied from a deficit in the 4th set, but fell short, losing the match 3 sets to 1.  Kenner highlights included some monster stuff, blocks from Blake Spencer and Roan Haggerty-Goede, timely kills from Warren Cao and Emile Gennaro, consistent serving from Adam Weide, and solid passing from our libero, Joshua Lee.  Also, Devin Osborne who, in 2 weeks, learned both the setting and left side position, led Kenner’s offence, along with Roan. Huge thanks to Mr. Stover & Mrs. Bennett! Congrats Silver Medalists!

Coffee house

Thanks to all the performers in Coffee House.  On Thursday, we had some incredible talent.  Thanks also to SAC for running this event.  We will have another Coffee House next semester.  Start practicing your songs now, or learn a new instrument and use our Recording Studio to hone your skills.

GSA

Did you know that the first transgender contestant in the Miss Universe Canada competition was Jenna Talackova in 2012?  The GSA will be having an LGBTea and Bake Sale today at lunch in front of the caf, so come on by and check it out!

Jr girls volleyball

Tryouts for the Jr. Girls Volleyball team will be Tuesday and Wednesday this week.  Make sure to bring your signed permission form to the tryout in the Small Gym.  See you there.

Dance class

Attention Ms. Russell’s Pd 2 dance class:  You will be meeting in the small gym today for your class.

 sr girls volleyball

Due to numerous conflicts, the Senior Girls Volleyball practice for tonight, has been cancelled.

French trip

Here’s a Christmas present to put on your list this year…

The French Department invites all French students to join the all-inclusive trip this February to Montreal.

You will experience the best of this world-class city from its historic roots to its modern attractions…and even catch an NHL hockey game on the way home!

This trip has something for everyone, and costs only $300!

See your favourite French teacher, or Mr Kubica, for more details.

Driver education

Attention potential drivers:   Road Rules Driving School might be able to help you with their driver education classes.  If you are 16 and have your G1 licence and are interested in Driver Education, come to the office to pick up a registration form for the session to be hosted here at Kenner.  The course runs from Nov 21 - Dec 5 in Rm 121.  The cost is $755.  If you are interested in this course, please come to the Office for a form.  There is a minimum requirement of 12 students to make the class run.  See Mrs Quinlan for more information.

GAA

All girls who are interested in sports and leadership are encouraged to attend the first Girls Athletic Association meeting on Monday at lunch in Room 216

Hope to see you there!

Jr boys volleyball

Congratulations once more, to the COSSA silver medalists of the Junior Boys Volleyball.

Please hand in your uniforms to Mrs Bennett A.S.A.P.

GSA

Did you know that, as of August 2017, Canadians have the option of not identifying as male or female on their passports?  This is an ongoing effort by the federal government to eventually allow individuals to indicate their sex as ‘x’ on other government-issued identification.  The GSA will be passing out pronoun buttons in front of the cafeteria today at lunch, so come on by and pick up yours!

Please go to the link below to view the proposed school year calendar for the 2019 2020 school year and have your say.

http://www.kprschools.ca/en/our_schools/resources/schoolcalendars.html

Word of the day

For the month of December, listen carefully to the word of the day and learn it’s meaning.  Then drop into the Library and correctly use the word in an original sentence for a chance to win a prize!

Today’s word of the day is “rational”.  Rational means exercising reason: He was a rational negotiator, or rational can also mean – sane; lucid: The patient seems rational.

Synonyms for rational are logical, responsible, wise

 kenner clothing

Interested in Kenner clothing?  Come see what’s available the first 20 minutes at lunch, outside the Guidance Office.

Clothing order forms will be available in the Main Office.

Orders MUST go in this FRIDAY!

Food drive

Seasons Greetings!  Ho! Ho! Ho!  Christmas is coming, and that means we are asking you, once again, to help out those less fortunate in this holiday season.

 Don’t forget to bring non-perishable food to your home room class all this week.

Make someone else’s holiday a little bit better.

Thank you, Kenner!

Another Word of the day

Mrs. Petterson’s vocab. word of the day is “asinine”. Sounds like you are swearing, but you are not.  Using this word will make you sound intelligent in describing something foolish or stupid.  How is that for irony? I encourage the teachers of Kenner to use it to motivate their students, such as, there is no such thing as an asinine question”…or is there?!? Ummmm…..

Dance recital

Tickets are now on sale for the December Dance Recital “GRATITUDE”.

They are $5 for students and $10 for adults.  Get them in the Main Office or from any dancer. 

Artwork from Ms O’Connell’s class will also be featured.

Don’t miss it!

Blood donor clinic

Christmas is the time for giving, giving blood that is.  If you are 17 or older and want to donate blood, come to make an appointment with Mrs Longley, Mr Chislett or Mr Cook to donate blood on Wednesday, Dec 19.  Transportation will be provided by the Peterborough Blood Donor Clinic.  You can get 5 community service hours for donating.  Longley Harley Davidson has also donated Tim’s cards to all life savers.  Sign up today with Mrs Longley, Mr Chislett or Mr Cook and return your permission forms ASAP to book your slot.

Jr. basketball

Last night, the Kenner Jr. Basketball team soundly defeated Holy Cross by 23 points, making the final, Kenner 64 – Holy Cross 41.

Blake Spencer owned the glass with 24 points and 13 rebounds.  Adam Weide scored 16 points and Ashton Roche was solid with 13 points.

Good job, Junior Rams!

Sr girls volleyball

In their season opener, the Kenner Sr Girls Volleyball team struggled in the first game against Norwood, before roaring back to win 4 straight and take the series 4-1.  Noteworthy efforts by Angela Say and Shyla Halls, and superb serving by Sadie Mees, highlighted the squad.

Next practice Thursday.

Wrestling tournament on today in both gyms - stop in to see what all the excitement is about! 

 Cross country skiers

Attention Cross Country Skiers:

There will be a meeting at the beginning of lunch in the Fitness Room.

Jr basketball

Junior Basketball practice today at 3 p.m.

Sr Boys practice today at 4 p.m.

Jr girls volleyball team

A reminder to the Jr Girls Volleyball team.

Practice today is a late practice at 4 p.m. in the Small Gym.

Jazz and concert bands

There will be no jazz or concert band rehearsals this week.

They will resume next week.

 Wrestling

Attention:  All wrestlers who plan to go to the tournament in Uxbridge on Friday, weigh-ins will be in the Cage at the beginning of lunch today.

Girls volleyball

In period 3 and 4 today, there is a Girls Volleyball tournament.  We are looking for 8 people to keep score until 4:30.

Please see Mr. Tummon in Room 121, if interested.

International night

Just a friendly reminder that International Night meeting will be tomorrow NOT TONIGHT.

Jr boys basketball

Yesterday in Jr Boys Basketball action, Kenner defeated Holy Cross 50-31.  The Spencer brothers combined for 20 points scored.  Adam Weide had 7 points also.  Roan Haggerty’s defence was solid with countless blocks.

Good job, Rams!

Sr boys basketball

The Sr Rams were defeated 84-36 by Holy Cross last night.  Leading the scoring was Blake Lahay with 13, Hayden Gurney with 11 points, and Aslan Fox with 7 points.  The Sr. Rams will be hosting a basketball tournament today.

Go Rams!

Lost and found

A pair of black Adidas basketball shoes were left on the bench in the foyer last night.  They were still there when the Custodians opened the building at 7:00 this morning.

If anyone picked up these shoes this morning, please return them to the Office A.S.A.P.

Friday night badminton

Due to the basketball tournament, Friday night Badminton is cancelled tonight.

Exam info letter

Home room teachers are asked to please distribute the exam information letter in your mailbox, to students, today.

Cell phone found

There was a Samsung phone turned in to the Office this morning.  If it is yours, please come to identify and claim it.

Mental Health awareness week -  Take care of your physical and mental health.  Come out at lunch for a relaxation activity in the cafeteria. 

Jr girls volleyball

The Jr Girls Volleyball team members are excused at 2:15 p.m. for their tournament at Kenner.

Exams begin next week....talk to your teachers about any work you might have outstanding so you can get it handed in before the end of the semester.  Make a study plan and get started!  Study tips and help available through the Student Success Room and the Resource Room.  

Jr girls volleyball

Despite all the effort, the Jr. Girls Volleyball team was defeated by St. Peter’s and Holy Cross.

However, the momentum switched and the girls swept Crestwood in 2 games.  Outstanding play by Lu Kamar.

Our next practice is Monday after school.

To co-0p office

Could the following students please come to the Co-op Office (across from the Cafeteria) to meet with Mrs. Hill for a very brief meeting:

Devanne Beaulne, Ben Craine, Lauren Sparks, Thoren Barclay-Seaborn, Bret Black, Alexa Ethier-Paul, Evan Moore, Josh Palmer, Joseph Schweymaier, Jordan Sheldon and Nolan Truax.

Mental Health awareness week

Jr boys basketball

In basketball action last night, Kenner defeated TASS 50-39.  Scoring for Kenner were Roan Haggerty-Goede – 16 pts, Devin Osborne – 11 points, Adam Weide 6 points, Ashton Roche – 6 points and Wes Evans with 5 points.

Sr boys basketball

In Sr Boys action, TASS defeated Kenner with a score of 46-36.

Scorers were Blake Lahay with 9 points, Josh Heard with 6 points and Isaiah Cook with 6 points.

Library books

Library books!  Library books!

If you have any Library books that you’ve had for more than 3 weeks, then they are overdue.  Please return them today or tomorrow.  If you aren’t sure if you have any Library books, please check your edsby email.

Survey

All students please take 1 minute NOW to access our student poll in “School Talk” in Edsby for an important 30 second survey.

Thank you to all teachers in advance.

Winnipeg trip

There is a mandatory student meeting for those going on the Winnipeg trip today at 11:15 in the Library Conference Room.

 Library books

Reminder to all students to please check your backpacks, lockers and bedrooms for Library books, and return anything you find to the Library.

Edsby messages with the book title, have been sent to all students with overdue books.

Thank you!

Peer mediation

Third side peer mediation team will meet on Wed, Feb 6 from 11:20 – 11:50 in Room 238.

That’s the Third Side Mediators on Feb 6 over lunch in Ms. Poley’s room.

Jr girls volleyball

Happy Semester 2.  Jr. Girls Volleyball team.  We practice at 3:00 today in the small gym.

See you after school.

Co-op

If you have Co-op this semester, please report to Room 221 during your Co-op periods.

Lost and found

Missing something?  Come by the front foyer and check the table of lost and found.

Any clothing/objects NOT collected by Wednesday will be donated t the Free Cycling Room.

Jazz and concert bands

Jazz and Concert Band will resume this week with Jazz Band on Tuesday at 7:30 and Concert Band on Wednesday at 7:30.

New members are welcome!

archery

Any students interested in joining Archery Club should come to Room 238 at the start of lunch, for a brief information meeting.

 Library books

Reminder to all students to please check your backpacks, lockers and bedrooms for Library books, and return anything you find to the Library.

Edsby messages with the book title, have been sent to all students with overdue books.

Thank you!

#Good Coping Group

The #Good Coping Group start date has been delayed to Thurs., Feb 14th, so permission forms can be brought back any time this week.  Please make sure Ms. Fox-Comery receives them by Friday at the latest.

Peer mediation

Third side peer mediation team will meet on Wed, Feb 6 from 11:20 – 11:50 in Room 238.

That’s the Third Side Mediators on Feb 6 over lunch in Ms. Poley’s room.

Lunch provided.

amigos

AMIGOS! Have you been missing your Amigo?  Wait no longer!  Amigos resumes Wednesday, Feb 6 in the Cafeteria.

Hint for this week…channel your inner architect!

Go! Go! Amigos!

Grad photo re-take

Grad photo re-take day is Thursday, Feb 7!

If you missed getting your Grad Photo done, or would like to have it re-done, be sure to sign up for an appointment in Guidance.

The photographer will be in the Library on Feb. 7 for appointments only.

Lost and found

All lost and found items are in the Main Foyer.  Come and have a look for all those missing items from 1st Semester.

Only available until Wednesday at lunch.

Prom

The groundhog is predicting an early spring and so are we. 

We are starting to think about Prom already.  If you are interested in being on the Prom Committee and helping to create a magical Prom for 2019, listen for more announcements next week.

Archery

Anyone interested in joining the Archery Club can pick up permission forms from Ms. Leonard, Mr. Blimkie, or the Office.  First practice is on Thursday at 3:15 at Saugeen Shafts.

 butterfly project

For those students who are involved in the Butterfly Project, and DID NOT attend our meeting at lunch yesterday, today is your last opportunity to sign up.  Please come to Room 224 – Student Success @ 11:15 to hand in your signed letters.  Again, this is only for the students who did not attend yesterday.

Thanks!

Prom

The wind told the grasses, And the grasses, Told the trees. The trees told the bushes, And the bushes Told the bees, The bees told the rams, And brought them to their knees.  Spring is coming! 

Spring is coming!

It’s time to plan the prom!

Would you like to be part of the Prom Committee & help to create a magical prom?  Meeting next Tues, at the beginning of lunch in the Library Seminar Room.

Friday night badminton

Friday night badminton resumes tonight in the large gym.

Everyone is welcome!

Jr girls volleyball

The Jr. Girls Volleyball Team hosted the Kawartha Tournament yesterday. The girls implemented their game plan and convincingly beat a strong Haliburton Team 4 games to 1.  Strong leadership from Kate Millett, Mya Jolley, Ava Hawkins, and Emily Martinez.  Strong setting by Esther Choi, Asha Chandra, and Bridget Masterson.

In the finals the girls fell short.  Apparently, we were taken over by the zombie apocalypse.  The team met after our defeat to Campbellford & agreed that it was best to get that type of play out of our system before COSSA.

Hot lunch program

The Hot Lunch program will start back up next week!

This Semester, we will be serving Hot Lunch Wednesdays and Fridays in Room 224 – Student Success Room.

Grad photos

Don’t forget to sign up in Guidance for your Grad Photo.  The photographer will be taking appointments for March 6th.

IB interviews 

There will be a brief meeting of all Grade 12 IB Diploma students in the Library at lunch.

Nordic skiing

Our Nordic Skiers represented Kenner well yesterday at the Kwtha Invitational. Both seasoned and novice skiers performed amazing during the interval race with Anna De Leenheer securing a 3rd place finish and Aiden Stever finishing 5th for novices—with one pole, after breaking a pole early in the race.

In the afternoon, our skiers were flying during the sprint race. Both Aiden and Anna finished first in their heats, bringing home the gold hat award!  Well done skiers.

Do you love Music Trivia?

Get ready Kenner for a fun musical challenge.  We need teams of  8 people to play a Jukebox Mania challenge game in the cafeteria on Tues. Mar 5, Wed. Mar.6 and Thurs. Mar. 7th

Teams will hear music clips and have to identify song title or artist or maybe even next line of lyrics…come on all you competitive folks – we need you!

Sign up on sheets at main office

 Prom

Attention Prom Planning People:

Put projects aside,

Pull pals along,

Join positive people for Prom party planning.

Today in the Library Seminar Room at the start of lunch.

Hot lunch program

The Hot Lunch program will start back up this week!

This Semester, we will be serving Hot Lunch Wednesdays and Fridays in Room 224 – Student Success Room.

Grad photos

Don’t forget to sign up in Guidance for your Grad Photo.  The photographer will be taking appointments for March 6th.

Do you love Music Trivia?

Jukebox Mania is coming to Kenner! On Tues, Mar 5 and Wed Mar 6, the Jukebox Mania Team is coming to Kenner at lunch to run a super fun music trivia game.

Create a team of 8 and sign up in the Guidance Office. Don’t forget to come up with a good team name.

Play Jukebox Mania. Sign up today in Guidance.

Hot lunch program

The Hot Lunch program will start back up today in Room 224.  Today on the menu is chili!

Hope to see you there!  Just a reminder, it will be every Wednesday and Friday, going forward.

Grad photos

Don’t forget to sign up in Guidance for your Grad Photo.  The photographer will be taking appointments for March 6th.

Third side team

Hello Students!  The Third Side Team meeting for peer mediators is today from 11:15 – 12:00 in Mrs. Poley’s room.  Lunch is provided.  That’s Peer Mediators in Mrs. Poley’s room at lunch.

Hope you can make it.

Battle of the bands

Hey, Kenner…Are you in a band? Are you ready to blow the roofs off this school board?

Get ready, and circle Apr 10 on your calendar.  Thomas A. Stewart is hosting a Kawartha Pine Ridge High School Battle of the Bands!  Full Battle details can be found by searching KAWARTHA PINE RIDGE BATTLE OF THE BANDS on Facebook, and looking for the IPR Battle of the Bands page.  It promises to be a rocking evening full of some friendly KPR school competition. Does Kenner rock harder that the rest?  See Mr. Thompson for details.

archery

It’s not too late to join Archery Club!

Pick up permission forms from Ms. Leonard, Mr. Blimkie or the Office. 

Next practice is tomorrow.

amigos

Welcome back!  Finally!  Our first meeting for 2019 will happen today at lunch in the Cafeteria.

Anyone new, interested in joining Amigos?  All are welcomed.  Bring your lunch and look for Mrs. Black in the Cafeteria.

Go! Go! Amigos!

GSA

Happy GSA Thursday, Kenner!  Every Thursday for Black History Month, on Social Media, we’ve highlighted one of the black LGBT heroes who made it all happen, and today is Barbara Smith.  A scholar, author and professor, her work was published in the New York Times, The Guardian, The Nation and The Village Voice.  She also established Kitchen Table:  Women of Colour Press in 1980, which was the world’s first publishing company run solely by Women of Colour. The GSA will meet in Room 222 today at lunch.

Do you love Music Trivia?

Jukebox Mania is coming to Kenner! On Tues, Mar 5 and Wed Mar 6, the Jukebox Mania Team is coming to Kenner at lunch to run a super fun music trivia game.

Create a team of 8 and sign up in the Guidance Office. Don’t forget to come up with a good team name.

Play Jukebox Mania. Sign up today in Guidance.

Grad photos

Don’t forget to sign up in Guidance for your Grad Photo.  The photographer will be taking appointments for March 6th.

Battle of the bands

Hey, Kenner…Are you in a band? Are you ready to blow the roofs off this school board?

Get ready, and circle Apr 10 on your calendar.  Thomas A. Stewart is hosting a Kawartha Pine Ridge High School Battle of the Bands!  Full Battle details can be found by searching KAWARTHA PINE RIDGE BATTLE OF THE BANDS on Facebook and looking for the IPR Battle of the Bands page.  It promises to be a rocking evening full of some friendly KPR school competition. Does Kenner rock harder than the rest?  See Mr Thompson for details.

Nordic skiing

GSA

Happy GSA Thursday, Kenner!  Every Thursday for Black History Month, on Social Media, we’ve highlighted one of the black LGBT heroes who made it all happen, and today is Barbara Smith.  A scholar, author and professor, her work was published in the New York Times, The Guardian, The Nation and The Village Voice.  She also established Kitchen Table:  Women of Colour Press in 1980, which was the world’s first publishing company run solely by Women of Colour. The GSA will meet in Room 222 today at lunch.

Do you love Music Trivia?

Jukebox Mania is coming to Kenner! On Tues, Mar 5 and Wed Mar 6, the Jukebox Mania Team is coming to Kenner at lunch to run a super fun music trivia game.

Create a team of 8 and sign up in the Guidance Office. Don’t forget to come up with a good team name.

Play Jukebox Mania. Sign up today in Guidance.

New Phone Number, Web Address, Phone App Coming for Reporting Absences

At KPR, student safety is our highest priority, and we thank families for adopting the automated safe arrival system to help ensure students arrive safely at school each day. 

Starting this September, we will be introducing a new automated Student Absence Reporting System.  Therefore, you will need to create a NEW account to report your children’s absences online. 

You will receive an email in August with instructions on how to create your new account and download the mobile app.  You also will receive a magnet in September with the new Student Absence Reporting System details.  Unfortunately, since ownership of the reporting software has changed, we cannot simply transfer your child’s information to the new system.

Watch for more information in the summer.

Many parents and guardians have been wondering what effect the legalization of marijuana will have on  KPR schools. In short, KPR schools will treat cannabis in much the same way they treat alcohol: students of any age will not be allowed to use marijuana at schools, on school buses or field trips. 

 Once the new federal law comes into effect this October 17:

• non-medical marijuana use will be legal only for those age 19 and older 
• any student, at any age, could be suspended for possessing or being under the influence of cannabis at school
• any student who shares marijuana with others younger than 19 could be expelled from school
• it will be illegal for adults to use cannabis on, or within 20 metres of, school grounds
• it will be illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis, and drivers age 21 or under will not be allowed to have any cannabis in their system.

 If you have any questions about cannabis at school, please speak with your principal or vice-principal.  Further information on the new law is available at Ontario.ca/cannabis.  Information on how to talk to your child about cannabis can be found at Cannabis Information – CAMH.

KPR wishes everyone a happy holiday. We hope that this time allows for some much needed rest for students, staff, parents and guardians, and allows families opportunities to celebrate together.

While the holidays can be joyous, they can also be difficult for some.  We wanted to provide families with some resources you may find useful over the holiday season. Our mission is that all students remain safe, and this includes their mental and physical well-being.

Mental health is a state of well-being; it is relevant to all of us.  According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, in any given year, one in five people in Canada experiences a mental health crisis or illness.  It is important to us that we remind everyone to use resources that are accessible to all.  These include:

• the Be Safe App, a free mobile app that aims to help young adults make healthy decisions during a crisis; it can be downloaded onto cell phones from https://besafeapp.ca/
• Kids Help Phone, also available 24/7, at 1-800-668-6868 or text “CONNECT” to 686868
• Four County Crisis line, available 24/7 for Northumberland and Peterborough County residents at 1-866-995-9933
• Durham Mobile Crisis Services, available 24/7 for anyone experiencing a crisis, at 905-666-0483 or 1-800-742-1890
• Connex Ontario Mental Health Helpline, provides information about mental health services in Ontario 24/7, at 1-866-531-2600 or www.connexontario.ca
• Ontario 211, a free helpline that connects people to community and social services in your area, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling 2-1-1.

Your family also has access to your closest hospital, as well as to regional supports serving specific areas of KPR.

Let's keep our mental health and the mental health of those we love and care about in the forefront.  We encourage you to use community support services if you ever find yourself or someone near and dear to you struggling and in need of assistance.

Once again, we wish everyone season’s greetings, a Merry Christmas, and safe holidays.

Starting high school in September? We invite current Grade 8 students, parents and guardians to join us at Grade 8 information nights to learn about the variety of programs available to help learners meet with success.

Several schools have already held their open houses; parents can contact those schools directly for program and registration information. Contact information is available in the Find A School section of www.kprschools.ca

The following open houses are coming up:

              Bowmanville High School, Bowmanville – January 16, 6 p.m.
              Kenner Collegiate Vocational Institute, Peterborough – January 16, 7 p.m.
             Clarington Central Secondary School, Bowmanville – January 17, 6 p.m. 
             Courtice Secondary School, Courtice – January 17, 6:30 pm.
              Port Hope High School, Port Hope – January 17, 6:30 p.m.

Grief Resources

Is your child experiencing loss and grief?  Here are some resources recommended by our School Board Counsellors:

http://www.kprschools.ca/en/students/well-being/mentalhealth/grief.html

Do you have concerns about your child’s social, emotional or mental health that may be hindering their ability to thrive at school?

KPR schools have skilled clinicians who can support your child and you in finding answers. School Board Counsellors have professional degrees and specialize in work with children, youth and families. Please contact your School Principal for more information.

http://www.kprschools.ca/en/students/well-being/mentalhealth/schoolboardcounsellorservices.html

Mental health is an important part of our overall well-being.  Students experiencing mental health issues may have problems with mood, focus, behaviour and their ability to relate to peers, maintain friendships, do well in school and participate in activities.

But where can parents and guardians go for help if they are concerned about their child's or teen's mental health?  For more information, and suggestions for helpful resources, visit: 

http://www.kprschools.ca/en/students/well-being/mentalhealth.html

Mathify (formerly known as Homework Help) is a free math resource that connects students in grades 7 – 10 with Ontario certified math teachers.  This interactive, online support is available after school from 5:30 pm–9:30 pm, Sunday to Thursday.  Tutoring is live and provides 1:1 support using digital tools such as a shared white board, audio chat, text chat, and offers an image upload.

Registering students for this additional support is easy and we encourage all Grade 7-10 mathematics teachers to register students for Mathify.

Setting up a student account

Using their school board email and Ontario Education Number, students can create an account in TVO Mathify. 

The following is a short tutorial on how to register students and an overview of Mathify:  http://bit.ly/KPRMathify

Live online tutoring 

What students can expect:

• Ontario-certified math tutors available 5:30 pm–9:30 pm ET, Sunday to Thursday
• Voice and text chat options
• Anonymous & secure online learning space
• Compatible on all devices

The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board invites everyone in the community to join us at three evening events being held in honour of Black History Month.

All interested community members are invited to attend the public events. Registration is not required for any of the following special presentations:

An Evening with Nadine Williams
Friday, February 22
6:30 p.m.
Dr. G.J. MacGillivray Public School
75 Meadowglade Rd., Courtice
Award-winning Poet, Author & Speaker

Africville Remembered
Wednesday, February 20
7 p.m.
Kenner Collegiate Vocational Institute
633 Monaghan Rd.S., Peterborough
Screening and Discussion of the National Film Board Documentary Remember Africville
Co-presented with Community Race Relations Committee of Peterborough

 An Evening with Karl Subban
Tuesday, February 26
6:30 p.m.
East Northumberland Secondary School
71 Dundas St., Brighton
Author, Speaker, Retired Principal, Father of 3 NHL Players

Many individual schools also are planning activities for students, from Black History Month announcements and displays on famous African Canadians, to special events.

IMPORTANT NOTICE for Students and Families Assigned to Campeau Bus Lines Routes

This note provides an important update on contract negotiations between Campeau Bus Lines Ltd. and Unifor, the union representing the company’s school bus drivers.

As part of the negotiations process, Unifor has advised the company that they may be holding a strike vote meeting on Thursday, February 7. Unifor also stated that, in the event of job action, the union is committed to giving parents and the public 72 hours’ notice. Therefore, if a strike vote is taken and if the drivers vote to strike, the earliest possible service disruption would be Monday, February 11.

Student Transportation Services of Central Ontario (STSCO), therefore, encourages families of students who ride Campeau buses to:

• check the stsco.ca website often, and stay tuned to local news media, for any possible updates
• consider having alternative plans for getting their children to school in case of a possible strike

• follow @stsco_ca on Twitter for latest news.

We will provide further updates as information becomes available.

**Please note: this message applies only to schools and families served by Campeau buses.

Friday, February 8, 2019

IMPORTANT UPDATE for Students and Families Assigned to Campeau Bus Lines Routes

This note provides an important update on contract negotiations between Campeau Bus Lines Ltd. and Unifor, the union representing the company’s school bus drivers.

We have learned that negotiations are continuing and that the union did not hold a strike vote Thursday evening. Given Unifor’s assurance that it will give families 72 hours’ notice if a strike is imminent, this means that Campeau busing will continue as usual this Monday, February 11.

We will follow the situation closely, and we remain hopeful for a positive outcome.  We urge families who rely on Campeau yellow bus service to check our website at stsco.ca, to follow us on Twitter @stsco_ca  and to stay tuned to local news media, for any possible developments. We will provide further updates as soon as we are aware of any changes.

**Please note: this message applies only to schools and families served by Campeau buses. Parents and guardians can check on the Parent Portal at stsco.ca to confirm if their child rides a Campeau bus.

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Strike notice issued by Campeau Bus Lines drivers

This note provides an important update on contract negotiations between Campeau Bus Lines Ltd. and Unifor, the union representing the company’s school bus drivers.

Strike notice has now been given by the union. If a strike proceeds, Tuesday, February 19 is the earliest that service would be affected.

 Fortunately, talks are scheduled to continue this week, and we remain hopeful that an agreement can be reached before Tuesday. If an agreement is reached by early Tuesday morning, busing will continue as usual. If an agreement is not reached by early Tuesday morning, all Campeau Bus Lines routes will be cancelled for the duration of the strike, starting Tuesday, February 19.

Student Transportation Services of Central Ontario (STSCO), therefore, encourages families of students who ride Campeau buses to: 

• consider having alternative plans for getting their children to school in case of a possible strike
• check the stsco.ca website often, and stay tuned to local news media, for any possible updates
• follow @stsco_ca on Twitter for latest news.

We will be following the situation closely, and we remain hopeful for a positive outcome. We will provide further updates as soon as we are aware of any developments.

**Please note: this message applies only to schools and families served by Campeau buses. Parents and guardians can check on the Parent Portal at stsco.ca to confirm if their child rides a Campeau bus.

Friday, February 15, 2019 

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Campeau drivers voting on tentative deal this weekend

This note provides an important update on contract negotiations between Campeau Bus Lines Ltd. and Unifor, the union representing the company’s school bus drivers.

Unifor has announced that its bargaining committee reached a tentative agreement with Campeau, and its members will vote on the matter this Saturday, February 16. The union says that, if the deal is accepted by its members on Saturday, a strike will be averted.

We remain hopeful that the deal will be accepted and that busing will continue as usual on Tuesday, February 19. We cannot guarantee that will be the case, however, until after Unifor announces the results of its membership vote on the weekend.

If the drivers vote to accept the tentative agreement – a move which their bargaining committee is recommending unanimously – busing will continue as usual on Tuesday. If the tentative agreement is not supported by the drivers, Campeau buses likely will not run.

We will continue to follow the situation closely, and we remain hopeful for a positive outcome. We continue to urge families who rely on Campeau yellow bus service to check our website at stsco.ca, to follow us on Twitter @stsco_ca and to stay tuned to local news media, throughout the weekend for the latest developments.

**Please note: this message applies only to schools and families served by Campeau buses. Parents and guardians can check on the Parent Portal at stsco.ca to confirm if their child rides a Campeau bus.

The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board invites all students, staff and community members to join us for an evening of Métis fiddling, this Thursday, February 21 at 7 p.m. at Bowmanville High School, 49 Liberty St.N., Bowmanville. The performance is free.  It was originally scheduled during Indigenous Peoples Awareness Month, but had been delayed due to inclement weather.

It's great to see all the school buses running today, with ratification of the agreement between Campeau Bus Lines and Unifor, and a beautiful, sunny start to the week!

There's a new date for Africville Remembered, one of three free Black History Month  events organized for the community by KPR.

Africville Remembered has been rescheduled to:

    Thursday, March 21
    7 p.m.
    Kenner CVI
    633 Monaghan Rd.S., Peterborough

The evening will include screening of the documentary Remember Africville, followed by a panel discussion including Community Race Relations Committee of Peterborough representatives.

All KPR staff, students and community members are welcome to attend on March 21, International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Evening Kindergarten Information Sessions for parents and guardians, cancelled earlier this month due to inclement weather, have been rescheduled as follows. Both events run from 5:30-7 p.m.

              Roger Neilson Public School, Peterborough – Thursday, February 21

              Duke of Cambridge Public School, Bowmanville – Wednesday, March 20       

Families that had registered for the sessions were contacted earlier with the new dates. 

Further information and online registration is available at http://www.kprschools.ca/en/our_schools/resources/elementaryprograms/kindergarten/registrations.html