If your child is going to be away from school please refer to the following information to report it.

We will also have fridge magnets available with the information.  Grade nine students will receive the magnet and all others may obtain one from the office as needed.

To report and absence please call:  1-844-434-8119 or go to studentabsence.kprdsb.ca

You may also download the app to your mobile device:  SchoolMessenger.

If you require further assistance, please call Julie Dundas, our Attendance Secretary.  She is in the office daily from 12:15 to 3:30 p.m.

Thank you.

Please see attached flyer with informtion regarding opting into receiving text messages for school updates.

Come on Kenner - let's see how much participation we can get!

Monday is Comfy Day - Come wearing your best PJ's or your favorite comfy, cozy clothes.

Tuesday is Denim Day - that's easy - grab your favorite pair of jeans and show us what you've got! 

Wednesday is Purple Day - Wear a little purple or better yet wear purple EVERYTHING!!  Show your spirit and raise awareness for Rowan's Law and Concussion Awarenesss. 

Thursday is VSCO Girl vs Frat Boy Day - Let's see your best VSCO and Frat outfits.  

Don't forget that Thursday night is our first dance.  "Throwback to the 2000's" is the theme.  Come out from 7-10pm and enjoy some great music and good times with friends.  Dance is $5 (or free with a $50 SAC PAC). Make sure you attend all your classes on Friday to be eligible to attend the dance.  If you would like to bring a guest from another school, you must see the Principal or VP in the office before Friday. 

Monday is Orange Shirt Day to raise awareness for Residential School Survivors and their families. 

C'mon Kenner, Tomorrow is the last day to purchase your SAC PAC at lunch.  If you purchase your SAC PAC by tomorrow, you will be guaranteed THIS YEAR's Kenner tshirt design...if you purchase after tomorrow, your tshirt may be a retro design from a previous year.  

You may purchase online or bring your cash or cheque to the library at lunch tomorrow. 

$50 SAC PAC's give you all the privileges to join sports, student council and all clubs, a student card, a tshirt, a yearbook and free admittance to our September 26 dance.

$20 SAC PAC's give you the opportunity to join some clubs, a student card and a tshirt. 

Don't forget that we will also be selling SPC Discount Cards for just $10. This card will get you great savings at lots of your favorite stores and restaurants and is good all school year! Buy yours tomorrow.

We scare hunger!

Hey, Kenner – we are still collecting items for the food bank through our “We Scare Hunger” campaign.  Keep bringing in non-perishable food items until October 31st.  There is a prize for the Homeroom that brings in the most food items.

HAPPY GSA TUESDAY, Kenner!

Did you know that after the first French Revolution in 1791, France became the first Western/European country in history to decriminalize homosexuality?  The GSA will be meeting in Room 222 today at lunch.  See you there!

Take our kids to work

All Grade 9 students are reminded of their upcoming Take Our Kids to Work event.  Get those visits organized and PLEASE bring in your paperwork!

Racquets club

All students are invited to join the badminton and tennis club.  Racquets Club will be held on Fridays after school in the gyms.  No experience necessary.  You must wear gym attire.  Pick up your permission form on the Co-Op Office door.

Attention graduates!

Grad Photo sign-up sheets are available now in the Guidance Office.  Grad Photos will be taken on November 12, 13 & 14 in the Pod on the stage.  If you would like to get your grad picture taken, please come to the Guidance Office to sign up and get more information.

A full session will cost $30 and will be payable to the photographer at the time of your sitting.  This will include 10 poses as well as a copy of the Grad Composite.

All graduates should get their picture taken for the yearbook.  If you do not wish to purchase a full sitting, you may have your picture taken, for yearbook purposes only, for free.

Soccer practice

There will be a soccer practice today after school – the last one of the year.  Also, remember that the bus for C.O.S.S.A. on Wednesday leaves at 8:15 a.m.

Volleyball

Senior Boys Volleyball players are excused at 1:15 today for their tournament here at Kenner.  Cheer the boys on in the Small Gym!  Mr. Seeley needs three scorekeepers from 2:00 to 4:00 today.  Please enquire, if you’re available.

OSLC

Last week’s dance

Thanks to everyone for making last week’s dance the best Hallowe’en dance Kenner has ever seen.  Special thanks to all the SAC members who helped with set up, clean up, running stations and running such an excellent event.  Special thanks to all the teachers who helped with supervision.

Take our kids to work

All Grade 9 students are reminded of their upcoming Take Our Kids to Work event.  Get those visits organized and PLEASE bring in your paperwork!

Hockey pool

Hey, Kenner – Don’t forget to put in your Hockey Pool picks this week!

Thank you from the LLS Hot Lunch Program.

Racquets club

Racquet Club today after school in the Large Gym.

All students are invited to join the badminton and tennis club. No experience necessary.  You must wear gym attire.  Pick up your permission form on the Co-Op Office door.

Attention graduates!

Grad Photo sign-up sheets are available now in the Guidance Office.  Grad Photos will be taken on November 12, 13 & 14 in the Library.  If you would like to get your grad picture taken, please come to the Guidance Office to sign up and get more information.

A full session will cost $30 and will be payable to the photographer at the time of your sitting.  This will include 10 poses as well as a copy of the Grad Composite.

All graduates should get their picture taken for the yearbook.  If you do not wish to purchase a full sitting, you may have your picture taken, for yearbook purposes only, for free.

University visit today

A representative from Brock University will be here today at 11:15.  If you would like to meet with them to have all your questions answered and find out what university life is like at Brock, come to the Guidance Office at the beginning of lunch!

Volleyball

Congratulations to the Junior Boys Volleyball Team on their amazing play last night that secured them a trip to C.O.S.S.A.

The boys started string winning two straight sets against Brock.  It looked like we were going to sweep the series.  But the bulldogs battled back to take the next two sets, sending us to a final 5th.  The team held on to win and set their sights on the finals. 

The Kawartha finals were against St. Thomas Aquinas, a team we’ve never beat.  The boys lost the first two due to some spectacular serves from the opponents.  We rallied and won the next two sets.  Our team lost the fifth and final set 18 to 16.

It was a great night with the team playing their best volleyball of the season!  Every member of the team should be very proud of their efforts.  A final thank you to our excellent scorekeepers, who kept the games running smoothly. 

AMIGOS

HAPPY GSA TUESDAY, Kenner!

Did you know that after the first French Revolution in 1791, France became the first Western/European country in history to decriminalize homosexuality?  The GSA will be meeting in Room 222 today at lunch.  See you there!

Senior girls basketball

The Senior Girls Basketball Team captured the Kawartha “A” Championship yesterday at Norwood by defeating Norwood 44 – 16. 

In Semi-Final play, the Rams defeated Lindsay St. Thomas 45 – 11.

Congratulations to all our team members! 

Kenner will now host C.O.S.S.A. on Wednesday, November 13th.

Senior boys soccer

Congratulations go out to the Senior Boys Soccer Team who finished 3rd at C.O.S.S.A. yesterday. 

Dan McLean scored and the defense was solid.

Great Season, boys!

OSLC

Attention all SAC members going on the OSLC trip this weekend.  There will be a mandatory meeting today at lunch in the library with some important information.  You will be given a sheet telling you what to bring. 

Only 2 more sleeps til OSLC!!!!! woohoo

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.

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

Hey, KPR Family: We missed you! We're looking forward to seeing everyone back at school September 3. If you moved over the summer, or have questions for school staff, please contact the school office between August 22-29. Otherwise, September 3 is the big day for KPR students to get back into the swing of things!

We want to provide this update to inform our parents of ongoing negotiations with our transportation providers.                                                                       

STSCO (Student Transportation Services of Central Ontario) manages transportation services for 26,100 students every day on behalf of the Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir, Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board, and the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board.

Daily service is delivered by local school bus companies contracted by STSCO, and we have been in discussion with our providers for a number of months to reach new contract terms.

Negotiations are continuing and we are working towards reaching an agreement with local school bus operators for the coming school year.

It is our goal to arrive at new contracts that recognize the important and professional service our bus drivers provide in transporting our students safely to and from school.

We remain optimistic that normal bus service will be in place for students for the start of the school year. Should this situation change, we will inform parents/guardians as soon as possible.

Regular updates on this matter will be posted by STSCO at stsco.ca and on Twitter at @stsco_ca and shared by the school boards and local media. 

STSCO (Student Transportation Services of Central Ontario) and local school bus companies contracted by STSCO have reached a tentative agreement on new contract terms.

As a result, there will be normal bus service for students for the start of the school year.  Please visit stsco.ca for further information.

The KPR Board is committed to providing safe learning environments for all. When students behave inappropriately, principals use progressive discipline to change behaviour. When student behaviours pose a potential threat to safety or serious harm, KPR’s Violence Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA) protocol helps principals take immediate steps to protect student well-being.  While such incidents are rare, the VTRA outlines how we work with local police, mental health providers and community agencies to keep students safe. Read more about the protocol, including notification requirements, in the Safe, Caring and Restorative Schools section of kprschools.ca .  As always, student safety is our first priority.  Should you have any questions, please speak with your principal.

Calling all parents and caregivers: join us the morning of Saturday, October 19 at Port Hope High School for KPR’s free, annual Parent Conference! Dr. Michael Ungar, world renowned expert on building resiliency in children and youth, will talk about The Risk-Taker’s Advantage: How to Make Kids More Resilient by Not Bubblewrapping Them. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to hear his engaging advice, while also enjoying free child minding for ages two and older, light refreshments and information booths staffed by local organizations serving families. Stay tuned for more information and registration details later in September at www.kprschools.ca

KPR welcomes parents of students ages 12-17 to register for a free, two-day Mental Health First Aid course, September 23-24 in Peterborough.  Space is limited. For details and registration, visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/mental-health-first-aid-tickets-71846457689  

Now’s your chance to register for KPR’s free, annual Parent Conference, featuring internationally renowned resilience researcher Dr. Michael Ungar!

Registration continues until October 11 at www.kprschools.ca for:

2019 Parent Conference

The Risk-Taker’s Advantage: How to Make Kids More Resilient by Not Bubblewrapping Them

Saturday, October 19

9 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Port Hope High School, 130 Highland Dr., Port Hope

With Keynote Speaker: Dr. Michael Ungar

Plus light refreshments, child minding for ages 2 & older, & booths by agencies serving families

Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear Dr. Michael Ungar, a funny and engaging speaker who is considered one of the top experts on resilience in Canada and internationally.

It’s all FREE. If you need assistance, have questions or if there are accommodations that would make the conference more accessible for you, please call 705-742-9773 or toll-free 1-877-741-4577, ext. 2001, or email judy_malfara@kprdsb.ca

Thursday, October 3, 2019

Parent Update: CUPE Strike Action – School Closures

Further to our message yesterday, and after extensive consideration, we are writing to inform parents that if a provincial agreement is not reached over the weekend, and CUPE (Canadian Union of Public Employees) staff begin their announced full withdrawal of service, schools will be closed to students on Monday, October 7, 2019. 

We share your concern and disappointment with this possibility, and wanted to provide an update on our plans as soon as possible to allow parents to make alternative arrangements if needed.

Student safety is always our first priority. This decision has been made because we do not believe we can provide safe and secure learning environments for all students in the event of a full CUPE strike.

Our considerations include:

• supervision of students;
• medical supports and care for all students;
• safe operation of water and sanitation systems, including legislated water flushing;
• conditions of school buildings and classrooms, and
• overall safety and security.

We are pleased that negotiations have been reported to be continuing on Friday. We remain hopeful that a provincial agreement can be reached this weekend to avert disruption to our students and families.

We will continue to monitor developments closely and will provide confirmation to parents about school status for Monday as soon as we are able. This will likely be on Sunday evening, through:

• School Messenger
• Local news media
• Our website and social media platforms: www.kprschools.ca, @kprschools on Twitter, and Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board on Facebook.

Sincerely,

Diane Lloyd, Chairperson of the Board
Jennifer Leclerc, Director of Education

Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board is excited to offer three travel for credit courses in July 2020. The first course, Civics and Careers, is offered to students currently in grade nine. The second course, English, Grade 11, University Preparation, is offered to students entering grade eleven. The third course, French immersion and core is offered to students entering grade eleven. You are invited to attend an information session in your region for more information.

RSVP to the meeting at: www.eftours.ca/creditinfo

Contact: John Ford 1-877-741-4577, ext. 3124

…to register for KPR’s Parent Conference coming to Port Hope HS Saturday, October 19, 9-11:30 a.m. The child minding service is full, but there are still some seats left for the adults to hear world-renowned resilience expert Dr. Michael Ungar. A funny and engaging speaker, he will talk about The Risk-Taker’s Advantage: How to Make Kids More Resilient by Not Bubblewrapping Them. Register by October 15 from our home page at kprschools.ca

All families and community members are invited to attend three free events being held in honour of KPR's 3rd annual Indigenous Peoples Awareness Month. 

Each evening event is a film screening followed by a panel discussion, as follows:

  Thursday, November 14, 7 p.m.
  Adam Scott Collegiate Vocational Institute, Peterborough 
  Screening & discussion of Colten Boushie Documentary

  Thursday, November 21, 7 p.m.
  Port Hope High School 
  Screening & discussion of Rumble

 Thursday, November 28, 7 p.m.
 Bowmanville High School 
 Screening & discussion of Our People Will Be Healed

Pre-registration is not required.  Drop in at these free events!

Parents and caregivers:

Registration opens November 8 for the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board’s Parent Workshops on Kids Have Stress Too!  

The workshops will run from 10-11:30 a.m. at three locations:

              Friday, November 29 at the Education Centre in Peterborough

              Tuesday, December 10 at KPR’s Kirby Professional Learning Centre in Clarington

              Tuesday, March 31 at Port Hope High School

Visit kprschools.ca after November 8 for details and to register for one of these workshops!