Glenburnie Public School Family Newsletter
Settling Into September
It is hard to believe we are already a few weeks into the school year!
The first days of September are always busy as everyone gets used to new classrooms, new routines and new faces. It has been wonderful to see our students becoming more comfortable, finding their rhythm and getting involved in the life of the school.
We have also appreciated the patience and support of families as we worked through all of the little details that come with the beginning of a new year. There is a lot happening at Glenburnie already, and we are looking forward to keeping that momentum going as we move through the fall.
A Few Important Reminders
Morning Arrival, Supervision & Parking
Morning supervision begins at 9:00 a.m. Students should not arrive on school property before this time, as staff supervision is not available.
Our parking lot can become very busy during arrival and dismissal. Please drive slowly, watch carefully for students and families, and keep areas required by school buses clear.
When dropping off or picking up, please keep stops as brief as possible so traffic can continue to move safely.
After-School Playground Use
If you are picking up your child at the end of the day, please have children wait until all buses have departed before heading to the playground equipment.
During dismissal, staff need to be able to quickly account for students and ensure that everyone travelling by bus has boarded safely. Once the buses have left, families are welcome to use the playground.
Thank you for helping us keep dismissal safe and organized.
Changes to After-School Plans
If your child's regular dismissal routine is changing, please contact the school before 3:00 p.m.
After 3:00 p.m., office and classroom staff are very busy preparing students for dismissal, and we cannot guarantee that a late phone call, email or message will reach your child in time.
Attendance & Punctuality
Regular attendance and arriving on time make a real difference for students.
Morning supervision begins at 9:00 a.m. and classes begin at 9:10 a.m. Arriving on time helps students settle in with their classmates and be part of classroom routines and learning right from the beginning of the day.
We recognize that illness, appointments and family circumstances will sometimes make absences unavoidable. If attendance becomes challenging for your child, please reach out so we can work together to support them.
Our Daily Schedule
- 9:00 a.m. – Morning supervision begins
- 9:10–10:50 a.m. – Learning Block 1
- 10:50–11:30 a.m. – Recess & Nutrition Break
- 11:30 a.m.–1:10 p.m. – Learning Block 2
- 1:10–1:50 p.m. – Recess & Nutrition Break
- 1:50–3:30 p.m. – Learning Block 3
- 3:30 p.m. – Dismissal
Reporting Student Absences – SafeArrival
Please remember to report all student absences and late arrivals through SchoolMessenger SafeArrival.
Families can report:
- Full-day absences
- Extended absences
- Late arrivals
You can use the SchoolMessenger app, the online portal or the automated telephone system.
SchoolMessenger SafeArrival Portal
Telephone: 1-855-257-9349
SafeArrival is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and future absences can be entered in advance.
Whenever possible, please use SafeArrival rather than calling the school directly. Students arriving after 9:10 a.m. should check in at the office before going to class.
Food, Celebrations & Allergy Safety
We ask families not to send food or treats into school for birthdays, holidays or classroom celebrations.
With allergies, dietary restrictions and medical needs within our school, food brought in for sharing can create unnecessary risks. There are lots of great non-food ways for classrooms to celebrate special occasions.
Glenburnie is also a nut-aware school. Due to serious allergies in our school community, please do not send foods containing peanuts or tree nuts.
Thank you for helping us keep celebrations safe and inclusive for everyone.
School Advisory Council – Everyone Is Welcome
Our first Glenburnie School Advisory Council meeting of the year will take place:
Wednesday, September 23
6:00 p.m.
School Library
Elections for School Council positions will take place at this meeting.
You do not need to hold an elected position to participate in School Council. All parents and guardians are welcome to attend meetings, hear about what is happening at the school, share ideas and become involved.
School Council email: glenb.council@gmail.com
We hope to see you there!
Glenburnie Open House – October 1
We are excited to welcome families into the school for our Glenburnie Open House on:
Thursday, October 1
5:00–6:00 p.m.
This is a great opportunity for families to visit the school, see their child's classroom and learning spaces, meet staff, and have students show off some of the places and people that are part of their school day.
We hope families are able to drop in and spend some time with us. We are looking forward to opening our doors and welcoming everyone to Glenburnie!
GPS Terry Fox Walk, Run & Roll!
Our annual Terry Fox Walk, Run & Roll will take place:
Friday, October 2
During the last learning block
We will gather outside as a school for a warm-up before heading out for our walk, run and roll. We will finish the afternoon with a fun activity involving our staff!
This year's fundraising goal is:
$1,000
Last year, our Glenburnie community raised $920, and we would love to beat that total this year!
Families who would like to support our Terry Fox fundraiser can donate online here:
Donate to Glenburnie Public School's Terry Fox fundraiser
Simply click the Donate button to contribute.
Thank you for helping us continue Terry Fox's legacy and support important cancer research.
We can do this, Grizzlies!
Calling All Volunteers
We are always grateful for family and community members who are willing to share their time with our students.
Throughout the year, there may be opportunities to help with field trips, classroom activities, school events, extracurriculars and recess clubs.
We would also love to hear from people who have a hobby or skill they might be interested in sharing with students — everything from crafts, games and puzzles to music, dance, knitting, skipping, yoga and more.
If you are interested in helping, please contact the school or our Volunteer Coordinator, Heidi Carfa, at 613-331-2852.
Student Accident Insurance
Limestone District School Board requires students participating in extracurricular activities to have accident insurance coverage.
Families may use their own existing coverage for expenses not covered by the Provincial Health Plan or purchase Student Accident Insurance through Reliable Life Insurance Company.
Coverage may help with costs such as dental injuries, fractures and other expenses that may not be covered by OHIP or a family workplace benefit plan.
Families are encouraged to review their current coverage and determine what works best for them.
More information and online purchasing are available at:
Private Music Lessons
Private music lessons are available at Glenburnie on Tuesdays and Thursdays with Derek McGowan.
Derek teaches guitar, bass and ukulele and has more than 30 years of teaching experience. Lessons are available for students with a variety of experience levels and musical interests.
For information about availability and registration:
905-699-3121
derekmcgowanmusic@gmail.com
What's Happening at Glenburnie?
Every Week
Mondays – Mickey Monday
Students are welcome to wear their Mickey Mouse attire.
Wednesdays – Paradiso Hot Lunch
For families who have ordered through LunchBox.
Thursdays – Food Sharing Project
During second nutrition break, volunteers distribute food provided through The Food Sharing Project. Food selections vary from week to week.
Fridays – Domino's Pizza Day
For families who have ordered through LunchBox.
September at Glenburnie
Wednesday, September 23 – School Advisory Council Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
Friday, September 25 – Soccer Tournament
Tuesday, September 29 – World Heart Day – Wear red
Wednesday, September 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day
September 30 provides an important opportunity for our school community to learn about the history and ongoing impact of Canada's Residential School System, honour Survivors and their families, and remember the children who never returned home.
Students and staff are encouraged to wear orange.
Looking Ahead to October
Thursday, October 1 – Field Trip for Ms. Ford and Ms. Flanigan's classes, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 1 – Glenburnie Open House, 5:00–6:00 p.m.
Friday, October 2 – Terry Fox Walk, Run & Roll – Last learning block
Friday, October 2 – Custodian Appreciation Day
Monday, October 5 – World Teachers' Day
Tuesday, October 6 – School Bus Safety Presentations
Monday, October 12 – Thanksgiving – School Closed
Week of October 18 – Bus Driver Appreciation Week
Tuesday, October 20 – ECE Appreciation Day
Wednesday, October 21 – Bus Driver Appreciation Day
Friday, October 23 – Individual Photo Day
Monday, October 26 – PA Day – No classes for students
Thursday, October 29 – Grade 7 & 8 Immunizations
Before We Go...
September has moved quickly, and it has been great to see Glenburnie settling into the year.
There is a lot to look forward to over the next few weeks — our Open House, Terry Fox event, soccer, classroom learning and plenty of other opportunities for students to take part in school life.
Thank you for staying connected with us and for the many ways you support your children and our school. We look forward to seeing many of you at our Open House on October 1.
Have a great weekend, Grizzlies!