Dear Families,
It is hard to believe that we are already approaching October. September has been a busy and exciting month filled with new learning, new friendships, and the return of many of the traditions that make Bath Public School such a special place. We were thrilled to welcome so many families to our Open House this week. Our classrooms looked fantastic, and it was wonderful to see students proudly sharing their learning spaces with their families.
A big thank you goes out to our staff and volunteers who have supported extracurricular opportunities for students this month. Our soccer season is well underway, and this week we wrapped up with our annual Terry Fox Walk, Roll, and Run. Students demonstrated perseverance, school spirit, and generosity as they participated in this important Canadian tradition.
We would also like to thank our Parent Council for their continued support of our students and school. At their first meeting of the year, Council approved funding for skating and swimming opportunities, an accessible basketball net, mulch for the garden and additional funds to support learning in our classrooms. We are grateful for their commitment to enriching student experiences at Bath Public School.
Looking Ahead
Fire Drills We have two fire drills scheduled for next week as part of our ongoing commitment to school safety. Staff will review expectations and procedures with students in advance.
Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation On Wednesday, September 30, students and staff are encouraged to wear orange as we recognize Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This important day provides an opportunity to learn about the history and legacy of residential schools, honour Survivors, and deepen our understanding of reconciliation. At Bath Public School, we remain committed to fostering respect, empathy, and learning as we work together toward a brighter future for all.
Our Indigenous Student Leadership Team will also be meeting this week to help shape their goals and vision for the year ahead.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We hope everyone enjoys a wonderful weekend, and we look forward to another great week of learning at Bath Public School! 🧡
Jean Paquin
Looking forward to another great week ahead!
Sincerely,
Jean Paquin, Principal & Drew Boyce, Vice-Principal
paquinj@limestone.on.ca ; boyced@limestone.on.ca
This week...
Monday, September 28th (Day 3)
- In-School Team Meeting (8:30-9:00) (Paquin, Boyce, Little, Boutilier, Maracle-York)
- Fire Drill 2:30pm
Tuesday, September 29th (Day 4)
- Grade 7 & 8 Immunizations
Wednesday, September 30th (Day 5)
- National Day of Truth & Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day
- Safe and Caring School Committee Meeting
Thursday, October 1st (Day 1)
- Fire Drill 10:40
Friday, October 2nd (Day 2)
- Picture Day! Individual & Class Photos
Coming Up....
- Oct 12 Thanksgiving Holiday
- Oct 26 P.A. Day ( No School for students)
- Oct 30 Boo Bash
School Year Calendar
- 2026-2027 LDSB School Year Calendar
- A PDF version of the 2025-2026 School Year Calendar is available online.
School Day Schedule
E-Bikes & Scooters
As part of our commitment to student safety, e-bikes, e-scooters, and other motorized personal transportation devices are not permitted on school property. While these devices are becoming more common, they can pose significant safety risks in areas where large numbers of students, families, and staff are walking and gathering, particularly during busy arrival and dismissal times. We would also like to remind families that Ontario regulations require riders of both e-bikes and electric kick-style scooters to be at least 16 years of age. These age restrictions are in place because the speed, weight, and operating requirements of these devices demand a higher level of judgment and road safety awareness. We appreciate families' support in helping us maintain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone by ensuring that motorized devices remain off school grounds. Students may continue to ride non-motorized bicycles to school and secure them in the designated bike racks. For more information about Ontario's rules regarding e-scooters and e-bikes, please visit the Government of Ontario website: Electric Kick-Style Scooters (E-Scooters). [ontario.ca]
Note: Ontario requires riders of electric kick-style scooters to be at least 16 years old, and Ontario's e-bike regulations also set a minimum rider age of 16. [ontario.ca], [movinev.com]
Volunteers
Changes have been made to CPIC collection process for volunteers. Individuals wishing to volunteer must have a recent police record check completed (within 6 months of start date). If you plan on volunteering at some point throughout the year, please request a letter from the school, to take to the police detachment that covers the area in which they reside. Once received, the prospective volunteer must upload their completed police record check to LDSB Police Record Check Portal.
Medical Plans of Care
If your student requires a medical plan (i.e., Asthma, Anaphylaxis, Diabetes, etc.) or is required to take medication at school, please follow the smore below and have all paperwork completed by your family doctor as soon as possible.
https://sway.cloud.microsoft/PC6b6O4i3hywfrpX?ref=Link
Information Sharing
Each Sunday, Bath P.S. will send home a weekly newsletter (Knights News) including information about the week ahead along with other information about upcoming events, our School Council, volunteer opportunities and more. However, LDSB also has a range of other communication tools to help you stay informed.
To help users become more familiar with these new tools, please refer to these user guides:
- Set up a SchoolMessenger App account: set up your account, review your contact information and communication preferences, join teacher-instant messaging groups, and view all your alerts and messages in one place. -Video Tutorial
- Report a student absence: set up your account, report and explain student absences in advance. - Video tutorial
- Use the Communicate broadcast tool: choose how you will receive alerts including how to opt-in for text messaging. - Video tutorial
- Use the Board mobile app: how to choose your schools, see your messages and report and review student absences. - Video tutorial
Concussion Protocols
The Limestone District School Board is committed to helping all students succeed and lead safe, healthy, and active lives. As part of its commitment to student safety, injury prevention, and well-being, the Ministry of Education supports concussion awareness, prevention, identification, management, tracking, and training in schools through legislation, policy, and resources.
On March 7, 2018, the Ontario government enacted Rowan’s Law (Concussion Safety), 2018, and amended the Education Act, to protect amateur athletes, including students, by improving concussion safety on the field and at school. The amendments to the Education Act came into force on July 1, 2019, and give the Minister of Education the authority to require school boards to comply with policy and guidelines on concussions, consistent with Rowan’s Law.
All school boards in Ontario are required to have a policy on concussion safety for students. These are outlined in Administrative Procedure 142: Concussions, as well as a variety of supporting resources and documents that outline a code of conduct for students and families, flow charts to identify and diagnose a concussion and assessment and management forms. The Ontario Physical Activity and Safety Standards in Education has information on their website regarding the concussion protocol.
Concussion awareness resources:
- Concussion awareness resources ages 10 and under
- Concussion awareness resources ages 11 to 14
- Concussion awareness resources ages 15 and up
Limestone District School Board Concussion Codes of Conduct:
- Concussion Code of Conduct for Interschool Sports - Coach/Team Trainer
- Concussion Code of Conduct for Interschool Sports - Parent/Guardian
- Concussion Code of Conduct for Interschool Sports - Students
Cell Phones in Schools
Please leave phones at home! We encourage students and families to use the office phones whenever possible, if they need to contact each other throughout the school day. However, we understand that there are certain circumstances in which a cell phone may be deemed necessary.
When can students use a mobile device: If a student is in Grade 6 and below, they can bring a mobile device to school but will only be able to use it before and after school.
If a student is in Grades 7-12, they must keep their personal mobile devices stored out of sight and either powered off or set to silent mode, except when an educator grants explicit permission for use under the specified circumstances.
What parents/caregivers can do: You can teach your student about finding a healthy balance in using technology by limiting screen time at home. You can also:
- Read Media Smarts’ tips for managing your kids’ screen time
- Explore Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s (CAMH’s) services and resources if you have concerns about your child’s use of technology
- Explore School Mental Health Ontario resources to help you manage your child’s screen time
Student Accident Insurance
The Limestone District School Board requires that students have student accident insurance in order to participate in extra-curricular activities. Before students will be allowed to participate in these events, parents/guardians must confirm their own coverage for items not covered under the Provincial Health Plan, or purchase an insurance plan.
Each year a Student Accident Insurance Plan is made available to all students on a voluntary basis. The plan provides protection for dental damage due to accidents, fracture benefits and other important coverage, which are not covered under the Provincial Health Plan. Some parents may have dental plan coverage through their workplace but many of these plans are limited in one way or another, while this accident coverage is not. You should compare plans to make sure you have the coverage you need or desire.
In making this plan available, the Board wishes to make its position clear in the matter of insurance. Under the Education Act, the Board is not permitted to provide insurance coverage for accidents to pupils, therefore, the Board recommends consideration of this plan to any parent who wishes to obtain this kind of insurance. Although the policy has all the advantages of a group plan, it is essentially a direct contract between the parent and the insurance company.
A family plan is also available for three or more students which permits the enrolment of students in the family who are attending schools outside the jurisdiction of this Board as long as at least one child in the family is attending a school within the Limestone District School Board.
If you wish to subscribe to this insurance, you may do so by completing the form handed out to students the first week of school and mailing it directly to Reliable Life Insurance Company in the stamped envelope provided. Or, for your convenience, you may purchase directly online at www.insuremykids.com.
Bath School Advisory Council
It's that time of year! School Advisory Council (Parent Council) elections for Executive Positions are coming up very soon! The first Parent Council Meeting of the 2026-2027 school year is on Wednesday, September 23rd at 6:30 pm and elections will take place at the same time. The elections and meeting will take place in our resource area (library).
Please use the link below to submit nominations. Nominations are anonymous and you can nominate yourself or someone else for a position. If you are nominating someone, please ensure they are up for the position and have agreed to your nomination. The person you nominate must be available to be present at the meeting. Your nomination does not count as a vote; you must be present to vote. Nominations are due by 12:00 noon on Wednesday September 23nd.
Positions for election are:
Chair
Represents, works with and provides support to all school community and council committee chairs. This person works closely with the school principal and VP, school staff and parents to enrich the education of all students. Additionally, they preside over and conduct monthly council meetings, set agendas and schedule meetings (in consultation with the VP/Principal). The chair promotes discussion amongst council members and the community, receives and reports on correspondence sent and received by council. Acts as coordinator between the school board and council. Receives documentation from board and keeps council advised of board decisions, activities etc. Supports programs, initiatives and activities led by other council members and contributes to the monthly council newsletter.
Vice Chair/Co-chair
Presides at meetings in the absence of the chair or upon the incumbent’s inability to serve. Responsible for overseeing all sponsored events and programs.
Treasurer
Works with the council and coordinators in developing an operating budget, keeps a full and accurate account of receipts and expenditures and serves as the liaison with the Board of Education. Additional responsibilities include depositing/disbursing funds on behalf of the council, the preparation of monthly financial statements, and the preparation & filing of all necessary financial reports.
Secretary
Attends scheduled council meetings, records, maintains and distributes minutes of meetings, keeps non-financial records of council.
Indigenous Representative
Provide a voice for Indigenous students and ways of knowing.
Member at Large (Divisional reps)
Attends meetings and participates in many aspects of council activities, as prescribed by council. Voting member. Kindergarten, Primary, Junior positions available.
Fundraising Coordinator
Plans, manages fundraising activities of council. Works closely with the treasurer.
Everyone who is part of our Bath PS family is welcome to attend any of our meetings this year. Meeting dates will be shared out after our Sept. 23rd meeting.
We look forward to hearing your voice!
Self-Identification
School board self-identification is based on any degree of Indigenous ancestry (Status, Non-Status, Métis citizenship, etc.). Self-identification can be withdrawn at any time. LDSB, in accordance with the Ministry of Education, Ontario, does not require proof of identity to self-identify.https://www.limestone.on.ca/indigenous-self-identification
Triboard Busing Information
2026-2027 Busing Details Available in the Portal
Bus routes will be finilized on August 24, 2026 and student details are available in the Student Portal.
Adjustments are still being made as we continue to process applications. All routes will be frozen on August 24, 2026 and remain that way through the first week of school. The next update to bus routes will occur on Tuesday, September 8th.
Families can still apply for a later start date.
Families will need to make alternative travel arrangements for students to get to school until the “start date” indicated in the Student Portal. Requests to switch buses or stop locations will not be reviewed until late September or early October.
If you require assistance, please visit triboard.ca/contact to contact us.
You can log-in or create an account here.
Bath Spirit Wear
Looking to buy Bath spirit wear? T-shirts, sweatshirts, colour house shirts and other swag is available on the online store. Order now to ensure it arrives in time for the holidays.
https://specialtytrophies.ca/bathps/
Human Development and Sexual Health
As part of LDSB's commitment to ongoing transparency and communication with families, please follow the link to Form 325-D on the LDSB website. It outlines the Human Development and Sexual Health curriculum expectations for Grades 1-8. Families can request to have their child or children exempted from instruction related to Human Development and Sexual Health expectations by completing and returning an exemption form for each child (Form 325-B) five school days before the start of instruction. Prior to instruction, your child's classroom teacher will inform parents/guardians when the expectations related to the Human Development and Sexual Health expectations in Strand D will be covered. For a more detailed overview of this process, please refer to Administrative Procedure 325: Exemption From Human Development and Sexual Health Instruction (listed under the Policies and Procedures section of the LDSB website), or contact the school.
Want to keep track of your child's idems and generate funds for our school? Click on the link below to order Mabel's Lables. Simply order their personalized labels online and our school receives 20% back on every purchase! Orders are shipped out directly to parents FREE.
https://mabelslabels.ca/en_CA/fundraising/support/
