Dear Families,
We had a lot of fun this week following the excitement of Fat Bear Week. Students across the school eagerly tracked the competition and learned about the bears of Katmai National Park as they prepared for the annual voting event. Many classes held lively debates, wrote persuasive paragraphs defending their favourite bears, and spent time comparing and contrasting the many contenders in this year's competition. It was wonderful to see students so engaged in reading, writing, critical thinking, and discussion while connecting their learning to a real-world event. The enthusiasm around Fat Bear Week sparked some great conversations and showcased the many ways learning can be both meaningful and fun!
Learning is in full swing, and it is exciting to see the growth and progress students are already making this year. EQAO results for students who wrote the assessments last spring were released this week, and we are pleased with the positive gains our school continues to make in both reading, writing, and mathematics. Families interested in reviewing the results can visit EQAO. Each year, we use this information to help guide our instructional decisions, professional learning, and school improvement priorities.
This week, we also recognized the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Our Indigenous Student Leadership Team met to begin shaping its goals and vision for the year ahead. As part of our ongoing commitment to Indigenous learning and cultural understanding, we have introduced Mohawk Mondays, where students are learning new Mohawk words and phrases each week.
Our Safe and Caring School Committee met to discuss ways to continue fostering a school environment where all students feel safe, valued, and included. The committee reviewed our Code of Conduct and explored meaningful ways to share and reinforce it throughout the school. Some exciting initiatives we are looking forward to implementing this year include a Student Leadership Team, designated break spaces, and a JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Club. A one-page version of our Code of Conduct is included below, along with a link to the full version.
We successfully completed two fire drills last week. This week, the fire department will join us for a witnessed fire drill, and we will also conduct a lockdown drill on Thursday.
We also wanted to send out a big thank you. As a school we raised $1911.75. Great job knights!
Thank you for your continued support. We are looking forward to another great week of learning, growth, and community at Bath Public School!
Sincerely,
Jean Paquin, Principal & Drew Boyce, Vice-Principal
paquinj@limestone.on.ca ; boyced@limestone.on.ca
The full version of the Bath Code of Conduct can be found here
Extra Curricular Sports
We understand that families may have questions about the cost of extracurricular activities and field trips. Student activities are an important part of the school experience, and we remain committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to participate, regardless of their family's financial circumstances.
This year, there has been a change to board funding that supports extracurricular activities, clubs, and field trips. While this funding offsets some costs, schools continue to face increasing expenses in many areas and the cost of operating and supporting student programs has risen significantly.
There are a number of expenses associated with extracurricular activities that schools must cover. Depending on the activity, these costs may include tournament registration fees, officials and referees, equipment purchases and maintenance. These costs continue to increase each year.
Our goal is to ensure that finances are never a barrier to participation. Fees collected help us provide opportunities for all students, including those whose families may not be able to contribute, while also helping to cover the significant costs associated with running these programs. By balancing board funding, school funds, fundraising efforts, and participant fees, we can continue to offer the wide range of activities that enrich students' educational experience.
We appreciate your understanding and ongoing support as we work to maintain high-quality opportunities for all students. Families who may require financial assistance are encouraged to contact the school confidentially, as support is available to ensure every student can participate.
We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to St. Linus Church for their generous donation of $500 to support our breakfast program. We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of our wonderful community partners, whose generosity helps make a difference for our students every day.
This week...
Monday, October 5 (Day 3)
Tuesday, October 6 (Day 4)
Wednesday, October 7 (Day 5)
- JEDI club meeting 2nd nutrition break
- Fire Drill
Thursday, October 8 (Day 1)
- Lockdown Drill
Friday, October 9 (Day 2)
Coming Up....
- Oct 12 Thanksgiving Holiday
- Oct 14 Regional Cross Country Meet at Fort Henry
- Oct 15 Term 1 IEPs go home
- Oct 20 District Cross Country Finals at Fort Henry
- Oct 26 P.A. Day ( No School for students)
- Oct 28 Gould Lake – 6, 6/7,7,8
- Oct 30 Boo Bash
- Nov 2-3 BRAVE workshops for students
- Nov 3 BRAVE parent engagement night
- Nov 11 Remembrance Day
- Nov 21 Bath Bazaar
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
Our fabulous parent council is looking for new members! If you would like to be a part of this great team, please come to our next meeting date is November 4th at 6:30. We are looking forward to meeting in the library. Please let us know if you can make it and if you will require childcare. We are pleased to be able to provide it during the meeting for those who require it.
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/
