First Week Back Family Update - Sept. 4/26
Welcome Back, Holsgrove Families!
It has been wonderful to welcome our students back to Holsgrove Public School! The first week of school is always filled with excitement as students reconnect with friends, meet new classmates and teachers, and begin settling into the routines and expectations of a new school year. We have enjoyed seeing students laughing, playing, learning and building relationships throughout the school. Over the next couple of weeks, students will continue to become comfortable with their classroom routines, school expectations and daily schedules, while our staff get to know each learner and their individual strengths and needs.
School and Classroom Organization
We also want to share some information about the process of school and classroom organization at the beginning of the school year. School organizations and class assignments are created before student registrations are finalized. As a result, the Limestone District School Board (LDSB) reviews school populations during the first weeks of school to ensure that student groupings and classroom organizations support the learning needs of all students.
At times, LDSB may recommend a reorganization of classrooms or schools after the second week of school in order to optimize learning opportunities for students. If classroom reorganization is required, the process will be completed by September 18, with students beginning in their new classroom on September 21.
During these first two weeks, our staff will be gathering important information about students through observations, initial diagnostic assessments and other learning information. This information helps us better understand student needs and informs decisions about classroom organization. If there is any student movement between classrooms at Holsgrove, staff will work collaboratively to share relevant initial assessment and learning information with colleagues so that students experience as smooth and positive a transition as possible.
We understand that changes to classroom organization can bring questions and uncertainty for students and families. Please know that any decisions will be made thoughtfully, with student learning, well-being and success at the centre. We will keep families informed throughout the process and, if a reorganization is necessary, will work together to ensure that transitions are supportive and positive for all students.
For now, we are excited to begin the year together and look forward to a year filled with learning, connection, growth and many opportunities for our students to thrive. Thank you for your continued partnership as we begin another wonderful year at Holsgrove!
J. Cole, M. Brushett & the Holsgrove Learning Team
Fall Open House
We are excited to welcome families to our Fall Open House! This is a great opportunity to come into the school, visit your child’s classroom, see where they spend their day, and meet their teacher. The Open House will take place Thusday, September 24th from 4:30–5:30 p.m., followed by our SAC elections (5:30-6:00) and first School Council meeting (6:00-7:00). More information about the Open House will be shared as we get closer to the date. We hope you can join us and take the opportunity to connect, meet other families, and be part of the Holsgrove school community!
School Council
Our small but mighty School Council meets about once every 6 weeks to discuss events and fundraisers at Holsgrove, bring up issues with administration, and plan special opportunities for students and families. It is a great way to stay informed and involved in your child's schooling!
Our Holsgrove Council from 2025-26 includes the following executive members:
- Chair: Jamie Clayton
- Secretary: Nicole Pennell
- Treasurer: Michelle Piper-Berman
We hold elections for all executive positions annually. This year our elections and first meeting of the year will be held on September 24 at 5:30 in the Grade 8 classroom. All parents/caregivers are welcome, whether you are interested in running for an executive position or not. Nomination Forms are available in paper copy at the school main office or electronically. Nomination Form - SAC Holsgrove
Allergen Awareness - Nut-Free School
Thank you for packing nut-free snacks! Please communicate with teachers before sending any treats in for your student's class.
A Change to Our Recess Schedule
This year, we have made a change to our recess and lunch schedule so that all students from Kindergarten to Grade 8 are outside for recess at the same time. The timing of our breaks has not changed — recess and lunch breaks continue to occur from 10:50–11:30 a.m. and 1:10–1:50 p.m. Kindergarten students will enjoy the fenced Kindergarten yard, Grades 1–4 will use the west half of the school yard, and Grades 5–8 will use the east half. Following recess, all students will eat lunch at the same time. Having the whole school on the same schedule allows us to make efficient use of our spaces and resources while creating a consistent routine across the school. If you have any questions about the new schedule, please reach out to the school.
Concussion Codes of Conduct
All school boards in Ontario are required to have a policy on concussion safety for students. There have been some changes to LDSB Concussion Protocol this year which simply the Return to Learn (RTL) and Return to Physical Activity (RTPA) process and support a safe, gradual, symptom-informed return to school and activity. 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. Please reach out to the school with any questions.
Cell Phone Use Policy
A reminder to families that Limestone District School Board has clear expectations regarding student cell phone use during the school day. At Holsgrove, we want students to be fully engaged in their learning and to have opportunities to build positive, face-to-face relationships with their peers. Cell phones can be a distraction during instructional time and can also take away from important social interactions at recess and lunch. For more information regarding LDSB policy on cell phone use at school please click here
School Yard Climber Update
The school yard climber is currently off limits while we wait for some required upgrades to be completed. The good news is that Facilities has a plan in place to complete the work needed for the climber to pass its safety inspection, and we are just waiting for the work to be finished. We are very pleased with how respectful our students have been in staying off the climber while it is closed. Fingers crossed that the work will be completed soon and we will be able to safely open it back up for everyone to enjoy!
Current Staff List
Principal - Jen Cole
Vice Principal/Student Support Teacher - Michele Wilson-Brushett
Office Administrator - Hayley Hargrave
Head Caretaker - Rob LebBanc
Evening Caretaker - Byron Rybka
Staff Member | Role |
|---|---|
Jamie Anderson Nicole Hearns, RECE | JK/SK A |
Lauren Reason | JK/SK B |
Becky Casutt | Gr. 1/2 |
Amber MacAdam | Gr. 2 |
Carly Hughes | Gr. 3 |
Cindy Crowder | Gr. 3/4; Empower; Student Support Teacher |
Ryan Dorsey | Gr. 4/5 |
Deen Supaul (Emily Price-Ungar on leave until March 2027) | Gr. 5/6 |
Louise Corsi | Gr. 6/7 |
Courtney John | Gr. 7/8 |
Patti Dar | Core French (Primary) |
Jordane Helvig | Core French (Junior/Intermediate) |
Grace Newell | Planning Time |
Lucia Beggs | Intensive Support Teacher |
LIsa Stewart, Anne MacPhee, Kyla McLean, Vienna Amodeo, Olesia Trishyna, Shiya Odackal, Marina Lawson, Kallysta Noyes | Educational Assistants |
Kayla Pretty | Lunch Supervisor |
Daily Schedule
Our school operates on a balanced day using a Day 1 to 5 cycle.
2026-2027 LDSB School Year Calendar
September
September 1 - PA Day
September 2 - First Day of School
September 7 - Labour Day Monday
September 22 - Bus Patroller Training
September 24 - Open House & SAC Elections & Meeting
September 30 - National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
October
October 12 - Thanksgiving Monday - No School
October 13 - Picture Day
October 15 - Term 1 Individual Education Plans (IEP's) sent home
October 26 - PA Day
November
November 4 - Picture Retake Day
November 5 - School Bus Safety Presentations
November 11 - Remembrance Day
November 13 - Kindergarten Communication of Learning & Progress Reports sent home
November 19 - Grade 7/8 Immunizations
November 20 - PA Day
December
December 21 - Winter Break Begins
January
Monday, January 4 - Back to School - Welcome 2027!
Friday, January 29 - PA Day
February
Friday, February 12 - Report Cards Distributed
Monday, February 15 - Family Day Holiday
March
Friday, March 12 - March Break Begins - School Holiday
Monday, March 22 - Return from March Break - Welome back!
Friday, March 26 - Good Friday Holiday
Monday, March 29 - Easter Monday Holiday
April
Thursday, April 15 - Grade 8 Graduation Photos and Sibling Photo Day
Friday, April 23 - PA Day
May
Monday, May 24 - Victoria Day Holiday
Monday, May 31 - PA Day
June
Friday, June 25 - Report Cards Distributed
Monday, June 28 - Last Day of School
Tuesday, June 29 - PA Day
