Newsletter #5 - 10/3/25

JR Henderson Weekly Update #5

Good afternoon Henderson Families,

As we close another exciting week at school, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible learning happening across our classrooms. Our students continue to show curiosity, creativity, and resilience as they explore new academic challenges and deepen their understanding of the world around them.

PA Day Reminder
As a reminder, next Friday October 10th is a Professional Activity Day for staff. There is no school for students.

Attendance Matters!
We continue to emphasize the importance of regular attendance when students are healthy enough to attend. Last year, we connected closely with families with regular absenteeism by developing bespoke plans to support. We will continue regular reach outs for these families. We are also trialing an initiative where students who obtain 90% attendance for that month will get a ballot ticket for a prize draw. This month, we drew 8 names and the students were delighted to win an ice cream snack party!

Data Verification Forms
If you have not yet, please return the data verification forms at your earliest convenience.

Truth and Reconciliation Day
This year, all Henderson students were invited to an outdoor assembly on Tuesday to show our commitment to learning and reconciliation. Mme Lieberman's Grade 5/6 class lead the assembly by creating space and opportunity to reflect and discuss the calls to action. Learning about Orange Shirt Day and residential schools is part of our ongoing commitment to truth and reconciliation.

Learning Commons Week - Sharing the good news!
Last week, we were blown away by the support and growth of our Learning Commons. In addition to the hundreds of books donated, we also raised over $5,000 from our Scholastics Book Fair, which we anticipate equating to around 300 brand new books for our school.

Terry Fox Day
Hey Hawks! Did you see that we blew our goal out of the water? We nearly hit $4,000 for cancer research.

KLF&A Public Health Childhood Illnesses and Exclusion
Unsure when to keep your child home when they are unwell? The KFL&A Public Health guidelines have changed and include different symptoms since Covid. Vomiting and diarrhea remain 48 hours symptom free. Other childhood illness exclusions can be found here: https://www.kflaph.ca/en/health-topics/common-childhood-illnesses.aspx

Intermediate Soccer
Our intermediate team battled fiercely on Monday, winning their first two games at John Machin. The third game was a nailbiter and in the end, Holsgrove took the win. We are very proud of our team. Go Hawks!

Hawks Gear!
Did you know that Mondays at Henderson are Hawks Spirit Day? Every Monday, we encourage students and staff to wear green, yellow or Hawks gear as a way to show off our Hawk pride. If you're interested in buying Hawk gear, see here: https://specialtytrophies.ca/jrhendersonpublicschool/

Hot Lunch has started!
As a reminder, if you haven't yet, be sure to order hot lunch. We are offering Subs on Tuesdays and Pizza on Thursdays. Money raised from hot lunch goes directly back into our school community to support athletics, learning materials, student initiatives and more!
Your login and password would be the same if you participated last year, or go ahead and create one if you didn't. You will have to create your student again and match them to their new teacher.
Orders are due Sunday at noon for the following week. Finally, if buses are cancelled because of the weather, hot lunch will be cancelled as well. Questions? Email Mark-  jrhschoolcouncil@gmail.com
Here's the website to get ordering! https://www.lunchboxorders.net

🍎🥕 Fresh From the Farm Fundraiser is here🥔🍏
Our School Council is running a Fresh from the Farm Fundraiser! Get ready to stock up on fresh, locally grown fall vegetables and crisp apples while supporting our school and The Food Sharing Project. If you are interested in ordering, visit here: https://freshfromfarm.ca/pages/seller-profile?james-r-henderson-public-school-kingston

Ordering: Open Friday, September 26th to Wednesday, October 15th. Order & pay directly from the above webpage.  
Pick Up: At the school between November 3-December 4 (*exact date of delivery confirmed at least 1 week prior). We will arrange for and communicate pick up options to suit busy families.

School Council 
Our next meeting will take place on Wednesday October 15th at 6:30pm. Free childcare will be available. Don’t forget - here’s the School Council email address: JRHSchoolCouncil@gmail.com School Council looks forward to hearing feedback and voices from all Henderson community members.

Have a great weekend, Hawks!

Mme Brennan, Mme Rodé and the JR Henderson Staff

2025-2026 LDSB School Year Calendar

A PDF version of the 2025-2026 School Year Calendar is available online.

School Day Schedule