JR Henderson Weekly Update #31 - April 24th, 2026
Good afternoon Henderson Families,
Happy Friday! This was the first full week in nearly a month so we suspect Hawks may be feeling tired this weekend :) We continue to bring forward fun events, valuable learning and cooperative education. Please see updates below.
Track and Field Day
We are pleased to let families know that Thursday April 30th is Henderson Track and Field Fun Day for Grades 3+. This day involves a rotation of outdoor stations to keep students active, as well as exposing students to new and old track activities. Please be sure students bring weather-appropriate clothing. Should the forecast be very rainy, the rain date will be Friday May 1st. We look forward to sharing photos with you!
Learning Commons Updates
We have noticed an increase in books being returned wet. We know it's been a rainy spring but ask families help in ensuring books are sent to school in a dry section of the backpack.
Mental Health Week: Belonging, Connection, and Awareness
Mental Health Week takes place from May 4 to May 10. During this week, our Belong and Believe students will help spread awareness about mental health and the importance of feeling connected, included, and supported at school.
This year’s national theme is “Come Together, Canada – Stronger Connections. Better Mental Health.” This theme reminds us that positive relationships, belonging, and connection play an important role in student well‑being.
Throughout the week, students will take part in:
- School and grade‑level assemblies
- Classroom activities focused on mental health
- Student‑led discussions about kindness, inclusion, and support
- Opportunities to learn how to ask for help and support others
Our goal is to raise awareness, encourage open conversations, and help break the stigma around mental health. By coming together as a school community, we can help all students feel seen, valued, and supported.
We look forward to a meaningful Mental Health Week and appreciate the care and leadership our students show in supporting one another.
Road Races
Road Race season is in full swing! Students in Grades 3–8 have been training during afternoon recess on Mondays and Wednesdays, and we’re thrilled to have over 100 runners participating this season. Mme Gallupe, Mme Martin, Mme MacKay, and Mme Fournier have been cheering them on every step of the way.
The Bayridge Road Race will take place on Tuesday, April 28, and the LCVI Road Race will take place on Wednesday, May 6. More information can be found on School Day.
Bonne chance, Hawks!
Welcome, Mrs Mason!
This week, we welcomed Mrs Shannon Mason to the role of Grade 7/8 teacher. Mrs Mason will remain at Henderson until the end of the academic year as 7/8 teacher. Welcome, Mrs Mason!
Milkshake Wednesdays Starting Soon!
We are pleased to let families know that Milkshake Wednesdays will be taking place on the following dates:
- Wednesday May 6th (orders due by May 1st)
- Wednesday May 13th (orders due by May 8th)
- Wednesday May 20th (orders due by May 15th)
- Wednesday May 27th (orders due by May 22nd)
- Wednesday June 3rd (orders due by May 29th)
- Wednesday June 10th (orders due by June 5th)
- Wednesday June 17th (orders due by June 12th)
Be sure to check out School Day to purchase! We will be opening all events at once and then closing the events at their designated date above. Thank you for supporting our Grade 8 boat cruise, grad and trip!
Lexia Evening
Many thanks to the families who attended our Lexia evening. This event was arranged for families of Grade 1/2 Lloyd, Grade 2/3 Popadyn and all Grade 3 students, as these classes are using Lexia reading. The link will be provided and we will post it in the newsletter for any families who missed the event or are interested in learning more.
Upcoming Family Engagement and Climate Survey
The Limestone District School Board is inviting families to take part in the Family Engagement and Climate Survey. This survey gives families an opportunity to share their experiences with their student’s school and with the school board.
The feedback helps us understand what is working well and where we can improve. It also supports schools and school councils in building welcoming, safe, and supportive school communities. Please be sure to check out this link for more information.
Board Game Night!
We are only two weeks away from this family-friendly event right here at JR Henderson. Fun and laughs are guaranteed and we hope to see many Hawk families enjoying this free, family-focused event.
Upcoming Red Shirt Day Walk
We are pleased to share the details of the upcoming Red Shirt Day Walk happening at James R Henderson on Sunday May 31st.
We hope we can get as many people as possible out to support this very important day! The link to get more information and registration is https://redshirtday.org/walk/
Southeast Public Health Updates
Welborne Pro-Grant Invitation
Our wonderful colleagues at Welborne have reached out to extend the invite to Henderson parents/guardians for an upcoming information evening. Similar to the one we did jointly last year, this evening is parent/guardian education focused and will surely bring great information forward.
Attendance Reminder
As a reminder, attendance is important and is a key indicator of student success. We are always interested in working with families where attendance is low to find creative strategies to overcome barriers. Please reach out if we can support in any way.
Kindergarten Registration
It's already that time of the year! We are delighted to let families know that our Kindergarten registration process is underway for 2026/2027. See here for more information. Please spread the word about the great things happening at Henderson. We saw increased Kinder enrolment last year and want to keep this going!
Hot Lunch Reminder
As a reminder, if you haven't yet, be sure to order hot lunch through https://www.lunchboxorders.net. 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. 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. If you have questions, please email jrhschoolcouncil@gmail.com
School Council
The next School Council meeting is on Tuesday May 5th from 6:60pm to 8:30pm. 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. Finally, School Council minutes can be found here.
Have a great weekend, Hawks!
Mme Brennan, Mme Rodé and the JR Henderson Staff
Important Dates: |
2025-2026 LDSB School Year Calendar
A PDF version of the 2025-2026 School Year Calendar is available online.
School Day Schedule
Time | Activity/learning block |
|---|---|
8:55 to 9:15 a.m. | Supervision begins on the yard |
9:15 to 10:55 a.m. | 100-minute learning block |
10:55 to 11:35 a.m. | Recess and nutrition break |
11:35 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. | 100-minute learning block |
1:15 p.m. to 1:55 p.m. | Recess and nutrition break |
1:55 to 3:35 p.m. | 100-minute learning block |