December Newsletter

 

From the Office:

As the weather gets colder we remind parents and students to dress appropriately for the weather including hats, mitts, and winter boots. Our front office has become increasingly busier after 9:15, we appreciate the support of parents and guardians in having students arrive after 9:00 and before 9:15 to eliminate congestion in the office due to late check-ins. 

Senior Girls and Boys Volleyball

A big thank you goes out to Mrs. Rountree and Mr. Anderson for coaching the boy's volleyball team and to Mrs. Walker and Mrs. Murray for coaching the girl's team! With 1 game each at McNaughton and 2 at Tecumseh already in the books, both teams are ready for their final game next week! It has been wonderful to see the sportsmanship and teamwork on the court. Way to go Timberwolves! 

Important Dates: 

• December 17th: Last day of classes
• January 3rd: 1st day of classes 
• January 31st: PA Day 

Virtual Book Fair 

Thank you to all the families that supported the Scholastic Book Fair! We were able to raise some money to be used to enhance our school library collection. Thank you! 

Student Absence 

If your child is going to be absent from school, please call the school at 519- 354-2480. When you leave a message, include the first and last name of your child, his/her teacher, and the reason for your child’s absence and when he/she will return to school. Thank you in advance for your assistance with reporting any absences. Notes and phone messages are of great assistance to the office staff.  

Daily COVID-19 Screening Tool

Please complete the daily screener for each child in your home daily.

The Ontario COVID-19 School and Child Care Screening is available here: 

https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/ 

Morning Entry and Dismissal 

Students should not arrive before 9:00 am (15 minutes before the morning bell) and students will proceed to their entrance door directly and enter their classroom. Students will move to their entrance door regardless of transportation, bus, drop-off, before-school programming, or walking. As students are expected to proceed directly to their classroom, staff supervision will not be available on the playground. 

There is a parking lot on the west side of the school that is for parent/visitor use before and after school. All parents are asked to meet their children at their designated pick-up spot as identified in the email sent to you by the school. Please do not idle along the side of the building as that space is designated for school buses.  If you will need to pick up your child(ren) early, please arrange for pick up prior to 2:45. Please allow a minimum of 30 minutes when calling the office to arrange for early dismissal. During end-of-day pick up please refrain from parking/idling in front of the school.

Face Masks 

Students in Grades 1 to 8 will be required to wear non-medical or cloth masks indoors in school, including in hallways and during classes. Masks must cover both the nose and the mouth.

Outdoor times like recess can be used as opportunities to provide students with breaks from wearing masks as long as the students are organized to remain within their cohorts and physically distance. Masks are also mandatory in bus lines and on the bus for Grade 1-8 students. 

Parents/guardians should provide non-medical masks or cloth masks for their children to wear to school. The LKDSB will provide backup non-medical masks for students who do not have their own. Face coverings that provide a tight seal at the chin and nose and cover the mouth are permitted (a gaiter for example), whereas face coverings that do not provide a tight seal at the chin and nose and cover the mouth are not permitted (a bandanna for example). 

Students should bring labelled refillable water bottles; water fountains will be closed but water filling stations will be accessible. If you do not have a refillable water bottle, please contact the school.

Allergies 

Please be aware that some students and staff have an allergy to nuts and to shellfish which includes shrimp, peanuts, peanut butter, peanut oils, peanut bi-products, sesame seeds, and other tree nuts. Exposure to these kinds of nut products – even trace amounts - could result in a life-threatening reaction. Shellfish and nut products are not to be sent to school, as our goal is to provide a “peanut and nut aware environment”. 

Medication and Medical Needs

Medication, both prescription & non-prescription, should not be administered to students by school staff. Specific criteria must be met for staff to administer prescription medication when it cannot be administered at home. An “Authorization for the Administration of Oral Medication” form, (available from the office), must be completed by the parent/guardian and physician, then forwarded to the Principal for each school year. This includes the administration of occasional use medications as well. 

Should your child have a medical need (such as diabetes, asthma, epilepsy etc.,) that requires special emergency attention please inform the school and an “Individual Medical Emergency Plan” will be put in place. Please notify the office by phone or email if you require a form. You can also send a note with your child and we can send a copy home.

Bus Information 

During the fall we might experience some heavy fog in which there could be the potential for bus cancellations. When there are bus cancellations due to fog, buses will not run in the morning but will run in the afternoon. Tecumseh is in BUS ZONE 7 and BUS ZONE 8. 

To check for any bus cancellations during the school year, please tune into the local radio stations or the following website: https://schoolbusinfo.busstatus.ca/

November 2021

From the Office 

It is hard to believe that November is already here! It feels like it was just yesterday that we welcomed our new and returning students and staff back to school, and here we are already preparing for Fall progress reports already! Our school community has done a remarkable job adjusting to new routines, and walking through the halls of Tecumseh it is evident that students are engaged in learning! Congratulations to Mrs. Volland who has accepted a temporary position as the Lambton Kent District School Board Elementary Enrichment and Reading Support Teacher. Mr. Miller will be filling in for her, in her absence. We wish Mrs. Volland all the best as she shares her expertise with students and staff across the school board, and we warmly welcome Mr. Miller to Tecumseh Public. (Yes; that means our two grade 7 teachers are Mr. Millar and Mr. Miller!) 

Important Dates: 

• November 12th: Progress Reports go home
• November 19th: PA Day 

Introducing School Dens 

You may have heard your child talking about our new school Dens. Each homeroom, along with all support staff, has been assigned to one of 4 Dens. The Artic, Woodlands, Mountain and Prarie Dens are groups of classrooms that will be working together on some collaborative school tasks and joining together virtually to engage in school events. We are excited to be able to build a sense of belonging and community through our Dens! As well, students from Grade 6 and up are able to represent their class and Den on Pack Council; information has been shared in class about the nomination and election process for this. 

Virtual Book Fair 

This year, we are excited to announce a Virtual Book Fair! You can shop from over 450 items any time on our Virtual Book Fair website. Our Fair is open from November 15th -21st, and all purchases help us earn new resources for our school. The Book Fair will be available at the following link: https://virtualbookfairs.scholastic.ca/pages/5163019 

Student Absence 

If your child is going to be absent from school, please call the school at 519- 354-2480. When you leave a message, include the first and last name of your child, his/her teacher, and the reason for your child’s absence and when he/she will return to school. Thank you in advance for your assistance with reporting any absences. Notes and phone messages are of great assistance to the office staff.  

Daily COVID-19 Screening Tool

Please complete the daily screener for each child in your home daily.

The Ontario COVID-19 School and Child Care Screening is available here: 

https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/ 

Morning Entry and Dismissal 

Students should not arrive before 9:00 am (15 minutes before the morning bell) and students will proceed to their entrance door directly and enter their classroom. Students will move to their entrance door regardless of transportation, bus, drop-off, before-school programming, or walking. As students are expected to proceed directly to their classroom, staff supervision will not be available on the playground. 

There is a parking lot on the west side of the school that is for parent/visitor use before and after school. All parents are asked to meet their children at their designated pick-up spot as identified in the email sent to you by the school. Please do not idle along the side of the building as that space is designated for school buses.  If you will need to pick up your child(ren) early, please arrange for pick up prior to 2:45. Please allow a minimum of 30 minutes when calling the office to arrange for early dismissal. During end-of-day pick up please refrain from parking/idling in front of the school.

Face Masks 

Students in Grades 1 to 8 will be required to wear non-medical or cloth masks indoors in school, including in hallways and during classes. Masks must cover both the nose and the mouth.

Outdoor times like recess can be used as opportunities to provide students with breaks from wearing masks as long as the students are organized to remain within their cohorts and physically distance. Masks are also mandatory in bus lines and on the bus for Grade 1-8 students. 

Parents/guardians should provide non-medical masks or cloth masks for their children to wear to school. The LKDSB will provide backup non-medical masks for students who do not have their own. Face coverings that provide a tight seal at the chin and nose and cover the mouth are permitted (a gaiter for example), whereas face coverings that do not provide a tight seal at the chin and nose and cover the mouth are not permitted (a bandanna for example). 

Students should bring labelled refillable water bottles; water fountains will be closed but water filling stations will be accessible. If you do not have a refillable water bottle, please contact the school.

Allergies 

Please be aware that some students and staff have an allergy to nuts and to shellfish which includes shrimp, peanuts, peanut butter, peanut oils, peanut bi-products, sesame seeds, and other tree nuts. Exposure to these kinds of nut products – even trace amounts - could result in a life-threatening reaction. Shellfish and nut products are not to be sent to school, as our goal is to provide a “peanut and nut aware environment”. 

Medication and Medical Needs

Medication, both prescription & non-prescription, should not be administered to students by school staff. Specific criteria must be met for staff to administer prescription medication when it cannot be administered at home. An “Authorization for the Administration of Oral Medication” form, (available from the office), must be completed by the parent/guardian and physician, then forwarded to the Principal for each school year. This includes the administration of occasional use medications as well. 

Should your child have a medical need (such as diabetes, asthma, epilepsy etc.,) that requires special emergency attention please inform the school and an “Individual Medical Emergency Plan” will be put in place. Please notify the office by phone or email if you require a form. You can also send a note with your child and we can send a copy home.

Bus Information 

During the fall we might experience some heavy fog in which there could be the potential for bus cancellations. When there are bus cancellations due to fog, buses will not run in the morning but will run in the afternoon. Tecumseh is in BUS ZONE 7 and BUS ZONE 8. 

To check for any bus cancellations during the school year, please tune into the local radio stations or the following website: https://schoolbusinfo.busstatus.ca/

 

 

 

 

 

October Newsletter

 

From the Office

It is hard to believe that it is already October! It was wonderful to reconnect with our Tecumseh school community over the last month. We experienced a re-organization mid September that resulted in over 60 students moving classrooms, but despite this our students have settled in quickly. Our student population is commended adhering to COVID protocols, and we extend our gratitude to parents and guardians for reinforcing the importance of these routines.

 

Staff Updates

Welcome to Mrs. Bruhlman who joins Mrs. Caron in the office, as our receptionist. Mrs. Cartier is filling in until the end of the school year for Ms. Salive who has just welcomed her beautiful new son Tholton into her family. Congratulations to Ms. Salive and welcome to Mrs. Bruhlman and Mrs. Cartier!

 

October 8th          PA Day 

October 11th        Thanksgiving 

October 14^th         Picture Day

 

Home and School Meeting

All parents are welcomed to join us for our first Home and School Meeting of the 2021-2022 school year! The meeting will be help virtually on Tuesday, October 19^th at 6:30 pm. Please email tecumsehhomeandschool@gmail.com for the link! We can’t wait to see you there!

 

Violence Threat Risk Assessment Protocol

The Lambton Kent District School Board is committed to providing safe learning environments for all students, staff, school visitors, and community members. When a student behaves inappropriately, principals will most often employ progressive discipline strategies to help a student take responsibility for their actions, learn from their mistakes, and make better choices in the future.

 

In more extreme cases however, when a student's behaviour poses a potential threat to their own or others' well-being, the Community Violence Threat Risk Assessment Protocol (VTRA) supports principals in taking further steps to safeguard everyone.

 

The VTRA protocol outlines how a school responds immediately to threatening incidents including but not limited to: possession of a weapon or replica weapon, bomb threat or plan, verbal or written (including electronic) threats to harm oneself or others, other threats of violence, and fire setting.

 

The initial response team is likely to include the Principal / Vice-Principal, police, and board staff. Should conditions warrant, a Community Threat Assessment Team will be convened. This community team includes representatives of community agencies who work with schools and boards to keep our students and staff safe, such as local police and children's mental health organizations. Parents and guardians will be notified if their child will be discussed through the Community Violence Threat Risk Assessment Protocol.

 

If parents/guardians cannot be reached, or if they choose not to provide consent, but a concern for safety still exists due to threatening behaviour, the threat assessment may still proceed.

 

 

Link to Fair Notice Communication Regarding Violent Threat Risk Assessment Protocol:

 https://www.lkdsb.net/Pages/newsitem.aspx?ItemID=460&ListID=1cb83139-1d39-452b-8ab2-b6cfab6c2ba7&TemplateID=Announcement_Item#/=

 

Student Absence 

If your child is going to be absent from school, please call the school at 519- 354-2480. When you leave a message, include the first and last name of your child, his/her teacher, and the reason for your child’s absence and when he/she will return to school. Thank-you in advance for your assistance with reporting any absences. Notes and phone messages are of great assistance to the office staff. 

 

Daily COVID-19 Screening Tool

Please complete the daily screener for each child in your home daily.

 

The Ontario COVID-19 School and Child Care Screening is available here: 

https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/ 

 

 

Morning Entry and Dismissal 

Students should not arrive before 9:00 am (15 minutes before the morning bell) and students will proceed to their entrance door directly and enter their classroom. Students will move to their entrance door regardless of transportation, bus, drop-off, before-school programming, or walking. As students are expected to proceed directly to their classroom, staff supervision will not be available on the playground. 

There is a parking lot on the west side of the school that is for parent/visitor use before and after school. All parents are asked to meet their children at their designated pick-up spot as identified in the email sent to you by the school. Please do not idle along the side of the building as that space is designated for school buses.  If you will need to pick up your child(ren) early, please arrange for pick up prior to 2:45. Please allow a minimum of 30 minutes when calling the office to arrange for early dismissal. During end of day pick up please refrain from parking/idling in front of the school.

Face Masks 

Students in Grades 1 to 8 will be required to wear non-medical or cloth masks indoors in school, including in hallways and during classes. Masks must cover both the nose and the mouth.

Outdoor times like recess can be used as opportunities to provide students with breaks from wearing masks as long as the students are organized to remain within their cohorts and physically distance. Masks are also mandatory in bus lines and on the bus for Grade 1-8 students. 

Parents/guardians should provide non-medical masks or cloth masks for their children to wear to school. The LKDSB will provide backup non-medical masks for students who do not have their own. Face coverings that provide a tight seal at the chin and nose and cover the mouth are permitted (a gaiter for example), whereas face coverings that do not provide a tight seal at the chin and nose and cover the mouth are not permitted (a bandanna for example). 

Students should bring labelled refillable water bottles; water fountains will be closed but water filling stations will be accessible. If you do not have a refillable water bottle, please contact the school.

 

Allergies 

Please be aware that some students and staff that have an allergy to nuts and to shellfish which includes shrimp, peanuts, peanut butter, peanut oils, peanut bi-products, sesame seeds and other tree nuts. Exposure to these kinds of nut products – even trace amounts - could result in a life-threatening reaction. Shellfish and nut products are not to be sent to school, as our goal is to provide a “peanut and nut aware environment”. 

 

Medication and Medical Needs

Medication, both prescription & non-prescription, should not be administered to students by school staff. Specific criteria must be met for staff to administer prescription medication when it cannot be administered at home. An “Authorization for the Administration of Oral Medication” form, (available from the office), must be completed by the parent/guardian and physician, then forwarded to the Principal for each school year. This includes the administration of occasional use medications as well. 

 

Should your child have a medical need (such as diabetes, asthma, epilepsy etc.,) that requires special emergency attention please inform the school and an “Individual Medical Emergency Plan” will be put in place. Please notify the office by phone or email if you require a form. You can also send a note with your child and we can send a copy home.

Bus Information 

During the fall we might experience some heavy fog in which there could be the potential for bus cancellations. When there are bus cancellations due to fog, buses will not run in the morning but will run in the afternoon. Tecumseh is in BUS ZONE 7 and BUS ZONE 8. 

 

To check for any bus cancellations during the school year, please tune into the local radio stations or the following website: https://schoolbusinfo.busstatus.ca/

 

 

 

 

 

Orange Shirt Day

 

September 2021 Newsletter

From the Office

We are so happy to welcome back all of our returning Timberwolves and would like to extend a warm welcome to all of our new students! September is always an exciting time of the year as we reconnect with old friends and make new ones. This year is especially exciting as we have so many new and returning students and staff joining our Timberwolves pack! We really hope that you have all remained safe and well during our time apart; we have missed you and look forward to moving forward in learning with you all!

Our team remains committed to providing the safest, most welcoming learning space possible to your child(ren). COVID-19 protocols remain in place and will be adjusted as necessary throughout the year. We appreciate your ongoing support and patience as we navigate this process together. Please read through this newsletter for information about school procedures and protocols. 

While our office and school remain physically closed to parents/guardians and visitors we continue to encourage you to connect virtually, via phone or email with office staff and teaching staff as needed throughout the year. While the pandemic has certainly had it's challenges, one of the silver linings for us has been able to get to know all of our school families and build relationships through the phone calls, emails and virtual meetings we have shared. We look forward to continuing to build these in the coming year! 

September 7th      First Day of Class

September 30th    Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 

October 8th          PA Day 

October 11th        Thanksgiving 

Staff Updates

We are so excited to welcome back so many of our staff members that were teaching at the Virtual School last year! Mr. Millar, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Burnett, Mrs. Caetano and Mr. Gartshore are all returning to Tecumseh this coming year! As well, Mrs. Broadwood and Mrs. Allen will be back in the classroom after being on maternity leave; congratulations to you both! We extend a warm welcome to Mr. MacDougald who joins our Learning Resource Team and will be teaching some Physical Education. Our Educational Assistant Mrs. Houston returns to us after a year at Thamesville Area Public School and we are so happy to have her back with the pack. Mrs. VanGassen joins the Timberwolves Team as an Educational Assistant and we are thrilled to have her with us - welcome! 

Mr. Ray, a valued member of our Learning Resource Team will be joining the team at Victor Lauriston; while we are sad to see him go we know that he will be warmly welcomed there! Mr. DeRidder will remain at the Virtual Elementary Learning School, we will miss him at Tecumseh and wish him all the best. We say good-bye to our Educational Assistant Mr. Raspburg who we know is being warmly welcomed at CKSS and to Ms. Ross who is returning to Winston Churchill. Our school receptionist Mrs. Rabideau has also accepted a position with the Virtual School; we will miss her smiling face greeting staff and students each morning but know that she will be a great asset to the Virtual Team! Her position is in the process of being filled and an update will be shared when it is available. 

Ms. Kranenburg was married over the summer; so while you will see a new name in the office the person remains the same! Mrs Schatz (pronounced 'shots") and Mrs. VanDenBossche are so excited to start another school year with such a strong team of educators that are all committed to your children's success and well-being! 

Staff List 

FDK Team:

Sherry Cofell and Lindy Sheehan

Anna Kennedy and Stephanie Russell

Elizabeth Mariconda and Coline Trinetti 

Primary Team 

Jodi Mandeno - Grade 1

Barb Brady - Grade 1

Ashley Broadwood - Grade 1/2

Cindy Allen - Grade 2

Kelly Hackett - Grade 2/3

Colleen Archer - Grade 3

Sue Caetano - Grade 3

Kendall Haskell - Grade 3/4

Junior Team 

Matt Burnett - Grade 4

Corey Anderson - Grade 4/5

Shelby Sims - Grade 5

Nadene Hunter - Grade 6 

Lisa Pieta - Grade 6

Intermediate Team 

Josh Millar - Grade 7

Val Volland - Grade 7

Judy Rountree - Grade 8

Karen Walker - Grade 8

Mary Podlacha - ALLP 

Curriculum Partners

Nicolle-Evans - French/Prep

Shane McEvoy - Gym/Prep

Jeff Gartshore - French/Prep

Mary Park - Prep 

Resource 

Sue Bond - LRT and Guidance 

Jeff MacDougald - LRT and Prep 

Educational Assistants 

Kym VanGassen 

Dia Clayton 

Laurie Frain 

Cristina Haskell 

Nicole Houston 

Pam Renaud 

Dan Ryan 
Jessica Salive 

Deb Warnock 

Office Staff

Yvette Caron - Secretary 

Receptionist to be announced

Jenn Schatz - Vice Principal/Prep Coverage 

Tracy VanDenBossche - Principal

Custodial Staff

John Branco - Day

Mary Ann Myers

Heather Bennett

Tammy McGonigle

George Turner

Thank you custodial 

A huge thank-you is extended to our custodial staff who worked diligently this summer during some very hot and humid weather conditions to welcome us back to a clean, shiny, and safe environment. Thank-you also to our staff for their work in setting up bright and inviting classrooms. Our school is beaming!

Tecumseh Daily Schedule

The instructional day begins at 9:15 am and runs until 3:35 pm. In order to provide our students with as much space as possible while outdoors, and to physically distance, we have staggered our nutrition and outdoor breaks. All students will have a 20 minute nutrition break and a 20 minute outdoor break each morning and each afternoon. Please connect with your child's teacher for their specific daily schedule. 

Student Absence 

If your child is going to be absent from school, please call the school at 519- 354-2480. When you leave a message, include the first and last name of your child, his/her teacher, and the reason for your child’s absence and when he/she will return to school. Thank-you in advance for your assistance with reporting any absences. Notes and phone messages are of great assistance to the office staff. 

Daily COVID-19 Screening Tool

The Ministry of Education has directed all elementary and secondary students to confirm they have completed the Ontario COVID-19 School and Child Care Screening for the first two weeks of the school year (September 7 to 17). The process  will be used in the 2021 – 2022 school year when the Ministry of Education directs schools to implement the daily-on site confirmation of self-screening.

The Ontario COVID-19 School and Child Care Screening is available here: 

https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/ 

There are two different procedures:

1) Kindergarten to Grade 3 Students and Self-Contained Classrooms

Parents/Guardians of Kindergarten - Grade 3 students and self-contained classrooms, please respond to the daily email that will be sent prior to sending your child(ren) to school. 

Following the morning attendance, school office staff will contact parents/guardians of students who are present and have NOT confirmed completion of the screening.

2.) Students Grade 4-8. During morning attendance from Tuesday, September 7 to Friday, September 17, 2021 the teacher will confirm with the student that they have completed the Ontario COVID-19 School and Child Care Screening that day. If a student has not completed the screener, they are to complete the screener.

Regular safety protocols will remain in place for students who exhibit Covid-19 symptoms once at school.

Registration and Verification Forms 

A Registration Verification form will soon be sent home with each child and we ask that you review this form and note any necessary changes. If no changes are necessary, please confirm your consent at the bottom of the form for your child in regards to LKDSB media. Please return these signed forms to the school as soon as possible. 

Throughout the school year, many school activities occur and may be the subject of photographing, audio-taping, videotaping and filming. In accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, a signed release is required for the photographing or filming of student participation in these activities. In addition, the public media organization, upon notification, may be present to cover events by videotaping and filming students involved in activities which are outside of the jurisdiction of the School and/or Board.

Morning Entry and Dismissal 

Students should not arrive before 9:00 am (15 minutes before the morning bell) and students will proceed to their entrance door directly and enter their classroom. Students will move to their entrance door regardless of transportation, bus, drop-off, before-school programming, or walking. As students are expected to proceed directly to their classroom, staff supervision will not be available on the playground. 

There is a parking lot on the west side of the school that is for parent/visitor use before and after school. All parents are asked to meet their children at their designated pick-up spot as identified in the email sent to you by the school. Please do not idle along the side of the building as that space is designated for school buses. 

In order to assist with smooth dismissal procedures, please pre-register for a parking pass if you will be picking your child(ren) up by car on a daily pass. Parents/Guardians: Please share school arrival/dismissal information with emergency contacts for the student. 

Please note: To maintain cohorts and contact tracing, parents/guardians will not be allowed to enter schools at this time, except in case of emergency or a pre-arranged appointment time. 

In order to maximize physical distancing and allow for safe dismissal procedures, we ask that parents and guardians refrain from picking up students between 2:45 - 3:35 pm. If you will need to pick up your child(ren) early, please arrange for pick up prior to 2:45. Please allow a minimum of 30 minutes when calling the office to arrange for early dismissal. During end of day pick up please refrain from parking/idling in front of the school unless you have registered for a pick up pass through the office. 

Face Masks 

Students in Grades 1 to 8 will be required to wear non-medical or cloth masks indoors in school, including in hallways and during classes. Masks must cover both the nose and the mouth.

Outdoor times like recess can be used as opportunities to provide students with breaks from wearing masks as long as the students are organized to remain within their cohorts and physically distance. Masks are also mandatory in bus lines and on the bus for Grade 1-8 students. 

Parents/guardians should provide non-medical masks or cloth masks for their children to wear to school. The LKDSB will provide backup non-medical masks for students who do not have their own. Face coverings that provide a tight seal at the chin and nose and cover the mouth are permitted (a gaiter for example), whereas face coverings that do not provide a tight seal at the chin and nose and cover the mouth are not permitted (a bandanna for example). For some students with special needs, or significant medical conditions, wearing a mask may be problematic. Families should work with the school to determine if your child may be exempt from wearing a mask. 

Parents/guardians can expect that there will be time spent in class during the first days of school reviewing the proper use of masks, hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.

Lunch and Ontario Student Nutrition Program

Students will be required to bring their own food. Students will eat their lunch with their class in a designated area. Students will not be allowed to share any food. At this time we will not be offering any special food days until further notice, though our daily snack program is expected to resume later this fall. 

Students should bring labelled refillable water bottles; water fountains will be closed but water filling stations will be accessible. If you do not have a refillable water bottle, please contact the school.

Allergies 

Please be aware that some students and staff that have an allergy to nuts and to shellfish which includes shrimp, peanuts, peanut butter, peanut oils, peanut bi-products, sesame seeds and other tree nuts. Exposure to these kinds of nut products – even trace amounts - could result in a life-threatening reaction. Shellfish and nut products are not to be sent to school, as our goal is to provide a “peanut and nut aware environment”. 

Medication and Medical Needs

Medication, both prescription & non-prescription, should not be administered to students by school staff. Specific criteria must be met for staff to administer prescription medication when it cannot be administered at home. An “Authorization for the Administration of Oral Medication” form, (available from the office), must be completed by the parent/guardian and physician, then forwarded to the Principal for each school year. This includes the administration of occasional use medications as well. 

Should your child have a medical need (such as diabetes, asthma, epilepsy etc.,) that requires special emergency attention please inform the school and an “Individual Medical Emergency Plan” will be put in place. Please notify the office by phone or email if you require a form. You can also send a note with your child and we can send a copy home.

Recess and Playground

Elementary students will have the opportunity to enjoy recess. At this time, Medical Officers of Health have advised that outdoor activity has reduced risk and that playground equipment may be used. Classes will be assigned specific areas of the playground/schoolyard at recess. Students will practice hand hygiene before and after the break. 

Student Learning 

Classes will resume according to a conventional in-person model. When specialist teachers provide instruction to a class (such as French), students will remain in their classrooms, and teachers will move between rooms. Minimizing student movement will reduce congestion and student-to-student interaction between classrooms. 

Homerooms have been assigned an outdoor learning space. Educators may chose to utilize this space for instruction. When outdoors, up to two classrooms may utilize the same physical space. Classes that may share an outdoor space have been designated as matched cohorts and will remain the same each day. 

For additional information about programming, please visit the LKDSB Parent Resource available on Re-opening and Operating our LKDSB Schools for the 2021-2022 school year. 

Bus Information 

During the fall we might experience some heavy fog in which there could be the potential for bus cancellations. When there are bus cancellations due to fog, buses will not run in the morning but will run in the afternoon. Tecumseh is in BUS ZONE 7 and BUS ZONE 8. 

To check for any bus cancellations during the school year, please tune into the local radio stations or the following website: https://schoolbusinfo.busstatus.ca/

Cell Phones

Pediculosis 

Sometimes students arrive at school infected with pediculosis. Spring and fall are the seasons when head lice is most prevalent in school children. Your assistance in early detection is greatly appreciated. Please check your child for head lice weekly. If you find evidence of head lice, please contact the school immediately. This will allow us to notify other parents in the classrooms affected, so that they may check their child. 

Infestation by head lice is an unpleasant nuisance, but not a health problem. Head lice do not carry or spread disease. If we detect head lice on your child, you will be notified and asked to come to the school to pick up your child. We then ask that you use the necessary treatment on his/her hair. Your child(ren) are welcome to return to school when the pediculosis is no longer evident. By working together we can control the spread of head lice. 

School Cash Online 

School Cash Online is a convenient, web-based solution that gives parents/guardians the ability to pay for student items online. Parents/guardians can make payments, print or view their receipts, and their current account history all in real-time. School Cash Online provides multiple payment options, including eCheck (direct withdrawal from your bank account) or “MyWallet” (virtually add funds and reload like a gift card). Please note, banking information is not saved in School Cash Online and must be re-entered for every transaction. Unused funds in “MyWallet” will be carried over to the next year for back-to school purchases unless a refund is requested (more information about refunds will be available on the School Cash Online website once launched). 

In order to sign-up, parents/guardians must provide your child’s last name, birth date and student number. Your child’s student number will be on the student information prole sheet sent home, or please call the office at anytime for this information. For more information please visit our school website at www.lkdsb.net/school/tecumseh

Optional Student Insurance 

The Lambton Kent District School Board does not provide accident insurance coverage for student injuries that occur on school property or during school activities, including extracurricular sports.

   If a student is injured, parent(s)/guardian(s) are responsible for any costs not covered by their Government Health Insurance Plan or their employer’s health care plan. The Board encourages all parents/guardians to review this or other available Student Accident Insurance plans, especially those with a child(ren) participating in medium to high-impact physical activities (both during school and outside of school hours).

The insuremykids® student accident insurance program offers three plans with a variety of benefits and affordable rates. Their most affordable plan is available for as little as $17 per year. All plans provide 24/ 7 coverage. For more information or to purchase insurance, please visit www.insuremykids.com or call 1-800-463-5437.

The 2021/2022 Student Accident Insurance Program is available for purchase, beginning August 1, 2021 and expires September 30, 2022 no matter when it is purchased. For example: if someone purchases a new plan on October 2, 2021, it still expires September 30, 2022.  

Important Note:  Purchases made prior to August 1^st are for the remainder of the 2020/2021 school year and are not prorated. Any purchases made prior to August 1^st, the policy will expire on September 30, 2021. Therefore, if purchasing a plan for the 2021/2022 school year, please do so, on August 1^st, 2021 or later.

Staying Connected 

During the first week of every month Tecumseh Public School shares a newsletter to communicate to parents about current events. In supporting the LKDSB’s initiative regarding the reduction of paper consumption and being financially efficient, this will be the only monthly edition that will be printed and sent home. All newsletters will be available http://www.lkdsb.net/school/tecumseh at the beginning of each month or at the office upon request. If your family might need a paper copy, please let your teacher know and it will go home with the youngest/only student. Please connect to our school via Remind for updates; see the Social Media Shortcut page for information on signing up.

May 2021

 

From the Office 

This has been a year of great change and flexibility. As we once again find ourselves engaged in remote learning, we are reminded of how resilient our student population is. Our teachers and support staff have remained committed to providing quality learning opportunities, each and every day. Our virtual classrooms are full of great conversations, engaging lessons and activities, and opportunities to connect with peers and staff. We thank all of our parents and guardians for your commitment to supporting learning at home. 

Remote learning, the uncertainties around the pandemic, and the impact of the lockdown on employment can all cause additional stress. Please know that if you are experiencing challenges in these areas or others, you are not alone. Various links to community agencies are available on our homepage. As well, we are also available to guide you to community services, should you require support. We are all in this together, and the PACK HAS YOUR BACK! 

Upcoming Dates 

May 3 - 7: Education Week

May 24th: Victoria Day 

June 4th: PA Day 

Student Mental Health and Well-Being 

During Education Week and Mental Health Week (May 3-7), as well as throughout the entire school year, the Lambton Kent District School Board supports students’ mental health and well-being. Students from Lambton Kent District School Board’s Student Senate created videos to share social-emotional information and supports from School Mental Health Ontario. Click here to watch the videos.

 

Absence Reporting

If your child is going to be absent from school, please continue to call the school at 519-354-2480 or to notify your child's teacher. This includes during remote learning, as attendance is still collected daily. When you leave a message, please include the first and last name of your child, his/her teacher, and the reason for child's absence along with their expected return date. Our answering machine is available 24 hours a day for reporting absences. Thank-you in advance for your assistance with reporting any absences. Your calls and notes are of great assistance to Mrs. Caron and Mrs, Rabideau.

Screening 

Thank-you to our parents/guardians for assessing your child(ren) daily and reporting whether they are experiencing any signs of illness. Please ensure that when students return to face to face instruction, that you are completing the daily screening tool each morning, prior to school. 
The Ontario screening tool can be accessed via this link: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/. The screening tool will advise you whether you should send your child(ren) to school or not, and will also advise you of next steps. 
All students who are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 must not attend school and should seek appropriate medical attention as required. 

Please refer to the Version 1 Screening Children document found via this link: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid19-cms-assets/2020-10/Screening%20Children%20v1.0%202020-10-01%20FINAL%20EN%20AODA.pdf 

Bus Cancellations - Zone 7 & 8

Tecumseh Public School has students bussed in from both Zone 7 and Zone 8. To check for any cancellations during the school year, please tune into the local radio stations, check the following website: https://cklass.ca/services/student-transportation/  or refer to the MySBI app. 

February 2021

 

From the Office 

On Monday, February 8th we returned to face-to-face instruction; we are so excited to welcome back our Timberwolves students and staff! You can learn more about masking, pre-screening and other frequently asked questions by visiting the LKDSB website at this link.  

As indicated throughout the school year, our student population has experienced changes as a result of students moving from face-to-face to virtual learning. As a result, we have made some changes to the organization of our school including changes to teaching assignments and students moving to new classrooms. If your child has been assigned to a new classroom you would have been notified by the office. As well, we are very excited to welcome Mr. Poirier to our school. Mr. Poirier will be teaching Junior and Intermediate French; many students have had the chance to get to know him virtually since our return after Winter Break. 

Our updated staff  assignments are as follows: 

FDK            Mrs. Kennedy and Mrs. Russell

FDK            Mrs. Cofell and Ms. Sheehan 

FDK            Mrs. Mariconda and Mrs.Trinetti/Mrs.Morris

SK/1            Mrs. Brady 

1                  Ms. Mandeno

1/2               Mrs. Hackett

2                  Mrs. Park/Ms. Ericson

2/3               Mrs. Archer

3/4               Mrs. Haskell

3/4               Mrs. Peltier

4/5               Mrs. Sims

5/6               Mrs. Hunter

6                  Mrs. Pieta

6/7               Mrs. Volland

7                  Mrs. Walker 

8                  Ms. McPhail 

8                  Mrs. Rountree

ALLP          Mrs. Podlacha

French/Prep                 M. Evans

French                          M. Poirier 

Phys Ed/Prep               Mr. McEvoy 

Resource/Phys Ed        Mr. Ray

Resource/Guidance      Mrs. Bond

EA Staff: 

Mr. Ryan

Mr. Raspburg

Mrs. Haskell

Mrs. Frain

Mrs. Renaud

Ms. Salive

Ms. Clayton 

Ms. Warnock

Custodial Staff

Mr. Branco

Mr. Turner

Mrs. Myers

Mrs. Bennett

Mrs. McGonigle

Office Staff

Mrs. Caron - Secretary 

Mrs. Rabideau - Receptionist 

Ms. Kranenburg - Vice-Principal 

Mrs. VanDenBossche - Principal 

Upcoming Dates 

Family Day: Monday February 15th 

Absence Reporting

If your child is going to be absent from school, please continue to call the school at 519-354-2480 or to notify your child's teacher. This includes during remote learning, as attendance is still collected daily. When you leave a message, please include the first and last name of your child, his/her teacher, and the reason for child's absence along with their expected return date. Our answering machine is available 24 hours a day for reporting absences. Thank-you in advance for your assistance with reporting any absences. Your calls and notes are of great assistance to Mrs. Caron and Mrs, Rabideau.

February is Black History/African Heritage Month

The Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) acknowledges the ongoing impacts of anti-Black racism in our communities, which cause harm, trauma, violence and the loss of Black lives. We know that the intersections of racism and other social and institutional inequalities result in the ongoing oppression and marginalization of the Black community. As an education system, we are committed to change and focusing on championing anti-oppressive education.

As we approach Black History/African Heritage Month in February, the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) is committed to recognizing the historically erased role of Black Canadians in our history and society. This year, the focus for Black History/African Heritage Month will be Black Lives Matter.

Stating that Black Lives Matter does not imply that other lives do not matter; it is intended to focus on and centre the lives of Black people who have historically and systemically been marginalized and excluded in Canadian society and globally. This has direct impacts on economic, social, education and health outcomes for Black people. By focusing on Black Lives Matter, it reiterates the importance of the human rights of all individuals and acknowledges that those rights have not always been extended to all Canadians, specifically Black people.

Throughout the month of February, the Black Lives Matter banner will be posted on the Board and school websites, social media accounts and shared classroom resources such as Google Classroom and SeeSaw.

Visit the LKDSB website (www.lkdsb.net) for more information about how LKDSB is recognizing Black History/African Heritage Month in February and throughout the school

Screening 

Thank-you to our parents/guardians for assessing your child(ren) daily and reporting whether they are experiencing any signs of illness. Please ensure that when students return to face to face instruction, that you are completing the daily screening tool each morning, prior to school. 
The Ontario screening tool can be accessed via this link: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/. The screening tool will advise you whether you should send your child(ren) to school or not, and will also advise you of next steps. 
All students who are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 must not attend school and should seek appropriate medical attention as required. 

Please refer to the Version 1 Screening Children document found via this link: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid19-cms-assets/2020-10/Screening%20Children%20v1.0%202020-10-01%20FINAL%20EN%20AODA.pdf 

Bus Cancellations - Zone 7 & 8

Tecumseh Public School has students bussed in from both Zone 7 and Zone 8. To check for any cancellations during the school year, please tune into the local radio stations, check the following website: https://cklass.ca/services/student-transportation/  or refer to the MySBI app. 

Moving Between Learn at Home and Face-to-Face Instruction 

As a reminder, families wishing to transfer between face-to-face learning to Learn at Home or transfer from Learn at Home to face-to face instruction must contact the principal according to the following timelines: 

• Spring date:  Families notify school by March 30.

Parents and guardians should anticipate that as students move between program delivery (face-to-face or learn at home) they will experience changes in teacher(s). If space is available, the LKDSB will attempt to accommodate all requests sooner than the dates above; however, this will vary from school-to-school and grade-by-grade and may not be possible. Transportation delays may also occur. 

Please note: Parents/guardians will have limited opportunities within the school year to switch their child's school experience between face-to-face instruction and Learn at Home instruction (or

January 2021

 

From the Office 

Welcome to the New Year! 2021 has certainly gotten  off to a different start, with our first week of remote learning being extended until the 25th of January. If 2020 taught us anything it is that we are resilient and adaptable! Our Timberwolves staff and students have jumped into remote learning and the quality of learning, strength of relationships and sense of community is as evident as ever! Way to go Timberwolves!

Teachers have been connecting with families to ensure that the learning style matches each family's individual needs. If your family requires a device for students to engage in online activities please let your child's teacher, or the office, know. We are happy to provide you with an iPad or Chromebook to ensure that you are able to get connected. 

Remote learning, the uncertainties around the pandemic and the impact of the lockdown on employment can all cause additional stress. Please know that if you are experiencing challenges in these areas, or others, you are not alone. Various links to community agencies are available on our homepage. As well, we are also available to guide you to community services, should you require support. We are all in this together, and the PACK HAS YOUR BACK! 

Staff Updates 

We extend a warm welcome to our new office staff;  Mrs. Rabideau. She has replaced Mrs. Orr and is working alongside Mrs. Caron from 9:00 - 2:00 daily. We also welcome Mr. Poirier as our Jr/Int French teacher who began on our first day of remote learning! I know that we all look forward to having the opportunity to work with Mr. Poirier this year! 

Upcoming Dates 

Return to Face to Face Instruction: Monday January 25th 

KinderSTARt: Evening of Thursday February 4th and during the day February 5th 

PA Day: Friday February 5th 

Family Day: Monday February 15th 

Absence Reporting

If your child is going to be absent from school, please continue to call the school at 519-354-2480 or to notify your child's teacher. This includes during remote learning, as attendance is still collected daily. When you leave a message, please include the first and last name of your child, his/her teacher, and the reason for child's absence along with their expected return date. Our answering machine is available 24 hours a day for reporting absences. Thank-you in advance for your assistance with reporting any absences. Your calls and notes are of great assistance to Mrs. Caron and Mrs, Rabideau.

KinderSTARt!

Calling all future Timberwolves! Register now for Kindergarten if you have a child born in 2017 (or in 2016 who is not attending JK presently) at LKDSB Elementary Registration  Then sign up for Tecumseh KinderSTARt at: Kindergarten Registration Sign Up

Screening 

Thank-you to our parents/guardians for assessing your child(ren) daily and reporting whether they are experiencing any signs of illness. Please ensure that when students return to face to face instruction, that you are completing the daily screening tool each morning, prior to school. 
The Ontario screening tool can be accessed via this link: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/. The screening tool will advise you whether you should send your child(ren) to school or not, and will also advise you of next steps. 
All students who are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 must not attend school and should seek appropriate medical attention as required. 

Please refer to the Version 1 Screening Children document found via this link: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid19-cms-assets/2020-10/Screening%20Children%20v1.0%202020-10-01%20FINAL%20EN%20AODA.pdf 

Bus Cancellations - Zone 7 & 8

Tecumseh Public School has students bussed in from both Zone 7 and Zone 8. To check for any cancellations during the school year, please tune into the local radio stations, check the following website: https://cklass.ca/services/student-transportation/  or refer to the MySBI app. 

Moving Between Learn at Home and Face-to-Face Instruction 

As a reminder, families wishing to transfer between face-to-face learning to Learn at Home or transfer from Learn at Home to face-to face instruction must contact the principal according to the following timelines: 

• Winter date: Families notify school by January 12.  New program type on February 3.

• Spring date:  Families notify school by March 30.

Parents and guardians should anticipate that as students move between program delivery (face-to-face or learn at home) they will experience changes in teacher(s). If space is available, the LKDSB will attempt to accommodate all requests sooner than the dates above; however, this will vary from school-to-school and grade-by-grade and may not be possible. Transportation delays may also occur. 

Please note: Parents/guardians will have limited opportunities within the school year to switch their child's school experience between face-to-face instruction and Learn at Home instruction (or vice versa).