Dear RHPS Families,
We are looking forward to seeing students and families at our Back to School Bash and Open House on Wednesday, September 23. This will be a great oppotutinity to meet your child's teachers, connect with other families and have some free fun! We hope to see you there.
Mrs. Campbell, Mrs. Diamond, and the RHPS Team
Upcoming Dates:
Tuesday, September 22: Soccer Tournament - Go Flyers!
Wednesday, September 23: Back to School Bash (2:30-4:30 pm) and Classroom Open House (3:00-4:00 pm)
Thursday, September 24: School Advisory Council (SAC) Meeting 6-7 pm (see below for details)
Wednesday, September 30: Orange Shirt Day
Smudging Ceremony
Please be advised that students from Rideau Heights Public School will have opportunities to participate in Indigenous smudging ceremonies. These ceremonies will be led by Gillianne Mundell, the Indigenous Education Land-Based teacher.
Smudging is a ceremony practiced by Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island (North America). It is done using one or more of the traditional medicines (Sage, Sweetgrass, Tobacco, Cedar) which are lit to smolder to create a smoke to cleanse the body, mind, and spirit. Smudges are conducted for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to during an event, for personal reasons, for a class, or to cleanse a space. It is also important to note that there are no religious views attached to a smudging ceremony.
During a smudging ceremony, participants are asked to sit or stand in a circle, and the smudge bowl is taken around to each person. Every participant can engage in the smudge or can respectfully pass. Participants can draw the smoke over their head to think good things, their eyes to see good things, their ears to hear good things, their mouth to say good things, and their heart to feel good things and walk in a good way. Every individual person can smudge in their own way and that is respected during the smudge. The Indigenous Community Member or staff leading the smudging ceremony will explain the process and how to participate. As said above, those who do not wish to smudge are under no obligation to participate and can respectfully pass when the smudge bowl is brought to them. If a student has asthma or a reaction to strong scents, they may wish to pass.
If you have any questions or concerns about your student participating in this activity, please contact Gillianne at: mundellg@limestone.on.ca
School Advisory Council - SAC
Please consider joining our amazing School Advisory Council. This is a group of parents/guardians who work togther to support our students and school.
First Meeting: Thursday, September 24 6:00-7:00 pm at the school (come in through the main office entrance)
At the first meeting, we will hold elections for the followng positions: Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, and Indigenous Rep. All parents/caregivers are welcome, whether you are interested in running for an executive position or not!
2025-26 Council Members: Karen Allen, Charlene Corneau, Erin Strike, Cassie Brant, Kayla Carmody
Check out their facebook group for updates: RHPS Advisory Council https://www.facebook.com/groups/3494813934082217
Welcome Gillianne Mundell, Indigenous Land-Based Education Teacher
We are excited to have Gillianne join our team at RHPS! She will be here daily to support Indigenous students and families and provide Indigenous land based learning in all our classrooms. Stayed tuned for updates!
To self-identify, complete the hard-copy Indigenous Self-Identification Form and return it to school. Contact the office for a peper copy.
Community Connections
Volunteering at School
If you intend to volunteer at our school this year with school events or field trips, there must be a police check with vulnerable sector screeing dated withing the last 6 months on file.
Background Checks are done with Kingston Police (in person or online) and should be free if you provide a letter from the school. Please contact the main office for a copy the letter. https://www.kingstonpolice.ca/services/background-check/
Once you have your police record check back, you must submit it to the Police Record Check Portal. Once it is submitted you will be able to volunteer all year.
We apologize and know it is time consuming but safety is our first priority. We hope to see you on school trips and events.
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 contacted the main office. Ms. Aimee and Ms. Diamond will assist you with the required paperwork.
Late Arrival/Early Pick-Up
All students who arrive after 8:30 am must report to the main office and be checked in by the Office Administrator (Ms. Aimee).
If your child needs to be picked up before 2:30 p.m., please come to the main office and sign them out with the Office Administrator. To help us prepare, please notify your child’s teacher or the office in advance whenever possible.
IMPORTANT: The office is very busy at the end of the day. If you plan to pick up your child before 2:30 pm, contact the office before 2:00 p.m. We encourage families to follow regular dismissal procedures at 2:30 p.m. and use designated pick-up locations.
Crossing Guard at Corner of McCauley and Daly Streets
To support the safe arrival of our students, there will be a Crossing Guard (moving from Montreal Street) at MacCauley and Daly Streets (orange dot on map) each day at the following times. Families and students are reminded to use the designated crossing only.
Morning 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
Afternoon 2:15 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
IMPORTANT: If you drop off or pick up your child with a vehcile, please carefully review the map below provided by the City of Kingston for Drop-off/Pick-Up, Designated Parking and No Stopping Zones. Please note the school parking lot is for staff parking only 8:00 am -3:00 pm. For safety, DO NOT use the school parking lot for drop-off/pick-up.
Every day at school counts. Regular attendance helps students build strong learning habits, stay connected to their classmates, and develop confidence in their skills. When students miss school, they can miss important learning, routines, and opportunities to build relationships. Consistent attendance supports academic success, social growth, and a sense of belonging, helping every child reach their full potential. Parents and caregivers play a key role by making school attendance a priority whenever possible.
Reporting Absences/School Communication
New this year, all school newsletters will be posted to our School Website. Please check for updates.
Each classroom teacher will let you know how they will communicate classroom updates with families and how families can share information and contact them.
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
Cell Phones in Schools
Please leave phones at home! We encourage students and families to use the office phones to communicate important messages to your child during the school day. However, we understand there are certain circumstances in which a cell phone may be deemed necessary.
When can students use a mobile device:
Grade 6 and Below:They can bring a mobile device to school but will only be able to use it before and after school.
Grades 7-8: They must keep their personal mobile devices stored out of sight and either powered off or set to silent mode, except when a staff member grants explicit permission for use under the specified circumstances.
We appreciate your support with these rules set out by the Ministry of Education. It helps students stay focused on learning, build positive relationships with their peers, and fully engage in school activities. Without the distraction of notifications, social media, and texting, students are better able to concentrate, participate, and enjoy meaningful interactions with others!
Leaving at Lunch (12:10-12:50)
Students in Grade 7 and 8 can get permission to leave school property at lunch. New this year, forms will need to be signed giving students permission. For students in other grades who wish to go home for lunch, please contact the office.
Home-School Partnerships
We believe that strong partnerships between home and school are essential to student success. When families and educators work together, students feel supported, connected, and empowered to reach their full potential. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns and ideas.
The main office is open 8:00 am - 3:00 pm. Email: rideh@limestone.on.ca or Phone: 613-542-6155.