Announcement Archive

June  2024

Retirement Announcement

After 29 years of teaching, 24 of those years at Larkhall Academy, Ruth Blackmore, our Reading Specialist, is retiring. Mrs. Blackmore has been a steadfast advocate for Larkhall Academy. She has been here for staff, family and students alike. Her contributions, on both a school and district level have not only been impactful, but have been led with heart and passion for the students she teaches. We look forward to seeing where retirement takes Mrs. Blackmore! Congratulations and best of luck!

Congratulations to our School Counselor, Ms. Lesley Castella

Ms. Castella is a 2024 recipient of the  Minister of Education’s Award for Compassion in Teaching. This award  recognizes inspirational and compassionate teachers at the primary, elementary or secondary level who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to supporting the social, emotional and mental health of their students, colleagues or school community as a whole. Ms. Castella was nominated for the award by Ms. Amanda Power, one of our  parents of Larkhall Academy.  Click here to learn more. Way to go Ms. Castella! Pride Month

Across Canada, June is recognized as PrideMonth. It’s a time to celebrate love and inclusivity, and for the global LGBTQIA+ community to embrace who they are. To find Pride events/resources, please check these websites: https://bit.ly/4bUPQJl    STJPride

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada

This is an opportunity to learn about the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. It's a time to honor the stories, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, who have lived on this land since time immemorial and whose presence continues to impact the evolving Canada. The House of Commons designated June as National Aboriginal History Month in 2009. The name was changed to National Indigenous History Month in 2017.  Click here to learn more.

May 2024

Bus Behavior

If your child rides the school bus we ask that you take some time to review the student expectations while riding to and from school. For your convenience, it is also attached to this email.

If your child has an issue on the bus please reach out to Mr. Durdle or Ms. Lee.

For any busing issues, you can also complete the NLSchools Public Inquiry Form

Busing Information

Please refer to our updated Larkhall Academy Bus Routes on the NLESD website. 

We encourage all families to check your Transportation Portal to find the exact location and times for your civic address. 

For your information here are the updated bus route number and colors for this school year.

Yellow Bus  - 027-6

Red Bus - 027-7

Green Bus - 027-8

Blue Bus - 027-11

Family Breakfast

Thanks to all members of our Larkhall Community, who came out for our family breakfast on Wednesday morning. Over 600 people were served a selection of pancakes, sausages, fruit, yogurt, muffins, juice and tea or coffee. A big thank you to Rotary - St John's East for your kind monetary donation and for your members' time and talents. Thank you to our staff, who contributed muffins, stayed after school on Tuesday to set up and were here early Wednesday morning to cook and serve. Thank you to Ms. Kirby, our School Lunch Association staff member, who was here early to help then prepared her usual daily lunch for students. Thank you to school volunteers Mr. Gary Gordon and Mr. Randy Green, who went beyond soccer and chess to be here early to help out. Thanks as well to our  Big Brother’s Big Sister’s mentor and to our crossing guard, Mr Conway for helping prior to assuming his normal morning duties on Larkhall Street. Thanks to Sheldon Marsh, Director of Schools for Larkhall Academy and  members from NLSchools District Staff, Lynne Sheppard, Julie Valencourt, Dave Butt and Belinda Loader, who dropped by and helped serve and clean up. Thank you as well to LBJH Principal, Owen Matchim, NLTA President, Trent Langdon, Ward 4 Councilor, Tom Davis  and NDP Leader,  Mr. James Dinn, for joining us.  Finally thanks to our community partners, Starbucks Kenmount Road, and McDonald's Kenmount Road for your kind donations of coffee. 

50 / 50 Ticket Winner

Congratulations to Joan Croke who was the winner of our 50/50 Ticket Draw.  The winning ticket was drawn by  Mr. Robert Whittle, one of our parents who was in attendance at our family breakfast. Total prize pay out $6255. Congratulations to Addison Hayley for selling the winning ticket. 

School Development Family Surveys

School Development Surveys are conducted annually to gather feedback from students, staff, and parents/guardians to inform the school development process. The survey results are used along with other data to identify the school’s strengths and challenges. Your child’s school will then create and implement a plan to build on successes and address areas of challenge.

The survey is anonymous, which means that we cannot connect your survey responses to you. We encourage everyone to participate so that we have the most accurate representation of family perceptions at your school.

Please complete the survey by March 15th, 2024 by clicking on the following link: https://www.research.net/r/SDFamily2324EN. 

If you do not have internet access contact your school.

June 2023

Recycling - Recap

A special thanks to all who participated in the recycling program this year!  This year, we collected over 38,000 recyclables! The top 20 recyclers of the school were rewarded with special prizes and the Grade 5 green team was given a pizza party to say thanks for all their work. Thanks especially to two of our parents, Ms. Evans (Jacob Smith's nan) and Ms. Walsh (Mason and Nolan's mom) for volunteering on Thursday mornings. Ms. Evans is retiring from volunteering after 6 years of faithful service to our school. A huge thanks to her for all the time she gave to our school. If any parents are interested in volunteering on Thursday morning from 8:30 - 9:00 next school year, please contact  Ms. S. Lee at: susanlee@nlesd.ca.  

Time To Move - Message from Mr. Worthman

Time to Move is a school-wide initiative open to ALL members of our Larkhall family - students, siblings, parents/guardians, relatives, and staff. It is designed to maintain a sense of connection with our Larkhall families that is inclusive and requires very little time to complete. People can add to the total time as often as you like, and watch your minutes grow! Last year we recorded 605 entries...that's a lot of movement! As of now, we have received more than 900 entries and currently have 2 011 874 minutes exercised; that's the equivalent of exercising 1 397 consecutive days! Congratulations! Keep moving over the summer!!!

Busing - Courtesy Seating

Families requiring courtesy seating for the fall are encouraged to apply using the application attached to the Courtesy Seating Protocol  These stops will be decided in late September or early October. Please refer to the Courtesy Seating Protocol for details and how seats are allocated. Completed applications can be emailed to regdurdle@nlesd.ca . We will send out reminders about this again at the start of the school year. 

Please Note: Courtesy Seats are assigned on a yearly basis. Having a courtesy seat this year is not a guarantee you will get one next year.  Spaces to assign courtesy seats will be determined once the NLESD determines routes and assigns all eligible riders who live outside of 1.6 km. 

School Lunch Program 

On behalf of the students and families of Larkhall Academy, we want to thank Mr. Scott Douglas for his past six years of service with the School Lunch Association here at Larkhall. Best of luck Scott with your future plans. You will be missed. 

Staffing

We also want to say a big thank you and best of luck to the staff members who will be leaving us this year. Some were permanent teachers who have moved on to other opportunities while others were on replacement for this year. You have made a lasting impression on the students and families you have worked with this past year. 

50/50 Ticket Draw

Thank you to everyone who supported our 50/50 Fundraiser. The winning ticket was drawn after the school dance on Wednesday evening. The draw was conducted by School Council Chair, Darrell Durdle and Parent Representative Rita Stright. 

Congratulations to Patricia Michalchuk who won $2050.00.  Winning Ticket Number 02182.

Neighbourhood Recycling Blitz.

What a wonderful showing of support for our school's  Neighbourhood Recycling Blitz on Saturday morning, June 3!  A huge thanks to all of those who drove by or walked to drop off their recycling. We collected almost 6000 items! We connected with parents, grandparents, neighbours, university students and more. Roary the Lion was very busy posing for pictures and welcoming everyone. A special thanks to our parent and teacher recycling leaders who work together weekly - Mrs. Carol Evans (grandparent), Mrs. Shandee Walsh (parent) and Ms.Susan Lee (teacher). Thanks as well to parent/grandparent Mr. Ryan and Roy Griffin for their help at the Blitz and to the students who helped as well! 

Evergreen Recycling is accepting recycling for Larkhall all year round at their drop off kiosk locations throughout the city. Our school registration number is the last four digits of our school phone number - 7012  Please feel free to drop off your recyclables anytime at any Evergreen depot. Thank you!

Sensitive or Difficult Conversations with Children

Each day our children encounter many topics that may cause them stress and anxiety. These messages come from a variety of sources, such as social media, friends, television or simply overhearing conversations in the community that they don’t understand. They may come to you with questions that you may feel unsure how to proceed.

To assist you with this, Ms. Castella has compiled a list of some resources you may find useful. 

https://www.connectionsacademy.com/support/resources/article/6-steps-how-to-have-difficult-conversations-with-your-child/

https://www.strong4life.com/en/parenting/communication/having-difficult-conversations-with-kids

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/support-for-parents/talking-about-difficult-topics/

https://www.megfoundationforpain.org/articles/tips-for-tough-conversations-with-kids/

March 2023

School Wide Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Initiative

As part of our monthly School Wide SEL initiatives, our Guidance Counsellor, Ms. Castella registered our school for the Great Kindness Challenge. As February draws to a close, we want to thank all families, students and staff for participating in the various activities that helped grow kindness at Larkhall Academy. If you have not had an opportunity to view the CBC article this past week featuring Pink Day at our school you can check it out here. 

Rycor Accounts - Reminder 

A few weeks ago we sent home some information on Rycor, the software used to send forms to families and collect online payments for such things as band rentals and field trips. To effectively use this, families need to have an account created. If you have not already done so, we encourage you to go to Rycor's NLESD login page and create an account. Once created, you will be able to add your child by entering their Student Number and some other student information (for confidentiality purposes). If you do not know your child’s student number please email regdurdle@nlesd.ca

Bus Stops.

We want to remind families who use the bus that you should only be using the stops listed in the route documents available on the NLESD website (available here), and as per their assigned stop in their BusPlanner Web Parent Portal account. Drivers are not permitted to make alterations to stop locations or make additional stops. If you have any questions with bus routes please complete the following form and someone from the NLESD Student Transportation / Busing Division will get back to you. 

Parking at Leary’s Brook

While we  recognize that parking at Larkhall Academy is a challenge at the best of times, we kindly ask that if you are dropping off or picking up your child during the day to not park in the Leary’s Brook parking lot. This is causing an issue for their staff. On behalf of the Leary’s Brook administration and staff we appreciate your understanding and cooperation with this matter. 

Covid 19 - School Resources:

 The Public Health Guidance for Return to School document (January 2022) to guide K-12 in-class instruction.

• Close Contact Flow Chart  Revised February 24

• NLESD Frequently Asked Questions Updated February 24

April 2022

2021 - 2022 School Development Surveys 

School Development Surveys are conducted annually to gather feedback from students, staff, and parents/guardians to inform the school development process. The survey results will be provided to your child’s school and used with other data to identify the school’s strengths and challenges. Your child’s school will then create and implement a plan to build on successes and address areas of challenge.

The survey is anonymous, which means that we cannot connect your survey responses to you. We encourage everyone to participate so that we have the most accurate representation of family perceptions at your school.

Please complete the survey by March 25th, 2022 by clicking on the following link

February 2022

Covid-19 Rapid Test Information 

Instructions for using the kits can be found here.

Here is a great video showing families how to conduct the rapid tests. It is from CBC NL Katie Breen. 

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/rapid-test-guide-1.6319317

January 2022

Recycling

Thursday is our Weekly Recycling Day. Don’t forget, every 10 items brought in gets a ticket to our prize draw. Please remember we only recycle beverage containers here at the school. Please make sure containers are rinsed and all straws and bottle caps are removed. Click here for more details on our recycling program. 

School Calendar:

Our school calendar has been updated with some important dates for the remainder of the school year.  You can check it out here.

Grade Four Immunizations

Due to the Covid-19 Vaccine for children rollout, immunizations for grade 4 students have been put on hold until the new year. Once we know a new date we will let families know. 

November 2021

Arrival/Dismissal

We appreciate all the care families have shown by not entering our parking lot during arrival and dismissal to ensure our students are kept safe. We ask families that are dropping off and picking up our students during these times, to not park in the Bus Zone in front of the school. This creates congestion and an unsafe environment for our students. We appreciate your understanding.

Masks:

If possible, we ask that you include extra face masks with your child which they can keep in a zip-lock bag in their school bag. We have a very limited supply to provide to students should they lose or forget their mask. 

Morning Drop Off
If you are dropping off your child at school in the morning and are walking her / him  to the door, please use the crosswalk located at the intersection of Larkhall Street and Vinnicombe Street. It is monitored by Mr. Conway, our crossing guard, to promote safety. We discourage families from crossing Larkhall Street in front of our main entrance. 

Remembrance Day Video

On behalf of the students and staff we want to offer our gratitude to the people who have served our country in war time and those who have served, and continue to serve, in peace keeping efforts around the world. We want to honour those who have paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we enjoy today. 

For the second year in a row, Covid 19 has prevented us from commemorating Remembrance Day as we traditionally have at Larkhall Academy with a student-led assembly, guests from the community and you, our families.

However, we recognize how important it is to remind our students about the significance of this day. This year we have created our second virtual Remembrance Day tribute. We would like to thank Ms. Lee, our music teacher, Ms. Legge, her MUN intern, and the students, staff and members of our school community who contributed to this video.

Lest We Forget 

October 2021

Parent / Guardian Email:

We ask that all parents and guardians have an up to date email address on file, as this will be our primary means of sharing information with you. Please make sure it is updated on the attached demographic form.

Busing

By now most of you have probably created your account on the NLESD BusPlanner Parent Portal. While you do not require an account to access busing, provided you are 1.6 km from school, the account will allow you to get detailed information on bus pick-up and drop off times, route updates, etc. You will need your child’s student ID number to create an account which was sent home in June. If you are having trouble creating an account please contact regdurdle@nlesd.ca.

This year we have three buses

Route 17-155-7 Referred to at school as Red Bus

Route 17-155-5 Referred to at School Yellow Bus

Route 17-155-6 Referred to at school as Blue Bus

Please note that all busing decisions, with the exception of courtesy seats, are made at the NLESD Transportation Division. If you have any concerns about busing you can visit the NLESD Transportation Division website and fill out the following form. The transportation division website has a wealth of information. We encourage all families to review the Safety Video there with your child.

Lunch Drop Offs

Even though we have entered into a reduced alert level, we are still trying to reduce “outside traffic” into our school. Recognizing that mornings can be chaotic, we know that things can come up and things are forgotten. But we do ask that families try to ensure that their children have everything they need before they leave in the morning. 

Dressed for outside

Fresh air and play are two driving factors behind our students’ Social Emotional Well-Being. Please ensure that your child (children) come to school each day prepared for all the weird and wonderful weather that our beautiful province of Newfoundland and Labrador has to throw our way!

We also ask that you label any personal items belonging to your child/children. It breaks out hearts to see so many items left in the Lost and Found with no home!

Secure School/Lockdowns/Fire drills

Over the weeks to come, classroom teachers will be having discussions and practices with their classes around all 3 of these procedures. It is important that you speak to your child/children about these and stress their importance. 

Knowing what needs to happen in times of stress, helps reduce anxiety around possible incidents that can occur. Our classroom teachers will take great care in their conversations around these topics. 

If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to us.

May 2021

COVID - 19 Information

NLESD Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - School Reopening  updated frequently

Government of NL  Covid-19 Information

Government of Canada Covid 19 - Updates

Time to Move  - Still On Going - We have surpassed a quarter of million minutes !

A reminder from Mr. Worthman that “It's still time to get moving!”. This school-wide initiative is open to ALL members of our Larkhall family - students, siblings, parents/guardians, relatives, and staff. It's simple! 

Visit Mr. Worthman’s Website and record the time that you are taking part in physical activity each day (including weekends). Time to move! is designed to maintain a sense of connection with our Larkhall families that is inclusive and requires very little of your time. You can add to the total time as often as you like, and watch our minutes grow!  Let’s see how many minutes we can log as a school community by the end of this year.

Parking Lot - Safety Concern

As you all know parking is limited at Larkhall Academy and at arrival and dismissal times there is a fair amount of congestion. We need you to strongly consider the following during arrival and dismissal times. 

Morning Arrival

There is a 15 minute window from 8:30 - 8:45 where students can be dropped off. There is no requirement that says your child has to be at the school by 8:30. That is just when the doors open. 

If you are parking and walking your younger child into the building you should use any empty parking spaces at LBJH or the bus lanes and walk your child across the road at the cross walk which is patrolled by a crossing guard. 

If you are just dropping your child remember that the space immediately in front of the school on Larkhall is a NO PARKING ZONE and you may get ticketed if you stop there. Stopping there especially around 8:30 also interferes with our buses being able to safely park to unload. 

Parking Spaces

Parking spaces next to the school on Vinnicombe Street are reserved for staff parking. We ask that you not park there or block the entrance or exit. District Policy requires all staff to back into the parking spaces so they can drive out in the evening. This is done for safety reasons.

Dismissal Safety Concern

We have noticed over the past few days that people are pulling front on into parking spaces that may be available at the end of the day. Children are picked up and then cars are backing out of the lot as children are leaving the building. This poses a serious safety concern. We ask again that you do not park in these spaces at the end of the day. We will have someone out monitoring the parking lot on Vinicombe Street during dismissal times going forward to ensure student safety.

We have consulted with the City of St. John’s on a “Kiss and Ride” drop off and pick up, however given the nature of the school and roads in the area this is not possible. 

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter. Should you have any questions please contact the school. 

Virtual Library Learning Common
Our Virtual Learning Commons is now online. You can check it out here or by following the link to the right. Click here for a quick video tour of the features it has to offer.  A big thank you to our Teacher Librarian, Ms. Harris, for putting this site together. 

This site is designed to engage learners and to promote literacy beyond the four walls of our library. Our goal is to inspire creativity with makerspace activities, as well as further your love of stories, reading, and writing. This VLLC is a tool to help students, teachers and families connect with quality literature and educational resources. Explore, engage, and enjoy!

February 2021

February is Black History Month in Canada

Every February, people in Canada are invited to participate in Black History Month festivities and events that honour the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities. The 2021 theme for Black History Month is: "The Future is Now".

“The Future is Now” is a chance to celebrate and acknowledge the transformative work that Black Canadians and their communities are doing now. To learn more click here.

February 3rd 2021 is Winter Walk Day across Canada.  With much success over the years, the entire month of February is now recognized as Winter Walk Month! This is the perfect opportunity for everyone and their families to get outside together and stretch those legs! Walking is the simplest form of exercise and promotes daily physical activity keeping our community healthy and active.

December 2020

December 2

Term One Report Cards were sent home on Tuesday, December 1st. 

Virtual Family-Teacher Conferences will be held on Thursday , December 3rd. Students will be dismissed at 12:00 on Thursday.     

Students will be dismissed in the usual order with Walkers and Pick-ups being dismissed at 11:45.

Busing students will start dismissal at approximately 11:50 with all buses leaving the school by 12:00

Just a reminder, that if you have booked a video conference with your child’s teacher, please make sure to click on the link in your schedule at your assigned time.

If you requested a phone call, your child’s teacher will call you at your interview time. Please note, because they are using web based calling, “Unknown Caller” may appear in your caller display. 

Please remember  there will be no lunch served on Thursday.

Click Here To Book Your Family Teacher Interview 

Click here for instructions on setting up your account.