Community Update-September 11

Welcome back to the 2024/2025 School Year!! 

It is my pleasure to welcome new and returning families to AM Cunningham.  By way of introduction, my name is Greg Moore and I am the temporary principal filling in for Ms. George.  I anticipate being here for the month of September until Ms. George’s return.

While it has been a very busy “Back to School”, I couldn’t help noticing how excited both staff and students seem to be back to school!

Like any new school year, there are many new faces on staff.  I would like to officially welcome all of our new staff members.  You can check out our full staff list  attached to this communication.

Upcoming Dates 
To help families keep organized, here are some upcoming events you should be aware of.

September 20-PA Day (No school for students)
September 27-Terry Fox Run

We are going to postpone our Meet the Teacher event until October to allow for the fall re-organization process to finish.  At this point, we do not know if we will be re-organizing, but often times at this time of year, there is some movement of students to balance class numbers and adhere to Ministry Class caps.  More details will be provided as we get closer to that event.

Construction Updates 
As you might be aware, AMC has had a great deal of construction happening over the summer.  Some of the projects were completed, while others we are still waiting on.  The Accessible Washroom is not yet complete, neither is the gym.  Timelines for completion are not currently available, but we are excited to see these spaces once work is done.  In the meantime, Ms. Lowery is conducting Physical Education classes outside, weather permitting.

Communication 
You can contact us by phone (905-544-7771) or by email ([email protected]).  Please feel free to reach out at any time!  Ms. Veronica and Ms. Cathy are our office staff this year and will be happy to direct your call to the appropriate person.

A community update will be distributed regularly to families to keep you informed about life at AMC.  We are also looking to update our website on a more regular basis.  Please be sure to subscribe to be alerted of new posts.

Pizza Days 
A student (and parent) favourite!!  We are looking to start Pizza Days in October.  We are looking for at least 2 parent volunteers to help support the program.  If you are interested, please contact the school.  A reminder that volunteers in school require a Vulnerable Sector Screening from Hamilton Police Service.

School Council
AMC has an active School Council.  This year, Council elections need to be completed by October 16th.  If you are interested in serving on Council this year, please complete the attached School Council nomination letter and return to the school with your child or to the AMC email account.

Student Medical 
If your child has a prevalent or life-threatening medical condition, you will be receiving the annual Plan of Care letter to update the emergency plan for your child.  Please be sure to review and respond to the school as soon as possible after receiving this communication.

If your child has recently been diagnosed (i.e. anaphylaxis, diabetes, severe asthma, etc), please contact the school to start the Plan of Care process.

Student Absences 
HWDSB uses SchoolMessenger to report absences as well as other important announcements.  For more information about this important resource, please follow this link.

Drop Off and Dismissal Routines 
As a reminder, Supervision starts on the playground at 8:05 am.

Parents/ Guardians are asked to “drop” their child off, and immediately leave the blacktop.  While you are welcome to leave your child with us, you are welcome to wait for your child at the side of the school. Grade 1-5 students should be arriving on time to the back playground.

Students who arrive after the 8:20 bell are late and must enter by the office. Being on time, gives each student a calm start to their day.  Many students thrive on this feeling, knowing that they haven’t missed anything important at the beginning of the day.  Being on time is an important goal to have for every family!

If you have information to share with their teacher – please email or call. This allows staff to focus on ensuring that students have their full attention as we have a positive start to the school day.

Please be mindful that dogs are not allowed on school property during instructional hours. You are welcome to wait with your pet by the sidewalk.

The parking lot is for staff parking only.  
Parents CAN NOT park or drive through to drop off or pick up students.  Please park on a side street and walk your child(ren) to the playground.  As well, DO NOT block or park in our neighbours’ driveways.  

Be mindful of all the safety rules to keep everyone safe, as the school area is very busy with children, parents, buses, and cars.

Classes start at 8:20 am and end at 2:40 pm.
Dismissal – 2:40 pm

Caregivers are asked to wait at the side of the blacktop until the dismissal bell has rung. Upon dismissal, students must leave school property in a timely fashion.   Parents, if your child is in a portable, please do not wait or knock on the portable door to get them.  Teachers will dismiss the students to the back playground at the bell. Thank you!

School Supplies and Backpacks 
If your family is in need of a backpack or school supplies, please contact the office. We have several that have been donated to our community for families who would benefit.  This process is confidential.

Contact Information changes? 
Please update the school if any of your contact details have changed (e.g., cell phone, address, emergency contacts).  You can edit it through the Parent Portal by going to Forms – Student Verification OR by contacting the office directly.

Attachments 

STAFF LIST

SCHOOL COUNCIL NOMINATION FORM -pdf
SCHOOL COUNCIL NOMINATION FORM  -word