Principal Update Aug 31

Welcome to the new school year!

I consider it an honour to be the principal of such a great school. I am looking forward to seeing students on Tuesday.

A number of staff have been working hard over the summer to make sure that Ancaster Meadow is ready for another school year. I would like to thank all these staff for their efforts. You will notice that HWDSB Facilities staff have removed four portables. Our caretaking staff have been busy making sure the building has been thoroughly cleaned; the floors look great with a new coat of wax. Our office staff have been busy this week with some start up tasks and working with families on new registrations. A number of families move in and out of the Ancaster Meadow area each summer so this is a lot of work. I would also like to extend a welcome to these new families- Ancaster Meadow is a wonderful school community to be joining. Our teaching staff are also dedicated and many were in the school this week making sure that classrooms are ready.

I would like to welcome a number of new staff:

Vice-Principal – Mr. Jeff Zwolak

Office Assistant – Mrs. Audra Schinella

Gr 6/7 – Mrs. Rebecca Mcewen

ESL – Mrs. Melinda Skrypnyk-Aird

Reading Specialist – Mrs. Cynthia Johnson

LTO for Gr 4/5 (Ms. Harth) – Mr. John Butterworth

LTO for ESL (Mrs. Panone) -Mrs. Aysha Siddiqi

LTO for coverage (Mrs. Pettit) – Lindsay Rogers

LTO for Gr  8B (Mrs. Fallon) – TBD

LTO for DECE (Mrs. Bowslaugh)- Ms. Jodie Secord

LTO for DECE (Mrs. Williams) – Mrs. Jackie Voorberg

Ancaster meadow has a lot of activities to offer students both in and out of the classroom. Our daily announcements and school calendar are on the school website to help families stay informed.

A start up information package was posted on the school website earlier this week. A paper copy of the package will be sent home on the first day of school. Individual teachers will send home additional information specific to their grade and class.

On Tuesday morning, starting at 8:45am, students will meet their homeroom teachers on the back blacktop. There will be signs on the wall for class teachers and other staff will have class lists to help students find their correct class. Families with students in Kindergarten should follow the information communicated in June, for most JK students a booked orientation appointment will be on Tuesday and the first regular day of kindergarten for JK and SK students will be Wednesday.

A few reminders to ensure student safety. The HWDSB Safe Arrival protocols require that the inside of the school is for students and staff only during instructional time. Only students and staff can enter the building through the back doors. Any family members must enter the school through the front door buzzer and check in with the Main Office. School buses have priority in the parking lot; drivers must stay with their vehicles in the school parking lot – students are encouraged to walk and bike to school!

I will continue to post a Principal’s update each Friday to help keep families up to date.

Enjoy the long weekend! See everyone Tuesday morning!

Simon Goodacre, Principal