2024-2025 Dalewood Welcome Back Messages
Hello, Dalewood Families,
As the 2024-25 school year quickly approaches, we are excited to welcome students back to class on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.
Our entire staff is to be commended for all their hard work preparing their classrooms and school for your children.
Beginning the new school year can be a time of excitement, nervousness and energy for students, staff and families alike.
But the start of the school year at Dalewood is also a time of new beginnings filled with opportunities for all students to experience a sense of belonging, engage in dynamic learning and reach their full potential.
To help Dalewood families prepare for their child(ren)’s return to the classroom, we would like to share the following information:
DALEWOOD’S 2024-2025 INSTRUCTIONAL DAY
Instructional day begins at 8:15 am
Period 1- 8:15 – 8:55 am
Period 2- 8:55 – 9:35 am
Period 3- 9:35 – 10:15 am
Nutrition Break #1 10:15- 10:55 am
Period 4- 10:55 – 11:25 am
Period 5- 11:25 – 11:55 am
Period 6– 11:55 – 12:35 pm
Nutrition Break #2 12:35 – 1:15 pm
Period 7- 1:15 – 1:55 pm
Period 8- 1:55- 2:35 pm
2:35 pm dismissal
TRANSPORTATION
Hamilton Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) provides students with safe and secure transportation for eligible students by HWSTS. This may take the form of traditional school buses, school purpose vans or Hamilton Street Railway transit. For more information, visit HWDSB’s Transportation webpage. If your child qualifies for transportation, please remember to re-check information prior to sending your child(ren) to their assigned pickup location on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, as changes can occur.
CODE OF CONDUCT
HWDSB is committed to making each one of its schools a caring place that is safe for learning. Every student deserves to feel and be safe in a school, on the school grounds, on the school bus and at school events and activities. Visit HWDSB’s Code of Conduct webpage to learn about these changes.
There is a section in HWDSB’s Code of Conduct that outlines changes to mobile devices (including cell phones).
“Students in Kindergarten to Grade 8 must have their devices stored out of view and powered off (or on silent mode) throughout the full instructional day (school day), including nutrition breaks unless permitted by the educator.”
Please note that at Dalewood students have access to 1-1 lockers. We highly recommend getting a lock for your child/children’s locker as mobile devices will be stored here for the full instructional day, including nutrition breaks. Families and caregivers can reach their child at any time by calling Dalewood’s main office.
FAMILY COMMUNICATION
Staying connected with your child(ren)’s schools, the Board and services matters. HWDSB offers many ways for parents and caregivers to stay connected. To learn how you can access the most up-to-date information, visit HWDSB’s Parent page.
SCHOOLMESSENGER
Dalewood and all HWDSB schools use SchoolMessenger to notify families about unexplained absences, as well as other important announcements. Families can use the free SchoolMessenger app or website to choose how they wish to receive these messages. Please contact your child(ren)’s school to provide current – or to change – your information.
STUDENT DRESS GUIDELINES
Starting in September 2024, HWDSB is sharing updated Student Dress Guidelines to help foster positive and inclusive learning environments. Developed with extensive student input and community consultation, these guidelines focus on equity, dignity, and well-being for every student. They can express themselves freely, without fear of bias or discrimination. Visit hwdsb.info/student-dress to learn more.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Dalewood and HWDSB values and appreciates dedicated volunteers who share their time and talents in support of healthy, positive and flourishing school communities. If you are interested in exploring volunteer opportunities like School Council at Dalewood please connect with Katie Hopkins ([email protected]) for information about nominations and elections. Please see HWDSB’s Volunteers in Schools page for more information.
The First School Council Meeting will be held, Wednesday, September 25th from 6:30 – 7:30 pm in the Art Room. Here is a form to express interest in attending, any questions you may have and/or any topics you are interested in discussing. Your voice matters!
PIZZA DAYS
We will be offering weekly pizza days starting mid-September. Families can purchase pizza for the month through School Cash Online. Information will be available shortly.
STUDENTS LEAVING SCHOOL PROPERTY DURING SECOND NUTRITION BREAK
Student safety is a priority at Dalewood. There will be some changes regarding students leaving school property during second nutrition break. I have consulted with HWDSB policy, neighbouring schools and safe school protocols.
- Grade 7 and 8 students can leave Dalewood property at second nutrition break with written permission each day (no student will leave school property at first nutrition break). Grade 6 students will not be permitted to leave school property during any nutrition break.
- Parents/guardians will be required to submit a note granting permission to leave school property during second nutrition break with the date each time their child (grade 7 or 8 only) goes out. We will no longer accept emails or student phone calls home.
- Students will drop their permission note off at second nutrition break to the office and retrieve it upon arrival. This will be a quick visual of who is out from each class and at what time students return. If students are late returning from break, lunch permissions will be discussed as we want to ensure the safety of all students.
- If students are walking home for lunch, permission can be granted via the Parent Portal for the school year. This does not apply to students going out into the community for lunch.
UPCOMING DATES
September 3:
- Welcome Back Assembly (during instructional day for students)
September 17:
- School Wide Belonging Activities (during instructional day for students)
- Meet the Staff (5:00 – 6:30 pm)
- Dominos Dough Raiser (families can order pizza as a fundraiser for Dalewood)
September 20:
- PA Day (no school for students)
September 27:
- Dalewood Terry Fox Run (Dalewood Terry Fox Donations Page)
September 30:
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day
SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
Home, community and school partnerships are extremely important to me. I value ongoing communication. Please reach out any time, I am always happy to schedule an in-person meeting, reach out by phone and/or email. Your voice matters and we can work together to support your child/children. My weekly parent/guardian communication will go out via SchoolMessenger every Friday.
At Dalewood, we are committed to partnering with our families to ensure that your child(ren)’s school experience reflects HWDSB’s values – dignity, trust, compassion and joy. We are committed to ensuring your child(ren) are celebrated for who they are, experience safe and caring school environments and are supported to achieve their own academic success and positive learning outcomes.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out at 905-528-8631 and/or [email protected].
Sincerely,
Mrs. K. Hopkins, Principal
Updated on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.