Welcome Message

Dear Families,

Welcome to the 2021/22 school year! We are excited to welcome students back to school and hope that everyone has enjoyed the summer break. For the 2021/22 school year, our priority is student health, safety and well-being and we are working with Public Health to ensure a safe return to school. Within classrooms, we will be placing a strong emphasis on student wellness through attention to community and team building, physical activation and social emotional skill development.

This year, we have added several new classes and we are excited to welcome a number of new teachers our team. We are also pleased to share that Mr. Gord Cook has returned to Frank Panabaker as Acting Vice Principal. Mr. Cook will continue to work at Frank Panabaker North. In addition, we are excited to share that we have added a Grade 7/8 French Immersion Remote class to Frank Panabaker School.

At this time, families can access the Parent Portal and see each child’s teacher for this school year.  There are some teachers who are not yet identified and this information will be updated later this week. It is important for families to understand that the caring staff at Frank Panabaker School engage in a lengthy and thoughtful process to determine class placements that will support student success and achievement. Many factors, including current and potential relationships, are taken into consideration and requests for class changes will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.

A reminder that our bell times have changed and, this year, our school day will begin at 8:15 am and end at 2:35 pm. Staff will be on the school yard to supervise and assist students 15 minutes before and after school each day. Please visit the School Day and Routines on our website for information regarding nutrition breaks and bell times.

The First Day of School

The first day of school is Wednesday, September 8^th, Day 1. On the first day of school, students will meet their teacher and classmates on the school yard behind each building. Students will be able to find a sign with their teacher’s name indicating the location where they can meet their classmates and teacher. Teachers will greet the class and bring them into the school for the start of the day.

Students in Kindergarten and grades 5-8 will meet at Frank Panabaker South.

Students in Grade 1-4 will meet at Frank Panabaker North.

Parents are asked to wait to the side (outside of the coned off area). This will ensure student safety, cohort integrity and social distancing. If you are in need of assistance, look for a staff member in an orange vest who will be happy to help.

 Kindergarten Students

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

All kindergarten children new to kindergarten and/or the school will have the opportunity for a short visit with a caregiver in order to ensure that they feel comfortable and supported as they transition to school. Families will soon receive an email invitation indicating the time of the visit.

Thursday, September 9, 2021

All Kindergarten students begin full day attendance.

Transportation and Parking Lot

To increase active living, support our eco initiatives and reduce congestion in our parking lot we strongly encourage our students to walk or ride their bikes and scooters to school. Please take some time to review the information and expectations around our school parking lot and access points found in the Parking Lot tab on our website.

If your child is taking the bus this year, they will be met by staff upon arrival and supported by staff at the end of the day. It is very important that families take time to ensure that their child understands how they are getting home at the end of the school day and, if they are taking the bus, that they know their bus route number. Please know that bus transportation may experience delays during start-up; your cooperation and understanding is greatly appreciated.

Stay connected for more information by subscribing to our school website (https://www.hwdsb.on.ca/frankpanabaker/)and following us on Twitter (Panabaker_HWDSB). On our website you will find more detailed information about bell times, school expectations, staff and procedures. If you have any questions, please contact the classroom teacher or the school at 905.648.4439 (Kindergarten, Grade 5-8) or 905.648.4115 (Grades 1-4).

We are looking forward to a great year together and hope you enjoy these last few days of summer!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Caitlin Evans

Principal