September 2023 Updates
September is well under way at Helen Detwiler. It’s great to feel the energy back in the building with our staff, students and volunteers! Extra-curricular activities are starting up as well with choir rehearsal, cross-country running, and volleyball tryouts. Please see below for more school updates.
School Council
School Councils have a legislated role at their schools and are there to ensure the best possible education for students. Our school councils are made up of democratically elected representatives of our parent community. Together they:
- Focus on student learning and the best interest of all students,
- Provide a forum through which parents and other members of the school communities can contribute to improving student achievement and school performance,
- Make recommendations to the school principal and the Board on any matter they see impacting accountability and academic excellence and;
- Serve as a communication and information channel between the school and community
Our School Council Elections will be held on Monday October 16th. More information and nomination forms will be shared shortly.
Learn more about school councils at https://www.hwdsb.on.ca/elementary/get-involved/councils/
Fundraising
Fundraising at our school is used to raise money or fund other resources for our school and students, as approved by the school principal, in consultation with, and upon the advice of the school council and/or a school fundraising organization. For all relevant policies and procedures related to Fundraising, please visit the Policy Section and view with the Finance tab.
Nutrition Program
We are happy to announce that our nutrition program will be starting up on Monday, September 12th! Every class will be provided with a bin every morning containing a variety of snacks (fresh fruit, yogurt, crackers, muffins, cereal, granola bars, etc). Thank you to our nutrition program volunteers for this important service they provide our students.
Volunteering at Helen Detwiler
Volunteers play a very important role in our schools. Our volunteers help enrich our students’ educational experiences and bridge the gap between schools and our community. All volunteers in HWDSB schools MUST provide a new Vulnerable Sector Screening every three years. Volunteers must also sign a current offence declaration each year, in between Vulnerable Sector Screening updates. If there is a break in volunteer service greater than one school year, a new Vulnerable Sector Screening must be completed. We want everyone at HWDSB to be safe in our buildings and the updated Vulnerable Sector Screening is one way we can protect our students. For more information about volunteering, click on the following link: Volunteering | Helen Detwiler Elementary School (hwdsb.on.ca)
School Cash Online
Has your family signed up for School Cash Online? It is an easy, safe way to pay for your child’s trips, events, pizza days and without handing in cash or cheques. School Cash Online accepts many payment forms. To register, please click here to visit the registration page.
Click here to learn more about School Cash Online.
Pizza Day
Pizza Day will continue to be on Wednesdays and we are hoping to start up at the beginning of October. We will share another update before the first pizza day. There will be some changes in how to pay for pizza this year. School Cash Online payments will still be due by Monday. However, Cash payments will be due by Tuesday. No payments will be accepted on the day of pizza day.
Book Mobile Stop at Helen Detwiler
The Bookmobile is Hamilton Public Library’s (HPL) branch on wheels. It makes stops throughout the city to ensure everyone can enjoy library materials and services. HPL has a new bookmobile stop at Helen Detwiler on Wednesdays 11am-12pm, in partnership with the EarlyON centre. Please click HERE for more information.
Mad Science at Helen Detwiler
Mad Science is returning to Helen Detwiler this fall! If you are interested in registering your child for this afterschool program, please click HERE for more information.
Updated on Friday, September 15, 2023.