November Update
Kanétskare November Update
November Lightning News
The months of October and November have been a very busy with our students representing us at the HWDSB Cross Country Meet and our Junior and Senior Boys and Girls’ teams competing in volleyball. We had a great turn out for our 50th Anniversary and Meet the Teacher Night and want to thank everyone who supported our Scholastic Book Fair. The money raised will be used to purchase items for the library.
Remembrance Day Assembly:
The entire school participated in our Remembrance Day Service. Thank you to all classes for creating beautiful paper wreaths that are being displayed in our front foyer. During our ceremony we were proud to also honour Indigenous Veterans Day that occurred on November 8th. Thank you to all of our families past and present who have served and continue to serve for all of us.
Parent Teacher Interviews:
Homeroom teachers will be sending home an interview request letter by Friday, if they have not already done so. In the letter we ask families to complete and return to the homeroom teacher by November 14th so that an interview time can be scheduled and then confirmed by November 18th. Interviews will take place after school on Thursday, November 20th and during the day on Friday, November 21st. Teachers have outlined their availability in the letters being sent home.
Jenn Dickenson our student success teacher for grades 7 and 8, will also be available during interview days to chat about high school transition, student engagement, or overall well-being. If you would like to connect, she will be available on Thursday, November 20 from 4:30- 7 pm, and on Friday from 9-11:30 am. Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] to set up a time that works for you, or indicate to your student’s homeroom teacher that you are interested in connecting.
Progress Reports:
Progress reports will go home with students on November 18th. We ask that families take time to review the information with students and to set goals for the remainder of the school year.
Positive Culture and Well-being:
We have noticed an increase in unkind interactions among students, particularly through words and jokes. We kindly ask families to talk with their children about the importance of choosing kind words and understanding how certain jokes can unintentionally harm friends and bystanders. At school, we aim to create a space where everyone feels safe and included, and we appreciate your support in reinforcing these values at home.
We encourage our students to explore the variety of clubs available during nutrition breaks especially with the cold weather upon us. Thank you for helping to foster an positive, respectful environment for all our students.
Secure Schools:
We will be doing our second Lockdown practice drill on November 19th. Over the coming weeks will complete the rest of our practice drills: Hold and Secure, Shelter in Place and Bomb Threat. In the Spring we will need to complete 3 more practice Fire evacuation drills. If for any reason, we have to leave the school premises our evacuation site is Earl Kitchener Elementary School.
Cold Weather
With the first snowfall just a reminder to keep the snow on the ground. We want our students to enjoy the winter outdoor activities and are encouraged to build snow forts and snow people. Students are also encouraged to change into indoor shoes so that we can keep our hallways and classrooms dry.
Please see the information regarding the boards severe weather policy:
Attendance – We have noticed an increase in the number of students who are absent with no explanation. Just a reminder to please update the reason why a student is away in the parent portal or call the office to report the absence. We will be reviewing absences on a regular basis and contacted families to help support regular attendance at school. Attendance has a direct correlation on student achievement and engagement.
Lates – School starts at 8:40 am. We ask that students be on time to reduce the amount of extra traffic in the office and hallways, along with interruptions in the classroom. Being on time is a life skill, so let’s create good habit!
Intramurals & Clubs – There are lots of extra curricular activities to keep students engaged and active during nutrition break. Please check our website daily for morning annoucements about club offerings, dates and times.
Personal Devices – Over the last couple of weeks we have noticed that some students are not placing their personal devices in their lockers upon arrival. If personal devices are used during the day for anything other than educational purposes they will be confiscated and placed in the office for the day. Your support is greatly appreciated. We also want to remind families that if you need to contact a student during the day, please contact the office as we are more than happy to assist.
Upcoming Dates
- November 18th – Progress Reports Sent Home with Students
- November 19th – Westdale Grade 7 and 8 Information Night @ Westdale Secondary School, 6 to 8 pm
- November 2oth – Parent Teacher Interviews (4:30 to 7:00 pm)
- November 21st – Parent Teacher Interviews (PD Day)
- November 26th – Westmount Grade 7 and 8 Information Night @ Westmount Secondary School, 6 to 8 pm
- November 27th – School Council Meeting from 6:00 to 7:00 pm in the library
- December 19th – Last day of school before the Winter Break
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Updated on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.