November Updates

Life at SWL continues to be busy!  As public health measures are relaxed, we have been able to slowly start some groups and clubs.  We have a variety of clubs that are running at Nutrition Breaks and our Cross Country team recently competed at the Board meet.  Our Senior Boys and Girls Volleyball seasons are underway!  Best of luck to these teams!  We have been completing our Secure School and Fire Drills.  Our students celebrated Halloween/Orange & Black Day and our next School Spirit Day is set for this week.  Friday is Comfy Cozy day.  Students are encouraged to wear their most comfortable clothes (fleecies, pajamas, etc).  No stuffies allowed please.  We also recognized Terry Fox Day by having all students participate in the Walk/Run.  Most recently, our school held our Virtual Remembrance Day Assembly to take the time to honour and remember those who have served, or are serving, our country.

School Council:  Thank you to those who indicated they are wanting to take part in School Council.  We will be contacting you via email.  Our first School Council Meeting is set for Thursday, December 9 at 6:00 pm.  All meetings will be held virtually this year.  You will receive an email invite to our meeting.

Nutrition Program:  Our Nutrition Program at SWL provides our students with daily healthy snacks to ensure our students are ready for learning. It is a vital program for our school!  We are in need of 6-8 volunteers to prepare and deliver Nutrition Bins to each class weekly.  The role involves a police check, proof of double vaccine to the Vice Principal and once in the school, signing in and wearing board approved PPE. The actual food preparation involves the sanitization of the Nutrition Bins, washing and counting of food into bins and delivering them to the classes.   If you are interested, please send an email with your name to [email protected]

Important Forms:  Recently, we sent home a package of forms that we have asked families to review.  Most importantly, we ask that you review and update the Student Medical Information Form to ensure we have accurate contact information.  We are also asking that you sign and return the Media Consent Form to be able to include your child’s photo when posting pictures to our website or social media accounts.

School Messenger:  If your child is absent or late, please use School Messenger’s Safe Arrival feature. This can be done by website, app or phone by going to:  www.schoolmessenger.com/safearrival
These services are available 24 hours, seven days a week. When your child is going to be absent, it is essential for your child’s safety to notify the school. If we do not receive a notification and your child is absent, our automated attendance notification program will call your home and send you an email to inform you of your child’s absence.

School Improvements:  School improvements continue to happen here at SWL!  You may have noticed that work has started on our new electronic sign with LED display.  We will be able to post important messages and reminders on this sign.   We are excited for this to be installed!  As well, our school will be receiving new exterior windows and doors.  This is not only for security and aesthetics, but should also support improved ventilation in the school.  This work is slated to commence mid 2022.

Parking/Drop Off & Pick Up:  Our parking lot was not designed to accommodate the amount of traffic we see on a daily basis.  We have noticed that many people have been ignoring the posted signs and parking/stopping in No Parking and No Stopping areas.  The city parking enforcement office has stopped by the school to provide recommendations.  We will be installing new signage and By-Law will be making visits to the school and will tag any violators.  As our school is very walkable (sidewalks, crossing guards and most students live within walking distance), we encourage families to walk to school to avoid some of the congestion and frustration.

Construction:  Construction is occuring on Albright Road which also impacts the traffic situation.  We ask that families either choose to walk to school, or demonstrate patience and understanding during our busy times.  We also ask that families do not park in areas that they should not be (the Rec Centre parking lot, local businesses and residences).  Thank you for your cooperation!

Progress Reports/Communication of Learning:  At this time of year, all students will be receiving their initial reports.  Students in Kindergarten will receive the initial observations for the start of the year and students in grades 1-8 will receive their Progress Reports.  Please take the time to review and speak to your child about their report.  It is helpful to set some goals for the coming term; academic, Learning Skills, and/or school attendance.  Parents in grades 1-8 are encouraged to complete the Parent Input section and return to the school.  We are asking that ALL families return the report card envelope so that it can be re-used next term.

Canadian Cognitive Abilities Test:  This month, our Grade 4 students will be participating in this testing as part of the board-wide gifted screening process.    No advance preparation is needed and will be administered by our school staff.  This testing takes place each year in November to all our grade 4 students.

Wishing all of our families well!