SWL Community Weekly Time Lion Sept. 23-27

Community Update September 23-27

Human Rights and Equity Student Invite

Human Rights and Equity Parent Invite

Upcoming Events

School Council Meeting Sept. 30

SWL Open House October 9 4:00PM – 5:30PM

Bus Safety Presentation – October 21

Entry/Dismissal

Families are encouraged to walk, roll, ride to school.  Majority of our families live within the walking catchment, and we have appreciated the efforts to improve safety during entry/dismissal time by avoiding vehicle traffic when able.

If you require a special circumstance and must transport your child/children by vehicle, please follow signage of areas near the school that is private property and non-permitted parking areas on the street.

Our school parking lot is closed between the following times listed below to support our walking families’ safety and allow for our buses to enter/exit the school.

8:35AM-8:50AM

3:10PM – 3:25PM

Glassware in Lunches

Please avoid sending glass containers and glass water bottles to schools to support student safety.  Thank you for your understanding here.

Growing Together

Below is a link to Hamilton’s Growing Together document which includes various community support services for our SWL families interested.  Families also looking for a primary care doctor or nurse practitioner can register for the Escarpment Health Centre support in the link below.

https://www.escarpmenthealth.ca/upc

Growing-Together-Guide.pdf (hamiltonhealthsciences.ca)

Fall Re-organization

RE: Class Reorganization

At HWDSB, we are committed to providing quality education that support your child(ren)’s academic success and positive learning outcomes.

That is why each spring HWDSB staff projects what the anticipated fall enrolment numbers may be at elementary schools Board-wide.  These projections help to inform anticipated school staffing needs, and the number of classrooms required to support positive, safe and supportive learning environments.

It is important to note that these projected numbers do fluctuate, and that is why it is standard practice for HWDSB to reorganize based on the Board’s actual Fall enrolment numbers. Reorganization can occur due to several factors including enrolment options that students have available to them, as well as the ongoing need to meet provincial class size requirements.

This year, HWDSB has undertaken this reorganization process and determined class changes that impacts students. We understand that reorganization impacts students and families’ experiences, and we want to assure you that this process is being implemented as quickly as possible.

Specifically, at our school, the reorganization will mean and additional primary classroom, Grade 2/3B.

Adding an additional primary class at SWL will impact some student movement in Grades 1-3 and will allow for classes to meet ministry class size recommendations.  Our Kindergarten classes and Junior/Intermediate classes will not be impacted this year.

We will connect with families directly if your child will be moving to a new classroom.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.

As always, our team of dedicated educators will work with you to ensure your child is well supported during this process.

If you have any questions, please feel free to our main office for further information.

Students Requiring a Medical Plan of Care

If your child requires a specific medial plan of care (i.e., Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Diabetic, Epilepsy, Special Medical Conditions) and you have not informed the office, please connect with the school as soon as possible so we can support and provide families with correct forms and processes.

Our office has sent home updated forms for families of students that currently have a medical plan of care at SWL.  Any updates or new information can be included in these forms.  If the plan has not changed a signature is all that is required.

Students requiring an epi-pen, must always have one on person and one stored at our main office.  The epi-pen can be handed to the office.   Students that require an inhaler should always have on person.  Extra inhalers can also be stored at our main office for support.

Administration of medications require parent/guardian permission and a doctor signature.

Awareness of Student Allergies

We want all children and those with a life-threatening allergy, to feel safe, supported and accepted at school.

Please be aware that there are students in our school that have severe life-threatening food allergies to nuts and eggs in our building.

This life-threatening allergy is likely to result in anaphylaxis, a sudden and severe allergic reaction that can be fatal.

We can all help foster a safe and inclusive environment by preventing such a dangerous and frightening situation at our school.  All staff know about this risk and have been instructed on the correct procedures regarding anaphylactic shock.

To help reduce risk, please help your children understand the seriousness of this allergy and encourage empathy for the child. Please do not send to school any lunches or snacks containing nut products.  In addition, students should not be sharing food and please do not send food for special events (e.g., student birthday, holiday party).  Educators may arrange alternate ways to celebrate while maintaining safety.

Thank you for your support and understanding.

Volunteer Opportunities

SWL 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 SWL, please connect with our main office for information about nominations and elections. Please see HWDSB’s Volunteers in Schools page for more information.

 

School Council

Every school in Ontario is required to have a School Council and work collaboratively with the Principal to improve student achievement and enhance accountability of the school with parents.  Information about School Councils can be found here:

https://www.ontario.ca/page/school-councils-guide-members

We welcome all parents/guardians willing to volunteer their time on our School Council for the 2024-2025 school year.  School Councils must hold an annual election to identify voting members which will occur at our first meeting.

Our 1^st School Council first meeting and elections is scheduled for Monday, September 30 at 6PM.  School Council forms are attached in this update for parents/guardians interested in joining our council this year.  All families are welcome! Families do not need to be on council to attend our meetings.  We encourage parent/guardian voice.  Meetings will occur in-person and virtually throughout the year to accommodate families’ schedules.  Please see our website, School Council Page, for further details about Council.

School Council Fundraising for Student Initiatives

Order Krispy Kreme Cash Online September

School Council will be fundraising in September to support a variety of student initiatives

(e.g., excursions, hands on instructional materials, inquiry learning).

Dear Families,

Thank you for supporting our fall fundraiser!

Doughnuts may be picked up in front of the gym from 9am-10am and 3-4pm, September 25, 26 and 27th. Please use the gym doors for entry. A council member will be there to assist you.

Friendly FYI, when reheated for approximately 8-10 seconds, doughnuts will taste fresh from the oven!

*FRESHNESS OF DOUGHNUTS CANNOT BE GUARANTEED AFTER FRIDAY