Westwood October Newsletter

We would like to thank the staff, students and the community for continuing to do their part to ensure a safe school reopening. It’s hard to believe that the first month of school is coming to an end. Despite the continued enhanced safety measures and protocols put in place, students have settled into their classrooms and have adapted to school and classroom routines.

We are delighted to see students and staff back in their classrooms engaged in teaching and learning however, in order to continue a safe school year, the following events and activities continue to be paused until further notice:

– Sale of milk and food items
– School photo days
– School assemblies
– Field trips and excursions

Staffing Update

I would like to welcome Ms. Provan and Ms. Lewis to the Westwood staff. Ms. Provan has been teaching class 1A during the afternoons since the beginning of the school year and will continue until further notice. Ms. Lewis has recently been teaching in class JKSKD and will continue until further notice.

Orange Shirt Day/National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

At HWDSB, we respect the longstanding relationships with the local Indigenous communities, the
Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Six Nations of the Grand River. On Thursday, September 30, we wear orange to honour the story of Phyllis Webstad, who in the early 1970s had her orange shirt taken away on her first day at the St. Joseph Mission (SJM) Residential School in British Columbia. If you would like to access more family resources around Indigenous Education, please click here: Indigenous Education | Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (hwdsb.on.ca)

Scents and Fragrances in the School

HWDSB is committed to promoting a safe, healthy and respectful working and learning environment for all staff and students. In doing so, it is important to recognize the impact scented products/fragrances may have on people in the school. While understanding that scented products/fragrances are a personal choice, use of these products can result in unintended discomfort or adverse health effects for others. Please avoid sending your child to school with scented oils, body spray, or perfumes.

School Council

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

http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/elemsec/council/council02.pdf

We welcome all parents/guardians who are willing to volunteer their time to participate on our School Council for the 2021-2022 school year. Typically, School Councils meet in person on a regular basis to discuss school-wide interests and to make recommendations to the principal, however, this year, due to Public Health considerations, meetings will be held virtually. Our school council elections will take place on Tuesday October 5th at 6:30 pm. For more information please click here: Westwood School Council Nominations and Elections -2021/22 | Westwood Elementary School (hwdsb.on.ca)

Westmount Rec. Centre After School Care Program

The Westmount Recreation Centre has started its after school care program. They are offering a FREE, safe and fun program during after school hours. This structured program will include daily snacks and physical activity, as well as other exciting programming, such as arts, swimming, science, and special guests. For more information visit: hamilton.ca/recreation or call 905-546-3747

Neighbour 2 Neighbour Community Food Centre Breakfast Program

Did you know that the The N2N Community Food Centre has a breakfast program every Tuesday from 8:00 am – 9:00 am?

For more information, contact Amy: [email protected], 905-574-1334 ext 302