Welcome Back

Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year.  We hope that everyone had an enjoyable summer.  We have been busy getting ready this week and are thrilled to see students, staff and families again.

Each new year is a great new opportunity.  A special welcome to those families and students who are new to Winona. I am certain that you will immediately recognize that this is a friendly school with a very dedicated staff. Below is some information for families as you start planning the upcoming week and getting your routines back in place.

Our school bell times this year are 8:40 am – 3:00 pm.  Student Drop-off and the Kiss & Drop Lane open at 8:25 a.m. Please remember that, for safety reasons, students should not be dropped off before 8:25 am as staff members are not outside for supervision until that time.

Grade 1-8 classes will assemble and dismiss on the same area of the tarvia each day.  On the first morning, teachers will have signs indicating their classroom and name.  If you have any difficulties, the staff in orange vests can assist you.

As we move beyond the first day, we ask that you “drop and go” at the gate to support student safety, independence, and morning supervision routines.

At the end of the day, many of our classrooms will be utilizing our outdoor space, and bus lines will be assembling. For this reason, we ask that you refrain from entering the schoolyard.

Wednesday, September 6, 2023 – 

Grade 1-8 Students – First Day of Classes

JK & SK Students – No Classes

New Kindergarten Students are invited in for a short school visit with a caregiver. Classroom educators will be reaching out with details of your visit.

Thursday, September 7, 2023

All JK and SK Students – First Day of Classes

Bell Times – Bell Times for the 2023-2024 school year are as follows:

8:25 am – School Yard Supervision Begins/Busses Unload/Kiss & Drop Lanes Open

8:40 am – Bell Rings – Student Entry

3:00 pm – Bell Rings – Student Dismissal

Dismissal Plan

It is important to communicate your child’s dismissal plan to the homeroom teacher.  This will help to ensure that all students are in the right place at the end of each day.

School-Based Communication

We will continue to keep you posted through our website and school messenger emails.  New on our school website is our daily in-school announcement board.  Be sure to check this out in addition to the regular news posted each week. As we use email regularly, be sure to keep your email address current and up to date. For those who would like to be notified when board and school news is posted on our website, we recommend you subscribe.

Water Bottles

Please send your child with a reusable water bottle so they can stay hydrated through our hydration stations.

School Supplies

On the first day, students will be provided with supplies (pencils, markers, rulers, etc) by the school.  Families may send a few extras, however, this is not required.  Individual teachers may request specific items throughout the school year.

Parent Portal

Families need to familiarize themselves with the HWDSB Parent Portal.  The portal includes important links to attendance reporting, SchoolCash online, transportation, and important forms and surveys. Your child’s class assignment for September will also be posted on the portal.  Please note that due to fluctuating numbers, there have been some changes, so be sure to check.

Dress for the Weather

There will be lots of outdoor time during the first few weeks.  Send your child to school ready for time outside and all types of weather (i.e. jacket, extra socks, layers).  Both indoor and outdoor shoes will be required as our yard can get muddy and wet.

Transportation

To assist our students, we name each route with a colour at Winona.  Families can find their route names at the posted link.  On the first day, students will receive a coloured bus tag for their backpacks.  This will help us organize the students at the end of the day.

Please visit the HWDSB transportation page for details of your bus route.  Families will need to set up an account to find their child-specific information. Your child’s OEN can be found on their report card. Please note that transportation is often delayed during the first few days, as everyone establishes their routine.

Courtesy Transportation

Only eligible students will be able to ride the bus.  Please ensure that you have made alternate transportation arrangements if you are a past courtesy rider.  Courtesy forms are available in the office or online.  They will be reviewed at the end of the month, once all eligible riders have been confirmed.

Kiss & Drop Lane Drop-off in the Morning

We ask parents to use the “Kiss & Drop” Lane rather than parking their car. By using Kiss and Drop Lane, you will help alleviate pressure in the bus area and improve safety for the children.

Our Kiss & Drop works best if you have your child ready to exit with their backpack, etc. on their laps rather than in your car trunk.  Staff will be along the sidewalk to receive and direct younger children as well as walk Kindergarten children to their fenced play area.  All other children will proceed to a designated/marked area for their grade and class cohort each day.

Vehicles are not permitted to park at any time in this lane so as not to disrupt traffic flow. The front drive lane is also a Fire Access Lane so parking in this zone at ANY TIME is prohibited by law.

Parking Lot Drop-off in the Morning

If you must drop off your child in the parking lot, we ask that you walk your child safely through the lot. Two areas will be designated as cross-walk areas.

Life-Threatening Allergies

We want all children, including those with life-threatening allergies, to feel safe, supported and accepted at school. Please be aware that students at our school have severe life-threatening food allergies to any food containing nuts. We request that you do not send any lunches or snacks containing nuts. Your child’s teacher may also reach out if there is an additional severe food allergy in your child’s classroom that needs to be considered.

Supporting a Positive Return to School

Please reach out to the school if you have any questions or concerns about a positive return to school.  To further support families, sessions facilitated by our Social Work department are available to support families.  Visit this link for more information. If you missed the first sessions, there are more to come throughout the year.

Enjoy your long weekend and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to school next week.