Winona News – Sept 29
October is…
Islamic Heritage Month
Latin American Heritage Month
Learning Disabilities Awareness Month
Women’s History Month
Upcoming October Days of Significance and/or Importance
Oct 4 – National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
Oct 2 – 4 Rosh Hashanah (Judaism)
Oct 14 – Thanksgiving
Oct 11 12 – Yom Kippur (Judaism)
Oct 15 Birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (Sikhism)
Oct 17 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
Oct 31 Diwali (Hinduism/Jainism/Sikhism)
Upcoming Events at Winona
Sept 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Orange Shirt Day
Oct 2 – National Custodial Worker Day
Oct 3 – Pita Days Start (Order due by Sunday noon)
Oct 3 – Junior Swim Team Practice
Oct 7 – HWDSB Cross Country Meet
Oct 8 – Meet the Staff Evening – 5-6:30 pm
Oct 9&10 – Photo Day (Day 1 K-3/4, Day 2 4-8)
Oct 10 – Sr. Boys Volleyball
Oct 10 – Jr. Swim Team Practice
Oct 11 – Ticat’s Online Safety Assembly (Gr. 3-8)
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day) – On Monday, September 30, Winona staff and students will recognize the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day). We will not only recognize this day by wearing an Orange Shirt, but also engage in learning that honours the Indigenous children who were sent to residential schools and work towards educating ourselves about this history. A family-friendly link is provided for those who want to learn more about this day and engage in at-home discussions. https://www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/post/watch-kids-asked-and-orange-shirt-day-founder-phyllis-webstad-answered
Meet the Staff – On Tuesday, October 8, the staff at Winona welcome families for school and classroom visits, from 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm. As our students bring their families through our school, most staff will be present for introductions and to meet families. For students who are moving to a new classroom due to reorganization, this will be a great opportunity to meet your child’s new educator and visit their classroom. Additionally, Winoa School Council will support busy families by selling pizzas for take home dinner. More details to come. We look forward to seeing everyone!
Reorganization – This year, we experienced an overall reduction in elementary enrolment at Winona. Effective October 3, 2024, the following changes will take place at Winona.
1/2 B (Pelletier) will transition to 2D
2/3 A (Jackson) will transition to 3C
JSKF (Shipley/Pattenden) will transition to a class of 15 without an Early Childhood Educator
Some students will transition to new classrooms to support this change and/or to reduce class size
Impacted families were notified last week. Unfortunately, Winona will also be saying goodbye to Mrs. Pattenden, as she will be departing as a result of these changes. We wish her the best of luck in her new assignment.
Nutrition Policy – Did you know that all schools in Ontario are required to follow the Healthy Schools: Food and Beverage Policy? As part of this policy, schools are allowed up to 10 “special-event” days throughout the year, where they are exempt from the standards. At Winona, these will be allocated throughout the year for school and classroom events. Your child’s teacher will keep you informed and guide you when these days are allocated. Due to the nutrition policy and the allergy and food restrictions of individual students, we ask that birthday items such as class-wide birthday treats are not sent to school. If you are unsure, please refer to your child’s teacher for specific directions.
Outdoor Equipment Donations – Thank you to those who have already donated items. To support our students’ outdoor play, we are looking for new or used equipment donations. Items such as skipping ropes (individual and long), soccer balls, basketballs, volleyballs, tennis balls etc. will help to provide some additional games and play for our students. Items can be dropped off in the office or individual classrooms. Thank you in advance.
Terry Fox – Thank you to all families for their generous donations to our Terry Fox Run/Walk. As of this posting, we have raised $1910 for the Terry Fox Foundation. Way to go Winona Wildcats! Our Terry Fox link will continue to be live for the next few days for any families still looking to make a last minute donation. https://schools.terryfox.ca/69419
Updated on Sunday, September 29, 2024.