Winona News – Sept 1

Welcome back to the new school year.  We are excited to welcome our Grade 1-8 students tomorrow.

Upcoming Dates

Sept 2 – Grade 1-8 Students – First Day of Classes, JK & SK Students – No Classes
Sept 3 – All JK and SK Students – First Day of Classes
Sept 5 – Virtual Welcome Back Assembly for Students
Sept 12 – Fire Drill #1
Sept 18 – Bus Safety Presentations
Sept 19 – PA Day (No Classes)
Sept 25 – School Council AGM – more detail to come in next week’s memo.

Grade 1-8 classes will assemble and dismiss in the same area of the school yard 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.  Pick up will be at the gates. 

For those of you who may have missed last week’s email and web posting, you may want to review this information as well.

Welcome Back and to the 2025 – 2026 School Year

We endeavour to communicate weekly with families, via SchoolMessenger email and website.  For those not receiving emails, it may be a matter of your SchoolMessenger settings.  These can be adjusted by following the directions outlined in the linked flyer SchoolMessengerFlyer_25052020.pdf (hwdsb.on.ca)

Bus Transportation – For families using the school bus, we ask that you double-check your route colours.  There have been some route changes and students may have new bus colours for the year.  To assist our students at the end of the day, it would be helpful for them to be aware of their bus colour in advance. We will provide new coloured bus tags tomorrow. Please check our most recent chart which has been updated since last week. 2025 Bus Routes & Colours

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.

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 your child is ready to exit with their backpack, etc. on their lap 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 directly to the school yard. Vehicles are not permitted to park at any time in this lane.

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 are designated as cross-walk areas. Do not walk between school buses.  As adults, we must model safe practices for our students.

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.  

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

Attention Past Courtesy Riders – At this time, only eligible students are allowed to ride the bus.  As communicated in June, we have very few spaces for courtesy riders.

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.  

Mabel’s Labels – We know many families use Mabel’s labels to label their child’s school items.  Please remember to use the following link  Fundraising Support | Mabel’s Labels | Raise Funds With Kids Labels (mabelslabels.ca) and search for Winona Elementary.  A portion of the cost will come back to Winona and be used to support program enhancements, such as special guests or performances.