
Welcome Back and to the 2024 – 2025 School Year
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year. I 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.
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
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- Grade 1-8 Students – First Day of Classes
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- JK & SK Students – No Classes
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- New Kindergarten Students are invited for a short school visit with a caregiver. Classroom educators will be reaching out with details of your visit.
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
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- All JK and SK Students – First Day of Classes
Our school bell times are unchanged 8:40 am – 3:00 pm. 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.
Bell Times - Bell Times for the 2024-2025 school year are as follows:
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- 8:25 am – School Yard Supervision Begins/Busses Unload/Kiss & Drop Lanes Open
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- 8:40 am – Bell Rings – Student Entry
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- 3:00 pm – Bell Rings – Student Dismissal
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.
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.
Mobile Devices – Beginning this September, HWDSB is taking steps to ensure students are well supported in the classroom, focused on learning and well-being. Updates to the HWDSB Code of Conduct reflect changes to the Ministry of Education’s Provincial Code of Conduct.
As such, students must not use their personal electronic devices (e.g., cell phones, laptops and tablets) during the instructional day. Students must have their devices stored out of view and powered off (or on silent mode) throughout the full instructional day (including nutrition breaks) unless permitted by the educator:
- For educational purposes
- For health and medical purposes, as outlined in a medical plan of care.
- To support special education needs, as documented in the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).
Students are responsible for their personal mobile devices and how they use them. If an educator sees a personal mobile device not stored out of view and powered off, the student must hand it in for the instructional day. It will be placed by the student in a storage area in a location designated by the educator.
Transportation – Families are reminded that transportation is often delayed during the first few days, as everyone establishes their routine. A staff member will supervise students until the last bus departs.
At Winona, we use a colour name for each route that is easy for students to remember. Families can find their route name at the posted link. On the first day, students will receive a coloured bus tag for their backpack. Please keep this tag on your child’s backpack. This will help us organize the students at the end of the day.
For specific details regarding your bus route, visit the HWDSB transportation page . Families will need to set up an account to view their child-specific information. Your child’s OEN can be found on their report card or by called the school office.
Courtesy Transportation - Only eligible students will be able to ride the bus. As communicated in June, we have very few spaces for courtesy riders. Please ensure 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 September, 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 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.
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.
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. Visit this link for more information.
Enjoy your long weekend and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to school next week.
Updated on Wednesday, August 28, 2024.