Wildcat Word - September 15, 2025 - Issue #2

Finding Our Rhythm—Together!
As we head into our second full week of school and find ourselves already halfway through September, we’re reminded that settling in isn’t always the easiest thing to do. New routines, unfamiliar faces, and the shift back into school life can take time—and that’s perfectly okay. You may be noticing a difference in your child's moods at home too. This is especially true of younger students who are using so much energy throughout the day, thinking, playing and navigating a busy school. When they get home at night they are "spent" and you may be seeing more melt-downs, maybe the established bed-time routine is not running as smoothly...this is all normal at this time of year as everyone adjusts to new routines and the routine to the structure of the school day. Please reach out to your child's teacher or a member of the school team if you would like to chat about your child's transition to the new school year.

We’ve seen our students rise to the challenge with resilience and heart. Classrooms are beginning to hum with connection and curiosity, and it’s been wonderful to witness friendships forming, confidence growing, and learning taking root.

We have received word from the LDSB Elementary Staffing Committee that we do not need to change our class organization! This is great news and means that students and teachers are not facing changes in the class structure.

We’re committed to nurturing a space where every child feels safe, supported, and encouraged to be themselves. Thank you to our families for your continued partnership in making this transition as smooth and joyful as possible. We’re off to a strong start, and we’re excited for all that’s ahead!

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at welba@limestone.on.ca

Warmly,
Ms. Fraser, Mrs. Swan-Pressnell, and Ms. Hart

Data Verification Forms & School-Day Account Setup

Data Verification Forms were sent home with students at the end of last week. We kindly ask families to review the information, make any necessary updates, and return the completed form to your child’s teacher as soon as possible. Keeping this information current helps us ensure smooth communication and student safety.

If you do not already have your School-Day account, instructions were provided earlier last week. School-Day is our platform for managing permission forms for school activities, sports, and field trips. It will also be used to order hot lunches, which will be available starting in October.

Thank you for your attention to these important items and for helping us stay organized and connected!

🎉 Calling All Wildcat Parents & Guardians! 🎉
School Advisory Council Elections & First Meeting
📅 Monday, September 29th
🕕 6:15 PM (Virtual – comfy clothes encouraged!)

It’s that magical time of year again — no, not pumpkin spice season (well, that too) — it’s Parent Council Election Time! 🗳️✨

We’re kicking off the 2025-2026 school year with our first School Advisory Council (SAC) meeting, and we want YOU there! Whether you're a seasoned council pro or just SAC-curious, all Welborne families are welcome to join the fun.

The meeting will be held virtually (yes, you can wear fuzzy slippers and bring your pets). The link will be shared in the Wildcat Word on the day of the meeting.

💼 Want to run for a position or nominate someone awesome?
Complete the NOMINATIONS FORM by 11:00 AM on Monday, September 29th.
You can nominate yourself or someone else (just make sure they’re cool with it and can attend the meeting).
Note: Nominations ≠ votes. You need to be there to vote!

We’ll also accept nominations and volunteers “from the floor” during the meeting. If you have questions about any of the roles, feel free to reach out to parent reps Sherry McAuley, Chelsea Pilgrim, or Ms. Fraser.

🧠 Positions Up for Grabs:

• Chair – The fearless leader of the pack. Represents, works with and provides support to all school community and council committee chairs. This person works closely with the school principal and VP, school staff and parents to enrich the education of all students. Additionally, they preside over and conduct monthly council meetings, set agendas and schedule meetings (in consultation with the Principal). The chair promotes discussion amongst council members and the community, receives and reports on correspondence sent and received by council. Acts as coordinator between the school board and council. Receives documentation from board and keeps council advised of board decisions, activities etc. Supports programs, initiatives and activities led by other council members and contributes to the monthly council newsletter.
• Vice Chair/Co-chair – The trusty sidekick. Presides at meetings in the absence of the chair or upon the incumbent’s inability to serve. Responsible for overseeing all sponsored events and programs.
• Treasurer – Keeper of the coins. Works with the council and coordinators in developing an operating budget, keeps a full and accurate account of receipts and expenditures and serves as the liaison with the Board of Education. Additional responsibilities include depositing/disbursing funds on behalf of the council, the preparation of monthly financial statements, and the preparation & filing of all necessary financial reports.
• Secretary – Master of the minutes. Attends scheduled council meetings, records, maintains and distributes minutes of meetings, keeps non-financial records of council.
• Indigenous Representative – A growing and evolving role. This is a newer position with the SAC and will evolve and grow organically. This position is for someone who self-identifies as Indigenous.
• Member at Large – Divisional/Neighbourhood reps (Kindergarten, Primary, Junior). Attends meetings and participates in many aspects of council activities, as prescribed by council. Voting member. Kindergarten, Primary, and Junior positions available should there be enough interest.
• Fundraising Coordinator – The fun(d) raiser! Plans, manages fundraising activities of council. Works closely with treasurer and has a lot of support from other member of Council.
• Community Rep – A local legend without kids at Welborne. A member of the community who does not have children attending Welborne but lives within the school catchment area.

💬 Why Join?
Because you care. Because you have ideas. Because you want to help shape the school experience for all our Wildcats. And maybe because you like meetings that don’t require leaving your house.

The link to the meeting will be shared in next week's newsletter.

Future meeting dates will be shared after our September 29th kickoff. We can’t wait to see you there!

Meeting Requests with Educators or Administration

As we ease back into our school routines, we kindly ask families who wish to connect with their child’s classroom educator or a member of the Administration team to arrange a meeting in advance. To do so, please call and leave a message, if you cannot reach Ms. Hart, at 613-389-0188 or email us at Welba@limestone.on.ca.

Scheduling meetings ahead of time helps ensure that staff can remain focused on supporting students throughout the day and creating a positive, productive learning environment.

Thank you for your understanding and continued partnership!

Supporting Smooth Morning Transitions

Timely arrival plays a key role in helping students begin their day with confidence and ease. We ask that all children arrive on time and join their class cohort in their designated zone. Late arrivals can disrupt classroom routines—especially as students are still learning the flow of morning entry and settling in.

If your child does arrive late, please ensure they sign in at the office and proceed promptly to class. To support a calm and focused transition, we kindly encourage parents and guardians to keep drop-offs brief. A quick goodbye helps us guide students directly to their classrooms and maintain a consistent start to the day.

If you remain in the front lobby with your child, we assume you are actively engaged with them. In these moments, staff may step away to assist other students who are already in the process of transitioning to class. This helps us ensure that all children receive timely support and direction.

For our Kindergarten families, please make sure a staff member is present with your child before leaving the building.

Thank you for your cooperation and continued support in helping all students start their day successfully!

Grade 7 and Grade 8 Lunch Privileges

Historically, the students in grades 7 and 8 have the opportunity to get parent permission to leave the school property during recess/eating break on designated days. Additional information and a permission form has been sent home to families of students in grade 7 and 8. Students must return these forms to their homeroom teacher.

Information regarding programs for youth available in Loyalist: 

Links to the registration page can be found in the digital guide found here: https://www.loyalist.ca/media/lf4ps1su/autumn-guide.pdf

There is also Youth creators, Breaker’s Basketball and babysitting programs in the guide.