Wildcat Word - September 29, 2025 - Issue #4

Welcoming October: Stay Informed and Connected

As we transition from the vibrant days of September into the crisp beginnings of October, our school community is buzzing with activity and anticipation. From upcoming events and important deadlines to classroom highlights and seasonal celebrations, there's plenty to look forward to. To stay informed and engaged, we encourage all families to carefully review the details in this newsletter—it's your go-to source for everything happening at school this month!

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

Tuesday, September 30, 2025, is the fifth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and is also Orange Shirt Day. 

Students and Staff are encouraged to wear an Orange Shirt to show their commitment to Truth and Reconciliation

This day invites us to engage intentionally in learning about the Residential School System, and the true history of relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. It is a time to mourn the children who never returned home, and to honour the Survivors, their families, and their communities.  

This day is part of a broader conversation about colonization and systemic inequities. As we learn, it is essential to recognize and uplift Indigenous resilience and resistance, which continue to shape and strengthen communities across the country. 

On September 30, all LDSB schools, education centres, and sites will lower all school flags to half-mast, in observance of this day. 

In addition, LDSB Indigenous student-designed shirts were being sold this past weekend at the Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest, located at 218 Concession Street, during their Maawnjiding Market. Shirts will also be available tomorrow (September 30) at Confederation Park 1:00-5:30 p.m. for Kingston National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 

In addition to wearing an orange shirt on September 30, you can: 

• Review the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: 94 Calls to Action.  
• Learn about the Residential School System and Indigenous realities. 
• Read books that share authentic Indigenous voices and experiences. 
• Volunteer with Indigenous-led organizations that support community healing and empowerment. 
• Support Indigenous artists by purchasing their work and sharing their stories. 
• Watch Indigenous films and documentaries to deepen your understanding through storytelling. 
• Attend public Indigenous events in the community to listen, learn, and build respectful relationships. A list of events can be found on the Queen's University Office of Indigenous Initiatives web page. 

We understand that some students, staff, and families may wish to have additional support throughout this week. If you require immediate assistance, you can call the support lines shared below:    

• The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families toll-free at 1-866-925-4419.    
• Individuals impacted by the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls are encouraged to contact the MMIWG Crisis Line toll-free at 1-844-413-6649.    
• First Nations, Inuit and Métis seeking immediate emotional support can contact the Hope for Wellness Help Line toll-free at 1-855-242-3310, or by online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.  

For more information about Indigenous Education with Limestone, please visit the Indigenous Education page on the board website. 

Great News! School-Day is up and running again. Please be sure to log into your account to ensure you are connected to your student. If you are not connected and require the Secure-Match Key to connect to your student, you can request it here: Secure-Match Key Request

Please note that the key will only be provided to parents/guardians of the student.

Cross Country Tryouts

Cross country tryouts for students in Grades 3–8 have begun. Runners should meet Ms. Pharoah and Mme. Fox on the track, ready to run, at first recess on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Please ensure your child comes prepared with running shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

To qualify for the race at Fort Henry, students must be able to run the following distances without walking:

Grades 3–4: 2 km 

Grades 5–8: 2.5 km

A notice will be sent home during the first week of October with the names of students who make the team. The race will take place at Fort Henry on Wednesday, October 15.

We are excited for a fantastic season ahead and look forward to seeing our runners give their best!

Bingo Volunteers Needed!!

The SAC is currently seeking enthusiastic bingo volunteers to help support one of the school’s most impactful fundraising efforts. Bingo nights generate thousands of dollars annually, all of which go directly back into enriching student life—funding activities, events, programs, and even essential yard equipment that benefits every child.

If you’re not yet a trained bingo volunteer, don’t worry! A short training module is available, and you’ll be paired with an experienced volunteer to guide you through your first shift. It’s a fun and rewarding way to give back to the school community.

If you're interested in signing up for any of the dates listed below, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/z9dbmqSEebgKpY9b

Volunteers are needed for the following shifts

• Sunday, October 5 @ 4PM
• Sunday, October 19 @ 12PM
• Sunday, November 2 @ 4PM
• Sunday, November 23 @ 12PM
• Sunday, December 7 @ 4PM
• Sunday, December 21 @ 12PM
• Sunday, January 4 @ 4PM
• Sunday, January 18 @ 12PM
• Sunday, February 1 @ 4PM
• Sunday, March 1 @ 4PM
• Sunday, March 22nd @ 12PM

🎉 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

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88084718108?pwd=d2xMeTl6bzlLOHBBL3UzcEQzQ3U2QT09

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

Hot Lunch

Hot Lunch Ordering will be available in October after the providers are determined. We will send out additional communication on this once it becomes available. We will use School-Day for placing orders and payment.

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.

Early Years Programming for Families

The City of Kingston is engaging with families regarding early years programming in the city and Frontenac County.  The link to the engagement survey is below and is open until September 30.

 https://getinvolved.cityofkingston.ca/child-care-early-years-service-system-plan