Wildcat Word - September 22, 2025 - Issue #3

September’s Flying By!

It’s hard to believe we’re already past the halfway mark of September! The school year is in full swing, and routines are settling in as classrooms buzz with energy and learning. From fresh notebooks to fall leaves, this month brings a sense of momentum and possibility. As we look ahead to upcoming events and milestones, let’s celebrate the progress we’ve made and the exciting things still to come.

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

Data Verification Forms were sent home with students on September 12th. 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.

LDSB has let us know that the School-Day platform is currently experiencing technical difficulties and may not function as intended. While these issues are being resolved, we will temporarily pause sharing updates, permission forms, and other communications through the platform. In the meantime, any important information will be sent directly from the school or shared by the educator running the event or team.

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

Cross Country Tryouts

Cross country tryouts for students in Grades 3–8 will begin this week. 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!

🎉 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!

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