Dear Winlaw Families,

The last two weeks have been filled with many events.

Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day

During the week of September 25th-September 29th, we learned about Truth and Reconciliation and the history of Orange Shirt Day. Students and staff each wore an orange shirt which has become a symbol of hope and a way to show commitment to reconciliation by honoring the children and survivors of the residential school system. During our Truth and Reconciliation assembly on September 29th, the Grade 5/6 class led the school in drumming the Heart Beat Song, Elder Debbie Byrd shared stories about the impact that the Residential school system has had on her family, Aboriginal Academic Support Teacher Jenna Hopper read Phyllis Webstad’s book With Our Orange Hearts, and Grade 5/6 students shared their writings about the residential school system. At the end of the assembly, the entire school went into a circle around the gym. Elder Debbie Byrd, Ms. Jenna and the Grade 5/6 drummers led the school in drumming the Travelling Song. 

Reminders

• Please return the Neighborhood Permission forms this week if you have not already done so.
• Thank you to everyone who has returned the Student Verification forms.
• Ms Van and Mrs.Doyle who are coaching our Winlaw Cross Country team sent home permission forms on Friday to attend the District Cross Country Running Race at the Nelson Soccer Fields on Friday, Oct. 13t with interested students. Please send the forms back by tomorrow. 

Open House, Family BBQ, and PAC

On September 27th, families and students met together with their teachers then enjoyed the PAC BBQ. We are so grateful to the Winlaw PAC for funding this annual event and to all the volunteers who helped prepare and serve the food! Our Winlaw PAC meets once a month on the second Tuesday at 4:15.

Safety Drills

During the fall months we hold three Fire Drills, one Earthquake Drill, one Hold and Secure Drill and one Lock Down Drill in January. We held our first Fire Drill last Wednesday. Students learned the importance of exiting the building very quietly in an orderly manner if a fire or smoke is detected. While classes are exiting, a staff member does a sweep of the building to ensure everyone has left the building. Teachers then take a roll call to ensure that all students in attendance that day are accounted for. Here are our next fall drill dates:  

• Fire Drill #2- October 17th    
• Earthquake Drill- October 19th 
• Fire Drill #3- October 30th
• Hold and Secure- November 30th
• Lockdown Drill- January 10th

Terry Fox Run

After learning about Terry Fox and his heroic run across Canada to raise money for cancer research, our Winlaw students and staff ran around our school grounds on September 28th to an inspiring Terry Fox playlist. We thank everyone for their donations and to the Winlaw Student Leadership group for organizing the lemonade fundraiser. Together we raised $250 to donate to the Terry Fox Foundation for cancer research.

Learning with Science World

On September 25th, Intermediate classes enjoyed learning through math games with retired Fraser Valley University Math Professor Susan Milner. Science World’s Scientists and Innovators in Schools program funds volunteers to come into BC schools and teach lessons in all the curricular areas.  Professor Milner has taught in many classes in the Kootenay Region. We look forward to her returning later in the year to work with our Primary classes.

Upcoming Events

• October 13 ------ District Cross Country Running Race at Nelson Soccer Fields                             
• October 20 ------ Provincial Professional Development Day (no school)
• October 31 ------ Hallowe’en Howler 
• November 10 --- Remembrance Day Assembly 10:50 am
• November 11 --- Remembrance Day Holiday
• November 15 --- Early Dismissal Day (Parent Teacher Conferences)
• November 16 --- Early Dismissal Day (Parent Teacher Conferences)

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your family and friends. I would like to express my deep gratitude to the students, families, and staff of Winlaw Elementary School for being such a supportive and inclusive school community.

Monica Doyle, Principal Winlaw Elementary School