January 30th, 2020

Hello Parents,

Here are this week’s updates:

1. OSSTF and ETFO Work Action Update – On Tuesday, February 4, Thursday, February 6 and Friday, February 7, all WRDSB ELEMENTARY schools will be CLOSED to students due to a withdrawal of services (strike-action) by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) and Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) unless an agreement is reached at the provincial bargaining table.

On Tuesday, February 4 EarlyON and licensed child care centres located in WRDSB schools will be CLOSED. On Thursday, February 6 and Friday, February 7 they will be OPEN. Before and after school programs (extended day and youth development programs) operated by licensed child care providers will operate in designated locations only. For an up to date listing of programs that are open and closed please visit the Before and After School Programs website.

All schools will reopen and resume their regular routines on Monday, February 10, 2020. We will continue to monitor the labour situation and will provide updates as they become available. We remain hopeful that an agreement is reached and that our schools will be open on February 4, February 6 and 7.

As changes to job action can happen at any time, it is important to stay tuned and stay informed in the event that the one-day full withdrawal of service is cancelled. For information updates please:

Visit our Labour website and subscribe to receive updates;

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Use the Labour Updates button on the WRDSB and school websites

We understand that job action is frustrating for families, students and staff. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.

2. Goodbyes and New beginnings – Congratulations to Ms. Noonan on her retirement! We wish her health and happiness as she embarks on new adventures. Welcome to Ms. Anderson who will be joining us as principal on Monday February 3. We look forward to having you join us at Williamsburg!

3. Kindergarten Registration for NEW JK/SK Students – Registration for children born in 2016 is now open online at http://www.wrdsb.ca/register/ . If your child currently attends Williamsburg Public School in JK, there is no need to register for SK as this happens automatically at the school level. Please share this information with your friends and neighbours in our school community.

If you have any questions about the registration process for Kindergarten please, do not hesitate to call the Office at 519-742-1848 x3.

4. Pizza days for February – This is a reminder that there will be no pizza days for the month of February. Please send a full lunch with your child(ren) on Thursdays.

5. Hero Gems – Tomorrow we will be introducing our February trait – Empathy. At Williamsburg we show empathy. We respond to other people’s thoughts, emotions, and needs. We notice when someone is hurt or needs help and we take the time to show them we care.

6. Home Reading Incentive Program – Remember to encourage your child to keep reading every night! We will continue to have draws each month!

7. Snow Hills – Parents are reminded that our snow hills are closed before and after school (until after the bell at 3:35pm) because we do not have appropriate staff ratios to ensure student safety. Thank you for helping us to enforce this policy and to keep all students safe.

8. Parking Lot Reminder – Please remember that our parking lot is for Staff and Visitors only. Parents should not be dropping off or picking up their children in our parking lot. We need to keep our students safe.

9. Stay Connected!

– Williamsburg Website – Keep Up to Date!

Follow any new posts that get added to the Williamsburg website by going to http://wlm.wrdsb.ca/, scroll to the bottom of the page and add your email address in the box under “Get News From This Website” and click Submit

-Twitter – Follow us on Twitter @wlmwrdsb

10. Upcoming Dates to Note:

  • January 31 – Animal Day! Dress like your favourite animal
  • February 3 – Welcome Ms. Anderson!!
  • February 5 – Dental Screening for Gr. 2s
  • February 14 – Red/Pink Day
  • February 17 – Family day
  • February 24 – School Council Meeting – 6:00pm

Have a great week!

Categories: School News