This week at WMES
February 1, 2021
Dear WMES Families:

Bus complaints- transportation team
• If you have questions / concerns about a transportation issue please be sure to contact the HRCE transportation team at:  transportation@hrce.ca  or at 902-431-HRCE (4723).

Cafeteria Reminder:
• A reminder to families that our Cafeteria does not open on days when there is a delayed start due to inclement weather.  Please be sure to pack a lunch if there is a delayed opening.

Friendship Week –
• The week leading up to Valentine’s day we will be celebrating friendship at WMES.  This year we are asking that families do not send in Valentine cards from home for students to distribute at school. Classes will find creative ways to have students share kindness with their peers all week leading up to the 14th.  Please save the Valentine cards for distribution at home on the weekend.
 
• Next week (Feb. 8-12th) we will have theme days each day:

• Monday the 8th – “Wear a positive message day” It can be on a piece of clothing that you already own, or you can make a sign to stick to your shirt, on a bracelet, necklace, headband /hat. Etc.  – it just needs to be positive! 
• Tuesday the 9th –  "Sparkle Day" – Let’s shine!
• Wednesday the 10th –  "Emoji Day" – Wear your favorite emojis! (We’ll be making some at school so don’t worry if you don’t have any to wear)
• Thursday the 11th –  "Cozy Day" – wear your favorite cozy clothes (can be PJ’s)
• Friday the 12th – "Be My Valentine!" Wear Pink and or Red today! 

February is Registration Month –

• If you, or someone you know, has a child ready to start Pre-Primary or Primary at WMES in the Fall of 2021, please be sure to spread the word to register this February.  This year we are asking families to fill in the registration form online (it will be posted on our website this week) and to submit the registration form and supporting documents (birth certificate and proof of address) electronically, if at all possible. 
• If this is not going to work for your family please contact the office to schedule an appointment time to pick up and then drop off the appropriate paperwork.  (902-860-4150)
• It is very important to register early as staffing for the upcoming school year is based on numbers of registered students early in the Spring. 

In the event of an early dismissal:

• If an early dismissal is called once students are already at school, school staff need to have communication with each family before we are able to send students home on the bus.  We immediately begin making phone calls, but as you can imagine, this is a time consuming process and sometimes delays our ability to dismiss buses as quickly as needed. 
• You can help us out by:
  In the event of an early school cancellation announcement, please take a moment to email your child’s classroom teacher and the school wmlcs@hrce.ca, with instructions. Our phone lines are often tied up with outgoing calls – so an email is preferred when possible.
  (My child (include name) can be dismissed on the bus today, (and include date),  or  I (or a designated adult) will pick my child up today, please keep them at school).
• On days where you suspect an early closure may be called you can also send a note in the morning (with the current date) giving permission for your child to go home on the bus that day in the event of an early dismissal.
   

Safety Procedures at WMES:

• Next week we will have our second Lock Down Drill of the school year. Please see the attached letter for more information. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or concerns.

Thanks for your continued support and cooperation. 

Important links for your information:
• WMES Website: https://wms.hrce.ca/
• HRCE Website: https://www.hrce.ca/
• MyBusPlanner:  hrcetransportation.mybusplanner.ca
• Up to date Public Health Information: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/
• Remember to check the Daily checklist for Covid19, or do the online check in with Public Health if you have any concerns before sending students to school each day.

Take care & stay safe
Karla Wolfe
Principal WMES