This Week at WMES
Week of September 18-22nd

Dear WMES families:
As we enter our second full week of school we would like to send out a few important reminders:

• You should have received an email today to update your child's information in the PowerSchool Parent Portal.  Please take a few minutes to update that information as soon as possible so that we have current and accurate information on file at school.  If you require assistance to login to the Parent Portal please contact Ms. Fizzard at cfizzard@hrce.ca, or call 902-860-4150.  Thanks.
   
• Our school is Nut free and Scent aware.   Students should not bring foods to school that contain nuts.  It is also important for staff, students and visitors to remember not to wear scents to school. Thanks for your understanding as we strive to keep everyone safe and healthy at school.
  We also discourage sharing food to avoid any potential issues that may arise with unknown allergies.  Please remind students that if they have uneaten food they should bring it home.  If any student requires an extra snack or two because they are still hungry when their food is gone we always have options at the office.

• Video surveillance - Our school uses a video surveillance system as part of our continued efforts to support a safe, positive and effective learning environment.  We recognize that the images recorded by this video surveillance system are personal information and, as with all other personal information, we take steps to balance privacy rights with safety and security concerns.  The school has the legal authority to collect this personal information under Section 24 of Nova Scotia’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
  Only designated staff has access to our video surveillance equipment and such access is restricted as required by law.  The system is used to enhance school safety and to deter or take action in response to unlawful behaviours.
  If you have any questions about video surveillance at our school, please contact Karla Wolfe, Principal at 902-860-4150.

• School Messenger Safe Arrival:  Student absences should be reported using the School Messenger Safe Arrival system.   If you are new to this system, or need a refresher, you can find more information here.

The Cafeteria will open on Monday, September 18th.
Information to order can be found on our Webpage: https://wms.hrce.ca/

Family members: Please take a minute to login and update your child’s Profile Page with their current class and teacher so that our cafeteria staff know where to deliver lunches.

The cafeteria will not be taking cash orders at this time.  Please be sure to order online!

Emergency Planning:
This week we will have our first Lockdown drill.  We are required to have two lockdown drills each year.   Please see the attached letter with more information, and if you have any other questions do not hesitate to reach out.

September 25-29 is Truth and Reconciliation Week!
Friday, September 29th we are encouraging students and staff to wear orange as we observe Truth and Reconcilation Day, which is on Saturday, September 30th.
There is no school on Monday, October 2nd.
These days are meant as days of reflection and further learning about residential schools and reconciliation.
We will be learning about Truth and Reconciliation all week next week which will lead up to launch Mi’kmaq History Month - October 2023. The theme for this year is Mi’kmaw Traditional Games & Sports (a nod to the recent North American Indigenous Games).

As Treaty People we must all find a path forward in reconciling our shared history.
Check here for more kid friendly information to learn about Orange Shirt Day.

Terry Fox Run
We will be having our annual Terry Fox Run on Friday, September 22nd.  Thanks to Mr. James and Mrs. Hillier for organizing.  We are collecting donations for the Terry Fox Foundation.   If at all possible we ask that you donate online using this link: https://schools.terryfox.ca/WaverleyMemorial
However, if you would prefer sending in a cash donation (a loonie or a toonie) you are also welcome to do that. 
All students will participate regardless of donations, so please know that donations are optional, and we understand that it may not be possible for all families.
Thanks for your support WMES!

Head Lice
It is not uncommon for schools to have outbreaks of Headlice.  Checking your child regularly can help. Please see these resources for more information:

• 811 Nova Scotia
• Preventing and Treating Head Lice

Thanks everyone.  Have a great week.   A reminder that our September calendar can be found on our webpage.

Mrs. Wolfe and Mrs. van der Weegen

Upcoming Dates for your calendar:
September 18 - Cafeteria reopens (No Cash orders)
September 22nd - Terry Fox Run
September 29 - Orange Shirt Day
September 30 - National Truth and Reconciliation Day
October 2- Truth and Reconciliation Day observed - No School today
October 9 - Thanksgiving - No School today
October 12 - Bus evacuation Drills
October 26 - Halloween Howl
October 27 - Provincial Conference Day - No School for students