WMES Family Update Nov 9-13, 2026
- Tuesday, Nov. 10: WMES Remembrance Day Assembly
- Wednesday, Nov. 11: Remembrance Day - No classes PP-12
- Nov. 13-19: Transgender Awareness Week
- Thursday, Nov. 19: WMES Family Games Night – stay tuned for more information
- Friday, Nov. 20: Assessment and Evaluation Day - no school for students
- Thursday, Nov. 26: PTC meeting at 6:00 and SAC meeting at 7:00
- Friday, Nov. 27: Report Cards go home
- Thursday, Dec. 3: Student Progress Conferences at 6:00
- Friday, Dec. 4: Staff professional development in the morning and Student Progress Conferences at 12:00 – no school for students
November 11 is Remembrance Day
Each year on November 11, people across Canada pause at the 11th hour to remember. The poppy we wear, the silence we observe and the stories we share are ways of keeping the memory of those who served, those who never returned home, and the lasting impact of war alive for future generations.
In our schools, Remembrance Day offers students an opportunity to explore the meaning behind these traditions and consider what remembrance looks like today. As we honour the past, we also reflect on the importance of peace, kindness and understanding in our own communities.
We invite families to join Canadians across the country in taking a moment to remember.
Happy Diwali!
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by millions of people around the world, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists. The celebration carries different meanings across traditions, but often centres on themes of light overcoming darkness, good overcoming evil, and hope, renewal and new beginnings.
Celebrations may include lighting diyas (small oil lamps), decorating homes, sharing special foods, exchanging gifts and gathering with family and friends. Diwali is an opportunity to learn about the diverse traditions and cultures represented in our school communities and to celebrate the many ways people find meaning, connection and joy.
We wish all those celebrating a Happy Diwali!
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WMES Family Update Nov 2-6, 2026
- Sunday, Nov. 8: Indigenous Veterans Day
- Wednesday, Nov. 11: Remembrance Day - No classes PP-12
- Nov. 13-19: Transgender Awareness Week
- Thursday, Nov. 19: WMES Family Games Night – stay tuned for more information
- Friday, Nov. 20: Assessment and Evaluation Day - no school for students
- Thursday, Nov. 26: PTC meeting at 6:00 and SAC meeting at 7:00
- Friday, Nov. 27: Report Cards go home
- Thursday, Dec. 3: Student Progress Conferences at 6:00
- Friday, Dec. 4: Staff professional development in the morning and Student Progress Conferences at 12:00 – no school for students
We are sending out a BIG THANK YOU to the WMES PTC and all of our families who helped make the Halloween Howl a huge success!
Please take a minute to give us feed back about your family’s experience at the WMES Halloween Howl: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe54ZuW3x--9RrMnbvjLH9xDHnPDUMUpUYGmH3t8W1Aa30FCw/viewform?usp=header
November 8 is Indigenous Veterans Day
On November 8, we recognize Indigenous Veterans Day and honour the First Nations, Inuit and Métis people who have served and continue to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces. Indigenous veterans have made significant contributions to Canada’s military history, serving with courage and dedication while often facing discrimination and barriers to recognition when they returned home.
This day is an opportunity to learn about their stories, recognize their sacrifices and reflect on the importance of ensuring their contributions are remembered and honoured.
We encourage families to take a moment to learn about Indigenous veterans and share their stories with the next generation. Learn more here.
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Good evening WMES Families,
Please see the attached memo from Schools Plus regarding support for Christmas: Christmas Newsletter 2026.pdf.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Kelly Clarke at kclarke@hrce.ca.
Have a great evening,
Your WMES Team
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WMES Family Update October 26-30, 2026
- Monday, Oct. 26: Picture retakes
- Thursday, Oct. 29: Halloween Howl 6:00 to 7:00
- Wednesday, Nov. 11: Remembrance Day – no school
- Thursday, Nov. 26: PTC meeting at 6:00 and SAC meeting at 7:00
Growing independence doesn't have to start with a smartphone
As children get older, parents naturally want to give them more independence, such as walking to the park, playing at a friend's house, staying home for a short time, or getting to activities on their own. A smartphone can seem like the obvious way to make this possible, but it isn't the only option.
There are lots of ways families can give children more freedom while keeping communication simple and age-appropriate:
- Long-range walkie-talkies: A simple way for kids to check in while playing in the neighbourhood or exploring outdoors, without access to the internet or social media.
- A home phone: Allows children to call friends, make plans or contact a parent when they're home alone.
- A kids' smartwatch: Some watches offer limited calling or messaging, without the apps, social media and internet access of a smartphone.
- A basic talk-and-text phone: When children eventually need a way to coordinate rides or activities, a simple phone can provide communication without introducing the distractions and social pressures of a smartphone.
The goal is to match the technology to what children actually need. A child who needs to call home doesn't necessarily need a device that also gives them access to social media, games and the internet.
Starting with a more limited device can give children time to develop the responsibility, judgment and independence they'll eventually need to manage a smartphone.
Explore more resources from Unplugged Canada and join thousands of Canadian families taking the Unplugged Canada Pledge to delay smartphones and support connected childhoods.
What are we learning at WMES?
Working on morning task bins in Primary Brien/Miller.
Halifax Regional Centre for Education would like to continue connecting with you via email. To update your email address, please contact your child’s school office directly.
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WMES Family Update Oct 19-23, 2026
- October is Mi'kmaq History Month
- October is Canadian Library Month
- October 19-23: School Bus Safety Week
- Thursday, Oct. 22: PTC meeting at 6:00 and SAC meeting at 7:00
- Fri., Oct. 23: NSTU Conference Day - No classes PP-12
- Monday, Oct. 26: Picture retakes
- Thursday, Oct. 29: Halloween Howl 6-7
October 19-23 is School Bus Safety Week
Every school day, thousands of HRCE students rely on the bus to get to and from school safely.
School Bus Safety Week is a chance to highlight the simple habits that help keep everyone safe — from waiting well back from the road, to following the driver’s instructions, to staying alert around stopped school buses.
With more than 33,000 HRCE students travelling on more than 400 buses each day, safety depends on all of us: students, families, drivers, schools and motorists.
This week is a good opportunity to review a few everyday reminders and help reinforce safe routines on the bus, at the stop and on the road.
Bus Stop Safety
- Be on time for the bus and please don’t run to/from the bus.
- Stand back off the road and don't push or shove when waiting at a stop.
- Always cross in front of the bus. Walk three metres (10 feet) in front of the bus to a point where you can see the driver and wait for the driver's signal to cross. Proceed to the centre of the road, STOP, LOOK & LISTEN and cross the road when it is safe.
- Never crawl under a school bus or cross the road behind the bus.
- Know the danger zones around the bus.
School Bus Safety
- Please respect and listen to the driver and avoid distracting them.
- Please keep noise levels to a minimum.
- Do not stand or move seats while the bus is in motion.
- Never put your hands, arms, feet or head out of the bus window.
- Ask the driver for permission before you open the bus windows.
- Do not throw anything inside the bus or out of the windows.
- Keep the aisle clear at all times when the bus is in motion.
Remember: In Nova Scotia, it's illegal to pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended.
You can find out more information about riding the school bus in HRCE here.
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Good evening WMES Families,
Please see the attached invitation to our Halloween Howl 2026 Halloween Howl.png.
Have a great evening!
Your WMES Team
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WMES Family Update Oct 13-16, 2026
Happy Thanksgiving! We are thankful for the priviledge of serving the families of Waverley. We hope that you had a weekend of rest, love and yummy food.
- October is Mi'kmaq History Month
- October is Canadian Library Month
- Monday, Oct. 12: Thanksgiving – No School
- Tuesday, Oct. 13: Picture orders are due!
- October 19-23: School Bus Safety Week
- Thursday, Oct. 22: PTC meeting at 6:00 and SAC meeting at 7:00
- Fri., Oct. 23: NSTU Conference Day - No classes PP-12
- Monday, Oct. 26: Picture retakes
- Thursday, Oct. 29: Halloween Howl – more info to come
October is Canadian Library Month
October is a chance to celebrate the important role libraries play in our schools — and the Library Support Specialists who bring those spaces to life.
Every day, our school libraries help students discover new interests, build literacy skills, find reliable information and, sometimes, simply find a welcoming place to spend some time. Our Library Support Specialists are an important part of making that happen.
Canadian Library Workers Day is recognized on the third Friday of October, followed by Canadian School Library Day on the fourth Monday. These are great opportunities to recognize the people who help make our libraries engaging, inclusive and supportive spaces for students.
Please join us in thanking our Library Support Specialists for all they do to support students, staff and school communities. An extra special shout-out to our favorite librarian, Ms. Saulnier! Thank you for everything that you do for our students and staff and for keeping our library a fun place to share our love of learning!
What are we learning at WMES?
Knitting Club with Mr. Jennings!
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WMES Family Update October 5-9, 2026
- October is Mi'kmaq History Month
- October is Canadian Library Month
- Monday, Oct. 12: Thanksgiving – No School
- October 19-23: School Bus Safety Week
- Thursday, Oct. 22: PTC meeting at 6:00 and SAC meeting at 7:00
- Fri., Oct. 23: NSTU Conference Day - No classes PP-12
- Monday, Oct. 26: Picture retakes
- Thursday, Oct. 29: Halloween Howl – more info to come
October is Mi'kmaq History Month
Each October, Mi'kmaq History Month provides an opportunity to deepen our understanding of Mi'kmaq culture, history, language and traditions, while recognizing the important contributions of Mi'kmaq people past and present.
Across our schools, students and staff may mark the month through learning, storytelling, art, community connections and cultural experiences that bring Mi'kmaq perspectives into the classroom and school community.
As we learn together, Mi'kmaq History Month reminds us of the importance of listening, building relationships and continuing our shared commitment to truth and reconciliation.
Learn more about Mi'kmaq History Month here.
Fire Prevention Week: October 4-10
Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency is inviting families to take part in Fire Prevention Week, October 4–10. Visit halifax.ca/fpw to complete an online fire safety quiz. Want to win a Nintendo Switch, Apple products or LEGO sets? Participants who score 100% will be entered into a draw for a prize in their age category.
This year’s theme, “Safe Charging is a Superpower,” focuses on the safe use and charging of rechargeable devices powered by lithium-ion batteries. These batteries power many everyday devices, including phones, tablets, laptops, e-bikes and power tools. If damaged or charged improperly, they can overheat and cause fires.
Visit halifax.ca/fpw for contest details, videos and fire safety resources, and take a few minutes to test your smoke alarms and review your home fire escape plan.
What are we learning at WMES?
Colin, the HRCE Fine Arts Indigenous Art Specialist, was in to teach students about Indigenous art. In French class, students were learning about Orange Shirt Day.
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WMES Family Update Sept 28-Oct 2, 2026
Important Dates
- Monday, Sept. 28: Bus Evacuation Drill
- Tuesday, Sept. 29: Observe Orange Shirt Day
- Wednesday, Sept. 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Day – No School
- Monday, Oct. 12: Thanksgiving – No School
- Thursday, Oct. 22: PTC meeting at 6:00 and SAC meeting at 7:00
- Monday, Oct. 26: Picture retakes
- Thursday, Oct. 29: Halloween Howl – more info to come
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
On September 30, we honor the children who never returned home from residential schools, and the survivors, families and communities who continue to live with their lasting impacts.
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led movement that reminds us that Every Child Matters and encourages all of us to learn, reflect and support truth and reconciliation.
As there are no classes on Wednesday, September 30, we invite students and staff to wear orange, if they're able, on Tuesday, September 29.
What are we learning at WMES?
Ms. Gail from Halifax Regional Arts joined Ms. Smeltzer for music this week. We ended the week by walking for Terry Fox!
Good evening WMES Families,
Please see the attached family update 2026 Family Update Sept. 21 to 25.pdf.
We are having a hold and secure drill on Wednesday. Please see the attached notice Hold and Secure Notice.odt.
Have a great evening,
Your WMES Team
Good evening WMES Families,
Please see the attached family update 2026 Family Update Sept. 14 to 18.pdf.
Check out this information from the IWK Community Health Teams.odt and IWK Grief.pdf.
Have a great evening!
Your WMES Team
Good Evening WMES Families,
Please see the attached family update 2026 WMES Family Update Sept 7-11.pdf.
We will be conducting our first lockdown drill next Monday, September 14. Please see the attached notice Sept 2026 Lockdown Drill.pdf.
Have a great evening!
Your WMES Team