Welborne Word
January 22, 2024 - Issue #20
Dear Families,
Hot Lunches continue on Fridays. Orders are made online through School Day and are due the Sunday prior. Please connect with Mrs. Hart if you have any questions.
Starting in February, Welborne is having new countertops and cabinets installed around all classroom sinks. This work will be happening after school hours and should be completed mid-March. This is a very exciting project that will definitely be a positive change in our classrooms.
As you know, Mme Leroux retired at the end of December. We have been so fortunate to have Mme Campbell continuing with the primary and junior classes after Mme Leroux’s retirement. Last week interviews took place to replace Mme Leroux on a permanent basis. Although we would have loved to keep Mme Campbell, she was not eligible to apply for the job because of her status as an occasional teacher. We do hope that Mme Campbell will be back at Welborne in the future, she will be missed greatly! Mme Campbell will be completing the Term 1 report cards for the students that she teaches. Her last day at Welborne will be Thursday February 1st. If you wish to speak to her about your child’s progress in Core French, please contact her at the school prior to February 1st. We would like to congratulate and welcome Mme Erika Vines who will be taking over the classes on Monday, February 5th. Mme Vines has a number of years experience teaching Core French and comes highly recommended. Bienvenue a Welborne!
The part-time Core French position formerly held by Mme MacKeigan remains unfilled at this time. Occasional teachers have been covering the classes that Mme MacKeigan taught. We hope to have someone permanently in this role in the near future.
Last week, 2 players from the Kingston Frontenacs visited Welborne! Linus Hemstrom (#90) and Ethan Miedema (#15) spoke with our Grade 7 and 8 students about responsibility, initiative, and the rewards of hard work and kindness. Then, they had a few extra minutes to visit a couple classes, answer some student questions, give a few high fives, and play tag with our Grade 3 and Grade 3/4 classes!
Although it's cold outside, we have many student activities available for students, in various grades, during recess. If your student(s) is looking for something to do during recess, please reach out to their classroom teacher for ideas! Announcements are now shared with classes in the form of a slide-show so that teachers have a chance to really highlight the grade-appropriate clubs and activities that are taking place.
While we are on the topic of cold weather, we do encourage you to ensure your student has the appropriate clothing needed for outdoor recess. Students are outside for 30 minutes twice a day. Extra socks and mitts are always a good idea! If your family needs help getting outdoor clothing, please contact either the office or your student's teacher. Thank you!
Warm regards,
Ms. Fraser, Mrs. Wellwood, and Ms. Hart
#90 - Linus Hemstrom (from Sweden!)
#15 - Ethen Miedema (from Cobourg)
We are thankful for our time together!
Creating a Supportive Environment for All at Welborne
In the Fall, the LDSB released a student-created/student-friendly video that outlines Human Rights. Students in Grades 4-8 have seen this video in class across the district. We encourage you to watch the 5 minute video with your child at home.
Recently, we have experienced an increase in students reporting unkind behaviour they are seeing/hearing about/experiencing. We are so thankful and proud of the students who are standing up for the wellness of others and for those students who feel empowered to stand up for themselves. We have been having conversations with students about how to take care of each other and the importance of being kind. With our older students, we have been having conversations about the impacts of bullying, microaggressions, and harassment. It is our goal that our individual and classroom conversations have a positive impact on student behaviour and student choices at Welborne.
Bus Cancellations/Delays
It's that time of year that the weather has direct impact on bus transportation for students. Please follow Tri-Board @triboardbus or download the app for alerts.
If busses are cancelled in the morning, they will be cancelled for the entire day.
Events and Dates of Significance
January 24 - Bell Let's Talk Day
January 25 - Tu B’Shvat
January 27 - Family Literacy Day
Month of February - COBBS fundraising for Welborne
February 2 - PA Day, no school for students
February 12 and 13 - KFL&A Dental Screening for students in JK/SK and Grade 2 only
February 16 - Term 1 Report Cards will be sent home with students
February 19 - Family Day Holiday, schools are closed
February 25 - Pink Shirt Day
March 11-15 - March Break, schools are closed
April 8 - PA Day and Solar Eclipse (PA Day is moved from April 12th due to Solar Eclipse)
Strive For 5 - Importance of Attendance at School
There is a direct correlation between attendance at school and achievement level. When students are healthy, we want them to be at school every day. This time of year can be tricky with it being cold and flu season, and with weather disruptions, but ensuring your child is at school regularly is key to their learning.
More About Tu B'Shvat
Tu B'Shvat is also called “The New Year of the Trees” and is an ecological awareness day. The Jewish Arbour Day is observed by celebrating all of nature and recommitting to doing our part to take care of the earth.
Optional Programming for Students - Grades 1-5
Tallack Martial Arts
We will be offering a 16 week Martial Arts program for students in Grades 1 to 5. The sessions will begin on Wednesday, January 31, and run until the end of May during second recess/nutrition break. The cost of this program is $183.14 and includes a uniform t-shirt and belts as they are earned.
Instructors from the Tallack program will visit classes on Wednesday, January 24th. They will talk about the program, answer student questions, and hand out the registration forms. If your student is interested in the program, please chat with them about asking for a form.
If you would like your student to participate but the cost is a barrier, please reach out via email (welba@limestone.on.ca) or call the school.
PA Day Basketball Camp - February 2
This PA Day camp is being held at Frontenac Secondary School, 8:30-2:30pm.
Students in Grades 4-6 are eligible to register. Cost = $80.
Interested families should visit the website above for more details and to register.
Solar Eclipse in Kingston - April 8 - Now a Scheduled PA Day
On Monday, Apr. 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will occur, with the field of totality (the area on Earth that will be cast into darkness as a result, and also the best area for viewing the eclipse with proper precautions) stretching from Sinaloa, Mexico, through the USA and all the way to Newfoundland, according to Astronomy Magazine. The Kingston region sits in the field of totality expected during the eclipse.
The PA Day that was scheduled for April 12, will now take place on April 8th.
Optional Bracelet Sale
Hi. My name is Harnoor Kaur and I am a grade 8 student at Welborne. I am a young entrepreneur with big dreams and goals. I am currently running a small business, called Made With Love By Harnoor. I sell bracelets for $5 to $8 each. $2 from every sale will go to the Kingston Humane Society so that every animal there will have a life they deserve.
If you are interested in buying a bracelet, please come to the front foyer on Tuesday and Thursday this week before going outside. Exact change is appreciated.
Late French Immersion Information
To all families of students currently enrolled in Grade 6 or 7: Please mark your calendars if you wish to attend LDSB Extended French Immersion Open Houses for the 2024-25 school year. Extended French Immersion Open Houses will be held Wednesday Feb. 21, 2024 at 6 p.m. at all three sites in the Limestone District School Board Module Vanier Extended French Immersion (located in Kingston SS) Harrowsmith Public School Extended French Immersion (located at Harrowsmith PS) Module de l’Acadie Extended French Immersion (located in Frontenac SS)
Cobs Bread Fundraiser
February is Welborne Month at Cobs Bread! It's an excellent fundraising opportunity for us! When you make a purchase at Cobs, tell them that you support Welborne!
School Mental Health Ontario Resources
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1_6x4OvK0QpTnqk1v5IDZxXJ12aYTHL7nw2B5nMpr0Wk/edit?usp=sharing
These social-emotional learning posters (link above) highlight everyday mental health practices that support social-emotional learning and can be used at home when your child needs support. The best way to utilize these strategies is to practice using them when your child is calm.
Information From Maltby
Maltby Centre is offering a series of workshops for parents, caregivers, and youth! Our workshops are designed to help families understand concepts related to Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), access resources, and increase overall parent/ youth capacity. These online and in person workshops are for families living in Ontario with a valid OAP registration number. The following is the schedule of our workshops for Winter 2024. See registration information below as well as detailed descriptions of each workshop.
MENTAL HEALTH GROUPS & WORKSHOPS - January and February, 2024
Sessions include: Top Tips for Improving Behaviours, Parenting Your Anxious Child, and Emotional Regulation
Dental Screening - Feb 12 and 13 at Welborne for JK/SK and Grade 2 Students
Human Rights Incidents and Complaints
Community Mental Health Supports
LDSB 2023-2024 School Year Calendar
Contact us!
Email: welba@limestone.on.ca
Website: welborne.limestone.on.ca
Location: 190 Welborne Avenue, Kingston, ON, Canada
Phone: 613-389-0188
Twitter: @Welborne_LDSB