Westboro Weekly Newsletter

January 14: Parent Council Meeting 6:30 p.m.

January 27: Family Literacy and Numeracy Night 5:30 p.m.

January 28: Grade 5 and 6 Fused Glass Field Trip

January 29: Professional Learning Day: No school for students

February 1: Kindergarten registration 2025-26 opens at 9 a.m.

February 1: New Student registration 2025-26 opens at 9 a.m.

February 5: Early Dismissal

February 6: North Central Teachers' Convention: No school for students

February 7: North Central Teachers' Convention: No school for students

February 10: Returning student registration 2025-26 opens

February 11: Parent Council Meeting 6:30 p.m.

February 12: Grade 5 Alberta Aviation Museum 9:30 a.m.

February 17: Family Day - Stat. Holiday

February 20: Wisest Conference

February 24: Returning student registration 2025-26 closes

February 26: Pink Shirt Day

You can now place your hot lunch orders for Friday, January 24 on MunchaLunch!

This month, we are pleased to offer Booster Juice and Cobbs! Ordering will close on Sunday, January 19 at 9:00 p.m.

HOW TO ORDER:

1. Go to: https://munchalunch.com/schools/westboro and click “Login Here”. Then place your order.
2. If you need to create an account, click the “Register Here” button (as shown below). The system will guide you through.
3. After adding your students, click the green “Order Lunch!” button to order.
4. Next time, just click the “Login Here” button to access your account.

HOW TO REGISTER IF YOU ALREADY HAVE AN ACCOUNT AT A DIFFERENT SCHOOL:

1. Go to: https://munchalunch.com/addaccount
2. Click the “Start” button. The system will guide you through.
3. After adding your students, click the green “Order Lunch!” button to order.
4. Next time, just click the “Login Here” button to access your account.

ORDERING INFORMATION:

• If you need assistance with ordering, or do not have access to the internet, please contact our new hot lunch coordinator, Nicole at westborohotlunch@gmail.com

Please note if your student is ill on a lunch date, you are welcome to come and pick up their lunch by 12:30pm; otherwise please consider it a donation. Consistent with previous years, there are NO REFUNDS.

We are always in need of Volunteers! There is a volunteer page in the online system where you can checkmark which dates you are available. The hot lunch coordinator will then contact you with a proposed schedule.

Our thanks to the Westboro Elementary parent/guardian community for supporting hot lunch and to our wonderful Volunteers who help make this program a success!

Thank you.

Pease see the agenda for the upcoming School Council meeting on January 14, 2025.

Westboro School Council Agenda January 14, 2025

Westboro Parent's Society Agenda January 14, 2025

Please see the meeting minutes from the School Council meeting held on November 19, 2024.

Westboro School Council Meeting Minutes November 19 2024

Westboro Parent's Society Meeting Minutes November 19, 2024

This weekend, our talented track team competed in the highly anticipated 2025 Edmonton Harriers Elementary Relay Races at the Butterdome.

The Harriers is a challenging event that demands endurance, determination, and teamwork, and we are confident our athletes rose to the occasion.

Our team has trained tirelessly over the past months, demonstrating remarkable dedication both on and off the track. Their commitment and hard work have brought pride to our school community, and we know they gave it their all at this weekend’s competition.

Way to go to our Westboro Track Team!

Every Monday, we will unveil our Math Problem of the Week! This initiative is designed to challenge minds, spark creativity, and build problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging way.

How It Works:

• Three Levels of Problems:

Each week, we will post three math problems tailored to different age groups and skill levels:

• Kindergarten

• Division 1 (Grades 1-3)

• Division 2 (Grades 4-6)

Students will have until Thursday to complete their problem and submit their answer ballot to the office. On Thursday afternoon, we will hold a draw from all the correct submissions. The winners will get the chance to pick a prize from the Prize Box!

We can’t wait to see how many budding mathematicians rise to the challenge! Let’s make math fun and rewarding for everyone—good luck to all our problem solvers!

Is your child turning five on or before Dec. 31, 2025? If so, it’s almost time to register for kindergarten.

Kindergarten registration for the 2025-26 school year opens on Feb. 1, 2025.

To help families prepare, Elk Island Public Schools has put together an online EIPS Kindergarten Tool kit to make the transition as smooth as possible. The kit includes information on registration, important dates, programming options, what to expect, eligibility, how to find your designated school, transportation and more.

Additional information regarding Westboro Elementary's kindergarten program is available at www.westboroelementary.ca/about/kindergarten

The Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) returning student registration process for 2025-26 takes place Feb. 10-24, 2025. Through the online form, all families will confirm the school and program their child will attend next year or advise the Division if they aren’t returning. For students who want to attend a non-designated school next year, these requests must be submitted through the returning student registration process—acceptance is based on available space.

On February 10, the parent/guardian on file in PowerSchool identified as the Permission Click contact for each pre-kindergarten to Grade 11 student will receive an email through Permission Click with a link to the form. If your family hasn’t received any Permission Click forms this school year, contact the school office so we can investigate any technical issues before registration season.

Many schools across the Division will host open houses and information sessions to share information about courses and programs, helping families make informed decisions during the 2025-26 new student registration and returning student registration season.

Learn more about everything EIPS has to offer by attending one or more school open houses or alternative program information sessions at a school near you.

PLEASE NOTE: Westboro Elementary will NOT be hosting an open house.

The Division High School Information Session, for interested students and families currently in grades 8 or 9, will take place on January 13.

It is crucial to prioritize the safety of our students by driving responsibly in school zones. These areas are busy with young pedestrians, patrollers and parents/guardians dropping off or picking up their students. A moment of carelessness behind the wheel can lead to tragic consequences.

Here are some reminders to help keep everyone safe:

1. Obey the Speed Limit

The speed limit in school zones is reduced to 30 km/hr to protect students and staff. Pay close attention to posted signs and adjust your speed accordingly.

2. Avoid U-Turns

Making U-turns near schools is not only illegal in many areas but also dangerous. This maneuver can confuse other drivers and put students at risk, especially those crossing the street.

3. Watch for Students

Children are often unpredictable. They may dart out into the street without warning or cross outside of designated areas. Stay vigilant, especially during school start and dismissal times.

4. Follow Crossing Guard Instructions

Our patrollers are there to ensure everyone’s safety. Always stop when directed and give them the space they need to do their job.

5. Minimize Distractions

Distractions can slow your reaction time and lead to accidents, particularly in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. Please minimize distractions and focus on your driving.

By taking these simple precautions, we can create a safer environment for our children. Let’s work together to ensure that every student arrives at school and home safely.

EIPS’ Annual Education Results Report 2023-24 is now available online. The report details how EIPS is doing relative to Alberta Education’s performance measures; how it’s supporting students to achieve the best possible outcomes; and its successes, challenges and priority strategies moving forward. A brief overview of the report is also available.

Learn how to help your teen with the social and technological pressures they face in the world today. Together we will go through research-based ways we can support teens when they are feeling the pressure of their digital lives. Issues addressed include interacting with strangers online, understanding their digital identity, and healthy relationships.

The content of this workshop is geared for parents and caregivers with children between 9-14 years of age.

The presentation is from 6 to 7:30 p.m., with an opportunity for Q & A from 7:30 to 8 p.m.

Audience: Adults, Parents and caregivers

Cost: Free

The Winter Play Day has been rescheduled for January 22! Join us at Emerald Hills Regional Park for a free evening of fun activities, including:

• Skating - don't forget to bring your skates!
• Snow play
• Wagon rides
• Free hot chocolate
• And more!
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This is an outdoor event. Please be sure to dress for the weather.

See details at strathcona.ca/PlayDays

Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Call at 780-464-4044 or visit Family and Community Services on the second floor of the community centre at 401 Festival Lane to get support with all life's challenges.

Support is FREE and available for people of all ages and situations - whether you are a senior, youth, family or individual.

With Navigation support you can:

• Share your story and receive helpful information along the decision making journey.
• Access financial supports and housing information advocacy.
• Receive help to untangle complicated situations and figure out next steps together.
• Apply for subsidies including reduced transit rates, recreation access, tax rebates and more.
• Obtain support with filling out forms and applications.
• Have a caring individual who will sit beside you to listen, understand and help you to further your goals.

Learn more here.

Our FREE winter program schedule from the Family Resource Network (FRN) is here! Connect with other parents and caregivers, learn new skills and support your child’s healthy development.

• Drop-in parented programs for infants aged 0 to 18 months
• Drop-in parented programs for kids 0 to 6 years old
• Registered programs for kids in grades 1 to 3 and grades 4 to 6
• Registered parenting skill-building sessions for a variety of age groups
• Special events for families and children of all ages

Check out the winter FRN schedule here: https://ow.ly/oYNY50UnVw1

Register for programs and learn more about Strathcona County's Family Resource Network at https://bit.ly/3RVAltj

Take a look at the Strathcona County Family Resource Network's digital winter program guide !

Winter Guide