Dear WDS Families, next week will be another busy one at WDS. We have fun Lunch on June 19 and the Grade 6 Social Studies PAT and on June 20 we have the Grade 6 Science PAT. The Summer Solstice is on June 20 and National Indigenous Peoples Day and Grade 6 Farewell is on Friday, June 21. 

School Council AGM

This week we had our school council AGM, thank you to all parents who could attend. We shared what is happening in June at WDS and some planning that has been occurring for the 2024-25 school year. Our student enrollment continues to increase, and we are projected to have 317 students during the next school year. We are a “closed status” school, which means we can only accept new students who live in the Dalhousie community. Based on our current enrolment numbers we will have 1 kindergarten class, 4 grade 1/2 classes, 4 grade 3/4 classes, 4 grade 5/6 classes, and 2 EES classes.

We are very fortunate to have a music and physical education specialist at WDS during the 2024-25 school year. This is subject to change based on enrollment numbers. Thank you to our school council members, your support is greatly appreciated. Some of the benefits of having an engaged and committed school council include financial support for residencies, field trips, equipment, technology and special events. They also organize fun lunches, provide a variety of perspectives at meetings and organize casinos. Our first meeting next year is on September 5 at 7:00 PM. Please join us.

Staffing Updates

We are excited to welcome teacher Mr. Cristian Gutierrez-Medina who will be joining WDS and our Grade 5/6 team for the 2024-25 school year. Ms. Carmen Hettinga will be returning to WDS for the 2024-25 school year, and she will be teaching Grade 5/6 as well. 

Summer Solstice

June 20 is the summer solstice. Not only is it the day when the sun travels its longest path through the sky, which explains why it is the longest day, but it is the day that many Indigenous peoples celebrate their culture and heritage. 

National Indigenous Peoples Day

June 21 we will celebrate the history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada. On June 21, for National Indigenous Peoples Day, we recognize and celebrate the history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada.

Report Cards

Teachers are working on the final report cards for this school year. Marks are based on a body of evidence including assessments, assignments, daily work and observations. Comments are designed to expand beyond the indicators and help to paint a more complete picture of each learner.

Sports Day

We still need parent volunteers for Sports Day on the morning of June 27. If you can help out, please sign up! A valid  volunteer security clearance is required. 

World Refugee Day 

Each year on June 20, the world celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. The theme for 2024 World Refugee Week is 'Our Home', which reminds us that home can be more than one place and finding it can be a journey. 

Discover ideas of how to participate by exploring how we can make “Our Home" a more welcoming, safe and respectful place for all on UNCHR's Website. 

Important Dates 

Have a great weekend,  

Rhonda Williams