September 6th, 2022

Dear Conestogo Families,

What a great first day for our Conestogo Colts!  Students and staff were able to connect and start building their classroom community and routines.  It was a pleasure to meet our Colts today and we look forward to an amazing year ahead of us.

Below, please find some important updates, reminders and information for Conestogo Public School.

Conestogo Homerooms 2022-2023

Kindergarten Team (entry/dismissal by the kindergarten doors (east side of the school)

  • K1: C. Dowse, Teacher; K.Vasileas, DECE  
  • K2: A. Jantzi, Teacher; S. Tung, DECE; T. Martin DECE 

Primary Team  (entry/dismissal at the back door facing the portable)

  • 1/2A: C. Fox 
  • 2/3A: S. Brown
  • 3/4A: L. Hillman

Junior Team (entry/dismissal  at the side door adjacent to the parking lot)

  • 4/5A: D. Newport   
  • 5/6A: S. Venton 

Intermediate Team  (entry/dismissal  at the intermediate back door)

  • 7/8A: K. Thiel
  • 7/8B: S. Lambert

Completion of Forms:

Today, some forms were sent home for families to complete and return to school as soon as possible.  

  • Student Data Verification: put a line through information that is incorrect and write in missing or new information.  These changes and additions will be made to your child’s record in the school database.  Throughout the school year, please inform the school immediately of any pertinent changes such as address, phone numbers or additional contacts.
  • Student Media Release Consent form
  • Grade 6-8 Chromebook Agreements: (once Chromebooks are set up for distribution)  

More information about Form   

Responsible Use Procedure

Student Absences / Appointments

If your child will be absent from school, please call our attendance line at 519-664-3773 (press 1) or online at con-attendance@wrdsb.ca .  We will need to know your child’s name, their homeroom and teacher, their grade, and reason for the absence.  

COVID-19 Updates:

  • Complete the COVID-19 Self Assessment prior to coming to school daily
  • If your child is feeling unwell or is exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms please have them stay home to keep everyone healthy at school.
  • Appropriate hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette will be promoted and integrated throughout the school day.
  • Please refer to Federal Guidances when returning from travel outside of Canada.

Student Lunches

  • We have two Nutrition Breaks where students can have time to eat indoors (one in the morning and one in the afternoon).  

  • When possible, we are encouraging families to send reusable water bottles (water filling stations are open for use in the school) and lunch containers to reduce school litter and promote environmental stewardship. 

  • We are nut-free therefore, items such as peanut butter, nut butter spreads, or candy/snacks that are not made in a nut-free environment should not be coming to school in lunches.

  • Nut butter substitutes should also not be sent as they tend to look, taste, and smell very much like peanut butter. While the product is nut free, it mimics a known allergen that causes anaphylaxis in some children and adults to the degree that it is indistinguishable from the allergen. It is a convincing substitute, opening up the possibility that it can be confused as peanut butter, or worse yet, peanut butter could be confused as this soy-based product.  The Waterloo Region District School Board asks that parents refrain from including such products in your child’s lunches or snacks.

Volunteers

This school year we are happy to announce that we will be looking for volunteers to support our students and staff at Conestogo in the following areas:

  1. Strong Start Early Reading Program (K-1)
  2. Field Trips (when needed)
  3. Volunteer Drivers for School Teams
  4. Volunteer Coaching (to support Staff Coach)
  5. Home Reading Program/Reading with students
  6. Library volunteers

If you are interested in supporting in any of these areas, the Waterloo District School Board has a volunteer application process which involves: 

  • Completing the Volunteer Application Form (stating what of the above volunteer positions you are interested in) and forwarding to the Principal Sara MacNeill (sara_macneill@wrdsb.ca)
  • Obtaining A Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) (completed within last 6 months and every 6 months after)
  • Meet/Phone call with Principal to discuss the volunteer application process 

 Note: Once you have completed the volunteer application, there is no need to complete this again       (except to show an updated PVSC)

Bikes/Scooters/Skateboards

Please walk bikes, scooters and skateboards while on school property upon arrival and departure each day.  We want to ensure that students, families and caregivers stay safe.  Please use the bike racks at the front of the school to lock up bikes/scooters.  

Dogs

Just a reminder that dogs are not to be on school property.  We have many students, staff and families who are not comfortable or have a fear of dogs and this causes anxiety and previous trauma.  We thank you for your cooperation.

Student Planners

We have ordered planners for all students Gr. 1-6 and once School Day money collection is up and running, families can contribute $7 for each child’s planner.  If you would like to make an additional small donation towards planners, you are welcome to do this through WEFI once it is available.  More information to follow.

Parking Lot

Our parking lot is for the use of staff, school buses and contractors solely, as well as for extended day pickup/dropoff.  If picking up or dropping off a child, please DO NOT come into our parking lot during school hours.  This poses a serious safety risk.  There is parking available on Flax Mill Dr. and Evening Star Ln., and then walk across to the school.

Paid Parking Lot Attendant Position

Conestogo is looking for a person to work daily from 9:05 am – 9:35am and from 3:25 – 3:55 pm, with a total of 5 hours/week. For more details, please contact Conestogo PS Principal, Ms. Sara MacNeill, at 519-664.3773.

Teachers will be connecting this week with families regarding specific classroom information.  We look forward to continuing getting to know our students this week.  Please subscribe to our school website located at the bottom of the page http://con.wrdsb.ca/ which will notify you when new items are posted. 

Sincerely,

Sara MacNeill

Principal