Hello Windebank Families,
Monday, November 10
· Non-Instructional Day – Students not in session
Tuesday, November 11
· Remembrance Day – School closed
Photo Retake Day - Individual Photos – Friday, November 14
Darby Photos has a retake session procedure, designed to ensure
every student who needs a portrait on retake day gets one.
Students can only attend a retake session for one of two reasons:
· They missed the main picture day, and did not get portraits taken. (Automatically on the list, no signup)
· The request for a retake is made by the student's family through
their online gallery. Please note the cut off to sign up for retakes is 72 hours before the retake day (Must signup online at https://www.darbyphotos.ca/elementary-school)
Darby Photos system produces a list of students that did not get portraits completed on the original photo day, so if your child does not attend the main day then they will be called down on retake day automatically. There is no need to notify your school or Darby Photos.
If your child attended the main photo day but you wish to have retakes done, the request must be made through their online gallery prior to the due date listed on your proof. There will be a physical printed proof that goes home explaining how to view the gallery and make this request. Our system then compiles a list of all of these requests.
Only students that are on our list will be invited down during the retake session to streamline the experience. You will not be able to add your child to the list by contacting your school or Darby Photos, the only way to have them added is through the online gallery retake request function.
Please note that if your child attends the retake session, any original images that were taken on the main photo day will no longer be accessible.
If you have any questions about retakes please contact Darby Photos directly.
Homestay Families Needed
Homestay Flyer.pdf
Welcome International Students into Your Home—Become a Homestay Family!
We are looking for caring families to open their hearts and homes to our international students. Share your love of Mission and create lasting connections through the Y.E.S. program.
- What the program offers:
- $1,150 monthly compensation
- After-school programs and weekend activities for students
- Comprehensive training and ongoing support
What Homestay families provide:
· A welcoming home and family connection
· A private bedroom for the student
· Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily
· Valuable cultural exchange experiences
If you are interested please contact Mark at mark_sd75@yesacademy.ca
Roc Your Moc
Celebrate Roc Your Moc Day with us! On Wednesday, November 12, put on your favourite moccasins or cozy slippers and join in a show of community spirit and cultural pride. Whether you're at home, at school, or at work, let's honour Indigenous traditions and the warmth of togetherness. Snap a photo of your feet and share your story—let's see those mocs and slippers across our community! Everyone is welcome to participate.
Next Week
Monday
· Non-Instructional Day – Students not in session
Tuesday
· Remembrance Day – School closed
Wednesday
· Hot Lunch (Simply Foods)
· PAC Hot Lunch Ordering closes for PAC Hot Lunch - Nov 20th - Triple O's
· Rock your Mocs day (see above for more info)
Thursday
· PAC - Hot Lunch - Cobs Bread & TCBY (Frozen Yogurt)
Friday
· Hot Lunch (Simply Foods)
· Photo Retake Day - Individual Photos (see above for more info)
From the office
Office Hours
The office is open 8am-3pm. Closed during recess (10-10:15am) and from 1:45-2pm. We will have student office monitors covering the office during lunch (11:45am-12:30pm).
Student Pick Ups
If you need to pick your child up during the school day, please do so by 11:45 am or after 12:30 pm as it is difficult to call students when they are outside. Please remember that anytime you are picking your students up during the school day (prior to 2:23 pm), it is essential that you notify the classroom teacher and office to ensure that the class is onsite and not on a walk.
Attendance
If your child will be away, please call the office at 604-826-2213 (we have voice mail) or you can email Ms. Stefanek at teresa.stefanek@mpsd.ca If you email the classroom teacher, please copy the office as well.
Late Arrivals
If your child will be late (after 8:30 am), they need to enter through the front doors to get a late slip before they can proceed to class.
Parking Reminder
Just a friendly reminder that the staff parking lot is reserved for school staff only. If you're unable to find parking nearby, we encourage you to use the parking available at Heritage Park. Also, please be mindful of our neighbors by not blocking driveways or access points. Thank you for your understanding and for helping us keep things running smoothly for everyone!
Parent Volunteers
If you would like to volunteer at Windebank there are 2 steps. One is the school volunteer form that needs to be completed yearly, and the second part is a Criminal Record Check. Please see the link below that has all the information on applying for both.
https://windebank.mpsd.ca/Parents/parentvolunteers/Pages/default.aspx#/=
Scent Free School
A reminder that Windebank is a scent free school. We have numerous staff with scent allergies. We are noticing students are wearing scented products. Please make sure backpacks are checked to ensure this is not being brought to school.
School Cash Online
School Supply Fees have been uploaded to School Cash Online. Any questions please call the office at 604-826-2213 or email Ms. Stefanek at teresa.stefanek@mpsd.ca
Cutlery
Please be advised that the school does not have disposable cutlery to hand out to students.
Lost & Found
When you come to the school for drop off/pick up please check the lost and found in the foyer for any items that might belong to your household.
Any unclaimed items will be donated the last Thursday of every month (December & March – before the breaks)
Spare Set of Clothing
A reminder to make sure that all students (kindergarten - grade 6) have a full set of spare clothes at school.
School Sports Jerseys
We are still missing a few jerseys. Please check your houses to see if you have any of the school sports jerseys at home that might have not been returned from any of last year's sports activities.
Windebank School Lunch by Simply Foods
We are excited to offer your children healthy and nutritious meals every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday starting September 15/25. Simply Foods provides affordable lunches made fresh from local ingredients, ensuring students receive a balanced meal at school.
Vegetarian, gluten-free, and halal dishes are available daily. All items are nut and seafood-free.
Please refer to the attached information for instructions on how to set up and order meals for your students.
Feeding Futures Program Information for Families.pdf
Simply School Lunch Program Information.pdf
Breakfast Club
We wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has donated or connected with us to help our Breakfast Program thrive. Thanks to your kindness and the support of Feeding Futures this school year, we're able to continue running a 5 day/week breakfast program for our students.
Your generosity truly makes a difference. With donations from many families and members of our community, we were also able to purchase a new industrial toaster, which will help us prepare bagels and toast much more efficiently for our busy mornings.
We are so thankful for all the continued support that keeps our program going. We'll be releasing our breakfast menu soon and will share opportunities to help with specific food items at that time.
If your child requires dietary accommodations, please email melissa.moore@mpsd.ca so we can do our best to meet their needs.
Thank you for helping us start each day with care and community.
From the PAC
Neufeld Farms Fundraiser
We have started our Neufeld Farms fundraiser! Ordering is open until Sunday, November 9th. Delivery will be on Monday, Nov 17th at 2:30pm in the school parking lot! Please make sure you're able to pick up that day or plan for someone to pick up for you, as we don't have freezer space to store things!
Thanks again Warriors for your ongoing support!
Click the link below to place your order!
https://app.neufeldfarms.ca/fundraising/2025-windebank-elementary
Annual Food Drive
Did you know that the non-perishable items brought in every Wednesday go towards Christmas food hampers for our school families? Your contributions are helping our very own Windebank families, and we are SO grateful for it!
Be a Warrior Hunger Hero and bring a nonperishable item to school next Wednesday and every Wednesday after from now until December.
Please make sure to check expiry dates! Food can be brought down to the front foyer and placed in the white bin labeled Food Drive or given to your child's teacher (they will earn a point for their team colour).
Thank you, Warrior families, for your continued support! This wouldn't be possible without your help!
Hot Lunch
Hot lunch ordering is now open for November. Just a reminder that hot lunch ordering closes 8 days prior to the date served. Please make sure you get your orders in and paid before then. You may order for the whole month or just one lunch at a time, whatever works for you! If your child will be away for hot lunch, we ask that you contact the teacher to arrange pick up of the food from the classroom or office. Any unclaimed food sent back to us will be donated to another child.
For new parents who do not yet have a munchalunch account please register your child(ren) following this link:
https://munchalunch.com/register
For parents who already have an existing account please order using this link:
https://munchalunch.com/login
Christmas Store
Our Annual Christmas Store is happening on December 12th, and we're getting ready to spread some holiday cheer! We're currently accepting donations of new or gently used items for men and women. Ideas include mugs, jewelry, picture frames, Christmas décor, small tools, knick-knacks, and more! We're also in need of wrapping supplies such as wrapping paper, gift bags, small boxes, and tissue paper — every bit helps make the season brighter.
We will also be looking for volunteers to help wrap Christmas gifts at our Christmas Store, on Friday, Dec 12th in the gym! If you have your CRC and are wanting to help, let us know please!
PAC Meeting
The next PAC meeting is Friday, January 9th at 8:45am in the school library!
Thanks,
Windebank Office
