Hello Windebank Families,
This year Diwali falls on Monday, October 20, and, like always, will be celebrated at Windebank. (Monday)
Here is some background information on Diwali.
Diwali is a festival celebrated among Hindu and Sikh people. It symbolises victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. It is a festival of lights, of spreading kindness and respect, and sharing joy with others. On this day, people do deep cleaning at their houses, wear fancy clothes, exchange gifts with their loved ones, go to temple for prayers, do fireworks, celebrate this day with food, and spend quality time with families. Depending on the lunar calendar, it falls in late October or early November.
Families who celebrate Diwali are encouraged to send their children in their traditional clothing on Monday.
Hello Windebank Families,
Save the Date- Parent-teacher Conferences
We will be holding our Parent-Teacher Conferences on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, from 2:30-7:00pm. All interviews will be booked using our online booking software. The link for booking will be sent out next Thursday in the parent email.
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. I have attached a photo of what one of them look like for your reference.
Jersey photo.jpg
Lost & Found
When you come to the school for drop off/pick up please check the lost and found in the foyer. It is overflowing with items. Any unclaimed items will be donated today (Friday, October 17).
Spare Set of Clothing
A reminder to make sure that all students (kindergarten - grade 6) have a full set of spare clothes at school.
Next Week
Monday
Tuesday
- Spirit Day - Jersey / Athletic Apparel Day
- PAC - Popcorn Day, please send $1.00 on Monday October 20th
- Cross Country Running Practice 2:30-3pm Grade 1-3
- Grade 6 Basketball Practice 2:30-3:15pm
Wednesday
- Hot Lunch (Simply Foods)
- PAC Hot Lunch Ordering closes for PAC Hot Lunch - Oct 30th - Subway & Halloween Donuts
Thursday
- Cross Country Running Practice 2:30-3pm Grade 1-3
- Grade 6 Basketball Practice 2:30-3:15pm
- PAC Hot Lunch - TCBY (Frozen Yogurt)
Friday
- Non-Instructional Day – Students NOT in session
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. Please see the attached for instructions. Any questions please call the office at 604-826-2213 or email Ms. Stefanek at teresa.stefanek@mpsd.ca
School Cash Online Instructions - May 2024.pdf
Cutlery
Please be advised that the school does not have disposable cutlery to hand out to students.
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
Annual Pumpkin Patch
A huge thank you to everyone that helped make our pumpkin patch happen today! The kids had such a fun day!
Starfish Backpacks
We're looking for an extra set of hands to help with Starfish Packs! Each week, backpacks filled with meals and snacks are sent home with kids who need them most, ensuring they have food for the weekend. Pickup is at Northview Church on Thursdays at 2:45. We currently have one person who is picking up, but she would love to share with someone. If you're able to help (a little or a lot) please reach out to the PAC!
Hot Lunch
Hot lunch ordering is now open for the rest of October: 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! We are also looking to add a few new parents to our volunteer pool for hot lunch distribution. It's easy and there is no commitment. If you happen to be available on *some* Thursdays from approximately 11:30am-12:30pm then please message us or email the PAC email windebankpacmission@gmail.com
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
Popcorn Days are back!
Our first popcorn day is coming up on October 21st! Send your kiddo to school with 1$ or you will be able to purchase through munchalunch
If you haven't yet registered: https://munchalunch.com/schools/windebank
If you're already registered: 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.
PAC Meeting
The next PAC meeting is Thursday, November 6th at 6:30pm in the school library!
Thanks,
Windebank Office
The following attachment was emailed to parents August 29/25
Welcome to Windebank 2025.pdf