September 26th, 2018

It’s hard to believe that September is coming to an end.  It has been a fantastic month here at Empire. Students are settling into routines, digging into new learning and building new friendships.

We wanted to share some important upcoming dates and events with you as we wrap up our first month of school.

School Council

Our first meeting was held on Wednesday, September 19, where the new executive was established:

Chair- Amanda Wickstead

Secretary – Shelley Croth

Treasurer- Micheline Lang

Communications Rep- Erica Hind

Fundraising Co-ordinator- Nicole Dore

WRAPSC Rep- Sara Clarke

Our next council meeting is Wednesday, October 10th at 6:30 pm in the Empire Library.  All are welcome!

Orange Shirt Day- Observed October 1 at Empire

Orange Shirt Day is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission (SJM) residential school commemoration event held in Williams Lake, BC, Canada, in the spring of 2013.  It grew out of Phyllis’ story of having her shiny new orange shirt taken away on her first day of school at the Mission, and it has become an opportunity to keep the discussion on all aspects of residential schools happening annually.

Orange Shirt Day is also an opportunity for First Nations, local governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come.  We encourage all staff and students to wear an orange shirt (or other orange item of clothing) to support the message that Every Child Matters.

IWalk to School Day- October 3

This year, Empire staff and students are invited to participate in International Walk to School Month.

To launch this event, and encourage active transportation, Student Transportation of Waterloo Region, the Waterloo Regional Police, and other local organizations are supporting Walk to School Day on October 3.  Meet us at the corner of Dunbar Rd. and William St. at 9:00am where we will be joined by a police officer. We will proceed down William toward Westmount and be at the corner of Westmount and William at approximately 9:05am.  Join us as we travel! We look forward to walking to school with many Eagle families on the 3rd!

Staffing Changes

The increase in enrollment across the Waterloo Region District School Board this fall has resulted in the formation of many new classes at schools across the region.

As a result of the posting for additional contract teaching positions, Mrs Jillian Pettifer has accepted a position at Cedar Creek Public School beginning October 1.  Mrs. Pettier has been instrumental in shaping the music program at Empire, and has contributed greatly to the positive school culture through her work with Kodaly Choir, bus patrols, “mash-up” activities and more!

Mrs. Pettifer’s assignment teaching Music, Health, Drama and Dance will be filled by Mr. Todd Schiedel, who is currently teaching Kindergarten in K2 until October 1.  His assignment will be filled in the coming days as we continue to work through the staffing process.

We also wish to congratulate Ms.Jessica Pellowe, who teaches Grade one in the afternoons in Room 15. She has accepted a  full time contract position at Groh Public School beginning October 1, and her afternoon position will be filled in the coming days as well.

We ask for your support in helping our students make an adjustment to these changes.  As a staff, we intend to do everything we can to make the transition as smooth and positive as possible for all students.

If you have questions about any of the above, please contact the main office.  Have a fantastic weekend Eagle families!