Laurelwoods Elementary School

Hello everyone,

I would like to take a moment to introduce myself. I am absolutely thrilled to be the new principal at Laurelwoods Elementary School. I have heard tremendous things about the community, families and students. I know that Laurelwoods is a community school that celebrates high academic standards, a robust extra curricular program and strong values rooted in kindness and inclusion. My brief visit in June, confirmed the wonderful welcome I was told I would receive.
I have worked in the Upper Grand DSB for over 25 years. I have taught every grade, with much of my time spent in Special Education and Kindergarten. I was also blessed to spend a number of years working in the board’s program department, supporting students and teachers with integrating technology into their learning. I continue to love learning and have most recently been focused on continuing my learning around indigenous education, human rights and equity.
Family is very important to me. I have a large extended family that tries to get together as often as possible. I am also a partner to a wonderful man, Dave and a mother to 4 of my own children, Kendra & Daniel, Taylor and Austin, Blake and Tessa along with Dave’s kids Colton and Kaija. We have a wonderfully big, busy family when they can make it home! I love to spend time outdoors hiking, camping and paddling. I am also very musical and have spent many years involved in different community events and occasions playing the piano, flute and singing.
I look forward to getting to know all of our families at Laurelwoods.

This year, I will be sending out a quick “few things” email each Friday to families. This email will fill you in on the important information for the week and any upcoming events. I will strive to keep them as brief as possible!

A Few Things!

1. Welcome Back!
Welcome back to the 2025-2026 school year. We hope everyone had an amazing summer and are enjoying the lovely weather before the school year starts. For those of you that are new to Laurelwoods, welcome! Our main method of communication that we use with home is our weekly "A Few Things" emails. These will generally arrive on Fridays and will include updates about what is happening at school as well as reminders and dates for upcoming school events. We thank you for taking the time to read these emails.

2. PA Day
There is no school for students on Tuesday September 2nd, 2025. It is a PA day for all students. School will begin for students on Wednesday September 3rd, 2025. During the PA Day, staff will build a strong foundation for the year by engaging in professional learning that prioritizes a mentally healthy return to school for all students. They will deepen their understanding of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), with a particular emphasis on strategies that support literacy and mathematics. Teachers will use UDL to identify and challenge racism, reflecting on their own practices and implementing strategies that foster equitable and inclusive classrooms. In addition, they will explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help teachers streamline their own professional learning. In the afternoon, staff will review various policies and information related to health, safety, student well-being, and keeping students safe.

3. School Supplies
Many are likely wondering what school supplies are needed for the start of the year. We ask that students come to school with a backpack, lunch bag, and a good pair of indoor running shoes. Other school supplies are provided by the school or requested by our classroom teacher.

4. First Day Letters
On Wednesday you will receive a few letters from school as well as an email from the school with additional links to information. Some of the letters sent home will need to be reviewed, signed and returned to the school. Please plan to do this as soon as possible.

5. First Day
On Wednesday, any students who have attended Laurelwoods in the past will move to the yard as normal. Our teachers and staff will be outside to welcome you and help you find your new teacher. If you are new to Laurelwoods, please come in the front doors and move to the Library. We will help you find your classroom after the bell has rung. We are excited to see everyone!

Ms Tanya McLaren

Principal, Laurelwoods Elementary School