January News
A special thank you to all of our families who donated to the Guelph Food Bank.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
January 8 – Return to School
January 9-26 – Kindergarten Registration Begins
January 26 – P.A. Day – No School
January 30 – School Council Meeting – 7:00 pm virtual
February 19 – Family Day – No School
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION 
Kindergarten registration for the 2023/2024 school year takes place from January 9th-26th. All Junior and Senior Kindergarten students new to the UGDSB must pre-register online. (SK students who are attending a UGDSB school for JK do not need to pre-register online). Pre-registering online starting January 4 will save families time by allowing you to fill out important forms and documentation when it’s convenient for you.
Click here for: Important information about Kindergarten Registration
COAT’S CORNER
Please remember to label all clothing!
CODE OF CONDUCT
Please click on the link that goes to our Code of Conduct.We ask that you review this with your child. WCW Code of Conduct
SCHOOL COUNCIL NEWS
Do you have a great idea for future fundraising at William C. Winegard? Do you have some time or talents you would like to volunteer? Please send us an email at [email protected]
Connect on social media for updates on fundraising (and so much more):
William C Winegard School Council
https://www.facebook.com/williamcwinegardschoolcouncil
William C. Winegard P.S. Parents Community (Parent moderated group)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2641669736156018
Next Virtual School Council Meeting: Tuesday, January 24th – 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
INCLEMENT WEATHER INFORMATION 
The months of January and February can bring some of our worst weather. To determine whether schools are open or closed check the board or school website: http://www.ugdsb.on.ca/ and https://www.ugdsb.ca/winegard/ and click on the yellow school bus located at the top of the home page.
LIBRARY LEARNING COMMONS
January marks the beginning of the annual Forest of Reading program. This is a great opportunity for kids to enjoy new books by Canadian authors. Students from Kindergarten to Grade 2 and their teachers will be reading Blue Spruce picture books when they visit the library. In Grades 3 to 8 students may wish to join the Forest of Reading Club with Ms. Upper. The club will meet weekly during break time to read and talk about the books in the various programs (fiction, non-fiction, and graphic novels). Over the course of four months students will be challenged to read five Forest of Reading books. (See this year’s nominees here.) In the spring, all participating students will have the chance to vote on their favourite books and join in a Forest of Reading celebration. The books will then become a part of our permanent collection to be enjoyed over and over again!
From the Guidance Corner
Hello again to our Grade 8 families! Thank you to the many families who attended the John F Ross Grade 8 and GCVI IB Information Nights – we were told that Winegard was very well represented on both evenings.
Not able to attend the JFR information night? Not to worry! Follow this link to review the slideshow that was shared with families: Welcome To John F. Ross CVI
Over the past few weeks, our Grade 8s have been busy exploring myBlueprint, an online program that supports students with education and future career planning through, “an inquiry based approach designed to meet the learning needs, interests and aspirations of all students.” As mentioned before, please ask your grade 8 to show you the program, which can be accessed on their ugcloud.ca landing page. Interested in creating a family account for myBlueprint and navigating course selection and career planning, together? See myBlueprint family for the quick 3-step process.
In January, we will begin working with students to select their courses for Grade 9. Please know that the process will be guided thoughtfully by the intermediate team at Winegard, with support from the guidance and student success teams at John F Ross and GCVI.
Here are a few upcoming dates to mark your calendars:
Thursday, January 11th @ 8:50am – John F Ross guidance counsellors visit WCW
- JFR guidance counsellors will speak to the grade 8s about what high school is all about, what to expect at Ross and will give information on the variety of electives there are to choose from. They’ll also be happy to answer any questions students may have!
Friday, January 12th @ 8:50am – Grade 8 Meeting
- Grade 8s will meet in the library to review further details about the transition to high school; other follow up questions will be answered. Grade 9 course option worksheets will go home for family input.
January 15th – 26th – Grade 9 course selections in myBlueprint
- Grade 8s will select courses using myBlueprint. The process will be supported by classroom teachers and Ms. Barry.
January 29th – 31st – Grade 9 course selections finalized in myBlueprint
Interested in getting ahead of the game?
Check out these helpful resources!
The UGDSB Parent/Caregiver Guide to support Student Transition from 8-9
Grade 9 Course Option Worksheet
Questions, queries, ideas or concerns? Please contact your Grade 8’s homeroom teacher or Ms. Barry ([email protected]) to connect. January will be an important month in planning for the Grade 8s successful transition to the next stage of their academic journey and we look forward to working with both them and their most important supporters, their family!
WCW’s Intermediate Team
Categories: News • Newsletter