Friday, April 10, 2026, Stinger Family Update
Good afternoon, Families!
We have a few timely updates to share as we head into the weekend.
Staffing Update
We have great news to share! Principal Sara Wellwood will be back to work starting on Monday, April 13! She will begin working mornings only and slowly add time to her day. Ms. Joanne Borges (and Mr. Chad Taylor when she is away) will remain at Storrington full-time for the time being to help support Sara Wellwood’s transition back to full-time hours. Thank you in advance for your patience and flexibility as Mrs. Wellwood eases back into routine and the pace of school days!
Also, Storrington’s new Office Administrator, Ms. Tina Goslin, starts on Monday! We want to thank Joan MacGregor for her support in the office these past few weeks.
Safe Schools Reminders
As Ms. Tina Goslin settles into her new role and gets to know families and LDSB staff who visit the building, we have a few reminders:
1. Thank you for calling ahead to the office if you require early pick-up for your student(s).
2. If arriving after 3:15 pm, please “buzz” and let us know who you are picking up. Kindly wait outside for dismissal.
3. If you are dropping your student off after the entry bell, please go to the office to check in. Staff will help your child to their classroom if required.
4. Volunteers, guests, and presenters will be asked to wear a name tag. These are available in the main office.
To improve security and privacy for all students, reduce congestion in the hallways, avoid disruption to instructional time, and foster student independence and maintain student dignity, we ask that parents/guardians remain in the office area. School staff will support students to their classroom if/as required. Thank you for your support.
Family Meeting with Superintendent Blackburn
A meeting with Superintendent Mike Blackburn has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, starting at 6:00 pm (1 hour in length). The meeting will be virtual so that both Mr. Blackburn and Mrs. Wellwood can attend. Please consider sharing your question(s) or topics for discussion in advance of the meeting using this link: https://forms.gle/vgRVRBkko2ufGDSo9
*Please note: If you have a specific question about your child/children, please consider contacting the school directly to discuss.
Another reminder about this meeting will be shared with families on Monday.
Parent Engagement Event!
We look forward to seeing families at the school on Thursday, April 16, 5:30-7:00 pm!
Important notes: This is not a drop-off event. Doors open at 5:25 pm. There will be a quiet space if that’s best for your family as well. Dinner will not be served due to grant/funding restrictions.
EQAO Update
Our Grade 3 and 6 students will be completing their EQAO assessments in May/June.
If you are interested in learning more about this Provincial assessment, please consider attending an online webinar for parents/guardians. More information about sessions being offered in April can be found here: https://www.eqao.com/school-outreach/
Helpful videos can be found here: https://www.eqao.com/videos/
As soon as the specific assessment dates are chosen by the school team, this information will be shared with Grade 3 and 6 families.
Proposed Changes to School Hours
https://forms.gle/mS1nAY7i5yPuYoWu5,
As part of the consultation process, I reached out to all Stinger families last week to share some proposed changes to the school day hours at Storrington.
Here is what the school day would look like starting in September 2026:
8:50 am - Buses arrive and supervision begins
9:15 am - Entry bell
9:15-10:55 am - 100-minute instructional block
10:55-11:15 am - 20 minutes Nutrition Break #1
11:15-11:35 am - 20 minutes Recess #1
11:35-1:15 pm - 100-minute instructional block
1:15-1:35 pm - 20 minutes Nutrition Break #2
1:35-1:55 pm - 20 minutes Recess #2
1:55-3:35 pm - 100-minute instructional block
In summary, the proposed changes include:
- An increase in time for Nutrition Breaks
- A decrease in time for recesses (20 mins each instead of 30 mins)
- An increase in supervised outdoor time before the entry bell (20 mins)
- No changes to instructional minutes
- No changes for families in terms of drop-off or pick-up times
- Students will continue to have 1 hour a day of supervised, unstructured time outside (weather permitting)
All Ontario students also receive the Physical Education curriculum, which includes mandated 20 minutes of Daily Physical Activity (at a moderate-vigorous intensity). This can be completed inside or outside, based on the teacher’s professional judgement. DPA is not to be completed during recess.
I am inviting families to complete the following form if you have any concerns to share. The form will be anonymous, but you may include your name if you would like to be contacted for follow-up.
Rationale for the proposed changes includes:
- Time for students to move their bodies and socialize before the entry bell
- Longer to eat (often requested by families)
- Potentially less conflict outside
- No changes to bus times
- Will help with our staffing needs
If you would like to share any concerns, please complete the form (which will close on Saturday, April 11): https://forms.gle/mS1nAY7i5yPuYoWu5
The proposed changes will be brought to the Board the week of April 13 for approval.