January 30th, 2026
Happy Friday, Coronation Families!
Thank you for a great, albeit shorter week at Coronation.
I am hopeful that Monday’s snow day gave us all a chance to slow down a little and that everyone was able to keep warm and safe.
While the weather sometimes changes our plans, it did not stop us from coming together as a community to celebrate Literacy on Tuesday evening. Thank you to all of the families who braved the cold temperatures and joined us in the gym for Family Literacy Night. The highlight was definitely the Student Authors and Illustrators who shared their work. We will continue into next week, with students sharing their work on our Announcements and with their classes!
What’s Happening Next Week at Coronation
Monday, February 2nd – (Day 5) Lockdown Drill (rescheduled from Snow Day)
Tuesday, February 3rd – (Day 1) Booster Juice; Movement Club (Primary)
Wednesday, February 4th – (Day 2) Langs Lunch & Games; Pizza Delivery, Basketball Club
Thursday, February 5th – (Day 3) Volleyball Club Gr 5 & 6, Comic Club (Primary)
Friday, February 6th – (Day 4) PAWS Awards
Messages from the Office
Extreme Temperatures
With the recent cold weather, we want to clarify how decisions are made during periods of extreme temperatures. School closures and transportation are determined by the school board and transportation services based on regional conditions, following board weather-related procedures.
Decisions about outdoor time during the school day are made at the school level. When temperatures with wind chill fall between –20°C and –27°C, we consider both the weather and our school site, including factors such as wind exposure and sheltered areas. During this range, outdoor time may be shortened or moved indoors, and conditions are reviewed throughout the day.
We do our best to ensure students have opportunities to get outside to play whenever it is safe to do so, even if that outdoor time is shorter than usual. We ask families to please ensure students are dressed appropriately for the weather each day so they can take part comfortably in outdoor play.
For reference, links to the board’s Extreme Temperature Guidelines are attached.
Severe Weather Closures
If buses are cancelled due to severe weather, schools will remain open unless it is considered unsafe. This decision is made in partnership with Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region (STSWR) and the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB).
Although severe weather is rare, it can happen, and we want our community to be prepared. If a severe weather event happens, we will follow our severe weather procedure.
Staff, students, parents, families and caregivers can anticipate being notified of cancellations or closures by 6 a.m. through the WRDSB website, your school website, and WRDSB social media channels, school websites, and/or tune-in to the following media outlets for bus cancellation and school closure information: Virgin Radio FM 105.3, CKWR Kitchener FM 98.5, MAGIC FM 106.1, CHYM Kitchener FM 96.7, City News 570 AM, 570 Dave AM, 107.5 Bounce Radio, 99.5 Country 106.7 FM, 106.7 Faith FM, FM 94.3, The Beat FM 91.5, CTV Kitchener, CBC Radio FM 89.1.If nothing is posted on our website or social media channels by 6 a.m., it is a regular school day.
Supporting Regular Attendance
Being at school each day and arriving on time helps children feel settled, confident, and ready to learn. Our school day begins at 8:45 a.m., and learning starts right away. Across the day, students engage in approximately 300 minutes of instruction, with each day building on the last. When students miss instructional time, it can make it harder to practise skills and consolidate new learning.
We understand that life happens, and occasional absences or late arrivals are sometimes unavoidable. When these are infrequent, students are usually able to catch up without difficulty. It is when absences or lates become a pattern that we often begin to see an impact on learning, routines, and overall academic progress.
Many factors can affect a child’s ability to attend school regularly or arrive on time. Anxiety, difficulty with transitions, or other personal and family circumstances can make school attendance more challenging at times. We want families to know that support is available, and we are committed to working together to problem-solve and find strategies that help students feel successful and ready to learn.
If you have concerns about your child’s attendance or punctuality, or if there are ways we can support smoother mornings or transitions, please reach out to your child’s classroom teacher or the main office. We value open communication and partnership with families.
Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is coming up on Saturday, February 14, and we recognize that this is a celebration many members of our school community enjoy. Students are welcome to bring paper valentines to give to their classmates if they choose to participate.
To help ensure this is an inclusive and positive experience for all students, we kindly encourage families who participate to send one valentine for each student in the class. If families would find it helpful, classroom teachers are able to share a class list with first names only or a number of students in the class to support this process.
Please note that treats and gifts are not permitted at school, including both edible and non-edible items. We appreciate the intention behind treats or gifts; however to ensure safety, equity, and consistency across all classrooms, treats or gifts will be returned to home.
We would also like to share that Friday, February 13 (the school day before Valentine’s Day) will remain a regular instructional day, and we will not be making significant changes to the daily routine.
Thank you for your understanding and continued partnership as we work together to create a welcoming and inclusive school environment for all students.
Supporting Students During Ramadan
As Ramadan approaches, we want to extend our warm wishes to families who observe this important time. At Coronation, we are committed to creating a welcoming and respectful environment where all students feel supported in their beliefs and practices. Students who are observing Ramadan will have access to a quiet and private space for prayer, as well as the option of a separate, comfortable space during the eating portion of Nutrition Break if they are fasting and choose to use it. Participation in these accommodations is always optional and guided by student comfort and family preference.Classroom teachers will be sharing age-appropriate information with students to help foster understanding and respect within our school community. If your child has specific needs or if you would like to discuss additional supports, please feel free to reach out to Principal Baer. We value working in partnership with families to ensure all students feel seen, respected, and supported.
Rocks and Rings Are Coming to Coronation
The Egg Farmers Rocks & Rings program, presented by Curling Canada, will be coming to Coronation on February 24th. This interactive program introduces students to the sport of curling through a variety of fun and engaging activities. Students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 will take part in drills, relays, and physical activity stations designed to teach the fundamentals of curling in an exciting, hands-on way
School Council Update
School Council is preparing for a dance fundraiser for February 20th. They would like to share that the upcoming dance is intended to be a fun, inclusive activity focused on movement, music, and enjoying time with classmates. It is not a social event centred on dating or pairing up. The dance will feel much like a physical-education–style activity, with an emphasis on participation, energy, and having fun together. There is no need for special or fancy clothing. Students are encouraged to wear their regular school clothing and running shoes so they can move comfortably and safely.
More details will be shared closer to the event.
We would also like to extend a sincere thank you to the School Council. Many of the opportunities shared above, including Rocks and Rings and Tuesday’s Literacy Night guest speaker, have been paid for or supported through their fundraising efforts.
Upcoming Dates
February 2 – Groundhog Day
February 2 – Lock Down Drill (rescheduled from Snow Day)
February 4 – Winter Walk Day
February 9 – Firedrill (Temperature Dependent)
February 11 – School Council 6- 7:30 PM
February 14 – Valentines Day
February 15 – Nirvana (Buddhism)
February 15 – Maha Shivartri (Hinduism)
February 16 – Family Day (No School)
February 17 – 20th All Staff Appreciation Week at Coronation
February 17 – Lunar New Year
February 18 – Ramadan
February 18 – Tibetan New Year
February 20 – School Council Dance
February 23 – Scientists in the Schools visit Grade 1
February 24 – Rocks and Rings Day 1
February 26 – Rocks and Rings Day 2
February 27 – Spirit Assembly & Character Dress Up Day
And don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Principal Jenni-Rebecca Baer
jenni-rebecca_baer@wrdsb.ca
