Dear Runnymede Community,
On behalf of the Faculty and Staff at Runnymede PS we would like to take this opportunity to welcome you and your children to our school. Whether you are new to our school community or have been a part of the previous year’s success, this year is promising to be fulfilling in many ways. Our staff focus will be on developing each student as a ‘whole’ child. This means high expectations for each child to meet curriculum expectations, develop character traits that lead to good citizenship skills, and extra-curricular activities that will engage students and expose them to a variety of activities and interests. Teachers work hard to prepare for each day. They program accordingly for their students and communicate with parents on a regular basis. It is important for parents to be involved in their child’s education. Please contact your child’s teacher if you have concerns, speak to your child about school on a daily basis, and develop routines that will help lead your child to success. These routines include: arriving at school on time, appropriate bed times, healthy diets, and support with daily reading and homework assignments.
All of the teachers at Runnymede take pride in knowing and helping all of our students at school. Furthermore, we have outstanding caretaking staff and lunchroom supervisors. Our head caretaker, Mr. Thompson and his staff take a lot of pride in keeping the school clean and welcoming. Our lunchroom supervisors ensure the safety and well-being for our students over the lunch hour. The Office Administrators are always willing to meet the needs of our students and families and are available at the main office throughout the day.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
As you are aware there has been on-going construction throughout the summer months. The Centennial Playground, funded by the Parent Council, looks like it will be a popular spot for our students. Phase One will be completed for use by the start of the school year. Phase Two will begin in the Spring 2017.
You will notice scaffolding on the Runnymede side of the building. This is for window replacement. The scaffolding will remain in place until mid-September. There will be fencing around the building where windows are being replaced until the jobsite is safe. Anticipated completion is the end of October 2016.
Work continues on the north wing addition. Three classrooms will be ready for use at the start of the school year. Students will be required to access these classrooms by entering from the outside doors on the east side of the building (Exit #8). Three other classrooms should be complete by the New Year 2017.
Construction updates will be communicated when there is information to be shared.
STAFFING UPDATE
There are several changes to the staffing roster.
Please note that the Vice Principal profiles have changed. Anna Intarakosit will be working with the senior division students in Grades 6, 7, and 8. Susan Wawrow will be working with the Primary and Junior Students FDK to Grade 5.
Room 113 – FDK Teacher – Ms. Francesca Ukwuoma.
Room 122 – FDK Ms. Amy Pepper will not be returning due to pregnancy leave. Ms. Ashley Zaharia will begin the school year as the classroom teacher.
FIRST DAY PROCEDURES
Due to construction, the first day procedures will be different then previous years.
- FDK teachers will meet their students in the Adventure Yard.
- Grades 1 -6 will meet their teachers on the Runnymede Turf. Teachers will be on duty to meet their students at 8:35am. Teachers will be holding pink grade signs for identification.
- Grades 7 and 8 students will go directly to the Senior Gym through door # 5. Please refer to the attached map. [NOTE: Updated]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please be aware that there is a possibility of classroom reorganization due to student enrollment in the first month of the school year. If there is a need to reorganize classrooms, all students and parents who will be impacted by reorganization will be notified in a timely manner.
Looking forward to a great school year!
Rob Hochberg Susan Wawrow Anna Intarakosit
Principal V.P. K–5 V.P. 6-8
Parent Council has enjoyed our working relationship with Principal Amelia Dennis, who will be retiring in June 2016. During her decade long career at Runnymede, (initially as a VP, then later as Principal), she has worked tirelessly to keep Runnymede at the forefront of academic excellence. Her efforts in pursuing improvements for our school with the Board have resulted in many capital renovations. Her passion for Runnymede is undeniable, and she will be missed. We wish her well in this new chapter of her life.
We also wish to say farewell to our 
Dale Cadeau
Runnymede Home & School Association 