Principal's Log - Stars Date September 12th, 2025
Hello all and welcome back!
We have officially completed one full week of school, and it has been a wonderful week. The start of a new school year is always a time filled with anticipation, excitement and maybe even a few nervous moments. September represents a fresh beginning, an opportunity for growth, and a chance to achieve new milestones both academically, socially, and emotionally. Our wonderful school serves approximately 175 students from Kindergarten to Grade 8 with the support of 33 staff members.
With the wrap up of this week, we saw our youngest Stars in kindergarten join us as a larger single class and our new students in Grades 1-8 have begun settling into new routines and starting new friendships. As always, whether you are returning to Nordale or joining us for the first time, we are very happy to have you as part of our community. We also have a number of new staff joining Star Nation, and I know you will make them feel welcome and appreciated over the course of the year!
Like year’s past, I will endeavor to send out the Principal’s Log weekly, as a way to keep you informed of events, activities, news around the school/division/community as well as keeping you informed of what our NPAG (Parent Group) has in store for this year with respect to school events and fundraising.
Once again, on behalf of all the staff in Star Nation, we want to welcome you back. We look forward to working together to make the educational experiences here at Nordale, the best they can be! Please reach out to me anytime, if you have any questions, concerns, or if you want to find ways to be more connected to the school. The voices of all our stakeholders are what help us do the collective work that best meets our students’ needs.
Here’s to a fantastic 2025/2026
Canteen
The canteen will re-open on September 15th! Once again, we will have fun items to add to your child’s lunch. Please note - the canteen is not a replacement for a healthy lunch and snacks, it just provides additional occasional items for students to purchase to add to their lunch/snack.
Thanks for supporting the 7/8 Leadership Students as they manage the Canteen!
NPAG News
Please consider joining our NPAG this year and see below for a message from Kate Walsh:
Hello Nordale,
My name is Kate Walsh and I have been the Chair of Nordale's Parent Association (NPAG) for the past 5 years.
I'd like to invite you to attend NPAG's AGM on Monday, September 22nd, 6:30pm in the library.
NPAG is an opportunity for parents/guardians to work together with the school to ensure the best possible education for our children! NPAG works collaboratively with the Principal and staff to build effective partnerships between home and school. We meet every 4-6 weeks to discuss activity at the school, in the community and ways we can help support the school and represent parents/guardians on vital issues for the school, the 91探花app Division and the Department of Education.
Monthly meeting attendance is not required, please join when you are able to! Our meetings are not overly formal, everyone who attends has a vote on upcoming initiatives. You can also choose to join our email list to hear about volunteer opportunities and get updates without attending the monthly meetings.
Together, over the past number of years, we have worked on several initiatives including:
- Fundraised for the school’s capital needs, equipment needs, and school supplies (including our amazing playground!).
- Organized extracurricular activities like dances, games nights, activity nights
- Hosted our annual pancake breakfast
- Coordinated annual holiday hamper for Nordale families, hosted a bake sale and toy drive at the holiday concert
- Planned the annual end of year BBQ
Please join us on September 22nd to discuss the 2025-2026 year. We have opportunities to volunteer on a variety of sub committees (pancake breakfast, BBQ, etc...)
You are welcome to email kate.hs.walsh@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Save the date for an NPAG activity night on September 29th, details coming!
Cheers,
Kate Walsh
Nordale Stars – wear!
The link to our Nordale Store is currently live but does close today!
Here is the link to find your store:
Password: BIRCHDALE
Don’t miss this opportunity to show your school spirit and join us on Nordale Fridays where we wear school clothing or dress in our school colours of blue and yellow.
Fun Lunches
We will once again offer our very popular Fun Lunches throughout the year.
Order forms for our Subway Fun Lunch on Monday, September 26th are due on Monday, September 15th.
Intramurals and Extra-Curricular Activities
We will once again offer a full menu of activities and sports throughout the year.
We kick-off the year with Cross Country Running and Volleyball.
- Monday, Sept 15th – Terry Fox $ Collection – please send in your coins and bill donations all week
- Tuesday, Sept 16th – 7/8 Volleyball Practise – Girls @ Lunch // Cross Country Meet @ St. Vital Park
- Wednesday, Sept 17th – 7/8 Volleyball Practises – Boys @ Lunch and Girls @ 3:15-4:30pm
- Thursday, Sept 18th – 7/8 Volleyball Practise – Boys @ Lunch // Cross Country Practise @ 3:15-4:00pm
- Friday, Sept 19th – Terry Fox Run – Bring in those donations!
Staff Parking Lot
Once again, I ask all parents and care givers to please refrain from parking, entering and conducting student drop-offs in the Staff Parking lot. We have Educational Assistants on different start times, with some beginning their shift @ 8:30am, some 8:45am and others 9:00am. These are paid spots and need to be accessible at all times.
Please carefully conduct student drop-offs on Pinedale and / or Birchdale. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!
Joke Of The Week
What do you call this colour gradient?
Black to the fuchsia
(Great comedy start!)
Have a great day, weekend and year everyone!
J.
