W.R. Best MemorialPublic School

WR Best Memorial Public School Newsletter – June 2026  

Dear WR Best families, 

As we close our first year together at WR Best, I know we are all filled with pride and gratitude for 
the incredible sense of community we have built. Opening a new chapter in a new space is never 
without its challenges, but our students, staff, and families have embraced every moment with 
enthusiasm, resilience, and care. From the first day of school to today, it has been inspiring to see 
our learners grow not only academically, but also as kind, confident, and curious individuals. Thank 
you to everyone who has helped make this inaugural year so meaningful and successful. 

We have seen excellent progress in our academic programs: students have demonstrated strong 
growth in their language proficiency, confidence in communication, and overall engagement with 
learning in French. Our dedicated educators have worked tirelessly to create rich, supportive 
environments where students can thrive, and their efforts are clearly reflected in student 
achievement. It has been exciting to witness our learners take risks, celebrate their progress, and 
develop a deeper appreciation for bilingualism. 

Beyond the classroom, our school has truly come alive through the arts and athletics. Our music and 
arts programs have provided students with opportunities to express themselves creatively, whether 
through performances, visual projects, or collaborative showcases. At the same time, our sports 
teams and physical education programs have encouraged teamwork, perseverance, and school 
spirit. These achievements speak to the well-rounded experiences we strive to provide at WR Best. 
As we look ahead, we are excited to continue building on this strong foundation in the years to 
come. Thank you for a wonderful first year!  

Entry procedures for the first day of school in September will be sent out in August! 

On est mieux ensemble! 

Linda Blom 
Principal 

Important June Dates at WR Best:

June 2 – June 4 – Grade 6 EQAO

June 1 – June 3 – Grade 8 Grad trip to Brock University

June 5th – PA Day (no school)

June 8th – School Council (6:30, in person)

June 9th – Grade 7 Field trip Toronto

June 10th – BNAC Track & Field

June 11th – Play – The Truth About Fairytales (2PM for students & 6PM for families)

June 16th – W.R. Best Community Showcase 4:30-6:30pm (more info below)

June 23rd – Grade 8 graduation at Barrie North

June 25th – Last day of school

WR Best Presents: The Truth About Fairy Tales

We are delighted to invite and welcome you to attend our stage production of “The Truth About Fairy Tales” - a “fractured fairy tale” type story that is silly, lighthearted and fun. The students involved have been working so hard for months to put together this show for you and we can’t wait for you to see it! Those involved can stay at school to continue rehearsing between the dismissal bell and our presentation. Our dress rehearsal for staff and students will be at 2PM on Thursday, July 11th, and our evening premiere will be at 6PM. Hope to see you there!

WR Best “Best of the Best” Showcase – June 16th 4:30-6:30pm

Join us for the WR Best “Best of the Best” Showcase as we warmly welcome our new families and celebrate an incredible first year together! This special event will highlight the amazing talents of our students, featuring dynamic dance performances, beautiful singing, and engaging displays of art and music. Our classrooms will also be open, giving families a chance to explore student work, meet teachers, and experience the vibrant learning environment that makes our school community so special.

 There will be plenty of fun for everyone to enjoy! Families can purchase pizza through SchoolCash for a convenient meal option (as of June 5th), and we’re excited to have an ice cream truck on site for a sweet treat. Students and parents can also take part in a variety of sports activities, making this a lively, family-friendly celebration. We look forward to spending this memorable evening together as we showcase the very best of WR Best and build strong connections for the year ahead!

FAQ anticipated:

1. Can my kids just stay at school? YES. Our PALS leaders and intermediate students will organize some games and a snack…after which point we anticipate parents arriving. We ask that you let your child’s teacher know if they are staying BEFORE the day of the event.

2. Can I volunteer? YES. Please email Shelley Pierce at [email protected] for a list of exciting volunteer opportunities.

Track and Field

Our first Track and Field Day for students in Grades 4–8 was a tremendous success! The day was filled with excitement, determination, cheering, and outstanding sportsmanship. Students challenged themselves, celebrated one another’s accomplishments, and represented our school with pride. Thank you to our staff, volunteers, and families for helping make the day such a memorable experience. Way to go, Bobcats!

We are also excited to be sending a team of more than 80 student-athletes to the Track and Field Regional Meet at Eastview on June 10. We look forward to seeing our Bobcats continue to showcase their hard work, perseverance, and school spirit. Good luck, Bobcats!

Let’s minimize class-time disruptions in September!!!

Please ensure that if you are picking your student up early for an appointment that you do so before 3:00! Sometimes the office is calling the same class multiple times within the space of a few minutes, and we would be really happy to keep our learning going until the very end of the day!

From the Orillia Public Library:

The Orillia Public Library is gathering feedback from community members to help shape the focus of their strategy, including insights regarding programs, services, and resources that best serve the community. please take a moment to fill out this short survey (3-5 minutes):

-Adult Survey https://forms.orilliapubliclibrary.ca/Adult-Survey-Strategic-Plan

-Youth Survey https://forms.orilliapubliclibrary.ca/Youth-Survey