Beginning-of-Year Information for Families - Updated

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year at École Merritt Central Elementary. We look forward to a positive start to the year. 
 

1. Bell Schedule
   8:05 a.m. - Morning Supervision Begins 
   8:30 a.m. - Bell for Breakfast Club
   8:55 a.m. - First Bell
   10:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. – Recess
   11:45 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. - Instructional Lunch
   12:10 p.m. - 1:06 p.m. - Afternoon Recess
   2:55 p.m. - Dismissal 
   
   Note: There is no supervision before 8:05 a.m. or after 2:55 p.m. Please do not drop students off before 8:05 a.m., and ensure prompt pick-up at 2:55 p.m. 
   Exception: Students who ride the bus are supervised during arrival/departure. 
   
    
2. Staffing
   We are excited to welcome Ms. Thakkar, Ms. Ambrose, and Ms. Savard to our EMCE team. Staff assignments remain tentative until class lists are finalized. 
   
   Administration:
   Mr. Sambrook – Principal 
   Ms. Ouimet – Secretary
   
   French Immersion Program:
   Mme Anscomb – Kindergarten 
   Mme Savard – Grade 1/2
   Mme Odegard – Grade 3/4
   Mme Livesey – Grade 4/5 
   Mme Berthelet – Grade 6/7
   Mme Sigurdsson – Student Support Services Teacher 
   Mme Mackay-Smith – Teacher-Librarian & District French Coordinator 
   
   English Program:
   Ms. Ferris – Kindergarten 
   Ms. Morrison – Grade 1/2
   Mr. Easterbrook – Grade 2
   Ms. Ambrose – Grade 3
   Ms. Kaur – Grade 3/4
   Ms. Matheson – Grade 4/5
   Ms. Thakkar - Grade 5/6
   Mr. Shea – Grade 6/7
   Mr. Gandy – Grade 6/7
   Mr. Wowchuk - Temporary Arts Prep Teacher
   Ms. Smith – Student Support Services Teacher 
   Ms. Martindale – Student Support Services Teacher
   Ms. Cleaveley – Teacher-Librarian 
   
   Indigenous Language Teachers:
   Ms. Mansfield - Nɬeʔképmxcin Language Teacher
   Ms. Joe - nsyilxen Language Teacher
   
    
3. School Supplies
   On our homepage, follow “Parents & Students” --> School Supplies 
   
   Follow the link to the School Start website. Then:
   Select province (BC) à city (Merritt) à school (Merritt Central Elementary)
   Supply lists are organized by grade level and program (English or French).
   
    
4. Office Hours
   Our Office is open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
   It is closed from 12:10 p.m. - 1:06 p.m. for lunch.
   Please ensure you arrange pick-up/drop-off before the office closes for lunch. If something comes up last-minute and you need to sign your child out during lunch, contact Principal Brandon Sambrook at [email protected]. 
   
    
5. Attendance – Safe Arrival 
   If your child is absent, late, or needs to leave early for an appointment, please use Safe Arrival or contact the office at 250-378-9931 / [email protected].
   
   If you cannot get through to the office, contact Principal Brandon Sambrook at [email protected]. 
   
   
   
    
6. Financial Assistance 
   Our policy is to work with families to ensure financial circumstances do not create barriers for students. If your family could use financial assistance at any point during the school year, please contact Principal Brandon Sambrook at [email protected]. Requests will be handled privately and respectfully. 
   
    
7. Hot Lunch
   We use MunchaLunch as our hot lunch ordering system. 
   
   Go to: https://munchalunch.com 
   Click the "Parents - Register Here" button
   Create an account and follow the system prompts. 
    
   
   • All families are asked to register on MunchaLunch, even if they do not intend to place orders. This allows us to communicate and disseminate information consistently to everyone. 
      
   • If your child is away, you can come to the school to pick up their order prior to 12:00 pm. Please notify the school office beforehand so we can have it ready. Unclaimed orders will be considered a donation and given to other students. 
      
   • Please be mindful of when ordering closes. Late orders will not be accepted, and payment must be received prior to the deadline. After the deadline, unpaid orders will auto-cancel. Please check junk folders for order confirmation. 
      
   • E-transfer, cheque, and cash orders are still available, though we encourage online payment to streamline the process. Larger sum deposits can be held and drawn from your MunchaLunch account and are encouraged if possible. 
      
   • If you need assistance with ordering or registration, please contact the school office and we will be happy to assist you. To request financial assistance, please contact Principal Brandon Sambrook directly at [email protected].
      
8. Breakfast Program 
   We offer basic breakfast items Monday to Friday from 8:30 am - 8:45 am to all students at no charge. The Breakfast Club bell rings at 8:30 am to remind students. 
   We are grateful to have staff volunteers run the program. Please note that menu items may change throughout the year. 
    
9. Useful Links 
   EMCE Website: https://mces.nssd.ca/
   District Website:  https://www.nssd.ca/ 
   2026/27 District Calendar 
   Bus Information