September newsletter

Welcome to the 2026/27 skating season – our 75^th season!

We can’t wait to see all our skaters on the ice soon! 

As a reminder, we’re attaching the schedule for you to keep on hand.

The season for STARSkate families begins on September 14. The season for CanSkate begins September 30 and October 3 for those only skating Saturdays.

For CanSkate families, here’s what you need to know before you start.

1. 1. Dressing rooms: please check out the digital board when entering the arena to see what dressing room is assigned for your group.
   2. Entering the ice: skaters should line up at left door at the beginning of each session and will exit at the opposite door.
   3. What to wear: Avoid bulky snowsuits, use layers to keep warm. Splash pants are great. Nylon/waterproof mittens or gloves are best. A CSA approved skating/hockey helmet is required.
   4. Volunteering: volunteering and fundraising are integral for our club's operation. All families are required to provide a volunteer bond at the start of the year. More to come.
   5. Communication: We communicate via email and monthly newsletters. Be sure to check your spam/junk folder for communication from the club. If you aren’t a member already, we recommend you join the Norwich Skating Club Facebook Group and follow us on our Public Facebook page. If you have any questions throughout the season, please email us at info@norwichskatingclub.ca.

For STARSkate families, here’s what you need to know before your September start.

1. 1. New to STARSkate? An information session for all Session 1 skating families will be held on September 23. We will cover topics such as optional competitions and more.
   2. Competitions: If your skater is interested in competitions, the Skate Ontario Competition Assignment process has a few different steps. The first step is for Skate Ontario to get a sense of who wants to do which competition via a survey. They then start the assignment process. The survey opens September 22 and closes October 20. We will send instructions to families before September 22. If you are in session 2 and 3, please work with your Coach to understand which competitions your coach recommends for your skater based on coach availability. For Session 1 skaters who are new to competitions, Club coaching can be provided. Competitions are completely optional.
   3. Skating etiquette: Coaches will instruct skaters in each session to ensure safety on the ice. For example, it’s important for skaters to be aware of when solos or tests are being done on the ice and to remember who has the right of way on the ice. Please remind your skater to be aware while on the ice.
   4. Program Assistants: An email was sent to STARSkate families about PAs for the new season. Thank you to those who have responded. If your skater is interested in becoming a PA, please reply to this email. A mandatory training session will be held on September 23. 

 

Fundraising update

Our first fundraiser is the Elmira Chicken fundraiser. Fundraising efforts will be counted towards your required volunteer hours.

NEW: Give back all year-round using FlipGive. Create an account (if you don’t have one already). Then find the Norwich and District Skating Club on the site. You can shop online at some of your favourite places or purchase E-gift cards and a percentage of your purchase goes directly to our Club! We’ve already started earning some dollars this summer. Download FlipGive on your phone or use it online.

Coaching update

We welcome Larissa Hare to NDSC. Larissa will be coaching our CanSkate skaters this season and leading off-ice training for the STARSkate program. She joins us from the Delhi Skating Club.

 

Mark your calendar (some dates subject to change):

September 14 – STARSkate begins
September 22 – STAR 1-4 Competition Survey opens
September 23 – PA Training
September 23 – STARSkate Meeting
September 28 – STARSkate off-ice training begins
September 30 – CanSkate program begins
September 30, October 2, 3 –  Orange Theme Days
Date TBD – NDSC spirit wear sale

October 12 – Thanksgiving (no skating)
October 15 – NDSC Bingo Night at the Legion
October 17 – Elmira Chicken Orders due
October 20 – STAR 1-4 Competition Survey closes
October 26 – Test Day for STARSkaters (session 2,3)
October 28 – Elmira Chicken pick up
October 28, 30, 31 – Spirit Day (orange and black)

November 25, 27, 28 – Spirit Day (pajama day)

December 11 – Test Day for STARSkaters (session 2,3)
December 12 – CanSkate Holiday Showcase
December 14 – STARSkate Holiday Showcase
December TBD – STARSkate FunComp

January 4 – skating resumes this week
January 8,9 – no skating due to hockey tournament

February 19-21 – NDSC Skate Ontario Competition (volunteers required)

March 1 – Test Day for STARSkaters (session 2,3)

April 3 – NDSC 75^th anniversary Carnival!
April 5 – NDSC Annual General Meeting (all welcome)