Hi Whiteside!

 

We’ve had an uplifting start to the school year, and it’s been wonderful to see the students’ energy, enthusiasm and engagement in the classroom, on the playground, and throughout our school. Our community is already growing stronger, and we’re excited about the positive momentum we’ve built together. As we head into the next couple of months, we are optimistic about all the learning and growth ahead. We have exciting activities and opportunities planned that will continue to support your child’s development. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership as we make this a fantastic year for everyone!

 

We acknowledge and thank the First Peoples of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language group on whose traditional and unceded territories we teach, learn and live, and upon where the Musqueam people continue their traditions and cultural education.

 

Coming Events:

Oct. 8               DARE #2

Oct. 9               Individual photos

Oct. 10             Emergency Thursday (Fire Drill)

Oct. 14             Thanksgiving (school closed)

Oct. 15/16        Outdoor Ed at Cheakamus

Oct. 17             Emergency Thursday (Earthquake Drill)

Oct. 18             Hot lunch (sushi)

Oct. 22             Cross-Country Fun Run at Garry Pt.

Oct. 23             Learning Conferences (11:50 a.m. dismissal)

Oct. 24             Emergency Thursday (Hold and Secure)

Oct. 25             Provincial Pro-D (no school)

Oct. 29             PAC Halloween Party

Nov. 1              Hot lunch (pizza)

Nov. 8              Remembrance Day assembly

Nov. 11             Remembrance Day (school closed)

Nov. 14             TCO2 for Gr. 4-7

Nov. 15             Hot lunch (Subway)

Nov. 25             Pro-D (school closed)

Nov. 29             Hot lunch (pizza)

Dec. 13             Hot lunch (White Spot)

 

 

WHITESIDE INFORMATION AND EVENTS

Run Club:

We started our first Whiteside Run Club practice for our students (Kindergarten to Grade 7) starting tomorrow morning at 8:15 am.  If interested, please have your child join us at the back of the school in our courtyard where we will do some early morning stretching.  Then, we will follow our warmup with some walking, jogging or running on our paved track.  If raining, we will open our gym for some stretching and light jogging.  

 We will have our Run Club daily leading up to the district Cross Country Fun Run on Tuesday, October 22^ndafterschool at Garry Point.  More information to follow for our interested runners.

 

DARE:

Students in grade 5 and 6 are now participating in the DARE program with the Richmond RCMP. The DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program equips students with the knowledge and skills to make safe and responsible choices, helping them avoid involvement with drugs, alcohol, and risky behaviors. Through engaging lessons and discussions, the program empowers children to build confidence and make positive decisions that will benefit them throughout their lives.

 

FSAs for Grade 4 and 7:

Students in grade 4 and 7 are now completing the Foundation Skills Assessment. The Foundational Skills Assessments (FSAs) help us understand your child's progress in key areas like reading, writing, and math, providing insight into their learning. These assessments allow both teachers and parents to identify strengths and areas where additional support may be needed, ensuring each student reaches their full potential. This assessment is one of many that provides information about student learning at Whiteside and throughout the province.

 

PAC Halloween Party – Save the date!

Our amazing PAC is planning their annual Halloween party and dance. Our gym will transform into a spoooky party at 5:30 p.m. with games, treats, a costume contest, and more family fun. At 6:30 p.m., we will clear the floor for a haunted dance party until 7:30 p.m.

 

Hot Lunches

Please see the attached Hot Lunch Newsletter for upcoming hot lunch days. Ordering is open on Munch-a-Lunch. Subway orders are due by October 10.

 

PAC Updates

Our PAC is a great group of parents that care for our school and students. PAC are amazing resources for our entire school community. A strong PAC bonds our school community with our families. PAC is an excellent way for our families to connect directly with the action at our school, as well as develop relationships within the parent community. Please reach out to our PAC at whitesidepac@hotmail.com for more information and an invitation link for future PAC meetings. Our October PAC meeting will be held in our library. Childminding will be provided. Our next PAC meeting is at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15.

 

Outdoor Education – Grade 6 Camp

Our grade 6s will be going to Cheakamus near Squamish for their Outdoor Ed trip this fall. They will depart Whiteside early in the morning on October 15 and will return late in the afternoon on October 16. All camp forms are due now. Payment was due by October 1^st through SchoolCashOnline.

 

Whiteside Fundraising

After a summer of collecting empty cans and bottles, you can help raise money for Whiteside. Return your cans and bottles to our local Return It depot (Unit 110 - 11020 Horseshoe Way), go to the Express area, type in our number 604-668-6419, affix the label to your bag, drop, and go.

 

West Coast Recess:

During recess and lunchtime breaks, students are expected to always be outside this year.  Students are reminded to dress appropriately for the weather. You may also send a change of clothes to school just in case your child gets wet. Playing outside will ensure our students get some fresh air and exercise to enliven their day.

 

DISTRICT INFORMATION AND UPDATES

Nut Awareness

Nut products can cause severe and life-threatening allergic reactions. To help us maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all students and staff, we ask that you refrain from bringing any items containing nuts to school. While we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment, the district is committed to taking reasonable steps to minimize the risk of accidental exposure to life-threatening allergens. 

 

Digital Devices in Schools

In January 2024, the Ministry of Education and Child Care mandated all school boards in British Columbia to update their Codes of Conduct to include restrictions on students’ personal digital device use. 

On June 19, 2024, the Richmond Board of Education passed a motion to update Policy 105: District Code of Conduct effective July 1, 2024. The updated policy will:

• Restrict students’ use of personal digital devices at school, including during instructional time or learning related activities, to promote online safety and a focused learning environment, unless use is permitted by supervising staff. 
• Support the acceptable use of student personal digital devices for accessibility and accommodation needs, medical and health needs, and to support equity of learning outcomes. 

In conjunction with the updates to Policy 105, the district developed Policy 104-G (A): Acceptable Use of Personal Digital Devices. The key components of these administrative guidelines are as follows:

Elementary Schools (K-7):

• Students should not have personal digital devices in their possession during the school day unless permission is granted by the supervising staff for educational purposes. This includes during recess and lunch or while outside on the playground or on school property.
• It is recommended that students do not bring personal digital devices to school.

The district values the collaborative partnership among students, parents and staff. Moving forward, schools will engage with their communities to facilitate this transition. Should you have any inquiries or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to your school principal. 

Resources: 

• Media Smarts – Canada’s Centre for Digital Media Literacy:
  • https://mediasmarts.ca 
• Common Sense – Family Engagement Resources
  • https://www.commonsense.org/education/toolkit/family-engagement-resources
• ERASE – Expect Respect and a Safe Education:
  • https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/erase

 

Student And Family Affordability Fund

The provincial government recently announced a renewal of one-time funds for the Student and Family Affordability Fund. This fund is designed to assist families who require financial assistance with school-related costs in the following areas:

• school and course fees.
• school supplies and course materials.
• field trips.
• school-related extracurricular opportunities. 
• clothing and footwear required for sports and school activities. 

Please reach out to our principal, Brett Cameron, (whiteside@sd38.bc.ca) if you need assistance.  As always, all requests will be treated with dignity and your privacy will be respected. We want to work with our families to ensure that our students, your children, have everything they need to be successful at school. Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can help.

 

Feeding Futures

Recently, the provincial government announced a new Feeding Futures School Program Fund, designed to assist schools in the development and enhancement of school meal programs and other nutritional supports for students. If you would like to request support for your child at school, please reach out to our principal, Brett Cameron (bcameron@sd38.bc.ca). We currently provide breakfast and lunch options for students daily. All requests will be treated with dignity and your privacy will be respected. We want to work with families to ensure that your children have everything they need to be successful at school. Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can help.

 

THE MORE YOU KNOW…

Playing Matchmaker: Cultivating Relationships with Teachers and Adults Who Care for Our Kids

Dr. Deborah Macnamara

Parents play a crucial role in creating a supportive village of adults to help raise their children, including teachers, coaches, and extended family. Building strong relationships between children and these adults is essential for their emotional and social development. One key approach is "matchmaking," where parents introduce their child to caring adults and foster a sense of connection. By pointing out similarities and expressing approval of these adults, children will feel more comfortable and secure in their care. Establishing routines and rituals during transitions, such as school drop-offs, helps reinforce these bonds. It's also important to maintain the parent's primary role in the child's life while allowing other adults to support them. Ultimately, children thrive in environments where they feel a seamless connection between the trusted adults surrounding them. Read the full article here.

 

COMMUNITY INFORMATION AND EVENTS:

Early Learning Caregiver Information Sessions and Family Events 2024/25 

These are our free Early Learning virtual Caregiver Information Sessions and in-person Early Learning Family Events offered for the 2024/25 school year for families with children aged 0-5.

 Caregiver Information Sessions

Join us for a series of virtual Caregiver Information Sessions designed specifically for parents and caregivers of children aged 0-5. These sessions aim to provide valuable insights, practical tips, and supportive resources to help you navigate the early years of parenting in the areas of supporting literacy, numeracy, the importance of play and in preparing for kindergarten. Our district's Early Learning Program is committed to supporting you in creating nurturing and enriching environments for your child’s growth and development. The first virtual session, Early Literacy at Home, is on October 17, 2024 at 6 p.m. 

Registration is now open! See attachment for more information.

 Early Learning Family Events - Mark your calendars!

The district welcomes your family to the Early Learning for Families (ELFF) events. Join us for fun and engaging learning experiences and an exciting roster of performers all while meeting new friends and building home-to-school connections. It’s also a great opportunity to ask questions all about Early Learning. 

 

2024/25 Grade 5 Active! Pass

The City of Richmond has launched the 2024/25 Grade 5 Active! Pass (https://richmond.ca/parks-recreation/about/sports/grade5.htm) that offers a pass for FREE admission to drop-in swimming, skating, pitch and putt golf and other community centre activities. Please share the digital card provided below to Grade 5 students and families.

 

Have a great weekend!

 

 ~Whiteside Elementary