Dear Whiteside Families,

 

As the leaves fall and the days grow shorter, we turn our thoughts to remembrance and gratitude. This week, our school community came together for our Remembrance Day assembly, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served and continue to serve our country.

 

Thank you to all the families who attended and to our dedicated teachers who organized the moving student performances. Your presence and participation helped create a respectful and meaningful tribute.

 

A reminder that school will be closed on Monday, November 11th, in observance of Remembrance Day. We encourage you to take this time to reflect on the significance of this day and to discuss its importance with your children. If interested the City of Richmond honours this day.

https://www.richmond.ca/culture/calendar/special-events/RemembranceDayCeremonies.htm

 

We are grateful for the peace and freedom we enjoy today, made possible by the courage and selflessness of those who have served. Lest we forget.

 

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:

Nov. 11             Remembrance Day (school closed)

Nov. 12             DARE 5

Nov. 13             Photo Retakes

Nov. 14             TCO2 for Gr. 4-7

Nov. 21             Hot lunch (Sushi)

Nov. 22             Twin/group dress up day

Nov. 25             Pro-D (school closed)

Nov. 29             Hot lunch (pizza)

Dec. 10             Winter Concert

Dec. 13             Cozy sweater day

Dec. 13             Hot lunch (White Spot)

Dec. 17             Winter Musical

Dec. 19             Reports published to MyEdBC

Dec. 20             PJ day

Dec. 20             Last day before winter break

Jan. 6                First day back from winter break

Jan. 8                Saleema Noon parent session

Jan. 27              Pro-d day (school closed)

 

WHITESIDE INFORMATION AND EVENTS

 

Hot Lunch

Sushi Lovers Day is on Thursday, November 21. Thank you, PAC, for your delicious lunches! Remember to bring a recess snack.

 

Photo Retakes

Our school photographer will return on November 13 for retakes.

 

Holiday Wish

The Holiday Season is the time of year to celebrate with loved ones. We would like to ensure that all Whiteside families have the chance to partake in this special time. The Holiday Wish Committee and the Whiteside PAC are working together to fundraise for families who need support during this time of year, and we couldn’t do this without your help.

Here are some ways you can help:

PURCHASE A GIFT: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D48A9AC29A1F8CF8-52931893-holiday

COIN DRIVE: There will be a COIN DRIVE the week of November 26 - 29.

CASH DONATION: through SchoolCashOnline

GIFT CARD: Purchase a GIFT CARD (specifically for Walmart, Save-On-Foods or Safeway through the

PAC Fundraiser).

Please see our poster for more information.

 

Kindergarten Registration

Richmond School District 38 is excited to welcome kindergarten registration applications for children born in 2020, turning 5 in 2025. These children will begin kindergarten in September 2024. Online registration opens on November 1, 2024. Please visit our website  for more information about our online registration process, required documents, important dates, and FAQs.

http://www.sd38.bc.ca/kindergarten 

 

Families are encouraged to register any time during the Priority 1 registration period (November – January) for the best chance at attending their catchment school. All registration applications received any time during the Priority 1 registration period will receive placement decisions by February 2025. 

 

Instead of in person information evenings this year, we have posted short videos that provide our new parents with information about the registration process, English Language Learner (ELL) assessments, and District Program Options – Early French Immersion and Montessori. These videos are available in English and Mandarin. Please view the videos at http://www.sd38.bc.ca/kindergarten.

 

Parent Education Session: District Program Options for Kindergarten

The district will be hosting a virtual Parent Education Session for District Program Options for Kindergarten on November 2th at 6:00 pm. Please see the attached poster for more information.

 

Volleyball Season

Mr. Whelan, Mme Rogak and our intermediate students started our new volleyball season with practices in our gym. Games are being scheduled for October, November and December. We look forward to inviting you to our home games soon! Go Wolfpack!

November 13 – at Walter Lee (Gr. 6s)

November 14 – Maple Lane at Whiteside (Gr. 6s)

November 27 – Lee at Whiteside (Gr. 7s)

 

Parking Lot Safety: A Friendly Reminder

Drop-off and pick-up times can get hectic! Let's work together to keep our parking lot safe for everyone. Please remember these important points:

• Drive slowly and cautiously: Children can be unpredictable, so always be alert and watch for pedestrians.
• Use designated visitor parking spaces only: Do not park in the fire lane, drive-thru lane, or in staff parking areas. This can block traffic flow and create hazards.
• Hold your child's hand: Always supervise young children and hold their hands when walking through the parking lot.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Look for moving vehicles and be mindful of blind spots when backing up.

Thank you for your cooperation in making our school a safe place for all!

 

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 November PAC meeting will be at our school library. Childminding will be provided. Our next PAC meeting date will be announced soon.

 

DARE:

Students in grades 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.

 

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

IPALS 2025 Registration Now Open

IPALS (Parents as Literacy Supporters in Immigrant Communities) aims to help immigrant and refugee families learn new strategies to support their preschool-aged children's learning in fun and interactive ways. IPALS is supported by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The Richmond School District will host the IPALS program at Woodward Elementary StrongStart on Tuesday mornings from January 14 to March 11, 2025. Eligible families can use the link on the attached poster to register for the program. Registration is now open.

 

Parent Education Sessions - 2024/25 School Year

The Richmond School District is excited to offer a variety of parent education sessions during the 2024/25 school year. These virtual sessions are open to all parents in the Richmond School District and will provide practical strategies, expert insights, and tools to support your child’s well-being in the digital age. More information and registration for parents is available on the district website. Our first session is November 13, 2024, hosted by Safer Schools Together.

 

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. 

 

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…

If Yellow Was the Colour of Playfulness (Tamara Strijack)

• Playfulness is essential: It's not just for kids; playfulness helps us connect, cope with stress, and find joy in life.
• We can lose touch with play: Responsibilities and challenges can make us serious and forget how to be playful.
• Playfulness can be rediscovered: By prioritizing play, seeking out joyful experiences, and letting go of self-consciousness, we can reawaken our playful selves.
• Play is vital, especially during hard times: Playfulness helps us stay resilient and find lightness even in the face of difficulties.

(https://neufeldinstitute.org/editorials/if-yellow-was-the-colour-of-playfulness/)

 

COMMUNITY INFORMATION AND EVENTS:

Game2Life

RASS is offering a free "Game2Life" program for Grade 6 and 7 students focused on healthy gaming habits. This 5-week program runs every Tuesday from November 12th to December 10th, 3:30-5:00 pm at the Creativity Lab in the Cultural Centre Annex. Students will learn about the importance of physical health, mental well-being, positive relationships, and finding their "spark" while maintaining a healthy relationship with gaming. To register, contact Alvin at 604-270-9220 ext. 118 or alvin@rassrichmond.ca.

Have a great weekend!

 

 ~Whiteside Elementary