❄️🎶 Happy December, Whiteside Families! 🎶❄️

Get ready for a whirlwind of winter wonder here at Whiteside! This December, we're transforming our school into a hub of festive fun and learning, with magical skating adventures, show-stopping musical performances, and heartwarming holiday celebrations. From gliding across the ice at Winter Wonderland to tapping our toes to the rhythm of our talented student musicians, this month is packed with unforgettable experiences. We can't wait to share the joy of the season with our amazing Wolfpack!

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:

Dec. 3               DARE graduation for grade 5/6

Dec. 10             Winter Concert (1:30 p.m./7:00 p.m.)

Dec. 12             Gr. 6/7 immunizations

Dec. 13             Cozy sweater day

Dec. 13             Hot lunch (White Spot)

Dec. 17             Winter Musical (1:30 p.m./6:30 p.m.)

Dec. 19             Winter Wonderland skating at Minoru

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

Holiday Wish

Donation drop off ends on December 3^rd. Please drop off gifts at the back door of the gym between 8:30 – 8:45 a.m. and 2:45 – 3:00 p.m.

Hot Lunch

Our next hot lunch is White Spot on December 13^th! Ordering is now open on Munch-a-Lunch.

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 next PAC meeting will be in January.

DARE:

Our graduation celebration is at 1:30 p.m. on December 3^rd.

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!

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.

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

Safer Schools Together Virtual Parent Session

As a follow-up to the district's recent Safer Schools Together Social Media Awareness, Digital Citizenship, and Cyberbullying parent session on Wednesday, November 13, please find below the resource/slides referenced by presenter Tyler Lum.

 Also, if any parents missed it and would like to register for the complimentary Family Sessions through the Ministry of Education and Childcare’s erase strategy, they can register here: erase Family Sessions (link).

There is one session per month, and they are open to families and children aged 10 and up.

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.

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

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

The provincial government continues to fund the 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…

December can be hectic. To have fun and stay regulated:

1. Prioritize Connection:  Amidst the holiday rush, carve out dedicated time for one-on-one connection with your child.  Even 15 minutes of focused attention can fill their "attachment bucket" and reduce attention-seeking behaviors.

2.  Embrace Imperfection:  Don't strive for picture-perfect holiday moments.  Focus on genuine connection and shared experiences, even if things get messy or don't go as planned.

3.  Proactive Planning:  Anticipate potential triggers for meltdowns or challenging behaviors (e.g., changes in routine, overstimulation). Plan ahead to minimize disruptions and provide calming activities or breaks when needed.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION AND EVENTS:

 ~Whiteside Elementary