❄️✨ Happy Holidays, Whiteside Families! ✨❄️

We hope you're enjoying this magical time of year, whether you're celebrating Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, or simply spending quality time with loved ones! Richmond is bursting with festive cheer this season, so be sure to check out the amazing events happening around our city (more info below)!

Here at Whiteside, we're ready to spread some holiday magic of our own! Next week, our Wolfpack will be singing their hearts out, enjoying dazzling performances, and celebrating the season together as one big, happy school family. A huge thank you to our amazing parents, students, teachers, and staff for making this time of year so special!

And the excitement doesn't stop there! Report cards will be available on the MyEdBC Parent Portal after school on Thursday, and our Wolfpack will be hitting the ice for a fun-filled skating trip to Minoru with their buddies! Get ready for a whirlwind of winter wonder at Whiteside!

Wishing you all a season filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories! ☃️🎉

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. 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

Félicitations! Brovo!

Congratulations to our amazing students in Gr. 6 and 7 French Immersion, Charles, Katya, Kaamil, and Emma, who won and placed in the Dites-le en video contest. Dites-le en video is a contest for students across Canada to showcase their French speaking and video making skills. Between October 7th and November 10th, 2024, students from across Canada were invited to submit videos in French on anything from their favorite hobbies to their takes on current events. All Canadian students in Kindergarten through Grade 12 were welcome to participate.   Submissions for Grades 6-12 were judged by volunteer judges from across Canada. Evaluations were based on French language & video abilities.

https://bc-yk.cpf.ca/en/dites-le-en-video-2024-winners/

 

Student Reports

Term 1 Reports will be available online on MyEd Parent Portal after school on Thursday, December 19^th.  Logins and temporary passwords have been sent out by district to all parents new to the district.  Please login before then.  (The first login must be done from a workstation, laptop, or computer. Do not use an iPad, tablet, or cell phone for this.) Elementary schools will be closed during winter break and will not be able to help you until January.  Previous users, who forgot their passwords, will need to click through the “I forgot my password” hyperlink on the login page to reset their passwords.  

More info available on the school website at: https://whiteside.sd38.bc.ca/parents/myed-parent-portal

 

Winter Musical

We are excited to have you join us for our musical this season. Please take note of a few items to best prepare for the events:

K-4 Musical – December 17

Musical: 1:30 pm show: (doors at 1:15 pm)

• Parking will be available in the South Arm parking lot but will be limited -- please exercise caution and consider walking or carpooling to Whiteside.
• Please enter through the rear doors of the gym as the students will be entering through other exits and we would like to avoid congestion in those areas.
• Seating is limited. We encourage limiting seats to two (2) per family.

6:30 pm shows: (doors open at 6:15 pm)

• Students who are performing without an adult please come in the main front doors at 6:15 to go to your classroom.
• Students attending with families attending the musical, please line up at your usual entry doors.
• Please enter through the rear doors of the gym as the students will be entering through other exits and we would like to avoid congestion in those areas.
• Parking will be available in the South Arm parking lot but will be limited -- please exercise caution and consider walking or carpooling to Whiteside.

• Seating is limited. We encourage limiting seats to two (2) per family.
• Please collect your child from their classroom following the concert.

Thank you for your kindness and support, we look forward to seeing you at our performances!

 

Late French Immersion Webinar - January 13, 2025

The Richmond School District provides the Late French Immersion program beginning at Grade 6 at James Whiteside and John Diefenbaker Elementary schools. We invite families of current Grade 5 students to join us for a program information virtual meeting on Monday, January 13, 2025 at 6 p.m. This informative session will include the following topics: 

• Program Overview
• Student Experiences
• Registration Process
• Frequently Asked Questions

Please see attached flyer for more information.

 

Holiday Wish Fundraiser

Thank you for all your kind and generous donations. Thank you to all our parents for their help collecting and organizing our donations.

 

Saleema Noon’s Body Science – January, 2025

Saleema Noon's Body Science program provides age-appropriate sexual health education to empower children and promote open communication within families. The program covers topics like body changes, healthy relationships, and consent in a fun and engaging way. A parent information session will be held via Zoom on January 8th at 6:30 PM, followed by student sessions on January 9th and 10th. We encourage you to attend and learn more about this valuable program! Thank you to our wonderful PAC for providing this learning experience for our Wolfpack!

 

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.

 

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

MDI

The middle years development instrument (mdi) is coming to your school in January/mid-March!

The Richmond School District has partnered with the Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) at the University of British Columbia to measure and promote children’s social and emotional development, health, well-being, and assets through the Middle Years Development Instrument (MDI). The Middle Years Development Instrument (MDI) is a self-report questionnaire that asks children in middle childhood about their thoughts, feelings and experiences. The MDI is the first survey of its kind to gather information about the lives of children both in school, in the home and in the community, from their own perspective. The survey questions align with the BC Ministry of Education’s K-12 curriculum, which includes a focus on promoting children’s personal and social competencies.

Grade 5 and 8 students are invited to complete the MDI during class time between:

January 14th and March 14th, 2025.

For more information and to view the questionnaires: https://earlylearning.ubc.ca/monitoring-system/mdi/mdi-overview/

Parent FAQs: https://earlylearning.ubc.ca/monitoring-system/mdi/parent-caregiver-info/

If you don’t want your child to participate, please contact your child’s teacher, fill out the withdrawal form at the end of the parent/guardian informed passive consent letter, or contact the MDI project staff at mdi@help.ubc.ca.

 

Online Public Open House – Long-Range Facilities Plan – January 14, 2025

 The district is hosting an Online Public Open House on January 14, 2025 from 6 to 8 p.m. This virtual event will provide community members with the opportunity to learn about the 2025 Long-Range Facilities Plan (LRFP) and offer input to help shape the district’s long-term facilities strategy.

 

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…

Is Your Family Ready? Emergency Preparedness Starts at Home

As we teach our students how to stay safe at school, it's equally important to ensure they're prepared for emergencies at home. Earthquakes, fires, and other unexpected events can happen anytime, and having a plan in place can make all the difference.

Here are some ways to involve your family in emergency preparedness:

• Create a Home Emergency Plan: Discuss escape routes, meeting places, and important contact information. Practice your plan regularly.
• Build an Emergency Kit: Include essentials like water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, flashlights, and batteries.
• Teach Safety Skills: Show children how to "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" during an earthquake and how to safely evacuate in case of a fire.
• Secure Your Space: Make sure heavy objects are secured to walls, and know how to turn off utilities like gas and water.
• Stay Informed: Learn about your community's emergency alert system and have a battery-powered radio to stay updated.

By taking these steps, you can help your family stay safe and be better prepared to face unexpected situations.

For more information and resources, visit:

• https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/guides-and-resources
• https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/yprprdnssgd/index-en.aspx
• https://www.richmond.ca/services/public-safety/emergency-preparedness.htm

 

COMMUNITY INFORMATION AND EVENTS:

'Tis the Season in Richmond (and around Metro Vancouver)!

Winter has arrived, and Richmond is brimming with festive cheer! From dazzling light displays to cozy winter markets and enchanting holiday events, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Gather your family and friends and create lasting memories this season with these local gems:

Light Up Your Holidays:

• Steveston Village Christmas Lights: Stroll through the charming streets of Steveston, adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. Don't miss the magical boat parade!
• Lights at Lafarge: Be mesmerized by the dazzling display of lights at Lafarge Lake, complete with festive music and holiday cheer.
• Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

Festive Fun for All:

• Richmond Christmas Fundraiser Craft Fair: Discover unique gifts and support local artisans at this festive craft fair.
• Jewish Community Centre has a Pyjama Hannukah party this Sunday December 15, from 10am-1pm.
• Vancouver Christmas Market: Take a short trip to Vancouver and immerse yourselves in the sights, sounds, and flavors of a traditional German Christmas market.
• Menorah Lightings: Check for public Menorah lightings at the Richmond Cultural Centre, local synagogues (like Beth Tikvah Synagogue or Temple Sholom), or community centres. These often include music, treats, and family-friendly activities.
• CP Holiday Train: Catch the festive CP Holiday Train as it makes its way through Richmond, bringing holiday cheer and live music.
• Temple Beth Hillel’s festive and free Hanukkah Fair on Sunday, Dec. 8, from noon to 2 p.m.

Winter Wonderland Adventures:

• Skating at Minoru Park: Glide across the ice at the outdoor rink in Minoru Park, surrounded by festive lights and holiday music.
• Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden: (Short trip to Vancouver) Wander through a breathtaking display of over one million lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden.

Cozy Up Indoors:

• Christmas movies at the Richmond Public Library: Enjoy classic holiday films with the family at your local library branch. The Richmond Public Library often hosts Hanukkah-themed story times and craft sessions for children.
• Festive baking classes: Learn to create delicious holiday treats at a local baking class.

Giving Back:

• Volunteer at a local charity: Spread holiday cheer by volunteering your time at a local food bank or shelter.

Embrace the spirit of the season and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones!

 

 ~Whiteside Elementary