Happy Family Day Whiteside!

 

The long weekend and Family Day are almost here! It’s time to recharge, reconnect, and celebrate what makes your family special. Whether you're off on an adventure or just finding fun around your home, we hope you have a fun and relaxing break filled with laughter and happy memories. See you back refreshed and ready for a great week!

 

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:

Feb. 17             Family Day (school closed)

Feb. 25             Hannah Beach virtual parent session

Feb. 26             Pink Shirt Day assembly

Feb. 26             Early dismissal for learning conferences

Mar. 14            Whiteside’s St. Patrick’s Day – wear green

Mar. 14            Last day before spring break

Mar. 31            First day back from spring break

April 16            French movie night with CPF

April 18            Good Friday (school closed)

April 21            Easter Monday (school closed)

April 29             Term 2 report cards posted on MyEd

May 16             Pro-D day (school closed)

May 19             Victoria Day (school closed)

June 20             Gr. 7 Farewell assembly

June 26             Last day of school

June 26             Final report cards posted on MyEd

 

 

WHITESIDE INFORMATION AND EVENTS

Family Day

Whiteside will be closed on Monday, February 19^th for BC’s Family Day. Enjoy the extra time with your family! The city is offering 60+ low-cost and free family-friendly events and activities over the Family Day weekend (Feb 16-19).

 

Book Fair is Back!

Join us for the Scholastic Book Fair from February 25th-27th to build your home library and support our school – all purchases benefit us! We need parent volunteers; email whiteside.library@sd38.bc.ca with your availability if you can help (kids are welcome to join you).

 

Krispy Kreme Fundraiser

Place your Krispy Kreme orders by February 18. $20 for the original glazed or $25 for their assorted dozen. The pick up date is 2:30 – 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 28. You can place your order here.

 

Learning Conferences

We will have an early dismissal on February 26^th at 11:50 a.m. to accommodate our winter learning conferences. Opportunities to schedule a time to meet with your child’s teacher will come out shortly.

 

Spring Fair Team Volunteers Needed

Our PAC is looking for 6 volunteers to lead our Spring Fair team this year. We need 6 keen parents or family members that can help organize and lead our 2025 Spring Fair. If you are interested in helping plan this year’s fair, please email our PAC (whitesidepac@hotmail.com).

 

Hot Lunch Orders are Open

Ordering is open for our next hot lunch date: Burger King (Mar 7). You can place your order here.

 

Grade 7 Farewell Planning Parent Session

Save the date! We invite grade 7 parents to visit with us on Tuesday, February 25 at 5:30 p.m. in our library to discuss and begin planning our grade 7 farewell celebration.

 

Run Club Updates! 

Come join us and practice Mondays and Thursdays at 8:10 am.  We will meet in the gym, do some stretching and then run some laps inside OR outside (weather permitting).  

The Run Club’s goal over the next couple of months is to prepare for the SunRype Youth Team Mini Sun Run 2.5 km Challenge at the Vancouver Sun Run on Saturday, April 27^th, 2025.  If your child (and/or yourself) are interested in participating, come join the Whiteside Wolves.  We will need a minimum of 14 individuals (7 must be students) to create a team.  

 

Team Name: Whiteside Wolves

Team Access Code: FSQSBH

Link to JOIN OUR SUNRYPE YOUTH TEAM: team member registration

 

IMPORTANT:  Youths under 18 will be $35 + tax/fees.  Adults, over 19, are $45 + tax/fees.  Cost includes a cotton t-shirt and an invitation to all the fun festivities that day.  If you register between February 8^th to March 14^th, prices increase.  

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email slai@sd38.bc.ca.  

Let’s go Wolves! 

 

Reach to Teach Art Installation – Steveston Post Office

This year, Mme Howell’s class participated in the Reach to Teach art program at The Arts Connections. Throughout the fall and winter, the students created and collaborated on an art installation that connects them to the larger Richmond community. This week they celebrated the launch of their installation with a special presentation at the Steveston Post Office. This year’s project was inspired by the dreamlike landscapes of Henri Rousseau. Students created a vibrantly coloured jungle landscape with different juxtapositions that blend reality and fantasy. Their art will be on display for all of Whiteside, and Richmond, to enjoy.

 

Hatch Kids Learning Centre

Hatch offers PreK (3 to 5 years old) and Out of School Care (Kindergarten to Grade 7) programs at Whiteside Elementary. They are now taking registration for the upcoming 2025/26 school year. Visit their website www.hatchkidslearning.com or email them at info@hatchkidslearning.com for more information or to schedule a tour of their space!

 

Whiteside Basketball

Our Whiteside basketball season has started. Our coaches this year are Mme Howells and Mr. McCuaig. We also host intramurals 3 v 3 basketball for grade 5/6 students. Our next games are against Lee on Tuesday (G) and Thursday (B).

 

Learning Conferences

We will have an early dismissal on February 26^th at 11:50 a.m. to accommodate our winter learning conferences. Opportunities to schedule a time to meet with your child’s teacher will come out shortly.

 

Grade 7 Farewell Planning Parent Session

Save the date! We invite grade 7 parents to visit with us on Tuesday, February 25 at 5:30 p.m. in our library to discuss and begin planning our grade 7 farewell celebration.

 

Black History Month

Every February, people in Canada are invited to participate in Black History Month festivities and events that honour the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities. The 2025 theme for Black History Month is: Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-month.html

 

Black History in B.C.:

The year was 1858. News had reached San Francisco of the Fraser River Gold Rush, and with it, whispers of a land where a person's worth wasn't determined by the color of their skin. For Mifflin Gibbs, a Black businessman tired of the prejudice and limitations in America, it was a call to action. He rallied hundreds of Black families, and together they chartered a ship to Victoria, Vancouver Island.

They arrived with dreams as big as the towering cedars, ready to build a new life. Gibbs became a prominent figure, even serving on Victoria's city council. But life wasn't without its challenges. They faced discrimination and the struggle to establish themselves. Yet, they persevered, building homes, businesses, and a vibrant community. Their story is a testament to the courage and resilience of Black pioneers who helped shape British Columbia.

 

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 on Tuesday, February 18 online at 6:30 p.m.

 

Optional Student Accident Insurance

Families can choose to purchase an optional student accident insurance plan for their children through the “InsureMyKids®” program, underwritten by Old Republic Insurance Company of Canada. The “InsureMyKids®” accident insurance program offers protection against the potentially high costs of any injury resulting from unexpected accidents and is especially valuable for families who: 

• Do not have medical or dental plans.
• Have limited plans, as it may help supplement health and dental benefits.
• Have active children who enjoy sports and outdoor activities. 

 The insurance agreement will be between the family and Old Republic Canada and will be effective on the date the enrollment application and payment are received by the insurance carrier. To purchase a student accident insurance plan, families can visit www.insuremykids.com, or speak with an Old Republic Canada customer service representative at 1-800-463-5437.

 The program coverage typically includes: 

• A full year (365 days from date of purchase), 24 hours a day, whether at school or at home. 
• Expenses such as ambulance, physiotherapy, private tutoring, counselling, and much more that are limited or not covered by private or group insurance plans, or provincial health plans. 
• Injury related dental treatment as the result of an accident. 
• Out-of-province or country emergency medical expenses (platinum plan only).

Please refer to the following documents which you can post on your school’s website for the families’ information: 

• InsureMyKids® Brochure
• Website content

 

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

Parent Education Sessions | School District No. 38 (Richmond)

The Richmond School District is excited to offer the following parent education sessions during the 2024/25 school year:

Social Media Awareness, Digital Citizenship, and Cyberbullying

• Feb. 25th:  Reclaiming Play: Revitalizing Childhood to Combat Anxiety and Aggression (Hannah Beach)
• Apr. 8th: Cybersafe from Exploitation (Exploitation Education Institute)

https://sd38.bc.ca/news/2024-10-16/parent-education-sessions

 

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…

Here are 5 key takeaways from Hannah Beach’s blog post Making Kids Say Sorry Does Not Create More Empathic Children:

1. Forcing apologies is ineffective: Making a child say "sorry" without genuine feeling can increase resentment and doesn't foster real empathy. The focus should be on cultivating genuine remorse, not just compliance.
2. Help children connect with their desire for amends: Instead of demanding an apology, encourage children to consider the impact of their actions and offer them choices in how they might make amends. This empowers them to take responsibility.
3. Make it easy to apologize: Offer various ways for children to express remorse, such as drawing a picture, doing something kind for the hurt person, or simply saying sorry. Avoid directly observing the apology to reduce pressure.
4. Model sincere apologies: Adults should apologize to children when they make mistakes, demonstrating genuine remorse and showing children what a heartfelt apology looks and feels like.
5. Focus on fostering empathy: The ultimate goal is to cultivate empathy, which takes time and a safe space for children to process their emotions. Trust the process and prioritize nurturing their caring spirit over quick fixes or forced apologies.

 

COMMUNITY INFORMATION AND EVENTS:

• Vancouver Coastal Health - Richmond Children's Dental Program Did you know that healthy teeth are important for children’s learning and growth? The Richmond Public Health Unit (8100 Granville Avenue) and UBC’s Dental Program offer free Dental Prevention & Treatment Services for children 0-12 years old who do n… (link)/sites/SchoolServices/SitePages/Vancouver-Coastal-Health-Richmond-Children%27s-Dental-Program.aspx
• Join the Richmond Ravens Female Minor Hockey Team the Richmond Ravens Female Hockey Association provides girls aged U7 to U21 to play in a positive, supportive and inclusive environment. Build self-confidence, learn about teamwork, boost motor skills and make new friends. All skill… (link)/sites/SchoolServices/SitePages/Join-the-Richmond-Ravens-Female-Minor-Hockey-Team.aspx
• Try Softball for Free – February 19, 2025 at McRoberts Secondary This free “Try Softball” event aligns with the Physical and Health Education curriculum by providing students the opportunity to develop physical literacy, personal growth and well-being, and explore an active lifestyle. (link)/sites/SchoolServices/SitePages/Try-Softball-for-Free---February-19,-2025-at-McRoberts-Secondary.aspx

 

 

~Whiteside Elementary