Happy Friday Whiteside!

 

It was a short but great week of learning at Whiteside! Our student-led learning conferences will soon springboard us into March and Spring Break. We look forward to longer days, better weather, and great learning!

 

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. 25             Hannah Beach virtual parent session

Feb. 25-27        Book Fair – please visit the library

Feb. 26             Pink Shirt Day assembly

Feb. 26             Early dismissal for learning conferences at 11:50 a.m.

Mar. 3/4           Strikers Basketball tournament at McRoberts

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 6              Sports Day

June 20             Gr. 7 Farewell assembly

June 26             Last day of school

June 26             Final report cards posted on MyEd

 

 

WHITESIDE INFORMATION AND EVENTS

Learning Conferences

We will have an early dismissal on February 26^th at 11:50 a.m. to accommodate our winter learning conferences. You will be able to meet with your child’s teacher in the upcoming week.

 

Student-led conferences are a powerful way to get students actively involved in their learning journey! They provide a platform for students to showcase their work, reflect on their progress, and set goals for the future. This process helps students develop ownership, self-reflection skills, and confidence in communicating their learning. It also strengthens the partnership between students, teachers, and parents in supporting student success.

 

Book Fair is Back! Parent Volunteers Needed!

We are excited to invite you to our Scholastic Book Fair next week in the library- 

Tuesday, February 25^th from 2:45-4:30; Wednesday, February 26^th from noon to three; and Thursday, February 27^th from 2:45-4:30. Books can be purchased with cash or card and as always, all purchases benefit our school.

 

We still need parent volunteers to help make this event run smoothly and successfully! If you are able to volunteer at the Book Fair, please email us with the times and days you are available at whiteside.library@sd38.bc.ca

Of course, your children are welcome to join you while you volunteer. Thank you!

 

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).

 

Whiteside Basketball

Our Whiteside basketball is going strong. Our next games are at Anderson on Tuesday (G) and Thursday (B). McRoberts’ Strikers tournament is coming on March 3^rd and 4^th

 

Hot Lunch Orders are Open

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

 

Whiteside’s Got Talent

Ms. LB and Ms. Johnson host our annual talent show at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 14. We look forward to showcasing the amazing talents and abilities of our Wolfpack.

 

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!

 

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.:

Joe Fortes (1863-1922) was a beloved figure in Vancouver, known for his lifeguarding skills, his role as a swimming instructor, and his warm personality. Born in Trinidad, he arrived in Vancouver in 1885 and quickly became a fixture at English Bay beach. He is credited with saving dozens of lives from drowning and teaching generations of Vancouver children how to swim. He was also a strong advocate for the Black community, challenging racial stereotypes and promoting inclusion. Joe Fortes is remembered as a kind and generous man who made a lasting impact on the city of Vancouver. He is a true symbol of Vancouver's spirit and diversity.  

Here are some of his key contributions:

• Lifeguard and lifesaver: He was the first official lifeguard at English Bay and is credited with saving at least 29 lives.  
• Swimming instructor: He taught countless Vancouver children how to swim, making the beach a safer and more enjoyable place for everyone.  
• Community builder: He was a respected member of the community and helped to bridge racial divides.

 

• Role model: He inspired generations of Vancouverites with his kindness, generosity, and dedication to service.  

Joe Fortes' legacy continues to this day. He is remembered through various memorials and tributes, including a library branch, a restaurant, and a fountain at English Bay. He is a true Vancouver icon and an important figure in Black Canadian history.  

 

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, April 15 online at 7:00 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!

 

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 We’ve replaced play with entertainment:

• The blog post by Hannah Beach discusses the replacement of play with entertainment and its negative impact on children's emotional health.
• Play is essential for children to process their lives, release frustration and anxiety, and understand experiences. It allows them to try on new roles and practice being frustrated without real-life consequences.
• Children are playing less, losing twelve hours of free time a week, and play is often replaced with passive entertainment, which doesn't awaken the senses or stir a child emotionally.
• The loss of free play has consequences, leading to children arriving at school full of unrest and frustration.
• Educators can support children's emotional health by providing opportunities for release and expression, even in virtual settings.
• https://hannahbeach.ca/weve-replaced-play-with-entertainment/

 

COMMUNITY INFORMATION AND EVENTS:

• N/A this month

 

 

~Whiteside Elementary