Whiteside Newsletter #4 - September 26, 2025

Dear Whiteside Families,

As we approach the end of September, we want to turn our attention to an important observance: the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Tuesday, September 30th. This day is a solemn reminder of the history and legacy of residential schools in Canada.

In our schools, this day is not just about looking back; it's about moving forward in a better way. It serves as a cornerstone for the ongoing work of reconciliation, emphasizing that every child matters. For our Wolfpack community, it is a chance to foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives and to actively participate in the journey of healing and building stronger relationships.

Thank you for all your kindness and support as we've launched into this new year. Your partnership is so important, and we are looking forward to a fantastic year of learning and growth for your children.

~ Whiteside Elementary

The Richmond Board of Education acknowledges and thanks the First Peoples of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language group on whose traditional and unceded territories we teach, learn and live.

Coming Events:

September 29 – Orange Shirt Day Assembly

September 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (school closed)

October 6 – Grade 6 Outdoor Ed parent meeting in the library at 6:00 p.m.

October 8 – Individual photos

October 10 – Hot lunch

October 13 – Thanksgiving (school closed)

October 21 – PAC meeting at 7:45 p.m. online

October 22 – Early Dismissal (students dismissed at 11:50)

October 23 – PAC Halloween Party

October 24 – Provincial Pro-D (school closed)

October 27-31 – School wide dance classes/finale

October 29 – Cross Country Fun Run at Garry Point

November 3 – Photo retake day

November 10 – Remembrance Day assembly

November 11 – Remembrance Day

November 20/21 – PAC family photo nights

December 1 – Pro-D Day

December 10 – Winter band concert

December 16 – Winter musical

December 18 – Term 1 reports published

December 19 – Last day before winter break

WHITESIDE INFORMATION AND EVENTS

The National Day For Truth And Reconciliation

Just a reminder that school will be in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Tuesday, September 30^th. Our Orange Shirt Day assembly will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, September 29^th.

This day provides an opportunity for all Canadians to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools. This may present itself as a day of quiet reflection or participation in a community event. Schools in our district will be engaged in a variety of activities leading up to September 30th to ensure that students understand the significance of this day in our community and in our nation.

These are some events to recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation around Vancouver:

Krispy Kreme Fundraiser

Please support our school with the purchase of a delicious treat. Pre-orders go on sale on MunchALunch on Monday, September 22 - October 2nd. Orders will be ready for pick-up at the gym concession on October 10th.

Hot Lunch – Sushi – October 10

Our next hot lunch is Sushi Lovers on October 10. Ordering is open until October 3. Thank you, PAC!

Wolf Wear Spirit Store Open Now

Show your Wolfpack pride with our brand new Whiteside Wolves spirit wear! Our online store is now open, offering a fantastic selection of hoodies, t-shirts, hats, and more for students and families. Visit our shop at https://urstore.ca/group/whiteside-wolves_531344 to check out all the great gear and place your order today! The last day to order is September 30^th!

Run Club is Back

Mme David-Harel, Mme Swordy, and Mme Lai are bringing back run club. All students are welcome. Please meet in the gym at 8:10 a.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. Our Cross Country Fun Run at Garry Point is scheduled for October 29^th.

Grade 7 Farewell Hoodies!

It's that time of year for our Grade 7's to order their Grade 7 farewell hoodies! Please order on SchoolCashOnline, where you will select your child's preferences for size and style (the colour will be black). Sample sizes are available outside of the office. If you have any problems or concerns, please contact the office (whiteside@sd38.bc.ca). Orders are due September 30^th. No late orders.

Grade 6 Outdoor Ed Parent Meeting – Oct. 6

This year our grade 6s will be traveling to the Cheakamus Centre near Squamish in the spring for two nights of outdoor learning. We invite parents of grade 6 students to attend an informational meeting on October 6^th at 6:00 p.m. in the school library.

FSAs for Grade 4 and 7:

In October, students in grade 4 and 7 will complete the Foundation Skills Assessment. The Foundational Skills Assessments (FSAs) help us understand your child's progress in key areas like reading, writing, and math, providing insight into their learning. These assessments allow both teachers and parents to identify strengths and areas where additional support may be needed, ensuring each student reaches their full potential. This assessment is one of many that provides information about student learning at Whiteside and throughout the province.

Student Drop Off and Pick Up

We appreciate parents dropping off and picking up students only at their exterior doors. The front of the school and our hallways are busy places before and after school as teachers and staff work diligently to prepare their teaching. Please be respectful of these spaces and times. We are happy to assist you should you need to meet with a teacher. To meet a teacher, please visit the main office and we will connect with the teacher for you (or greet at your exit door).

Bike and Scooter Safety

We see a lot of our Wolfpack riding and scooting to school every day. Way to go!

To be safe on the streets and paths, everyone must wear helmets when riding or scooting. Wearing a helmet is the law in B.C., and you could be fined for not wearing one or worse. Also, please do not ride or scoot in our drop off lane. Visit this link for more information about bike safety and see below for information about e-scooters.

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 our next PAC meeting in October. Our next PAC meeting is online at 7:45 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21.

Food Security and School Affordability Support

Please reach out to our principal, Brett Cameron (bcameron@sd38.bc.ca), if you require financial assistance for school-related costs. As always, all requests will be treated with dignity and your privacy will be respected. We want to work with families to ensure that students have everything they need to be successful at school. Do not hesitate to reach out if we can help.

Whiteside Fundraising – Return It

Help raise funds for our school by recycling at home! 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.

DISTRICT INFORMATION AND UPDATES

Allergy Alert:

All families should be aware that Whiteside School has many students with severe, life-threatening food allergies. Some classrooms may be designated nut free to protect the health of these students. Please help us limit the nut products entering our school overall, as the impact on a student can happen anywhere in the school. If possible, please do not send food to school containing nuts.

THE MORE YOU KNOW…

Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada was established in 2008 to document the experiences of Indigenous residential school survivors. Its mandate was to learn about the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools, and to make recommendations for reconciliation. The Commission's final report, released in 2015, includes 94 calls to action that address the legacy of residential schools and the ongoing need for reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.

You can find more information on the Truth and Reconciliation Act here:

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR).

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

~Whiteside Elementary