Hi Whiteside families!

 

What a great week at Whiteside! Sports Day activities have started, year-end field trips are being planned, and creative projects are popping up in all our classes. We appreciate the hard work of our teachers and staff to create engaging and thoughtful year-end experiences and learning.

 

Construction is also wrapping up their year. As our final phase near completion, we expect more trades and workers on site. We apologize for the extra busyness around the front of the school.

 

We look forward to sharing exciting year-end experiences and events with you over the next few weeks.

 

We hope our community enjoys an amazing weekend!

 

SPORTS DAY

We look forward to bring back our amazing Sports Day on June 16^th.

 

Shape of Day

Before school, bring bikes, scooters, etc. to the gym.

8:40 a.m. – check in regular classrooms

9:00 a.m. – 9:55 a.m. – preschool race (bring your little brothers and sisters), school wide dance, and bike parade

9:55 a.m. – 10:10 a.m. – Recess

10:10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Sports Day stations

12:00 p.m. – 12:50 p.m. – Lunch

12:50 – 2:45 p.m. – Tug o’ War and Shoe Toss

2:45 p.m. – Dismissal

 

Although there is not a general early dismissal after Sports Day, families are welcome to pick up their children early. Please check in with your teacher before leaving early.

 

LOCKDOWN DRILL – TUESDAY

On Tuesday, June 13^th at 10:20 am, we will have a Lock Down Drill.  A notice describing the drill is attached to our weekly newsletter.  Like other safety procedures such as earthquake or fire drills, we also have drills that simulate effective responses to possible threats.  You know your child best and if you feel your child would benefit from some reassurance, please have a brief conversation with them before the drill.  If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Cameron or Mme. Navin at the office.

 

CITY OF RICHMOND SUMMER ACTIVE PASS

Details about the $29 Summer Active Pass are available in the attached flyer. It is an unlimited pass for ages 5 – 18 to participate in select drop-in activities including swimming, skating, pitch & putt golf, fitness centres, and group fitness.

 

BAND CONCERT – JUNE 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Our amazing band teacher, Ms. LB, is opening the gym for all parents to attend a band concert from our grade 5/6 and 6/7 band classes. Please come to our gym on June 15th for this special performance. We look forward to seeing you next week! Our student/school performance will be at 1:30 p.m. followed by a 6:30 p.m. family event.

 

GRADE 7 CELEBRATION

We look forward to celebrating our grade sevens at our year end celebration at 9:30 a.m. on June 23^rd.  Baby photos can be sent to bcameron@sd38.bc.ca.

 

REACH TO TEACH ART INSTALLATION

This spring 15 grade seven students joined grade seven students from McKinney Elementary to create a public art installation. They spend four sessions working together around a common theme at the Arts Conservatory in Steveston. The art installation will be on display at the Ironwood Public Library next week. We thank the Arts Conservatory, our students, and our teachers for their dedication to this project.

 

SOUTH ARM BLOCK PARTY

South Arm’s annual Neighbourhood Block Party is approaching quickly! This year it will be on Thursday June 15, from 5:30-7:30.  It’s going to another awesome event with games and activities, light refreshments, live entertainment, and more. Best of all it’s all FREE! 

 

NOTICE OF LATE RETURN 2023-2024

The attached form must be completed for any student(s) who anticipate a delayed return to school in September and will not be in attendance by 12:00pm on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. Please return the form to the school principal by June 23, 2023.

 

Please note that student absences at the start of the school year result in missed opportunities for valuable social connections, instructional time, and establishment of routines and expectations. The reason for a late return to school should only be for extenuating circumstances.

 

Please be advised that any student not in attendance before end of the school day on September 14, 2023, will not be guaranteed a placement at École Élémentaire James Whiteside Elementary School. This may result in a placement at another school upon return.

 

In the event of an unforeseen critical family circumstance occurring after July 1, 2023, that causes an unexpected late return to the school, the parent must advise the school as soon as possible by email (whiteside@sd38.bc.ca).

 

PARKING LOT SAFETY

Please help keep our students safe by using the drop off zone for picking up and dropping off students only.  Please do not leave your car unattended in the drop off zone or park in staff parking spots; if you need to come into the school, please park in a parking space closer to South Arm Community Centre.  When walking to school, please use the designated paths south and adjacent to the driveway as you enter the school grounds. Please follow arrows to keep our students safe and keep our parking lot accident free.

 

Please remember the east parking lot is for school and construction staff only. Please do not park or drop off children in this area.

 

WEST COAST WEATHER AND OUTSIDE PLAY

• Please remember that all students will be going outside for recess and lunch, except in extreme weather conditions. 
• Physical activity has a positive impact on learning.
• If kids are well prepared to be outside in the rain, they really enjoy it. If they stay dry and warm there is a great deal of fun to be had in all kinds of weather. To be prepared to be outside in the rain it is important for your child to have appropriate clothing such as:
  • A rain jacket.
  • Rubber boots
  • Rain pants
  • An umbrella
  • A rain hat or coat with a hood
  • *A change of clothes to be kept at school (sweatpants, underwear, socks, t-shirt, etc.)
  • When students use their change of clothes, please send another set to school for the next time.

 

SCHOOL VISITORS

In the interest of safety, everyone entering the school must check in at the office. Classrooms are busy learning places and we try not to interrupt them during instructional time.  If you need to see your child, leave them a message, or drop off a lunch, our office staff will happily take care of that for you.  As well, it is difficult at the end or beginning of the school day for our office staff to have in-depth discussions with parents.  Making appointments either by phone or in person is preferable. Thank you for your support!

 

 

Coming Soon:

June 13             K/1 and 6/7 Immunization

June 16             Sports Day

June 21             Year end assembly

June 23             Gr 7 Farewell

June 27             Intermediate pool day

June 29             Last day for students

 

 

We wish you all a wonderful weekend!

 

~Whiteside Elementary