Happy Diwali! We wish you a joyous Diwali filled with light, love, and prosperity! ✨ May the festival of lights bring happiness and good fortune to your family. 🪔

 

Thank you to our PAC for a fun Halloween party and dance. We also truly appreciate the hot lunch on the day after Halloween! Thank you to Mr. McCuaig and his class for continuing his haunted house tradition. Thank you to Ms. Johnson and all the staff and families that donated costumes to our school. This was an awesome week of Halloween fun.

 

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:

Nov. 11             Remembrance Day (school closed)

Nov. 12             DARE 6

Nov. 13             Photo Retakes

Nov. 14             TCO2 for Gr. 4-7

Nov. 21             Hot lunch (Sushi)

Nov. 22             Twin/group dress up day

Nov. 25             Pro-D (school closed)

Nov. 29             Hot lunch (pizza)

Dec. 10             Winter Concert

Dec. 13             Cozy sweater day

Dec. 13             Hot lunch (White Spot)

Dec. 17             Winter Musical

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

Remembrance Day

Whiteside will be closed on Monday, November 11 in observation of Remembrance Day. Whiteside invites you to join our Remembrance Day assembly at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 8^th. We are accepting donations via SchoolCashOnline for the Richmond Poppy Fund. Your generosity supports local veterans and their families. Primary classrooms will have their poppy pins replaced with tie tacks to ensure more student safety. Thank you.

 

Hot Lunch

Sushi Lovers Day is on Thursday, November 21. Thank you, PAC, for your delicious lunches! Remember to bring a recess snack.

 

Photo Retakes

Our school photographer will return on November 13 for retakes.

 

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.

 

Volleyball Season

Mr. Whelan, Mme Rogak and our intermediate students started our new volleyball season with practices in our gym. Games are being scheduled for October, November and December. We look forward to inviting you to our home games soon! Go Wolfpack!

November 6 – TBD

November 7 – TBD

November 13 – at Walter Lee (Gr. 6s)

November 14 – Maple Lane at Whiteside (Gr. 6s)

November 20 - TBD

November 21 – TBD

November 27 – Lee at Whiteside (Gr. 7s)

 

Indigenous Veterans Day

November 8 marks National Indigenous Veterans Day. In this day and age of reconciliation, acknowledging Aboriginal roles in the protection of Canada will help other citizens understand what true reconciliation means to the country as a whole. We must never forget the sacrifices and accomplishments of Aboriginal Veterans, especially as we move forward in our journey of healing, reconciliation and a renewed relationship between Canada and its First Nations peoples. November 8 is about making efforts to better understand the role Indigenous Veterans have played in Canada and expressing our heartfelt gratitude. Ceremonies are held across Canada to mark this day, and Canadians across the country should pause for a minute or two to honour our Aboriginal veterans.

 

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 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!

 

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 November PAC meeting will be at our school library. Childminding will be provided. Our next PAC meeting is at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19.

 

DARE:

Students in grades 5 and 6 are now participating in the DARE program with the Richmond RCMP. The DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program equips students with the knowledge and skills to make safe and responsible choices, helping them avoid involvement with drugs, alcohol, and risky behaviors. Through engaging lessons and discussions, the program empowers children to build confidence and make positive decisions that will benefit them throughout their lives.

 

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 - 2024/25 School Year

The Richmond School District is excited to offer a variety of parent education sessions during the 2024/25 school year. These virtual sessions are open to all parents in the Richmond School District and will provide practical strategies, expert insights, and tools to support your child’s well-being in the digital age. More information and registration for parents is available on the district website. Our first session is November 13, 2024, hosted by Safer Schools Together.

 

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

The provincial government recently announced a renewal of one-time funds for the 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

Recently, the provincial government announced a new 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…

Hatching Resilience (Dr. Gordon Neufeld)

This article uses the analogy of raising chickens to illustrate how children develop resilience.

• Resilience is learned: Children aren't born resilient; they develop it through experience and by overcoming challenges.
• Early experiences matter: Facing small losses and disappointments early in life helps children build the emotional strength to cope with bigger challenges later on.
• Emotional support is key: When children face setbacks, they need a caring adult to provide comfort and help them process their emotions, not shield them from discomfort.
• Life brings challenges: Just like raising chickens involves unexpected losses, life inevitably brings difficulties. Resilience helps children navigate these challenges.
• Resilience is like a muscle: Each time a child faces a challenge and bounces back, their resilience grows stronger, preparing them for future obstacles.

(https://neufeldinstitute.org/editorials/hatching-resilience/)

 

COMMUNITY INFORMATION AND EVENTS:

 

Have a great weekend!

 

 ~Whiteside Elementary