Whiteside Newsletter #17 - January 9, 2026
Happy New Year, Whiteside families!
We hope that you and your family enjoyed a winter break filled with joy, fun, and relaxation. We enjoyed seeing our Wolfpack return to Whiteside happy to see their friends and eager to learn.
The new year is a great time to reset routines and expectations. We look forward to a wonderful winter of learning at Whiteside.
Have a wonderful weekend!
~ 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.
Wolf Pack Student Corner:
New Years Resolutions with Division 7.
Lina:
2 choses que veux apprendre cette annee
- À faire du ski.
- À faire du planche a neige
0 peurs que je veux garder
- Je ne veux pas être peur de l’ocean.
2 choses que je peux faire pour etre plus gentil(e)
- Je peux dire bounjour aux personnes.
- Je peux aider les autre avec leur travail.
6 choses que je veux essayer
- À manger beaucoup de legumes.
- À courrir plus vite.
- À faire beaucoup d’amis.
- De parler beaucoup de francais.
- À cuisine.
- À manger plus de fruits.
Leo:
2 choses que veux apprendre cette annee
- Je veux apprendre à faire le surf est des math difficiles.
0 peurs que je veux garder
- Je ne veux plus être peur de monstre.
2 choses que je peux faire pour etre plus gentil(e)
- Aider ma famille plus.
- Aider mes amis plus.
6 choses que je veux essayer
- De apprendre à lire tres vite.
- Essayer de mieux dessiner.
- Apprendre à faire un flip.
- Essayer de parler beaucoup de francais.
- Essayer de patiner très vite.
- Essayer d’apprendre à parler chinois.
Coming Events at Whiteside:
January 13 – TCO2: Children of the Streets parent presentation (online at 6:00 p.m.)
January 20 – PAC Meeting online at 7:45 p.m.
January 21 – Universal Hot Lunch (Butter Chicken)
January 23 – Pro-D Day (school closed)
January 29 – Gr. 7 parent night at McRoberts at 6:30 p.m.
January 29 – Family Literacy Night
January 30 – Grade 7 snowshoeing field trip
February 4 – Kind Mind Dance
February 13 – Pro-D Day (school closed)
February 15 – Family Day (school closed)
February 23/24 – Festival Franco at the Richmond Oval
February 25 – Pink Shirt Day
February 25 – Early dismissal at 11:50 a.m. – Learning Conferences (learning update #3)
March 3/4 - McRoberts Basketball Jamboree
March 13 – Talent Show
March 13 – Last day before spring break
March 30 – First day back after spring break
WHITESIDE INFORMATION AND EVENTS
Children of the Streets Parent Presentation – January 13 at 6:00 p.m.
As parents, we all share the same hope: to see our children grow up happy, healthy, and safe. Navigating the modern world with our kids can sometimes feel overwhelming, but we believe that knowledge and open conversation are the best tools we have to protect them.
We are warmly inviting you to an upcoming information session hosted by Children of the Street, a dedicated program with a heartfelt history of supporting families in British Columbia.
Children of the Street was founded in 1995 by a group of compassionate parents who, after facing personal challenges within their own families, came together to help protect others. What started as a small community initiative has grown into a leading resource for prevention and education.
Their goal isn't to frighten us, but to empower us. They focus on:
- Prevention through Education: Teaching young people the value of healthy relationships and self-worth.
- Family Support: Giving parents and caregivers the practical language and tools they need to have meaningful, safety-focused conversations at home.
- Community Awareness: Creating a network of safety around our children so they can thrive without fear of exploitation.
Why Join Us? This session is a safe space to learn about keeping our kids safe—both online and in our communities. You will leave with helpful insights on how to spot warning signs and, most importantly, how to build the kind of trust that encourages your child to come to you when they are unsure or uncomfortable.
Let’s come together to learn how we can support our children’s well-being with confidence and care. We look forward to seeing you there.
Topic: KKSO – Richmond Elementary Schools
Time: Jan 13, 2026 06:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86153587547
Meeting ID: 861 5358 7547
One tap mobile
+16475580588,,86153587547# Canada
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Join instructions
Grade 7 Parent Night At McRoberts
On January 29th, McRoberts will host our Grade 7 Parent Information Night from 6:30 - 7:30 at McRoberts in the Old Gym. This evening is for parents who have students registered to attend McRoberts in September 2026.
Student Learning Survey 2025/2026
The Provincial Student Learning Survey is unique in its scope, size and usefulness to schools. It gathers information from parents/guardians/caregivers, teachers, and students on topics related to school environment, safety, and achievement. The information is used for planning in individual schools and provides a district and provincial perspective.
This winter, the Student Learning Survey will be administered to students in grades 4 and 7, their parents/guardians/caregivers, and all school staff. We encourage parents/guardians/caregivers to participate in this survey, as the results are important in identifying and celebrating current strengths, as well as determining where the school needs to focus improvement. The surveys contain standard questions for the Province – in addition, questions from the school and/or district that focus on local conditions or issues may be included.
The survey can be completed electronically and can be accessed on the Internet at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/support/student-learning-survey. Any computer or mobile device with an Internet connection can be used, and access to the e-survey is simple and secure. The survey can be accessed through the link and by clicking on Take the Survey. On the login page, click on the Parents icon, and then select the school district and school name where your child attends school. Provincial, District and School Reports for previous years can be viewed at the same site under the Results section.
The e-survey site will be open until May 2, 2025.
Universal Hot Lunch Pilot
Utilizing Feeding Futures as well as National School Food Program funding, the Richmond School District will be piloting a universal hot lunch program at selected elementary and secondary schools during the months of December and January. Our next Universal Hot Lunch will be January 21, 2026.
Orders for our January Universal Hot Lunch are open until January 15 at Munch-a-Lunch.
Late French Immersion Applications (Grade 5)
The Richmond School District offers the Late French Immersion program beginning in Grade 6 at James Whiteside and John Diefenbaker Elementary Schools.
Application Information:
The applications for admission to Late Immersion program is open until January 16th, 2025 for the 2025/2026 school year. To apply please complete the District Options Online Application: https://dpoapplication.sd38.bc.ca
The application does not constitute registration.
Volunteer Cultural Interpreters Needed
The Richmond School District is seeking individuals who are fluent in English and other languages to join our Volunteer Interpreter Team. Help strengthen communication between schools and families by providing language support during parent teacher conferences. Your involvement helps ensure every family feels welcomed and informed. Training is provided. All languages welcome.
Mini Sun Run 2026!
Last year, Whiteside had a group of students and parents enter the SunRype Youth Team Mini Sun Run 2.5 km Challenge at the Vancouver Sun Run. It was an exhilarating time for all of us, and we are now looking to our next challenge! We are hoping to participate in the 2026 Vancouver Sun Run on Sunday, April 19th in Vancouver. We invite you to join our Whiteside Wolves Team and do the 2.5 km or 10 km Youth Team Challenge.
Friends and family can also join the fun!
Team Name: Whiteside Wolves
Team Access Code: PRPGFA
Link to JOIN OUR YOUTH TEAM: team member registration. Enter the “Youth Team Challenge – 10 km or Mini Sun Run 2.5 km”.
On that day, students will need to be accompanied by an adult. If your child enters the Mini Sun Run, entry includes one adult escort. If your child enters the 10 km Youth Team Challenge, they will need to be running with an adult family member. Both child and adult will need to register individually.
Run club will start training for the Sun Run in February 2026, but students do not have to be a part of our Whiteside Run Club to participate in the run. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email slai@sd38.bc.ca.
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, January 20.
Wolf Wear Wednesdays
To show our school spirit, we invite our students, staff and community to wear their favourite Wolf gear every Wednesday
Kindergarten Registration
Richmond School District 38 is excited to welcome kindergarten registration applications for children born in 2021, turning 5 in 2026. These children will begin kindergarten in September 2026. Online registration opened on November 1, 2025. 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.
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…
Richmond Family Activities
Looking to shake off the winter “blahs”, try these activities with your family:
Iona Beach Regional Park
- Where: Iona Island Causeway, Richmond
- What: A stunning outdoor space for a family walk. The long jetty extends far into the ocean, offering incredible views of planes taking off from YVR, birds, and the coastline. It's a unique, flat, and easy walk.
- Link: Iona Beach Regional Park
Steveston Fisherman’s Wharf
- Where: 3800 Bayview St, Richmond
- What: Walk the docks, see the fishing boats, and often buy fresh seafood directly from the fishers (check for availability). It's a great spot to watch for sea lions and enjoy the maritime atmosphere.
- Link: Steveston Harbour Authority
Lunar New Year Flower & Gift Fair (Preview)
- Where: Aberdeen Centre (Indoor/Outdoor access), Richmond
- What: While the main celebrations are indoors, the exterior often features festive decorations as they prepare for the Lunar New Year (Year of the Snake). It's a vibrant, free cultural experience to walk around.
- When: Preparations start in January leading up to the main event.
Richmond Nature Park (Bog Walk)
- Where: 11851 Westminster Hwy, Richmond
- What: Explore the unique bog habitat on raised boardwalks. It's a peaceful, stroller-friendly walk where you can spot winter birds and learn about the local ecosystem.
- Cost: Free (donations appreciated at the Nature House).
Flight Path Park
- Where: Russ Baker Way, Richmond
- What: An outdoor park located directly under the flight path of YVR airport. It features a giant globe jungle gym and picnic tables.
- Why: Kids (and adults) love watching the massive planes land and take off right overhead. It's free entertainment!
~Whiteside Elementary
Attachments
Updated:
Friday, January 9, 2026