Dear Whiteside Families,

As we approach the end of June, it is hard to believe that another wonderful school year is coming to a close. The final weeks have been filled with celebration, reflection, and many memorable moments as we recognize all that our students have accomplished this year.

One of the highlights this past week was our Grade 7 Farewell Celebration. It was a joy to celebrate our graduating students and reflect on the many contributions they have made to our school community. We are incredibly proud of their growth, leadership, and perseverance. As they prepare to begin the next chapter of their educational journey, we wish them every success and happiness in their new high schools. Once a Whiteside Wolf, always a Whiteside Wolf!

Over the coming days, classrooms will be busy with year-end activities, celebrations, and opportunities to reflect on learning and friendships made throughout the year. We thank our students, staff, and families for helping make this a successful and memorable school year.

As we move into the summer holidays, our developing school gardens at Whiteside will need a little extra care to stay healthy and vibrant. These gardens provide valuable learning opportunities for our students and have become an important part of our school community.

We are looking for volunteers to help water the garden beds during evenings and/or weekends throughout the summer months. Whether you are able to help once or on multiple occasions, every contribution is greatly appreciated.If you are interested in supporting our gardens, please email me directly at slai@sd38.bc.ca.

Thank you for helping us grow a greener Whiteside. Together, we can keep our gardens thriving all summer long.

On behalf of the entire Whiteside staff, thank you for your partnership, support, and commitment to our school community throughout the year. We wish all of our families a safe, restful, and enjoyable summer break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in September.

Thank you for your care and support. You make Whiteside a special community to learn, teach, and play.

Warm regards,

Ms. Sara Lai, Acting Principal

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.

FROM OUR WOLFPACK

Inspired by the iconic "hat and elephant" imagery from Le Petit Prince, Division 1 explored the power of imagination and perspective through art. Students created their own drawings that challenged viewers to look beyond what is immediately visible and consider different interpretations. Through this activity, students learned that creativity often comes from seeing the world in unique ways and that there can be more than one way to understand a story, image, or idea. 

Coming Events at Whiteside:

Sept 8 - First day back at Whiteside Elementary 

WHITESIDE INFORMATION AND EVENTS

Last Day of School and the Summary of Learning

Your child’s final report card for the school year will be posted on MyEdBC on the last day of school, June 24^th. Additional information will be sent from the district about accessing reports on MyEdBC. School will be dismissed at our regular time of 2:45 p.m.

Back To School Info

Grade 1 – 7 students return to school from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on September 8^th. More information will come in an email prior to the first day of school.  Please expect one by September 4^th. 

Kindergarten students begin their gradual entry from 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. or from 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. depending on which group that they have been assigned to.  They will meet their teacher at the front entry door of the school. Gradual entry schedules and information have been sent last week.  

All Gr. 1-7 students will attend for their regular schedule on Wednesday, September 9^th at 8:45 a.m.

PAC Updates

Our final PAC meeting and AGM was held earlier this week.  We are extremely appreciative to all their hard work over the course of the 2025-2026 school year!

We congratulate our new Whiteside PAC of the 2026-2027 school year:

Co-chairs – Sandeep Bhullar and Sofia Shivji

Treasurer – Jaylene Sandhar

Secretary – Carrie Viloria

Hot Lunch Coordinator – Karen Au

Social Media and Communications – Chris Ho

Farewell To Staff

Unfortunately, June is also the time of year that we have to say goodbye to some of our staff. This year, we will say goodbye to Ms. Masaki, Mme Cheng, Ms. Su Lee (ea), Mrs. Sharon Lee (ea), Ms. Gao (SLP), Ms. Tolfo (counsellor), and Mrs. Nasir (Noon Hour Supervisor).  We hope that our paths will cross again and wish them all the best in their new endeavours.

Lost and Found

Please remember to check our lost and found before the end of the school year. There are still many water bottles, jackets, shirts, and much, much more remaining. All remaining items will be donated on June 26.

School Supplies and Kindergarten Cooking Fees for Next Year

Our school supply fee will be $35 next year. Our agenda fee will be $7. Our Kindergarten cooking and craft fee will be $20. We will collect these fees in the new school year. Other field trip and special programs may require additional fees to be collected next year as plans are made throughout the school year.

Whiteside Fundraising – Return It

With BBQs and camping season coming up, recyclables may pile up over the summer. You can still help raise money for Whiteside throughout the summer. 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.

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. 

DISTRICT INFORMATION AND UPDATES

THE MORE YOU KNOW…

Save the Date! Richmond Celebrates Soccer (2026 FIFA World Cup)

The City of Richmond is hosting a series of community soccer events from June 12 to July 19, 2026, connected to FIFA World Cup 2026 activities in the region. Several events are taking place on school days and may result in increased traffic, parking demand or pedestrian activity near some schools and community facilities:

Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Community Soccer Fest
Thompson/Burnett Community Park
12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Nearby schools include Burnett Secondary, Blair Elementary and McKay Elementary.

Families and staff travelling near these areas are encouraged to allow extra time and plan ahead. The city notes that events are free and open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to consider walking, cycling or taking transit where possible.

For the most current event information, please visit the City of Richmond’s event website at richmondcelebratessoccer.ca.

City of Richmond - $29 Summer Active Pass

The $29 Summer Active Pass (richmond.ca/SummerPass (link)) is now available for purchase. This low cost, unlimited pass is for 5 to 18 year olds to participate in select drop-in activities including:

• Swimming, fitness centre access and select drop-in group fitness classes at Minoru Centre for Active Living and Watermania
• Swimming at South Arm and Steveston Outdoor Pools
• Skating* at Richmond Ice Centre (public skating only)
• Golf** at West Richmond Pitch & Putt (Monday to Thursday, 12-4 p.m., excluding holidays)
• Fitness centre access and select drop-in group fitness classes at Cambie, City Centre, Hamilton, South Arm, Steveston, Thompson and West Richmond Community Centres
• Select drop-in activities at community centres

 *Skate rentals extra. **Golf rentals extra; children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult.