Posted: October 1, 2024

Information

Welcome, October

OK, so I’m not really ready for this, but nothing I do seems to wind back the calendar. As the days get shorter, and the mornings darker, please be alert for pedestrians if you drive near the school before school. On a dark, rainy day, some of them can be very hard to see, but they’re not in the habit of being invisible to drivers yet.

Outdoor Playtime Reminder

Please don’t forget that we practice the classic ‘Wet Coast Recess’ and go out to play in all but the most ridiculous conditions. This means kids need to come dressed for the day’s worst expected weather. Kids learn better when they get movement breaks that we just can’t creat during an inside day, and they do way better in the rain than we grown-ups do anyhow. Besides, if we’re inside, we miss the chance to spot Polly, our school’s puddle shark.

Community Volunteers in Emergencies

Emergencies can happen unexpectedly due to weather events (e.g. earthquake or flooding) or unforeseen situations in the community. The health and safety of students, staff, and families is the District’s priority. The District together with schools follow emergency procedures to respond to incidents as well as prevent them from happening. As stated in the provincial Emergency Management Planning Guide for Schools, Districts and Authorities, staff have a legal “duty of care,” meaning that they “must ensure that students are cared for until such time as they can be safely reunited with their parents.” Depending on the situation, the school may be caring for students for many days.

In these circumstances, schools may rely on members of the community to assist with emergency responses. Administrators may send a request to parents/guardians to help volunteer with first aid, facilities and maintenance, safety and security, and general labour. Adults with special skills in health care, policing, and engineering would be an asset in an emergency. No action is needed from families at this time as the purpose is to keep families informed.

Programs of Choice – Deadline to Register is Monday, October 21st

Langley School District offers a rich diversity of programs that are designed to meet the specific needs and interests of students. Programs include Fine Arts, French Immersion, Fundamental, Langley Environmental Awareness Program (outdoor education), Montessori, and U-Connect. Registration for Kindergarten entry (for most programs) begins on Monday, October 7th at 12 noon, and closes on Monday, October 21st at 12 noon. For U-Connect, please contact the school directly. For more information and instructions to register your child, visit our District website here and review our FAQ choice programs resource here.

U-Connect – Kindergarten to Grade 3 Spaces Available: Elementary

Is your child in need of an education program that offers more flexibility and continues to meet their educational needs? U-Connect may be a great fit for your child. The blended learning program has students in class two days a week with an optional third day offered for additional student support and fun community field trips. Students will be at home two to three days per week, which enables them to discover their own extra-curricular passions and allows for caregivers to support students at home in partnership with school. Students will build on their own personal learning style with the support of caring and dedicated teachers. Interested students and their families are encouraged to call the school to get more information or learn more here.

Quote(s) of the week

From the PAC

Community Values Coupon Books – Sale Date: Sept 20^th – Oct 4^th 

• • CASH – Put the money in an envelope or Ziplock with child’s name and Div on it
  • CHEQUE – Payable to: RBE PAC (put child’s name and div in the memo line)
  • MUNCH A LUNCH – https://munchalunch.com/schools/bulpitt = Don’t return the order form

Class Parent Representative 

Fun Lunch

Don’t forget about Spirit Wear Orders!

Something to read

• I’m pretty sure most of our community know why Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation exist, but in case you do not, here are some links that can tell you.
  • Orange Shirt Society
  • National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
  • Calls to Action from the Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
• On Wednesday, the puddles were soooo big. Some of the students cheered Mr. Oliver on as he tried to clear the storm drain, and boy, did they get a cool show when the water suddenly started moving! It was very satisfying to watch the vortex (kid’s description) take all that water away in just a few seconds. The students’ interest and awe made me think about how great it is playing in the rain, even if leaky rain gear might make it a touch uncomfortable at times. And watching that water spin (counter-clockwise, for the record) made me remember something I’d always thought was true: that the rotation of the earth makes a vortex (or drain) spin opposite directions depending on whether you’re in the northern or southern hemisphere). And as a lifelong learner, I figured I’d best look it up. The article isn’t exactly light reading, but it was quite interesting.

Things to Remember from the Calendar

Monday, September 30

• National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

Tuesday, October 1

• Cross Country Practice at lunch

Wednesday, October 2

• Cross Country meet after school – runners meet at the front entrance right after school

Thursday, October 3

• Cross Country Practice at lunch

Friday, October 4

• Last day for Community Values Coupon Books
• School Improvement Day – Students do not attend