Absence Reporting:
To enhance our existing absence-checking procedure, we are introducing a new, more efficient student absence reporting system called SafeArrival. This new system will reduce the time it takes to verify student attendance, make it easy for you to report your child’s absence and easy for staff to respond to unexplained student absences.
With SafeArrival, you are asked to report your child’s absence in advance using any of these 3 convenient methods:
1) Using your mobile device, download and install the SchoolMessenger app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store (or from the links at https://www.sd33.bc.ca/safe-arrival ). The first time you use the app, select Sign Up to create your account. Select Attendance then Report an Absence.
2) Use the SafeArrival website, https://www.sd33.bc.ca/safe-arrival. The first time you use the website, select Sign Up to create your account. Select Attendance then Report an Absence.
3) Call the toll-free number 1-833-698-6567 to report an absence using the automated phone system.
These options are available 24 hours/day, 7 days a week. Future absences can be reported at any time.
Parking Lot:
• Please Do Not park in staff designated parking spots, please use visitor parking or park on side streets.
• Do Not park and leave your vehicle in the drop off / pick up lane.
• Have child(ren) exit the car as quickly as possible from the curbside of the car.
• Please Do Not hold up traffic in the drop off zone by having extended good-byes etc.
• Do Not drop off or pick up before your car has reached the designated zone.
• Please use the crosswalks.
PAC News
PAC will be having a weekly popcorn sale to raise money to help offset the cost of our year-end waterslides field trip for all students. Money needs to be given to their teacher between Monday and Wednesday morning each week to pre-order their popcorn for Friday.
Please see attached flyers for some free upcoming parent workshops & Ready, Set, Learn ~ more information and registration links are below.
Weekly Reminders: April 22-26
Monday, April 22
- Popcorn Sales Open Today – Send $1.00 for Popcorn on Thursday
Tuesday, April 23
- Popcorn Sales Open Today – Send $1.00 for Popcorn on Thursday
Wednesday, April 24
- Popcorn Sales Close Today at 9:00am – Send $1.00 for Popcorn on Thursday
Thursday, April 25
- Kindergarten Dental Screening
- Popcorn Day (By Pre-Order Monday-Wednesday Only)
Friday, April 26
- Non-Instructional Day – All Schools are Closed
Strathcona - Ready, Set, Learn
Date: Thursday, May 9 9:30am-10:30am at Strathcona Elementary
Calling all 3 year olds!
Ready, Set, Learn is a great opportunity to connect with your preschooler’s future neighborhood school. Ready, Set, Learn events can include school tours, visits to the school library, interactive play activities for children and their parents, information sessions for parents and caregivers, presentations by community agencies and other activities that support preschool aged children’s learning. Please RSVP by replying to this email or call the school office at 604-792-9301.
ABC's of a Child's Social, Emotional Development
Dates: Wednesdays - May 22, 29 & June 5 9:30am-11:30am at Strathcona Elementary
Explore the work of child development and the conditions that promote optimal development for social and emotional growth in a simple and approachable way. Learn about establishing a child's roots while giving them wings to safely explore their world.
Child-minding available.
Age Focus - Prenatal to 3 yrs.
Circle of Security
Dates: Thursdays- May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, June 6, 13, & 20
9:30am-11:30am at Vedder Elementary
A research and relationship-based program that takes much of the guess work out of being a caregiver; improving confidence in recognizing your child's emotional, relational needs; and providing information to help interpret your child's behaviours.
Child-minding provided
Emotional Adaptability
Dates: Wednesdays - April 24, May 1 & 8 9:30am-11:30am at Bernard Elementary
When we mix our emotions with the experience of others, with updated wisdom about our past stories, and upgraded skills, we become more comfortable and more confident with emotional complexity. In this workshop we explore and re-establish friendly relations with our kids and our big emotions: Joy, Fear, Sadness, Anger, Shame, and Curiosity.
Supporting Your Teen’s Mental Health
Dates: June 5, 17 & 19 6:00- 8:00 pm at Chilliwack Middle School
In this workshop our Youth Therapist joins us so we can learn about the conditions that result in a mental health diagnosis and how to best walk alongside our children when encountering mental health challenges. This workshop supports parents by giving them practical helps as well as the opportunity to connect to resources. Questions are encouraged.
ADHD and The Brain
Dates: Wednesday - May 1 8:30am-10:30am at Leary IAT Elementary
Explore the world of ADHD with our workshop, " Inside the ADHD Brain". Tailored for parents of elementary school children, this event is all about understanding how ADHD brains work. Join us to unravel the mysteries, learn what makes ADHD unique, and discover practical insights to support your child's learning. Let's simplify the complexities together.
Upcoming dates:
April 30 – PAC Meeting (Multi-Purpose Room) 7:00pm
May 7-8 – School Wide Field Trip – James and the Giant Peach Jr. (classes will attend on one of the days)
May 9-11 – KMS Tools - Hot Dog Fundraiser @ KMS Tools
May 9 – Ready, Set, Learn (Watch for Further Information)
May 9 - Neufeld Farms Fundraiser Opens
May 16 – Volunteer Tea
May 16 – Hot Lunch – Wok Box
May 17 – Non-Instructional Day – All Schools are Closed
May 20 – Victoria Day
May 23 – CMS Gym Blast – Grade 5 Students
May 24 – Spirit Day – Jersey Day
May 27 - Neufeld Farms Fundraiser Closes
May 28 – PAC Meeting AGM (Multi-Purpose Room) 7:00pm
May 30 - Carnival
May 31 - Non-Instructional Day – All Schools are Closed
June 5 – District Mini-Meet
June 6 – Neufeld Farms Pick-up @ 2:30pm
June 7 – Sports Day
June 12 – District Mini-Meet
June 13 – Alternate Sports Day
June 14 – Spirit Day – Tacky Tourist
June 14-27 – Lost & Found on Display
- Any unclaimed items at 2:30pm on June 27th will be donated to charity.
June 17 – Grade 5 – Wild Play Field Trip
June 19 – Waterslides – Bridal Falls 8:30-1:30pm (Grade 1 to 5)
June 20 – District Track Meet
June 21 – National Indigenous Day (Schools are in Session)
June 25 – Grade 5 Celebration Assembly
- Grade 5 Pizza Lunch
- Grade 5 Year Book Signing
June 27 – Early Dismissal 11:24am
- Report Cards Issued
- Last Day of School
**** Reminder:
The school does not provide cutlery to students. Please either pack lunch items that don’t require cutlery or send cutlery from home with their lunch. Thank you!
Strathcona equipment (hockey sticks, balls, holla hoops etc) is not available for after school use. We have this in place to reduce equipment loss and damage.
Thank you for your support.
Kindergarten?
Do you have a child that will be turning 5 years old before December 31, 2023? Please register at: https://sd33.vivosforms.com/Home
Playground Supervision:
Starts at 8:09am, please do not send your child(ren) prior to this time unless they are supervised by an adult or going to Breakfast Club.
Indoor Shoes:
All students are required to have clean indoor shoes to wear while inside their classroom & gym. This is especially important since the wet weather has arrived.
Outdoor Attire:
Please ensure that your child has appropriate outerwear for the Winter weather. Students will go out for play periods, even when it’s raining, snowing, windy or chilly. Please make sure your child arrives to school with a warm jacket and proper footwear (particularly boots on rainy & snowy days), and on colder days remember to send mitts and toques as well. The school will only have inside play periods when it rains or snows heavily, is too icy out or we are experiencing extreme cold temperatures. Getting fresh air and some physical activity is an important part of their day…rain or shine!
Reminder to all Parents, Guardians and Caregivers,
Our school grounds are an Idle Free Zone. Please turn your vehicles off while waiting for your child(ren) in the parking lot and pick-up lane. Concerns have also been brought forward regarding vehicles on neighbouring streets being left running unattended while dropping students off. For the safety of students, we ask that you turn your vehicles off while leaving your vehicle unattended. Thank you for your cooperation.