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 Safety Reminders


•    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.


Strong Start

Open Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 8:30-11:30am.  

To register:  https://sd33.bc.ca/registration

 


Student Fees

Statements have been sent out to families that have not paid their student fees.  Please pay as soon as possible. Please contact the office if you need to set up a payment plan.  Thank you!


All About “K” Event

This event is open to all families who have children entering Kindergarten for September 2025 in the Chilliwack School District. Although we are hosting the events at Central & Unsworth Elementary, your child can be registered at any Chilliwack Elementary School. 

Please join us at one of our 2 events happening at Central Elementary and Unsworth Elementary. Join us for snacks, crafts, activities, help with K registration and a time to ask general questions about Kindergarten.  All About K – sign up here.
 

Central Elementary: Tuesday, December 17th 12:00pm-1:30pm
Unsworth Elementary: Wednesday, December 18th 9:00am-10:30am

If you are not registered for Kindergarten yet, we can help! Please bring the following items with you:

  • a valid email address

  • photo or scan showing proof of child's age and citizenship (birth certificate, passport...)

  • photo or scan showing proof of residency (utility bill with your name...)

  • photo or scan showing parent's proof of citizenship (I.D., passport...)

  • immigration and employment information if a temporary resident in BC

*Younger siblings are welcome to join, please note that guardians are required to supervise their children at this event.


Christmas Sale

On Wednesday, December 18th, our students will have the opportunity to purchase a gift wrapped present for a loved one at a very reasonable cost of $1.00. If you have any new or gently used gift items, wrapping paper or gift bags please drop them off at the office.  Please email strathconapac@gmail.comif you are available to help with this fun filled day.  Thank you to our fantastic PAC for organizing this event!  


Community Event (Christmas Light Display):

10340 Wedgewood Drive

Sunday, December 15th ~ 5:00-7:00pm & 

Saturday, December 21st ~ 5:00-7:00pm

  1. Come visit Santa is his workshop on the above dates and you will get a tour of his new workshop and Christmas display around back. 

  2. Every child that comes for a visit will receive a small gift. 

  3. Santa has a Mailbox in the front yard. All letters are answered, and hand delivered by his assistant, make sure you include your return address!

  4. This year they’re collecting donations for Tydel Foods.  Donations are not required to visit but are grateful appreciated.  

  5. Hot chocolate will be available while supply lasts.  


Christmas Concert

Here’s the edited link for the Christmas Concert, link will be active until January 6, 2025. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uV8z4B7_zb4


Please continue reading below the “Upcoming Reminders” sections for information on Upcoming Clubs and Events.


Weekly Reminders: December 16-20

Monday, December 16 

Tuesday, December 17

  • Students to Bring their Loonie for the Christmas Sale

  • Breakfast Club is Closed Today 

    • Please do not send students to school before 8:09am when supervision starts. 

    • Students that have adult supervision can arrive earlier if you wish. 

  • Christmas Breakfast – All Students

  • Students will enjoy a pancake and sausage breakfast between 8:40 & 9:15am depending on the classroom seating order.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     ​​​​​​​

Wednesday, December 18

  • Annual Christmas Sale 

    • All students will have the opportunity to shop for someone special to them. 

      • Students to bring $1.00.  Students may be able to purchase additional items once all students have had a chance to make their purchase. 

      • If you have any new or gently used gift items, wrapping paper or gift bags please drop them off at the office. 

      • Please email strathconapac@gmail.com if you are available to help with this fun filled day.

Friday, December 20

  • Spirit Day – PJ Day

  • Last Day of School – Schools Reopen on January 6th

Upcoming Reminders:

January 6

  • Schools reopen


3D Printer Club

The library is hosting an after-school 3D printer club for 8 sessions from 2:20-3:20 PM on Thursdays during Term 2. 

If your child is interested in signing up, please complete the form below. 

There are 16 spots available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sign up here: https://forms.office.com/r/pECrDSL2V8


**** 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, 2024?  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.