Rather than requiring parents to purchase school supplies for their children, c̓əsqənelə teachers order bulk school supplies for their students prior to leaving for summer break. Early in September, once students have been placed in their new classrooms, a message is sent out on the Parent Portal asking parents to pay for their children’s supplies. This year the cost is $60 per child and will cover ALL personal school supplies (planner included) that each child will need for the school year.
This flat fee ensures that school supplies bought for all students:
- Are the appropriate learning supplies for the grade level
- Are of good quality and will last the year
- Are cost effective
- Will eliminate the “hassle” factor many families experience struggling to find required supplies
- Will help to reduce visible inequalities with regards to student socio economic situations by ensuring everyone has the consistent and comparable learning materials
How does this process work?
Classroom teachers bulk order the required student school supplies prior to leaving for summer break (and throughout the year as needed). Supplies are delivered to the school in August and will be ready for use when children arrive in September. Teachers ensure that students have the school supplies children require through out the school year. If a child leaves part way through the year they are provided with supplies to take with them for their new school.
Any families with additional questions about this process, or who are concerned about financial hardship, are encouraged to speak with their classroom teacher directly for assistance.
Parents have the option to pay with cash, cheque or by credit card on the Parent Portal in September once children have been placed in their new classrooms.