This monthly newsletter complements the weekly Friday Blasts that are posted on the Parent Portal. Both the Friday Blasts and the Newsletters can be found on the MRE Website at: https://elementary.sd42.ca/mapleridge/. We also have a school-based Facebook page called Maple Ridge Elementary SD 42. Individual teachers use a variety of methods for their class level communications.
MRE Newsletter #4 DEC. 1, 2022
We are rapidly heading toward one of the most exciting times of the year. The snow only adds to the thrill! Thank you for keeping your children well-supplied with cold/rain weather gear and spare clothes.
We’d like to like to acknowledge and thank students and family members who participated in the Remembrance Day assembly last month. This was the first time in three years that we could meet in person to observe this memorial day.
Along with staff and students, the PAC is finding creative ways to spread holiday cheer and camaraderie. You will have already been reading about “Lug-a-Mug” and “Santa Mall” in the Friday Blasts.
Look out for the “Holiday Havoc” Spirit Day on Dec. 13th. Students are encouraged to come in their most “Christmassy” or Holiday-themed get-ups.
We are thrilled to bring back the MRE Celebrates Concert on Dec. 14th at 9:00 a.m., and on Dec. 15th at 12:45 p.m. Classes are busy making decorations and rehearsing songs and dances – you can feel the excitement in the air.
We need to stay within fire occupancy code limits in the gym, so we ask that you choose only one performance to attend. A food bank donation as “admission” will be greatly appreciated.
Warm wishes for you and your loved ones,
Barb MacKinnon Chelsea Lendvoy
Principal Vice Principal
A huge thank you goes to our PAC for their leadership and generosity in their organization of the Book Fair, Hamper Donations, Santa Mall, hot lunches, and seasonal treats for the students. These are only some of the things that the PAC is doing in their continuous efforts to support MRE’s students and staff.
Did you know that all MRE parents are automatically members of the PAC? If you would like to learn about how to become more involved, please check the PAC section further on in this newsletter. Parental involvement is important to the success of any school.
On behalf of the MRE staff, we want to wish you and those you love, the best of the holiday season. We look forward to welcoming students back to school on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023.
Barb MacKinnon Chelsey Lendvoy
Principal Vice Principal
Important Dates
Thurs., Dec. 8: 11:30 a.m. early dismissal for Student Inclusive Conferences
Bring a cup/mug for hot chocolate.
Fri., Dec. 9: Classes not in session – Student Inclusive Conferences
Tues. Dec. 13: Dress your most “Christmassy”
Fri., Dec. 16: Last day before the Winter Break
Tues. Jan. 3, 2023: First day back after the break!
Student Inclusive Reporting Conferences – Dec. 8 and 9
MRE follows the student inclusive conferencing model for reporting where the classroom teacher, the parent(s), and the child have a meaningful discussion about the child’s learning. If you have not had a chance to visit the district website to learn about our student inclusive reporting, please do so at http://www.sd42.ca/ and click the PARENTS tab and then Reporting and Assessment. Here you will find Q & A, videos, report/conference templates, and other information.
Our school district uses the new provincial proficiency scale. We know learning occurs on a continuum of development and takes patience and time. Please visit the link below that explains this further:
https://reporting.sd42.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Explanation-of-Provincial-Proficiency-Scale.pdf
To provide time for conferences, students have an early dismissal at 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 8 and they do not attend school on Dec. 9.
Happy Holidays from The Library
Intermediate students who were part of the MRE Book Fest Program had the chance to compete against Harry Hooge, at the “Kahoot virtual wrap-up” this week. Thanks to all the students who participated and read so many great books!
As the holidays approach, it would be greatly appreciated if families could take an extra look around the house for overdue library books and return them as soon as possible. Keep reading over the break!
Mr. Bisset
Westcoast Recess and Lunch – Dress for The Weather
A reminder to parents and guardians that MRE students play outside when it is cold, rainy or even snowy. Only on rare occasions will we keep students inside. We ask that you send your child to school dressed for the weather (boots, coats, mitts, umbrella …). If your child tends to get wet playing on the slides or in the field, please send an extra set of clothing.
Lost and Found
There are many coats, sweaters and water bottles in the Lost and Found!
You can stop by anytime to have a look.
Unclaimed items will be donated to local charities on Dec. 16th. Please consider labeling items with your child’s name so they can be easily returned. Thank you for your assistance.
Winter Break
The last day of school before winter break will be Friday, December 16, with dismissal at 2:25 p.m. School will reopen on Tuesday, January 3 at 8:25 a.m.
The district calendar for the entire year can be found at: https://www.sd42.ca/district-school-calendars/
Messages from the MRE PAC
Check out the Maple Ridge Elementary PAC Facebook page – MRE Parents Association
Did you know that our PAC has a website? Don’t miss out on exciting upcoming dates and events happening at MRE. Register now!
- Go to mre.parentcouncil.net
- Click on “Click Here to Register”
- Enter Access Code MREPAC
- Complete the rest of the registration form.
*NOTE: By listing your email address when you register, you are giving permission to receive PAC notices by email. You may withdraw this consent at any time by responding to emails you receive with a request to unsubscribe from your PAC notice list.
The next meeting is at 7:00 p.m. in the school library on Jan. 9, 2023
Santa Mall
Ho Ho Ho, here we go! Santa Mall is here with sleigh bells jingling on Thursday, December 1st and Friday, December 2nd. Santa Mall shopping is by donation with NO PRICING.
This year, for the first time ever, each student can select up to TWO gifts! Please send your child with $1-$5 donation on their Santa Mall day. If you send over this amount, no change can be given. Children who forget their money on the day will choose gifts at no charge.
Thank you to parents, staff, and the community for your amazing donations. Santa Mall is a chance for young people to experience the joy of giving this holiday season.
And back by popular demand…THE FLASH SALE! Parents, guardians, and staff, please join us Friday, December 2nd from 2:30-3:30 for an amazing one-dollar only sale. All students must be accompanied by an adult to attend the flash sale, no exceptions. Thank You!
LUG A MUG – DECEMBER 8TH
Students are asked to bring a mug on December 8th so that PAC volunteers can fill it with yummy hot chocolate after recess.
Volunteers are still needed. If you can help, please email pac.mre@gmail.com.
CHRISTMAS DONATION BINS
Our school will once again be creating food and gift hampers for families in need. If you would like to donate a non-perishable food item or unwrapped gift, please bring items to the collection boxes labelled “Christmas Hampers.”
News from the District
Kindergarten Registration Process 2023 – 2024
Please share this information with families who have children born in 2018.
Registration Phase | Registration Starts on Parent Portal 12:00 noon | Registration Ends on Parent Portal for parents 11:59 pm | Documentation due at school by parents
12:00 noon |
Sibling – if your child has a sibling already attending MRE | Jan 04, 2023 | Jan 10, 2023 | Jan 20, 2023 |
Choice –
Includes French Immersion |
Jan 18, 2023 | Jan 23, 2023 | Feb 3, 2023 |
General | Feb 1, 2023 | Feb 7, 2023 | Feb 45, 2023 |
Late | Feb 22, 2023 | July 28, 2023 | Sept 1, 2023 (for summer registrations) |
Open | August 21, 2023 | Sept. 15, 2023 | Within 5 business days. If registration is submitted in the summer – submit within 5 days of school opening |
Registering your child for kindergarten is a big step, but it doesn’t have to be a difficult one. With the easy new online registration process, you can register your child from the comfort of your own home. Go to https://www.sd42.ca/, use the” parent” pull-down tab and go to “kindergarten registration.”
Review the registration steps below to ensure you are ready for the big day. Complete steps 1-4 before registration to save time.
STEP 1: OPEN A PARENT PORTAL ACCOUNT
You must open an SD42 Parent Portal account to access registration. If possible, complete this step well before registration day at http://parents.sd42.ca
STEP 2: FIND YOUR REGISTRATION DATE – (to be posted soon)
Review the registration categories (SIBLING, CHOICE, GENERAL) to find your registration period. Dates will be posted on the school district website. Registration for the 2023/24 school year will open in early January 2023.
STEP 3: REVIEW THE REGISTRATION FORM
Review a copy of the online registration form before registration day. (Available starting January 2023 at http://parents.sd42.ca)
STEP 4: REVIEW ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
The order in which the district places new kindergarteners is determined by the Acceptance Criteria. Review these online.
STEP 5: REGISTER
Register your child at http://parents.sd42.ca
STEP 6: PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
Once you receive email notification of your child’s tentative placement, you must bring supporting documents to that school.
General Grade 8 Registration
Opens at 12:00 noon on the parent portal on February 2, 2023 and closes on February 17, 2023. Parents are notified of student placement prior to Spring Break. More information coming soon at www.sd42.ca
School Closures
On rare occasions schools may be cancelled due to extreme weather conditions. Public announcements affecting closure of schools will be made by the Superintendent of Schools. For the purpose of announcing emergency closures prior to the opening of schools, the radio stations listed below will be contacted by the district office. The announcements will be made between 6:15 and 7:00 a.m.
News 1130 AM CKNW – 980 AM CBC – 690 AM Global TV news
As well, you can check the school district website and district social media feeds for updates: www.sd42.ca SD42 Twitter feed (@sd42news) SD42 Facebook feed
When schools are closed, we cannot make calls home to let you know; nor, can we answer all the phone calls to ask if school is open.
Careers
Have you thought about a career with our school district? To see the opportunities that are available, visit us at http://www.sd42.ca/careers/
DECEMBER | |
2022 |
Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
1 | 2 | 3 | ||||
SANTA MALL | SANTA MALL | |||||
4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
Bring a mug for Hot Chocolate
STUDENT INCLUSIVE CONFERENCES DISMISSAL AT 11:30
|
STUDENT INCLUSIVE CONFERENCES
|
|||||
11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
Dress your most “Christmassy” | CONCERT 9:00 A.M. | CONCERT 12:45 P.M. | LAST DAY BEFORE THE BREAK | |||
18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
|
|
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25 | 26 | 27 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Family Education Centre
The Family Education and Support Center is excited to have the following courses and workshops available for this winter.
For a full list of programs, see the winter program guide: Family Education and Support Centre Winter Program Guide. To register, call 604-467-6055 or visit https://www.familyed.bc.ca/.
Anger Monsters (8-12 years): This children’s program is designed to teach children 8-12 yrs old what anger is. This program is designed to allow participants to be able to identify their triggers and learn tools to help control their anger. The parents program features skills from Neufeld Institute, including various anger cycles and goals of behavior. Participants will also learn how to help support their child’s efforts to tame their anger, along with different calming techniques. Date: Feb 4- Mar 4 (Sat) Time: 330pm-530pm Cost: $90 *price is for 1 child and 1 parent/guardian*
Anger Monsters (6-7 years): This children’s program is designed to teach children 8-12 yrs old what anger is. This program is designed to allow participants to be able to identify their triggers and learn tools to help control their anger. The parents program features skills from Neufeld Institute, including various anger cycles and goals of behavior. Participants will also learn how to help support their child’s efforts to tame their anger, along with different calming techniques. Date: Jan 7- Jan 28 (Sat) Time: 330pm-530pm Cost: $90 *price is for 1 child and 1 parent/guardian*
I Am Awesome (Spring Break Camp): This course is designed to help young people with communication styles, triggers, “I” statements, looking at their special inner qualities, how to deal with stress and how to be a friend. We are offering two sessions. Ages 7 – 11 Ages 6-8 years Date: Mar 13 – 17 Time: 8am – 12pm Cost: $86/child Ages 9&10 years Date: Mar 20 – 24 Time: 8am – 12pm Cost: $86/child
STEPE: Developmentally appropriate parenting skills for children aged 0-6. Programming for children 0-6 is available. Date Jan 30- Feb 24 (Tues/Fri) Time: 1-3pm Cost: FREE
Parenting Resilient Children: Understand better what resiliency is and how we can foster it in our families. Please note, this workshop will take place via Zoom. Date: Feb 14 (Tues) Time: 10am – 12pm Cost: $15
Conflict Resolution Parenting: Learn how to use “I” statements, conflict management styles, trigger scale, active listening, paraphrasing and open questions for parenting. This workshop will take place via Zoom. Date: Jan 10 (Tues) Time: 10am – 12pm Cost: $15
Healthy Relationships: This 2-part course looks at the fundamentals of any adult relationship including the foundation, needs, wants, and communication skills. Date: Feb 4 & Feb 11 Time: 9am-3pm Cost: $90/per person *must register in pairs*
Men’s Anger Management: Explores the complex nature of anger, recognizing triggers, alternative methods of expression, and how to defuse anger. Date: Jan 15- Feb 5(Sun) Time: 9am – 2pm Cost: $90
Brave New You: Women learn about creating and keeping their boundaries, healthy communication, managing challenging conversations, expressing feelings and identifying personal needs. Date: Feb 4- Mar 4 (Sun) * no class Family Day weekend Time: 9am – 2pm Cost: $90
More below ….