February is a month when we give extra attention to friendship and kindness. We acknowledge Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, Pink Shirt Day, Family Day, and Random Acts of Kindness Day. We are proud of the students for the acts of kindness, compassion and respect displayed every day at MRE.
Wishing you happiness and health,
Barbara MacKinnon Chelsea Lendvoy
Principal Vice Principal
No School
Monday, February 20 – Family Day – school is not in session
Tuesday, February 21 – Professional Day – students do not attend
Staffing Updates
We are pleased to welcome Ms. Jayme Reitsma at the end of this month. Ms. Reitsma will be teaching students in Division 11 when Mrs. Manyk begins her maternity leave. We wish Mrs. Maynk all the very best on her new adventure with motherhood.
We also look forward to meeting Mme Pilgrim who will be doing her SFU teaching practicum in Mme Conroy’s class from now until the beginning of April.
Black History Month
Black people have lived in what is now called Canada since the 1600s. During Black History Month, Canadians celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities who have made Canada a culturally diverse, compassionate, and prosperous country. Here’s a link to materials you might like to explore further with your family at home:
Black History Educational Package
Pink Shirt Day – February 22nd
The idea for Pink Shirt Day originated in Nova Scotia in 2007. Two students took a stand against the bullying experienced by a boy who chose to wear a pink shirt.
One of our school slogans is, “MRE, where kindness and respect matter every day.” On pink shirt day, this takes on special significance. Students are encouraged to wear pink on February 22nd. Our assembly in the afternoon will be centered around the theme of kindness.
Jump Rope for Heart – Feb. 24
Jump Rope for Heart promotes physical education while providing students with knowledge/awareness of heart disease & stroke; it’s also a great fundraiser for cardiovascular disease research and health education. Please view this video if you would like to know more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laOt9XoQMts. There will also be a letter coming to families on the portal.
Students will take part in all kinds of jumping activities on the afternoon of February 24th. Big thanks go to MRE parent, Alecia M, for spearheading this opportunity.
Sports and Clubs
Basketball Regular Season – Playoffs TBD
Girls Tier 1 Games
Feb. 2 Home game vs Eric Langton Elementary
Feb. 7 Home game vs Pitt Meadows Elementary
Feb. 14 Away game at Fairview Elementary
Feb. 22 Away game vs Hammond Elementary
Boys Tier 1 (competitive) upcoming games
Feb. 1 Home game vs Highland Park Elementary
Feb. 9 Away game at Hammond Elementary
Feb. 15 Home game vs Fairview Elementary
Feb. 22 Away game at Pitt Meadows Elementary
Boys Tier 2 upcoming games
Feb. 6 Away game at Edith MacDermott Elementary
Feb. 13 Away game at Fairview Elementary
Feb. 27 Home game vs Davie Jones Elementary
In addition to the more “formal” basketball teams, there are several extracurricular opportunities for students:
Board Games Club – Grades 4-7
Mondays, 2:30-3:30
Feb. 6 and 27, March 3 and 17
Sponsor teacher: Mr. Macnamara
Sign-up required
Choir – Grades 2-4
Wednesdays at 12:05 (after eating lunch)
Now until Feb. 22
Sponsor teachers: Mme. Abby and Mme. Alliette
No sign-up needed
Writing for Fun Club
Tuesdays at 12:05 (after eating lunch)
Sponsor teacher: Mme. Ouraghi
No sign-up needed
MRE Reading Club
Grades 2-7
Fridays at 12:05 (after eating lunch)
Sponsor teachers: Mrs. Dillen and Mrs. Haavisto
No sign-up needed
———————————————————————————————————————
MRE PAC News
Check us out on Facebook – search Maple Ridge Elementary PAC
The enthusiasm and hard work of the MRE PAC makes a huge difference to our school! All MRE parents are automatically members of the PAC, and everyone is welcome at the meetings. Up-to-date information about events and fundraising is shared on the weekly Friday Blast which can be found on the Parent Portal or school website.
The next meeting is on Feb. 13, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the school library.
February is a busy month for PAC! Please keep the following dates and events in mind.
Don’t forget to place Hot lunch orders by Feb 2nd for Pizza Day on Feb 10th
French Book Fair (English books available as well) is coming to MRE on Feb 6th & 7th
Send kids in with their favorite mug for some delicious hot chocolate! It’s Lug a Mug on Feb 13th
Feb 24th MRE will be participating in Jump Rope for Heart – participation details to follow!
Bingo Night Committee meeting 6pm – 7pm MRE Library Monday Feb 13th
The PAC website is full of information about upcoming events happening at MRE. Here’s how to register:
• 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.
Student Inclusive Conferences – Term Two Reports
Information about scheduling student inclusive conferences will be sent by classroom teachers later in February. This is a chance for students, parents, and teachers to discuss student growth, celebrate accomplishments and set goals.
As with last term, conferences will take place either in person, or on Zoom.
Dates are:
March 9th — early dismissal at 11:30 a.m.
March 10th — no school for students
Just in Case – Inclement Weather Policy
The decision to close schools due to accumulating snowfall is ultimately the responsibility of the superintendent, who must balance the safety of students, staff, and parents with the need to provide learning. The decision is not taken lightly and is the result of a carefully thought-out process that is reviewed after each experience and refined if necessary.
The decision to close schools is made by 6:30 a.m. Details are:
• posted on the SD42 Twitter feed (@sd42news)
• posted on the SD42 Facebook feed (SD42Facebook)
• shared with News 1130, CKNW, and CBC 690 radio stations
• posted on the SD42 Website (www.sd42.ca)
Moving?
If you are moving before the next school year, please visit the school district website https://www.sd42.ca/ for registration and transfer deadlines.
https://www.sd42.ca/student-registration/
Westcoast Recess and Lunch – Dress for the Weather
We’ve certainly had a variety of weather in the past months! A reminder that MRE students play outside when it is cold, rainy, or even snowy. Only on rare occasions will we keep students inside. We would ask that you send your child/ren to school dressed for the weather (boots, coats, mitts, umbrella, etc.). 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
Please remind your child to take a moment to check the rack near the office.
If we find names on items, we deliver them back to the child.
Unclaimed items will be donated to local charities before the spring break.
District Information
Kindergarten Registration
Any child who turns 5 years old in 2023 (born in 2018) is eligible to register for the 2023-24 school year. For additional information, about kindergarten registration please visit:
https://www.sd42.ca/kindergarten-registration/
Student Registration, Transfer, and Withdrawal Requests
Registrations, transfers and/or withdrawals are completed through the Parent Portal.
For information, visit:
https://www.sd42.ca/helpdesk/registration/parent/
Community Information
SPCA Information and Programs for Youth
Check out: https://spca.bc.ca/programs-services/for-kids-teens/
Here, kids and parents will be able to find information on the BC SPCA’s programs for youth, including the Kids Club, SPCA school clubs, virtual and in-person workshops and our popular summer camps. What’s more, families can get access to a library of Learn at Home activities specially designed by the Humane Education team to teach kids about animals and important animal welfare issues.
MEADOWRIDGE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
Registration for Spring Flag Football will soon be opening for children ages 8-18!
The season runs from April to June and teams practice twice per week from 6-8 pm. Games happen every Saturday. The only gear required is a mouth guard.
Registration will begin February 1st, 2023
Registration for Fall Tackle Football will also soon be opening for children ages 8-18!
The season runs from June-November. Teams practice twice per week from 6-8 pm. Games take place on Saturdays. The gear required are cleats (all other equipment is provided)
Tackle football registration begins on March 15th, 2023
For more information on Flag or Tackle Football:
www.meadowridgeknights.com
email: mrkregistrar@gmail.com
CURIOUS MINDS PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION
Curious Minds Learning Centre has been serving the community since 2008!
PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION for the 2023/2024 school year will open February 2023.
Morning Preschool Class 9am – 1pm (located in the portable behind Maple Ridge Elementary)
• 2 days/week (Tues & Thurs) = $200/month
• 3 days/week (M-W-F) =$275/month
• 5 Days/week =$375/ month
+ $50 registration fee
******SUBSIDY WELCOME *******
www.curiousmindslearningcentre.com
curiousmindslearning@shaw.ca Phone: Ms. Sarah 604-315-3240
Westview Advanced Elementary Band
Registration Form
Sept. 2023- May 2024
Mrs. Linda Jensen, Music Director
ljensen@sd42.ca
Enrolling in the advanced elementary band is a large commitment, as we rely on all our team members to attend rehearsals and three evening concerts per year.
December 5th, March 7th and May 29th.
We would love to have you join our team. Classes are FREE! We meet once per week TBD
Your child is allotted 90 min. for Fine Arts per week, by the District, we will meet for 60 mins. There is a report card issued three times per year.
The first class will be late Sept 2023.
You will need: an instrument, music stand (for home practice), black pants, shoes, and band t-shirt for the three concerts.
You are expected to practice the music at home a min. of 60 minutes per week.
I look forward to working with you again this year.
Registration is due: March 31, 2023 for Sept 2023
(Can be completed online by using the QR code below or filling in the bottom portion and returning to school office)
Mrs. Jensen
Student Name: ___________________________________
Elementary School: _____________________________________
Instrument I will be playing: ____________________________________
Home #: ____________________________________
Home email (parent): _________________________________________
Parent Name(s): __________________________, __________________________
Parent Signature: ______________________________