Friday Blast
Maple Ridge Elementary
Friday, Oct. 18th, 2024
THIS WEEK
The whole school community came together each day this week to practice both fire and earthquake drills. Repeating and reviewing these emergency safety skills everyday re-enforced the important message that we need to work together to be safe and prepared. The students rose to the challenge, and it was a very successful week!
NEXT WEEK
Monday, Oct. 21st
8:30 am – 12:00 pm: Div. 9 Meadows Family Farm
8:45 am – 11:15 am: Div. 20 & 21 Laity Pumpkin Patch
5:30 pm: Gr. 7 Leaving Meeting (in the library)
6:30 pm: PAC Meeting (in the library)
Tuesday, Oct. 22nd
8:45 am – 11:15 am: Division 12 & 13 Laity Pumpkin Patch
2:20 pm – 4:30 pm: After School Theatre Program (for those who registered)
Wednesday, Oct. 23rd
8:30 am – 9:30 am: Photo Retakes
2:20 pm – 4:00 pm: After School Create & Play Program (for those who registered)
Thursday, Oct. 24th
PAC Snack Day – Booster Juice (for those who ordered)
2:20 pm – 4:00 pm: After School Coding Program (for those who registered)
2:45 pm: Intermediate Cross Country at Allouette Lake
Friday, Oct. 25th
Pro D Day – school not in session
EXPANDING BREAKFAST PROGRAM
Did you know our school has a breakfast program for students in need? The program is open every morning from 8:00-8:25 and takes place in Ms. Cora’s room. If your child is in need of breakfast to start their day please email Cora (cora_lindgren@sd42.ca). Please also indicate if your child requires supervision from 8:00-8:25 or if they can be dismissed outside (unsupervised) after they finish eating.
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION INFORMATION
A MESSAGE FROM MME ALLIETTE
Hello families!
I’m looking for families from all cultural traditions to share the songs that make their holiday celebrations special! Whether you celebrate Ramadan, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, Diwali, or any other holiday, I’d love to hear the music that fills your home with joy. Share your favorite songs—traditional, modern, or unique to your family! I hope to include them into our Winter Concert this year!
GRADE 7 QUEBEC TRIP FUNDRAISER
Support our students heading to Quebec by participating in our bottle drive fundraiser! Bring your refundable bottles and cans to the school on Saturday, November 2nd from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Every donation helps, and all proceeds will go towards the students’ trip. Thank you for your support!
FRIENDLY REMINDERS
We recognize we have a busy community of parents and caregivers and that friendly reminders are sometimes helpful. You may find a little note on your windscreen attached to out ‘Drive to 5’ map in the morning. We would like to focus on remaining in vehicles when dropping off students in the driveway. Thank you!
HALLOWEEN
As Halloween is approaching, and students are planning their costumes, please keep the following in mind:
–Be kind and consider the school community. Costumes that could be offensive or perpetuate the stereotype of someone’s gender identity, culture, race, religion, age, or disability must not be worn.
–Be thoughtful and safe. Costumes that depict violence, alcohol or drugs are not appropriate. Similarly, replica weapons (e.g. guns, knives, etc.) must not be brought to school.
Many students will be wearing costumes to school on Thursday, October 31st. After Halloween we encourage you to limit the number of treats your child brings to school.
PRO D DAY CAMP
HEALTH AWARENESS
We are continuing to practice Health Awareness this year for everyone entering our school – this includes staff, students, and visitors. Health awareness includes checking regularly for any symptoms of illness (including, but not limited to, COVID-19 symptoms) and staying home when sick.
ATTENDANCE
If you know that your child is going to be late or absent from school, please let us know through either the parent portal, by calling us at 604-467-5551 or by emailing mre_reception@sd42.ca. If you know your child will be absent multiple days in a row you can enter them all at once so that you do not need to update it each day.
PARENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Upcoming PAC meeting this Monday Oct 21st 6:30pm in the MRE library. All are welcome! If childcare is needed please let us know by emailing pac.mre@gmail.com or on our facebook page Maple Ridge Elementary PAC.
MRE Book Fair will be at the school November 4th-6th. In addition to students going with their class we will also be open to parents after school.
If you would like to help put books in students hands please sign up to volunteer at https://signup.com/go/dgsaFVo
Our Neufeld fundraiser will be launching the first week of November with pick up Nov 27th at 7:30pm. More details to follow!
Ongoing fundraisers:
Save on Foods receipts – collected outside the front office
Maple Ridge Liquor Store – mention MRE at the counter
https://mabelslabels.ca – select the MRE fundraiser when checking
IN OUR COMMUNITY
City of Pitt Meadows Fall Programs
Browse the City of Pitt Meadows Parks, Recreation & Culture Fall Guide for a variety of activities and programs for all age groups! Fall programs run from September through December. Register for fall programs at pittfitandfun.ca.
Low-Cost Activities at Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre
Parent & Tot Mini Gym 0-5Y
Looking for an indoor activity? PMFRC offers low-cost Parent & Tot Mini Gym in the gymnasium on Mondays and Wednesdays (10:05-11:45 am) and Saturdays (9-11 am) for only $1 per child.
Value Times at the Fitness Centre
Work out at the fitness centre during our value times. It’s only $1 for youth (13-18Y) and seniors (60Y+) and $2 for adults (19-59Y). Value times are: Tuesday 10-11:30am, Wednesday 8-9pm, Thursday 6-7am and Saturday from 3-6pm.
FREE Family Lounge Drop-In Program
Drop by the Constable Rick O’Brien Youth Lounge with your family! The Youth Lounge will open Sundays, starting September 22, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm for a time of unstructured activities for you and your children. Enjoy a variety of activities including billiards, ping pong, video games, retro arcade and board games. Our Recreation team will be on hand to supervise, but please remember that this is a parent-led program. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Older siblings (11Y+) are also welcome, but must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
FREE Workshops
Emergency Support Services Info Night – Join the Emergency Support Services (ESS) Volunteers and be a beacon of hope in times of crisis! Whether responding to house fires or opening Reception or Group Lodging Centres for larger disasters, our ESS volunteers play a critical role in providing immediate support to those affected by disasters. The Justice Institute of BC provides free comprehensive training, preparing volunteers for various roles such as ESS Management, Registration & Referrals, and even Meet and Greet and Pet Services plus many more. Learn more and become a part of our dedicated ESS team! Register at https://pittfitandfun.ca/copm/public/booking/CourseDetails/13410
Disaster Preparedness Workshops – Take control of your safety and well-being by learning essential disaster preparedness steps. Join us for a unique, in-person Disaster Preparedness Workshop that will empower you and your family to face any challenge that comes your way. You will learn what makes a great Disaster Plan, how to connect with your family when phone lines are down, essential supplies to have in your family and work disaster kits, how to make your home safe and how to prepare for your pets for disaster. Register at https://pittfitandfun.ca/copm/public/booking/CourseDetails/13409
Foundry News
The Foundry provides mental health care, substance use services, physical and sexual health care, youth, and family peer supports, and social services to youth aged 12-24 years of age. It provides drop-in counselling as well as various social events that your child can attend. This is a terrific way to build positive connections with others within the Maple Ridge community.