Friday Blast
Maple Ridge Elementary
Friday, Oct. 25th, 2024
THIS WEEK
Thank you to all our families who send boots, jackets, umbrellas and a change of clothing to school. Our students continue to learn and play outside during wet weather!
NEXT WEEK
Monday, Oct. 28th
Tuesday, Oct. 29th
11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Vancouver Warriors Presentation
2:20 pm – 4:30 pm: After School Theatre Program (for those who registered)
Wednesday, Oct. 30th
2:20 pm – 4:00 pm: After School Create & Play Program (for those who registered)
Thursday, Oct. 31st
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Halloween “Monster Mash”
2:20 pm – 4:00 pm: After School Coding Program (for those who registered)
Friday, Nov. 1st
MRE’S NEW COMMUNITY READERS PROGRAM IS HERE!
Our Education Assistants and Teachers came together on our growth planning day to choose our two schoolwide goals for the year. These goals reflect the greatest needs in our school and help us to align our focus and allocation of resources including meeting time, EA time, and budget. Students’ families and caregivers are an integral part of the MRE community, and we invite you to share in our goals.
This year we will work towards building confidence and developing reading skills. Check out MRE… THE PLACE TO READ below for updates about our activities and events.
We are launching a “Community Readers” program to help us achieve our reading goal. We invite family members and caregivers to sign up as community readers. Each Friday between 8:30 am and 9:00 am the community readers, Mme Lendvoy and Mme Perry will read with primary students in the library. Our Support Teachers and Class Teachers will select the students and the reading materials. We welcome volunteers who would like to support reading in both French or English. If you would like to be a community reader please email chelsea_lendvoy@sd42.ca and rachael_perry@sd42.ca. We will send a Volunteer Form home with your student for you to complete and return. Please indicate to us in your email if you already have a completed Volunteer Form on file. You do not need to commit for the entire school year. Please share your availability in your email.
We are looking forward to working together to reach our goals!
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
THE GIVING TREE
A giving tree is a way to bring the community and families together to spread joy during the holiday season. Each year Maple Ridge Elementary Staff, PAC and Community assist in supporting families during this time of giving. This year we have decided to try something a little different.
The giving tree model is to ensure that all children and youth experience the magic this time of year. Each ornament has information with a child’s needs and wishes for this season of celebration. Gifts, hygiene and household essentials, and a holiday meal are just some of the ways that The Giving Tree can alleviate the financial stress of the season, allowing families to enjoy time together making memories.
This would be an amazing opportunity to have your children involved in the process of giving. If you would like to support a child during the holiday season, please take an ornament off the tree, located at the entrance of the school.
Your donations will greatly impact and bring smiles to the student and their family. If you have any questions regarding specific items or inquiries contact cora_lindgren@sd42.ca. Please drop off any unwrapped, donated items along with this tag to Ms.Cora’s room (#1025) no later than Friday, Nov 29.
Happy Holidays!
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 FUNDRAISERS
BOTTLE DRIVE
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!
EPICURE
Support our Grade 7 French Immersion students as they prepare for an exciting trip to Quebec! From November 1st to November 18th, we’re offering an Epicure fundraiser featuring a $25 meal kit packed with 6 easy weeknight dinner solutions—perfect for busy families or thoughtful holiday gifts.
With every $25 order purchased, $10 will be contributed to the Grade 7 Quebec fund. Orders will be delivered to students during the week of December 9th, just in time for the season. Order forms will be placed in your child’s planner next week. If you’d like to order via credit card, please email Chelsea_lendvoy@sd42.ca.
Every purchase helps make this memorable educational experience possible—merci for your support!
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.
MRE… THE PLACE TO READ!
Students recently enjoyed an author visit from Ren Louie. Some classes started receiving visits from our “Halloween Mystery Readers” who are eager to recount their spooky tales! French Immersion teachers attended a collaborative conference with the Calgary Board of Education to share resources.
In addition to the amazing work that all our educators do every day to support reading we have introduced the before school Reading Centre, designated EA reading blocks, and the Community Readers program.
PARENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The next PAC meeting will be on Nov. 18 at 6:30 pm.
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 out
SANTA MALL
The Santa Mall donation bin is up and running. Look for Santa at the front entrance… We appreciate your support!
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.