Friday Blast
Maple Ridge Elementary
Friday, September 20th, 2024
THIS WEEK
There is a slight chill in the air letting us know that apple and pumpkin time is upon us. The students’ current play and learning in classrooms are connected to the transitioning seasons. Their curiosity about the changes they see has been evident this week. From the colours of the leaves to the behaviours of spiders and insects, many students have engaged in this relevant, hands-on learning. Students also spent some time this week learning about Terry Fox and participating in our annual Terry Fox run. Terry Fox’s legacy models the resilience and compassion that are so important to our MRE community. The run and fundraising provide amazing opportunities for all our learners to grow these skills. Please see the link below if you wish to donate.
NEXT WEEK
Monday, Sept. 23rd
Tuesday, Sept. 24th
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm: Triple Ball Practice
Wednesday, Sept. 25th
PAC Snack Day: Frozen Yogurt (for students who ordered)
Thursday, Sept. 26th
Friday, Sept. 27th
1:50-2:10: Truth and Reconciliation Friendship Circle (Back Field)
TERRY FOX
Your generosity can help us reach our fundraising goal of $1000! We will be collecting cash and coin donations every morning next week and you can also donate online at https://schools.terryfox.ca/MapleRidgeElementary . Thank-you in advance for your support!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Monday, Sept. 30th: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – school not in session
Tuesday, Oct. 1st: Pro D Day – school not in session
GRADE 7 LEAVING COMMITTEE
There will be a Grade 7 Leaving committee meeting in the MRE library before the PAC meeting on Oct. 21st at 5:30 pm.
DROP OFF
The driveway at the front of the school is open in the morning for student drop off. This is the “kiss n’ go” option. Please pull over to the right (do not exit your vehicle) and allow your student(s) to exit your vehicle. If your student needs more time to say goodbye in the morning, or you need to exit your vehicle for any reason, utilize “neighbourhood parking” option. Please avoid stopping to pick up your student(s) on River Rd. A photo of available local parking is attached for your convenience. Let’s work together to keep our children safe.
PICK UP
The driveway at the front of the school is closed to vehicles at the end of the day to prioritize student safety, except for buses and vehicles with an accessibility decal. Please avoid stopping to pick up your student(s) on River Rd. A photo of available local parking is attached for your convenience. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring student safety.
BELL SCHEDULE
8:25 am students line up
8:30 am classes begin
10:20 – 10:35 am recess
12:00 – 12:15 pm students eat in their classrooms
12:15 – 12:40 pm outside playtime
2:20 pm dismissal
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
CONSENT FORMS
A number of consent forms for your student(s) are now on the Parent Portal awaiting your approval. An instruction guide on how to complete consent forms is attached.
For your convenience, copies of these forms are available for your review on the district website at https://www.sd42.ca/consent-forms/. The school district website has a translate tool in the top right menu, which will produce approximate translations in a variety of languages.
If you would like to make a change on any of your consent forms after they have been completed, please contact your child’s school directly to have the form reset.
If you have any questions about the collection of information on these forms, contact privacy@sd42.ca.
Please Note: You will be able to view and print any signed consent forms by selecting them from the “Signed Consent Forms” section. If you wish to adjust a previously submitted consent form, please contact your school office. Once your school office has reset this form, you will find it located in the “Unsigned Consent Forms” section once again. This enables you to resubmit your response for that consent form.
SD42 COMMUNICATION
The school district does not pay medical/dental costs arising from injury sustained by a student while on school grounds or while participating in school activities. Such costs are the responsibility of the parent or guardian. If needed, parents or guardians may purchase coverage from organizations that offer student accident programs. Examples of such vendors include: https://insuremykids.com/ or https://www.studyinsuredstudentaccident.com/
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
Thank you to those who attended our first PAC meeting of the year, exciting things are already underway and we look forward to meeting more parents as the year goes on! Our next PAC meeting is at 6:30pm Monday Oct 21st in the MRE library, all are welcome!
We wanted to highlight a few fundraisers that go over over the year and are easy ways to contribute to the MRE community.
Save on Foods receipts can be collected in the bin outside the office and we receive a kickback for money spent.
Support MRE PAC fundraiser when purchasing from https://mabelslabels.ca and 5% of your order goes towards the school.
Mention MRE at the Maple Ridge Liquor store (207 & Lougheed) and 5% of your order goes towards the school.
Don’t forget to sign up for Hot Lunch!
Any questions or concerns can be sent to pac.mre@gmail.com or you can also check out our facebook page to stay up to date: Maple Ridge Elementary PAC
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.
