MRE Newsletter – JANUARY 3, 2023<\/p>\n
Happy New Year, Everyone! We hope you had a chance to make some wonderful memories over the break. It\u2019s been a while since we had quite so much snow and we are looking forward to seeing the students and hearing about their adventures.<\/p>\n
A new year is a great time to focus on goals set during the Student Inclusive Reporting Conferences. We reviewed every report and read about plans that included; getting better at reading, writing, addition, multiplication, organization, speaking up in class, meeting deadlines and running. Your support with your child\u2019s goals is greatly appreciated.<\/p>\n
Our school growth plan goals are: <\/p>\n
\u2022\tCreating a stronger writing culture in the school community. Our goal is to help students build and demonstrate a growth mindset and to increase confidence, excitement, stamina, resilience, and willingness to \u201cdig into\u201d their writing.
\n\u2022\tHelping students understand challenging emotions and explore ways to develop resilience.<\/p>\n
The MRE community is involved in several initiatives around these topics, for example, the well-attended weekly Student Writing Club, schoolwide \u201cWriting Blasts\u201d and \u201cBuddy Writing.\u201d <\/p>\n
This newsletter contains a lot of information related to the next school year. If you have children entering Kindergarten or Grade 8 in September of 2023, please be sure to read the appropriate sections and note important upcoming dates. <\/p>\n
We look forward to welcoming your children on January 3rd. We are proud to be part of the MRE community and look forward to opportunities and learning together in 2023. <\/p>\n
Barbara MacKinnon\t\t\t\t\tChelsea Lendvoy
\nPrincipal \t\t\t\t\t\tVice Principal<\/p>\n
THANK-YOU!
\nA heartfelt thank-you for your generous donations to the Food Bank and Christmas Hampers for families in need. MRE\u2019s spirit of giving shines brightly!
\nThe MRE Celebrates Concerts were highpoints for performers and audience members alike. Thank you to everyone for the part you played in bringing the first concert in three years to the stage. <\/p>\n
Message from the PAC<\/p>\n
The enthusiasm and hard work of the MRE PAC makes such a difference to our school! All MRE parents are automatically members of the PAC and everyone is welcome at the meetings.<\/p>\n
The next meeting is on Jan. 9, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the school library. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
You can find the Maple Ridge Elementary PAC Facebook page by searching for MRE Parents Association.<\/p>\n
The PAC website is full of information about upcoming events happening at MRE. Here\u2019s how to register:
\n\u2022\tGo to mre.parentcouncil.net
\n\u2022\tClick on “Click Here to Register”
\n\u2022\tEnter Access Code MREPAC
\n\u2022\tComplete the rest of the registration form.
\n*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.<\/p>\n
Upcoming<\/p>\n
Tues. Jan. 3, 2023: First day back after the break!
\nMon. Jan. 9, 2023: PAC meeting in the library \u2013 7:00 p.m.
\nFri. Jan. 13, 2023: Black Excellence Day
\nMon. Jan. 23, 2023: Non-Instructional Day \u2013 Classes not in session<\/p>\n
Kindergarten Registration Dates \u2013 see details below
\nSiblings \u2013 January 4
\nEnviromental School \u2013 January 11
\nChoice Registration \u2014 January 18 (French Immersion)<\/p>\n
Black Excellence Day – January 13, 2023
\nThe term ‘Black Excellence’ was born out of the civil rights movement in the 1960s.
\nAs a lead-up to Black History Month, Black Excellence Day is a day to rejoice Black history and learn about Black stories, Black art and Black people, and a day to stand in solidarity with Black Canadians.
\n\u2022\tBlack Excellence Day was created by Ninandotoo Society and takes place on January 15th each year, or the preceding Friday if it falls on a weekend or holiday. In 2023, Black Excellence Day is on January 13th.
\n\u2022\tThis day is in honour of the great civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who was born on January 15, 1929.
\nFind out more at: https:\/\/blackexcellenceday.ca\/ and https:\/\/www.bctf.ca\/whats-happening\/news-details\/2022\/01\/14\/black-excellence-day<\/p>\n
Thank you from Grade 6\/7 Leadership and Student Voice members<\/p>\n
Thank you for your donations of spare change. Over the course of just over one week, the leadership group collected over $140 to send to the Christmas Hamper Society. The money was used to buy gifts for children.<\/p>\n
MRE GRADE 7 LEAVING CEREMONY BOTTLE DRIVE
\nOn Saturday, January 7th, 2023, Grade 7 students from Maple Ridge Elementary (MRE) will be in the neighbourhood collecting bottles as a fundraiser for their Grade 7 Leaving Ceremony.<\/p>\n
If you are able to donate bottles, please leave them on your front porch by 9 a.m. on January 7th. You can also drop off donations in the drive-thru at the front of MRE from 9:30 \u2013 1:30 that day. <\/p>\n
Alternatively, if you would like your bottles picked up on Monday, January 2nd you can email jenbrunet@hotmail.com to arrange a pick-up time. <\/p>\n
Beginner Band Concert
\nMRE\u2019s Beginner Band students in grades 5-7 will be performing as part of Westview\u2019s Winter Concert on January 25th at 7:00 p.m. Anyone from the community is welcome to attend.
\nElementary Band is a School District 42 program that is offered to intermediate students at the beginning of the school year. It is free and takes place one hour a week at Westview Secondary.<\/p>\n
Pick-Up and Drop Off
\nOur school is on a very busy road and safety is vital! <\/p>\n
\u2022\tWe suggest parking on a nearby street, or at the lot behind the school near the golf course and walking (or cycling, scootering, etc.) the rest of the way to school. This is something that families have come to enjoy.
\n\u2022\tDo not pull into the parking lots beside the school. These are for staff and for vehicles with a valid SPARC (handicap) permit. There are 2 spaces reserved for Curious Minds Daycare patrons in the east parking lot.
\n\u2022\tPedestrians must use designated crosswalks.<\/p>\n
Using the Drive-Thru Lane
\n\u2022\tStudents may be dropped off in drive-thru at the front of the school, but there is no waiting or parking in this area (except for daycare buses).
\no\tPull to the far right and drive as far ahead as possible to drop off students
\no\tDrivers must stay in their vehicles and exit the drive-thru lane immediately after drop-off.
\no\tIf your child is not yet able to exit the vehicle independently, please park nearby and walk with them.
\no\tLeft turns are not permitted from the drive-thru onto River Road from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.<\/p>\n
Dress for The Weather \u2014 Westcoast Recess and Lunch
\nMRE students play outside even when it is cold, rainy or snowy. Only on rare occasions does the weather mean that recess or lunch will be spent indoors. Please send your child\/ren to school dressed for the weather (boots, coats, mitts, umbrella \u2026). If your child tends to get wet playing outside, please send an extra set of clothing. <\/p>\n
Lost and Found
\nBecause the weather often fluctuates throughout the day, students may take off jackets, hoodies, sweater, mitts, hats, etc., while they are playing outside. Sometimes, these items are left behind and they find their way into the school\u2019s Lost and Found. Unclaimed items are donated to a local charity before each break, but we\u2019d rather get items back into the hands of their owners.
\n\u2022\tConsider putting your child\u2019s name on items, such as coats and water bottles that are easily left behind. Labelled items are returned directly to owners.
\n\u2022\tEncourage\/remind your child to look for missing items.
\n\u2022\tUpdated photos of the Lost and Found rack are posted in the Friday Blast each week \u2013 perhaps you\u2019ll recognize something\u2026
\n\u2022\tFeel free to check the Lost and Found with your child from time to time. The rack is inside, near the main entrance to the school.<\/p>\n
Communication
\nAs we continue to reduce handling of materials and the consumption of paper,
\nmost school-based publications, including the Friday Blast and this monthly newsletter will be sent home via the parent portal. Pertinent information will also be updated on our school website: http:\/\/mre.sd42.ca\/ . You can also check the district website at https:\/\/www.sd42.ca\/.
\nWe also have a school-based Facebook page called Maple Ridge Elementary SD 42. Teachers will be using a variety of methods for their class level communications.<\/p>\n
News from the District<\/p>\n
School Closure Decision: Snow
\nThe 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.
\nExcept in rare circumstances, no announcement will be made if schools are open.
\nThe decision to close schools is made by 6:30 a.m. Details are:
\n\u2022\tposted on the SD42 Website (www.sd42.ca).
\n\u2022\tposted on the SD42 Facebook feed (SD42Facebook);
\n\u2022\tposted on the SD42 Twitter feed (@sd42news);
\n\u2022\tshared with News 1130, CKNW, and CBC 690 radio stations.
\nPlease note: The district supports individual and family decisions regarding safety. Parents\/guardians have primary responsibility for their children\u2019s safe travel to school. If, for any reason, there are personal concerns about the ability to travel safely to school, other arrangements should be made. 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.<\/p>\n
Information for Next School Year
\nGrade 8 and Additional Registration Periods 2023-24
\nRegistration phase \tRegistration Starts on Parent Portal
\n12:00 noon \tRegistration Ends on Parent Portal for parents
\n11:59 pm \tWhen Parents are Notified
\nGeneral Grade 8 \tFeb 2, 2023 \tFeb 17, 2023 \tMarch 1 – prior to Spring Break
\nWheelhouse \tFeb 15, 2023 \tFeb 24, 2023
\n \tPrior to Spring Break
\nLate French Immersion \tFeb 15, 2023 \tFeb 24, 2023
\n \tPrior to Spring Break
\nEarly Enrolment for September \tMarch 8, 2023 \tJuly 28, 2023
\nK-12 Open Enrolment \tAugust 21, 23 \tJune 2024 \t <\/p>\n
Kindergarten Registration Process 2023 \u2013 2024
\nPlease share this information with families who have children born in 2018.<\/p>\n
Regisration phase\tRegistration Starts on Parent Portal
\n12:00 noon
\nRegistration Ends on Parent Portal for parents
\n11:59 pm\tDocumentation due at school by parents
\n12:00 noon
\nEnviro Sibling\tJanuary 3, 2023\tJan 4, 2023\tJan 13, 2023
\nSibling\tJan 4, 2023\tJan 10, 2023\tJan 20, 2023
\nEnviro\tJan 11, 2023\tJan 13, 2023\tJan 20, 2023
\nChoice\tJan 18, 2023\tJan 23, 2023\tFeb 3, 2023
\nGeneral\tFeb 1, 2023\tFeb 7, 2023\tFeb 24, 2023
\nLate\tFeb 22, 2023\tJuly 28, 2023\tSept 1, 2023(for summer registrations)
\nOpen\tAug 21, 2023\tSept 15 2023\tWithin 5 business days. If reg. occurs in the summer, doc due within 5 business days of school opening<\/p>\n
How to Register Your Child for Kindergarten<\/p>\n
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\u201d parent\u201d pull-down tab and go to \u201ckindergarten registration.\u201d
\nReview the registration steps below to ensure you are ready for the big day. Complete steps 1-4 before registration to save time.
\n\u2022\tSTEP 1: OPEN A PARENT PORTAL ACCOUNT
\n\u2022\tYou must open an SD42 Parent Portal account to access registration. If possible, complete this step well before registration day at http:\/\/parents.sd42.ca
\n\u2022\tSTEP 2: FIND YOUR REGISTRATION DATE \u2013 (to be posted soon)
\nReview the registration categories (SIBLING, CHOICE, GENERAL) to find your registration period.
\n\u2022\tSTEP 3: REVIEW THE REGISTRATION FORM
\n\u2022\tReview a copy of the online registration form before registration day. (Available starting January 2023 at http:\/\/parents.sd42.ca)
\n\u2022\tSTEP 4: REVIEW ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
\n\u2022\tThe order in which the district places new kindergarteners is determined by the Acceptance Criteria. Review these online.
\n\u2022\tSTEP 5: REGISTER
\n\u2022\tRegister your child at http:\/\/parents.sd42.ca
\n\u2022\tSTEP 6: PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
\n\u2022\tOnce you receive email notification of your child\u2019s tentative placement, you must bring supporting documents to that school.<\/p>\n
Information Nights And Registration Dates Coming Up For District Programs:<\/p>\n
WHEELHOUSE AT ALOUETTE
\nThe Wheelhouse is a classroom where grade 6 and 7 students are both challenged and supported in becoming life-long learners and responsible citizens. Some of the highlights of the program include:
\n\u2022\tWeekly Field Study Days where students learn outside the regular class setting;
\n\u2022\tA classroom of care and discovery that is well supported by staff, parents, and community mentors;
\n\u2022\tLeadership activities that improve confidence, citizenship, and social responsibility;
\n\u2022\tWheelhouse students are also part of the school district 1-to-1 program, where each student is assigned an iPad for use throughout the school year.
\nFor more information, including a more in-depth look at the program, dates and times for student interviews, and details on how to become a Wheelhouse student, please visit The Wheelhouse online at https:\/\/wheelhouse.sd42.ca\/.<\/p>\n
Please attend an online Information Session to find out all about The Wheelhouse. <\/p>\n
ONLINE INFORMATION SESSIONS<\/p>\n
Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 6:30 PM
\n Registration Link: https:\/\/sd42.zoom.us\/meeting\/register\/u5wpde-hpzkiGdXmNj4KEWmYOfVzroNhhVX_<\/p>\n
Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 6:30 PM
\n Registration Link: https:\/\/sd42.zoom.us\/meeting\/register\/u50kcOqgqTotGNVi399JkE_Ebum7YAb5lko6<\/p>\n
Eligibility
\nDistrict Wheelhouse is open to all SD42 students who will be in Grade 6 or 7 in September 2023. Students may begin the program in either Grade 6 or 7. <\/p>\n
REGISTRATION for the District Wheelhouse Program at Alouette Elementary begins at noon on February 15, 2023. Registration occurs on the parent portal. All students registering for Wheelhouse must be in Grade 6 or 7 in September 2023.<\/p>\n
The Wheelhouse program runs out of Alouette Elementary (22155 Isaac Crescent, Maple Ridge).<\/p>\n
LATE FRENCH IMMERSION
\nOnline Information Nights:
\nWednesday, January 18, 2023 (7:00 p.m.)
\nPreregistration is required for this meeting and can be completed at the following link. https:\/\/sd42.zoom.us\/meeting\/register\/u5wsdeigrDsvGtUyaJMjl3qQm1qj8lb5QR0M.
\nAfter registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.<\/p>\n
The SD42 Late French Immersion program is an excellent opportunity for students who want to learn a second language or are looking for a challenge. Students who are currently in Grade 5 are eligible to begin Late French Immersion in September 2023, at Golden Ears Elementary (23124 \u2013 118 Avenue, Maple Ridge). This two-year elementary program continues at Maple Ridge Secondary School.<\/p>\n
For more information about our French Immersion program, please contact Jennifer Simon at Jennifer_simon@sd42.ca <\/p>\n
REGISTRATION for Late French Immersion opens on the Parent Portal at noon, February 15th, 2023, and closes at 11:59 p.m. on February 24th, 2023.<\/p>\n
FRENCH IMMERSION AT MRE
\nImmersion is the most effective method known for teaching a second language. Students master French in the same way that they learned English. Studies have shown that it is easier and more natural for a child to learn another language at a very early age. The aim of early French immersion is functional bilingualism. The process is so natural because French is used as the language of instruction and as a means of communication. It is also worth noting that learning subjects in French does not interfere with English language development as children spend most of their time communicating in English with family and friends.
\nPlease contact Barbara MacKinnon, Principal at MRE bmackinnon@sd42.ca if you have any questions about our program.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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