{"id":3739,"date":"2023-03-31T17:30:24","date_gmt":"2023-04-01T00:30:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elementary.sd42.ca\/mapleridge\/?p=3739"},"modified":"2023-04-01T10:48:43","modified_gmt":"2023-04-01T17:48:43","slug":"april-newsletter-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elementary.sd42.ca\/mapleridge\/april-newsletter-2\/","title":{"rendered":"April Newsletter"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hello MRE Families,
\nWe hope that your Spring Break was happy and relaxing. It\u2019s such a beautiful time of year with warmer weather, blossoms, and signs of renewal everywhere.<\/p>\n

As we enter the final term, read often with your children, ask them to share an interesting part of their day and have fun together!<\/p>\n

For the full version of this newsletter with pictures and colour, go to the NEWS tab on this website.<\/p>\n

Happy days,<\/p>\n

Barbara MacKinnon\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Chelsea Lendvoy<\/p>\n

Principal \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Vice Principal<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/u><\/strong>Upcoming dates for your calendars:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

April 7, 2023 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Good Friday \u2013 Classes not in session<\/strong><\/p>\n

April 10, 2023 \u00a0 Easter \u2011 Classes not in session <\/strong><\/p>\n

May 9, 2023\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 K. Early dismissal<\/span> – 11:00 a.m. Kindergarten only<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

May 10, 2023\u00a0\u00a0 Non-Instructional Day \u2011 Classes not in session<\/strong><\/p>\n

May 22, 2023 \u00a0\u00a0 Victoria Day \u2011 Classes not in session<\/strong><\/p>\n

Goals from Reporting Conferences
\nDuring the Student Inclusive Reporting conferences before the break, you discussed next steps in your child\u2019s learning at school. Writing down the goal was an important part of the process. As we begin the final term of the year, please take a moment to revisit the report card and commit to reaching the goal(s).<\/p>\n

It\u2019s often said that a goal without a plan is just a wish.
\n\u2022 Discuss the purpose of your child\u2019s goal.
\n\u2022 Break a big goal into smaller steps.
\n\u2022 Make a plan for how you will address obstacles.
\n\u2022 Enlist help as needed.
\n\u2022 Celebrate success.
\nThere are many online sites with fun and doable ideas for setting and reaching goals with kids<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lost and Found<\/p>\n

We are very happy to report that many items left at the Lost and Found were claimed before the Spring Break. Things labeled with names could easily be returned to their owners. Leftover clothing was donated to
\ncharity. We will continue to post photos of Lost and Found items on the MRE Facebook page and in the Friday Blasts.<\/p>\n

Young Entrepreneur Fair (YE)<\/p>\n

A note from Divisions 2 and 3:<\/p>\n

The YE fair is coming up on Wednesday, April 12th<\/sup>.\u00a0 \u00a0Mrs. Pajak\u2019s and Mrs. McClain\u2019s classes will be selling products such as keychains, lightsabers, Lego crayons, slime, games, handcrafted necklaces, bookmarks, pet rocks and much more! Prices will range from $1 to $5. Please bring small bills or change to purchase items. We will be donating 25% of the profits to the BC Cancer Foundation. Please come out to support this important cause. Parents and other family members are welcome to attend the fair.\u00a0 It runs all day in the gym. Hope to see you there!<\/p>\n

Student Information<\/p>\n

Please remember to let the school office know if any of your child\u2019s information changes, e.g., home phone number, cell phone number, work phone number, address, emergency contact information, email address, etc. It is very important that the school has up-to-date information. Thank you.<\/p>\n

Student Absences<\/p>\n

If your child will be away from school, please let the office know at by entering the absence on the portal, emailing mre_reception@sd42.ca or leaving a message at 604 467 5551.<\/p>\n

Learning Survey 2023 – Grades 4 and 7 – and Parents Too<\/p>\n

This month, the Student Learning Survey will be administered to students in grades 4 and 7.\u00a0 It is also open to their parents\/guardians\/caregivers, and all school staff.<\/p>\n

The Provincial Student Learning Survey is unique in its scope, size, and usefulness to schools. It gathers information on topics related to school environment, safety, and achievement. The information is used for planning in individual schools and provides a district and provincial perspective.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We encourage parents\/guardians\/caregivers to participate in this survey, as the results are important in identifying and celebrating current strengths, as well as determining where the school needs to focus improvement. The survey for parents is available in 18 different languages and contains standard questions for the province.\u00a0 It takes about 30 minutes to complete.\u00a0 Parents of Grade 4 and 7 students will receive a portal invitation to participate.\u00a0 The link for the survey is:\u00a0 https:\/\/www.awinfosys.com\/SurveyFull1\/central\/main\/access.asp<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Any device with an Internet connection can be used, and access to the e-survey is simple and secure. The survey can be accessed without a logon code through the direct link<\/strong> by selecting School District 42 and then Maple Ridge Elementary. Provincial, District and School Reports for previous years can be viewed at the same site under the Results<\/em> section.<\/p>\n

The e-survey site will be open until April 29th<\/sup>, 2023.<\/p>\n

If you have any questions, please contact the school at 604 467 5551.<\/p>\n

Thank you for your participation!<\/p>\n

PLANNING FOR SEPTEMBER \u2013 Are you moving?<\/p>\n

Although it may seem early, schools are beginning to make preparations for September 2023.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

If you know that you will be moving and your child will not be attending MRE for the 2023-24 school year, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can plan more accurately.\u00a0 Visit the school district website https:\/\/www.sd42.ca\/student-registration\/<\/a> \u00a0for registration, withdrawal, and transfer information.<\/p>\n

CLASS PLACEMENTS FOR SEPTEMBER 2023<\/p>\n

We will soon be beginning to create preliminary class lists for next year.\u00a0Please be assured that staff devote considerable time, care, and attention to this process.\u00a0This very complex and lengthy responsibility occurs over several weeks and continues into September when class placements are finalized.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Throughout the year, there have been many opportunities for parents and teachers to observe, discuss, and get to know the students. Staff work together to consider social emotional skills and relationships,\u00a0as well as\u00a0learning styles, strengths and needs as placements are made.\u00a0Our goal is to create safe, engaging, and inclusive classrooms that balance these factors as equitably as possible.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

If you feel there is further information to consider about your child, you may submit input to the principal by email (Barbara_mackinnon@sd42.ca<\/a>) by May 31st, 2023.\u00a0Please refrain from requesting specific teachers or peers by name.<\/p>\n

Kindergarten Registration<\/p>\n

Any child who turns 5 years old in 2023 (born in 2018) is eligible to register for the 2023-24 school year.\u00a0 For additional information, about kindergarten registration please visit:<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.sd42.ca\/kindergarten-registration\/<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 Please note that spaces are filling very quickly.<\/p>\n

Ready, Set, Kindergarten (Formerly \u201cWelcome to Kindergarten\u201d)
\nThe Ready, Set, Kindergarten Event shares strategies and resources that make early learning through play a priority in the home and support children in a successful transition to school. This will be held on May 9th for students who are registered to begin<\/em> Kindergarten at MRE in the fall of 2023.\u00a0 Information will be sent to families through the portal.<\/p>\n

Current kindergarten students will be dismissed at 11:00 a.m. on this day.<\/strong>
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Parents\u2019 Corner<\/p>\n

Alternatives to asking your child \u201cHow was school today\u201d?<\/p>\n

Adapted from: https:\/\/www.bestofparenting.com\/10-alternatives-to-how-was-school-today\/<\/a> and https:\/\/www.idtech.com\/blog\/after-school-questions-to-ask-kids-instead-of-how-was-your-day<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When children are asked, \u201cHow was school today?\u201d their typical answer\u00a0is\u00a0\u201cok\u201d, or \u201cfine\u201d or \u201cgood\u201d. If you would like to have a bit more information from them, instead of asking \u201cHow was school today\u201d, try asking more specific questions.\u00a0 Once they start talking, be sure to listen without judgement and if they are sharing something that bothered them, try not to immediately reassure them, or give them solutions. Instead use the \u201cActive Listening\u201d technique: repeat what they have told you, try and summarise it or just try and put a name on their feeling. This can lead them to share even more.<\/p>\n

Examples of alternatives to \u201cHow was school today\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n