Yearend Newsletter June 27, 2023
Hello MRE Families,
As the school year comes to a close, we wish you and yours the very best for the summer. May it be safe, happy, and filled with joy!
A big thank you to staff, students, and families for making Maple Ridge Elementary such a wonderful school. Most of you will return in the fall, but families whose children are transitioning to high school or will be moving away, you will be missed!
Wishing you happiness and health,
Barbara MacKinnon Chelsea Lendvoy
Principal Vice Principal
Staffing
Some staff members will be leaving MRE to take on new roles. Their absence will be felt throughout the school community! We appreciate their dedication and hard work and wish them every happiness in their new endeavours. Leaving are:
Mme Abby Grade 4/5 FRIM teacher
Ms. Jerusalem EA (Ms. R)
Ms. Mariano EA (Ms. M)
Ms. Gillis Lunch Hour Supervisor
Ms. Luchi Library and Prep teacher
Mr. Le ELL teacher
Ms. Chan ELL
Ms. Singh K/1 teacher
Ms. Wolstenholme Support Teacher
Mrs. MacKinnon Principal
Mark Your Calendar
June 29 – Last day for students. Dismissal is at noon.
September 5 — First day back 12:30 p.m. to 2:20 p.m.
Final Report Cards – Where to find them…
On the final school day, June 29th, you will receive a portal notification to look for your child’s report card online. Please take the time to read and discuss the report with your child. If you are not able to access the portal, contact the school immediately and we will be happy to give you a printed copy.
If you have a question about your child’s report card, please contact your child’s teacher to arrange a phone call or a time to meet on June 29th or 30th.
Lost and Found – Last chance…
On the last day of school, June 29th, remaining items in the Lost and Found are washed and donated to charity. Please come and have a look before then.
Student Medications
If you have submitted medication for your child (e.g., Epi-pen, Benadryl etc.), please remember to pick it up from the office on the last day of school (Thursday, June 29th).
From the Library
Thank you to all students and families who have returned overdue and lost books. Please keep an eye out for any library books that may turn up over the summer and return them in the fall. We’re happy to have the book back, no matter how late .
Grade Seven Students
To our grade 7 students, we wish you all the very best as you move to secondary school. We have appreciated your leadership, commitment to learning and enthusiasm for school activities. Know that MRE will always be a place where you are welcome. We look forward to hearing about your future successes.
Carnival
What a great day it was! Despite the rain and cool weather, students and families enjoyed the large variety of games, rides, and food. Attractions included a Five in One Bouncy Castle, Ninja Challenge, Cotton Candy, Mega Slingshot, Hot Dogs, Jousting, Face Painting and numerous snacks and other activities. A huge thank you to the PAC organizing committee and to the many, many volunteers who made this event possible.
The Tug-O-War was postponed to June 29th due to slippery conditions. Parents are welcome to watch – come to the back field at 10:45 a.m.
Opening of the Nature Nook
The official opening of the Nature Nook, MRE’s Outdoor Learning Space, took place on June 19th. Check the special feature on the School District’s website at sd42.ca under District Highlights.
Volunteers
A warm thank-you goes out to all volunteers! Your gift of time makes a remarkable difference. Most recently, volunteers planned and carried out the amazing Carnival that will live on in the memories of our entire school community.
The School Volunteer (author unknown)
A school is more than books and desks
And learning two plus two
It’s people who share their skills and care
And try their best in all they do
Please accept our heartfelt appreciation
Our school’s a better place
Because of your dedication
Student Lunch Monitors
Lunch monitors are older students who volunteer to eat lunch with the younger students. Among other tasks, they help open containers and keep the children company. This is a wonderful way to build connections in the school and our monitors are greatly appreciated.
From Mrs. Halfnight’s class: Nehman, Christina, Claire, Ava, Rylan, Tyson M, Asher, Chase, Hasti, Tyson P, Shahmeer, Jordyn, Zya, Ethan, Danica, Gurveer
From Mrs. Pajak’s class: Holly, Aurora, Stefania, Lucas, Danika, Zack, Liam, Lawren, Caiden, Damian, Gabe, Emily, Ellie, Ella, Kailey, Josiah, Lily Anna
From Mrs. McClain’s class: Brendan, Sydney, Jett, Linden, Demyan, Ally, Kingston, Ben, Antonny, Bella, Owen, Ryder, Jemm, Excel, Mady, Chelsea, Nic, Vinnie, James
From Mrs. Ritchie’s class: Shiva, Reagan, Syd, Matthew D, Claire L, Nicole, Fintessa, Hunter O, Calleigh S, Arabella, Hunter W, Madi, Emmett, Xander, Chloe K, Jordan M, Abby G
From Mr. Jones’ class: Mason B, Danylo, Charlotte, Annie, Ryder J, Keegan, Simran, Izzy, Jace K, Shahzayn, Andy, Aaron, Dazton, Daniel P, Alex P, Vrisheen, Tanishq, Michael, Daniel S, Tristan, Michael S, Carter, Kalix, Tia
District Track and Field
District Track Meet Participants 2023
Grade 4 Boys: Nathan P, Levi M, Quinn E, Ewan B, Koen C, Lucas O, Evan G, Mason N, Bentley L, Henry N
Grade 5 Boys: Alex P, Brockton G., Reagan B, Mason, B, Daniel P, Keegan J, Daniel S
Grade 6 Boys: Ben L, Linden N, Owen A, Kieran C, Daxton L, Gabe G, Aiden H, Hayden I, Kingston E
Grade 7 Boys: Daniel S, Gurveer J, Owen M, Tyson P, Damian S, Jace J, Ilia S, Chase C, Tyson M, Josiah Ewing
Grade 4 Girls: Jordyn M, Biliyana P, Zoya W, Aurelia H, Valentina A, Holleigh K, Amelia G, Amber K
Grade 5 Girls: Elsa A, Claire L, Soleil H, Sahara A, Emily A, Calleigh S, Simran J
Grade 6 Girls: Ava M, Holly M, Bella M, Abby G, Jasmine H, Madi B, Isla S
Grade 7 Girls: Tina M, Madi S, Ava H, Danica B, Jenn R, Ellie L, Aurora F, Christina C
Ribbons:
Shot Put
Grade 4 Girls Jordyn M 3rd Place
Grade 5 Boys Brockton G 10th Place
Reagan B 4th Place
Alex P 3rd Place
Grade 6 Girls Ava M 9th Place
Grade 6 Boys Ben Lee 2nd Place
Long Jump
Grade 4 Boys Lucas O 7th Place
Grade 5 Girls Sahara A 3rd Place
Grade 5 Boys Alex P 7th Place
High Jump
Grade 6 Boys Ben L 10th Place
100 Metre Race
Grade 4 Boys Mason N 10th Place
Grade 5 Girls Sahara A 9th Place
Grade 5 Boys Alex P 2nd Place
200 Metre Race
Grade 4 Boys Mason N 7th Place
Grade 6 Boys Ben L 6th Place
400 Metre Race
Grade 5 Boys Daniel P 2nd Place
Calendar for the Coming School Year
District calendars for the next 3 years are posted at: District School Calendars | Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows School District 42 (sd42.ca)
The calendar with dates specific to Maple Ridge Elementary is posted near the end of this newsletter.
Please note that all elementary schools in the district will be welcoming students for a 12:30 p.m. start on the first day of school on September 5th, 2023. This is a similar schedule that was used last year, and it allows schools to have important staff meetings in the morning before welcoming students in the afternoon.
Are you Moving?
If you know that your child will not be attending MRE for the 2023-24 school year, please visit the school district website https://www.sd42.ca/student-registration/ for registration, transfer and withdrawal information.
If your child is planning to attend school outside of SD42 for the current school year, please complete our withdrawal form on the Parent Portal. Withdrawing through the Parent Portal helps us ensure student records are transferred to the new school in a timely manner. If you are withdrawing more than one child, complete a separate request for each child.
To complete a withdrawal form, log in to your Parent Portal account, click on the “Registration” tab, and under “New Requests” select the appropriate withdrawal period. Contact your child’s new school/school district to inquire about their registration process.
Please note: A withdrawal cannot be used to request a different school within SD42. If your child is currently attending an SD42 school and you would like to request a transfer to a different school within our district, you will need to complete a transfer request. See the transfer request process tab above for more information.
Transfers
Due to space limitations, most schools are only able to consider students within their catchment. Proof of address is required. Visit the district website at https://www.sd42.ca/student-registration/
for information and transfer deadlines.
PAC
Thank you for attending the first-ever MRE PAC BINGO Night Fundraiser on May 26th. Because of you this event was a tremendous success!
We had 132 of players in attendance and together we raised $3,326.02 and 100% of these profits went toward the purchase of specialty granite boulders from Meadows Landscape Supply Ltd. that were recently installed in the MRE Garden Area as the first phase of the MRE PAC Nature Nook project. We are so thankful for all your support, and we know the students and staff will be delighted to use this space.
A special thank you goes to this year’s executives:
Chair Leanne M
Vice Chair Tanya H.
Secretary Daena M.
Treasurer Nikki G
Members at Large Amanda G. and Janna M.
DPAC ` Christine
The PAC has worked hard to organize information so that it is easily accessible for all families. Please have a look at the quick reference guide for links to all PAC related information, including our FB Group (Maple Ridge Elementary PAC), the Google Drive and volunteer signup links. They love to hear from all families. If you have any questions, comments or feedback please email pac.mre@gmail.com.
Career Opportunity – Education Assistant
As you may know, the need for Education Assistants in our district is still very high, with the district expecting to hire many more in the coming years. If you or someone you know may be interested in a career working with children and youth with diverse abilities, Ridge Meadows College (operated by SD42) still has seats available for its September or January Education Assistant cohorts. EAs assist K-12 students with unique physical, behavioural, or learning needs. If you’d like to learn more about the program, you can visit the website at https://rmcollege.sd42.ca/program/education-assistant/ or register for an information session.
Summer Activities and Programs
Check the end of this newsletter to find ideas for summer fun in the community.
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Looking ahead to the 2023-24 school year…
First Day Back — Tuesday, September 5th 12:30 to 2:20 p.m.
We recognize that there will be changes in enrolment over the summer, therefore returning students go back to their 2022-23 classrooms for the first few days until class placements are finalized. (This will likely be on Friday, September 8th or Monday, September 11th.)
Students who are new to the school enter at the main doors and go to the library.
*Please do not send any school supplies until students are placed in their new classes.
School Supplies
For those who like to plan ahead, below is information about school supplies for the 2023-24 year. Students do not need to bring school supplies until they are placed in the new classes. This is likely to happen on Sept. 8th or 11th.
If your family is experiencing financial constraints that make purchasing school supplies challenging, you may be eligible to receive a Salvation Army school supply backpack. These backpacks come filled with the necessary school supplies free of charge and will be delivered to the school in September. Please contact the school a.s.a.p. if this is a service you would like to access.
Kindergarten to Grade 3 (Primary students)
No shopping needed. School supplies are bulk ordered for MRE students in Kindergarten – Grade 3. There is a flat fee that it covers all art and school supplies for the year. Please submit payment on the portal after students have transitioned to their new classes in September.
Kindergarten fee: $55.00
Grade 1-3 fee: $50 0r $60 (depending on whether a planner is used.)
Grades 4 – 7 (Intermediate Students)
You can do your own shopping (the list is included in this newsletter) or use the convenient online system through Creative Kids.
Kits from Creative Kids will be delivered directly to the school during the first week of September. If your grade 4-7 child needs a planner, you will receive a separate message once classes are finalized in September. The cost of the planner is $10.00
To order supplies through Creative Kids online, go to https://creativepacks.ca and use the pull-down menu to find Maple Ridge Elementary and your child’s grade. English and French classes have the same supply lists.
Supply lists for Creative Kids are near the bottom of this newsletter. The list for all intermediate grades that you can take shopping with you is below:
If your family is experiencing financial constraints that make purchasing school supplies challenging, you may be eligible to receive a Salvation Army school supply backpack. These backpacks come filled with the necessary school supplies free of charge and will be delivered to the school in September. To check if you are eligible, please visit: https://ridgemeadowssa.ca/back-to-school
Translations available
Do you prefer to read school communications in another language? The district team has added a Google translate plugin to our district and school websites.
You will find the translation drop-down menu in the top right corner (see screenshot below). Families who require a translation of (most) new content on our website are now able to select their preferred language from the drop-down menu and the content will be auto translated to up to 48 languages. At this time, images cannot be included, so you will see two options on the MRE Elementary site – one in English only, with pictures and the translatable version with text only. Our website is at: https://elementary.sd42.ca/mapleridge/
School Communication
As we continue to reduce the consumption of paper, most school-based publications, including the Friday Blast and this monthly newsletter will be sent home via the parent portal. Pertinent information will be updated on our school website: http://mre.sd42.ca. You can check the website at https://www.sd42.ca for district information. We 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.
Have you thought about a career with our school district?
To see the opportunities we have available, visit us at http://www.sd42.ca/career
Curious Minds Preschool
Located in the portable behind Maple Ridge Elementary
Our Morning Preschool Class 9am – 1pm
2 days/week (Tues & Thurs) = $200/month
3 days/week (M-W-F) =$275/month
5 Days/week =$375/ month
+ $50 registration fee
******SUBSIDY WELCOME *******
www.curiousmindslearningcentre.com
curiousmindslearning@shaw.ca
Phone: Ms Sarah 604-315-3240
Have your say in B.C.’s largest population health survey
Public Health has launched the third round of the SPEAK population health survey.
The survey is open to adults aged 18 years and older and asks about physical and mental health, as well as social and economic well-being. The results will help support programs and initiatives to improve the health of your community. Participate now
Regional health authorities, First Nations Health Authorities and the BC Centre for Disease Control are hoping people living in every part of British Columbia participate. This year, they are particularly interested in hearing from racialized communities, people living in rural parts of the province, people with children or young adults in their lives, men aged under the age of 35, people aged 75 and older, and people with lower incomes and education.
Please consider participating to help public health understand your community’s health and well-being needs. Once you participate, please share with your friends, loved ones, and network so their experiences are also captured. Please help support those who may need help with completing the survey. The SPEAK survey is available in English, French, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Punjabi, Farsi, Arabic, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Korean. Learn more about the survey bccdc.ca/SpeakSurvey
Family Education Resources
MindFlip for Youth: Brain Science Tools for Everyday Living (crisiscentre.bc.ca)
This online resource was developed by the BC Crisis Centre. It provides some skill building support targeted for youth primarily. Some great videos on here with a strong youth voice.
The other is a free online event being offered by Sashbear Foundation.
DBT Skills for Parents: In case of a crisis with an exquisitely sensitive kid—How to put your mask on first, before helping your child
Link for registration:
Webinar Registration – Zoom