December 17th, 2014
GOING HOME TODAY
PEC Newsletter
Christmas Letter from Mr. van der Pauw
EVENTS
December 15th-19th -Spirit Week
December 19th -School Mass 9:00am (Bell rings @ 8:45)
December 19th -Last day of school before Christmas Break
December 19th -12:15 Dismissal
SING-A-LONG
There will be a Sing-A-Long & movie from 11:15-12:15, parents are welcome to join in.
CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE
CHRISTMAS EVE – Wednesday, December 24
• CHILDREN’S MASS AT 6:30 P.M.
(Beginning with carol singing at 6:15 p.m.)
• MASS AT 9:00 P.M.
(Beginning with carol singing at 8:30 p.m.)
• MIDNIGHT MASS
(Beginning with carol singing at 11:30 p.m.)
CHRISTMAS DAY – Thursday, December 25
Mass at 10:00 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.
NEW YEAR’S EVE – Wednesday, December 31
Anticipated Mass at 5:00 p.m.
CONTRIBUTION ENVELOPES
Parish contribution envelopes for the upcoming year 2015 can be picked up in the Gathering Room at the church.
NEWSLETTER
Some families are having issues with the newsletters, for some reason they are not able to open the attachment. We are going to see if this can be resolved, in the meantime, if you are not able to open the attachement, the newsletter is posted on the school website; www.stbernadetteschool.ca.
VIRTUE OF THE MONTH
For the month of December the school will focus on the virtue of charity. The word charity is often exchanged for the word love in the bible. Charity and love ask us to give of ourselves for the betterment of others. We will be focusing on the needs of others through our acts, prayers, and deeds. We will also be focusing our charity in our involvement with the non-profit organization Chalice. The Grade 6s will be leading the school to embrace the virtue of charity for the month of December.
NOTES FROM PARENTS
We require a signed note from a parent when:
• your child has been absent from school for any reason
• your child needs to leave the school for an appointment, etc.
• your child cannot participate in a specific activity
• your child cannot go outdoors during recess or lunch break
• someone other than yourself picking up your child early from school (early dismissal)
Once school has started, children who are late or who have to leave the school early MUST sign in or out at the office.
December 17th, 2014
Dear Parents,
This week, the pink candle on the Advent wreath is lit. It symbolizes Joy. “Live the Joy of the Gospel” has been our theme for the year, and the school community has truly embraced this virtue. As we move closer to Christmas Day, we are all called to a deeper reflection regarding our journey as Catholics, especially as it pertains to faith, hope, joy, and charity.
With each passing year, I am reminded of how short the time is that God has given us to shape and mold our children in His name! The staff at St. Bernadette Elementary School has a great and precious privilege in this area, and we are so blessed to have such a wonderful community to support us in this journey.
The Christmas spirit is alive and well at St. Bernadette Elementary! The many charitable activities have had such a positive impact on our community and those communities we serve through our global outreach. We have given to the Holy Childhood Association, The Front Room in Surrey, St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Bernadette’s, and Chalice. We will continue to focus on virtuous life and charity in the new year as we plan to support Covenant House, the food bank, SPCA, and other charities.
I want to thank you for your outstanding contributions to our school through your own charity and works of service. It is a blessing to have parents in the school and working in the classrooms. Catholic education believes that parents are the primary educator, and it is only with the dedication of parents that we can claim any success. We value our relationship with you and look forward to seeing many of the familiar and new faces working and volunteering in the school come the new year.
In reflection of the year thus far, I am reminded of the dedication of our teachers and staff. In an effort to refine teaching skills so as to serve students most effectively, our staff has participated in several professional development opportunities. At the start of the year, we had a spiritual retreat led by Chuck Luttrel. In September, we investigated ways to implement the new curriculum that will soon be introduced via the Ministry of Education. In October, we took part in a workshop on JumpMath. This is a program that has received wide acclaim for its simple, direct, and effective approach to teaching the Math curriculum. Finally, in November, the staff participated in CPI training. This training certifies staff to help students who are struggling with achieving proper behaviour in the school. I am so grateful to our teachers for their enthusiastic pursuit of excellence in all areas of our school.
The PEC sponsored a very successful social activity in November. It is a testament to our community that it was so well attended (sold out). A huge thank you to all the parents who helped make the social such a success.
School sports teams were well attended for the first half of the year. We saw the boys’ soccer team one goal away from making the playoffs. The cross-country team showed very well at their various tournaments and the volleyball teams were hugely successful. The Gr. 6 girls’ team went undefeated going into the playoffs and the Gr. 5 boys’ team created history by winning the first championship in school history. All of our student athletes have made the school community proud!
The students did an excellent job proclaiming the joy of the Gospel at the Christmas concert. We are very proud of their time and effort in making the night a special gift to their parents. I also want to thank all the staff members and parents (especially Danny Guerrero, for doing all the sound) who took the time to help prepare the students for the event.
I am honoured and humbled to be the principal of St. Bernadette Elementary School. It is with great privilege that I, alongside the teachers and staff, seek to continue to make St. Bernadette the best school for all of the students. As a new principal, I would like to thank all the parents for welcoming me into your community with open arms and warm hearts. On behalf of the teachers and staff at St. Bernadette Elementary, I would like to thank you for being such a generous and precious gift to our school. You are a vital part of the education of the children here at our school. Our prayer for you and your family is that you may know the joy, faith, love, and hope of the Nativity this Christmas Season:
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified. But the Angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.’”
May this sacred time be blessed for you and your family. God bless you and your family. May you have a safe and harmonious Christmas and a joyous New Year.
Yours in Christ,
Michael van der Pauw
Principal
PARENT PARTICIPATION
REMINDER: Do not forget to record all parent participation hours in the binder located in front of the office.
If you have any questions on parent participation, and/or would like to volunteer, please contact Sonja Rematore via email at srematore@gmail.com.
SPECIAL PROMOTION
One of our donors from the fall social, “Menchie’s”, would like to announce their special promotion for the families of St. Bernadette Elementary.
MENCHIE’S promotion this year — Our special promo for you and all the members of your association is for anyone that come’s in our store and buy’s $10 or more in Menchie’s gift cards will get the gift certificate for the FREE 5oz and they will get a FREE 32oz Pre Pack ( A $20 dollar value). All you have to do is mention you are from St. Bernadette Elementary! We are also selling Menchie’s Stocking stuffers in store! Each stocking stuffer has Menchie’s lip balms, pencil, buttons, stickers, tattoos and A $1 off coupon to use at our store anytime until the end of Feb 2015! They are only $5 each! IMPORTANT REMINDER:
PARENT PARTICIPATION HOURS
YOUR P.E.C.
Greg Palm
Chair & CISVA Delegate
Giuliana Lanci
Vice-Chair & Maintenance
Claudia Martinelli
Secretary & Social Committee
Sonja Rematore
Parent Participation
Cheryl Chiang
Treasurer
Evelyn Urrutia
Communications
Merry Christmas
from your PEC
December 10th, 2014
GOING HOME TODAY
PEC Newsletter
Christmas Concert & Spirit Week parent letter
Hot Lunch Order forms (with students)
EVENTS
December 11th -Christmas Concert @ 7:00pm in the Church
December 12th -School Mass 9:00am (Bell rings @ 8:45)
December 15th-19th -Spirit Week
December 19th -School Mass 9:00am (Bell rings @ 8:45)
December 19th -Last day of school before Christmas Break
December 19th -12:15 Dismissal
NEWSLETTER
Some families are having issues with the newsletters, for some reason they are not able to open the attachment. We are going to see if this can be resolved, in the meantime, if you are not able to open the attachement, the newsletter is posted on the school website; www.stbernadetteschool.ca.
VIRTUE OF THE MONTH
For the month of December the school will focus on the virtue of charity. The word charity is often exchanged for the word love in the bible. Charity and love ask us to give of ourselves for the betterment of others. We will be focusing on the needs of others through our acts, prayers, and deeds. We will also be focusing our charity in our involvement with the non-profit organization Chalice. The Grade 6s will be leading the school to embrace the virtue of charity for the month of December.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
This year’s Christmas Concert will be held on Thursday, December 11th at 7:00pm in the Church. Please bring your child(ren) to their classroom by 6:40pm. Children are to be picked up after the concert in their classroom. Teachers will be checking their students out of class after the concert; children are not to leave the classroom without their parent. The Hand Bell Choir will also be performing. As part of your admission to the Christmas Concert, you are invited to bring a non-perishable food item.
NOTES FROM PARENTS
We require a signed note from a parent when:
• your child has been absent from school for any reason
• your child needs to leave the school for an appointment, etc.
• your child cannot participate in a specific activity
• your child cannot go outdoors during recess or lunch break
• someone other than yourself picking up your child early from school (early dismissal)
Once school has started, children who are late or who have to leave the school early MUST sign in or out at the office.
ABSENT NOTES
If your child is away for any reason, it is imperitive that an absentee note be submitted to the school indicating the reason of the absenteeism. The Ministry of Education requires a note from students who are absent. Failing to submit a note may jeopardize your funding from the government.
NOTIFICATION OF CAREGIVERS
If someone else is going to be your child(ren)’s caregiver/guardian, whether it is for one day or one week, please give this information to the school office. In the event of an emergency, it is extremely important that you notify the school if you are going to be away and someone else will be looking after your child(ren
Dec. 10th, 2014
RE: Christmas Concert and Spirit Week
Dear Parents,
Christmas is almost upon us and the school is gearing up for a fantastic finish heading into the Christmas break. It all begins on Thursday with our annual Christmas Concert. This is a reminder that the concert will be held in the Church and it begins at 7pm. We are in a larger space than previous years and hopefully this will allow more people to join us in celebrating the coming of Christ. Students are expected to be in their classrooms no later than 6:40 and in full costume. If you do not know the costume for your child, please speak with the classroom teacher. A communication has been sent home in regards to costumes.
To allow students to participate and enjoy the concert, the students will be sitting in the Church with their classes. Students will be sitting in the far left and far right pews and they will be able to join you after the concert.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact through the office.
* * * *
In the final week of school before Christmas holidays, we will be celebrating our first Spirit Week. Spirit Week is designed to encourage children to be proud of their school, support each other’s achievements, and celebrate our successes. It is done in a friendly and fun-filled environment. Each day during Spirit Week we will have a dress theme and a corresponding activity.
Monday December 15th – Pajama Day – wear your favourite pajama’s, but make sure they are warm enough for the school day. There will be a colouring and trivia contest at lunch recess
Tuesday December 16th – Hat Day – come wearing your favourite or most creative hat. It will be teachers vs grade 7’s in three events – chariot races, wrapping presents, and an obstacle course. The events will start at 2:00 and parents are welcome to attend.
Wednesday December 17th – Red and Green Day – come to school wearing Christmas colours. Students will be making ornaments and snowflakes during lunch recess.
Thursday December 18th – Crazy Hair and Accessories Day – come to school as a bed head, or spike it up! Wear your dad’s funniest tie or tons of bracelets. Students are not required to wear their uniform.
Friday December 19th – Winter Wonderland Day – Pretend you are living in a winter wonderland. Toques, scarves, holiday sweaters and shirts, winter gloves, etc. are ideas for you to wear to be part of this day. We will have a sing-a-long starting after morning recess, along with the showing of “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. Parents are invited to come and sing with us!
Any day during Spirit Week that you are volunteering in the school, feel free to join in the festivities by dressing up in the theme for the day.
Thank you for all your support and continued dedication to the school.
I wish you and your family a safe and joyful Christmas. May the love of Christ be with you all throughout the year. God Bless.
Yours in Christ,
Michael van der Pauw
Principal
P.E.C. NEWS
Edition No. 12| December 10, 2014
MOVIE NIGHT
The movie night was well attended. Thank you to the families who attended, and to all the people who helped in organizing this event.
PARENT PARTICIPATION
REMINDER: Do not forget to record all parent participation hours in the binder located in front of the office.
If you have any questions on parent participation, and/or would like to volunteer, please contact Sonja Rematore via email at srematore@gmail.com.
IMPORTANT REMINDER:
PARENT PARTICIPATION HOURS
YOUR P.E.C.
Greg Palm
Chair & CISVA Delegate
Giuliana Lanci
Vice-Chair & Communications
Claudia Martinelli
Secretary & Social Committee
Sonja Rematore
Parent Participation
Cheryl Chiang
Treasurer
Cliff Dalrymple
Maintenance
Evelyn Urrutia
Communications
December 3rd, 2014
GOING HOME TODAY
PEC Newsletter
‘NStep Newsletter
Getting Better Grades flyer
EVENTS
December 5th -School Mass (bell rings @ 8:45)
December 11th -Christmas Concert @ 7:00pm in the Church
December 12th -School Mass 9:00am (Bell rings @ 8:45)
December 15th-19th -Spirit Week (more info to follow)
December 19th -School Mass 9:00am (Bell rings @ 8:45)
December 19th -Last day of school before Christmas Break
December 19th -12:15 Dismissal
VIRTUE OF THE MONTH
For the month of December the school will focus on the virtue of charity. The word charity is often exchanged for the word love in the bible. Charity and love ask us to give of ourselves for the betterment of others. We will be focusing on the needs of others through our acts, prayers, and deeds. We will also be focusing our charity in our involvement with the non-profit organization Chalice. The Grade 6s will be leading the school to embrace the virtue of charity for the month of December.
SCHOOL MASS
School Mass will on Friday, December 5th. On Mass days the bell rings at 8:45am. If your child is late for school on a Mass day please bring him or her to the school first to sign in at the school office. Students must be in full school uniform.
OFFICIATING REFRESHER MEETING
Parents interested in refereeing and/or coaching basketball are invited to attend a coaches meeting on Tuesday, December 9th at Our Lady of Good Counsel School @ 3:30pm. If you have any questions, please contact Jodie Sussex at jsussex@cisva.bc.ca
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
This year’s Christmas Concert will be held on Thursday, December 11th at 7:00pm in the Church. Please bring your child(ren) to their classroom by 6:40pm. Children are to be picked up after the concert in their classroom. Teachers will be checking their students out of class after the concert; children are not to leave the classroom without their parent. The Hand Bell Choir will also be performing. As part of your admission to the Christmas Concert, you are invited to bring a non-perishable food item.
If anyone has a Santa costume we could borrow, please let Mrs. Kosman or Mrs. Hillard know. Thank You!
NOTES FROM PARENTS
We require a signed note from a parent when:
• your child has been absent from school for any reason
• your child needs to leave the school for an appointment, etc.
• your child cannot participate in a specific activity
• your child cannot go outdoors during recess or lunch break
• someone other than yourself picking up your child early from school (early dismissal)
Once school has started, children who are late or who have to leave the school early MUST sign in or out at the office.
ABSENT NOTES
If your child is away for any reason, it is imperitive that an absentee note be submitted to the school indicating the reason of the absenteeism. The Ministry of Education requires a note from students who are absent. Failing to submit a note may jeopardize your funding from the government.
NOTIFICATION OF CAREGIVERS
If someone else is going to be your child(ren)’s caregiver/guardian, whether it is for one day or one week, please give this information to the school office. In the event of an emergency, it is extremely important that you notify the school if you are going to be away and someone else will be looking after your child(ren).
INSIDE SCOOP
The Inside Scoop is an informal way for the families to communicate with other families. It is a newsletter that typically goes out on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. If you need services, have an item to sell, giving away items, etc. this is the place to advertise. The Inside Scoop is prepared by Anne-Marie Palma and sent out through the School. If you need to place an advertisement in the Inside Scoop you can e-mail her at amfaron@yahoo.com Please e-mail her no later than the second Friday of each month.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
With the cold and rainy season coming, please make sure your children are appropriately dressed for the weather. Students are expected to go outside for recess in order to get some exercise and fresh air. Coats, gloves, hats and boots are recommended, depending on the weather. Please make sure your child has everything he or she needs before coming to school.
MOVIE NIGHT
Date: Friday, December 5, 2014
Time: Door opens at 6:30pm
Movie starts at 7:00pm
Fee: $3 (including movie, popcorn and drink)
Concessions are available at $0.50 each.
**Please, no outside food at movie night**
Movie: SANTA CLA– USE 2
Scott Calvin has been a humble Santa Claus for nearly ten years, but it might come to an end if he doesn’t find a Mrs. Claus.
PARENT PARTICIPATION
REMINDER: Do not forget to record all parent participation hours in the binder located in front of the office.
If you have any questions on parent participation, and/or would like to volunteer, please contact Sonja Rematore via email at srematore@gmail.com .