St. Bernadette Elementary
School Newsletter
October 12th, 2016
Highlights
• School Closures
• Peer Helper Program
• Keep Vehicles Behind the Yellow Line
October 20th – 21st Gr. 7s @ Timberline
October 26th Photo Re-takes
October 28th Pro-D Day (NO SCHOOL)
School News
SCHOOL CLOSURES
As we move into the fall and winter months, storms may become more severe causing a school closure. School closures are done because it is unsafe for families to drive to school, or it is unsafe for students to be at the school. Typically a school might be closed due to icy/unsafe road conditions, power outages, or a gas leak/unsafe environment in and around the school area.
In the event of a school closure, families will be notified in the following ways (please do not call the school to ask if school is opened or closed – we would need to keep the phone lines open in the event of an emergency)
Classroom Parent Representative – Your classroom parent rep will call/text you to inform you of the school closure. For those parents with multiple children in the school this would mean that you will be contacted by more than one parent rep. It is important that you answer your phone or reply to the text message so that the parent rep knows that you have been informed to not attend school for the day or to pick up your child early. Once all the parents have been contacted, the classroom teacher will be informed and the teacher will inform the school.
Alternate forms of communication if the school is closed
These are only done if possible and should not be relied on as a main function for finding out if school is closed or open.
Website – If possible the school will update the website with a post under news (scroll down the homepage) that will state that the school is closed.
Radio and TV – In the event of a school closure that happens before the start of school, the principal will contact CKNW 980 and NEWS 1130 along with Global TV to broadcast that the school is closed. This is typically only done if the school is closed due to unsafe driving conditions before school starts
Email – Only done if the school is closed part way through the day and the school has power. The school will issue a school wide email out to all parents. Do not respond to this email – instead please make contact with your parent rep.
Social Media – In addition to the parent rep making contact the school will attempt to update the Facebook and Twitter accounts.
PEER HELPERS
We are proud to have our Peer Helper Program up and running. The Peer Helper Program is designed to help students from Kindergarten to Gr. 3 interact appropriately and created positive experiences at recess times. The Peer Helpers are a group of grade 5-7 students who are trained to help students with problem solving, socializing, playing games, and safety on the playground.
In addition to the Peer Helper Program we have a Buddy Bench. This area is for students of all grades who may not have anyone to play with for a variety of reasons. The bench brings students together in fun activities and helps children make new friends.
We ask that you talk to your child about these programs so that they can make use of them if needed.
ALTAR SERVERS
There will be a practice on Saturday, October 15th at 11:00am in the church for anyone interested in becoming an Altar Server. This is for students in Grades 3-7. This practice is also a refresher for those who are already Altar Servers. Please make an effort to attend.
SCHOOL E-MAIL ADDRESS
We have a new e-mail address, please make note of it:
admin@stbernadette.ca
FINAL NOTICE ON PARKING LOT DROP OFF AND PICK UP
We have new lines painted in our parking lot. The solid yellow line running parallel to the school field and playground is not to be crossed by any vehicle from 7am (the start of Stingers Club) to 6pm (the end of Stingers Club). This is to ensure proper safety for our students.
Starting Next week we will no longer be putting out cones on the yellow line. Please do not cross the yellow line with your vehicle.
Reminders
PHOTO ORDERS
Individual photo orders were due today, please submit your order no later than tomorrow. If your child is going to be having re-takes please return the original package and have him/her give it to the photographer on re-take day, Wednesday, October 26th
NEW*** ON VOLUNTEER SITE
The PEC is in the works of creating a new system for recording Parent Participation Hours. The new system will be online and is designed to make the process easier for parents. This new system will be unveiled at the Meet the Teacher/Parent Information Night. Please make sure you are there.
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.
If it is raining when your child comes to school, the students are permitted to go directly into the classrooms. They must still go through their designated doors and not through the front doors. Any outdoor footwear must be removed immediately upon entering the school. Please make sure that all coats, boots, umbrellas, etc. are labeled with your child’s name.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS SOCCER CHALLENGE
The Knights of Columbus Joseph Krenn Council 8629 will be hosting their annual Soccer Challenge in the school gym on Saturday, October15th from 12:00-4:00. This is open to boys and girls ages 10-14.
Links
School Calendar
Absentee Forms
Stingers Club
St. Bernadette Elementary Catholic School
13130 65B Ave
Surrey, BC V3W 9M1
phone: (604) 596-1101
fax: (604) 596-1550
admin@stbernadette.ca
