
December 2nd, 2015
Highlights
- Christmas Concert
- Grade 6 Chalice
- PEC Newsletter

- December 4 Advent school mass hosted by Grade 5
- December 4 Report Cards go home
- December 10 Lights of Hope Celebration and School Christmas Concert
- December 11 School Mass (4)

VIRTUE OF THE MONTH
The virtue of the month for December is charity. The virtue of charity is interchangeable with love. We see this quite a bit in church teaching and throughout scripture. St. Paul says “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling symbol”. Our acts of charity are what bring us closest to God. God has made us in his image and that image is charity (love). Thought this month we encourage students to show charity and love in all situations in order to be closer to God and help fulfill his mission for us – to enter into his kingdom.
CLASSROOM PARENT REP
The school frequently assesses the overall safety in the school and makes changes or modifications to improve or enhance current systems and/or practices. Recently we have improved our Earthquake system and have made changes to how we conduct drills.
To improve student safety and to enhance communication between the school and parents, we are implementing a new system for parents to be contacted quickly and efficiently if children need to be sent home due to an emergency, problem on or in the school area, or if there is a power outage. We will be asking for two parents to be classroom representatives per class. A good candidate should be easily contacted and have the flexibility to call parents when an issue arises. The class reps are responsible for:
1. Organizing, implementing and initiating a phone tree for all parents in their class.
2. Working with the teacher to help communicate to parents not only about emergencies, but classroom items that are ineffectively communicated through letters and email (for example not enough drivers the day before or a driver is sick for a field trip).
3. Help support school and classroom initiatives that require parent support (for example reminders or clarification around certain events)
As this is a new position in the school we will continue to evaluate and make adjustments. Parent Participation hours will be given to the classroom reps.
If this interests you and you feel that you fit the criteria for the position, please contact Mr. van der Pauw at principal@stbernadette.ca
We hope to have this new system in place by the new year.
GRADE SIX CHALICE
On Tuesday, Dec. 8th & Wednesday, Dec. 9th the Grade Six class will be selling gently used household items, candles, games and toys. Items are priced between .50 and $5.00. This is a great opportunity for students to purchase gifts for family members. The money will be donated Chalice. We are asking for all school families to donate & participate in this very special fundraiser. Please drop off items to the Grade 6 classroom as soon as possible.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT & LIGHTS OF HOPE
This year’s Christmas Concert will be held on Thursday, December 10th, starting with refreshments Refreshments in the Parish Hall at 5:30pm then the Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:00pm and then the Christmas Concert at 6:30pm in the Church. More information to follow in regards to the times that children are to arrive at the school. 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.
LOST & FOUND
There are quite a few items in the Lost & Found. Please ensure that all uniform items & outerwear are clearly marked with the student’s name on it. There is also quite a collection of water bottles. Items that have not been claimed by the end of next week will be donated to charity.
Read more here.
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.
PARENT SURVEY
From time to time the PEC collects feedback from parents to help assess the needs and direction of the school. This is done in a variety of ways: surveys, AGMs, Parent Info Night, etc. The PEC is putting out a short survey that they would like every parent to fill out. It should not take any more than 5 mins to fill out. Please click here to be taken to the survey.
Thank you for your cooperation and support.
SCHOOL CLOSURE
In the event of weather conditions, or unforeseen circumstances the principal will decide whether or not the school will be open on that day. Notice of school closures will be announced on CKNW 980 on the AM dial and posted on the school website when possible. Please do not call the school; it is important that we keep all lines free in case of an emergency.
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.
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).
LIGHTS OF HOPE FUNDRAISER
Lights of Hope Fundraiser November 2nd – December 4th, 2015 Message from the Principal Dear Parents, I am very excited to be involved in this year’s Lights of Hope Fundraiser. Any fundraiser or event that combines prayer, spiritual reflection and growth, with the coming together of a community is a privilege like no other. The Lights of Hope Fundraiser is … Read more.
St. Bernadette Elementary Catholic School
13130 65B Ave
Surrey, BC V3W 9M1
phone: (604) 596-1101
fax: (604) 596-1550
stbernadette@telus.net