Hello families, 

Welcome back from the weekend! I hope you enjoyed the beautiful waning summer weather (despite the rain on Saturday!) and being together as a family. Last week was a great week of learning as classrooms built classroom culture, learned about each other and got settled into their learning routines. 

Some highlights include:

• Our Kindies started their gradual entry and we look forward them being here full time this week
• Several of our classes started their outdoor programming already! They were already out in the school yard and on neighbourhood walking tours exploring the local environment
• Kokanee Creek environmental studies have begun! Throughout this month most of our classes will be heading to the Kokanee Creek visitors center to learn about the life cycles of the Kokanee Salmon. Our Gr. ¾ went out last week and came back with some great learning. 
• Buddy classes have started! It’s great to see some of our older students growing into their role as helpers to the little ones. 
• Many back to school art projects are being completed and on display throughout the school.
• Student council began and our fall team has some great events planned and coming up!
• The Terry Fox Run was a great success! You can see the blog post here You can still donate this week at this link. We have reached $175 of our $500 goal. Thanks to everyone who has already donated!

Coming up….

• Cross country running is starting this week! All classes have the option to participate in a general school wide run first thing in the mornings on Mondays and Wednesdays. Tuesday mornings there will be running practices for students interested in being on the Cross Country running team. Meet Mrs. Douglas at 7:50am on the top field.
• Kindies will be here full time this week! Encourage your child to watch out for them, welcome them and invite them to play if they see them on the playground. 

A few reminders for you:

1. School fees –Thanks to everyone who has already paid their school fees of $40. If you haven’t, please do as soon as you can. This can be paid cash, cheque, or debit in our office. Alternately (and more conveniently!) you can pay online here: https://southnelson.sd8.bc.ca/pay. If you need some support with this, please contact me directly.
2. Volunteer packages – Thanks to so many of you who have already submitted volunteer applications. If you have not already done so, you can come by the office to pick one up or access it online here: https://www.sd8.bc.ca/sites/default/files/documents/2023-07/AP%20Appendix%202303%20-%20%20School%20Volunteer%20Package%20Form_0.pdf
3. Traffic – Traffic around the school in the morning is quite dense. Thank you for being watchful as you drop and pick up your children from school.
   
   1. On Hendryx street – please watch for busses and park closer to Latimer after the yellow cones.
   2. On Latimer – please watch for pedestrians, bikes and busses

Some upcoming dates (you can also find these posted on our calendar: https://southnelson.sd8.bc.ca/events/calendar)

1. Sept. 17 – PAC meeting 6:30-8pm (childcare provided)
2. Sept. 20 Planning day – NO SCHOOL for students
3. Sept. 26 – Family Engagement Webinar  - Digital Trends 
4. Sept. 27 – Truth and Reconciliation assembly (9:30am) – Parents are welcome to join us!
5. Sept. 30 – Truth and Reconciliation stat holiday – NO SCHOOL

Finally, some family learning! 

We are now well into the swing of school. One thing that can be a challenge to get used to is packing your child’s lunch. It can be tricky for children to get used to eating at a scheduled time, and eat what is provided. 

Get them involved in their own lunch making! Have conversations about healthy eating and how to build a good lunch. Then provide them the options to include in their lunch kits. 

Here is a blog post with some ideas and food lists that will help get you started: https://www.modernhoney.com/back-to-school-kids-lunch-ideas/

I hope that helps! Make sure to pack a little extra as kids are using a lot of energy each day!

That’s it for now. Have a wonderful week and don’t forget – no school on Friday!

Mrs. Snell