Hello Families,

Happy Tuesday! I trust you had a good family day long weekend. It is wonderful at this time of year to have an extra few days off to intentionally spend time with our families. I hope you found some fun ways to enjoy each other together.

See below for this week’s update.

Have a great week!

Last week’s highlights include:

• Valentine’s Day! What a fun day! There were so many fun times of students handing out cards and small gifts to their classmates and staff. There was joy in the giving. One of our kindergarten students told me they “wish it could be Valentine’s Day every day!”. What a beautiful reminder that we can really practice the act of giving and friendship each and every day.
• Pink Shirt day activities and learning – Valentine’s Day leads very well into Pink Shirt day, as we focus on anti-bullying and kindness. Several of our classes are preparing for our Pink Shirt day assembly by learning songs.
• Outdoor learning and neighbourhood adventures
• Activities continue with our big buddies, either from within the school or with Trafalgar

A few pieces of information/reminders for you:

1. Lost and Found – We have a LOT of items in lost and found! If you have a moment to drop by and look through, please come and take what belongs to your child(ren). We’d like to have this cleaned up by spring break, at which time we will be donating what is left.
2. Parking for pick up/drop off – Just a reminder that our bus lanes on Hendryx street need to be kept clear. Please park in front of the “no-parking” signs for pick up and drop off. Additionally, please do not park or block the intersections or stop signs when dropping off, as this creates a safety hazard.
3. Enrolment for next year – Yes! We are already starting to plan for next year. If you know you will be moving away and your child will not be at South Nelson next, year, please let me know. This will help us anticipate our numbers and begin to build classes.
4. Kindergarten enrolment – Do you have a kindergarten aged child or know someone who does? Kindergarten enrolment is now open, so please get your registrations in a soon as possible. Spread the word! Again, the earlier we have these registrations in the better, as this helps us plan for next year. You can find registration information at this link: https://southnelson.sd8.bc.ca/registration-transfers
5. Play in the K – We have an exciting transition program coming up for our incoming K’s. Our next year’s Ks will have the opportunity to come and visit our K class a couple times before the end of the year to get used to the classroom, meet the teacher, and have a morning of play. See our calendar event for more information. Pass the word!

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

1. Feb. 21 – 100th Day of school
2. Feb. 22 – District Online Parent Engagement Session: K-3 Numeracy
3. Feb. 23 – Winter activities (WH20, TaeKwonDo)
4. Feb. 28 – Pink Shirt Day (1:30pm assembly – parents welcome!)
5. March 1 - Winter activities (WH20, TaeKwonDo)
6. March 1 – Family movie night **Please note date correction
7. March 6 – Shayna Jones presentation 1-2pm (parents welcome!)
8. March 8 – Learning updates issued
9. March 8 - Play in the K (for next year’s new K students)
10. March 8 – Gr. ½ TaeKwonDo showcase
11. March 16-April 1 – Spring Break/Easter

Family learning resources:

Pink Shirt day is next week. You may want to talk with your child about the day with them.

Here is a video you can watch together about the origins of Pink Shirt Day and the importance of learning about anti-bullying:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBrFXwZbEY8

You can visit the BC ERASE website for information about bullying. There is some really great information for parents that you can share with your child: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/erase/bullying

Have a great week,

Mrs. Snell