Hello families,

Happy Monday and welcome to November! I can’t believe how quickly the fall has flown by and here we are already planning for report cards and the winter break. The season is certainly changing, and I think many of us are enjoying this cozier, indoor season. Let’s hope the snow comes quickly so the students can enjoy the outdoor play that does not include mud!

Last week’s highlights include:

• Halloween! There was much excitement about this throughout the week. There were pumpkin carvings, pumpkin art, Halloween math and literacy, and scary stories. And of course dressing up, a costume parade, monster mash dances at lunch and class parties. Fun was had by all.  
• Big buddies continue to be very successful. It is wonderful seeing our older students work with our younger students by reading to them and working together on art and ADST projects. We also saw many previous SN students who came from Trafalgar to be our big buddies.
• Canadian studies are occurring throughout the school, especially as we begin to plan for Remembrance Day. It is great to see students engaging with penpals from other provinces, and learning about our geography and history. Big thanks to our Gr. 4/5 classes who are planning our Remembrance Day assembly coming up this week. They have been planning, learning, creating and practicing hard towards this event.

A few pieces of information/reminders for you:

1. Halloween hangover – yes this is a thing! Sometimes it takes a little while to work it’s way out. Some students may still have candy left and we are asking to keep it to a minimum for school. Teachers are requesting only one piece to be included with lunch (which will be saved for after other nutritious foods have been eaten)
2. Lost and found -  There are MANY items in the lost and found! Please come by to find out what might be yours!
3. Early Dismissal/Parent teacher interviews – Early Dismissal days are coming up next week on Nov. 15/16.  Teachers have sent out information about these days and the class showcases or meetings to occur on that day. We look forward to seeing you and sharing the learning!
4. Homestays needed! – Our SD8 International program is seeking homestay families. Hosting a student can be a very rewarding experience for both the student and your family. Please see this announcement if you are interested. To find out more about our International Program, you can visit their website: https://international.sd8.bc.ca/ 
5. Winter concert – Mark your calendars! Our winter concert will be Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 1:30pm. We are really looking forward to sharing with you the musical songs students have been learning. We would love to see many of you there.

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

1. Nov. 7 – PAC meeting
2. Nov. 10 - Remembrance Day Assembly 11am- Planned by our Gr. 4/5 students. Parents are invited!
3. Nov. 13 - Remembrance Day Holiday - No SCHOOL
4. Nov. 15/16 Early Dismissal days – Teachers will be inviting Parents in for conferences/learning updates
5. Nov. 17 – PAC movie night! Join us for a viewing of Super Mario
6. Nov. 27 – Report cards released to parents
7. Nov. 30 – Digital Media Parent workshop – Please join us at Rosemont School as our SD8 Manager of Safe schools helps parents learn about digital citizenship. See full invitation here: https://southnelson.sd8.bc.ca/events/digital-media-parent-workshop

Family learning resources:

Here are some resources to help you support the learning at home this week:

1. Nov. 8 is Indigenous Veterans Day. You can find some great resources for learning at our SD8 site here: https://www.sd8.bc.ca/blog/indigenous-veterans-day-november-8
2. Here are some other Remembrance Day videos you may want to share together as a family:
   
   1. What is Remembrance Day for Kids? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-kY_s6EjZs
   2. A Poppy is to Remember – Read Aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYVIHzqZBig

Enjoy your week,

Mrs. Snell