Hello families,

Happy Monday! Welcome to a new week of learning ahead of us. We are heading very quickly into wrapping up October. I hope you and your family are enjoying these waning days of fall.

Last week’s highlights include:

• We began practicing our emergency drills with a hold and secure and earthquake drill.
• Gr. 4/5’s wrapped up biome projects and continued work on the rock cycle.
• We welcomed Indigenous story teller, Dan Nanamkin. He and his dogs were a highlight of the week. He was very engaging and brought many puppets and props to tell his stories.
• Gr. 2/3’s started writing to their penpals at Beach Grove Elementary in Delta, BC. They also wrote a story called the “ABC’s of Nelson”. Way to go using literacy skills for real life writing!
• Outdoor learning continues for many of our classes. They are using some of the natural items they collect for art projects.

A few pieces of information/reminders for you:

1. Dress for the weather – The weather is certainly changing now. Please ensure your child(ren) come to school with appropriate outwear. Classes spend a lot of time outdoors. It is always a good idea to include some extra clothes in the backpack in case students get wet or muddy.
2. Lost and found -  There are also many items in the lost and found. Please come by to find out what might be yours!
3. Halloween is coming! This will be a fun day for all and it is always exciting to see the fun costumes. As you discuss and plan your child’s costume, please keep these expectations in mind: https://southnelson.sd8.bc.ca/blog/halloween-expectations-0  
4. See our announcements page for information on:
   

   1. SNES PAC Grocery Cards fundraiser (A friendly reminder to purchase your grocery cards on munchalunch. The sale will be open till the end of the day. Pick up details to follow, the cards can go home with your children if needed.)

   2. Purdy’s chocolate orders
   3. PAC Coffee Social
5. Early Dismissal/Parent teacher interviews – Early Dismissal days are coming up on Nov. 15/16. Often this is a time for parents to come in and meet with teachers. However, over the next few weeks you may expect to be invited by your teacher to come in for learning update either prior to or on these days. Parent connection is important to us as we consider you a partner in your child’s learning. Please mark your calendar for a time that works for you, and reach out to your teacher to set something up.
6. Passenger unloading zone – Just a reminder that the passenger unloading zone on Hendryx street is for unloading only. If you need to park and walk with your child(ren) please use another location. As we need to keep the bus zone free for buses it helps everyone if we can keep the loading zone moving to free up spaces for drop offs. Thank you!

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

1. Oct. 25 – Last day for Cross country running practice (8am)
2. Oct. 26 – 6-7pm (zoom) Online parent engagement night “Mental Health in Schools” (https://www.sd8.bc.ca/events/online-parent-engagement-session-2)
3. Oct. 31 – Halloween celebrations and Monster Mash dances at recess and lunch (more info to come!)
4. Nov. 10 - Remembrance Day Assembly - Parents are invited!
5. Nov. 13 - Remembrance Day Holiday - No SCHOOL

Family learning resources:

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

1. Want some fun Halloween themed learning activities for kids this week? Check out some of these ideas that are good for kids of all ages: https://www.parents.com/holiday/halloween/games/halloween-activities-for-kids-you-can-do-at-home/
2. Concerned about trick-or-treating this year? Here are some great suggestions for how to celebrate Halloween together as a family without the trick or treating: https://www.parents.com/halloween-ideas-that-aren-t-trick-or-treating-8347013

That’s it for today!

Enjoy your week,

Mrs. Snell