Hello families!

Welcome to the first full week of school! Last week was a great time of reconnecting, establishing routines, and getting to know classroom communities. 

Some highlights from this week include:

• Classroom community building activities
• Summer reflection/All about me writing and sharing
• Art projects
• Outdoor learning and PE 

A few things to know (and reminders) at this time of year – 

1. Absences – If your child is going to be absent, please make sure our office is aware. Here are some ways you can do so:
   
   1. School Messenger app
   2. Our online webform
   3. Call our office at 250-354-4139
   4. Email Laura at clerical.sne@sd8.bc.ca
2. School fees – $45 covers all expenses for your child’s school supplies. This can be paid cash, cheque, or debit in our office. Alternately (and more conveniently!) you can pay online here
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. Please review our Traffic Guidelines
   
   1. On Hendryx street – Please do NOT park in our bus zone.  Park ahead of the yellow cones.
   2. On Latimer Street – please watch for pedestrians, bikes and busses
4. Communication – Your first point of contact is your teacher. They would have emailed you information for what is the best way to contact you. Many of our teachers use Class Dojo, so please join the app so you can see what the class has been up to and communicate with your teacher quickly. You can review the District Communication Protocol here
5. Come join us for the first PAC meeting of the 2024-25 school year! Wednesday Sept. 10 from 6:30-8:00 pm in the library. Child care will be provided.
6. Volunteering  You may find that you wish to volunteer in your child’s classroom, around the school or accompany field trips throughout the year. We have several trips coming up already this September. 

If you would like to be involved in this way, you will need to submit a volunteer package and have a criminal record check completed.  Once this is on file in the office, you will be able to volunteer throughout the year. 

You can pick up a volunteer package at the office or at this link

7. Cross country running has started! You may see our whole school out running on Monday mornings for “Monday Run Day!” Cross country running practices will be on Wednesday and Friday mornings at 8am. Please have your child sign up at the office if they are interested. 

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

1. Sept. 12 – Family Engagement Session: K-12 Reporting and Core Competencies
2. Sept. 19 Planning day – NO SCHOOL for students
3. Sept. 25 – Family Engagement Session: Mental Health in Schools
4. Sept. 29 – 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! 

As you help your kids adjust with going back to school, you may find this article helpful: “Back to School: How to Promote Resilience and Set your Kids up for Success” There are some great suggestions in here such as “connect before you direct” after school, helping your child name big emotions, and debriefing with a star and a wish.

That is all for now. Have a wonderful week! 

Mrs. Snell