GORDON HAPPENINGS
Students and staff have settled into learning and there is a great buzz in the hallways. Thank you for your participation in our goal setting conferences. Staff look forward to continuing this collaborative relationship with families as part of our continuing Communication of Student Learning (CSL). The Ministry of Education and Child Care has implemented a new reporting order however, the VSB has been piloting these changes for the past few years now. The fundamental differences you will see are moving back to three formal written reports (two informative reports and one summative report) as well as the proficiency scale language has changed. You can find more information by clicking HERE or visiting the BC Curriculum website. I will also be presenting at our next PAC meeting on Tuesday, November 28.
I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank the teachers who ran our two Cross Country teams for both primary and intermediate students. Mr. Patrick, Mr. Bruchet, and Cindy, who ran the intermediate team, and Ms. Sinclair and Ms. Stamp who ran the primary team as well as other staff members and parents who helped out. Students showed their Gordon spirit by participating with great sportsmanship and athleticism. I also want to congratulate our school soccer team who came third in the City’s. Thank you to Ms. McPherson and the team for a great season!
HALLOWE’EN
We know that many of our students may choose to dress up on Tuesday, October 31. We will be having a school-wide parade outside, (if the weather cooperates) at 9:15 am and parents are welcome to come watch. I kindly ask that you leave your dogs at home. It is already a very exciting time and the added energy can be overwhelming for animals.
Here are a few guidelines:
- Our Health and Safety protocols are still in place so please make sure it is easy for students to wash their hands. Students must also be wearing costume masks that they can easily see and breathe through, especially if they have chosen to wear a medical mask as well.
- Please ensure student’s costumes are culturally sensitive. We do not want to inadvertently mimic culture by culturally appropriating racial or ethnic groups. Teachers will be discussing this important topic in class but this YouTube video is one resource that parents can share with their children. I have also posted a document online that also explains why Culture is not a Costume. Here are some Tips and Tricks for Halloween Safety.
- Please no weapons, scary costumes (e.g., with fake blood) or sharing of face paint or other accessories.
- Students WILL be going outside at recess and lunch.
- Please look for an email from your child’s classroom teacher regarding any other Hallowe’en activities or parties which include food. We are required to only have store bought, prepackaged food at school and it needs to be nut free.
DRESS FOR THE WEATHER
Our Vancouver weather can change overnight and rain is a part of living on the West Coast. Our teachers love the outdoors and do a lot of teaching outside in all kinds of weather. Please ensure your child has rain gear when necessary. Recess and lunch time will also be outdoors unless the weather is very poor and poses a risk to student safety. If families would like some assistance with raincoats, muddy buddies or boots please contact your child’s teacher or Ms. Steele in the office and we can help.
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
Kindergarten registration for children born in 2018 begins on November 1st.
All 
kindergarten applicants who were born in Canada are required to submit an application to their English catchment elementary school. This includes families who wish to apply for choice programs (French Immersion, Montessori, etc.) and/or a cross boundary placement. The priority registration period for Kindergarten opens on November 1st and closes January 31st. Students who submit an application within this priority period will be accommodated before late applicants.
Please note: Students born outside Canada must first register at the Newcomer Welcome Centre (NWC). Please see the NWC website for more specific information about registration procedures.
Applying for Kindergarten is a 2-Step Process:
Step 1: First, register your child online at https://vsbapplynow.vsb.bc.ca/. The online tool automatically locates the English catchment school based on a family’s primary home address.
Step 2: Once information is submitted online, families need to complete the application process with a visit to their neighbourhood catchment school with their child and the required documents before January 31, 2023. If your neighbourhood school is Gordon Elementary, then please call the school office at 604-713-5403 Ext 2 to make an appointment to verify your supporting documentation.
Supporting Documents Needed:
The following original documents must be presented to complete your application:
- Proof of British Columbia residency
- The original birth certificate of the child
- Applicable Immigration/Citizenship/Permanent Resident Documentation
- Immunization Records if available
[Note: Some schools may request additional identification as proof of residency.]
If you wish to apply for a Kindergarten Choice program, you must first apply to your English catchment elementary school.
For more information, please visit the VSB website using the link below:
www.vsb.bc.ca/page/5195/priority-kindergarten-registration
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Our school wide Remembrance Day Ceremony will be on Friday, November 10. For our new families to Canada, this is a day that we honour those that gave their lives to serve our country. We would like to recognize though, that the topic might be triggering to some of our families. Please reach out if you feel your family needs support. This is a ceremony that the whole school participates in as presenters, audience members and by creating art work for the school. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate family members when the whole school is in the gym. If any students are part of Guides, Scouts or Cadets, they are welcome to wear their uniform on this day. The school will be collecting money for the Poppy Fund which will go directly to our neighbourhood Legion. Families can make a donation through SchoolCash Online starting on November 1. Monday, November 13 there is no school in lieu of Remembrance Day.
PHOTO RETAKE DAY
If you would like your child to have their photo redone, they can bring the photo card with them on photo day and ask for a free retake. Any student who missed the original photo date will have their photo taken on Wednesday, November 8. Please click here for more information. Please note that the last day to order photos is Wednesday, November 15 if you would like the photos delivered directly to the school.
LOST & FOUND
Even though we are only into the second month of school we already have many lost items of clothing and containers including a number of coats and sweaters. Please come into the school on the main floor (outside the gym) and have a look and claim any items that might belong to your child. We are going to donate any left over items by the end of THIS month. It is also a good reminder to label your child’s clothing so it is easier for us to return any items. Thank you!
VOLUNTEER DRIVERS
The District recognizes the occasional need for transporting students in privately-owned vehicles for fieldtrips and sporting events. To safeguard the District, employees, parents, and students in matters of liability, the District seek confirmation of excess third-party liability insurance for teachers, parents, officers of the District or volunteers while transporting students in their own vehicles in the course of a school-related activity, provided such use is authorized by the District.
Click HERE for the fillable pdf form that parents, guardians or volunteers must fill out and return to the office before transporting any student in their vehicle for school sanctioned events. The driver must also submit a photocopy of their driver’s license. You can also find this form and more information on our school website under Announcements/ Volunteer Drivers.
IN OUR COMMUNITY
