GORDON HAPPENINGS
Students and staff have settled into their learning routines, and there’s a wonderful buzz in the hallways. Thank you for participating in our goal-setting conferences. We hope that you found them informative. Our first written learning update will go home on December 16, 2024. You can find more information on our school website by clicking HERE.
Please note our next Professional Development Day is on Friday, November 22, 2024. There will be no school for students.
I would also like to extend my gratitude to the teachers who led our Cross-Country teams for both primary and intermediate students. Special thanks to Mr. Patrick, Ms. Sinclair, Cindy, and the other staff and parents who assisted. Our students demonstrated their Gordon spirit with outstanding sportsmanship and athleticism and boy did they look stylish in our new Gordon uniforms! Additionally, congratulations to our Gordon senior soccer team for securing FIRST place in the City’s. Thank you to Ms. McPherson and the team for an excellent season!
As we know, Vancouver weather can change rapidly, and rain is a common occurrence on the West Coast. Our teachers embrace the outdoors and conduct many lessons outside, regardless of the weather. Please ensure your child has appropriate rain gear when needed. Recess and lunch will also be held outdoors unless the weather is severe and poses a safety risk.
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 2020 begins on November 1st.
All kindergarten applicants who were born in Canada are required to apply 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, 2024. 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 take place on Friday, November 8. For our new families to Canada, this day is dedicated to honouring those who sacrificed their lives in service to our country. We acknowledge that this topic may be sensitive for some families. Please reach out if your family needs support.
This ceremony involves the entire school, with students participating as presenters, audience members, and artists creating work for the event. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate family members in the gym due to space limitations and fire regulations. Students who are part of Guides, Scouts, or Cadets are encouraged to wear their uniforms on this day.
We will be collecting donations for the Poppy Fund, which will be directed to our local Legion. Families can contribute through SchoolCash Online starting November 1. Please note that there will be no school on Monday, November 11, in observance 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 7 in the afternoon.
STUDENT COUNCIL
A special thank you to Ms. Ubeda and our class representatives for their fantastic efforts in fostering school spirit and launching great initiatives. Our first Gordon Spirit Day, Wacky Hat and Hair Day, will be on Wednesday, November 13. Students are encouraged to showcase their creative hairstyles or decorate a hat to wear on this day.
LOST & FOUND
Even though we are only into the third 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 week. 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 field trips and sporting events. To safeguard the District, employees, parents, and students in matters of liability, the District seeks 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 and a copy of their vehicle insurance showing that the vehicle has a minimum $1,000,000 Third Party Liability Insurance.
GORDON PAC
Our PAC warmly welcomes all parents and guardians. When you register your child at our school, you automatically become a PAC member. The PAC plays an advisory role, consulting with school staff and administration on various school policies, programs, and activities. They also run initiatives like the Hot Lunch program- a fundraiser offering pre-ordered meals. Additionally, they host community events such as the Family Neon Dance Night and Spring Fling, providing numerous opportunities for parents and caregivers to engage with the school community. The PAC supports our classrooms, library, fine arts program, and much more.
For more information, please visit their website at gordonpac.com or contact them via email at PACgeneralgordon@gmail.com. We strongly encourage you to sign up for the PAC newsletter so you can stay informed, attend PAC meetings and volunteer for school and PAC events when you can. We really appreciate your help!