{"id":779,"date":"2023-10-30T10:44:28","date_gmt":"2023-10-30T17:44:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vsb.bc.ca\/gordon\/?p=779"},"modified":"2023-10-30T10:44:28","modified_gmt":"2023-10-30T17:44:28","slug":"november-newsletter-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vsb.bc.ca\/gordon\/2023\/10\/30\/november-newsletter-3\/","title":{"rendered":"November Newsletter"},"content":{"rendered":"
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GORDON HAPPENINGS<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

Students and staff have settled into learning and there is a great buzz in the hallways.\u00a0 Thank you for your participation in our goal setting conferences.\u00a0 Staff look forward to continuing this collaborative relationship with families as part of our continuing Communication of Student Learning<\/em> (CSL).\u00a0 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 <\/a><\/span>or visiting the BC Curriculum website<\/a><\/span>. I will also be presenting at our next PAC meeting on Tuesday, November 28.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 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!<\/p>\n

HALLOWE\u2019EN<\/strong><\/span>\"\"<\/h2>\n

We know that many of our students may choose to dress up on\u00a0Tuesday, October 31<\/strong>. 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<\/strong>. It is already a very exciting time and the added energy can be overwhelming for animals.<\/p>\n

Here are a few guidelines:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  1. 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.<\/li>\n
  2. Please ensure student\u2019s costumes are culturally sensitive.\u00a0 We do not want to inadvertently mimic culture by culturally appropriating racial or ethnic groups.\u00a0 Teachers will be discussing this important topic in class but this\u00a0YouTube<\/em>\u00a0video<\/a><\/strong><\/em> <\/span>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<\/a><\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Here are some Tips and Tricks for Halloween Safety<\/a><\/strong><\/span>.<\/li>\n
  3. Please no weapons, scary costumes (e.g., with fake blood) or sharing of face paint or other accessories.<\/li>\n
  4. Students WILL be going outside at recess and lunch.<\/li>\n
  5. Please look for an email from your child\u2019s classroom teacher regarding any other Hallowe\u2019en 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<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    DRESS FOR THE WEATHER<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

    \"\"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.\u00a0 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\u2019s teacher or Ms. Steele in the office and we can help.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

    Kindergarten registration for children born in 2018 begins on November 1st<\/sup>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    All\u00a0\"\"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.\u00a0 The priority registration period for Kindergarten opens on\u00a0November 1st<\/sup>\u00a0and closes January 31st<\/sup><\/strong>. Students who submit an application within this priority period will be accommodated\u00a0before<\/u>\u00a0late applicants.<\/p>\n

    Please note:<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0Students born outside Canada must first register at the Newcomer Welcome Centre (NWC). \u00a0Please see the\u00a0NWC website<\/a><\/strong><\/em>\u00a0for more specific information about registration procedures.<\/p>\n

    Applying for Kindergarten is a<\/strong>\u00a02-Step Process<\/u><\/strong>:<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    Step 1:<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0First, register your child\u00a0online at\u00a0https:\/\/vsbapplynow.vsb.bc.ca\/<\/a><\/strong><\/span>. The online\u00a0tool automatically locates the English catchment school based on a family\u2019s primary home address.<\/p>\n

    Step 2:<\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>Once information is submitted online, families need to complete the application process with a visit to their neighbourhood catchment\u00a0school with their child and the required documents before\u00a0January 31, 2023<\/strong>.\u00a0 If your neighbourhood school is Gordon Elementary, then please call the school office at 604-713-5403 Ext 2<\/strong>\u00a0to make an appointment to verify your supporting documentation.<\/p>\n

    Supporting Documents Needed:<\/u><\/b><\/p>\n

    The following original documents must be presented to complete your application:<\/p>\n