KERRISDALE HAPPENINGS
February is a month that always reminds us of the power of connection—through kindness, community, and the everyday moments that bring our school to life. As we move into the second half of the year, I continue to be inspired by the growth, curiosity, and resilience our students show each day. This month offers wonderful opportunities for learning, celebration, and coming together as a school family, and I am grateful for the partnership we share in supporting every child. Thank you for your continued involvement, encouragement, and trust. I’m excited for all that February has in store!
February also reminds us of the importance of acceptance and supporting each person in being their authentic self. On our school website, under Announcements, you will find a document that explains the differences between Peer Conflict, Mean Behaviour, and Bullying. The vast majority of situations we see at school fall into the categories of either peer conflict or mean behaviour.
Please take a moment to read through this document (you can click the link above or visit our Kerrisdale website) and have a discussion with your child. You might talk about different scenarios—or even draw them together—and ask your child what type of behaviour they think each one represents.
Teachers will continue teaching these concepts in class, and Ms. Oli has introduced the W.I.T.S. program. You may have noticed the posters around the school. Ask your child what W.I.T.S. stands for and whether they have used it.
Lastly, to all our students, families, and staff who observe Lunar New Year, we wish you a joyful and prosperous start to the Year of the Horse. This is a time for new beginnings, family gatherings, and traditions that honour hope, good fortune, and connection. The Horse symbolizes energy, strength, and positivity—qualities that inspire us as we move into this new year together. May this season bring you and your loved one’s good health, happiness, and success.
We are really looking forward to the celebrations and activities that the PAC will be providing for our school on February 27th, as well. Thank you to the committee for all you are doing! If you would like to know more or are interested in volunteering, please visit the Kerrisdale PAC website.
Gong Xi Fa Cai • Gong Hey Fat Choy • Chúc Mừng Năm Mới • 새해 복 많이 받으세요
Wishing everyone a wonderful Lunar New Year!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Thursday, February 5 – Student Council Hot Chocolate Sale – buy your Hot Chocolate outside the school at 8:30 am and support our local food bank.
Friday, February 13 is a Professional Development Day – there is no school for students (staff will be engaging in their own Professional Development.
Monday, February 16 is Family Day – School will be closed as this is a statutory holiday in BC.
Wednesday, February 25th is Pink Shirt Day. There are activities our teachers will be doing in class, and we will have a school wide assembly on diversity and inclusion. Our PAC is also selling Pink Shirts on their Spirit Wear site.
SCIENCE FAIR
CRÊPE ATELIER
A huge thank‑you to Stéphane Gallien from Le Petit Atelier and his wonderful assistants, who helped Kerrisdale students and staff make over 500 crêpes! This hands‑on experience was a delicious way to continue our school‑wide celebration of French-Canadian culture. Special thank you goes to all the parents and grandparents that helped out. We really appreciate you!
Our learning will continue later this month with our Voyageur Festival. Students will explore how, in the 18th and 19th centuries, French and later French‑Canadian voyageurs—and many others—transported furs by canoe during the height of the North American fur trade. As part of this learning, students will also discover how the Métis Nation emerged through the blending of First Nations and European (primarily French and Scottish) cultures.
We will highlight the important role the Michif language and the French language play in Métis identity today, as well as the Métis Nation’s ongoing contributions to the cultural fabric of Canada. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of Métis history, culture, and the vitality of Métis communities today.
DRESS FOR THE WEATHER
It continues to be cold and rainy, and we’re noticing that many students are coming to school without proper rain gear or appropriate shoes. Having a warm jacket, boots, and rainwear helps keep students comfortable and ready to learn.
Please also ensure your child has a change of clothes at school. Muddy fields and wet weather mean accidents and spills happen often, and an extra set of clothes makes the day much easier for everyone.
Thank you for helping keep our students warm, dry, and ready for a great day of learning!
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
February is Black History Month, a meaningful time in Canada to honour the legacy, achievements, and resilience of Black communities whose contributions have strengthened and shaped our country for generations. From early Black settlers to influential leaders in civil rights, education, public service, arts, and culture, Black excellence is deeply woven into Canada’s story.
In our school community, this month offers an important opportunity to deepen students’ understanding of these histories and to recognize the many ways Black Canadians continue to enrich our society. As educators, we are committed to creating learning environments that acknowledge diverse experiences, actively address bias, and ensure every student feels seen, valued, and represented.
Throughout February, students will engage with stories, discussions, and classroom activities that highlight Black voices, past and present. We encourage you to continue these conversations at home, as shared learning helps reinforce empathy, awareness, and respect. Gov’t of Canada website has a number of resources and videos that you might be interested in.
Thank you for your partnership in supporting an inclusive and welcoming school community.
THANK YOU FOR FOLLOWING TRAFFIC SAFETY RULES!
Thank you to all the families who are following traffic rules, using the crosswalks, and dropping students off in the designated areas. Your efforts truly help keep our students safe.
We do still notice some cars making U‑turns in front of the school and some students crossing between parked vehicles. These actions are not only unsafe but also against traffic laws. With the dark, rainy weather, the risk is even higher.
Please help us model safe habits for all students by following the traffic guidelines. Taking a moment to drive around the block and using the crosswalk keeps everyone safe. Thank you for helping us keep our school community protected.
SAVE THE DATE
For our grade 7 families, our school run Grade 7 Leaving Ceremony will be on Thursday, June 18 at 5:00 pm. There are other activities and events that will be happening that we will let you know about closer to the time. Thank you to our Grade 7 parent committees who are behind the scenes busy planning. The students are loving their hoodies!
LOST & FOUND
We collected over three huge garbage bags of clothing that was not labelled so we donated it to a school on the east side. If you label your child’s clothing and lunch containers etc, then we can return it to them. We always check before donating anything.
Our Lost & Found is located outside the gym by the South stairs. Please check it if your child is missing anything
KERRISDALE PAC NEWS
Make sure you stay up to date on all that is happening with Kerrisdale PAC. Please visit their website for all the news and to sign up for their fabulous revamped newsletter! It includes important information about their upcoming events like Movie Night, Hot Lunch, Spirit Wear and Lunar New Year Celebrations.