KERRISDALE HAPPENINGS

October is a vibrant time at school, filled with learning, leadership, and community spirit. As students settle into their routines, we’re proud to see so many stepping up to take on meaningful roles—from our dedicated safety patrol ensuring everyone’s well-being, to student council members representing their peers with thoughtfulness and enthusiasm. Our library monitors help keep our learning spaces organized and welcoming, while clubs and activities offer students exciting opportunities to explore interests, build friendships, and grow as leaders. We’re grateful for the support of our families and look forward to a month of continued growth, connection, and celebration.

We are excited to be starting our extra-curricular sports programs with our Cross Country team and our Soccer teams. Thank you to our staff coaches and parent volunteers. Volleyball is just around the corner as well. Good luck in your seasons!

Thanksgiving Day – Monday, October 13 – school is not in session

Professional Development Day – Friday, October 24 – school is not in session for students

COLD & FLU SEASON

As cold and flu season begins, we’d like to remind families of the health and safety protocols we have in place to help keep our school community well. Handwashing remains a regular part of our daily routine for all students. We continue to be a mask-friendly school, where both staff and students are welcome to choose whether or not to wear a mask. We sincerely thank families for keeping children at home when they are feeling unwell. If a student develops symptoms during the school day, we will contact home and ask that a family member come to pick them up.

Some resources can be found through the following websites:

The VSB Health and Safety collaborates with Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (VCHA) staff and medical health officers to manage communicable diseases efficiently.

The District’s Communicable Disease Prevention Plan (V12-Jun. 13, 2024) aligns with the latest Ministry of Education and Child Care and BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) guidelines.

On Friday, we conducted our school’s first fire drill of the year. We’ll have several more throughout the year, including earthquake and lockdown drills, which are essential for reviewing and practicing our safety and preparedness procedures. This is also a great reminder to discuss and plan for emergencies at home. Do you have an escape route and a designated meeting spot in case of a fire? Is your earthquake kit and supplies ready? Our first earthquake drill is on Thursday, October 17, as part of the Great BC Shake Out. There are many excellent online resources available to help your family ensure you are well-prepared.

GOAL SETTING CONFERENCES

We look forward to seeing you at our Goal Setting Conferences on Wednesday, Oct. 15 & Thursday, Oct. 16.   Reminder that it is early dismissal on these days.  Students are to be picked up at 2:00 PM.  You will be receiving an email from your child’s classroom teacher explaining how to sign up for these conferences.

NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

We hope that families take the opportunity on September 30th to reflect on what you can do to acknowledge and work towards Truth and Reconciliation while honouring the lives lost to residential schools in Canada.  Huge thank you to Mme Larose and her students for leading us in an assembly on Friday and for all the students, staff and parents for wearing orange. We will continue this work daily at Kerrisdale as this is not just one day of remembrance but every day as we are working towards Truth and Reconciliation.

TERRY FOX RUN

In the lead-up to this day, our students have engaged in meaningful activities including class-wide discussions, storytelling, video reflections, school-wide announcements, and fundraising efforts for cancer research. We realize some were disappointed that our run was cancelled but classes will still be participating in a run, some with their buddy classes. These moments have allowed students to connect deeply with Terry’s journey, his courage, and the impact he continues to have on generations of Canadians. We really appreciate all the families who have donated to Terry Fox this year. We raised a total of $1190!

DIVERSITY

October is arriving already this week, and with it comes a powerful opportunity to reflect on social justice and celebrate the many communities that shape our country.

Throughout October, Canadians observe several heritage and inclusion months. Canadian Islamic History Month highlights the contributions of Muslim Canadians to our society, from science and art to civic leadership. Community Inclusion Month reminds us of the importance of creating spaces where people of all abilities feel valued and included. German Heritage Month celebrates the cultural traditions and historical impact of German Canadians. Latinx Heritage Month honours the vibrant cultures, histories, and achievements of Latin American communities across the country. 2SLGBTQIA+ History Month recognizes the resilience and rights of queer and trans communities, with National Coming Out Day on October 11 offering a moment to support those who choose to share their identity. Women’s History Month celebrates the achievements of women throughout Canadian history and encourages continued advocacy for gender equity.

October 1 marked National Seniors Day, a time to appreciate the wisdom and contributions of older adults. That evening, people of Jewish faith began observing Yom Kippur, a day dedicated to reflection and renewal. On October 2, many Hindu families celebrated Dussehra, a festival symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Sikh communities will mark the Installation of the Guru Granth Sahib on October 20, commemorating the day the scripture was established as the eternal Guru. That same day, Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas will be celebrated, bringing light, joy, and spiritual reflection to Hindu and Sikh homes.

October also includes important days of awareness and advocacy. World Mental Health Day on October 10 reminds us to care for our emotional well-being and support others with compassion. October 11 is the International Day of the Girl, a time to uplift the voices and rights of girls around the world. Persons Day on October 18 commemorates the historic legal recognition of women as “persons” in Canada, a milestone in the fight for equality.

As we move through October, let’s take time to learn from one another, honour our differences, and build a school community rooted in respect, inclusion, and understanding.

INDIVIDUAL PICTURE DAY

Individual photo day is on Friday, October 17 and retakes will be taken on Friday, November 14.  We will be using Edge Imaging again this year.  All orders are done online and delivered to the school if ordered within the time frame.  More information will be communicated home shortly.

LIBRARY

Library Parent Volunteers Needed!

If you are looking for an opportunity to volunteer at Kerrisdale, our librarian is looking for 2 parent volunteers that can do weekly shifts on Wednesdays from 1-3 pm. If you are interested, please email Mme. Bonilla at abonillagomez@vsb.bc.ca

Thank you for helping our library to run smoothly!

REGULAR CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATION CLINIC

Our school immunization clinic is on Tuesday, November 25. Families will receive a letter from our school nurse indicating if your child needs their regular childhood immunizations as well as a permission form closer to the date. Please make sure that this form is returned to the school office before the clinic date.

HEALTHY SNACKS & LUNCHES

At school, we’re working hard to help students build healthy habits, and a big part of that includes learning about nutrition and making safe choices. One important reminder we would like you to talk to your child about is snack trading. While it may seem harmless, trading food can pose serious risks—especially for students with allergies, where even a small bite of the wrong item can lead to a severe reaction. Additionally, families pack lunches and snacks with care to meet their child’s specific needs, and trading can result in children eating something that isn’t right for them. It can also unintentionally lead to hurt feelings or conflicts if some students feel left out or if their food isn’t accepted by others. We appreciate your support in helping us create a safe and inclusive environment for all students.

We understand that families may experience different financial circumstances at various times, even here in Kerrisdale. That’s why we want to remind you that our school participates in the District Hot Lunch Program, which provides meals for students who may need support. If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Vice-Principal, M. Oli. Additionally, our PAC-run Hot Lunch Program continues to be a major fundraiser for the school, and we’re incredibly grateful to all the families who take part and support our community through this initiative.

SCHOOL SAFETY PATROL

Our student safety patrol is an essential part of our school community, working diligently each day to ensure the safety of everyone on and around school grounds. These students take on a leadership role with pride, helping their peers cross the street safely, guiding younger students, and promoting respectful behaviour. They are there to keep everyone safe—including pedestrians and drivers—and it is crucial that all members of our community listen to them and obey their signs and signals. Their presence is not only a symbol of responsibility but also a reminder that safety is a shared commitment. We are proud to honour their dedication and thank them for the important work they do.

TRAFFIC REMINDERS

The traffic around Kerrisdale is a significant concern to school staff, parents and the larger community.  Please take careful note of the no-stopping areas in and around the school.  We strongly encourage parents/guardians to drop off their children away from the school and walk a block or two to school or else leave the car at home and walk as a family.  This will allow the students to create independence by walking to school themselves and build some healthy habits.

When school is in session, a 30 km/h school zone speed limit is in effect from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every school day, unless otherwise posted.

HERE ARE A FEW REMINDERS:

1. Plan ahead and be alert. Driving routes with less traffic in the summer may now face congestion, so give yourself extra time to get to your destination.  Take your time and don’t rush – especially through intersections.  Look for children especially near or around crosswalks and intersections.
2. The staff parking lot is for staff only, there is no dropping-off or picking-up of students.
3. Always yield to pedestrians (it’s the law).
4. Never make a U-Turn or back-up in the lane or in driveways, this is very dangerous and could lead to someone getting seriously hurt. Drive around the block instead.
5. When dropping off children in a School Zone, stop and allow them to exit onto the sidewalk side of the car. Never allow a child to cross mid-block.
6. If a vehicle is stopped in front of you or in the lane next to you, they may be yielding for a pedestrian, so be prepared to stop.
7. Always watch for pedestrians when you’re backing up. Before you get into your vehicle, make it a habit to walk around your vehicle to ensure no small children are behind it.  And remember, children will notice your driving behaviour, so set an example and drive smart.

Parents and guardians dropping-off and picking-up their children are very often seen committing a few traffic offences.  Please be advised that the City of Vancouver parking enforcement and VPD traffic authority regularly visits the streets around Kerrisdale Elementary to issue tickets and fines.

School Zones

As Vancouver’s school population grows, so do the traffic and parking problems around schools. For the safety of children, and to avoid traffic congestion, motorists dropping off or picking up students should pay attention to the following restrictions.

All the following rules are enforced under Street and Traffic Bylaw 2849.  Please visit the City of Vancouver website for more information.

No Parking

• Effective from 8:00am to 5:00pm on school days
• For use by motorists dropping off and picking up students
• Limit of 5 minutes

No Stopping

• Effective from 8:00am to 5:00 pm on school days
• For students to safely get in, and out of school
• Zone must be clear of vehicles, this includes right in front of our school

Vehicles parked in No Parking and No Stopping zones in a school area can be ticketed and towed under section 17.1 of the bylaw.

Vehicles that block pedestrians and motorists

Vehicles blocking pedestrians and motorists in school zones, and elsewhere, will be ticketed under Street and Traffic Bylaw 2849 as follows:

• Sections 17.5 (b) and (c): Parked or stopped too close to a corner
• Sections 17.4 (a) and (b): Stopped on, or within 6 m of a crosswalk
• Section 18.1 (b): Parked in the wrong direction
• Section 18.1 (c): Double parked

POLITELY REMIND OTHERS IF THEY ARE ILLEGALLY STOPPING OR DROPPING OFF STUDENTS.

LET’S KEEP KERRISDALE SAFE FOR ALL STUDENTS.

DRESS FOR THE WEATHER

Living in Vancouver means our weather can be quite unpredictable. Students need their outdoor time for free play and exercise, so recess and lunch will be held outside regardless of the weather. Therefore, families should dress their children appropriately for the conditions. The only exception is if the weather poses a safety risk, such as during a lightning storm or severe windstorm.

Our teachers also enjoy the outdoors and often conduct lessons outside in various weather conditions. Please ensure your child has rain gear, a change of clothes (especially for primary students), and indoor shoes when necessary. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students prepared and safe.

LOST & FOUND

We already have quite the collection of jackets, sweaters and pants in our lost and found. We will be running our lost and found the same as last year which means we will be donating items to a local charity every few months.  You are welcome to come into the school (you will see a large hanging rack outside the gym at the bottom of the South staircase) anytime to check it. This is also a reminder to label all your child’s things, including lunch containers and water bottles. Mabel’s Labels or a Sharpie works as well. Please put your child’s first and last name on all items.

VSB DOG POLICY

We all love our four-legged friends, but they are not allowed on school grounds, especially during pick-up and drop-off times. Dogs are prohibited on the school grounds, play fields, and inside the school from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, as well as during any organized school events outside these hours, unless they are service dogs. Therapy dogs are only permitted in the school for specified educational purposes which need to be cleared by school administration first.

Our school grounds and buildings are bustling with many children playing and moving around. Some children are afraid of dogs or allergic to them. School-age children might unintentionally put themselves at risk and get hurt by a dog. Unfortunately, dog feces have been left on our playgrounds, posing a safety and hygiene concern for our students during outdoor play and creating unpleasant odours.

Allergic reactions, unhygienic conditions from pet feces, and the potential for unpredictable aggression are reasons behind the School District’s decision to prohibit dogs on school properties during the school day. Please review the VSB’s Dog Code, which is posted on the bright green signs on the fences, for more detailed information.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our school grounds and play fields safe for all our students.

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! We look forward to seeing everyone on Thursday, October 9 for our first General Meeting in the Library from 7:00 am – 8:30 pm. Both Annex and Main school parents and caregivers are welcome. A HUGE thank you for the PAC who celebrated our teachers today for World Teacher’s Day! We were very touched and appreciative.❤️