{"id":222,"date":"2026-02-02T16:45:37","date_gmt":"2026-02-03T00:45:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vsb.bc.ca\/kerrisdalenewsletter\/?p=222"},"modified":"2026-02-02T16:45:37","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T00:45:37","slug":"february-newsletter-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vsb.bc.ca\/kerrisdalenewsletter\/2026\/02\/02\/february-newsletter-2\/","title":{"rendered":"February Newsletter"},"content":{"rendered":"

KERRISDALE HAPPENINGS<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

February is a month that always reminds us of the power of connection\u2014through 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\u2019m excited for all that February has in store!<\/strong><\/p>\n

February also reminds us of the importance of acceptance and supporting each person in being their authentic self. On our school website, under Announcements<\/em>, you will find a document that explains the differences between Peer Conflict, Mean Behaviour, and Bullying<\/a><\/span><\/strong>. The vast majority of situations we see at school fall into the categories of either peer conflict or mean behaviour.<\/p>\n

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\u2014or even draw them together\u2014and ask your child what type of behaviour they think each one represents.<\/p>\n

Teachers will continue teaching these concepts in class, and Ms. Oli has introduced the W.I.T.S.<\/a><\/strong> <\/span>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.<\/p>\n

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<\/strong>. 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\u2014qualities that inspire us as we move into this new year together. May this season bring you and your loved one\u2019s good health, happiness, and success.<\/p>\n

We are really looking forward to the celebrations and activities that the PAC will be providing for our school on February 27th<\/sup>, 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<\/a><\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n

Gong Xi Fa Cai \u2022 Gong Hey Fat Choy \u2022 Ch\u00fac M\u1eebng N\u0103m M\u1edbi \u2022 <\/strong>\uc0c8\ud574<\/strong> \ubcf5<\/strong> \ub9ce\uc774<\/strong> \ubc1b\uc73c\uc138<\/strong>\uc694<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wishing everyone a wonderful Lunar New Year!<\/p>\n

UPCOMING EVENTS<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Thursday, February 5 \u2013 Student Council Hot Chocolate Sale \u2013 <\/strong>buy your Hot Chocolate outside the school at 8:30 am and support our local food bank.<\/p>\n

Friday, February 13<\/strong> is a Professional Development Day<\/strong> \u2013 there is no school for students (staff will be engaging in their own Professional Development.<\/p>\n

Monday, February 16<\/strong> is Family Day<\/strong> \u2013 School will be closed as this is a statutory holiday in BC.<\/p>\n

Wednesday, February 25th<\/sup> is Pink Shirt Day<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n

SCIENCE FAIR<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
A heartfelt thank\u2011you to all the students who participated in this year\u2019s Science Fair\u2014your curiosity, creativity, and hard work were truly impressive. We also want to express our appreciation to the teachers and families who supported students throughout the process, from brainstorming ideas to helping them prepare their presentations. Finally, thank you to all the community members who joined us after school to view the projects and celebrate our young scientists. Your encouragement and presence helped make the event a wonderful success.<\/div>\n
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Here are just a few highlights of the incredible work our students produced.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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CR\u00caPE ATELIER<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

A huge thank\u2011you to St\u00e9phane Gallien from Le Petit Atelier<\/em> and his wonderful assistants, who helped Kerrisdale students and staff make over 500 cr\u00eapes!<\/strong> This hands\u2011on experience was a delicious way to continue our school\u2011wide celebration of French-Canadian culture. Special thank you goes to all the parents and grandparents that helped out. We really appreciate you!<\/p>\n

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\u2011Canadian voyageurs\u2014and many others\u2014transported furs by canoe during the height of the North American fur trade. As part of this learning, students will also discover how the M\u00e9tis Nation emerged through the blending of First Nations and European (primarily French and Scottish) cultures.<\/p>\n

We will highlight the important role the Michif language<\/strong> and the French language<\/strong> play in M\u00e9tis identity today, as well as the M\u00e9tis Nation\u2019s ongoing contributions to the cultural fabric of Canada. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of M\u00e9tis history, culture, and the vitality of M\u00e9tis communities today.<\/p>\n

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

\"\"It continues to be cold and rainy, and we\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n

Please also ensure your child has a change of clothes<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

Thank you for helping keep our students warm, dry, and ready for a great day of learning!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

BLACK HISTORY MONTH<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

February is Black History Month<\/strong>, 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\u2019s story.<\/p>\n

In our school community, this month offers an important opportunity to deepen students\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019t of Canada website<\/a> <\/span><\/strong>has a number of resources and videos that you might be interested in.<\/p>\n

Thank you for your partnership in supporting an inclusive and welcoming school community.<\/p>\n

THANK YOU FOR FOLLOWING TRAFFIC SAFETY RULES!<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"\"T<\/strong>hank 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n

We do still notice some cars making U\u2011turns 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

SAVE THE DATE<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

For our grade 7 families, our school run Grade 7 Leaving Ceremony will be on Thursday, June 18 at 5:00 pm. <\/strong>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!<\/p>\n

LOST & FOUND<\/span>
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\"\"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.<\/p>\n

Our Lost & Found is located outside the gym by the South stairs. Please check it if your child is missing anything<\/p>\n

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KERRISDALE PAC NEWS<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Make sure you stay up to date on all that is happening with Kerrisdale PAC. Please visit their\u00a0website\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/span>for all the news and to sign up for their fabulous revamped\u00a0newsletter<\/a><\/span><\/strong>! It includes important information about their upcoming events like Movie Night, Hot Lunch, Spirit Wear and Lunar New Year Celebrations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

KERRISDALE HAPPENINGS February is a month that always reminds us of the power of connection\u2014through 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…<\/p>\n

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