{"id":94,"date":"2025-05-01T22:02:09","date_gmt":"2025-05-02T05:02:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vsb.bc.ca\/kerrisdalenewsletter\/?p=94"},"modified":"2025-05-02T12:32:42","modified_gmt":"2025-05-02T19:32:42","slug":"may-newsletter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vsb.bc.ca\/kerrisdalenewsletter\/2025\/05\/01\/may-newsletter\/","title":{"rendered":"May Newsletter"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

It is hard to believe that it is already May and we only have two months left of school. It is a busy month ahead with several exciting field trips planned and events happening, including our Grade 7 Farewell and PAC Carnival! We also have Elevate Ultimate coming to teach the dynamic game of Ultimate frisbee to our students. Please take the time to update your calendars and read the emails and newsletters that come out. You don\u2019t want to miss out!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Our children are exposed to more and more information online and it is hard sometimes to always be on top of it, especially when us as adults are not familiar with the types of apps and social media platforms that our children are using. At Kerrisdale, we continue to teach our students safe online behaviours which include:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Protect Personal Information<\/strong>: Avoid sharing personal details like full name, address, phone number, or school name online.<\/li>\n
  2. Use Strong Passwords<\/strong>: Create complex passwords and change them regularly. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or names and never share your password with anyone except a trusted adult.<\/li>\n
  3. Be Cautious with Links and Downloads<\/strong>: Only click on links and download files from trusted sources to avoid malware and phishing scams.<\/li>\n
  4. Respect Others<\/strong>: Treat others with kindness and respect online, just as you would in person. Avoid cyberbullying and report any inappropriate behaviour.<\/li>\n
  5. Think Before You Post<\/strong>: Remember that anything posted online can be permanent. Consider the long-term impact of your words and images.<\/li>\n
  6. Keep Privacy Settings Updated<\/strong>: Regularly check and update privacy settings on social media and other online accounts to control who can see your information.<\/li>\n
  7. Report Suspicious Activity<\/strong>: If you encounter anything suspicious or uncomfortable online, report it to a trusted adult or platform moderators.<\/li>\n
  8. Limit Screen Time<\/strong>: Balance online activities with offline ones to maintain a healthy lifestyle.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    However, we cannot do this alone! Monitoring your child\u2019s internet use can help you protect your child from harmful interactions, prevent your child from accessing inappropriate content (such as violence, pornography, hate speech, or misinformation), as well as promote your child\u2019s healthy and responsible internet use. Key ways to monitor your child\u2019s internet use are: Familiarize yourself with various media outlets, set up parental controls, (one example is HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/span> for Apple devices) and talk to your child. No amount of monitoring can protect your child from everything, and your child may find ways to get around your monitoring. That is why it is essential to foster a trusting and respectful relationship with your child and to educate them on how to be a smart and safe internet user. Safer Schools Together<\/em> has several great parent resources you can access free online<\/strong><\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

    Our final extracurricular sporting event is Track and Field. Students were given permission forms and practices have started on Wednesday\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Friday<\/strong>\u00a0mornings at\u00a08:00 AM <\/strong>for intermediate students and Tuesday<\/strong> and Thursday<\/strong> mornings at 8:10 AM<\/strong> for primary students. Extra permission forms with the schedule are just outside the office if your child has not brought one home.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    REMINDERS OF UPCOMING DATES:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Thursday, May 8<\/strong> – Big One at 2<\/p>\n

    Wednesday, May 14<\/strong> –\u00a0Class Photos<\/p>\n

    Monday, May 19<\/strong> – Victoria Day (school will not<\/strong> be in session)<\/p>\n

    Friday, May 23 – <\/strong>Sports Day<\/p>\n

    Thursday, June 26<\/strong> – last instructional day for students<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

    \"\"STUDENT VOTE<\/strong>: Some of our classes took part in Student Vote which is a program that teaches students about Canadian democracy, our electoral system and the importance of civic engagement. It helps students understand the significance of their vote and prepares them to be informed and active citizens in the future. Students voted in their own Federal Election parallel to the real one on April 28. You can see Kerrisdale student’s vote along with the rest of the country by going to the Student Vote website<\/a><\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    SALMON RELEASE: <\/strong>Our kindergarten classes spent the morning at Spanish Banks releasing Chum fry into Spanish Banks Creek. This activity is part of the\u00a0Salmonids in the Classroom<\/strong> program, which educates students<\/p>\n

    about the life cycle of salmon and trout, their habitat needs, and the importance of conserving aquatic ecosystems. Students raise salmon from eggs to the fry stage and then release them back into the wild. This initiative is part of a program by Environment Canada and the City of Vancouver aimed at reestablishing lost streams as original salmon spawning grounds. Last year, we saw the first Chum salmon return to spawn in this very creek, thanks to this program and the efforts of students like ours!
    \n\"\"\"\"\"\"<\/p>\n

    <\/h2>\n

    \u00a0CLASS PLACEMENT PARENT INFORMATION FORM<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

    As the end of the year approaches, teachers begin planning for the next school year, including the placement of students into classes. Classroom teachers carefully and thoughtfully assemble classes, considering various factors such as student\/teacher learning styles, a balance of academic, social and emotional abilities, leadership abilities, cohesive student groupings, and specific student needs. Objective criteria are used to assess students’ abilities and needs, including class size, student-teacher ratio, and the overall composition of the class, all which can impact student learning and performance.<\/p>\n

    At Kerrisdale, we value parents as partners in education and recognize their important perspective in the class-placement process. Parents can provide valuable insights into their child’s strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. It is important to note that information provided by parents is just one component of this process. This year, I have created an online form for parents to share any important information they feel is relevant.\u00a0While we will give due consideration to your request,\u00a0the complexity of organizing our classes means we cannot always fulfill every preference.\u00a0Filling out this form does not guarantee placement, and we do not accept input or requests for specific teachers nor for combined classes versus straight classes<\/strong>. You can visit the VSB website<\/strong><\/a><\/span> for more information on combined classes.<\/p>\n

    Please click HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/span> for the Class Placement Parent Information Form<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    If you child is in grade 7 and going onto Secondary school, you do not need to fill out this form.<\/em><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    GOOD-BYE ZIPLOC BAGS<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

    \"\"Dear Families,<\/p>\n

    In our efforts to reduce single-use plastic at Kerrisdale, Division 5 and the Grade 4 students from Division 11F are launching a campaign against Ziploc bags. After carefully studying which single-use plastics can be reduced, the students have decided that Ziploc bags can be completely eliminated and replaced with reusable containers.<\/p>\n

    Starting this month, we will be launching a campaign featuring posters, announcements, and a strong commitment to making a difference in the world. We encourage families who still use Ziploc bags to consider alternative products such as:<\/p>\n