
A Slice of PIE
Where Life and Learning Meet
March 2025
Volume 15, Issue 7
Thanks to everyone for all the hard work you have put into our PIE community this year. To our students, parents/caregivers and staff, we hope you all thoroughly enjoy your well-deserved Spring Break! π·
π‘ PIE Centre Spotlight π‘
PIE Champlain Heights Forest Program
The Champlain Heights forest program provides an emergent, play-based environment for children ages 5-12. This group meets twice a week in Everett Crawley Park.
With roots in the outdoor program from Windsor House School, the class has a democratic learning culture where the focus is on play-based and emergent learning with the teachers and other supporting adults, bringing inspirations for learning such as stories, nature explorations, and art projects.
There is ample opportunity for student choice, and the overall atmosphere is gentle and often changes depending on the interests of the group. As always parents are always welcome to attend and their contributions are really appreciated by everyone.
β PIE Superstars β
Monica π¬
Grade 6 PIE student Monica is a very talented artist! Some of her 2D art is featured below.
Monica's portrait of Jerry Seinfeld was made for her father for his birthday. She brought it to Jerryβs stand up show and an assistant took it to Jerry and he signed it! π
To view Monica's piece, "Infinite Wonder" click on the link below. It is a self portrait of Monica at the Beach that she made as a gift for her momβs birthday. π
Emma π¨
Emma, a passionate Grade 9 artist, creates daily, using art as a way to unwind in the evenings. While she occasionally paints, her main focus is digital art, where she brings her love of emo pop-punk music and RPGs like Skyrim and Fallout to life. Much of her work is inspired by her favorite bands and video games, blending bold aesthetics with intricate details. Her pieces capture the energy and atmosphere of the worlds and music she loves, making her art both personal and expressive.
π March Events π
πͺ¨ qathet Kids Climb!
qathet PIE students enjoyed some time climbing at Top Out Climbing Co-op, in Townsite. If you're interested in getting involved in climbing, check out their student opportunities below π
π Great Big Crunch!
The Coalition for Healthy School Food is Canadaβs largest school food network, consisting of over 330 non-profit member organizations and 144 endorsers from every province and territory. They advocate for a universal cost-shared school food program to ensure all K-12 students have daily access to healthy food at school.
Their goal is to build on existing programs so that all schools can provide nutritious meals or snacks at little or no cost, incorporating food education and culturally appropriate, local, and sustainable food.
They collaborate with partners across Canada to strengthen commitments from various levels of government, support networking, and share best practices for diverse school food programs. Endorsed by over 80 school boards, municipalities, and government agencies, they are committed to ensuring that every school-aged child receives a healthy meal or snack every day!
β Spring Break β
March 15 - 30
1. Try a FREE Spring Break Activity Package (primary) π
2. Volunteer some time helping someone π
3. Jot down some notes in this Spring Break Mindfulness Journal (elementary)
4. Grow your own rainbow science experiment (primary) π
5. Take a hike!
6. Do a virtual tour of the Royal Tyrell Museum. Be sure to check out the dinosaurs! π
π Grad Class 2025 π
Please check your inboxes for emails about graduation! π§
Let your teacher know if you plan on attending graduation ceremonies this year!
π§ Mental Health Matters ππΌ
π Looking Ahead π
World Down Syndrome Day - March 21st
We missed recognizing March 1st as a day to Spread the Word to End the Word, but with World Down Syndrome Day coming up on March 21st, and just because it is a beautiful way of describing why to end the use of the (R) word, in all contexts, I thought I would post a quote Lisa Taylor shared with us in our recent Whole School Learning Support meeting.
βThe reason not to use the r-word is not political correctness or wokeness. The reason is not even empathy for the disabled. The reason not to use the r-word is because how we name one another shapes and forms us into the people we want to become. And when we use language that seeks to honour and understand, to connect and engage, we not only protect vulnerable people from becoming the butt of jokes, we protect our own humanity.β
(Amy Julia Becker)
For more info on the designation of this official day, please click this link: spread the word to end the word:
πΏ Tla'amin Day πΏ
"Tuesday, April 5 is Tlaβamin Day. It is a day for Tlaβamin citizens and our friends and neighbours to recognize the effective date of the Tlaβamin Treaty. It is a day to reflect on our reconciliation journey with the City, the Regional District, the Province, the Federal Government, and with all of the people who live in our territory." Tla'amin Nation
Below you will find some resources you can access to learn about the Tla'amin Nation and and their language and culture.
Mink and Granny story with Karina Peters
Tla'amin Creation Story told by Drew Blaney
Tla'amin Nation History from the qathet Museum and Archives
Important Dates π
March π
17-28: Spring Break
21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
31: International Transgender Day of Visibility
31: Schools back in session
April π°
5: Tla'amin Day
17: Professional Development Day
18: Good Friday
21: Easter Monday
21: World Creativity and Innovation Day
22: Earth Day - 2025 Theme: Our Power, Our Planet
23: National Administrative Professionals Week
27-May 3: National Volunteer Week
May π·
1: National Principals Day
5-9: Teacher Appreciation Week
7: National Child and Youth Mental Health Day
7: Teacher Appreciation Day
5-11: Mental Health Week - 2025 Theme: Unmasking Mental Health
10: Child Care Provider Appreciation Dayhttps://nafcc.org/fcc-appreciation/
19: Victoria Day
28-30: Camp Imadene (qR and
June π
National Indigenous History Month
2-8: BC Child & Youth in Care Week
6: Term 3 Submission Deadline
21: National Indigenous Peoples Day
26: Schools Close (end of day, for students)
27: Administrative Day, Schools Close
About us
Email: pieinfo@sd47.bc.ca
Website: https://www.sd47.bc.ca/pol
Location: 7105 Nootka Street, Powell River, BC, Canada
Phone: 604-485-2756
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/16157794226