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Carisbrooke Newsletter
May 2024
The PAC annual general meeting is Thursday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the Carisbrooke Library.
Everyone is welcome!
In this May issue of the Carisbrooke Newsletter:
- Principal's Message
- Arts Celebration
- Track and Field
- Ready, Set, Learn
- Climate Challenge Division 5
- Entrepreneurial Fair
- Horticultural Gardening Therapy Program
- Indigo Adopt-a-School Grant
- School Supplies Next Year
- Fun Day ~ Hold the date!
- A Look Ahead to June
Principal's Message
We are fast approaching the end of the school year, but the hard work and dedication supporting students does not end until June 27 - the last day of school! In this May issue of the newsletter, we hope you enjoy some photos that illustrate the various and wonderful learning opportunities teachers and students have enjoyed so far this spring.
Celebrating the Arts!
Last month, we welcomed families to see the beautiful art projects students have worked on this year. It was a huge success and we thank everyone for coming to support their children and the integrated arts program. Thank you, Ms. Phillips! There are more masterpieces by students from across the district to view in the ESC lobby, 2121 Lonsdale Ave. The display K - 12 will run until May 20.
Track and Field Events
Ready, Set, Learn
Carisbrooke welcomed 44 preschoolers and their families to our Ready Set Learn event last Friday, May 10. Children sculpted clay, decorated animal bookmarks, played with story figurines, and quietly listened to a story with Ms. Clark in the library. Everyone took home a bright yellow gift bag with alphabet letters and cards, crayons, big foam dice, a copy of our featured story, and a bobcat tattoo. It was so nice to meet the community's preschoolers!
Climate Challenge for Students in Ms. Ehling's class
Division 5 students participated in a climate challenge offered by the BC Sustainable Energy Association over the month of April, where students needed to explore their own actions around transportation choices, food, home energy, waste, water, nature, and reflection on research of alternative options. Collectively, the class undertook an extremely impressive 207 climate actions and avoided 6.8 tonnes of GHG emissions through their participation in the challenge - "an accomplishment they should all be proud of" said the Program Director, Fergus Kinnaird. Special congratulations to Benjamin Windecker and Kasey Pelly who each won a $20.00 Gift card to Indigo for their impressive number of activities completed. Well done!
Entrepreneurial Fair
Intermediate students are excited to host two Entrepreneurial Fairs this year. Divisions 1, 2, and 3 will host their fair on Thursday May 23 at 11 - 2:30 pm. Divisions 4 and 5 will host their fair on May 28 from 9:30 - 12:00 pm. Students have been creating their products for over a month now, and they are all excited to to sell their products to the rest of the school. Parents, caregivers, and family friends are welcome to come. Students have an opportunity to purchase items when they go to the gym with their teachers.
Horticultural Therapy Gardening Program
An inclusive and welcoming culture is a North Vancouver School District strategic plan goals and one we strive to bring to life at our school. Taught by Teresa Hay-Sabourin, gardening class is a highlight for students with diverse needs. The program supports inclusion, empathy, connection, and well-being. Students also learn important life lessons such as patience and reciprocity with the natural world. This is true for all students who participate in the garden program. Ms. Teresa writes " Every child, regardless of background or ability, deserves to feel the warmth of the sun and the coolness of the soil. Our garden is a space of unity and understanding. The garden becomes a haven, a place where students can express themselves, find solace, and build profound connections with peers, their community, nature, and their inner selves. It can support physical functioning, restored, and maintained cognition and perception. Plants can provide excellent stimuli though smell, vision, taste, touch, and texture. Garden time promotes emotional growth, because plants are living, they act as a tool to teach kindness and nurturing."
Thank you so much for sharing your passion for gardening with students and staff, Teresa.
Thanks also to the parents who regularly volunteer their time to lend a helping hand.
School Supplies
In the spirit of environmental stewardship, we are adopting a school supply ordering model that allows teachers to reuse supplies for the following year. We hope this new ordering system will also become a cost savings for families. Ms. Backie will send further details regarding school supplies to families next week.
Indigo Fundraiser and Grant
Indigo has "adopted' Carisbrooke! The Adopt a School is a fundraising campaign and grant program designed in partnership with Indigo, Coles, Chapters, and Indigospirit stores to raise funds for literacy in schools across Canada. 100% of the funds raised by each store location goes directly to adopted school for the purchase of new books and literacy materials for their school and classroom libraries. The campaign begins in the fall and more information will be sent to families at that time. If you're curious to learn more, click here Indigo Love of Reading Adopt A School fundraiser program
Hold the date ~ FUN DAY is Friday, June 14
This year's theme is JUNGLE! Last year was so much fun and we invite parents and friends to join us again on Friday June 14. Children should dress for the weather and lots of activity outdoors - hats, sunscreen, running shoes, shorts, T-shirts, or sweatshirts and pants if it's cool. Students are encouraged to wear their team colour and accessorize the Jungle Theme. If you have a 3 - 5 year old at home, there will be a preschooler relay shortly after 9 am. More information will be sent to families shortly. We look forward to a day of fun, participation, and school spirit!
A Look Ahead to June
- Bike to School Week - June 3 - 7
- Swanguard Track and Field Meet for qualified participants - Tuesday June 4
- Kindergarten & Grade 6 Immunizations - Thursday June 6
- Cultus Lake Trip for grade 7 students 9:00 - 3 pm -Thursday June 6
- All grade 7 students go to Fun Day at Carson 10:00 - 2 pm - Thursday June 20
- Fun Day JUNGLE THEME - Friday June 14
- Grade 3 - 5 Biking Program - Tuesday June 18 to Thursday June 20
- Parent Appreciation Coffee outside the school at 8:15 to 9 am - Friday June 21
- PAC Family Carnival 4:00 - 8 pm - Friday June 21
- National Indigenous Peoples Day - Friday June 21
- Report Cards published - Wednesday June 26
- Grade 7 Farewell Ceremony - Thursday June 27
- Last Day for Students - Thursday June 27
The Carisbrooke staff wish every family an enjoyable long weekend!