Many thanks to all who were able to visit our classrooms this week! We hope you enjoyed the opportunity to observe the overall dynamics of the classroom as well as how your child/ren interacted in our prepared environments. Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher should you have any questions or concerns from your observation.
The UBC Early Development Research Group has reached out to our community for help with their research on children (ages 5, 6, and 7) pertaining to their reasoning skills with quantities. Our school enjoys wonderful, collegial relationships with a variety of higher institutions and encourage families to participate in research that sheds light on understanding child development and other educational studies. Consent forms will sent home to children in kindergarten through grade 2.
Wishing you a joyful weekend,
The Staff at Lions Gate Montessori
DATES & NOTES TO REMEMBER
Friday, November 24 │Childcare Fundraiser (see note below)
Wednesday, November 22 | Photo Order Form Due
Thursday, November 30, 3 PM │ Hot Lunch Order Cut-Off for Elementary and Extended-day Students
Friday, December 1 │ Professional Development NO SCHOOL for students
Thursday, December 7 │ Extended-Day and Lower Elementary Outing to “Mixed Nuts”
Friday, December 8 │ Parent/Teacher Conferences
Friday, December 15 │Winter Performance & Craft Fair Party (see note below)
Friday, November 24, 5pm to 8pm│Childcare Fundraiser: Parents – are you looking for an evening to relax, run some errands or go on a date without your child(ren)? For a donation, you are welcome to drop off your child(ren) at North Creek from 5-8pm to receive childcare by the older Elementary students with adult volunteers. If you would like to use this childcare service, please RSVP us with Childcare on the Subject line by Friday, November 17.
Friday, December 15 │Winter Performance & Holiday Market Party: Mark your calendars and join us at the Space Centre’s Star Theatre & Deck! Please see attached information for details. Note that seating for the performances is limited. All families who plan to attend the performances must submit the attached Winter Party Seat Request by Friday, December 1. Unused seats will be allocated to families who have made extra seat requests, so please let us know if you plan to attend by the December 1 deadline. (Extra seat requests will be confirmed by Friday, December 8).
Donations for the Winter Performance & Holiday Market Party: We’re inviting all families to help make this is fun and festive event for the whole community! Please let us know if you are would like to help or contribute by donating items to our Silent Auction and food fair (fun finger foods or baked goods). This year, we’ll also be hosting a Mexican themed fundraiser led by Lula (parent of Santiago in LE and Emiliano in Casa) as part of our Holiday Market Party! Please contact her if you are able to help at lulamarin@gmail.com. She looks forward to hearing from you and has some fun while facilitating something for a good cause together!
CASA COMMUNITY (PRE-SCHOOL & EXTENDED-DAY)
Mindful Parking at Drop-off and Pick-up: Please be courteous and sensible to our neighbours and community when coming to school by car. Although it is generally a short length of time to come to the door at arrival and dismissal, it is very important that we observe all the traffic regulations and bylaws that are established by the city for everyone’s safety. North Creek is located in a busy block with 4 residential high rises. We understand the challenges you would have with the limited space and a number of constructions around us, so your patience and considerations are deeply appreciated. Please be aware that Vancouver City Parking Enforcement Department is consistent with reinforcing regulations and bylaws.
Dress Code: Please see page 28 of the Parent Handbook for guidelines. Sparkles, lights, and 3-D decoration can be appropriate for other occasions, they are often interruptive in the classroom to your child and other children.
Bringing Money to School: It is not necessary for children in the Primary program to keep money in their pockets when they come to school. Lately, we have been finding coins falling out of children’s pockets in the classroom and outside when we go to the seawall/parks. Please check your child’s pockets and bags to make sure money are kept safely at home.
Missed Observation: You are welcome to reschedule a time with your child’s teacher. Please do not forget that you are welcome to write down or email your comments and questions to the teachers after your observation. We would love to connect with you after school. Thank you!
Arts Umbrella Dance Company, Mixed Nuts | December 5th: Kindergarten/Ex-Day students will be attending this amazing seasonal performance at the Vancouver Playhouse. Please see permission form for information and return the completed form by November 27th.
Preparation for Emergencies: North Creek asks each family to prepare a personal letter for your child to be kept in our emergency kit. In case of an earthquake or other disasters, a letter from home along with a family picture would no doubt be a very special item to have on hand for comfort.
ANAPHYLAXIS ALERT! We have been notified that two children in our Casa community have life-threatening\allergy (anaphylaxis) reactions. The triggers are dairy, eggs, tree nuts, and hummus. The school is following the VCH guidelines, the families are working with the school, and all AM and PM Preschool and Extended Day are learning about it. Starting in September 2017, North Creek is a nut free environment. Teachers and students will be asked to wash their hands vigilantly and regularly, both at North Creek and in the Extended Day classroom at Anchor Point. Please refrain from bringing these foods and see it as an opportunity to introduce other foods for snacks and lunches to the school environment as you introduce your child to anaphylaxis awareness. If dairy, eggs, and hummus is not avoidable, please inform the teachers of the items at the door. It will help us coordinate the classroom to protect all the children. For more information, please visit www.foodallergycanada.ca. Thank you very much for your attention and assistance.
ANCHOR POINT COMMUNITY (GRADES 1 & UP)
Student and Parent Volunteers Needed: We are planning a childcare evening on Friday, November 24th for parents to drop off their child(ren) to be cared for by our very own senior elementary students and adult volunteers. Please let us know if you or your child(ren) are interested in helping out on Thursday, November 9! Each student caregiver will sign a contract to comply with their duties as a responsible individual to care for the younger children. Attached is a contract for students who are interested in taking on the role as the caregiver in this fundraiser. Please ensure you and your child sign it and return it to Anchor Point. All volunteers will be treated to a pizza dinner!
Re-scheduling Your Observation: If you were unable to visit us last week and need to re-schedule or if you have any questions, please email us with Observation in the subject line and we’ll be happy to set an observation slot or appointment to meet!
Arts Umbrella Dance Company, Mixed Nuts | December 7th: Lower Elementary students will be attending this amazing seasonal performance at the Vancouver Playhouse. Please see permission form for information and return the completed form by November 27th.
Dress for the Weather Reminder: As part of our daily activity and physical education program, students spend time outdoors rain or shine, so please send your child/ren to school dressed appropriately for the weather conditions. Please also ensure you clearly label any extra items such as mittens and scarves to prevent any mix-ups!
COMMUNITY NOTICES Wondering what to do with your family this weekend? Check these out!
Eastside Culture Crawl │Thursd ay, November 16 to Sunday, November 19, 2017: A four-day visual arts, design and crafts festival receiving more than 30,000 visitors to 500+ artists in their studios across 80 buildings in the area bounded by Columbia Street, 1st Avenue, Victoria Drive and the waterfront in Vancouver, Canada. Erika and Tallulah Pantages (our Grade 5 student) will take part in the event selling their amazing pillows. Check them out by clicking here.
Peter And The Starcatcher | BlueShore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts: Ever wonder how Peter Pan got his name? Or how he met Tinkerbell? In this swashbuckling prequel to Peter Pan, actors play pirates, mermaids, jungle denizens – and of course, the beloved Lost Boys. The production is adapted for the stage by Rick Elise Music by Wayne Barker and based on the book by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. Please purchase here.
Vancouver Puppet Theatre | Public Sunday Shows: Bring your children to see our holiday puppet program “The Winter’s Puppet Tale”! Let our puppets light up your hearts and faces with joy! A number of seats are limited. All ages are welcome at $5/ticket. Order your tickets online or call 778-330-4313.
Sci Fi Family Weekend @The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre | November 18 & 19: Explore the galaxy in your favourite spaceship as we paint Millennium Falcons, TIE Fighters, the Enterprise, or bring your own spaceship idea! You will be creating a cosmic masterpiece!
The Fabric Of Our Land | November 19, 12 to 5 pm: Musqueam and the Museum of Anthropology invite you to celebrate the opening of The Fabric of Our Land, an exhibit that will take you on a journey of over 200 years of Salish weaving. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see some of the earliest Salish hand-woven blankets in existence. On loan from museums in Europe and the United States, these stunning weavings will give visitors an up-close view of rare Salish designs that we hope inspire you to learn more about the rich histories of this cultural practice. Free Admission.