September 12, 2025

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Dear St’a7mes Families,

We’ve just wrapped up our first full week of school, and what a great start it has been! This time of year is always busy as we get to know our new students, establish routines, and find our rhythm together as a school community.

As is common in the fall (and again in the spring), we’ve had visits from a mother bear and her two cubs near the school. Our staff are closely monitoring the situation, and we are giving the bears the space they need to move along before reopening the back end of our field and forest. All signs suggest they’ve moved on, but we continue to prioritize safety and respect for the animals by giving them plenty of space.

A few reminders for next week:

Back to School BBQ – Tuesday, September 16, from 4:00–6:00 pm. We look forward to gathering together to share food, connection, and community.
Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Meeting – right after the BBQ at 6:00 pm. This is open to all parents and guardians. There’s no commitment required—joining simply out of curiosity about our school is wonderful!

We also want to share an update about the new district lunch program in partnership with Squamish CAN. Registration has now reached capacity, with 400 families signed up across the community. Please see this message from our school food coordinator:

“Thanks for the incredible response to the revamped School Meal Program. At this time we are at capacity for the program until October. This is a community-powered program and will grow with the community over time! If you are interested in volunteering, financially contributing, or getting more involved, please reach out to [email protected]. For those families that have signed up, lunches will begin next week. We will also continue to have snacks and breakfast available at the school.”

A reminder, we have three main school values):

Wanáxws (Wan-ow-hw-s) - I carry myself in a good way. Treating someone with respect, believing in and honouring them. This week Sydney upheld this value.

Chén̓chenstway (Chin-chin-st-why) - Together we hold each other up. We stand and work together. We uphold one another and support on another. This week Tristan upheld this value.

Tímit (T-he-mate) - Performing something with all ones might. This week Shawna upheld this value.

Thank you for your continued support as we begin this new school year in a good way.

Take care,
Cory Hartling
Principal, St’a7mes School

BUS PASSES

Please be reminded that bus passes are required to ride the school bus to and from school. If your child does not have a bus pass, please reach out to Gayle in the school office at [email protected] or at 604-892-5904 to have one arranged for your child.