February 15, 2024

We can be Heroes! 

We come from good people. At ST’a7mes school we use our strengths to support one another; we are all connected. We show kindness, treat others with dignity and respect. We care for people in need.  We are connected to and we represent our family, ancestors, and community. We work with exertion and diligence.  

Ha7lh Skwayel Families -  

Highlights of the robust learning that happened at the school this week:  

On Monday we started the week off with celebrating our goal of filling up the cedar tree with our Talah tickets that acknowledge our acts of Wanaxws, Chenchenstway and Timit.  This filling of the ceder represents the medicine that the kids are bringing to the school collectively.  Kat Turzyk our school counsellor, will be working on a painting art installation of the ceder tree in our front hall that we will be collecting our next round of tickets on.  

Lots of great work is happening in collaboration with Kat around the school. This week the Yew Yews class engaged in some interoception, connection and regulation activities with Kat, and students had the chance to get their faces painted.  You may not know this, but Kat is also an artist and a Counsellor for youth and families in the community outside of her work in the school.  

Students around the school are participating in fundraising and saving for different activities they want to participate in. It’s exciting to see the initiative and work students are putting into acquiring the things they want to have and do.  They see that they have the power and skills to get what they want out of their experience, and that they have some agency for making things happen.  This is esteem building and will contribute to valuable attributes that will serve them for life.  A big shout out to our teaching staff for facilitating these learning opportunities.   Please see the pictures included of our Valentine’s Day bake sale, and note the attached information about the Neufeld Farms Fundraiser.   

Thinking and Planning ahead -   

Next Week on February 20th we have Safer Schools coming in to do a presentation with the Mixhal classes and Yew Yews classes around Cyber Safety. 

Attention Grad Years Families (Those now in grade 9 and above): 

We did not have enough of an uptake on our Grad Years Family Dinner tonight to make the presentation worthwhile and so we have had a rethink how to communicate out to families the information and planning that is necessary at this time for your student.  We will be scheduling family meetings, similar to a parent teacher student conference.  More information will be coming about dates and times and how to sign up for a conference.     

On February 22nd Howe Sound Secondary is inviting all parents who are planning for their child to attend HSS in September of 2024 to an informational parent night on Thursday February 22. Thier goal is to equip you with all the necessary information to support your child’s decision-making process effectively. 

Event Details: 

• Date: Thursday, February 22 
• Time: 6:00 pm 
• Location: Howe Sound Secondary School Theatre 

This information session will provide an overview of the various courses available for your child, from required core classes to electives that meet graduation requirements. If you would like to learn more prior to the evening, we invite you to visit our HSS Course Selection webpage here, where you can find a direct link to the course selection planning sheet and course book which will provide you with detailed information about each course. 

Attention all families:  

If you know your family is planning on registering at Howe Sound Secondary or Don Ross Middle School (or a different elementary school) for September 2024 please email Gayle at the office [email protected] to update us with your family’s plans. 

Up and coming dates:  

February 15th Cancelled:  St’a7mes Grad Years Planning Dinner for parents and students (Invitations to come out to Grade 9 and 10 students) 6 – 7:30 pm.  

February 16th Professional Day 

February 19th Family Day  

February 20th Safer Schools Cyber Safety student presentation.  

February 22nd HSS Grad Years Parent Information Session 6pm      

Partners in the Learning; Family Homework and reminders from the Principal:  

Please continue to send your child with appropriate clothing for playing and learning outside in this weather.  

Many students and staff have been out sick with the stomach flu that has been going around over the past couple of weeks.  This is a reminder that if your child is experiencing symptoms to please keep them home.  Also please make sure your family is diligent in practicing handwashing to prevent the spread of the virus.  Some of our families are vulnerable when it comes to their health and we want to make sure we are taking care of each other by taking good care of ourselves. Thank you.  

Have a wonderful week. Stay warm out there.  

Most Sincerely,  

Alysa Patching, Principal. 

We are excited to announce that our LEx Leadership Class is hosting a Neufeld Farms Fundraiser. The money raised will go towards creating our yearbook and to help finance t-shirt designs around the idea of celebrating culture and diversity as a strength. 

Orders are due by February 26th and the Pick up is scheduled for March 7th at 5:00pm at the School.

Please click on the link below to access the fundraiser. Please note that payment is by credit card only. 

Neufeld Farms Fundraiser 

Thank you in advance for your support!

The LEx Leadership Class 

The Whistler Sliding Centre has only a few more sessions of Discover Luge left this season, don’t miss out! Feel the rush of Tobogganing with your kids—only better! For three more Sundays, youth 8+ can Discover the Olympic sport of Luge, no experience required. NEW this year, parents can slide too, space permitting. In this 2-hour session, young participants will receive an introduction to the sport of luge and its equipment. Athletes will receive a safety orientation and instructions prior to heading outside for an on-ice sliding session to build familiarity with the sport. Sliding will start at Curve 13 and run through the final four curves of the track. Athletes will receive coaching and be supervised to ensure safety while at the venue. Sign up HERE. https://www.whistlerslidingcentre.com/learn-to-slide/discover-luge