February 26, 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:  

You’ll see lots of great pictures of happenings around the school. Ms. Kye and Ms. Kathleen’s classes were off to the Planetarium on Friday. A big shout out to these classes for fundraising to fund this trip. The experience is all that much sweeter and meaningful to the students knowing that they worked so diligently towards that goal, and the esteem of being able to accomplish and attain one’s wants with their own power.   

On Monday LEX students and Yew Yews had a guest presentation about cybersafety from Safer Schools BC. The group from safer schools BC visited high school and middle school groups all around the district and we were grateful with what they had to teach us. 

LEX students have been working on developing info graphics to communicate. Two topics are highlighted on our bulletin boards – natural disasters and the brain.  

Today is the last day to participate in ordering from Neufeld farms for the LEX class fundraiser. Please see the link sent out to families today for ordering.  

Thinking and Planning ahead -   

Today you will receive an invitation to join us for our upcoming Herring ceremony. This is a teaching we look forward to every year and if you haven’t had a chance to join us yet, and are able, you will not be disappointed. This learning is a great opportunity for our student and school community to have a meaningful impact in service of our ecosystem.  

We are also going to to be hosting some carvers at our school for a project that our group is working on with Matthew’s West for the new playground at Nexun Beach. The students will be working with the carvers to inform the design of a canoe that will be part of the playground that is being installed. We will be blessing the pole in the next coming days before it is carved. Stay tuned for more information.  

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

Bookings for Thursdays grad years conferences are open. Families in grade 9 and up, please book a time to work with our team in making a plan to manage the next steps for the graduation years for your student.  

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 29th – Grad years conferences 

March 14th – Herring Ceremony St’a7mes Waterfront 

March 15th – Last Day of Classes before Spring Break 

March 16th- April 1st – Spring Break 

April 2nd – Students Return to school 

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 

Grades 10 and 11 play a pivotal role in shaping your child’s academic path and therefore, we aim to equip you with all the necessary information to support your child’s decision-making process. Please book a meeting to discuss your child’s future educational plans. Please find details below:

WHAT: Individual Family Meetings with your child’s teaching team to outline options for grad years.

WHO: Grade 9 and 10 families, students, and caregivers.

WHEN: Thursday, February 29^th – 20 minute appointments scheduled between 1:00 – 5:00pm

BOOKING:  To make a booking please click on the link following –Grad Years Planning Meetings and follow the instructions below:

1. Select November 29th 
2. Select Alysa Patching Please DO NOT select “Anyone”
3. Select a time
4. Add your information
5. Click book

You will receive a confirmation email once your booking is complete.

We really hope you will be able to make an appointment. If you are unable to meet on this date/time, please reach out to the school office at 604-892-5904 or [email protected] to arrange an alternate meeting time.