October 10, 2025
Weekly Update to Families
Dear Families,
We are going to attempt to take advantage of a good weather window next week to get some of our older students out on the water. This will be an exciting opportunity to test how we can scale up our canoeing program for all students later in the year. For this trip, we will be postponing our canoe awakening work and instead utilizing a canoe that has already been woken up. This is a truly incredible opportunity for our students, and we are very excited about the journey we are beginning with canoeing at St’a7mes.
A reminder that Monday, October 13th is a holiday, and on Tuesday, October 14th, we will have early dismissal at 2:00 p.m. to accommodate student-led conferences and parent-teacher interviews. If you have not yet signed up for a meeting with your child’s teacher, please see the information below for details on how to book a time. If you have any issues or questions, please email or call the school office for assistance.
We’re also pleased to share that Helen Horvat from FamilySmart will be at the school on the evening of October 14th (3:00–6:00 p.m.) to introduce herself to families. You can learn more about FamilySmart and their monthly events here.
Here’s a message from Helen:
“I am the new Family Peer Support Worker located right here in Squamish. For over 20 years, FamilySmart has been coming alongside parents and caregivers whose children, youth, and young adults are experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges. We are a team of people who have lived experience—we get it, as we’ve been there too!
We provide emotional support, help find resources, and assist with navigating systems in place. There are no waitlists, no diagnosis required, and our services are free.
We support all kinds of families, wherever they are in their journey. All are welcome to connect with us, even if they’re just wondering.
I will bring along information about our organization, how to connect with me, and will be happy to answer any questions families may have.”
For families interested in joining our St’a7mes Parent/Guardian Circle, we had hoped to secure a date in October. However, out of respect for the recent losses in the community, we will now look toward scheduling this gathering in November. This is a partnership with the Squamish Valley PAC, and we look forward to connecting with families soon.
Finally, we want to lift up and honour the following students who lived by our values this week:
Chén̓chenstway - Milana
Tímit - Kayden
Wanáxws - Holly
Take care,
Cory Hartling
Principal
St’a7mes School
Parent Teacher Interviews for Learning Expeditions families
On Wednesday, October 14th we will be dismissing students early at 2:00pm and from 3:00pm -6:00pm we will be hosting Student Led Conferences for Cultural Journeys families and Parent Teacher Interviews for Learning Expeditions families.
Booking Instructions:
To make a booking please click on the link following –Parent Teacher Interviews and Student Led Conferences Booking Page and follow the instructions below:
- Click on LEX Parent Teacher Interviews or CJ Student Led Conferences
- Select October 14th.
- Find your child’s teacher from the drop down arrow. Please DO NOT select “Anyone” as the program will randomly select a teacher for you.
- Select a time
- Add your information and your child’s name.
- 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 your child’s teacher to arrange an alternate date. Please do not hesitate to contact the school at [email protected] or 604-892-5904 with any questions or if you require assistance booking your appointment.
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.
School Meal Program October Menu
Please see October’s menu attached, in partnership with the Squamish Climate Action Network
Our School Meal Program ensures students have access to nourishing lunches. Government funding helps but we rely on family and community contributions to bridge the gap and keep the program sustainable.
We suggest $120 per month ($1,200 annually) per student. Please contribute what you can. Donate to the program here.
All contributions made will support the meal program as a whole. We operate on the principle that everyone is welcome and nobody will be turned away for financial reasons. Contact your school to get added to the waitlist.
We kindly ask that students bring their own set of cutlery (fork, spoon, etc.) for lunch each day. Your support in helping us reduce waste and keep lunchtime running smoothly is greatly appreciated!
