Westmount Elementary School 745 Walkem Road, Kamloops, B C Phone: 250-376-8879 V2B 7X8 http://westmount.sd73.bc.ca Principal: Ms. Susie Mabee E-mail: smabee@sd73.bc.ca

JANUARY 2018 _________________________________________________________________________________

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE: HAPPY NEW YEAR. I hope everyone had a fantastic

winter break, relaxing and spending time with loved ones.

January is usually accompanied by lots of resolutions and

promises to eat better and exercise more. Here at

Westmount, we are going to take the opportunity to

renew our goal to adopt a growth mindset by embracing

the Power of YET. There may be things that students

cannot do “yet’, but

with effort and

perseverance, they will

undoubtedly

accomplish whatever

they set their minds to.

It’s a simple thing to

do, choose our words

carefully, but the impact of what we say is immense. Pay

attention to what you and your child says and when you

hear or say “can’t” try to re-phrase it by adding YET. For

example, if your child says “I don’t know how to tie my

shoes!” you can respond with “you don’t know how to

tie your shoes YET!”

This term we will also be putting much effort into our

Financial Literacy goal. Teachers will be structuring

lessons around the identification and value of coins and

currency, identifying between wants and needs with

respect to spending and saving, and solving “real-world”

problems involving money. You can help by involving

your children in some of the budgeting around the house,

especially with regards to grocery shopping.

Thank you for your support. We are looking forward to

a great second term of learning!

Sincerely,

Ms. Mabee

Principal

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION 2018 From February 13-16, families who live in our

catchment are encouraged to come and register their

Kindergarten-aged child, born in 2013, (celebrating their

5th birthday on or before December 31st, 2018) at

Westmount. The office will be open for registrations

from 9:00 am-11:30 am and 1:00pm - 3:00pm. Please

bring your child’s birth certificate, care card and

proof of address to the office and fill out an Enrollment

package. If the child you are registering may have any

significant social, cognitive or medical difficulties, please

complete the District Form as well.

Only students from our catchment area may be accepted

at this time and parents need to prove that they live in

our catchment area to attend. Students from another

neighborhood must register at their catchment area

school, complete an “APPLICATION FOR

ELEMENTARY STUDENT TRANSFER TO ANOTHER

SCHOOL” form and bring that to Westmount during the

official Kindergarten registration time. Out of catchment

students would be put on a waitlist and notified in

September if there is room at our school.

If you know of any families who have

Kindergarten-aged children, can you please

encourage them to register so that we can plan

for their success accordingly.

PLEASE NOTE:

Families registering for Kindergarten will be welcomed

back to attend the WELCOME TO

KINDERGARTEN EVENT on Friday, June 8th,

2018 from either 8:45 – 9:45 or 10:45 – 11:45 am

to participate in some activities in set groups and have a

school tour. You will be assigned to a time.

Other important registration dates are as follows: • Elementary Parent Information Night for Schools of Choice -

January 17

• Schools of Choice K registration - January 29 - Feb 2

(Please note registration ends at noon on February 2)

• District-Wide K Registration - February 13-16

• Secondary Parent Information Night for Programs of Choice -

February 13

• Kindergarten Round Up Parent Information Night - March 1

• Supported K Transitions for Families of Students with Diverse

Needs - May 1

REVERSE BOTTLE DRIVE With the winter break behind us, I’m sure that there were many of you who hosted social engagements with family and

friends. What on earth will you do with all of those empties? We have a solution for you. During the first week back at school, we will be holding a “Reverse Bottle Drive.” Instead

of us coming to your house to collect your returnable

containers, we are asking you to bring them to school and drop

them off in the morning/afternoon, when you drop off/pick up your child(ren). Funds raised will go to support various initiatives around the school. Thanks for your support with

this endeavor

FAMILY LITERACY MONTH January is LITERACY MONTH! This month we celebrate

literacy, reading, less screen time, and more enjoyment of books. Our goal is to encourage families to

disconnect somewhat from their electronic devices and spend more time playing and interacting

together. Discuss with your child what books you loved as a child,

take a visit to the public library and find a special book for you and your child to share.

Across the district and the city,

Literacy in Kamloops (LinK) invites you to participate in Family Literacy Week, January 20-27th, 2018. Family

Literacy Week is about learning together as a family in fun and

different ways. There are many ways to practice literacy together as a family - following a recipe,

singing a song or playing a game are just a few ways to engage

in literacy activities. For more ideas, please go to the national website: https://abclifeliteracy.ca/family-literacy.

Thank you for your ongoing support with home reading initiatives and encouraging your children to read with fluency and grow in their comprehension and their love of being

inquisitive.

At school, we will be doing fun activities and participating in

UNPLUG AND PLAY WEEK!

Monday – Drop Everything and Read Tuesday – Poem in my Pocket Day

Wednesday – Wearing Words Day

Thursday – Dress as your favourite Book Character Day

Friday – Teachers will share their favourite picture book with a guest glass.

We are also planning to "HEAP THE HONDA" and collect books to donate to literacy programs in our community. Please send any new or gently used books to support this

cause.

Please be sure to read about our library and upcoming literacy

events on Mrs. Sauer's Library Weebly linked on the right-hand side of the Westmount Website

TERM TWO OVERVIEWS Overviews will be sent home some time before January 19th. The intent of sending home the planned Learning Standards to

be covered is to inform parents in advance so that you can be working with and supporting your child with those strands of the curriculum at home.

DRESSING APPROPRIATELY FOR SCHOOL We are undeniably into winter, and yet there continue to be students who arrive at school unprepared to go outside at recess and lunch. In order for students to take part in the

sliding hill, they need to be wearing a jacket, snowpants, boots and mits.

Students are also expected to have foot wear to be worn soley

inside. “Heelys” (shoes with wheels in the heel) are not acceptable footwear and should be kept at home.

ABORIGINAL EDUCATION Did you know Ms. Rae Bennett runs a Culture Club for both Primary and Intermediate students? Each week, your child

could be participating in this cultural opportunity to learn more about traditions, First Nations culture and meet new friends. She also runs a Homework Club as an option for intermediate

students to work on projects and assignments with her. Ms. Bennett welcomes all children at Westmount to these lunch

hour opportunities so please encourage your child to attend.

SAFE ARRIVAL Westmount continues to use an automated SAFE ARRIVAL

SYSTEM. Thanks for calling in before 8:30 am! REMEMBER to use the methods below: Toll-free number to call: 1-844-350-2647

Website for parent access: http://ktsd.schoolconnects.com/

BASKETBALL SEASON Basketball TRY OUTS will be starting this week! The regular

league play starts the week of January 21st. We are hoping to have four teams as long as we have the coaches and children who can commit to playing on their respected days.

TIER 1 and TIER 2 BOYS always play TUESDAYS.

TIER 1 and TIER 2 GIRLS always play THURSDAYS.

Mr. Berezowski and Mr. & Mrs. Padar will be coaching our Tier 1 & 2 Boys. Mrs. Hansen and Mr. Caputo will be coaching our

TIER 1 Girls and Ms. Kosolofski will be coaching our TIER 2 Girls. Mr. Caputo and Mr. Macleod will be coaching the TIER 3 Boys team. We did not have any girls come out for TIER 3.

Practice schedules and league play schedules will be given to the children as soon as they are confirmed.

Basketball players will have shooting practice in the gym every recess Monday to Friday.

EXTREME WEATHER POLICY Please see the attached policy regarding the SD73’s policy

regarding school closures.

CHOICE DAYS AT WESTMOUNT During the winter months, many children enjoy the outside and sliding on our hills. Heading outside is always the #1

preferred activity for children so that they get fresh air and exercise. However, with the cold weather, we have many children that do not enjoy the outside and so we are offering

some choices for children, supervised by our staff on Fridays.

If there are parents who wish to spend their lunch break

running a choice activity with us on a weekly basis, please contact Ms. Mabee in the office.

ONE-TO-ONE TUTORING Do you have 2 hours a week during school hours to read one-

on-one with young students? The One-to-One Children’s

Literacy Program needs you. No experience is necessary, but

you must have good English language skills. Free training and on-going support is provided.

The One-to-One Literacy Program gives students the opportunity to practice their reading skills with a caring patient adult. This one-on-one time increases their self-confidence,

their reading fluency and comprehension, and their chance of meeting with success at school and in life.

Tutors read with 3 students for 30 minutes each once a week, either in the morning or afternoon, for 12 weeks. They develop a relationship with their students and see them grow

as readers. What a rewarding volunteer experience.

Upcoming Training Sessions

Monday January 22nd from 9am – 12 noon OR

Thursday, February 1st from 5:30 – 8:30 Both sessions will be held at the Henry Grube Education

Centre (245 Kitchener Crescent) Room 6.

To register for a Training Session or for more information

contact Cami at one2one.kamloops@gmail.com or call 250-573-1785.

PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL The PAC has monthly meetings. Babysitting is provided and all parents are invited to attend. The next PAC meeting is

scheduled for MONDAY, JANUARY 15th at 6:15 pm. ALL PARENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE MEETINGS each month.

PAC HOT LUNCH Menus for the next month are available on the 1st of each month, and orders and payment are due on the 20th of each

month. January’s meals are as follows:

January 12 – Quesadillas

January 19 – Sweet and Sour Chicken January 26 – Beef Dip or Ham and Cheese Sub

PAC HOT LUNCH ORDERS FOR FEBRUARY ARE DUE BY JANUARY 20th. You can either get a paper copy at the

office or purchase the hot lunches online at hotlunches.net PAC MOVIE NIGHT is Friday, January 19th. Doors open

at 6:30 pm and the movie starts at 7:00pm. ALL CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT.

IMPORTANT JANUARY and FEBRUARY DATES Jan. 8 - School Reopens for 2018 Jan. 12 - SPIRIT DAY - Wear Blue or Wolfpack Attire Jan. 15 - SKATING- Ewashina – 11:00-12:00 Jan. 15 - PAC MEETING 6:15 Jan. 18 - Junior Achievement with Mrs. Eagles’ class 8:45-9:55 Jan. 19 - SPIRIT DAY - Wear Blue or Wolfpack Attire

Jan. 19 - PAC Movie Night – Despicable Me 3 – Doors open at 6:30

Jan. 22 - SKATING – Connolly, Zirnhelt and Ruddick’s classes- 10:30 Jan.22 -24 - Mrs. Primus’ class at McQueen Lake Jan. 22 - Family Literacy Week – Drop Everything And Read (D.E.A.R) @ 1pm Jan. 23 - Family Literacy Week – Poem in my Pocket Day Jan. 24 - Family Literacy Week – Wearing Words Day Jan. 25 - Family Literacy Week – Dress as your Favourite Book Character Day Jan. 26 - Family Literacy Week – Guest Teachers share their favourite picture book Jan. 24 - SKATING – Caputo, Hansen, and Berezowski’s classes – 10:15-11:15 Jan. 24 - Fruit and Veggie Program - Apples Jan. 25 - Junior Achievement with Mrs. Eagles’ class 8:45-9:55 Jan. 26 - SPIRIT DAY - Wear Blue or Wolfpack Attire Jan. 26 - Mrs. Connolly’s class to the Fire Hall 10:45 – 12;15 Jan. 29 - SKATING – Zirnhelt, Regan, Ruddick’s classes – 11:00 – 12:00 Jan. 31 - Assembly at 8:45 Feb. 1 - Junior Achievement with Mrs. Eagles’ class 8:45-9:55

Feb. 2 - SPIRIT DAY - Wear Blue or Wolfpack Attire Feb. 2 - SKATING – Ewashina, Ruddick, and Schill’s classes – 1:00-2:00 Feb. 5 - SKATING – Eagles, Caputo, and Regan’s classes – 11:00-12:00 Feb. 7 - Fruit and Veggie Program - Kiwis Feb. 9 - SPIRIT DAY - Wear Blue or Wolfpack Attire

Feb. 9 – Hansen, Caputo, and Eagles’ classes swimming at Canada Games Pool Feb. 12 - FAMILY DAY- Westmount Closed Feb. 14 - Valentine’s Day - Wear Pink or Red Spirit Day! Feb. 14 -16 - Kindergarten Registration begins at Westmount Feb. 16 - SPIRIT DAY - Wear Blue or Wolfpack Attire

Feb. 16 - SKATING – Connolly 1:00 – 2:00 Feb. 16 – PAC Movie Night – Doors open at 6:30 Feb. 19 - SKATING – Eagles, Caputo, Edstrom – 11:00 – 12:00

Feb. 19 – PAC Meeting @ 6:15pm Feb. 20-23 - BC WINTER GAMES in KAMLOOPS Feb. 21 - Anti-Bullying Day! PINK SHIRT DAY! Feb. 22 - District Non-Instructional Day – Curriculum Implementation Day Feb. 23 - District Non-Instructional Day Feb. 26 - SKATING – Edstrom and M. Caputo’s classes – 11:00 – 12:00

Feb. 27 – Assembly 8:45 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

ATTENTION ALL BASKETBALL PLAYERS – Kamloops Hoops is offering WINTER basketball groups for grades 2-5 & 5-7!!

Check out KamloopsHoops.com for full details and online registration.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

250.374.0679 250.372.1183 www.sd73.bc.ca

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 73 (KAMLOOPS-THOMPSON) 1383 9

th Avenue

Kamloops, BC V2C 3X7

December 11, 2017

CONSENT AGENDA

o Finance and Planning Committee highlights

o Policy Committee highlights

o Education Committee of the whole highlights

o Committee meeting dates for 2018

o BC Winter Games

Details of the consent agenda can be found on the public agenda.

EDUCATION TOPIC

The Board was entertained by the talented Christmas caroling of the District Honour’s Choir, which sang four

songs for trustees and others who were present for the public meeting.

REPORTS FROM SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

2018 GRADUATION SCHEDULE — The Board was told that the 2018 commencement ceremony schedule for

the District’s 15 secondary school programs will be posted on the district’s website.

REPORTS FROM SECRETARY-TREASURER

LONG RANGE FACILITIES PLAN — The Board learned more about how enrolment growth and changes to

class size and composition requirements are impacting schools and classroom space. Trustees heard that in

most schools, space is very limited. The report recommends adding more portables or repurposing

classrooms at schools with growth pressure as an interim measure instead of reopening previously closed

schools. As well, Grade 7 students in rural communities could be moved to secondary schools to better

balance space and student populations. The Board debated the report and voted to move forward with its

recommendations. Further steps and community consultation, when required, are expected in the new year.

CHAIR’S REPORT

The Board discussed possible dates in January for community consultations in Barriere, Chase and

Clearwater to discuss moving Grade 7 students to secondary schools. Dates will be set as soon as possible.

MOTIONS

o Policy 506.5 Graduated Adults

o Policy 912.2 Principals and Vice-Principals; Process for Appointment

o Policy 1030.1 Interior Painting of Schools

Details of motions can be found on the public agenda.

The next public meeting will take place at the School Board Office on January 15th

at 7 p.m.

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 73 (KAMLOOPS/THOMPSON)

POLICY 1024.7

Effective Date, May 11, 2015

EMERGENCY PROCEDURE:

CANCELLATION OF CLASSES DUE TO EXTREME WEATHER

The Board of Education recognizes its responsibility to keep District schools in session for pupils

and employees for all prescribed school days.

On occasion it may be necessary to cancel classes, discontinue school bus service, and/or close

schools. In these circumstances, the closures or cancellations are for students only. The

superintendent or designate is authorized to make this decision.

REGULATIONS / PROCEDURES

1. The Superintendent’s decision, where possible and practicable, will be announced the

previous day to provide parents with additional time to make alternate arrangements for their

children.

2. In the event that a decision to cancel classes, close the school, and/or discontinue school bus

service is made on the same day, the Superintendent, where possible and practicable, will

notify parents, students, and employees before 7:00 am in the following manner:

• By telephone message to parents and employees

• Announcements through local media

• By follow-up email to employees

• Posting to School District website

3. Administration, managers, principals, and vice-principals are expected to report to their

worksites and ensure that buildings are open for employees. Administration, managers,

principals, and vice-principals who do not report to their worksite, must make contact with

their immediate supervisor for further instruction.

4. All employees are expected to report for and remain at work. Any students who arrive at the

school will be supervised and cared for until picked up by a parent. Employees who do not

report to their work site must make contact with their principal/supervisor for further

instructions.

5. Only employees who report to work for the day or are on an authorized leave will be paid.

6. All rentals of school facilities will be cancelled on these days.

FREE MONEY FOR RESPsInformation Guide for Families

1

Free government money for B.C. kids’ educat ion savings!

DID YOU KNOW?• Without any deposits from you, you can receive up to $3,200 for your child’s education.

• Kids with some savings are more likely to graduate from high school1 and 50% more likely to pursue

a post-secondary education2.

• Kids from modest income families with savings of $500 are 4 times more likely to graduate from

post-secondary school3.

• You need a Social Insurance Number for child and primary caregiver and an RESP for the child to

receive the money.

• An RESP can be opened for $0 and with $0 in family contributions.

• R

educational options.

• An RESP does not have to be opened by a parent – it can be opened by a relative, public caregiver

or even a friend.

• RESPs can be kept open for 36 years.

Families in B.C. can receive up to $3,200 for their child ’s education without contribut ing a cent.

Every child in B.C. can get the $1,200 B.C. Training & Education Savings Grant (BCTESG) at age 6, 7 or 8. Kids in B.C. also have free

money waiting to get their post-secondary education savings started through the federal government ’s Canada Learning Bond.

Yes, it ’s FREE MONEY for families to get savings started, even when they have no money of their own to contribute.

You only need to set up an RESP account to apply and receive the money. Without an RESP, kids miss out on the federal and

provincial education savings incentives they are entitled to receive from the government.

= Up to $3,200 per child for eligible families

BC Training & Education Savings Grant

A $1,200 one-time provincial grant available to every B.C. child born 2006 or later.

$1,200Canada Learning Bond

Types of free money available

Up to $2,000

If your child was born 2004 or later and your net family income is less than $45,000, your child

may be eligible to receive up to $2,000.