Mount Pleasant Elementary School Newsletter - September 2023

Dear Mount Pleasant Elementary School Parents,

We hope this newsletter finds you well, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your tremendous support during the first two weeks of the school year. It has been an exciting start, and we have several important updates and events to share with you.

1. Meet The Teacher Event - Wednesday, September 20th, after school

We invite all parents and guardians to join us for our Meet The Teacher event next Wednesday, after school. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your child's teachers and learn more about the exciting year ahead.  Your teacher will send you a message with the exact times they will be available to meet with you.  Please note that this is primarily a social event for you to meet the teacher and some other parents of children in your class.  We will be having in-depth conferences with opportunity to discuss your child's progress October 25 and 26th.

2. Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting - Thursday, September 21st, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Our first PAC meeting of the school year is scheduled for next Thursday evening. Your active participation is highly valued, and we encourage you to attend this meeting to discuss important matters concerning our school community.  We will be sending out a separate message by our Parent Advisory Committee with details about how to be involved and attend our meetings.

3. Terry Fox Run - Thursday, September 21st, 1:45 pm

On September 21st, we will host our annual Terry Fox Run at 1:45 pm. Parents who are available are welcome to come and cheer on our students as they participate in this meaningful event, promoting a great cause.

4. Professional Development Day - Thursday, September 22nd

Please be aware that there will be no school for students on September 22nd due to a professional development day for our teachers. This day is essential for our educators to enhance their skills and knowledge.

5. Canada's Day of Reconciliation - Saturday, September 30th

On September 30th our country observes Canada's Day of Reconciliation. In the next two weeks our school will hold assemblies and in-class activities to educate our students about Canada's difficult history of residential schools and the importance of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.  We will be sending out a separate message with more information about this significant day in our calendar.  October 2 Vancouver schools will be closed in lieu of Saturday's day of reconciliation  

6. Combined Classes in Vancouver School Board

Combined classes are a common practice in the Vancouver School Board. If you would like more information on this topic, please visit the district website at VSB Combined Classes.

7. Important Reminders:

• Please remind your child not to bring toys to school or keep them in their backpack before and after school hours.
• Cell phones should not be used during school time unless part of a teacher-organized activity. Please instruct your child accordingly.
• Due to numerous student food allergies, please consult your child's teacher for information on appropriate classroom snacks.  As a general guideline we ask that children avoid bringing peanut products as this is a common allergen among students.  There may be other allergens that need to be avoided in specific classes.  Thank you for your help with keeping all children safe at school.

8. Caller ID Information

Please note that all Vancouver School Board telephone numbers operate with a 604-713 prefix. If you see these digits in your caller ID, this is probably the school calling regarding your child.

Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement in our school community. We look forward to a successful and enriching school year together.

Warm regards,

Jonathan Weresch

Principal