Lion's Dance @Laurier!

Dear Laurier Families,

As we are approaching the end of January, we have a lot to celebrate! 

Our students celebrated the Lunar New Year with a Lion's Dance in the gym on Friday, January 20th and participated in many related activities in their classrooms. Many thanks to our parent volunteers for leading a wonderful afternoon in the Library on Tuesday, January 24th to celebrate the Lunar New Year and Hobiyee with the community.

This month, we are also celebrating the learning of our students in many academic and social and emotional areas. The learning is ongoing and students are assessed regularly by their teachers in order to respond to their diverse learning needs. We thank you all for being the true partners in supporting your child(ren)'s schooling experience.

Communicating student learning

Students will receive their first written progress reports on January 31st. As explained in previous newsletters, the communication of student learning to parents is based on clear standards and expectations and is intended to make learning visible. Students are encouraged to think of the questions: Where am I now? Where am I going? What do I need to do to get there? The progress reports will continue to focus on your child’s strengths, areas for growth and ways to support learning. I encourage parents to sit down with their child(ren) and discuss their performance, celebrate the successes and develop goals and next steps. 

Children’s Book Recycling Project @Laurier

1000 x 5 - Book Drive

The Rotary Club of Vancouver Arbutus and the Vancouver School Board Early Learning Department are working to get books into the hands of children from zero to five years old - they want kids to enjoy 1,000 books before kindergarten!

Our school has volunteered to collect books for this good cause! We are collecting gently used books.  Early Reading Books, like board books and picture books are especially welcomed. Clean out your bookshelves and have your kids donate the books into the yellow box labelled "Book Drive” by the office. 

Opens  - Monday, February 6th

Last Day - Friday, February 24th

For more info - https://www.canva.com/design/DAE2sRaF9k8/vmNskVGzE5R3UvYpsrN8hQ/view?utm_content=DAE2sRaF9k8&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink

If you cannot make it to the school and wish to have the books collected from you, please email Rotary1000x5@gmail.com to set up a time with their coordinator.

 Lets help kids read more before Kindergarten! 

Health and Safety Links

When and where to go when your child is sick or injured:

• Link to: BCCH pages:
  o Flu shot: http://www.bcchildrens.ca/about/news-stories/stories/time-to-get-the-flu-shot 
• Link to BCCDC pages:
  o Respiratory illness season: http://www.bccdc.ca/about/news-stories/stories/2022/respiratory-illness-season
  o Hand Hygiene: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/hand-hygiene
• Link to Get Vaccinated page: https://www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca/s/ 
• LinBC Children’s Hospital: LinkedIn or Twitter 
• Provincial Health Services Authority: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter 

• Tips to help prevent the spread of respiratory illness this season:
   - Get all recommended vaccines, including influenza & COVID-19 booster vaccine doses.
   - Stay at home if you feel unwell & try to avoid spending time with people at higher risk of serious illness.
   - Wear a mask in indoor public spaces if you have symptoms.
   - Cough/sneeze in your elbow.
   - Clean your hands regularly & avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, mouth and nose. 
• For more info: http://www.bccdc.ca/about/news-stories/stories/2022/respiratory-illness-season

-Sir Wilfrid Laurier Elementary School PAC 2023 DIRECT APPEAL FUNDRAISER: LAST FEW DAYS - The Sir Wilfrid Laurier PAC (Parent Advisory Council) is still undergoing our 2023 Direct Appeal Campaign. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year. You have UNTIL FEBRUARY 01 to donate, either by cheque or conveniently online, as follows:

1. Go to this link (uses your SchoolCashOnline account).

2. E-Sir Wilfrid Laurier PAC should appear as Fund Destination under Gift Information.

3. Under "Message to School Board" in the message field enter: 2023 Direct Appeal.

4. Click "Add to Cart".

VSB will instantly issue a tax receipt. This uses the same account you use to pay for school fees.

Thank you for your support!
 

-Laurier online Auction 2023 (Accepting Donations): Back by popular demand!

PAC is happy to announce the launch of the LAURIER ONLINE AUCTION 2023. Get ready to don your virtual gala outfits. After last year's success, we are setting up a new edition of the event, running from February 04 to February 18. Stay alert for more details in the following days.
At this stage, we are accepting donations for the auction. These can be new or gently used items of any kind. It’s the perfect occasion to get rid of that static bike occupying space in the den, or some of those pre-loved toys and games the kids don’t use anymore. Some other noteworthy donations from last year included apparel, wine, books, plants, furniture, artistic services, business gift cards and even an impressive train layout experience!

As a warm up, have a look at last year's Auction site here (https://app.galabid.com/laurier/items).

>> If you are considering MAKING A DONATION (thank you!), this is how it works:

1) Fill this form (https://forms.gle/4SgiYVaR3TEAP8i79) and upload one or more images through it. A PAC member will add the item to the Auction Site.

2) Once the auction is open (Feb 04), bidders will compete for the different items until the closing date (Feb 18).

3) The winners are announced. You will receive an email with instructions on how to meet for the item exchange.

 All funds will go to support the diverse programs and activities funded by the Sir Wilfrid Laurier PAC. If you have any questions or comments, please reach us at laurier.fundraiser@gmail.com. 

Special thanks to those that have already donated. Thank you very much for SOARing with your support! 

Upcoming Dates

Tuesday, January 31: Report Cards go home

Wednesday, February 15: PAC Meeting @6:30pm

Thursday, February 16: Ocean Drive @Laurier

Friday, February 17: Professional Development Day - School closed for students

Monday, February 20: Family Day - School closed

Wednesday, February 22: Pink Shirt Day

As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at school.

I wish you a safe and restful weekend.

Sincerely,

Armin Samiei | Principal

Sir Wilfrid Laurier Elementary School