Dear Maple Grove Parents,

A word of thanks

To me, Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons of the year. It’s a season of harvest and giving thanks. The leaves turn from green to gold, to yellow/ orange and red. It’s just a stellar time to admire mother nature at work. It foreshadows November, the season of remembrance perfectly. So, while we’re in the spirit of giving thanks, I want to stop, pause, and acknowledge all the parents/guardians in the school.

Thank you. Thank you for helping and supporting. Supporting takes on many forms. It’s not just about donating. Support has been given generously by parents/guardians in volunteering to coach a team, helping on a fieldtrip, being a class parent, participating in the PAC executive, volunteering around the school, simply offering to help out if needed. And, of course, we have many families who donate products, services, and goods to the school throughout the year. Some of these activities have been curtailed by COVID protocols, however we still appreciate all the lovely help and support we have been given.

I don’t want to embarrass anyone, but let me say that I continue to be grateful for such a supportive, caring, giving parent community. Thank you to each of you for all that you have given; done; offered; and for supporting the school in whatever way you can. Even if it’s emotional support; or support in theory; we appreciate knowing that you’ve got our backs, as we’ve got yours.

__________

Halloween at Maple Grove

Halloween is not cancelled at Maple Grove. However, it will look slightly different. Students and staff are invited to dress up in costumes. However, we are not entertaining the idea of goodies and treats. Classes may have parties- within their learning group or cohort, they may play games or activities, but we won’t be having parents bringing foods, treats and goodies. Sorry. There are also no plans for parades at the school. There is simply no way to include additional adult/parent participation .

However we do have a very fun activity for the primary classes on October 30th! A pumpkin patch! Watch for a notice coming home with details.

We are leaving the treats and festivities to the community and trick or treating in the neighbourhoods. We love Halloween, as evidenced by Maple Grove’s Halloween celebrations for the past 14 years, but, this year it has to look different. Thank you for understanding. We’re hopeful that we’ll be able to return to a more traditional Halloween next year.

__________

Traffic Concerns/ Change in zoning/ Tickets

Thank you to all the parents who’ve been WALKING the last block or two to school with their child. It’s really helped reduce the congestion on Cypress St in the mornings- and what a wonderful thing to do as a parent to help start your child’s day on the right foot. Bravo to all you wonderful parents!!!!!

There are fascinating driving habits on display daily, and I’m surprised we haven’t had an accident this year. Cars pulling into oncoming traffic- facing the wrong direction on the wrong side of the street; pulling “U” turns or 3-point turns in the middle of the street; and speeding down Cypress St; it’s all unacceptable and places the safety and security of students, pedestrians, and other drivers at risk. It would be so helpful if you STOP, THINK and be calm and kind to others. We all know family life can be rushed and busy- but, PLEASE, exercise some concern for others and drive defensively. Last week, the school contacted the district to ask for their assistance with our policing partners to enforce road safety. We have asked for ticketing and traffic enforcement to being asap.

Please be aware of the new COV traffic signs in front of the school. Effective last week, there is NO STOPPING in front of the school. It is now a bus zone.

As always, we encourage drivers to (a) follow the rules of the road and (b) park a block or two from the school and walk in with your child. We have been advocating this for years in an effort to help reduce morning and afterschool congestion on Cypress St. We would love to see parents parking a block away and walking to/from school with their child. It makes for a wonderful transition and start/ end to their day.

Thank you to all the families who have taken these words to heart… together we can ensure that our children and students have a safe experience entering and leaving school at the beginning and end of the day.

__________

NO SCHOOL- Friday, Oct 23

Friday, October 23rd is a Provincial Pro D Day for the Provincial Specialists Association (PSA). Students will resume school on Monday, October 26th.

__________

Goal Setting Conferences (early dismissal at 2 pm)

Please be advised that our school Goal Setting Conferences take place on:

Oct 26th AND Oct 28th starting at 2:00 pm both days.

Early dismissal on both days at 2:00 pm.

There is no supervision provided. You must be at the school early on both days to pick up your child.

There was a minor typo/ mis-print in our School Calendar which we apologize for. Please know that Goal Setting Conferences will be on Oct 26 + 28.

__________

Photo Day

No Photo Day this week… it was moved to January by the photography company due to Covid guidelines being approved.

__________

Safe, Caring, Orderly Schools– FYI item

The staff at the district and at the school always have the safety and security of all students at the forefront of our minds. With a commitment to ensuring schools are safe, caring and inclusive, the Vancouver School District has updated the Fair Notice document and asked all schools to share it with their school communities.vsb-e28093-student-threat-risk-assessment-protocol-fair-noticeDownload

__________

School Fees are due now.

Dear Parents/Guardians:

The school supply fee covers the cost of basic school supplies (e.g. paper, writing tools, rulers, scissors, erasers, paint and exercise books. Some of the advantages include convenience, cost savings, and standardization of materials used in classrooms.
Pro rated at $3.50 per Month. 10 months = $35.00.  8 months (Nov 2020– June 2021) x $3.50 = $28

Please check your account at vsb.schoolcashonline.com to access your invoice.

Please note: The VBE will not deny a child access to school supplies because of financial hardship. If you would like to request either to postpone payment of fees or the waiver of fees, please contact the school Principal, Peter Evans, directly, preferably in writing

__________

Maple Grove Pac Website (Click to enter)

October 23 – Professional Development Day – No school for students

October 26 AND October 28 – Early Dismissal at 2:00 pm – Goal Setting Conferences.

October 30 – Primary Pumpkin Patch