Tuesday 29 November 2016

November 29


CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Hawthorne will be hosting its annual Christmas Concert on Thursday, December 8th.  There will be two shows (1:30pm and 6:30pm) and a reply form was sent home last week so that parents can indicate which show their family plans to attend.  Please keep in mind that due to our gym's capacity,  families will only be able to attend one of the shows and we will be restricting families to 2 seats for the evening show or 4 seats for the afternoon performance. Reply forms are due back tomorrow and you can send an email to Mr. Carruthers if you require a special accommodation. We look forward to what should be a fun day of holiday cheer.

DELTASSIST
Our student council will be collecting food and money for Deltassist beginning on Thurs., December 1st  until  Monday, December 12th.  We are hoping for donations of non-perishable food items and/or a loonie or twoonie to support Delta families in need. Your support would be greatly appreciated. If you, or someone you know, is in need of extra support during the holiday season, please consider Deltassist's Christmas programs.   Registered families can have access to food and toys. You can click here for more details and to check the eligibility requirements.

FAMOUS FRIDAY
We are looking look forward to our FAMOUS FRIDAY spirit day which is scheduled for Friday, December 2nd.  Students and staff will be encouraged to dress up as someone who is famous and inspirational.  Thank you in advance of your help with this. 

REPORT CARDS
Report cards will be sent home on Tuesday, December 13th.  Please keep in mind that our kindergarten to grade 4 students will all be receiving a new report card template that will provide more personalized feedback.  As well,  our grade 4 students will NOT be receiving letter grades.  This is a pilot project and your input would be greatly appreciated.  With this in mind, we will also be providing parents with feedback forms or links to online surveys.  It is hoped that over the course of this year,  the Delta learning community can create a reporting document that meets the needs of students, teachers and parents.

COMMUNITY FORUM





IMPORTANT DATES

Wednesday, November 30
PAC Meeting
6:30pm

Monday, December 5
Professional Day
School Closed

Thursday, December 8
Christmas Concert
1:30 and 6:30pm

Friday, December 9
Monthly Assembly
11am

Tuesday, December 13
Report Cards Issued

Friday, December 16
Hot Lunch 
Winter Break Begins (3pm)

Thursday 17 November 2016

November 17

CHRISTMAS CONCERT
We are pleased to announce that Hawthorne will be hosting its annual Christmas Concert on Thursday, December 8th.  There will be two shows (1:30pm and 6:30pm) and a reply form will be sent home in late November so that parents can indicate which show their family plans to attend.  Please keep in mind that due to our gym's capacity,  families will only be able to attend one of the shows and we will be restricting families to 2 seats for the evening show or 4 seats for the afternoon performance. We look forward to what should be a fun day of holiday cheer.

MOVIE NIGHT
Families are invited to attend another Movie Night at Hawthorne.  It is scheduled for Friday, November 25th.  Doors open at 6pm and the movie starts at 6:30pm.  Admission is free and there will be a concession available with select items for sale. Please RSVP Ms. Sigouin if you plan to attend: helen.sigouin@gmail.com.  The feature movie is Jim Carrey's,  The Grinch.

DELTASSIST
Our student council will be collecting food and money for Deltassist beginning on Thurs., December 1st  until  Monday, December 12th.  We are hoping for donations of non-perishable food items and/or a loonie or twoonie to support Delta families in need. Your support would be greatly appreciated. If you, or someone you know, is in need of extra support during the holiday season, please consider Deltassist's Christmas programs.   Registered families can have access to food and toys. You can click here for more details and to check the eligibility requirements.


STUDENT COUNCIL
Hawthorne's Student Council met for the first time two weeks ago and their first responsibility was hosting a Halloween costume day on October 31.  We enjoyed a great level of participation for staff and students which made for an action packed day with prizes for two students from each class.  We look forward to our next Spirit Day which will be a FAMOUS FRIDAY scheduled for Friday, December 2nd.  Students and staff will be encouraged to dress up as someone famous  Thank you in advance of your help with this.  

Here are the student council members for 2016-2017:

Abby White, Alexios Boufeas, Annise Gill,  Arshdeep Pannu, Ayla Havard, Chase Kolinsky, Ivan Terehoff, Gabby Ranu, Jake Williams, Jonny Saunby, Kaitlyn Kitagawa, Kaitlyn Willford, Karsten Sparkes, Keily Hutt, Kyla Savage, Mattais Ljungberg, Owen Badenhorst, Skye Gauthier, Teala Pannell

COMMUNITY GATHERING
The Delta School District will be hosting a Community Gathering from 5-8pm at the Tsawwassen First Nation Community Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 30th to discuss some changes to the Indigenous Education Department.  These gatherings will provide an opportunity for the Delta District to share more details with you about the department changes as well as our district's Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement. Supper will be provided and children are welcome.  If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Ms. Lori Hall by telephone 604-952-5323 or email lhall@deltasd.bc.ca.

SNOW PASSES: Grade 4 and 5
The temperature is beginning to fall and winter is just around the corner. Get a Grade 4 & 5 SnowPass for your nine and ten year olds  and get them out on the slopes this winter! Pick up a SnowPass for your 4th or 5th grader and save this winter. Snowstorms are already starting to hit parts of Canada and with all this snow comes all sorts of fun! Don't let your kids spend the winter indoors, get them out and active; try skiing and snowboarding this winter with the Grade 4 & 5 SnowPass.

Your kids have never skied or snowboarded before? No problem!  It's the perfect time to get them started. The Canadian Ski Council has everything you need to make it easy and affordable for your children to learn. Just register for a Grade 4 & 5 SnowPass for your child and receive three free lift tickets at each and every participating ski area, all across Canada. With over 150 locations participating in the program, there are hundreds of opportunities for your kids to ski and snowboard this winter!

Registering your child for a SnowPass is easy and open to any child in grade 4 or 5. Online registration is fast and easy, just visit https://www.skicanada.org/grade-4-5-snowpass/, upload your child's picture and proof of age, enter your method of payment and presto, your child's personalized SnowPass will be mailed directly to your home in days.

The Grade 4 & 5 SnowPass is a national program and is valid at over 150 ski areas across Canada including 32 ski areas in British Columbia, 19 ski areas in Alberta, 1 ski area in Saskatchewan, 2 ski areas in Manitoba, 33 ski areas in Ontario, 57 ski areas in Quebec, 8 in Atlantic Canada and 1 in the Yukon.  With ski areas participating across Canada, families will not have to travel far to put the SnowPass to use. Kids can easily track how many lift passes they have left by visiting www.snowpass.caNo matter where you live, everyone can take advantage of this fantastic offer. The only cost is a small administration/postage fee of $29.95 including taxes.

If this is your child's first time skiing or snowboarding, the Canadian Ski Council has it covered.  Sign up for a Discover Learn to Ski or Snowboard lesson package, which includes a lesson with a certified ski or snowboard instructor, lift ticket and equipment rental, all for a very low price. Check out www.skicanada.org for a full list of ski areas that offer Discover lesson packages and their package prices.

IMPORTANT DATES


Friday, November 18
Hot Lunch

Friday, November 25

Movie Night
6-8pm

Wednesday, November 30

PAC Meeting
6:30pm

Monday, December 5
Professional Day
School Closed

Thursday, December 8
Christmas Concert
1:30 and 6:30pm

Friday, December 16
Winter Break Begins
3pm

Thursday 3 November 2016

November 3rd

MAYOR'S GARDEN CONTEST FOR KIDS
We are pleased to announce that Hawthorne Elementary recently won the school prize in Mayor Jackson's Garden Contest for Kids.  A contingent of staff and students were invited to receive the award within Delta's Council Chambers on Monday, October 24.  It was a great experience for everyone involved and an opportunity to celebrate the success of our school garden. Special thanks to Ms. Bohmert who took responsibility for this project during the Spring of 2012 and has provided so much energy ever since. As a result of her hard work,  so many students have been exposed to gardening for the first time and enjoyed the fruits (vegetables) of their labour.  Mayor Jackson, along with Councillor Paton,  will be joining us tomorrow at our monthly assembly to officially present the prizes which include: wheelbarrows, garden tools, soil and a $100 gift certificate to Westcoast Seeds.  Way to go Hawthorne!


REMEMBRANCE DAY
Hawthorne will be hosting its Remembrance Day Service on Thursday, November 10th beginning at approximately 11am in our gymnasium.  We have a number of classes and students who will be presenting in honour of the many Canadians who have provided service for our country.  Parents are welcome to attend this service.   We will also be providing students and staff with poppies to be worn on this day.  These poppies are provided by the local legion and donations will be collected on November 10th.  Any support you can provide will be greatly appreciated.  Please note that the school will be closed on Tuesday, November 11th.


TRAFFIC AT HAWTHORNE
As we enter our third month of school, parents are reminded to avoid driving their child to school whenever possible. The increased congestion does create a genuine safety concern for our students and taxes the skills of our crossing guards. If you must drive, please consider the following alternatives: dropping off at the pathway on Grove Avenue or at the parking lot for Hawthorne Park. Thank you in advance for your attention to this issue.

COLDER WEATHER
With the poor weather of late,  we are asking parents to ensure that our students are coming to school with clothing that is appropriate for the conditions.  As well,  it would be helpful if your child had a change of clothes left at the school to account for those occasions when they might get wet or muddy from outdoor play.  Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.

IMPORTANT DATES


Friday November 4th
Monthly Assembly
11AM

Thursday, Nov. 10th
Walk to School Day
Remembrance Day Assembly
Gymnasium 11am

Friday, Nov. 11th
Remembrance Day
School Closed

Friday, November 18
Hot Lunch

Friday, November 25
Movie Night
7-9pm

Wednesday, November 30
PAC Meeting
6:30pm

Monday 17 October 2016

Monday, October 17

CROSS COUNTRY RUNNING
On Wednesday, October 12th almost 60 Hawthorne students participated in a cross country run that was hosted at Sunshine Hills Elementary.  Students in gr. 3-7 ran varying distances against peers from other Delta Schools.  It was a very successful event for our students and thank you to the many parent drivers who supported us.  Special thanks to our staff who helped make it happen:  Ms. Wilson, Ms. Mack, Mr. Tang and Ms. Veperts.  Way to go Hawks!

LICE UPDATE
Our lice check volunteers completed a follow up last week and the results were very encouraging.  The number cases in the school were reduced substantially to 6 and this was the result of a concerted effort from everyone involved.  We will continue to take the necessary precautions at the school and ask that you follow suit at home and in the community.  Special thanks to our parent volunteers:  Ms. Barnes, Ms. Kolinsky, Ms. Cole, Ms Barton, Ms. Pryce and Ms. Beaton.   We will host another check in  January.


EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Over the last few weeks our students and staff have been engaged in some emergency planning. We began by reviewing our fire drill procedures on September 14th. We were also early participants in the "Shakeout B.C." initiative when we held an earthquake drill last Thursday afternoon. The drill consisted of an initial "duck, cover, hold" response followed by an evacuation.  Both drills have left  us feeling better prepared for an emergency.  If you should have any questions or concerns with regard to our emergency planning, please contact Mr. Carruthers at the office (mcarruthers@deltasd.bc.ca).

SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR
Mrs. Ratzlaff will once again be hosting a book fair in the library on Oct. 19 and 20.  We are in need of volunteers to assist with this event and you can contact Mrs. Ratzlaff directly (jratzlaff@deltasd.bc.ca) if you are able to help.  Thank you in advance for your support.

PARENT / TEACHER CONFERENCES
We will be hosting our parent/teacher conferences on Wednesday, Oct. 19 and Thursday, October 20 and this will result in an early dismissal on both days (2pm).  Conference booking instructions were sent home last week and parents can book their meetings online (Parent Connect).

IMPORTANT DATES


Wednesday, October 19
Parent/Teacher Conferences
2pm dismissal

Thursday, October 20
Parent/Teacher Conferences
2pm Dismissal

Thursday, October 20
HOT LUNCH DAY

Friday, October 21
Non-Instructional Day
School Closed

Monday, October 24
Non-Instructional Day
School Closed

Tuesday, October 25
PAC Meeting
6:30pm Library

Thursday, Nov. 3
Photo Re-Takes

Monday, October 17

CROSS COUNTRY RUNNING
On Wednesday, October 12th almost 60 Hawthorne students participated in a cross country run that was hosted at Sunshine Hills Elementary.  Students in gr. 3-7 ran varying distances against peers from other Delta Schools.  It was a very successful event for our students and thank you to the many parent drivers who supported us.  Special thanks to our staff who helped make it happen:  Ms. Wilson, Ms. Mack, Mr. Tang and Ms. Veperts.  Way to go Hawks!

LICE UPDATE
Our lice check volunteers completed a follow up last week and the results were very encouraging.  The number cases in the school were reduced substantially to 6 and this was the result of a concerted effort from everyone involved.  We will continue to take the necessary precautions at the school and ask that you follow suit at home and in the community.  Special thanks to our parent volunteers:  Ms. Barnes, Ms. Kolinsky, Ms. Cole, Ms Barton, Ms. Pryce and Ms. Beaton.   We will host another check in  January.


EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Over the last few weeks our students and staff have been engaged in some emergency planning. We began by reviewing our fire drill procedures on September 14th. We were also early participants in the "Shakeout B.C." initiative when we held an earthquake drill last Thursday afternoon. The drill consisted of an initial "duck, cover, hold" response followed by an evacuation.  Both drills have left  us feeling better prepared for an emergency.  If you should have any questions or concerns with regard to our emergency planning, please contact Mr. Carruthers at the office (mcarruthers@deltasd.bc.ca).

SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR
Mrs. Ratzlaff will once again be hosting a book fair in the library on Oct. 19 and 20.  We are in need of volunteers to assist with this event and you can contact Mrs. Ratzlaff directly (jratzlaff@deltasd.bc.ca) if you are able to help.  Thank you in advance for your support.

PARENT / TEACHER CONFERENCES
We will be hosting our parent/teacher conferences on Wednesday, Oct. 19 and Thursday, October 20 and this will result in an early dismissal on both days (2pm).  Conference booking instructions were sent home last week and parents can book their meetings online (Parent Connect).

IMPORTANT DATES


Wednesday, October 19
Parent/Teacher Conferences
2pm dismissal

Thursday, October 20
Parent/Teacher Conferences
2pm Dismissal

Thursday, October 20
HOT LUNCH DAY

Friday, October 23
Non-Instructional Day
School Closed

Monday, October 24
Non-Instructional Day
School Closed

Tuesday, October 25
PAC Meeting
6:30pm Library

Thursday, Nov. 3
Photo Re-Takes

Thursday 29 September 2016

Thursday, September 29th

OPEN HOUSE
Thank you to all of the families who joined us for last week's Open House. It was a great night for people to get re-acquainted with each other and check out some of the happenings at Hawthorne.   We had a positive response to our Scavenger Hunt with hundreds of participants.   Special congratulations to the Balquiedra, Kittson, Last, Boufeas and Dakiniewich families.  They successfully completed the challenges and have each won TWO front row seats to our Christmas Concert in December.

TERRY FOX RUN
On Friday, September 16th Hawthorne participated in its annual Terry Fox Run. Our grade seven students led us through the course.  Special thanks to Ms. Wilson (our VP) for coordinating our efforts and to those families who supported our fundraising efforts with all funds donated to the Terry Fox Foundation.

MONTHLY ASSEMBLIES
Parents are invited to join us for our Monthly Assemblies which take place on the first Friday of every month (with some exceptions).  These assemblies feature different discussion topics, student activities, video highlights and a group dance. Our next assembly is scheduled for Friday, October 7th at 11am.  We hope that your schedule allows you to attend.

HOMEWORK GUIDELINES
These guidelines seek to find some common ground on the issue of Homework at Hawthorne.   There will no doubt be some exceptions to these guidelines but they represent the ideal that we will strive for.  We ask that you discuss this issue with your child’s teacher at the beginning of each year.

Homework should…

-       reinforce taught skills and review material covered
-       foster time management skills
-       be a reasonable amount of time considering a student’s learning needs
-       not be every day with the exception of reading/spelling programs
-       support the review of basic concepts
-       consist of unfinished classroom work
-       involve preparing for tests

Students should…

-       ensure that they have the materials required for home
-       understand the assignment criteria
-       complete work to the best of their ability
-       use the planner/communication book to keep parents informed
-       use time effectively and avoid distractions at home
-       review material covered in preparation for assessment
-       read every day (independently or with an adult)

Parents should…

-       show an interest in their child’s work
-       support  their child’s learning without doing the work
-       foster time management skills
-       create a quiet work space and establish homework routines
-       read regularly with their child
-       monitor assignments using the planner / communication book
-       review assignment criteria from teacher
-       advise the classroom teacher if homework is becoming overwhelming

Teachers should…

-       ensure that the work is important for learning
-       provide feedback on the homework when needed
-       use the planner / communication book to record tasks
-       provide written criteria / instructions for take home assignments
-       provide substantial notice with regard to projects
-       avoid, whenever possible, assigning homework for long weekends and holiday breaks
-       provide clear expectations and work that students can complete independently
-       check that the homework was completed

WALK YOUR WHEELS
Students AND parents are advised that bicycles, scooters, skateboards, etc are to be walked on the school grounds both before and after school.  Thank you in advance for your attention to this as it helps make our grounds a safer place for everyone who visits.

GRADE 5 & 6 "REC" PASSES
Students in grade 5,6,7 and 8  can drop by any Delta Recreation facility and activate a one-year Recreation Pass. There is a $5 administration fee and student will need to present proof of birth and Delta residency. With the pass, students can skate, swim or enjoy time in the Open gym.  Accompanying youths or adults can also participate for free.  For more information you can visit www.corp.delta.bc.ca/flyers.

VISITORS
Please be sure to check in at the office whenever you visit Hawthorne during the day so that our office staff can provide you with a visitor's badge.  As well,  we ask that if you would like to meet with a teacher,  please book in advance as impromptu meetings in the hallway can lead to delays in the classroom.  Finally,  please note that student lunches can be dropped off on the table provided outside the office.

INDIVIDUAL PHOTOS
Please note that individual photographs will be taken on Monday, October 3.  Proofs will arrive back at the school then sent home for you to review. Information regarding the ordering of portrait packages will follow with the proofs.


IMPORTANT DATES

Monday, October 3
Individual Student Photos

Oct. 3-7
Walk to School Week

Monday, Oct. 10
Thanksgiving Day
School Closed

Wednesday, October 19
Parent-Teacher Conference
Early Dismissal 2pm

Thursday, October 20
Parent-Teacher Conference
Early Dismissal 2pm

Friday, October 21
Professional Day
School Closed

Monday, October 24
Professional Day
School Closed

Tuesday 13 September 2016

Tuesday, September 13th

START UP
We are now into our second week and most of our programs will soon be up and running.  I would like to thank parents, students and staff for making the return to school so successful. There is always a substantial amount of positive energy to be found in September and Hawthorne is off to a great start.  We are excited about the year ahead and plan to keep parents informed via our blog and website.  

NEW STAFF
We are pleased to announce that a number of new staff members have joined our school community.  Please join us in welcoming:

Mr. Buonanno, Education Assistant
Ms. Collins, Education Assistant
Ms. Yorke, Education Assistant
Ms. Wilson, Vice-Principal
Ms. Tennant, Head Secretary
Ms. Benson-Mah, Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Grant, Grade 7 Teacher
Ms. Blachford Grade 7 Teacher
Ms. Grewal, Mainstream Support Teacher
Ms. Switzer,  School Psychologist

TERRY FOX RUN
Parents are invited to join us for our Terry Fox Run scheduled for Friday, September 16th at approximately 10:10am. We will first be gathering with all of our students in the gymnasium and then head out for a run on Hawthorne's fields. We will be collecting "Toonies for Terry" in classrooms until Thursday, September 22nd and any support would be greatly appreciated.


OPEN HOUSE
We will be hosting Hawthorne's Open House on Thursday, September 22 from 6-7pm. Parents are encouraged to meet their child's teacher and participate in the family Scavenger Hunt.  This challenge will ask families to answer a few questions around the school and submit their form for a draw.  We will be drawing 5 successfully completed forms and rewarding those families with TWO front row seats to the evening performance of our Christmas Concert.  We hope your schedule allows you to join us.

LIFE-THREATENING ALLERGIES
Many families have already received a letter advising them that a student in their child's classroom has a life-threatening allergy.  These allergies vary from student to student and it is important that all of us at Hawthorne work to ensure a safe learning environment for every child.  Aside from some food restrictions we are also asking that dogs are brought to the school with extra care.  We have students who are severely allergic to canines and it is important that pets are secured on a leash and kept well away from entrances to the school building so that  everyone feels safe. Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.  


TRAFFIC REMINDER
International "Walk to School" Month is coming up in October and we are encouraging all students to walk, ride or roll to school as much as possible this year.  Walking to school has very clear health benefits, is better for the environment and creates a safer space for our school community.  We hope that you can support this initiative and continue to do so for the balance of the school year.

As students adjust to the routines and expectations of the new school year, they do not always pay attention to the safety rules when they walk to and from the school. Please take some time to discuss safety rules with your child(ren) and please drive carefully.  As you are aware, we are very concerned about the safety of our students during the peak periods of drop-off and pick-up in our school driveway.  The capacity of our driveway is not sufficient to accommodate the growing numbers of vehicles that use it for drop-off, pick-up, and visitor parking. In order to improve safety for our students and other pedestrians at school, and to increase the traffic flow in the roundabout, we are asking all drivers of vehicles including daycare, to observe the “Drop-off – Pick up” rules. These have been discussed by The Delta Police and Traffic Engineers from the Corporation of Delta. We thank you for your cooperation in this matter. We will monitor this and make the necessary changes where needed.


 DROP-OFF / PICK-UP RULES IN SCHOOL DRIVEWAY:

  • The curved lane in front of the school has been designated for "drop-off and pick-up" only.  This is a FIRE LANE and there is NO PARKING ALLOWED, however, we are allowing only drop-off, pick-up and exiting.  Do not leave your vehicle unattended, including Daycare providers.
  • Enter the “Drop-off – Pick- up” lane and proceed forward as far as possible to the next car ahead so that other cars can enter the lane.
  • Do not leave your vehicle (NO PARKING), as this blocks others from exiting.
  • Keep your place in the line up. Do not cut in front of another vehicle.
  • Please do not idle your car
  • When driving, please do not use your cell phone
  • Follow the correct flow of traffic indicated by the arrows on the road.
  • Children should use the passenger side car doors that open to the sidewalk.
Our parking lot is restricted to staff for 30 minutes before and after school. The existing parking stalls are needed for school staff as well as district staff who arrive and leave our school at different times throughout the day. If possible, please consider having your child(ren) walk to school or walk to school with them. We will continue to participate in initiatives and events that promote walking to school, teach environmental responsibility and reduce car dependency.  Please watch for an announcement, regarding our first “Walk to School” event.  

PARENT CONNECT
As with previous years, newsletters, school bulletins and PAC notices, will be posted on the Hawthorne website.  You can access the website by going to http://ha.deltasd.bc.ca.  There are also many other interesting and helpful links on the site for both parents and students. This is our fourth year with the Parent Connect program and it should be familiar to most of you.  For those who are new to the school,  please see the attached letter for more details.  Please make sure to sign in to Parent Connect, make the changes and then sign off on the forms before exiting the program.  Thank you in advance for taking care of these items.

ACCIDENT INSURANCE
For those families interested in purchasing insurance for the school year, you can visit www.kidsplus.ca for more information or you can pick up an application at the office.


SICKNESS AT SCHOOL
There are four important issues to consider as you try to determine if your child is too ill to attend school:
  1. The protection of your child.  Their recovery could be delayed and their resistance to other illnesses reduced if they are unable to rest and recover in their home environment.
  2. The ability of your child to function and learn at school.
  3. The inability of the school to meet the emotional and physical needs of a sick child.
  4. The protection of other children.
Please keep your child home if he/she:
  • Has symptoms such as a cough, runny nose, sneezing, etc.  If these symptoms do not clear up within a reasonable time, please see your family doctor.
  • Has a fever.
  • Is too sick to participate in all normal school activities.
  • Has a suspected or known communicable disease (i.e. strep throat, pink eye, chicken pox or any other undiagnosed rash).  Keep them home until they are no longer infectious.
  • Students who have vomited at home or school should remain at home until they are symptom free (48 hours is recommended).
  • If your child has exhibited symptoms of the H1N1 virus, they should be staying home for 5-7 days until they are able to return to day to day activities.
Should the school find it necessary to send your child home because of illness, please make sure you have made alternate arrangements when you are not available.  Please inform the school of these arrangements.

LICE CHECKS
With students returning to school, we are trying to be proactive with regard to head lice.  It has proven to be a perennial issue in Ladner but we will do our best to keep outbreaks under control.  With this in mind, we are asking for parent volunteers to join our "Lice Check" group.  We are hoping to do a check for all students early in the fall so if you are interested in helping out please contact Ms. Barnes via emailskbarnes@dccnet.com.  In the meantime, we ask that families consider the following precautions:
- conduct regular checks at home
- notify the school when if you have discovered evidence of lice
- avoid sharing hats, headphones, combs, coats  
- discuss this issue openly to remove the stigma that prevent disclosures
- enlist the support of our Public Health Nurse for chronic cases
- keep long hair tied up in ponytails, braids or in a bun
- consider hair products with lavender, coconut/tree tea oil (can repel lice)
- regularly clean hair care accessories
- regularly clean bedding, coats, hats and upholstery


EXTRA CURRICULAR BAND GRADE 4-7 
Once again, starting Thursday, Oct 13, two extra-curricular band programs will be offered to all Ladner children taught by Curt Jantzen and Margaret Behenna. 

 Beginner Band will be offered at the following time/location
Hawthorne Elementary           3:15-4:15 p.m.             Thursdays

This Beginner program is mainly for children in Grades 4 & 5 but any child in Grades 4 and up interested in learning a band instrument can participate.

Advanced Band, will be offered at the following time/location
Hawthorne Elementary          4:30-5:30 p.m.             Thursdays

The Advanced program is for any student with one year or more of Band experienceThe Advanced Band typically has children in Grades 5 – 8 who are looking to further develop their skills and to enjoy an enrichment experience in instrumental music beyond the Beginner level.  

Tuition for the year is $295 payable at or before the first class. Mr. Jantzen and Mrs. Behenna will visit your child’s school earlier in October.  They will demonstrate all the instruments that are taught in the program and will hand out registration information.  Children need to provide their own instrument and these are available for rent at the Rental Night, Wednesday evening, Oct. 12 at Hawthorne.  If you wish further information, please contact:

Mrs Behenna (604 946 7304 /mbehenna@dccnet.com ) or 
Mr Jantzen (604 946 7304 / cjband@telus.net )

IMPORTANT DATES

Friday, September 16th
Terry Fox Run
10:10am

Thursday, September 22nd
Open House
6-7pm

Friday, September 23rd
Professional Day
School Closed

Monday, September 26th
PAC Meeting
6:30pm

Monday, October 3rd
Individual Student Photos

Wednesday, Oct. 5th
Walk to School Day

Friday, Oct. 7th
Monthly Assembly
11am