Braemar Bulletin
November 15th, 2021
Braemar Mission Statement
The École Braemar community works together to provide a caring, respectful, and inclusive environment where learning is engaging and meaningful.
November Highlights
Thank you for your cooperation during last Tuesday's power outage and school closure. It served as a good reminder for us at the school to review power outage procedures and ensure that our classroom emergency kits are well equipped with supplies. During the next few weeks, the office staff with assistance from BPAC volunteer, Mia Atkins, will go through the kits. Please ensure that you are well equipped at home too. North Shore Emergency Management provides excellent information on their website on how best to be in the know regarding preparation for natural disasters at home and work. Please check link here for further information.
During this week, November 15-18th, students will partake in Student Teacher Family Conferences with you. Just a friendly reminder of early dismissal this week, Monday-Thursday at 2 pm. Please be sure MS TEAMS is downloaded on your device prior to your conference and please be sure to have your child attend with you.
As we continue to progress into the fall weather with wetter and darker days, we request that you take extra caution when driving and give yourself enough time to arrive at school for drop off and pick up. Please ensure that your child is dressed for the weather and has a spare set of clothes if needed as student are outside for recess and lunch play most days with the exception of severe weather.
We also appreciate your cooperation in letting the school know of your child's lates and absences through Safe Arrival. If you have yet to sign up for Safe Arrival, please use this link.
Until the next bulletin!
Sandra Singh, Principal & Cheryl Ham, Vice Principal
Routine reminders at Braemar
Continue to keep our community healthy!!
Flu season is here! Please continue to keep children at home when they are ill. Since the COVID-19 symptoms in children can present as mild, it may be difficult to know whether they have just a common cold or flu, or COVID-19.
Please refer to this document for the list of symptoms to watch for, and actions to take, if these symptoms are present.
Braemar Remembers
Message from Mrs. Ross, Teacher Librarian
Thank You Braemar Families!
The Virtual Scholastic Book Fair ended on October 31st. Books have arrived and have been handed out to students. I would like to thank all the students and families who participated this year. I am looking forward to buying new books for the library from the reward points earned. On the top of the list is the new Diary of a Wimpy Kid that has been requested by numerous students. I promise it will be on our shelves soon with lots of other new fiction and non-fiction books!
Mrs. Ross
Winter Weather is on its Way!
RE: École Braemar Winter Traffic Plan
Dear Braemar Families,
École Braemar Elementary is a triple-track school. This means that we attract significant auto traffic to the school. In the event of a major snow event, the movement of that traffic can become severely hampered. It is likely that:
- There will only be a single lane plowed along major feeder routes to the school such as Mahon and Evergreen;
- Cul-de sacs will likely not be plowed;
- Parking will be almost non-existent along feeder routes; and
- There will be a high degree of anxiety and frustration on the part of drivers when regular driver patterns and access routes are compromised by significant accumulations of snow.
Our local municipalities have established snow removal and clearing priorities. The clearing of access roads to schools is a second level priority, following arterial roads and bus routes. For more information about municipal snow clearing, please use the following links:
City of North Vancouver – Winter Weather Preparation – How We Plow
http://www.cnv.org/~/media/471AC16CB6784B7BA0D4CE1BA5D781FA.pdf
District of North Vancouver – Snow and Ice Removal
http://www.dnv.org/programs-and-services/snow-removal
Our Facilities Department has worked with our snow removal contractors (parking lots) to develop 'snow dump zones' at each school site. Each of the Municipalities of North Vancouver has provided useful information on their respective websites to assist our community to prepare for and manage conditions related to snow and ice.
Parents/guardians are responsible for their children’s safe travel to and from school. If for any reason there is concern that a child cannot travel safely, other arrangements should be made. Parents are also encouraged to establish an emergency plan for their children in the event that schools are closed, start late, or dismiss early. Please ensure that your children are dressed appropriately to get to and from school. Your cooperation will be much appreciated!
In the meantime, please consider the following:
In the event of heavy snowfall, Mahon cul-de-sac will remain closed to traffic.
To further facilitate the smooth flow of traffic during excessive snow falls, ALL parents who drive their children to Mountainside Secondary, André Piolat, or Braemar are asked to drive north along Mahon Ave and to exit west along Evergreen to Delbrook Ave. This one way flow of traffic is suggested in our respective ‘School Snow Plans’ as a strategy to help minimize congestion and keep the streets safer for our students.
Any Braemar parents needing to park their vehicles should do so well away from the school.
Once at school, every effort will be made to clear pathways to three main entrances to the school. Students should use either:
The southeast door (entrance off of primary playground)
The main front door to the school
The door leading from the undercover play area
Please note that the other entrances will be opened, but access to it may not be shoveled.
If you wish to volunteer and assist in snow removal on the school property, please contact Sandra Singh - ssingh@sd44.ca
Thank you for your continued cooperation.
Community Input Request
Message for the BC Ministry of Education: Enhancing Substance Use Prevention in BC Schools Survey
In Phase 2 of an ongoing engagement initiative, the Province is seeking input on how to help meet the challenge of youth substance use and its associated harms. You are invited to complete a 10-minute survey to assist the province in expanding and enhancing evidence-based approaches for BC schools to address youth substance use. The survey is available until November 19th.
LINK HERE to access.
Braemar Cares: Soap For Hope Initiative
No person should have to choose between being hungry and being clean.
Once again École Braemar Elementary supported the Family Services of the North Shore Christmas Bureau Caring Schools Soap for Hope Initiative. This initiative, which started at Braemar Elementary and is now at multiple schools in the North Van School District, makes sure that each individual who walks through the Christmas Bureau doors leaves with a care kit filled with personal hygiene products.
This year Braemar Elementary brought in over 40 large bags filled with shampoo, body wash, dental hygiene products and much more. These items will go to the FSNS Christmas Bureau to help care for the over 4,600 individuals in need of assistance. Thank you to the Braemar community for your care and support.
https://www.familyservices.bc.ca/ways-to-give/caring-schools/
Kirsten Pejman + Ria Terins
Program Leaders, Caring Schools Initiative
Braemar Giving Tree
Register now for the 2021 Braemar Giving Tree
It is that time of year again and the Braemar GivingTree needs your support. The Giving Tree aims to bring together Braemar families in the spirit of giving, and to help families and students, in four North Vancouver District schools, who require a little bit of support or cheer during the holiday season.
The recipients of gifts in previous years have highlighted the emotional impact and financial relief that these gifts provide. We receive many notes of gratitude that share how knowing somebody cares makes a difference to their lives during what is otherwise a difficult time.
With your help we would like to provide giftcards that can be used for groceries, clothing, toiletries, or other wishes. If you desire, you can also personalize your gift by including a drawing, treats or a surprise gift.
To participate in this year’s Giving Tree please email us at braemargivingtree@gmail.com. We will then send you an email with a gift number (e.g. GT07), some basic information about the family or student and their specific gift card wish. These gift cards are to be delivered to us outside the school front door on either November 29th, 30th or Dec 1st, between 8.30-9.00 am and 3.00-3.30 pm.
If you have any questions, please contact us at braemargivingtree@gmail.com.
Thank you,
Sarah and Cathryn
BPAC organizers
Important Updates from BPAC!
1. Holiday Fundraiser Alert!
- Growing Smiles: Get your poinsettias and beautiful wreaths/arrangements in time for the holidays. All proceeds will go towards Grade 7 graduation. Order by Dec 1 with delivery to the school on Dec 7. Order here: Growing Smiles Order.
- Purdys: Stock up on delicious chocolates and sweet treats for the holidays. Proceeds will go towards BPAC programs. Order by Nov 23 with delivery to the school on Dec 7. Order here: Purdy's Order
2. BPAC General Meeting
Mark your calendars for our next BPAC General Meeting on Tuesday, November 30th at 7:30pm via Zoom. Come get involved and hear what's happening behind the scenes at our school. Agenda and link to come.
3. NVPAC UPCOMING EVENTS
- White Hatters: Pornography & Radicalization (Thursday, November 18th at 7:00pm): NVPAC would like to invite all parents/guardians within the NVSD SD#44 to a live virtual presentation with the White Hatters on Pornography & Radicalization. Register here: Pornography and Radicalization Registration
- Shelley Moore: How Inclusion Benefits Us All (Tuesday, November 23rd at 6:30pm): NVPAC and NVSD SD#44 invite you to a free online presentation with Shelley Moore. Her interactive presentations are constructed based on contexts of specific schools and communities and integrate theory and effective practices of inclusion, special education, curriculum and technology. Register here: Shelley Moore Inclusion Registration
- White Hatters: Sleep & Technology (Thursday, November 25th, 7:00pm): NVPAC would like to invite all parents/guardians within the NVSD SD#44 to a live virtual presentation with the White Hatters on Sleep & Technology. Register here: Sleep and Technology Registration
4. CPF
The Fall edition of the CPF Magazine is now online. This issue has articles about linguistic duality, pursuing post-secondary studies in French and one student's rewarding journey through French immersion. Also, the Fall BC & Yukon Extra Edition is available with regional content.
5. VOLUNTEERS:
Thank you to everyone who has stepped up to volunteer so far this year. We are so lucky to have such an engaged parent group.
- Grade 7 Grad Committee: The BPAC wishes to welcome MJ and Loveleen as our new grade 7 Grad Coordinators. MJ and Loveleen have volunteered to lead the preparations and fundraising activities for our grade 7 grad event this year. Any parents who wish to contribute their time and ideas are encouraged to contact one of the coordinators.
- Garden Committee: Anyone interested in helping Martha Molls with garden planning and maintenance? Email: mmolls@sd44.ca
- Got other ideas/skills to share? Let us know if you want to get involved in new and exciting ways!
6. ONGOING FUNDRAISERS:
- FlipGive (Grade 7 Fundraiser): All you have to do is shop anytime with the brands you already love, like Home Depot, Walmart, Sport Chek, Indigo, Old Navy, Apple, Esso, and Loblaws. It’s completely virtual and contactless.
Sign up here: https://flipgive.app.link/teams/join?joincode=DTNW44
(Code: DTNW44) - Stong's Market Online Grocery Shopping (express.stongs.com): select Braemar at online checkout
- COBS Bread Edgemont: mention Braemar at checkout
- MaxFrut Popsicles: Get your locally-made, whole fruit popsicles delivered to your door. Popsicles come in packages of 15 (kid-size) for $30. Braemar receives 40% of the proceeds. Check out all their delicious flavours at http://www.maxfrut.ca/ To place an order just send an email to sales@maxfrut.ca or text 778-708-3355 with promo code BRAEMAR2021
Thank you to everyone who has supported our fundraisers!
6. STAY CONNECTED:
- Class Reps: Do you know who your Class Rep is? Are you getting emails from your Class Rep about important events at the school? Contact us at braemarpac@gmail.com if you aren't yet connected and would like to be.
- BPAC Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dgU089
- Facebook: @braemarpac (Ecole Braemar Elementary PAC)
- BPAC Email: braemarpac@gmail.com
Supporting your child's communications skills through Second Step
At this month's staff meeting, teachers reviewed the Second Step program. This school-wide program supports students in developing skills to become more self-aware, and to learn effective tools to self-regulate their behaviour. Currently, this program is being implemented in additional elementary schools in the district.
Research indicates that when students are self aware and able to self-regulate their own behaviour - they learn better. Currently, teachers are reviewing "Skills for Learning" and are beginning to work with students on effective ways to develop empathy.
In order to support teaching at home, we are once again sharing some areas where you can support us at home in developing focused listening skills with your children. In our morning announcements we’ll be reminding students to develop listening skills and learning to focus their attention.
How to Support at Home:
We encourage you to continue this learning at home and support your child by modelling, practising and praising your child when they are listening and focusing their attention.
Listening - Reinforce the importance of maintaining eye contact when you are listening to someone. We can learn a great deal from someone’s facial expressions as they talk. Good listening also involves using your ears and keeping our voices quiet. Encourage your child to slow down and really focus their attention when listening to others. Support your child to develop listening skills both with family and with friends.
Focusing Attention - Reinforce the idea that being able to focus your attention is an important skill for school and life. When we focus our attention, we use our ears, our eyes, and our brain. When we focus our attention, we are paying attention and thinking carefully about what someone is saying. Others appreciate it when we focus our attention on conversations. Praise your child when they focus their attention on a conversation and tell them how it makes you feel as a listener.
Mark Your Calendars!
Click here to access the Braemar School Calendar for 2021-22.
November 15-18: STUDENT TEACHER PARENT CONFERENCES EARLY DISMISSAL 2 PM
November 29: Braemar bulletin
November 29: Term 1 ends
November 30: BPAC Meeting 7:30 pm via Zoom
December 2: Term 2 begins
December 10: Term 1 reports published on MYED
December 13: Braemar Bulletin
December 17: Last day for Kindergarten registration for the 2022-2023 school year
December 17: Braemar Virtual Holiday Singalong for K-7. Time TBD
December 20-January 3: Winter Break
January 4: Schools re-open 8:44-3:00 pm
Contact Us! Braemar admin welcomes your comments.
Website: http://www.sd44.ca/school/braemar/Pages/default.aspx
Location: Braemar Elementary School, Mahon Avenue, North Vancouver, BC, Canada
Phone: 604 903-3270