DEAR BVE STUDENTS AND FAMILIES,

October, already! How quickly September flew by! I hope your child(ren) is/are feeling settled into the routines and community of their new classroom, and that they are developing new friendships with their classmates ☺

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, our school-wide focus this month is GRATITUDE. On behalf of all the staff at BVE, we are grateful for the opportunity to teach and learn alongside such great students and supportive families! We are enjoying learning about each student, their interests, personality, and learning strengths and stretches. As a school, we have drafted our school goals, continuing our focus on literacy and numeracy, developing a strong school community, and our commitment to learning more about Truth and Reconciliation. Last week we recognized Orange Shirt Day, taking time to learn about the harm caused to generations of Indigenous children and families by Canada’s Residential Schools.

October also brings Goal Setting conferences (October 25 and 26), and of course, Halloween! Please read on for many more recent and upcoming school events!

Sincerely,
Ariel McDowell
Principal, BVE

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Dates to Note:

Date	Event
Oct. 2	Day in lieu for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
Oct. 3	PAC Meeting at 6:30 pm at BVE
Oct. 6	School-wide Assembly – parents welcome! (8:40-9:10)
Oct. 9	Thanksgiving Monday (no school)
Oct. 20	Professional Development Day (no school for students)
Oct. 25 & 26	Goal Setting Conferences (dismissal at 12:30pm)
Oct. 27	Photo retakes
Oct. 27	School-wide Assembly – parents welcome! (8:40-9:10)
Oct. 31	Halloween – Costume parade in Gym at 8:40 – parents welcome!

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School News

School Fruit and Vegetable Program

BVE is again offering the BC School Fruit and Vegetable program, supported by the BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation. By participating in this free program, students have the opportunity to try and learn about a variety of fruits and vegetables grown in BC.

Smoothie Store Success from June:

Mrs Wall’s Class last year wanted to share that with the proceeds of the 2023 smoothie store, the Grade Fours were able to make a donation of $85.00 to the BC Children’s Hospital. The Smoothie Store is run each year in Ms. Wall’s class and provides students with a hands-on way to learn about budgeting, calculating amounts of ingredients, collecting and counting money, and much more. The Smoothie Store helps the class put on a pizza party at the end of the year, and any funds left over are donated to a charity of the students’ choice.

Way to go, students!! What a delicious way to give back!

Terry Fox Run

We had beautiful weather for this year’s annual Terry Fox School Run. Students ran either the longer 2.3 Km route or the shorter 1.1 Km route on September 22nd. Though we had told Primary students they could turn around at the Worker’s Memorial, most of them carried on down the Green Belt with determination – Terry would be proud! With most students bringing in a “Twoonie for Terry”, BVE students raised $576 for cancer research! Way to Go, BVE!

Photo Retake Day Oct. 27

If your child missed our early, early photo date this year or if you are not happy with the photos taken, please let their teacher know you wish to have retakes done. Mountain West Studios is hoping for feedback, so please let us know whether you are happy with the quality of the photos, ease of ordering, etc.

Goal Setting Conferences

On October 25th and 26th, school will be in session 8:25 – 12: 30 to accommodate teachers meeting with students and parents or guardians to discuss goals for the year ahead. Your meeting may be scheduled for a different evening, to make time for all the meetings to happen. If you are unable to attend the time given to you, you can give your child’s classroom teacher a call at the school (250) 837-3085 or send an email to arrange a different time to connect. The purpose of this Conference is to have a shared conversation about your child’s learning and to include each student in the process of setting learning goals and reflecting on progress. Please see the attached brochure from the District on Communicating Student Learning.

Extracurricular Sports

The CROSS-COUNTRY RUNNING season is well underway! We’ve had the largest turn out in recent years, with well over 40 students participating! The next run is the annual “Turkey Trot” at CPE on October 5th, and the season wraps up on October 12th with a run in the National Park, hosted by Ecole des Glaciers. A huge thank you to coaches Ms. Hill and Ms. Tomm, and to the many staff and parent volunteers who came out to help host our BVE run!

BADMINTON begins later this month, with opportunities for students in Grades 6 & 7 to participate in District Tournaments in November. If you are interested in helping out, please contact the school.

Indigenous Education Focus for October

Many classes across the District will have an opportunity to learn about Salmon this month. The October fieldtrip will include a nature walk along the Big Eddy greenbelt, a story about salmon, a visit to the confluence of the Columbia and Tum Tum rivers, and a reenactment of spawning salmon using leaves.

Drop Off and Pick Up

A reminder that to keep the drop off and pick up zones safe, only families with children in Cornerstones childcare, Kindergarten, or Grade One may enter the BVE cul-de-sac by car. Bike traffic is okay to use the cul-de-sac, but limit congestion on our sidewalks, paths, and parking area. Please walk your bike or scooter at pick up and drop off.

 

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PAC News

The Begbie View Elementary Parent Advisory Council (BVE PAC) supports BVE events, activities, equipment, and more throughout the year….and you might not be aware that every BVE parent is a member of the PAC. There are many opportunities throughout the year to contribute – you can help as much or as little as you are able.

This year’s PAC executive is:

1. President: Jo Gawler
2. Vice-President: Alisa Henry
3. Secretary: Kristi Dorward
4. Treasurer: Brodie Johnson
5. DPAC: Austin Luciow and Stacey Lamont
6. Executive at Large: Jerimiah Sappington, Chelsea Meulendyk, Katrina Antonakis, Diana Bostock, Lisa Timerick, Corrie Mollerud
7. Hot Lunch Committee: Austin Luciow, Stacey Lamont, Arleigh Garratt, Jo Gawler
8. Yearbook Coordinators: Cassie Brummitt and Lis Harris

Thank you to all the parents who volunteer time to get involved with BVE PAC and support our school!

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 3rd at 6:30 pm at BVE in the Library.

There are two ongoing fundraisers that the BVE PAC has available. One is Lovable Labels, which sells washer- and dryer-proof personalized labels to help make sure your children’s items make it home. The other fundraiser is Tru Earth eco-friendly household products. Please use this new link to access Tru Earth: tru-earth.sjv.io/BegbieViewElementary