Dear DG Families,

Our Focus for April is Open Mindedness (that’s the “O” in ROARS

Each month at our school we have a focus area that’s connected to our ROARS grid.  Teachers spend time talking about/teaching to the focus area and these efforts are further supported by reminders and tips on the daily announcements.   For the month of April, the focus is “Open Mindedness”.

Kids often see things only one way – their way!  Open-mindedness has to be actively taught and cultivated in children.   So, why is it important for kids to be open-minded? Children (and adults) who are close-minded tend to get into arguments more often while trying to make others see things from their point of view. Open-mindedness, on the other hand, enables kids to think critically and rationally. Open-minded children are also able to step out of their comfort zones and display more understanding and empathy for others.

When we are open-minded we’re also curious to learn new things, and show more acceptance to rethink assumptions and identify misleading information. This ability to challenge outdated beliefs is a vital part of learning and personal growth.

Here are some ways we can help kids to learn to be more open minded:

Walk the talk: If we explain the importance of being open-minded but then kids witness us make dismissive comments about beliefs and opinions that differ from our own, we are modelling close-mindedness.  Little people have big ears and they are quick to pick up on inconsistencies between the words and actions of the adults around them.  Having an awareness of our own bias and judgment, and how these might show up in our words and actions, is a great place to start.  Challenge yourself to identify the issues you are most passionate about, and consider the reasoning of the other side.

Promote Empathy: Empathy is key to reducing judgment and fostering understanding. Teach children to consider the feelings and perspectives of others. Encourage them to express kindness and compassion towards their peers, family members, and the community. Engage in conversations about empathy and encourage them to put themselves in others’ shoes. Through empathy, children learn to appreciate different experiences and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Acknowledge the Curiosity: At a family gathering, or out and about in the community, your child may have a hundred questions to ask you. Why is that person in a wheelchair? Why does the person look the way she does or speak in particular fashion?  Why do some people wear religious head coverings or abstain from eating certain foods?  Curiosity helps children be more observant and to figure out things. When children explore, they expand their vocabulary as they use language to describe what they’re thinking, seeing, or hearing. Grab these teachable moments and turn them into learning experiences.

Foster logic and reasoning: Open-mindedness goes hand-in-hand with logical thinking.  We should not blindly believe everything we see on the internet or on TV.  Nor should we assume that the opinions or political beliefs of friends and relatives are automatically right. Children should be encouraged to be independent thinkers and should be able to analyze facts and form their own opinions. Allow them the space and security to ask difficult questions; even if they are around traditions or the relevance of certain rituals and beliefs. Encourage them to research, find answers and develop their own world view.

Challenge stereotypes: Stereotypes encourage people to believe sweeping generalizations about entire groups of people, and ignore individuality among us.  Not only do stereotypes create a huge divide between people, they can also limit potential by feeding into a phenomenon called “stereotype threat”. Stereotype threat is when people under perform when they become self-conscious about negative stereotypes pertaining to one or more characteristics that they possess (such as race, sex, body type, etc.).  Learn more about stereotype threat here.

Even very young children notice stereotypes; particularly those that are gender-based. Stereotypes are often transmitted through everyday comments and actions (we might not even realize we’re doing it).  For example:

• making comments like “Boys don’t wear pink” or “Girls don’t play football”
• believing that elderly people won’t understand modern technology
• assuming a male healthcare worker is a doctor rather than a nurse
• statements about certain groups of people having an academic or athletic advantage based on race or ethnicity
• thinking taller people will naturally be better at basketball than shorter people
• saying things like “he throws like a girl” as an insult (the implication being that girls are less than)

Take the opportunity to challenge stereotypes in discussion with your child, and point out exceptions.

Here’s a interesting video that addresses gender-based stereotypes related to different professions

Avoid the Congestion and Get Some Extra Steps in!

There are lots of great things about our school.  Ample parking is not one of them!   Dealing with traffic congestion at pick-up and drop-off times can be frustrating.   Parking a little farther away and walking is a great way to avoid the headache of trying to find a parking spot, while also getting some extra steps in.   In addition to the surrounding streets in the immediate vicinity, the parking lot at Annieville Lions Park, just down the street along 112th, is also a great option.

Track and Field

Track and Field practices for our grades 4 – 7 are now underway. Your intermediate child should be able to share with you the schedule of when they need to come to school with their running shoes and athletic clothes.   If you have questions about this, please contact your child’s teacher.

For those of you who ordered Track t-shirts, they will be sent home by the beginning of May.

There are 2 Track Meets for Delta students:

• the Regional or Zone Meet (ours is Thursday, May 8th)

and, for those who qualify,

• the District Meet on Thursday, May 15th

What exactly is PAC?   Check out their one-pager, here

Available PAC Executive Positions

The PAC is looking for  a new Gaming Rep and a new DPAC Rep. If interested please email the PAC for more info or attend the PAC meeting Monday to be elected in.

Term 3 Special Lunch and Snack Days

Orders are due April 9th

Kona Ice Truck – Tuesday, April 8th After School

The PAC has arranged for Kona Ice Truck to come Tuesday, April 8th, after school.  Cash, credit and e-transfer will be accepted.  20% of the proceeds will go towards the PAC

Flavour options:

For menu options and nutritional information, please check out: https://www.kona-ice.ca/flavorwave/nutrition.aspx

Veggie Bundle Pick Up – Apr 17th at 5PM

PAC Fundraisers ongoing throughout the year

For any questions about the following fundraisers, please send an email to pacdevongardens@gmail.com.

Pedalheads

We’ve created a new fundraising collaboration with Pedalheads! If you sign up for a swim, bike or other sport program for spring or summer, by June 30, 2025, using code DEVONG25 you get $25 off the cost. As well the PAC will receive a $25 donation each time the code is used. For more information regarding the programs available head to this link: https://pedalheads.com/en/british-columbia

Return-it Express

PAC has created a school fundraising account. To participate, simply bring your containers to the depot in sealed, clear bags, and enter the registered phone number, 604-581-6185, into the Express kiosk. You will be prompted to select the number of bags you’re dropping off, the kiosk will automatically print the same number of sticker tags displaying our PACs unique Express account code. Tag each of your bags with a sticker tag and drop the bags off in the designated Express drop-off area to be counted. For a list of Return-it Express location visit https://www.return-it.ca/locations/express/

Cobs Bread Dough Raiser Program

This program enables us to raise money for our school throughout the year! Be sure to mention Devon Gardens Elementary (or code 7806) each time you make a purchase at COBS Bread Scott 72 Centre; they will donate 10% of your purchase back to our school

Online Stay Safe & Babysitting Courses

Offered through First Aid Hero. When registering use promo/coupon code “DevGardens25” and our PAC will earn $5 from each registration. For details, available course dates and online registration, please follow the link: www.FirstAidHero.com

Kinder Books

Introducing the Kinder Books Loyalty Program for schools! This year-long fundraising program is designed to help schools earn credit towards purchasing books for their school library.

Here’s how it works: for every net book purchase made at Kinder Books, the school will earn 10% of the purchase amount towards a credit at our store. At the end of the fundraiser, we will notify the school of their credit amount. The school can then decide to use the credit at the beginning of the new school year or at the end of the calendar year.

The best part? This program applies to all book purchases at our store, including special orders for kids and books for adults. Plus, orders can be placed online at www.kinderbooks.ca, making it easy for grandparents or other family members who live out of town to participate. Simply mention your school’s name at checkout, and we’ll credit your school accordingly.

Online orders can be picked up at the store during business hours or shipped through Canada Post

Information from the School District

Summer Learning

For more information, please visit https://www.deltasd.bc.ca/programs/continuing-education/summer-learning-registration/

Homestay Families for International Students

Parent Education

Opportunities for Students

April is Dental Health Month

April is oral health month and it’s time for @theCDHA’s Attack the Plaque colouring contest! It’s also a great time to remind everyone to brush their teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste (2×2 minutes). #oralhealth4totalhealth www.cdha.ca/colouringcontest

Spring Basketball

Monday, April 7th – PAC Meeting, 7pm via Zoom

Tuesday, April 8th –  Kona Ice Truck (PAC fundraiser), after school

Wednesday, April 9th – deadline to order for Term 3 Special Lunch and Snack Days

Thursday, April 17th – DuffleBag Theatre presentation

Thursday, April 17th – Term 3 Previews sent home electronically

Thursday, April 17th – veggie bundle pick-up 5pm @ DG

Friday April 18th – Good Friday (schools are closed)

Monday, April 21st – Easter Monday (schools are closed)

Tuesday, April 22nd – Earth Day (wear your earth day colours – green, blue, brown, white, etc..,.)

Tuesday, April 22nd – BC Lions Energy Champions presentation

Other dates and events are listed on our school calendar on our website: https://dg.deltasd.bc.ca/events-calendar/