February is Black History Month
Black History Month provides us with the opportunity to celebrate and learn about the many achievements and contributions of Black individuals and communities, despite having endured historical and continuing inequality and oppression. BC has a rich Black history dating back to Canada’s colonial origins. In 1858, nearly 800 free Black people left the oppressive racial conditions of San Francisco for a new life on Vancouver Island. These pioneers enriched the socio-economic life in their community, overcoming intense discrimination and adversity. From the 1920s to the 1960s, Vancouver’s Black Community clustered in the East End, with its nucleus at a site known as Hogan’s Alley, and became a thriving Black community and cultural hub.
In 1967, the decision to expand the highway system through Vancouver resulted in the expropriation of land and buildings in this area to make way for the construction of the Georgia and Dunsmuir Viaducts, resulting in the loss of homes and businesses. The Black Community was uprooted from this area and an identifiable Black neighbourhood has not re-emerged in Vancouver.
Black History Month was recognized by the Government of Canada in the House of Commons in 1995. The motion was introduced by the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to parliament. Vancouver City Council passed a motion in 2011, designating Black History Month one of its official celebrations. Every February, we celebrate the history, contributions, and culture of Black Canadians.
There are lots of exciting events and activities happening around Metro Vancouver in celebration of Black History month.
Thank you to DG parent, Patience O, for sharing this information on her friend, Crystal Noir’s, art exhitibit:
And, check out this recent “Delta Cooks” video, with local resident Nic Simon:
Jess Dance Hip Hop Lessons
We are excited to let you know that on February 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th, a dance group called Jess Dance will be teaching students dance choreography. The Jess Dance group is led by Jessica Dexter, the creative director. This group of dancers have been committed to empowering and inspiring students through dance experiences that develop self-worth, self-expression, connection to movement and each other for 25 years.
Groups will consist of 2-3 classes and will meet from 25 – 40 minutes each day in the gym to learn the steps. Each group will learn different choreography that match the students’ development level. At the end of the day on Thursday, groups will be celebrating their learning by sharing their dances with the rest of the classes.
We encourage students to wear comfortable clothing and athletic footwear so they can move and dance.
Our AMAZING DGPAC will be covering the cost for this activity.
If you do NOT want your child to participate in the activity, please email your child’s teacher by February 10th, 2023 and we will create an alternative learning activity.
Student Crossing Guard Schedule:
Thank you for your continued support of the crossing guard program at Devon Gardens. This important leadership role helps keep the students safe. If you know you are going to be away for an extended period because of a planned vacation, please encourage your child to find their own replacements and to let Ms. Grund know. Here is the crossing guard schedule.
Reminder, please do not walk through the staff parking lot
Please use the path across the front grass or walk around the back of the school, on the playground side
Please don’t send your children to school when they are ill
Reminder – PAC Fundraisers ongoing throughout the year
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.
Level Ground Trading
Level Ground is a BC business that works with fair trade coffee, tea, dried fruit and spice producers.
- Supporters enter the code devongardens in the ‘discount code’ field at the checkout.
- All products on our web store (com) qualify for the fundraiser. Orders must be $40 or more. These orders also qualify for free shipping to most addresses in Canada (there is a shipping fee on all orders shipped to NU/NT/YK). All orders are paid for through our web site and shipped directly to your supporters. No need to collect orders or distribute products to households.
- Your fundraising amount is 20% of total sales. So on a $100 order your school will receive $20.
Online Stay Safe & Babysitting Courses
Offered through First Aid Hero. When registering use promo/coupon code DGPAC and our PAC will earn $5 from each registration. For details, available course dates and online registration, please refer to this flyer:
Questions? Send an email to pacdevongardens@gmail.com
Thank you,
Your Devon Gardens PAC
Other Opportunities and Education for Families
Safer Internet Day – February 7, 2023
From cyberbullying to social networking to digital identity, each year Safer Internet Day aims to raise awareness of emerging online issues and current concerns. There is huge potential for misuse of the internet, for example, sending or receiving inappropriate information and images (e.g. racist, slanderous, pornographic, threatening, sexist, confidential, etc.) or using chat rooms for this purpose.
We know helping kids stay safe while online is something many parents/guardians are concerned about. We encourage you to review the following resources for more information on the online interests of young people, the potential risks they face and proactive strategies to help keep them safe:
- Raising Digitally Responsible Youth: A Parent’s Guide: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/erase/documents/raising-digitally-responsible-youth.pdf
- Need Help Now website: https://needhelpnow.ca/app/en/
- ERASE website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/erase/online-safety
- Protect Kids Online website: https://protectkidsonline.ca/app/en/
- Additional Parent Information Resources: https://www.deltasd.bc.ca/resources/parent-information-brochures/
erase Student and Family Online Sessions: Establishing Respectful Relationships and Consent in our Communities
eraseis offering online interactive sessions focused on exploring consent and gender-based violence, with school-day sessions for students in Grades 8-12, and evening sessions suited for students in Grade 8 and above and their families. Led by expert trainers from Safer Schools Together, students and families will learn tips and tools to support discussions and to support positive connections. Schools and families canregister online. Contacterase@gov.bc.cawith any questions or for more information.
Substance Use Decriminalization Information for Parents, Guardians and Caregivers
The Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Child Care, has developed an information sheet on substance use decriminalization for parents, guardians, and caregivers.Talking to Children and Youth about Decriminalization and Substance Use: Resources for Parents/Guardians and Caregiversis now available on theerasewebsite.
North Delta Valentine’s Event for Families:
Scan QR code for more information:
Monday, February 6th: PAC meeting 7:30pm
Tuesday, February 7th: Abbey Road Rockers (musical group presentation)
Sunday, February 12th: Application deadline for Late French Immersion (gr 6 entry) 4:00pm
February 13th – 16th: Jess Dance Hip Hop lessons
Tuesday, February 14th: Wear Red/Pink for Valentine’s Day
Thursday, February 16th: Special Lunch Day (Cobbs)
Friday, February 17th: Professional Development Day (no school for students)
Monday, February 20th: Family Day (schools are closed)
February 21st – 24th: Kindergarten Registration
Other dates and events are listed on the school calendar on our website: https://dg.deltasd.bc.ca/events-calendar/