Dear DG Families,
Wishing everyone a very Happy Valentine’s Day on Monday.
We have had a lot of questions about Valentine treats. If you are wanting to share Valentine’s with your child’s classmates, please remember the following:
- treats need to come to school with your child in the morning as there are no mid-day drop-offs
- all treats need to be individually wrapped & commercially prepared (ie – no homemade treats)
- treats are nut free
- everyone in the class gets a treat
Thank you!
ROARS & FEBRUARY FOCUS – TRUSTWORTHINESS
As Devon Gardens, we believe that students are most successful when they understand what the learning intentions, or learning targets, are. Learning targets are the “goals” of the lesson/activity (“what do I want my students to know?”). Learning targets should be clearly stated, in kid-friendly language, and frequently reflected upon. As teachers, when we explicitly state the learning targets and are upfront with the success criteria for meeting those targets, students know what the aims and expectations are. They are more engaged in, and able to take more ownership for, their learning as the ownership for meeting objectives are transferred to the student. It puts them in the driver’s seat! And having clear learning targets applies not only to academic areas, like math or reading, but also when it comes to helping students learn and develop their social and interpersonal skills. In this domain, as Devon Gardens Dragons, we talk about “using our ROARS” (because, dragons roar…get it?):
ROARS posters are in every classroom and learning space in our school (eg. gym, music portable, library, counsellors’ office, Learning Support rooms, etc… ). There is also a copy in your child’s planner. “ROARS” provides all members of our school community clearly stated, shared expectations, learning targets and success criteria. Just as teachers provide students direct instruction in the various subject areas, they are also providing direct instruction around our ROARS. We don’t expect kids to “just know” or figure out on their own how to read, or dribble a basketball (we teach them!), so we shouldn’t expect them to “just know” when it comes to behaviour and social skills, either.
Every month, we have a target focus area related to our ROARS. It’s sort of a deeper dive into a more specific learning target. We have aligned these monthly target areas with the ones listed in the student planners (if you look on the first page for the month, you’ll see the target focus, there).
Each month, classes receive a new poster for the target focus, teachers spend time on lessons to support learning in this area, and we provide tips and examples on this topic during the morning announcements. Assemblies (when we could have them, prior to COVID), is another way we support the learning around the monthly focus area.
The focus for February is “Trustworthiness”.
Early Dismissal Wednesday, March 2
We will have an early dismissal day on Wednesday, March 2 for parent teacher conferences (via TEAMS). Primary students will be dismissed at 11:55 a.m. and intermediate students will be dismissed at 12:00 p.m. As a conference may not be needed for all students, teachers will be requesting a conference with those parents they need to see. Parents may also request a conference with the teacher. Please watch for a notice coming home (via your child) this Thursday, Feb 17th, with more detailed information.
Public Consultation – School District Draft Budget 2022/23
The Delta School District is committed to transparent budget planning and resource allocation that is directly aligned with the strategic vision, goals and objectives established by the Board. We would like to invite parents/caregivers to attend the following Zoom sessions to learn more about the budget and to provide feedback on their funding priorities for the upcoming school year. It is our sincere hope that as many voices as possible will engage in this important process:
- Wednesday, February 23, 7pm – 8pm: A budget webinar, which will contain presentations and short videos aimed at explaining the budget process and providing an overview of district departments and their priorities.
- Tuesday, March 8, 7:30pm – 9pm: A budget public input session, where the focus will be on encouraging open discussion and gathering important feedback on the community’s priorities for the draft budget.
Both sessions will provide an opportunity for participants to ask questions regarding the draft budget for 2022/2023.
Please register using this link: https://forms.gle/dBsaxBdwdNu6E66A7
Nordel and 112th Adult Crossing Guard Position
We are still looking for an adult paid crossing guard for the Nordel and 112th Crossing. This position is half hour before school and half hour after school when school is in session; perfect for a retired person wanting to do something everyday. If you know someone interested in this paid position, please email stee@deltaschools.ca
February is Black History MonthDelta School District is proud to celebrate Black History Month. The Learning Services team has curated various resources to help our staff and students celebrate, honour, explore and learn about Black History over the next few weeks and beyond. Please visit the district’s website to access these resources, which include articles, videos and webcasts.
Kindergarten Registration 2022
Kindergarten registration takes place mid-February each year. A child may be registered to attend Kindergarten in September if his or her fifth birthday occurs on or before December 31st of the current year.
Kindergarten registration for the 2022/2023 school year will be held from February 14-20, 2022. Please register ONLINE for your catchment area school. For verification of your catchment area school, please check the School Locator. Instructions on how to register will be posted here in early February.
Please have the following documents ready to upload with your child’s registration (all documents must be received for registration to be accepted):
- Proof of birth date for the student (birth certificate or passport) (registration will not be accepted until proof of birth date is received).
- Proof of citizenship for both the parent and the student (Canadian birth certificate, citizenship card, passport, landed immigrant document, permanent resident card).
- BC Services Card
- Proof of Residency (Property Taxes – current receipt, purchase/rental agreement or rental receipt).
https://www.deltasd.bc.ca/schools/student-registration/kindergarten/
Crossing Guard Schedule – Until May, 2022
Please check the crossing guard schedule for when your child is scheduled to be a crossing guard. Reminders to please find someone to take your spot if you are unable to be out for your shift. Many thanks!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1BMm71ezj8vyuCaZ2IBOJVu2osV2625I0zcJIqqkwYCk/edit?usp=sharing
Snack Day and Special Lunch Day
Devon Gardens PAC Fundraiser
Bringing back Snack Day in Feb!
Cobs Bread Cinnamon Buns with Icing Recess Snack – Friday, February 25
Subway Sandwiches Lunch (Gluten-free bread option available) – Friday, March 11
Deadline to submit online orders – Friday, February 18
How to Order · Visit https://devonpac.hotlunches.net/ and register for an account (if not already registered this year)
· Select items/order per child & pay · For step-by-step instructions on registering and ordering/payment, click here.
Other information to note:
· Hot Lunch ordering is optional. Absolutely no-obligation to order.
· Proceeds from all hot lunch fundraising will be administered by the PAC and go towards the purchase of school/student/classroom needs/supplies/events, etc.
· COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed. All orders will be received from the hot lunch vendors individually packaged by student name and ready for classroom distribution to minimize any additional handling. No additional utensils or condiments will be provided. Please feel free to send a drink, etc. to supplement your child(s) order.
· Based on the above point, parents not new to the school will notice that there are limited menu options.
· If you have more than one child at the school, place orders for all children first and then proceed to final payment. This will save you transaction fees. · Subway Nutritional Information and Ingredient Guide, Cobs Cinnamon Bun Product and Nutrition Information.
· Please be mindful of known absences/vacations when placing orders.
Questions??? Please send an email to pacdevongardens@gmail.com.
Thank you,
Your Devon Gardens PAC
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. For details and to place an order, please visit our very own Devon Gardens landing page https://www.kaci.io/devon-gardens-elementary-school-level-ground. Enter DevonGardens in the discount code field at checkout and 15% of your purchase will be a payback to the school on every order of $40+. Free shipping on orders $40+
Online Stay Safe & Babysitting Courses
Offered through First Aid Hero. When registering use promo/coupon code DGPAC and our PAC will earn $8 from each registration. For details, available course dates and online registration, please follow the links below: Babysitting – https://firstaidhero.com/babysitting-courses/online-babysitting-courses/ Stay Safe – https://firstaidhero.com/stay-safe/
Questions? Send an email to pacdevongardens@gmail.com
Regards,
Devon Gardens PAC
Parent/Caregiver Workshop February 17th 6:30-7:30pm Via Zoom
Session title: Supporting Children to Have a Positive Relationship with Food
Session description:
There are so many messages in our society around what we should and shouldn’t be
eating, which can end up creating a lot of stress for parents when it comes to feeding your
child. This presentation will help to cut through the noise to reduce your worry and stress
around feeding your child. We will cover:
• What a positive relationship with food looks like and what gets in the way of
having one
• What it looks like when children feel good about food and eating
• The parent’s vs. the child’s roles with feeding and eating
• How following your roles with feeding helps to: support children to feel joy about
food and themselves, learn to try new foods and eat a variety of foods, and create
positive, struggle-free mealtimes
• How a positive body image helps to support a positive relationship with food
• Practical tips and resources
Bio:
Heather Anderson is Public Health Registered Dietitian with Fraser Health. Heather works
on healthy public policy related to nutrition with local government, community
organizations, and school districts. Heather in passionate about creating equitable and just
food systems, addressing weight bias, and helping everyone having a positive relationship
with food and their body.
To Register
Register in advance for this workshop:
https://ca01web.zoom.us/meeting/register/u5Upc-GhqTgsHtztXVCKwgYyYJofnR1YkEAC
Duolingo Update
We’re up to 24 parents learning French to keep up with their kids. Around the world 275 million people speak French, there are many new people to talk to if you learn. If you want to join us you can download the Duolingo app and use the code: ffkjhc or use this link: www.duolingo.com/classroom/ffkjhc
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Learn languages by playing a game. It’s 100% free, fun, and scientifically proven to work.
www.duolingo.com
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11 Parents met last week’s challenge! You can still do it if you haven’t
Monday, February 14 – Sunday February 20th: 2022- 2023 Kindergarten registration application online
Thursday, February 17th: Virtual Author Visit
Friday, February 18th: deadline for special foods order (subway)
Friday, February 18th: Professional Development Day (School is not in session)
Monday, February 21st: Family Day (School is closed)
Wednesday, February 23rd: Pink Shirt Day
Thursday, February 24th: DG Science Fair
Friday, February 25th: COBBS PAC Snack Day
Monday, February 28th: Duck/Cover/Hold Drill
Monday, February 28th: PAC meeting at 7:30 p.m. via zoom
Other dates and events are listed on our school calendar on our website: https://dg.deltasd.bc.ca/events-calendar/