Dear DG Families,
Pink Shirt Day – Wednesday, February 24, 2021
While every day is “anti–bullying day” at Devon Gardens (regardless of what colour shirt anyone is wearing),on Wednesday, February 24th, everyone is invited to participate in “Pink Shirt Day”.
For many people this day has come to symbolize anti–bullying in general, but did you know that “Pink Shirt Day” actually began as a response to an instance of homophobic bullying?
In 2007, at Central Kings Rural High School in Cambridge, Nova Scotia, a Grade 9 student was bullied and harassed when he wore a pink polo shirt to school. Two Grade 12 students decided to take a stand against homophobic bullying. They bought 50 pink shirts, and organized a “sea of pink” to spread a message of acceptance.
Please note, it is not necessary to purchase a special pink shirt to participate in Pink Shirt Day. Students are encouraged to proudly wear the shirt colour of their choice.
Safety to and from School
At the start of the school year, we review with kids basic road safety reminders, both at home and at school. This might be a good time to do a review, though, especially for those kids who walk or bike.
Some suggestions (you may have other, family specific, rules):
- Use the buddy system whenever possible when travelling to and from school.
- Stick to main streets and pathways (don’t shortcut through people’s yards)
- What to do if someone you don’t know approaches you (do not talk or engage in conversation, if it’s a vehicle do not go closer to the car, etc..).
- If something happens on the way to/from school that makes you feel uncomfortable, tell an adult you trust (parents, teachers, etc…)
- Keep iPads, cell phones, and other high-value items out of sight
- Walk on the sidewalk, if one is available. When on a street with no sidewalk, stay over to the side and walk facing the traffic
- Before you cross the street, stop and look left, right and left again to see if cars are coming. Follow the directions of the crossing guard, if there is one.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing and always cross streets at crosswalks (this includes at school – don’t run across the middle of Russell Drive).
- If there’s no crosswalk, cross at a corner. Not in the middle of the street
- Stay alert and avoid distractions while walking (eg. be aware of your surrounding, don’t text & walk, head up/phone down, etc…)
- At school, stay out of the parking lot
- On a bike:
- wear a helmet
- stay well over, to the side of the road
- when riding with others, make sure to stay in single file (one ahead of the other, not beside each other)
- come to a complete stop before crossing the street; walk bikes across the street
- walk your bike on the school grounds and stay out of the parking lot
Early Dismissal Wednesday, March 3
We will have an early dismissal day on Wednesday, March 3 for parent teacher conferences (via Zoom). Primary students will be dismissed at 11:50 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 18th, with more detailed information.
Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten registration will take place from Tuesday, February 16th until Thursday, February 25th. Due to COVID restrictions, registration will be online. Please see the link for more information.
https://dg.deltasd.bc.ca/kindergarten-registration/
Crossing Guard Schedule
Please see the schedule listed for crossing guards until the end of June!
Crossing Guard Schedule
Let’s Talk About Wellness During Stressful Times (Facilitated in Punjabi)
Join us for an evening of learning and discussing how stress impacts each of us, how we can learn to live with stress and challenges with a little more ease, and what each of us can do to support our own journey towards health and wellness.
We look forward to our time together via Zoom and hope we have some supportive and helpful conversations as a community.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS SESSION WILL BE IN PUNJABI
Raman Gill
Raman works as a Registered Clinical Counsellor in private practice. She has been providing counselling services for 12 years. For the past seven years, she has worked with high-risk youth and their families in Delta.
Over the years, she has learned that at the end of the day, we are all human, trying to figure out this journey of life in the best way possible. Life throws many stresses and challenges our way. These stresses impact how we feel, think, act and relate to other people. Learning more about stress and how it can impact our body and mind helps us become more in control of our experience of life, especially when we cannot control life itself.
When: Feb 25, 2021 06:30 PM – 8PM via Zoom
Register in advance for this workshop.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the meeting.
An Online Session with Suzanne Perreault
Suzanne Perreault Flyer February 2021
Does your child have an IEP?
Would you like to learn more about a parent’s role in IEP development?
Would you like to connect with an advocate in the world of inclusion who is also a parent?
Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 6:30pm via Zoom (link will be sent after registration)
As an active participant in community development & mentorship for over 20 years, Suzanne is guiding families with children on the Autism Spectrum, ADHD & Anxiety. Having worked in the health care industry, employed within the higher educational institutes, ran for School Trustee & is a public speaker she offers a milieu of insight as a Counselor. Through her advocacy on fair inclusion, Suzanne has positioned herself as a strong collaborator to create bridges between those who need a voice & those who are willing to hear.
To learn more, please visit this link to view Suzanne Perreault’s TED Talk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gu5XFdT7q8k
To register, please email Stacey Jones: sjones@deltasd.bc.ca
PAC
Please note that the next Virtual PAC meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. Agenda and zoom link will be sent out to parents on the morning of Tuesday.
Tuesday, Feb 23: PAC meeting via zoom 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb 24: Pink Shirt Day
Thursday, Feb 25: DG Science Fair
Friday, Feb 26: Pro-D Day (School is not in session)
Wednesday, Mar 3: Early dismissal for parent teacher conferences 11:50 a.m. Primary dismissal and 12:00 p.m. Intermediate Dismissal
Mar 8 – 12: Semaine de la Francophonie