Newsletter #2 – September 15

Hello Highland Park Huskies!

It has been very rewarding interacting with such happy children about being back at school and their class placement. It has been busy this past week supporting students as they adjust to their new classroom community.  While a new school year presents new beginnings and opportunities for new friendships and learning, it can sometimes be hard to leave behind familiar classmates and a beloved teacher.  That shows just how well we build classroom community.  Please trust that we will endeavor to create this same level of community in our newly assigned class for the school year.  Parents can expect an adjustment period for their children and the adjustment time is dependent on each individual child.  Encouraging comments from families in this regard can go a long way.  Please CLICK HERE to access some helpful information from our SD83 Student Services Team in “Monthly Mindful Moments.”  As always, please contact your child’s classroom teacher or Shelly Cull, principal if you need support in any way regarding any aspect of Highland Park Elementary. We are here to help and can only do so if we are made aware of a problem to help solve.  We like to solve problems sooner than later, so if something is on your mind, please reach out.  It helps us to better understand each other. 

On that note, if you need help understanding a problem your child experienced at school, again, please reach out.  Conflict is inevitable in group settings, especially among students who are learning to get their needs met in peaceful ways.  Again, the school is here to support and your encouraging comments at home in this regard is also appreciated to help your child grow.  Parents often have one side from their child.  Personnel at the school are able to investigate more fully so a fuller picture of what actually happened and can be understood.  Ask your child if they reported the incident and to who?  Ask your child if they tried any of the PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGIES?  The best way to make an impact on building appropriate interactions among young students is to report it in the moment or as soon after as possible.  CLICK HERE to access our CODE OF CONDUCT.  For more information on how to address concerns with your school, CLICK HERE .

Our enrollment is currently at 294. If you wish to see our staff list and their assignments for the school year, CLICK HERE.

HUSKY STRONG: We had our first school wide assembly on Wednesday, September 10.  In the first week of school, while students were in their last year’s classrooms, we revisited what it means to be HUSKY STRONG.  We developed a list of possible words, using what we have learned from previous assemblies, starting with S, T, R, O, N, G.  Keeping connected to the Circle of Courage quadrants of INDEPENDENCE, BELONGING, MASTERY and GENEROSITY, we are hoping that building up the notion of STRONG, will help kids connect better to our focus areas in this regard.  This month at our assembly we reviewed a variety of whole school routines with a focus on doing what’s expected.  We reviewed the importance of our actions and words.  We also watched a video called “20 things we should say more often.”  CLICK HERE to view the video.  Doing what’s expected with our actions and words helps create a safe, caring and welcoming school and classroom learning environment for all. At our next assembly on October 1^st we will be recognizing one student in each of our 14 divisions who has shown HUSKY STRONG behaviour in this regard.  WHOO – AH!

SCHOOL GOALS: In case you missed this information in the first NEWSLETTER of the 2025 – 2026 school year,

1. To improve in the area of literacy, in particular the specific writing area of style and conventions, for greater impact.
2. To improve student numeracy skills – we will have specific goals for each grade level.
3. To improve students’ sense of belonging – focusing on feeling welcome, safe and connected through positive student to student interactions.
4. To improve students’ sense of well-being – focusing on positive self-identity and personal/social responsibility.
5. To develop students’ competencies to be successful in a career path of their choice – focusing on the engagement of students in goal-setting and self-assessment opportunities.

KINDERGARTEN: As of Monday, September 15, kindergarten gradual entry is over and our new crew of kindergarten students for the 2025 – 2026 school year will be attending full time.  Can you believe these students are the future GRADS of 2038!!! There is a lot of learning that happens in a full day of school for first time students so if you are a parent of one of our new kindergarten crew, you can expect a tired child at the end of each day for the next little while.

ORANGE SHIRT DAY: Our school will be observing the September 30 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Friday, September 26.  In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, K̓wsaltktnéws ne Secwepemcúl’ecw School District (SD83) is selling orange t-shirts and hoodies, as a part of the commemoration of this very important day. This year’s winning design comes from Al Fortune student, Aryanna, who will receive one of the hoodies for recognition of her beautiful contribution.  CLICK HERE if you wish to purchase an SD83 Orange Shirt. This link was shared in our August 25^th NEWSLETTER.  Orders must be placed by today September 15^th. 

TERRY FOX RUN: Our school will be participating in the annual Terry Fox Run once again.  The date has been set for Thursday, September 18 in the afternoon. More information will be forthcoming.  CLICK HERE for the information.  We will be requesting approved parent volunteers to support with the run.  We will also have a viewing area set up if you are choosing to watch. 

FSA – FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS ASSESSMENT 2025: Each year, students in grades 4, 7, 10 and 12 participate in a provincial assessment called Foundational Skills Assessment (developed by the Ministry of Education and Child Care) that takes a look at students’ learning in the areas of Numeracy and Literacy. CLICK HERE for a very informative brochure for parents on the FSA, what it is, why it’s important and how the results are used. For even more information, CLICK HERE to access the Ministry of Education and Child Care website or HERE to access info on the SD83 website.  The assessment process will occur from October 1^st – November 6^th.  Students are required to complete a variety of tasks in a booklet and online to assess their skills with comprehension in Literacy and problem solving in Numeracy.  This assessment is marked and scored by SD83 teachers, Principals and Vice Principals.  Results are used by SD83 and our school staff to measure progress in Literacy and Numeracy and set direction for the coming years. Results are viewed as a grade cohort and individually to show growth in areas outlined in our School Learning Plan.  The student booklet containing individual student results is sent home to parents in December.  If you would like to view sample questions or even help your child prepare for the assessment, CLICK HERE to access sample assessments for each grade level and topic assessed.  All students in grades 4 and 7 must write the FSA to ensure our data accurately reflects our population as these results guide our improvement planning and efforts.  We work hard to ensure that students have the time they need to ensure they can demonstrate a complete understanding to the best of their ability.  Principals can identify students eligible for exemption from one or both components of the FSA, in accordance with specified criteria exemptions. 

COMMUNICATING STUDENT LEARING:  Please have a look at the dates below outlining our structure for communicating student learning.  Please take note that the Student/Teacher/Family Conference Day on Monday, October 20 is not a regular day of school.  Students only  school during the scheduled conference time with their family. 

Most of our teachers will opt for student-led conferences as the Informal Learning Update provided in the Spring.  If your child’s classroom teacher chooses to do something different, you will be notified by your child’s classroom teacher.  We will be communicating more information soon on what date this will occur and the time.  If you wish to read information on Communicating Student Learning from the Ministry of Education and Child Care, CLICK HERE and HERE for information on the recent changes.

UPDATE FROM HPE PAC: Please CLICK HERE to access meeting minutes from the previous school year.  You can also access the Principal’s Report that was shared at our most recent meeting on Sept. 10.  PAC meetings fall on the second Wednesday of each month at 2:30 pm in the library.  Our next meetings are: October 8, November 12, December 10, January 14 February 11, March 11, April 8, May 13, and June 10.  If changes are made to these meeting times, parents will be notified.  Babysitting is provided for parents who attend the meeting.  

CLICK HERE to access information on the PAC’s Back to School Event. 

CLICK HERE to access more information about the Davison Orchard Apple Fundraiser for PAC. Orders are due October 1 with a pick up date of October 17.

CLICK HERE for information on how to order PAC HOT LUNCH. Orders are due Tuesday, September 23.

Please contact Julie at 250-306-2614 if you are interested in helping out.  In addition to our school website, information items related to our school can be found on the Highland Park Elementary PAC Facebook Page.

MEALS PROGRAMS AT HPE: Our Breakfast Room is open each day from 7:30 am until the bell.  This is an inclusive program available for all students.  We ask that parents at the school do not enter the breakfast room unless you are there in the official capacity as an approved parent volunteer.  We have a variety of options at the office for students requesting a top up to their lunch. Also, in an effort to support families experiencing hardship we have a variety of churches in our area who volunteer to make brown bag lunches for students.  If you wish to take part in the brown bag lunch program coordinated through the Glad Tidings Church, contact Shelly Cull or Ms. Tammie Turner at the office.  It’s important that our students have full bellies to support them in their learning.  CLICK HERE for more information about our meals programs.  If you’d like to volunteer with our Wednesday Soup Day, please contact Julie at 250-306-2614. 

MEDICATION: Medication for students can only be kept at the office and administered by office personnel or designate.  In order for us to administer medication to your child, please ensure you have the appropriate permission forms completed at the office.  We do not provide medication to suppress symptoms of illness at school.  We encourage students to stay home until they are well enough to participate in all aspects of their learning, including recess and lunch.

PLEASE REPORT YOUR CHILD’S ABSENCES: As part of our safe arrival practice, we will contact you if we do not hear from you regarding your child’s absence.  It is imperative that all students are accounted for each day as soon as possible.  If your child will not be in attendance, please contact Ms. Tammie Turner by email hpe@sd83.bc.ca or phone 250-546-8723 (leave a message if no one picks up) to report your child’s absence and reason for their absence.   Thank you for your assistance in helping us ensure all students are accounted for each day. The time it takes to track down this information can take away time from other important tasks in our office.  We thank you for making the reporting of student absences an ongoing priority throughout the year.

ALL VISITORS MUST REPORT TO THE OFFICE: If you are entering our school building or grounds during the school day for any reason (other than drop off and pick up), it is important that you check in at the office.  We ask that you use the main entrance near the office.  Our office staff are happy to assist you with finding your child, delivering a message and/or belongings.  Guests who wish to enter the school beyond the office will need to sign in and out.  This will help us to ensure that guests are in the building for a specific purpose and meet all the requirements of our SD83 volunteer policy. 

VOLUNTEER POLICY: Parent volunteers are an important part of our school.  Parents and caregivers are critical in helping create positive school experiences for our students.  SD83 has requirements in place to ensure that schools in SD83 are safe and secure spaces for our students.  CLICK HERE to access Policy 240 Volunteers In Schools.  Please contact our office by email at hpe@sd83.bc.ca to request the specific link to the criminal record check for SD83.  The return time can take up to 3 weeks, so we encourage you to start this process sooner rather than later if you have a desire to volunteer at some point this school year.  There is also a VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION FORM that will need to be completed.  If you have questions about becoming an approved volunteer or the registration process, please contact Shelly Cull or Ms. Tammie Turner at the office.  

USE OF PRIVATE VEHICLES: In order to drive children other than your own for any SD83 related event (fieldtrips, sporting events, etc.), it is important that the office have on file a copy of your driver’s license, driver’s abstract, vehicle registration and insurance and a checklist completed on the condition of your vehicle as per SD83 Policy 8050 and related regulations.  All trips, vehicles and drivers must be approved by the Principal.  Teachers will be responsible for assigning students to approved volunteers and their vehicles for each field trip.  In addition to these requirements, a specific criminal record check must be completed with SD83 for all adults in the vehicle.  Please contact our office by email at hpe@sd83.bc.ca to request the specific link to the criminal record check for SD83.  The return time can take up to 3 weeks, so we encourage you to start this process sooner rather than later if you plan on volunteering at some point this school year.  If you have questions please contact Shelly Cull or Ms. Tammie Turner at the office.   

SCHOOL FEES and FINANCIAL HARDSHIP:  Please CLICK HERE to access our 2025-2026 fee structure.  School fees are due to the office by October 15^th.  It is important to me that fees do not become a barrier to student participation in educational activities.  CLICK HERE to access SD83 Policy 370 School Fees and Financial Hardship.  Contact Shelly Cull, principal if you need support with school fees or field trip fees. 

UPCOMING DATES: These will updated as the year progresses. 

Wednesday, September 10
Whole School Assembly 8:15 am

PAC Meeting 2:30 – library

Monday, September 15
Full day kindergarten starts

Thursday, September 18
Welcome Back to School Event (PAC) 5 pm

Terry Fox Run in the afternoon – more info to come

Tuesday, September 23
Fire Drill 1/6

Last Day to Order PAC HOT LUNCH 

Wednesday, September 24
Ms. Cooper and Ms. Terrell’s classes to Thomas Hayes

Friday, September 26
Orange Shirt Day at HPE

Mr. Vallance and Ms. Mac’s classes to Rose Swanson

Monday, September 29
PRO D Day – No School for Students

Tuesday, September 30
Truth and Reconciliation – School Closed

Wednesday, October 1
Whole School Assembly 8:15 am

PAC Hot Lunch – Hamburger Soup

FSA Administration starts today (Grade 4)

Last Day to order PAC Apple Fundraiser

Thursday, October 2
Fire Drill 2/6

Wednesday, October 8
PAC Hot Lunch – Askews

PAC Meeting 2:30 HPE library 

Ms. Sandberg, Ms. Myher and Ms. Johnson’s classes to Creekside Park

Monday, October 13
Thanksgiving – School Closed

Tuesday, October 14
School Photo Day – Individual student photos

Wednesday, October 15
PAC Hot Lunch – Chicken Noodle Soup

Friday, October 17
Fire Drill 3/6

Monday, October 20
Conference Day – students attend with their family for their scheduled conference time only

Wednesday, October 22
Take Me Outside Day

PAC Hot Lunch – Jealous Pizza

Friday, October 24
PRO D Day – No School for Students

Wednesday, October 29
PAC Hot Lunch – Taco Soup

Friday, October 31
Halloween

Wednesday, November 5
School Photo Retake Day

PAC Hot Lunch – OPA

Friday, November 7
Remembrance Day Assembly at HPE

Monday, November 10
PRO D Day – No School for Students

Tuesday, November 11
Remembrance Day – No School for Students

Wednesday, November 12
Whole School Assembly 8:15 am

PAC Meeting 2:30 HPE Library 

PAC Hot Lunch – Chicken Pesto

Wednesday, November 19
PAC Hot Lunch – Subway

November 24 – November 28
Book Fair Week 

Wednesday, November 26
PAC Hot Lunch – Mac and Cheese

Wednesday, December 3
Whole School Assembly 8:15 am 

PAC Hot Lunch – Askews

Wednesday, December 10
PAC Hot Lunch – Bacon and Corn Chowder

PAC Meeting 2:30 HPE Library 

Wednesday, December 16
Written Learning Update #1 Available online 

Wednesday, December 17
PAC Hot Lunch – Jealous Pizza