Newsletter – May 20, 2016 Class organization is a very time

Newsletter – May 20, 2016
Class organization is a very time consuming process and the staff work hard to provide the
best learning environment possible for each student. Teachers have knowledge of the
academic needs of children, keep the “big picture” in mind and therefore, can best decide
where individuals should be placed. The following is a list of the criteria involved in organizing
classes:
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Academic Ability/Performance
Class and Group Dynamics
Special Needs Consideration
Ministry/District Policy Guidelines
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Gender
Learning Styles
Social Compatibility
Behaviour/Developmental Level
From time to time, parents request specific placements. It is important to understand that for a variety of
reasons, many requests cannot be accommodated. Please do not expect that your son/daughter will be
placed with a specific teacher or with particular friends. Friends can always see each other at recess,
lunch or after school. You might feel more comfortable with teachers that you know from previous years,
but I can assure you that the new staff members are also talented teachers. Rosemary Heights Elementary
has a sound-learning environment!
We are a very large school with limited space which often leads to combined classes. We have
approximately two and a half divisions for each intermediate grade. Many students will be in classes that
have combined grades and there is no guarantee that if a child was in a combined class this year that
he/she will be in a class with a single grade next year. Please understand that even in a single grade
there is still a range of ability. Teachers are well qualified to teach both grades in a combined class. We
view students as a community of learners all striving to move forward in their learning.
With the trust and support of home, we are confident that all children will placed in classes that will allow
them to have a productive and rewarding school year. Your patience and understanding regarding this
matter is greatly appreciated.
NEW KINDERGARTEN PARENTS
Our Kindergarten Parent Information night will be on Wednesday, May 25 from 6:00pm – 6:30pm in the
library. Please RSVP to the office if you will be attending (604-541-1613). This is a parent only event (no
children).
PARENT APPRECIATION TEA
The staff at Rosemary Heights would like to invite you to our Parent Appreciation Tea on
Friday June 3, in the Gym from 10:00-11:00 pm. This gives us an opportunity to thank
parents who have generously supported the children and the school in reading, extracurricular activities, classroom programs, fundraising events, hot lunch, driving, and much
more! Babysitting will be available for those who have signed up. An invitation will be sent home with
your child. It is very difficult to plan for food if we are unsure of our numbers.
Please RSVP to the office at 604-541-1613.
Newsletter – May 20, 2016
Important Dates
May 23
May 30
June 3
June 8
June 17
June 22
June 23
Victoria Day (No School)
PRO D (No School)
Parent Appreciation Tea 10:00am – 11:00am
District Track Meet for invited athletes
Sports Day
Gr. 7 Leaving Ceremony, Gr. 7 parents and guests
Final day of classes EARLY DISMISSAL 1:30pm
Speech Fest Winner
Congratulations to our Speech Fest winner Jordan S. from Division
2! There were so many outstanding speeches read to our judges
and it was very hard to choose just one. Jordan’s speech was
about “Finding Your Passion”. He is a natural public speaker and
has great writing skills. Well done Jordan!
Honourable mention goes to Jordin Y, Kaelah R, Siwen Z, Maya L.,
Keoni R, Carter V, Kyara L, Rudy L, Zack B, Paige E. Keep up the
good work!!
Track Meet Stars!!
Congratulations to our super track stars Sophia S, Jerry Y, and
Nethaniel S, who participated in the Special Track Meet held at the
South Surrey Track on Tuesday, May 17. It was a great day and a great
event. Our stars brought home ribbons and medals! Great job!!
Newsletter – May 20, 2016
Rosemary Heights Elementary
School Calendar 2016-2017
September 6, Tuesday
September 26, Monday
October 10, Monday
October 21, Friday
November 4, Friday
November 10, Thursday
November 11, Friday
December 16, Friday
December 19 – January 2, 2017
January 3, 2017, Tuesday
February 13, Monday
February 17, Friday
March 13 – 17
March 20 – 24
March 27, Monday
April 14, Friday
April 17, Monday
May 5, Friday
May 22, Monday
May 29, Monday
June 29, Thursday
June 30, Friday
School Opens
Non-instructional Day
Thanksgiving Day – Stat Holiday
Non-instructional Day
Non-instructional Day
Non-instructional Day
Remembrance Day – Stat Holiday
School Closes for winter break
Winter Break
School reopens after winter
break
Family Day – Stat Holiday
Non-instructional Day
School Closure Days
Spring Break
School reopens after spring break
Good Friday – Stat Holiday
Easter Monday – Stat Holiday
Non-instructional Day
Victoria Day – Stat Holiday
Non-instructional Day
Last Day of School for Students
Administrative Day – Schools
Close
Newsletter – May 20, 2016
School Fees
Each school year, parents support their child(ren)’s formal learning experiences in a wide variety of
ways. We so appreciate all that you do to ensure a successful year!
In addition to providing the school supplies itemized on a grade list, parents are periodically asked for
monies to cover specific items and/or special events. No student will be denied the opportunity to
participate in any school activity due to the inability to pay. Please contact the Principal should you
require any financial assistance.
As we plan for the 2016/2017 school year, we anticipate the following costs:
Student Planner: We encourage all students in Grades 1-7 to purchase a School Planner at a cost of
$5. Included in the planner is our school code of conduct, school calendar and school district
information. We find this to be an excellent tool for facilitating home/school communication, as well as
for developing our students’ organizational skills. However, using our school planner is optional as a
parent may purchase their own version.
Field Studies and Field Trips: Classes often enjoy educational visits to community facilities which extend
and enhance the curriculum. While we use school monies or fundraise to cover the costs of such
activities wherever possible, there are times when parents are asked to contribute towards the cost of
the trip. If you choose to have your child not participate in a field study, a suitable program will be
provided at the school.
Musical Instruments: Grade 4 students may learn to play the recorder. Students will have the option of
purchasing one through our music teacher or receiving one on loan from the school. Also, our Grade 7
students participate in the band program. You may choose to either purchase or rent an
instrument. Costs vary depending on the instrument.
Supplies:
Parents in Grades 1-7 will purchase their child’s school supplies on their own. You should utilize the
grade supply list of suggested items needed or for your convenience you may wish to purchase supplies
as a package through School Start. Payment /ordering is done online for that option and is made
directly to School Start. Packages must be sent to your home address.
Kindergarten supplies will be done as a bulk buy. Parents will be asked to contribute $50 to cover those
supplies. If you wish to opt out and purchase your own, please let the school know. Please note that all
supplies in Kindergarten are shared by the whole group.
Newsletter – May 20, 2016
PAC ELECTIONS
Elections for the 2016/17 year took place Tuesday.
Congratulations go out to:
Ms. Kennedy Ms. Kirkpatrick Ms. Lowe Mr. Soong Ms. Folino -
President
Vice President
Secretary
Parent DPAC representative
Member at Large
Member at large positions are still available as well as Finance.
We want to take this time to thank Mrs. Ising for the amazing job she has done for the past 3 years as
PAC President. She was truly tireless in her efforts to provide the students in this school with so many
different opportunities to enhance their experiences while at school. Her passion, dedication and hard
work to the school community was very much appreciated by all. Words cannot truly express our
feelings nor our thanks for all of her hard work.
Ms. Neidermeyer has been the PAC secretary for 3 years. She diligently spent many hours recording all
PAC meeting minutes. We thank her for her dedicated contribution with such an amazing PAC.
Newsletter – May 20, 2016