Ecole
Peter Greer
School
Newsletter - September, 2016
Welcome back! Bonne Rentrée!
It is with great excitement that we begin another new school
year. I would like to say "Welcome back" to our former
students and staff after having a beautiful Okanagan summer
break and "Welcome/Bienvenue" to our new students and
staff who are joining us at École Peter Greer School for the
first time. We are so pleased to have you with us!
Our school population continues to grow and that means
additional staff for us. I would like to introduce our VicePrincipal: Mr. Nathen Elliott. He comes to us from KLO Middle
School where he was a Behaviour Support Teacher and a
French Immersion classroom teacher. We are so lucky to have
Mr. Elliott with us. Pop into the office to introduce yourself.
We have a few new teachers and support staff with us this
year – too many to list here! Take a look at the staff list later
in the newsletter for the names and assignments of the PGE
staff for 2016-2017.
Our school goals this year include a focus on Literacy,
Numeracy and Social Emotional Learning. And, KINDNESS will
continue to be our theme. Check out our website for more
information on our school goals, our Code of Conduct and our
school handbook.
I am honored to return to PGE as principal this year. Please
feel free to contact me at any time if you have questions,
concerns or simply want to introduce yourself and say hello.
See you soon - à bientôt!
Karen Switzer, Principal
Thank you to our fantastic custodial staff for
their hard work this summer getting our
school ready for September. The school
looks great!
Principal: Ms. K. Switzer
Vice-Principal: Mr. N. Elliott
Secretary: Mrs. C. Harkins
10300 Sherman Drive, Lake Country, BC V4V 1Y8
Phone: (250) 870-5129
Web: www.pge.sd23.bc.ca
School-Home Communication…
We are hoping to improve our
home/school communication this
year. Here are a few ways that we
plan to keep you informed about
what's happening at the school…
1. Monthly calendars – at the start of each
month, you will receive a calendar of events for
that month. This message will be sent via
email. If you prefer a paper copy, please let
your child's teacher know and we'll set that up.
2. Weekly email updates – Every weekend, we
will send a Week-At-A-Glance email to families.
This will include weekly announcements,
informational items and calendar updates.
3. "Synervoice" messages – occasionally,
you will receive a brief message on your
phone to let you know of important
reminders or unexpected changes to
the school calendar.
4. School Website – our website is updated
regularly and is another source of information
for you. Check it out at www.pge.sd23.bc.ca
If you are not receiving regular information from
us, please call the office to let us know.
Make sure we have your most recent
contact information on file! 
BELL SCHEDULE:
Entry bell: 8:25
Classes start: 8:30
Lunch: 11:00 – 11:57
Recess: 1:25-1:40
Dismissal: 2:30
SAFE ARRIVAL PROGRAM!
The Safe Arrival Program is one of the many
ways we attempt to ensure the safety of
your children.
Please call the school if your child will be
late or absent.
250-870-5129
LATENESS/ABSENCES
A student's timely attendance at school is
central to success at school and is also a
lifelong skill valued by society. We hope that
you support us in setting this expectation.
Often, the most crucial information is given
at the start of the day; the tone is set and
goals for the day are being discussed.
All students who arrive late must check-in at
the office before going to class. In order to
maintain a safe environment, please sign-in
at the office with your child or send a note to
confirm your knowledge of the late arrival.
Thank you!
We encourage you to take advantage of purchasing student school
supplies through the school. By doing so, children will have exactly what
is appropriate and required for their school year. As well, art supplies such
as construction paper, drawing paper, bristle board, glitter, pipe cleaners,
popsicle sticks and many other incidentals are covered by these costs.
The feedback is that it is much more economical to purchase through the
school. We sincerely appreciate your consideration of this request.
Supplies
Cultural
Total
Kindergarten
$30.00
$ 10.00
$40.00
Grades 1 - 6
$30.00
$ 10.00
$40.00
The cultural fee pays for live theatre, puppet shows, musicians and films
viewed at the school.
Payment can be made online at
https://centralokanagan.schoolcashonline.com/
Payment accepted online: Debit Card, Visa, and MasterCard.
If you wish to pay by cheque, please make them payable to Peter Greer
Elementary School and forward to your child’s classroom teacher. We
will not issue a receipt when you write a cheque because the cancelled
cheque will be your receipt. Receipts will still be issued if you pay by
cash.
ALLERGIES: Peanut-Aware Environment
Please be aware that some of our students have serious
allergies to peanuts/nuts. If possible, please refrain from
bringing these products to school. In classes, where we have
students with allergies, the classroom will be a peanut-free
zone!
VOLUNTEERS
If you have some time
to donate to your child's
classroom teacher, or to
the school, naturally we
would be very pleased
to have your help. The
benefits are many!
HELP OUR BUSY OFFICE STAFF:
The school office is a busy place and responsibilities centre on the safety,
education and well-being of your children. We ask for your cooperation in
the following ways:
1. Please minimize phone call 'reminders' to students. Try putting a
fun reminder note in agendas or lunch bags instead!
2. Please avoid requests to page your child.
In case of emergency, we will deal with the situation promptly!
SCHOOL TRAFFIC!
Traffic congestion is often
an issue before and after
school.
Ways you can help:
1. Carpool
2. Park a few blocks away and walk
your child into the school
3. Follow the yellow arrows and
drop-off in the upper level at the
end of the drive-through.
4. Do not park or drop-off children
on the red curbs.
Safety is our first priority!
Wanted: Relief Noon Hour Supervisors.
Contact office for more information.
Student Accident Insurance!
School District 23 (Central Okanagan) does not insure
expenses for student injuries that occur on school
grounds or during school activities. Parents and
guardians can voluntarily purchase private accident
insurance at a reasonable cost.
Application forms for a program
underwritten by Industrial Alliance
Insurance and Financial Services (KIDS
PLUS Accident Insurance) will be sent
home with students at the beginning of
the year.
Breakfast for Learning
Our school’s nutrition program is proudly funded
by Breakfast for Learning. Thanks to their support,
we are able to offer our students a healthy meal or
snack during the school day. Breakfast for
Learning is a national charity that is committed to
ensuring students attend school well-nourished and
ready to learn, giving them the best chance of
success in life. Since 1992, Breakfast for Learning
has helped serve over 510 million meals to children
and youth across Canada.
Parent Advisory Council
The PAC supports many social, athletic, artistic
and academic school activities.
PAC Mission Statement:
"In our capacity as parents and caregivers we will support,
encourage and improve the quality of education and the wellbeing of children at Peter Greer Elementary School".
Our 2015-2016 PAC had an exciting year and continue to support
our school in many ways. We look forward to more growth in the
year ahead and invite you to get involved at any level. We want
to hear from you with your ideas of how to support the learning
that goes on at our great school, Peter Greer Elementary.
If you want to participate for a few hours a month then let us
know by leaving your name on the PAC bulletin board in the
front foyer of the school or call/text our president, Susan
Medynski at (250) 317-1428.
The first PAC meeting of the year is Tuesday, September 13 at
6:30 in the school library. The meetings usually take place on
the second Tuesday of each month.
Passport to Summer Reading – Sponsored by the PAC
Did you read great books over the summer?
Did you fill out your Passport to Summer Reading?
Bring your completed passport to your teachers as soon as possible in order to be eligible to win.
You're invited to the
Third Annual
Harvest Social
Friday, September 30
5:00 – 7:00 pm
Please bring either a pot of chili or a pie to share.
The PAC will provide buns for the chili and
whipped cream for the pies! Enjoy entertainment
provided by the Old Time Fiddlers as well as
hayrides, games, face-painting and other fun
activities for the children.
Looking forward to seeing you at the social!
StrongStart Early Learning Centre
Participate with your young child (aged birth to five)
in play-based early learning activities – including
stories, music and art. At no cost to families, this
early learning drop-in program helps prepare
children for success in Kindergarten.
Call the school for more details.
Lake Country Boys' and Girls' Club
After-School Program
Contact Chris:
[email protected] for more info.
Save-On Foods continues to support Peter Greer by giving back!
When buying groceries at the Lake Country Save-On Foods, buy a gift card to purchase your groceries. Tell them the gift card
purchase should be credited to Peter Greer. The school receives 5% back from the gift card purchase.
We started this great program in April, 2015 and so far $2,325.75 has gone directly into supporting the educational experience of
our children at PGE. Way to go parents/guardians of Peter Greer learners!!!
Please continue to tell your neighbours, friends and families to buy their groceries this way. This program continues all year
long, not just during the school year. Thanks again for supporting our great school and amazing kids!
PETER GREER ELEMENTARY 2016-2017 SCHOOL CALENDAR
Days in session
190
Number of days of instruction
182
Number of non-instructional days
Schools open
8
Tuesday, September 6 (8:30-11:00)
Home/School Conferences for PGE
October 5/6 (Early dismissal @ 12:30pm)
Administrative Implementation Day
Friday, October 7
Thanksgiving Day (school closed)
Teacher Professional Day
Monday, October 10
Friday, October 21
Remembrance Day (school closed)
Friday, November 11
Last school day before winter vacation
Friday, December 16
Winter Vacation (school closed)
December 19 – December 30
Statutory holiday (schools closed)
Monday, January 2
Schools re-opens after Winter vacation
Tuesday, January 3
Home/School Conferences for PGE
Provincial Family Day
Teacher Professional Day/Support Staff In-Service
January 26/27 (Early dismissal @ 12:30pm)
Monday, February 13
Friday, February 24
Last day before Spring vacation
Friday, March 17
Spring Vacation (school closed)
March 20 – March 31
Schools reopen after Spring vacation
Monday, April 3
Good Friday (school closed)
Friday, April 14
Easter Monday (school closed)
Monday, April 17
Non-Instructional Day (revised curriculum)
Friday, May 19
Victoria Day (school closed)
Monday, May 22
Last day of school for students
Thursday, June 29
Administration Day (students do not attend)
Friday, June 30
Schools Close
Friday, June 30
The Central Okanagan School District's Appeals Process:
Policy 460 "A student or a parent of a student who is entitled to an educational program in School District No. 23
may appeal a decision of an employee of the Board of Education which significantly affects the education, health
or safety of the student". For a complete description of the Appeals Policy along with the recommended steps to
follow in attempting to solve a problem, please refer to Policy 460 – Appeals that can be accessed from the
'Policies' link under the Board of Education heading on the School District homepage (www.sd23.bc.ca).
The Central Okanagan School District's Financial Hardship Clause:
Within School District Regulation 425R – Student Fees (see www.sd23.bc.ca), the Board of Education has indicated
"that a student will not be excluded from any educational program due to financial hardship". This clause in the
Regulations provides for the private and confidential consideration of financial circumstances of individual
students and families, while preserving the dignity of families who may be unable to pay. Please contact the
school principal if you are facing a financial hardship that may restrict the ability of your child to access a school
program.
Monday
Tuesday
6 School begins
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
7
8
9
8:30 – 11:00
12
13
14
15
16
19
20
21
22
23
26
27
28
29
30
PAC meeting
Library at 6:30pm
Cultural
Performance #1 –
Milton Randall
(drumming)
Harvest Social
5-7pm
Mark your calendar: Upcoming dates for October:
Wednesday, October 5th
Thursday, October 6th
Friday, October 7th
Monday, October 10th
Friday, October 21st
Home/school conferences
Home/school conferences
Implementation Day (for teachers)
Thanksgiving Day
Professional Development Day
Free School Backpacks Available!
We have had a very generous donation of backpacks
from Costco. Please contact the office if you would like a
free backpack for your child/children.
Thank you, Costco! 
Early dismissal at 12:30
Early dismissal at 12:30
No school for students
School closed
No school for students
Peter Greer Staff – 2016-2017
Cheryl White
English program
Kindergarten
Carley Tabbernor (Sept-Nov) / Kim Payne (Nov-June)
English program
Kindergarten/Grade One
Laura Lepage
French Immersion
Kindergarten/Grade One
Cassie Jones
French Immersion
Kindergarten/Grade One
Miranda Deleurme/Nicole Dawson
English program
Grade One
Kerri Vandervoort
French Immersion
Grade One/Two
Heidi Sawchuk
English program
Grade One/Two
Claudette Horan
French Immersion
Grade Two/Three
Ashley Pucci (Sept-Jan) / Deb Webb (Jan-June)
English program
Grade Two
Cathleen Martin
English program
Grade Two/Three
Louise Caillaud
English program
Grade Three
Jennifer DeWolf/Kristina Starling
French Immersion
Grade Three/Four
Caitlyn Knox
English program
Grade Four
Sarah Croken
English program
Grade Four
Matt Olson
English program
Grade Five/Six
Alyssa Bergen
English program
Grade Five/Six
Kayla Dominelli
English program
Grade Five/Six
Edith Bonnette
French Immersion
Grade Five/Six
Integrated Student Support Team:
Danielle Petryshyn - Learning Assistance Teacher
Devon Wolfe - Counsellor
Robyn Cassan - French Immersion student support/SEL
Nicole Krastel – Numeracy/Literacy support
Shauntelle Koga – Literacy support
Dana Guthrie - Prep/Classroom support
Certified Education
Assistants:
Launa Campbell
Kathryn Gevers
Michelle Harty
Sheri Jensen
Wendy Meek
Denise Mott
Connie Radis
Chantal Screen
Twyla Spannier
Shelly Twerdochlib
Denise Wombold
Danielle Zierler
Clerical Staff:
Camille Harkins – head secretary
Janis French – library assistant
Shauntelle Koga
Library/Literacy support
Helga Helgason
Strong Start Program
Lenora Flato
Resource Teacher
Sandie Lavigne
Aboriginal Education Advocate
Custodial Staff:
Greg Snow (Head Custodian)
Eric Dion/Andrew Czeto/Jackie Schaefer
Administration:
Karen Switzer – Principal
Nathen Elliott – Vice-Principal