Signal Hill Circular - Newsletters

Signal Hill Circular 

for the week ended Friday January 22, 2021

We are honored to be living, working and playing on the traditional, unceded ancestral territories of the St'át'yemc Nation.

Message from Admin Team

Upcoming Events - Check our website! 

Dear families,

Please read the excerpt in our Safety Section - there is a very important message concerning dogs on school property.

Signal Hill Elementary staff will be partaking in a socially distanced professional development day on Friday, January 29. On these days, staff take part in professional development related to our school learning plan, and in turn, our District refresh plan. For example, there are options for staff to learn about Supporting Minimally Verbal Students, Reducing Repetitive Behaviours, Universal Design for Learning and Project-Based Learning using G-Suite (Grades 4-12), and Technology Tools to Support Executive Functioning (K-12),  Adrienne Gear Writing Power workshop  with a  meta-cognitive approach to writing instruction grounded in research and development that supports educators in their quest to provide the very best literacy instruction to their students.  

Engaging in meaningful learning for our staff helps support student diversity, inclusivity and personalization. It helps us delve deep into the strategies and structures that open up  pathways to learning for our students.

This last school week has seen the sun return to Pemberton (finally!) and, along with the sun, we have seen temperatures dropping. During these cold spells, please check that your students are coming to school with warm clothing to ensure they are prepared for our outdoor learning and play.

Have a safe weekend, 

SHE Admin Team

Please note: If you visit our website, the event details can be clicked on to receive more information. You can get to our Upcoming Events on our website by clicking here or visiting https://www.sd48signalhill.org/

Jan 29 | School Based Professional Day

No School For Students

Feb 1 | MDI Survey (Grade 5)

Feb 2 | MDI Survey (Grade 5)

Feb 3 | MDI Survey (Grade 5)

Feb 8 | Lockdown Drill 9:20 AM – 9:30 AM 

Feb 10 | Public Board Meeting 6 PM 

Feb 15 | Family Day - No School

Feb 22 | FSA (Grades 4 & 7)

Feb 23 | FSA (Grades 4 & 7)

Feb 24 | FSA (Grades 4 & 7)

Feb 25 | FSA (Grades 4 & 7)

Feb 26 | FSA (Grades 4 & 7)

Did you know?:

At Signal Hill, we have food available for any and all students who are hungry. Food is available all day for students with no questions asked. We believe students learn best when physical and social needs are met and providing breakfast and lunch are two ways to help students learn.

MDI Survey

The Middle Years Development Instrument (MDI) is coming to your school in January/February!

School District 48 has partnered with the Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) at the University of British Columbia to measure and promote children’s social and emotional development, health, well-being, and assets through the Middle Year Development Instrument (MDI). The Middle Years Development Instrument (MDI) is a self-report questionnaire that asks children in middle childhood about their thoughts, feelings and experiences. The MDI is the first survey of its kind to gather information about the lives of children both in school, in the home and in the community, from their own perspective. The survey questions align with the BC Ministry of Education’s K-12 curriculum, which includes a focus on promoting children’s personal and social competencies.

Grade 5 students are invited to complete the MDI during class time on February 1, 2 and 3 2021.

For more information and to view the questionnaires:

http://earlylearning.ubc.ca/mdi/                                     

Parent FAQs:

http://earlylearning.ubc.ca/mdi/parent-guardian-resources/

If you don’t want your child to participate please contact your child’s teacher, fill out the withdrawal form at the end of the parent/guardian informed passive consent letter, or contact the MDI project staff at [email protected].

Employment Opportunity! 

Dear Families,

Are you interested in a little part time work and connecting with our students on the Playground and Playing Field? Well, this is the job for you! The position is supervising our students during recess breaks. We have three breaks between 10:00 and 11:00. Usually 3 classes are on the Primary side and 3 classes are on the Baseball / Hockey court side. This is a great way to connect with the Signal Hill Community. This position adds to the numerous Adults who Care at Signal Hill.   

Education Assistant - Supervision (3 Positions) | CUPE Competition No. 5019

Location: District North - Signal Hill Elementary School

Temporary:  Immediately to June 29, 2021

Hours: 1.0  hour per day, for all days school is in session (Supervision)

Rate of Pay: $24.92/hour (Supervision)

Duties & Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Principal(s), supervises a designated area either inside or outside the school before, during and/or after school as defined by the terms of their assignment.

Qualifications:

Completion of Grade 12 and over three (3) months up to and including six (6) months related experience.

Knowledge of basic First Aid

Please note that prospective employees new to School District No. 48 (Sea to Sky) must agree to undergo a criminal records check, as failure to do so will be grounds for refusing employment.

Applications should be submitted through the Make a Future at https://www.makeafuture.ca/regions-districts/bc-public-school-districts/metro/sea-to-sky/  

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those applicants who have been given consideration for an interview will be contacted.

Universal Precautions - SD48 Ed Plan Strategies Part 3

The Pathways to Learning describe the instructional STRATEGIES, guided by the First Peoples’ Principles of Learning, that will lead to deeper learning for our students. Through these instructional approaches, students will be able to explore, discover, and develop themselves as complete learners through a personalized and balanced perspective.

Purpose and Authenticity are pathways for students to engage in meaningful and personally relevant learning. Students use interdisciplinary approaches and ‘voice and choice’ to make connections to their own reality and to a broader perspective. Community partnerships and projects support learners in applying their learning through real world problems.

Technology is a pathway for students to access, use, communicate and produce information. It also allows students to archive, track, and present their learning over time.

Safety Section

Dogs on School Grounds

This message is to let families know that dogs cannot be brought on school property when dropping off or picking up your child. Thank you in advance for your cooperation with this safety request.

School Code of Conduct

Part Two

Our Code of Conduct is designed to provide guidelines for appropriate student behavior while attending the school or at any school-sponsored function.

Inappropriate behavior can consist of, but is not limited to:

• rudeness, swearing;
• fighting (or play fighting);
• lack of respect for others, teasing;
• throwing objects (rocks, sticks, snowballs, etc.);
• defiant behaviour;
• running in the halls;
• unauthorized leaving of school grounds, and;
• littering.

Consequences will be applied in a fair and consistent manner, respecting individual rights, responsibilities, age and maturity; and be restorative rather than punitive in nature.

Inappropriate behavior typically has the following consequences:

• review of expectations and a timeout;
• review of expectations, written assignment and/or loss of privileges;
• parents are informed;
• meeting with the parents;
• short-term (in school or at home) suspension up to 5 days, and;
• consultation with police and/or fire department.

Community Workshops

Parenting in Another Culture Program 2020-2021

For families with children who are not familiar with Canadian School System

Info-Sessions facilitated by Amanda Walker from Capilano University.

3. University/College and how to apply for Scholarships/Grants/Bursaries 

           Wednesday January 27, 6:30 - 7:30pm, open for families in the Sea to Sky and Sunshine Coast where both parent(s) and student(s) are encouraged to attend

4. Transition from Elementary School to High School 

           Wednesday February 10, 6 – 7pm, Whistler/Pemberton specific for Gr 6 & 7 student(s) and their parent(s) to learn about high school (Gr 8~)

5. Entering Kindergarten and Elementary School System 

Wednesday February 24, 6 – 7pm (Whistler/Pemberton specific)   

To register and to get a Zoom link, please contact Izumi Inoue at

[email protected]

604.698.5960

Daily Health Check

Check out the VCH reports on COVID-19 transmission in schools across its region.

PAC Hot Lunch

Dear Families,

The Winter Session of the PAC's Hot Lunch Fundraising Program has started.  Paper forms have been coming home with students this week and tomorrow 

Thursdays are the deadline for the next week's menu item. Orders are due at the school by 3pm Thursday for paper orders and online by midnight. Thank you for understanding that orders without payment will not be delivered.

HOW TO ORDER:

ONLINE:

1. Go to https://signalhillpac.hotlunches.net to register if you haven't  already. (You need a new account each school year.)
2. On the home page, search for our school, create a new account and enter the school access code SHE2020
3. Add students by name and class
4. Place your orders for the current session.
5. Pay by:

• on-line using a credit or debit card via the Bambora system; or,
• Send Cash or Cheque with your child to deposit into the new cash box on the wall beside the library entrance.  Make sure the student’s name and class attached are well defined!

PAPER:   

1. Fill out attached paper order form with all current information
2. Drop completed form (with name & payment) with your child to deposit into the new cash box on the wall beside the library entrance. 

For any questions or concerns, please contact [email protected]

If you miss the deadline for this upcoming week, you can still order food through the session as it will continue when we return from winter break.

Thank you for supporting the Fundraising efforts of the PAC through hot lunch!

Learning Connections and Pics of the Week

Our Grade 7s received their hoodies

Learning about Reptiles

SHE Sign - Be Well

Literacy: Sorting Words of the Week

Literacy: Hooking the Reader

Making a Biome

Mental Health & Well-Being

Connect With The Land  Because Your Health Is Your Wealth.

Earth is like medicine and it is a gift that is often left unwrapped. That's right Signal Hill! The best present in the world is being out in nature. Oftentimes we forget that nature is healing. For example, listening to birds humming, the river running wildly as it carries the sounds of wild animals can be therapeutic because it helps to lower stress levels and anxiety.

Having good health means that you have more time to spend with friends and family. Taking time out of our busy lives to work on our health is important for wellbeing.

What could be more comforting than listening to your footsteps as you walk the beautiful trails of Pemberton Creek Falls or visit the Anderson Lake Fish Hatchery. What is more beautiful than listening to the creaking sounds of bark as it tries to nestle itself in the calm wind? The unrehearsed drumming sounds of nature is calming and it's important for mental clarity and mental fitness.

So get outside Signal Hill! Enjoy yoga in the woods or a quick stroll on the trails.

Connection

Which of the 6 Lil'wat Principles do you think applies to this article and why?

Amhalhtśa|Be Kind|Sois Gentil 

Tullec|Be Calm|Sois Calm         

Atsxentśut|Be Safe|Sois prudent

Signal Hill Circular

for the week ended Friday January 15, 2021

We are honored to be living, working and playing on the traditional, unceded ancestral territories of the St'át'yemc Nation.

Message from Admin Team

Upcoming Events - Check our website! 

Dear families,

We are in our second week of school! The students are settled back to their routine. Students are engaged in pathways of learning, implementing our safety protocols, and having a refresh of our  Code of Conduct. A few examples of our refresh are: Be Respectful to yourself, to others, property.

This week families joined our evening ZOOM meeting for Late French Immersion on Monday and our PAC (Parent Advisory Council meeting) on Wednesday. Did you know if you have a child at Signal Hill Elementary you are part of the PAC! Come join our ZOOM meetings. We would love for you to sit in via ZOOM and see what PAC is about. This week’s PAC meeting a family joined us for the first time! Stay tuned for our next meeting date.

Link to Late  French Immersion Presentation.

A friendly reminder that Registration for French Immersion begins Jan 19, Monday at 8:00 AM. This online registration is the new line up system for Late French Immersion. 

We are adding a new section to the Circular. The section is on Mental Health and Well Being for students. The section will feature ways for our students to keep their mental health and well being in good shape! It is like a physical health section that talks about our mind, body  and emotion.

Last but not Least! Check out the employment section in this week’s Circular. We are looking for one hour Supervisors (10:00am to 11:00am). Come be a part of the Signal Hill team supporting our students for their recess time. 

SHE Admin Team

Please note: If you visit our website, the event details can be clicked on to receive more information. You can get to our Upcoming Events on our website by clicking here or visiting https://www.sd48signalhill.org/

Jan 19 | Registration for K and Late FI

Jan 20  | EDI training @ 3:30

Jan 21 | Ed Leadership Meeting

Jan 22 | Mid year check in | Readiness Data Review

Jan 29 | School Based Professional Day

Feb 1 | MDI Survey (Grade 5)

Feb 2 | MDI Survey (Grade 5)

Feb 3 | MDI Survey (Grade 5)

Feb 8 | Lockdown Drill 9:20 AM – 9:30 AM 

Feb 10 | Public Board Meeting 6 PM 

Feb 15 | Family Day - No School

Did you know?:

At Signal Hill, we have food available for any and all students who are hungry. Food is available all day for students with no questions asked. We believe students learn best when physical and social needs are met and providing breakfast and lunch are two ways to help students learn.

SD48 Budget 

Dear SD48 Community,

SD48 Board of Education follows a Budget Development process each school year in order to establish the final annual budget for submission to the Ministry of Education. This process begins with providing an opportunity for partners to share input towards this decision making.

The district has a carefully developed and well-defined education plan (Pathways to Learning). The role of the annual budget is to resource the Pathways to Learning education plan. The purpose of this input opportunity is to seek advice on how to do that as effectively and efficiently as possible.

The next step in the Budget Development process will be to convene representatives from each partner group to help synthesize and prioritize the input gathered through this survey and many other important considerations. If you would like to provide input toward this process please click the link below.

2021/2022 SD48 Annual Budget Input Survey  

The survey will be open for input from December 17th, 2020 to January 20th, 2021. Thank you for your assistance with this important decision making.

If you have any questions regarding the survey or the budget development process, please contact Secretary-Treasurer, Mohammed Azim, at [email protected]

Employment Opportunity! 

Education Assistant - Supervision (3 Positions) | CUPE Competition No. 5019

Location: District North - Signal Hill Elementary School

Temporary:  Immediately to June 29, 2021

Hours: 1.0  hour per day, for all days school is in session (Supervision)

Rate of Pay: $24.92/hour (Supervision)

Duties & Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Principal(s), supervises a designated area either inside or outside the school before, during and/or after school as defined by the terms of their assignment.

Qualifications:

Completion of Grade 12 and over three (3) months up to and including six (6) months related experience.

Knowledge of basic First Aid.

Competition Closes Monday January 18, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.

Please note that prospective employees new to School District No. 48 (Sea to Sky) must agree to undergo a criminal records check, as failure to do so will be grounds for refusing employment.

Applications should be submitted through the Make a Future at https://www.makeafuture.ca/regions-districts/bc-public-school-districts/metro/sea-to-sky/  

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those applicants who have been given consideration for an interview will be contacted.

Universal Precautions - SD48 Ed Plan Strategies Part 2

The Pathways to Learning describe the instructional STRATEGIES, guided by the First Peoples’ Principles of Learning, that will lead to deeper learning for our students. Through these instructional approaches, students will be able to explore, discover, and develop themselves as complete learners through a personalized and balanced perspective.

Engagement is a pathway leading to the active involvement of all students. Cooperative structures and strategies allow students to access prior knowledge and deepen understanding. Students are always actively involved in a process, a specific end product, or goal. Students exercise agency to create their own projects and learning plans at their own pace.

Play and Exploration are pathways that support student curiosity, communication, and risk taking. Hands-on and inquiry based approaches lead to the development of individual student creativity and the innovation of something new: an idea, an interpretation, or a product.

Safety - School Code of Conduct

Refresh of Part One 

At Signal Hill Elementary School, we believe that all children have the right to learn in a safe, caring and orderly environment. Our expectations are that students will be cooperative, courteous and respectful.

 Be Respectful to Yourself – caring about your learning and yourself, including safety. Some examples include: • always do your best • make good choices • be on time and ready to work • do your homework and use your planner • follow the school dress code

 Be Respectful to Others – considerate of others’ personal feelings and properties. Some examples include: • be polite and wait your turn • treat others with respect • use good listening skills • be honest and tell the truth • Following the school Dress Code

 Be Respectful To Property – caring about your school and your environment. Some examples include: • clean up after yourself • take good care of materials • ask before borrowing Be Safe – learn and follow school rules. Some examples include: • walk calmly – no running in hallways • stay within designated areas • report dangerous situations to staff 

Our Code of Conduct is designed to provide guidelines for appropriate student behavior while attending the school or at any school-sponsored function. 

Community Workshops

Parenting in Another Culture Program 2020-2021

For families with children who are not familiar with Canadian School System

Info-Sessions facilitated by Amanda Walker from Capilano University.

1. Canadian High School System and how Credits work 

           Wednesday January 13, 6:30 - 7:30pm, open for families in the Sea to Sky and Sunshine Coast where both parent(s) and student(s) are encouraged to attend

2. Postsecondary options 

           Wednesday January 20, 6:30 - 7:30pm, open for families in the Sea to Sky and Sunshine Coast where both parent(s) and student(s) are encouraged to attend

3. University/College and how to apply for Scholarships/Grants/Bursaries 

           Wednesday January 27, 6:30 - 7:30pm, open for families in the Sea to Sky and Sunshine Coast where both parent(s) and student(s) are encouraged to attend

4. Transition from Elementary School to High School 

           Wednesday February 10, 6 – 7pm, Whistler/Pemberton specific for Gr 6 & 7 student(s) and their parent(s) to learn about high school (Gr 8~)

5. Entering Kindergarten and Elementary School System 

Wednesday February 24, 6 – 7pm (Whistler/Pemberton specific)   

To register and to get a Zoom link, please contact Izumi Inoue at

[email protected]

604.698.5960

Daily Health Check

Check out the VCH reports on COVID-19 transmission in schools across its region.

Community Partners - Sea to Sky Community Services (SSCS)

SSCS has been successful in becoming a Local Love Food HUB initiative spearheaded by United Way. SSCS is grateful for the opportunity to address the increased food insecurity that many individuals, families and communities are experiencing during the pandemic, as well as supporting longer-term initiatives to sustainable access to nutritious foods for those living in rural and remote communities.

Pemberton Food Bank Service Changes

Please be aware the Pemberton Food Bank’s hours have changed in an effort to provide greater safety for clients amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.

Pemberton Food Bank: Services are available on Thursdays from 10am to 2pm at 1347 Aster Street. If you require assistance outside of those hours please Contact: Loralee Seitz at [email protected] or 604 698 5521

If you live outside Pemberton, temporary Food Bank stations have been set up in Mt. Currie.

Visit https://lilwat.ca/food-bank-service-changes/ for details.

www.sscs.ca

PAC Hot Lunch

Dear Families,

The Winter Session of the PAC's Hot Lunch Fundraising Program has started.  Paper forms have been coming home with students this week and tomorrow 

Thursdays are the deadline for the next week's menu item. Orders are due at the school by 3pm Thursday for paper orders and online by midnight. Thank you for understanding that orders without payment will not be delivered.

HOW TO ORDER:

ONLINE:

1. Go to https://signalhillpac.hotlunches.net to register if you haven't  already. (You need a new account each school year.)
2. On the home page, search for our school, create a new account and enter the school access code SHE2020
3. Add students by name and class
4. Place your orders for the current session.
5. Pay by:

• on-line using a credit or debit card via the Bambora system; or,
• Send Cash or Cheque with your child to deposit into the new cash box on the wall beside the library entrance.  Make sure the student’s name and class attached are well defined!

PAPER:   

1. Fill out attached paper order form with all current information
2. Drop completed form (with name & payment) with your child to deposit into the new cash box on the wall beside the library entrance. 

For any questions or concerns, please contact [email protected]

If you miss the deadline for this upcoming week, you can still order food through the session as it will continue when we return from winter break.

Thank you for supporting the Fundraising efforts of the PAC through hot lunch!

Learning Connections

Mr. Gray’s class making cuisenaire rods to help with numeracy comprehension. Cuisenaire rods “are an especially valuable tool for any student with math difficulties because they provide a visual, tactile, and concrete approach to abstract math. Color and size characteristics are systematically associated with numbers. Number, then take up a certain space and mathematics begins to take on visible, tactile and colorful meaning.” (William and Mary School of Education)

Ms. Belyea’s class learning to sew!

“Cuisenaire Rods: Space, Color, and Mathematics.” William and Mary School of Education, education.wm.edu/centers/ttac/resources/articles/learndisable/cuisenaire/index.php.

Mental Health & Self Care

Hey Students! Pat Yourself on the Back. You’ve Shown a lot of Resiliency!

Mental Health and the Importance of Self-Care.  COVID-19 presented barriers for those who wanted to connect with others.  For instance, people developed new skills and discovered new hobbies to overcome boredom and sometimes sadness. 

We discovered that community is one of Signal Hill’s greatest strengths. Digital technology connected us to friends and family and we supported each other during difficult times. So pat yourself on the back, Signal Hill!  You have shown a lot of  resiliency. 

Self-care and its connection to resiliency. 

So, what is resiliency? Resiliency is the ability to bounce back after difficult situations.  Overcoming difficulties in our lives is only part of the battle, but when was the last time that you took the time to reflect on the great things that you do.   Not only is practicing self-care essential for positive mental health, but it is necessary for resiliency.

Try this self-care exercise.

Gratitude letters have shown to have a positive impact on the brain.  That’s right! Gratitude letters produce positive feelings. Write a letter of gratitude to someone who has made a difference in your life. Showing gratitude  and appreciation is also a great way to feel a sense of belonging.

Reflect

So let's reframe!  Imagine positive emotions  as fuel and that you need to take you on your road to success! You can’t travel on an empty tank.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Amhalhtśa |Be Kind |  Sois Gentil 

Tullec |Be Calm |  Sois Calme

Atsxentśut | Be Safe | Sois prudent

Signal Hill Circular

for the week ended Friday January 8, 2021

We are honored to be living, working and playing on the traditional, unceded ancestral territories of the St'át'yemc Nation.

Message from Admin Team

Upcoming Events - Check our website! 

Welcome to the New Year!

It feels great to be back! The students are excited to meet with friends, engage in pathways of learning and re connect with SHE staff. 

Speaking of staff we have an introduction for this Friday’s edition.   

Please welcome Melissa Martin who is the new vice principal at our school. 

Melissa’s lived experiences in the United Kingdom, Ontario,  United States, and Northern B.C have given her an appreciation for diversity, and inclusion.

Melissa started her career as a Child and Youth Worker and she enjoyed working one-to-one with youths and youth groups.  

Melissa is compassionate, empathetic and cares for the wellbeing of others. As an educator, she facilitated workshops on violence against women, mental health and wellness for various audiences.

She believes in resiliency and overcoming challenges, and that in life we can only learn from adversity.

Melissa enjoys health and fitness activities. Melissa also has a lovable dog named Jaxon who likes greeting people with a ‘paw wave.’

SHE Admin Team

Please note: If you visit our website, the event details can be clicked on to receive more information. You can get to our Upcoming Events on our website by clicking here or visiting https://www.sd48signalhill.org/

Jan 6 & 7 | RCMP visit with 5,6,7

Jan 7 | MDI training

Jan 11 @ 6:00 | Late FI info session

Jan 13 | PAC Meeting @ 7pm

Jan 13 | Public Board Meeting

Jan 14 @ 3:30 | EDI training

Jan 19 | Registration for K and Late FI

Jan 20  | EDI training @ 3:30

Jan 21 | Ed Leadership Meeting

Jan 22 | Mid year check in | Readiness Data Review

Jan 29 | School Based Professional Day

Did you know?:

At Signal Hill, we have food available for any and all students who are hungry. Food is available all day for students with no questions asked. We believe students learn best when physical and social needs are met and providing breakfast and lunch are two ways to help students learn.

Safety Section - Universal Precautions - Digital Portfolios

The Pathways to Learning describe the instructional STRATEGIES, guided by the First Peoples’ Principles of Learning, that will lead to deeper learning for our students. Through these instructional approaches, students will be able to explore, discover, and develop themselves as complete learners through a personalized and balanced perspective.

Assessment is a pathway to understand student learning. Students know where they are, where they were, and what next steps they should take in their learning. By utilizing assessment for, of, and as learning, students use criteria, rubrics, exemplars, self and peer assessment, descriptive feedback, personal learning targets, reflection, and collect samples of their work to drive their learning forward.

Collaboration is a pathway that leads to groups of students working together toward a common goal. It inspires the creation of new knowledge and respect for different ideas. Students learn to understand themselves and each other.

Safety - School Code of Conduct

Part Two

Our Code of Conduct is designed to provide guidelines for appropriate student behavior while attending the school or at any school-sponsored function. 

Inappropriate Behaviour

 Inappropriate behavior can consist of, but is not limited to: • rudeness, swearing • fighting (or play fighting) • lack of respect for others, teasing• throwing objects (rocks, sticks, snowballs, etc.) • defiant behaviour • running in the halls • unauthorized leaving of school grounds • littering

Community Workshops

Parenting in Another Culture Program 2020-2021

For families with children who are not familiar with Canadian School System

Info-Sessions facilitated by Amanda Walker from Capilano University.

1. Canadian High School System and how Credits work 

           Wednesday January 13, 6:30 - 7:30pm, open for families in the Sea to Sky and Sunshine Coast where both parent(s) and student(s) are encouraged to attend

2. Postsecondary options 

           Wednesday January 20, 6:30 - 7:30pm, open for families in the Sea to Sky and Sunshine Coast where both parent(s) and student(s) are encouraged to attend

3. University/College and how to apply for Scholarships/Grants/Bursaries 

           Wednesday January 27, 6:30 - 7:30pm, open for families in the Sea to Sky and Sunshine Coast where both parent(s) and student(s) are encouraged to attend

4. Transition from Elementary School to High School 

           Wednesday February 10, 6 – 7pm, Whistler/Pemberton specific for Gr 6 & 7 student(s) and their parent(s) to learn about high school (Gr 8~)

5. Entering Kindergarten and Elementary School System 

Wednesday February 24, 6 – 7pm (Whistler/Pemberton specific)   

To register and to get a Zoom link, please contact Izumi Inoue at

[email protected]

604.698.5960

Daily Health Check 

At Signal Hill, we require all students and staff members to perform a daily health check prior to coming to the school. The British Columbia Center for Disease Control has updated their Daily Health Check - please use this checklist to make an informed decision before coming to Signal Hill to help keep all of our community members safe:

Community Partners - Sea to Sky Community Services (SSCS)

SSCS has been successful in becoming a Local Love Food HUB initiative spearheaded by United Way. SSCS is grateful for the opportunity to address the increased food insecurity that many individuals, families and communities are experiencing during the pandemic, as well as supporting longer-term initiatives to sustainable access to nutritious foods for those living in rural and remote communities.

Pemberton Food Bank Service Changes

Please be aware the Pemberton Food Bank’s hours have changed in an effort to provide greater safety for clients amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.

Pemberton Food Bank: Services are available on Thursdays from 10am to 2pm at 1347 Aster Street. If you require assistance outside of those hours please Contact: Loralee Seitz at [email protected] or 604 698 5521

If you live outside Pemberton, temporary Food Bank stations have been set up in Mt. Currie.

Visit https://lilwat.ca/food-bank-service-changes/ for details.

www.sscs.ca

PAC Hot Lunch

Dear Families,

The Winter Session of the PAC's Hot Lunch Fundraising Program has started.  Paper forms have been coming home with students this week and tomorrow 

Thursdays are the deadline for the next week's menu item. Orders are due at the school by 3pm Thursday for paper orders and online by midnight. Thank you for understanding that orders without payment will not be delivered.

HOW TO ORDER:

ONLINE:

1. Go to https://signalhillpac.hotlunches.net to register if you haven't  already. (You need a new account each school year.)
2. On the home page, search for our school, create a new account and enter the school access code SHE2020
3. Add students by name and class
4. Place your orders for the current session.
5. Pay by:

• on-line using a credit or debit card via the Bambora system; or,
• Send Cash or Cheque with your child to deposit into the new cash box on the wall beside the library entrance.  Make sure the student’s name and class attached are well defined!

PAPER:   

1. Fill out attached paper order form with all current information
2. Drop completed form (with name & payment) with your child to deposit into the new cash box on the wall beside the library entrance. 

For any questions or concerns, please contact [email protected]

If you miss the deadline for this upcoming week, you can still order food through the session as it will continue when we return from winter break.

Thank you for supporting the Fundraising efforts of the PAC through hot lunch!

Learning Connections

This week RCMP members met with our grade 5,6,7 students to talk about sense of community. We have many adults who care about our students and share their time.  The RCMP members met with each Intermediate class, 6 classes! They shared stories and ways of being to build community. 

Pictures of the Week

__________________________________________________________________________

Amhalhtśa       Tullec           Atsxentśut

Be Kind           Be Calm       Be Safe

Sois Gentil      Sois Calme   Sois prudent

Hello ~ Bonjour ~ Kalhwa7alap,

In continuing with the thread of our School Learning Plan (SLP), we wanted to share with you the desired knowledge and skills our students and staff will have to successfully feel connected to our school and, in turn, learn.

If students and staff are able to do and know the following, they will feel connected to the school community and be able to understand how to collaborate and learn:

DO

Students are expected to be able to solve real-world problems through collaboration.

KNOW

Students are expected to know connections related to awareness to self and school/family. 

UNDERSTAND

Students are expected to understand that solving real world problems expands our ability to create new ideas, collaborate and become inclusive knowledge gathers. 

Have a safe weekend, SHE Admin team

Did you know?:

At Signal Hill, we have food available for any and all students who are hungry. Food is available all day for students with no questions asked. We believe students learn best when physical and social needs are met and providing breakfast and lunch are two ways to help students learn.

Safety Section - Universal Precautions - Digital Portfolios

Safety - School Code of Conduct

Dear families ~ please review with your child our Code of Conduct.

This is our section on Safe & Caring School

Environments:

Are Free From Acts Of • bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment • threat and intimidation • violence in any form • abuse in any form • discrimination in any form including race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity and expression (prohibited grounds set out in the BC Human Rights Code) • retaliation against a person who has reported incidents.

Super Ty’s 5th Annual Toy Drive

Daily Health Check 

At Signal Hill, we require all students and staff members to perform a daily health check prior to coming to the school. The British Columbia Center for Disease Control has updated their Daily Health Check - please use this checklist to make an informed decision before coming to Signal Hill to help keep all of our community members safe:

Community Partners - Sea to Sky Community Services

SSCS has been successful in becoming a Local Love Food HUB initiative spearheaded by United Way. SSCS is grateful for the opportunity to address the increased food insecurity that many individuals, families and communities are experiencing during the pandemic, as well as supporting longer-term initiatives to sustainable access to nutritious foods for those living in rural and remote communities.

Pemberton Food Bank Service Changes

Please be aware the Pemberton Food Bank’s hours have changed in an effort to provide greater safety for clients amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.

Pemberton Food Bank: Services are available on Thursdays from 10am to 2pm at 1347 Aster Street. If you require assistance outside of those hours please Contact: Loralee Seitz at [email protected] or 604 698 5521

If you live outside Pemberton, temporary Food Bank stations have been set up in Mt. Currie.

Visit https://lilwat.ca/food-bank-service-changes/ for details.

www.sscs.ca

PAC Hot Lunch

Dear Families,

The Winter Session of the PAC's Hot Lunch Fundraising Program has started.  Paper forms have been coming home with students this week and tomorrow 

Thursdays are the deadline for the next week's menu item. Orders are due at the school by 3pm Thursday for paper orders and online by midnight. Thank you for understanding that orders without payment will not be delivered.

HOW TO ORDER:

ONLINE:

1. Go to https://signalhillpac.hotlunches.net to register if you haven't  already. (You need a new account each school year.)
2. On the home page, search for our school, create a new account and enter the school access code SHE2020
3. Add students by name and class
4. Place your orders for the current session.
5. Pay by:

• on-line using a credit or debit card via the Bambora system; or,
• Send Cash or Cheque with your child to deposit into the new cash box on the wall beside the library entrance.  Make sure the student’s name and class attached are well defined!

PAPER:   

1. Fill out attached paper order form with all current information
2. Drop completed form (with name & payment) with your child to deposit into the new cash box on the wall beside the library entrance. 

For any questions or concerns, please contact [email protected]

If you miss the deadline for this upcoming week, you can still order food through the session as it will continue when we return from winter break.

Thank you for supporting the Fundraising efforts of the PAC through hot lunch!

Learning Connections

Ms. Marining’s K/1 class inquired about and explored weather.

Ms. Marining’s K/1 class used various art mediums to represent themselves as visual student snow sculptures at night.

Winter Concert Update  ~  Pictures of the Week

Dear families,

As you know life is different and the way we celebrate together has changed. The Signal Hill winter concert has always been a mainstay for the community. It brings us together in joy and celebration!  Due to COVID 19 safety protocols - schools will not be hosting winter concerts. This year, a few of our classes will record songs and we will post the classes on our website. Although not everything has changed...Dave Walden has been seen traveling the halls of Signal Hill with his piano and book of festive songs! 

Ms. Smith’s 3/4 class winterized their classroom door with great textures through a collaborative effort.

Signal Hill Circular

for the week ended Friday November 27, 2020

We are honored to be living, working and playing on the traditional,

unceded ancestral territories of the St'át'yemc Nation.

Message from Admin Team

Upcoming Events - Check our website! 

Hello ~ Bonjour ~ Kalhwa7alap,

Thank you families for your cooperation with following our health and safety protocols in order to keep everyone safe. We do appreciate your physical distancing and wearing of masks when dropping off or picking up your child. We would like to remind parents/ guardians who need to walk past the front of the school prior to busses loading after school to please wear a mask if physical distancing cannot be maintained. It takes all of us doing our part, no matter how small, to keep our families and communities safe. 

Speaking of communities, you will hear us say that Signal Hill looks to a worldview perspective through languages. We believe that Language is culture. See the following posters from  Ms.Nicholas’  class and Tanina Williams’ video on counting to 10 in Ucwalmícwts supporting by American Sign Language 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbsgMrvLmfA&t=53s

Have a safe weekend, SHE Admin team

Please note: If you visit our website, the event details can be clicked on to receive more information. You can get to our Upcoming Events on our website by clicking here or visiting https://www.sd48signalhill.org/

Did you know?:

November is National Adoption Awareness Month. SD48 would like to honour all those families who have made a life changing impact on children's lives.

Did you know?:

We require all visitors to our school to sign into the office for potential COVID tracing and other safety concerns. We also require any student leaving the building during the school day to be signed out through the office.

Safety Section - Universal Precautions - Digital Citizenship

Universal Precaution: Digital Citizenship

Dear Families,

We want to support you in fostering digital citizenship with your children.

1. Talk openly and regularly with your children about all aspects of their online activity.
2. Explain the potential risks of using streaming sites, social media, and other platforms to empower your children to recognize and take action against dangerous/offensive online behaviour.

• Encourage critical thinking: Is it real? Are the facts true? Can I trust this person? 
• Reassure your child to ‘trust their gut’. If something doesn’t feel right, turn it off.
• Remind your child that they can always talk to you about situations that feel unsafe or uncomfortable. 
• Share ideas to re-direct negative feelings: What makes me happy? Helps me feel calm? 

1. If you have concerns about your children accessing Youtube, you can block Youtube from your internet router. Or, stick to some of the Safer Schools Together-approved Youtube Channels 

• Ryan ToysReview 
• Blippi  
• The Axel Show 
• CookieSwirlC 
• Toys Unlimited 
• Peppa Pig – Official Channel  

1. Alternatively, many streaming apps such as Netflix have kid-friendly functions that can be turned on to allow children to browse and stream videos without being exposed to inappropriate content.
2. Remind them to respect others online if they are part of a social media group (such as: Instagram or Facebook). 

Dear families ~ please review with your child our Code of

At Signal Hill Elementary School, we believe that all children have the right to learn in a safe, caring and orderly environment. Our expectations are that students will be cooperative, courteous and respectful. 

Be Respectful to Others – – considerate of others’ personal feelings and properties. Some examples include: • be polite and wait your turn • treat others with respect • use good listening skills • be honest and tell the truth.

Super Ty’s 5th Annual Toy Drive

Daily Health Check 

At Signal Hill, we require all students and staff members to perform a daily health check prior to coming to the school. The British Columbia Center for Disease Control has updated their Daily Health Check - please use this checklist to make an informed decision before coming to Signal Hill to help keep all of our community members safe:

Free Workshops

POPARD is pleased to announce the following FREE Family School Liaison Workshops that will be offered virtually, via Zoom:

• Supporting Families with Navigating Mental Health Services in BC for Children/Youth with ASD: Dec 1 (330-430pm) or Dec 3 (12-1pm)
• Social Skills for Students in the Home, School and Community: Dec 8 (330-430pm) or Dec 10 (12-1pm)

These FREE 1-hour workshops are intended for parents/families of students who are on the Autism spectrum, however educators and other professionals may attend.

Workshop descriptions can be found here: https://autismoutreach.ca/services/family-school-liaison/ (scroll down the page to view workshop descriptions).

Registration links for these workshops (and all POPARD training) are on this page of the POPARD website: https://autismoutreach.ca/upcoming-training-dates/.

Updates from Vancouver Coastal Health

Ministry of Health Update

In today’s media availability on B.C.’s COVID-19 response, Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer, and Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, reported 738 cases for a total of 29,086 people diagnosed with COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. There were 169 new cases reported in the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) region.  13 new deaths were confirmed, while a further 294 people have been hospitalized, with 61 cases receiving treatment in ICU. No new additional healthcare outbreaks were announced. 

Dr. Bonnie Henry Briefing 

Rapid Testing

When asked about the roll-out of rapid testing, Dr. Henry said our plan is to use them in very similar way as Ontario. They play a role in detecting cases and clusters in both remote communities, and in long-term care. They are more effective for symptomatic people, rather than asymptomatic. Unfortunately, they are not as sensitive as our traditional lab tests for COVID-19. They are also sensitive to lower temperatures and proved to be less effective during initial testing among the Downtown Eastside community, where they were administered in a mobile test unit. We are expecting more machines and test kits for rapid testing in coming months.

Mask Mandate and Order 

Speaking about the mask mandate (further details below), Dr. Henry urged British Columbians to be patient and compassionate, as not everyone is able to wear a mask for a number of reasons. There are a number of individuals with underlying medical conditions, psychological, behaviour, physical, cognitive, or mental impairments, which means it may not be feasible for them to wear one. She urged retailers and business owners to avoid denying people service because they are not wearing a mask, and reemphasized the importance of looking at other ways of engaging these populations, including curbside pick-up and online deliveries, where possible.

On Tuesday October 24, the Solicitor General issued a mask mandate order. Members of the public must now wear masks in indoor public settings and all retails stores, which includes malls, shopping centres, grocery stores, coffee shops, libraries, and places of worship, among other settings. Those who do not comply with this new order will be subject to a $230 fine. There are a number of important exemptions including those with underlining health conditions, and physical, cognitive, or mental impairments which makes it not possible to wear one; people who cannot remove a mask on their own; and children under the age of 12. For full details on the new mask mandate, visit the government website. 

COVID-19 Vaccinations

There was a strong focus on COVID-19 vaccines during the press conference. Dr. Bonnie Henry announced that the BC Centre for Disease Controls’ logistics team is working closely with the federal government to ensure the safe delivery of the right vaccine, to the right people, in the most efficient way possible. Dr. Ross Brown, Vice President for Pandemic Response with VCH, has been appointed lead of the provincial COVID-19 vaccine program. Dr. Brown will work closely with the Deputy Health Minister, and Dr. Bonnie Henry to ensure the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out is efficient and effective. 

Prime Minister Trudeau yesterday also provided an update on the availability of COVID-19 vaccines to Canadians during a media briefing. He expects vaccines to arrive in the first quarter of next year. He emphasized that because Canada does not have a domestic manufacturing capacity, unlike the United States, Germany and others, we may see the vaccines arriving shortly after these countries first receive batches. 

Oxford University released interim data around their vaccine candidate’s efficacy, suggesting it boasts 70% protection, but this may extend to 90% across two shots. This vaccine has less sensitive storage requirements than those developed by both Pfizer and Moderna.

Testing

Anyone in the VCH region with cold, influenza or COVID-19-like symptoms, however mild, can now be assessed for and get a COVID-19 test. Contact your physician or nurse practitioner's office, or a local community collection centre to arrange for a test. Phone numbers and locations of collection centres can be found by visiting: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing or by calling 8-1-1. For more information and latest updates on COVID-19, follow the BC Centre for Disease Control on Twitter @CDCofBC or visit the website: http://www.bccdc.ca/.

Other Resources

To find the Provincial Health Officer’s orders, visit:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

To see a map of COVID-19 cases by local health area, visit:

http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/data

For a listing of the community exposure events, go to: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/public-exposures

For the latest medical updates, including case counts, prevention, risks and testing, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/

For community engagement opportunities at VCH, see: http://cean.vch.ca/members/current-opportunities/

Learning Connections

Welcome to the SD48 Learning Hub! 

https://www.sd48seatosky.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1108236&type=d&pREC_ID=1376048

Signal Hill Elementary “Healing Through Harvest” Garden

This wonderful garden has been created as part of a wider ‘seed to table’ educational journey which aims to deeply engage our whole school community, with reconciliation at its heart.

How will we use this garden?

SHE will use this garden to engage our students in cross cultural learning experiences within food gathering, food growing, food preparation, and the use of food in ceremony, celebration and community. This project is rooted in addressing reconciliation through education and celebration of indigenous practices. The process is rooted in our ongoing learning of the Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being, the Lil’wat Principles of Learning, and the 4 Blankets of; self, family, community, and land culture.

Pictures of the Week