Garibaldi Annex PAC

Message from Gordon and Bayview Elementary School parents

2012-03-04T15:34:00.001-08:00

10am Monday March 5th

Please join us in delivering parent and student letters to Premier
Clark's constituency office.

3615 West 4th Ave/Dunbar
Show your concern for the future of public education in BC.

Please forward and post this event.
Thank you,
Gordon and Bayview Elementary School parents.

standing in support of our teachers

2012-03-04T14:49:00.004-08:00

I hope that by this point everyone has been able to find childcare arrangements for the next 3 days. We have each other as a resource as well - this is an opportunity for community building!

Please, take a few minutes to read the following analysis of the fiscal situation of BC as it relates to public sector unions and also the BCTF message to parents:

http://www.policynote.ca/bc-isnt-broke-putting-teacher-bargaining-in-perspective/

http://www.bctf.ca/uploadedFiles/Public/Parents/FairDealFlyer.pdf

This is a very difficult situation for all of us. However, it is very important to support our teachers as they try to make a LOUDER statement about the state of our K-12 system.
I encourage you to read Bill 22 posted below.
It is not only trying to take away any tools teachers have to try to push negotiations along. More importantly it strips away all limits on class size and composition that were still left in place, e.g. teachers were supposed to be at least consulted, if class size was to be exceeded or more special learners were to be included. If this bill is passed, our kids will see worsening of class conditions with no hope for change till 2013.

Contact your MLA and the education minister to let them know what you think of this bill. The government had a chance to enact the bill on Thursday, which would have made teachers' strike illegal and therefore would have cancelled it but they chose not to as their tactic to try to upset the electorate and turn it against the teachers.

In solidarity with our K-12 teachers,

Jana Ronne
(Julian and Maja's mom)

Bill 22

2012-03-02T14:35:00.001-08:00

http://www.leg.bc.ca/39th4th/1st_read/gov22-1.htm

BCTF News Release

2012-03-02T14:33:00.001-08:00

Next Monday, March 5, teachers across British Columbia will begin a legal three-day full-scale withdrawal of services, as permitted under the Labour Relations Board interim essential services order. At 6:00 a.m. today, the BCTF issued notice of the escalation to the BC Public School Employers’ Association.

This step follows a province-wide vote conducted February 28 and 29, 2012, in which 87% of teachers voted “yes” to escalating job action from the limited “teach only” campaign that began last September. In all, 32,209 teachers voted, of whom 27,946 said “yes.”

In a morning news conference, BCTF President Susan Lambert noted that the 75% turnout and 87% yes vote demonstrate to the provincial government that “bullying legislation like Bill 22 will not fix a broken relationship.”

“Teachers take this step very reluctantly,” she said, noting that their “teach only” job action was specifically designed to limit the impact on classrooms while still maintaining an effective voice. “We articulated our objectives as clearly and respectfully as we could, but unfortunately we were pleading to deaf ears,” Lambert said. “The bill tabled on Tuesday was a sign of the appalling disrespect for the profession of teaching, for students, and for public education in BC.”

She urged parents and other concerned British Columbians to contact their MLAs, Education Minister George Abbott, and Premier Christy Clark to urge them not to impose Bill 22 but rather to negotiate a fair agreement with teachers and invest in public education to meet diverse student needs.

Lambert acknowledged that the walkout will inconvenience parents, but asked them to consider that conditions in classrooms have deteriorated over the past decade and will not improve unless teachers take a strong stand. “Bill 22 means children have to wait another two years for any possible hope of guarantees on class size or any real funding increase for students with special needs,” she said.

Lambert pointed to the BCTF’s long history of social justice advocacy—for inclusion of all children, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, for the rights of girls and women, against racism, homophobia and bullying. “Sometimes—even though you’re afraid, even though the threats seem overwhelming—you have to stand up to a bully,” she said.

The BCTF provincial Executive Committee is meeting today to make further decisions about how actions will unfold in the upcoming days.

- 30 -

For more information, contact Nancy Knickerbocker, BCTF media relations officer, at 604-871-1881 (office) or 604-340-1959 (cell).

Letter from teacher Cheryl Angst

2012-03-02T14:31:00.001-08:00

http://cherylangst.wordpress.com/2012/02/29/teaching-in-bc-3/

Minister's statement on BCTF strike

2012-03-01T16:49:00.000-08:00

BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils info@bccpac.bc.ca

2:15 PM (2 hours ago)

to BC

STATEMENT

For Immediate Release

2012EDUC0018-000222

March 1, 2012

Ministry of Education

Minister's statement on BCTF strike

VICTORIA - Education Minister George Abbott today released a statement

regarding the decision by the British Columbia Teachers' Federation to

hold a three-day strike.

"We are truly disappointed by the union's decision to hold a three-day

strike beginning next week. A strike of this nature will significantly

disrupt student learning and creates tremendous concern for parents and

families.

"The union is in a legal strike position. Under the order from the Labour

Relations Board, they are able to fully withdraw for three days, but the

order is clear that schools are not to be picketed.

"Parents are encouraged to find child-care arrangements for Monday,

Tuesday and Wednesday. However, for parents unable to secure alternate

arrangements, all public schools will be open and students will be cared

for and supervised.

"Schools will be staffed by non-unionized school and district personnel.

Given the LRB order preventing schools from being picketed, we also

expect all unionized school support staff, such as education assistants,

to be present as well. While there will be no instructional time, all

staff will ensure students are supervised in a safe environment.

"Further, school-based child-care services, such as pre-school and after-

school care, are not affected by the strike.

"Bill 22 is an important and complex piece of legislation that demands

careful debate and full understanding by all members of the legislature.

"Bill 22 sets a cooling-off period and suspends the teachers' union

strike action while calling on the assistance of a mediator. It also

implements the $165-million Learning Improvement Fund and other measures

that will play a fundamental role in the future of education in our

province.

"I understand that emotions are running high, and we do not want to

inflame the situation by acting precipitously and rushing through the

legislation.

"We have been working very hard and have put numerous opportunities in

front of the union to try to work through the difficult issues that

confront us during a time of collective bargaining.

"It's unfortunate that rhetoric and name-calling has overtaken a

thoughtful and constructive approach to resolving the impasse through

mediation. When mediation begins in the near future, I hope the

discussion will unfold in a respectful way."

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement

Ministry of Education

250 356-5963

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect

Popcorn days are here!

2012-03-01T16:42:00.001-08:00

Cafe Etico

2012-02-29T15:35:00.001-08:00

"If you are interested in our Cafe Etico coffee fundraiser but curious how good the coffee is or just like to enjoy a good cup of Joe in the morning, you are in luck! This Friday morning, March 2nd during the morning drop off, there will be Cafe Etico coffee and muffins available so you can try a sample before making an order. We will have order forms available that morning, you can find one on the Garibladi Annex blog or you can simply email Angela Wong-Moon at angelawm@telus.net. The next order will be placed on Friday March 30th, unless there is a high demand in the next week before Spring Break :) "

Manure Sale

2012-02-29T15:34:00.001-08:00

Greetings, Mother Nature is not smiling on our Manure sale, but we are going to try to proceed this weekend amongst the snow/rain combo heading our way. Our goal is to at least get a good chunk of the manure bagged and then sell it later if necessary, given that we won't have the usual walk by traffic. Thanks to all of you who have pre ordered and offered to volunteer, we will have lunch and hot coffee to fend off the cold!

BCCPAC - NewsBytes

2012-02-17T18:18:00.000-08:00

NewsBytes

Meaningful Movie screening February 16th

2012-02-12T15:56:00.000-08:00

The Hastings North Community Partners Group invites you to join us for a free Meaningful Movie screening February 16th, details are all on the poster below for your convenience. Please encourage your friends, family and neighbours to come with you to enjoy! This is great subject matter for local Community Gardeners, so please forward to them for us please, as well as to your other networks. The Tillicum Community Annex PAC will be operating the concession to help raise funds for their new playground, so please come support them as well!

With thanks,
The Hastings North Community Partners Group (HNCPG)

Big Night out with the Vancouver Giants

2012-02-11T17:30:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends and Family,

Would you or anyone you know be interested in tickets to a Giants game? If so, send an email to Rconte@vsb.bc.ca – there are 10 tickets left but can get more if need be. It should be a fun night with lots of pregame activities.

Vancouver Giants vs. Medicine Hat Tigers
At the Pacific Coliseum
Friday March 2
Game Time – 7:30 pm
Pregame Community Celebration – 6:00 pm
Tickets are $15 (normally $18)

Ticket holders have access to a special Pregame Community Celebration with a hockey shoot-out, face painting, hot-dogs and more. See attached flyer for details.

A portion of ticket sales will benefit Hastings East Community School Program Society and the Hastings Sunrise Community Policing Centre.

Feel free to forward this to anyone who might be interested.

Manure sale February 25/26 and new raised garden beds!

2012-02-08T10:31:00.001-08:00

The Garden committee would like to announce that the Garibaldi Manure Sale is planned for the weekend of February 25/26. Cost is 5 dollars per bag with delivery available for a small fee. Order forms will be available the first week of February onwards. We will be seeking volunteers to help shovel and bag and will be supplying volunteers with quality food and beverages plus child minding in exchange for their labour. Please let your neighbors and family know about the sale. Manure is sourced from non-medicated steer raised on HopCott farms in Pitt Meadows.

We will be also building and filling new raised beds in the garden and will need dads or moms to help with the building, filling and some transplanting.

Glimps of the future? A Bicycle Built For School

2012-02-08T09:57:00.000-08:00

Wouldn't this be fabulous for schools like ours?

I hope that in a few years our society will figure out the benefits of this and even the legal side of things in North America will become more reasonable.

I would love to see our monkeys traveling to their school trips like this:) (With helmets on - I have witnessed their usefulness!)

The bicycle school bus (BCO in Dutch) is built by Tolkamp Metaalspecials. It fits eleven children and one adult and has eight sets of pedals for kids aged 4 to 12, a driver’s seat and three more seats for those who just want to take in the sights. It is also outfitted with a motor for going up hills, a sound system and a canvas awning for rainy days. The BCO can travel at a top speed of 10 miles per house and, at a price of $15,000 each, costs far less than the typical bus (plus, it comes in other colors besides yellow: green, blue, purple, grey, red).

A total of 25 of the bike buses have been made for use in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands, and requests for information have come in from other countries in Europe, North American and South America. As YES! Magazine points out, some 95 percent of Dutch teenagers bike to school at least some time; much of the country’s population is devoted to bikes and to creating an urban infrastructure of bike paths and more.

Would the BCO be viable in other countries?, Co.Exist asked Tolkamp, to which he responded:

“I hope I can sell the bike in the near future to a foreign country and see how people at other countries react on the bike. I think it will work well in other countries, because as more and more people [are] becoming fat and “green living” becomes more important, ideas like this get more popular.”

Cafe Etico Fundraiser - Order Due February 17th

2012-02-03T09:47:00.000-08:00

LAST ORDER RAISED $80 FOR THE SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello all,

Coffee (and tea) is a great way to get going in the morning and it tastes even better when you are doing good by drinking it.

Our Cafe etico fundraiser not only provides you with an opportunity to raise money for Garibaldi Annex, but does so in a responsible way with 100% of the profits going to support human rights in Latin America.

Below you will find an order form for etico products.

FOR ALL ORDERS: Please fill out your order and hand it in with a cheque (payable to Garibaldi Annex) or cash to the drop box located in the front office by February 17th. You will be notified by e-mail when your order is available for pick up at the school.

Also below find a copy of the price list which provide details of the dollar amount the school raises with the purchase of each bag.

Thanks in advance for supporting Garibaldi!

Regular Cafe etico order form

(pick-up will be in late February 2012 at Garibaldi)

Green Room Yoga Fundraiser

2012-01-30T10:31:00.000-08:00

PASSCODE: (Garibaldi)

"Like you, Green Room Yoga is part of the neighbourhood. We are a neighbourhood yoga studio that has called Hastings Sunrise home for more than seven years. We live here, shop here, and go to school here. A big part of our philosophy is to support local businesses and organisations whenever possible.

That’s why we’ve created this special offer for local groups, in particular our local schools. We want to share our yoga philosophy with your community, while at the same time giving money back to your school. For each person (parent of child within the school) who registers for a session with us, we will donate $20 to your organisation. For any subsequent sessions this person takes, we will give the school $5.

We handle all the administration, money is remitted to the school at the start of each 8 week session. All you need to do is contact us at alix@greenroomyoga.ca to let us know your interest.

Unfortunately, we must exclude existing Green Room students from this offer. Please note that this offer cannot be combined with other offers at Green Room Yoga."

“Let’s work together to build better schools and a brighter future for our children.”

Latest DPAC News

2012-01-24T19:14:00.000-08:00

Kung Hei Fat Choi

Welcome to 2012!
This school year is continuing to go by fast and continues to be challenged with the Teachers' Job Action. While the teachers continue to teach and will be sharing progress reports with students and parents, there are many committees that continue not to meet as a result of the Job Action. This year looks like we will be continuing with advocating for appropriate funding for all our programs and support to make the year successful for our students. With a newly elected Board we will continue to remind the Trustees what our priorities are in the hope of establishing a solid foundation for a sustainable budget as the budget discussion start up in the coming months.

Town Hall Meetings
We will be holding two "Town Hall" meetings in February for parents to participate and share ideas with our DPAC Executive. This information will be consolidated for presenting to the Board of Trustees before the 2012/13 budget is finalized.Please share this with your PAC members and invite them to come out and share ideas with your DPAC Executive. Details are still in the works but the events will be held on Wednesday, February 22nd at Vancouver Technical Secondary School and February 23rd at Magee Secondary School. Your input will help your District PAC represent all interests from all PACs. Check out our DPAC website for more information and locations -www.vsbdpac.ca.

DPAC Election Result
PAC Chairs ratified of Diana Day (nominated by Vancouver Technical School PAC) for a position on the DPAC Executive. Diana has already jumped in to represent our DPAC on the Aboriginal Focus School Steering Committee with fellow DPAC Representative Iraj Khabazian. In addition she has attended our first DPAC Executive meeting for 2012. We are looking forward to working with Diana as she brings another voice to the DPAC Executive.

Registered Disability Savings Plan - Information Session
The Federal Government has engaged the services of Compas Incorporated Consultants to provide information sessions for Parents of Children with Disabilities. Our DPAC along with the Vancouver School Board have agreed to promote this information session to assist any parents that may want more information on this program. The date is February 9, 2012 at 7:00 PM at Tupper Secondary School. Light refreshments and childminding will be available. Please check out the attachment for full details and registration. This is expected to be an informative session for parents who would like more information.

BCCPAC Update
As of December 21st, 2011, Vancouver had 46 out of our 110 PACs join BCCPAC. For those PACs that have not joined yet, there is still the opportunity to join which will still provide for your voice to be represented at the BCCPAC AGM (although your PAC would not be able to vote). The more PACs that belong, the stronger the Parent Voice is at the Provincial level. The Education Partners in BC listen to the parent voice through representation from BCCPAC. In addition the opportunity to attend the Spring Conference and AGM is of benefit to all PACs. The Regional Conference this past Novemeber was informative and interesting for those representatives that were able to attend.
The AGM is expected to be held in late April or early May this year. There are several Board positions open for election including the President, 1st Vice, 2nd Vice, Secretary and two Director positions. The deadline for nominations is February 28th, 2012.
Resolutions can also be submitted anytime. If your PAC is considering submitting a resolution, it is better to get it in sooner than later as there is a resolution acceptance committee that will assist to make sure a resolution meets the criteria to be accepted.

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Additional DPAC Website Going Live

Our DPAC has created a second website for easier access to information that is relevant to PACs, Parents and much easier to keep up to date. This website is expected to assist with better communications as it provides the opportunity to contact our DPAC directly and for PAC Executive members to sign up to our e-list for direct communications. We hope this information will be helpful to both PACs and Parents. The site is atvsbdpac.ca.
As this site is work in progress, any feed back for what your PAC may want to have on the site would be welcomed.

For those of you who are on Facebook, we also have aFacepage. This is intended as an information page for basic contact information.

Internet Safety
Another event that may be of interest to parents is "What’s Up Online" presented by the Safe Online Outreach Society. This presentation is designed for parents and youth ages 13+. Please share with your PAC members.

VSB Friendly Website
Deputy Superintendent Jordan Tinney provided our District PAC Executive with an overview of the VSB's latest Website initiative - "Our Future". The website consolidates information on schools to provide an easier way to access information on your School, Community and provides an opportunity for direct input from the community on matters of interest in the Vancouver School Board. Check it out!

Garibaldi Sun Run Team

2012-01-24T14:25:00.000-08:00

Reach your healthgoals for 2012, show your school spirit, and join the . . .

Garibaldi Annex

SUN RUN

Corporate team #375

Race Day: April 15,2012

To have a corporate team we need a minimum of 10 members.

Some great benefitsto joining a Corporate Team include:

• $45 early bird race entry fee (by Feb. 17^th);$50 late entry

• a souvenir Vancouver Sun Run T-shirt specially printedwith your Team name or logo on the back

• race packages picked up by your team captain

• Great Finishers’ Wrap Party at BC Place Stadium

• compete against other Teams, and team rankings printedalongside Individual race times in the Vancouver Sun

If there is interest,we can also meet once a week for a training session.

Register atsunrun.com; Team #375

Or contact Denise Clark,Team Captain at dlclark@vsb.bc.ca formore details.

2012-01-24T14:17:00.001-08:00

Adele Speaker Series: Nourishing the body, spirit and mind

2012-01-24T14:12:00.000-08:00

LightWaterDrums Festival Saturday February 18th @ Hastings Park

2012-01-19T14:10:00.001-08:00

The Hastings North Community Partners Group is excited to revive LightWaterDrums, a festival celebrating winter in Hastings Park on Saturday February 18th. We will be gathering outside the Garden Auditorium (home of Circus West) beginning at 5:30pm and beginning at 6pm, will follow the lively sounds of The Carnival Band in a lantern parade around The Sanctuary, then into the Garden Auditorium for more free music and entertainment. We encourage you to bring your family, friends, neighbours and more to this free community event, and light up the night with your own glow sticks, lanterns, or anything else creative (and safe) that you can think of.
Several free pre-event workshops are being held in the upcoming weeks for lantern making, drumming and poi spinning. Please see the poster below for dates and times. Workshops are first come, first serve, but it if you'd like to secure a space, please send an email to hncpg@yahoo.com, or call 604.551.5143 and leave a message.

All workshop materials are provided free of charge, and light refreshments will be offered at the workshops. These workshops are a great opportunity to make a lantern to bring to the event, or enjoy an afternoon exploring your creative side. Hope you can join us! Please remember to follow us on Facebook for regular updates at the "Hastings North Community Partners Group" Facebook page.

Popcorn Days are Here!

2012-01-18T21:49:00.000-08:00

The Garibaldi Hot Lunch committee has organized Popcorn and Hot Chocolate for an after school snack for Thursday February 26th at 3pm.

The cost will be $1 for each item.

We are really excited to see how successful an after school snack will be! It will be a great opportunity for the children to play, and the parents to chat.

We will NOT be collecting funds in advance, so don't forget your loonies and Toonies next Thursday.

Hope to see you all then
Cheers
Hot Lunch Committee

BCCPAC - Survey on the Future of a Province-Wide Student Information System

2012-01-18T18:46:00.000-08:00

Survey on the Future of a Province-Wide Student Information System

BCeSIS is a province-wide student information systems used by schools and school districts across the province.

The Ministry is assessing future directions for BCeSIS. Gartner Consulting was hired in spring 2011 to review BCeSIS and recommend next steps. Gartner’s report recommends that the Province purchase a new student information system, continuing to use BCeSIS until it can be implemented. You may wish to read Gartner’s full report, its executive summary or a summary of its findings prepared by the Ministry of Education

We encourage you to take the surveys for parents and students which can be found on the Ministry’s engagement site. If you have any questions regarding the surveys, please feel free to contact Elevate Consulting. If you experience technical difficulties, please email surveysupport@elevateconsulting.ca or call 250-483-6660

The deadline for collecting survey responses has been extended until January 20, 2012.

Want To Know More About The FSA?

The BCCPAC FSA Toolkit can be found at http://www.bccpac.bc.ca/resources/assessment.aspx which provides valuable information and answers to many questions.

BCCPAC hopes this information will provide answers to questions parents may have on the FSA’s administered in BC to students in Grades 4 and 7 and their intended purpose. Those seeking a deeper understanding of assessment are encouraged to read “A Parent’s Guide to Assessment”

http://www.bccpac.bc.ca/UserFiles/file/Resources/StudentAssessmentBCParentGuide_2007.pdf

Nominations To The Board of Directors - BCCPAC is currently accepting nominations for the 2012/2013 Board of Directors. The position of First Vice President has been added to the list of positions open for election. The term for this position will be one (1) year. The other positions open for Nomination: President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary and two (2) Directors have two (2) year terms.

The deadline for nominations is midnight February 28, 2012. Nomination forms and information can be found on the BCCPAC website at: (http://www.bccpac.bc.ca/index/event_calendar/2012AGM.aspx). Inquiries may be sent to the Nominations Committee Chair, Cathy Jewett (cathyjewett@bccpac.bc.ca).

The Garibaldi Communication Committee

Garibaldi's Parent Blog Space: http://garibaldipac.blogspot.com/

January 17th PAC Meeting

2012-01-14T10:11:00.000-08:00

Hello Garibaldi families,

Below you will find the agenda for the upcoming PAC meeting and attached you will find the minutes from the November and the December meetings.

Please try to have all agenda items to me one week in advance of each PAC meeting. Please include a brief description of your item, who will be presenting and the approximate amount of time you think will be needed for presentation and discussion. Thank you for your cooperation. I'll send a reminder closer to the date :)

Warm regards,

Jen Gunasekera

Garibaldi PAC Meeting

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

School Library 6:30-8:00pm (free child care provided in the gym)

1. Round Table Introductions ~5min

2. Amendments and adoption of minutes (Nov 8, Dec 6) ~5min

3. Financial update (AMW)~5min

4. Playground equipment follow up from Dec 6 meeting (JG) ~10 min

5. VP update to include statement regarding Code of Conduct (CF) ~15min

6. Volunteer recognition, appreciation & understanding (JG) ~5min

7. Volunteer Committee updates ~25 min

a. Fundraising

b. Garden

c. Sun Run (DC or designate)

d. Bike rack (HW)

8. Regular Business ~10min

Hot lunch

Movie Night – Jan 31 –popcorn maker purchase

PAC Mailbox –DPAC feedback for out of school care space revisions

Our Future Campaign, VSB(JG)

Next PAC meeting – Feb 14, 2012, 6:30-8:00pm (free child care provided)

9. Adjournment

Minutes Dec 6th

Nov 8th mtg.

The Garibaldi Communication Committee

Garibaldi's Parent Blog Space: http://garibaldipac.blogspot.com/

BCCPAC Newsbytes: Volume 12 Issue 3

2012-01-13T08:18:00.000-08:00

In this issue:

· May 7^th is Child & Youth Mental Health Day… Mark your calendars!

· FRIENDS Parent Workshops

· BCCPAC Board of Directors - Nominations

· Community Gaming grant review Announcement

To read these and other articles click on the hyperlink below.

NewsBytes - Volume 12, Issue 3 – January 12, 2012

Our Future Campaign from VSB

2012-01-06T17:23:00.000-08:00

From VSB

The Vancouver School Board is embarking on an exciting new project to determine the future of our schools. The VSB has a wide-range of services, programs and educational resources available across our district. Now it’s time to take stock of what we offer and determine what programs and opportunities should be prioritized now and into the future in order to create the best possible learning environment.

It’s a big task and a major part of the process is our new website called Our Future. The site is located at: http://ourfuture.vsb.bc.ca and has three sections: Your Schools, Your Community and Your Voice.

We have designed it to help you understand what we offer in neighborhoods and schools across the district. You’ll discover a wide range of information about your schools, the programs they offer, their demographics, facility information, staffing levels, catchment statistics and other community resources.

Once you have explored the Our Future website, you’ll be able to add your voice to the discussion of the future of our district at http://ourfuture.vsb.bc.ca/voice.aspx. The survey is short and won’t take you more than 5 minutes to complete.

We are hoping that you will join us in this exciting consultation project. With your participation, this survey will help us guide the coming discussion around the district’s future.

News From DPAC

2012-01-06T17:15:00.001-08:00

Dear DPAC Rep or PAC Chair,
Committee II - Planning and Facilities is undergoing a review of standards for School Care facilities at Schools. Please review the attached report and get back to Colin Redfern with your PAC's comments by February 2, 2012. The consideration of this report has been deferred until our DPAC has had the opportunity to provide feedback. As a result, we are encouraging you as the DPAC Liaison (or in absence of a DPAC Liaison, the Chair of your PAC) to consider the affect of the recommendations on your community.
On Behalf of your DPAC Executive,
Colin Redfern
DPAC Co-Vice Chair

The full report can be found at this link -http://www.vsb.bc.ca/sites/default/files/12Jan04_ag_op_cteeII_item3_1.pdf

Recycling Committee update

2012-01-01T21:29:00.001-08:00

Keeping it green
First things first: Garibaldi parents get a big pat on their back for keeping the lunch packs really green! Most lunches come now to school in washable and reusable Tupperware-type containers, paper bags, which can be composted or recycled, and cloth bags, which can be washed and reused.
If you have never heard of cloth lunch bags, please, see the web-sites below for some really groovy cloth lunch bags. It’s super easy to do and your kids will be proud of having helped to make these!
http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2007/11/november-4-lunch-bags/
http://www.marthastewart.com/271881/oilcloth-crafts-lunch-bags

Making it even greener
To make our lunch time even greener, we would like to encourage all parents to send drinks to school in reusable containers. Each child would have a drink container, which can be filled at home with just the right amount of drink needed for the day, washed out in the evening and used again and again, day after day. Lunch monitors will be really happy, once they don’t have to empty juice box after juice box into the sink at the end of lunch as they currently do!

School yard litter
We are happy to report that our trash can has returned to the school yard and is happy to take care of your trashy needs, while at school. It should help us to keep the school yard litter-free. Thanks to all the parents who were helping during our trash can’s absence to pick up the litter!
We still have a cigarette butt litter problem, though. If you see any city smoking and litter by-law violations on school property, please call the police non-emergency number to report.

604-717-3321

We have been told that, if we complain enough, police officers will eventually come to hand out fines, which might be more educational than words we have shared with the violators in the past.

Classroom recycling
Mrs. Froese has ordered more recycling bins for classroom use to make sorting and recycling easier.
Kids are doing a great job!
Thank you, teachers, for supporting them!

Future initiative – your feedback is greatly appreciated
We are looking for a parent volunteer to do a run to our local East Van Bottle Depot on
2605 Kaslo Street with the school’s recyclables from lunch, probably once a month.
We will also open a school account there, to which returns from all of our Garibaldi families can be credited and used towards school supplies by PAC or teachers directly. What do you think: Should the account credit go to PAC first or directly to teachers? What should these funds be used for?
Will you be making these trips to the East Van Bottle Depot or would you welcome a school-based drive (once a month?)? The latter option would really require clean containers to be brought for return….

City’ s small appliances and other recycling programs
• You can now have your no-longer servicing small appliances recycled through the “Unplugged” program.
http://www.unpluggedrecycling.ca/
You can drop your small appliances off at “Regional Recycling Vancouver” at 960 Evans Ave. (604-689-4722) or at “East 12th Avenue Thrift Store” at 261 E. 12th Ave. (604-874-4721), if they fall under one of these categories:
- Kitchen Countertop
- Personal Care
- Floor Cleaning
- Weight Measurement
- Garment Care
- Air Treatment
- Time Measurement
- Designated Very Small Items

• For any other recyclable questions you might have, go to this easy-to-use site to find locations for drop-off:
http://www.metrovancouverrecycles.org/Pages/Residential.aspx

• The following large appliances may be dropped off free of charge at the Vancouver Landfill or at the Main Recycling Depot (377 West Kent Avenue North):
refrigerators, freezers, stoves, dishwashers, washers, dryers and microwaves.
The City will accept up to 3 appliances per day per hauler. Please note that customers are responsible for off-loading items brought to the Landfill and the Transfer Station.

• Return-It locations accept the waxy gable top and box polycoat milk cartons, which city recycling does not.

Special Event: Tillicum Skating Party

2011-12-14T21:31:00.000-08:00

Free Skiing this Winter!

2011-12-14T08:36:00.000-08:00

Hey parents of Grade 4 and 5 students,
Check out this website for a free ski pass for your child this winter. http://www.snowpass.ca/

Garibaldi Parents Show Support for Good to Grow Campaign

2011-12-08T11:48:00.000-08:00

Garibaldi Annex...

We’re Good to Grow
On Saturday, December 3rd well over 60 parents, teachers and friends gathered at the Hastings Community Centre to kick off the holiday season and raise some money for Garibaldi Annex school enhancement projects. The evening was a huge success, raising a whopping $5496.00. From spa and restaurant gift certificates to handcrafted jewellery and art work, from offers of housekeeping to offers of breakfast baking, the Silent Auction had something for everyone. Most impressive was the near completion of the Teacher’s Wish List, an idea that arose from an earlier question, “How do I donate if I don’t win my item?” Generous Garibaldi parents and staff agreed to donate money toward the specific purchase of Math and Science Manipulatives and a school set of Orff Instruments. Over $1300.00 was collected from this initiative. Thank you to those who showed their support through the purchase of tickets, the donation of items, by keeping the bartender busy, by dancing along with our special singing guests, by out-bidding a friend and through your supportive emails and hugs along the way. Your support has shown that you truly believe in our campaign, “Garibaldi Annex...We’re Good to Grow!” Thank you.
On behalf of the fundraising committee,
Jen Gunasekera,

Coat and Boot Swap at Garibaldi Annex

2011-12-08T10:57:00.000-08:00

Winter Boots too small? Missing your mittens? Visit us each morning at the Coat and Boot Swap at Garibaldi Annex near the playground entrance. Starting this Thursday we will have tables set up for people to drop off winter gear they aren't or can't use (coats, hats, gloves, scarfs, other warm garments) and, if something catches your eye, swap for things that fit.
All clothes left at the end of the swap will be donated to the YWCA's Crabtree Corner on December 16th. Along with children's wear, this organization is also keen to receive women's warm winter wear, so mom's coats and boots can be included too!
if you have any questions, please feel free to contact Anne-Marie at annemarie.nicol@ubc.ca

2011-11-29T13:48:00.000-08:00

PAC Meeting Agenda - Hope to see you there!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
School Library 6:30-8:00pm (free child care provided in the gym)

1. Round Table Introductions ~5min
2. Amendments and adoption of minutes (Nov 8) ~5min
3. Financial update (AMW)~5min
4. VP update (CF) ~15min
5. Volunteer recognition (JG) ~5min
6. Volunteer Committee updates ~25 min
a. Silent auction fundraiser (JG)
b. Comfort kits (JR)
c. Coffee fundraiser (AWM)
7. Boot and Mittens swap (AN) ~5min
8. Playground equipment issues (HM) ~5min
9. Regular Business ~5min
Hot lunch (KB)
Movie Night – not scheduled for Dec –popcorn maker purchase
PAC Mailbox (JG)
Next PAC meeting – Jan 17, 2012, 6:30-8:00pm (free child care provided)
10. Teacher Presentation and Q&A session – VESTA Rep to explain teacher job action (SM) ~20 min
11. Adjournment

Parents as Partners – Building SuccessThe

2011-11-21T23:01:00.000-08:00

The BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils is hosting the second Lower Mainland Conference part of its new Regional Conference Series on Saturday November 26, 2011 at the Queen Elizabeth Secondary School (9457 King George Blvd) in Surrey, BC.

The conference is a perfect opportunity for parents from all across the Lower Mainland to learn and be involved in their child’s education.

Gary Anaka, a Brain-Based Learning facilitator, will be presenting the Parent’s Brain and also the Brain Power in Children and Youth.

Dr. Patricia Porter, will host an interactive workshop on why and how parents can get involved in their child’s education - Why Parents Don’t Get Involved and How They Can! The FORCE Society for Kid’s Mental Health will be presenting the FRIENDS program on anxiety prevention and resiliency for children and youth.

Make sure your school's BCCPAC Membership is up to date, all BCCPAC member delegates receive a 20% discount on their registrations.

Event Information:
Date:Saturday, November 26, 2011
Time:Doors open at 8:00am
Conference hours are 9:00am – 4:30pm

Location:Queen Elizabeth Secondary School
9457 King George Blvd., Surrey, BC

Cost:$50.00*(Lunch is included) *BCCPAC members receive a 20% discount

For more details on all the exciting presentations, check out the program on the BCCPAC Lower Mainland Regional Conference webpage

December 3rd Silent Auction Fundraiser Information

2011-11-21T22:42:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to let you know that tickets for the Garibaldi Fundraiser “Soiree and Silent Auction” on Dec 3rd will go on sale beginning tomorrow morning.

Tickets are $20 each and we accept cash or cheque made out to Garibaldi Annex PAC.

Tickets will be available for sale before and after school this week and next.

If you are interested in purchasing tickets and are unable to be at the school to buy them, please email me directly @ gunasekera@shaw.ca and we can figure something out!

Thank you to those families who have donated items to the silent auction portion of the evening. It is not too late to donate so if you or someone you know is interested in donating please return the completed Auction Item Donation form or contact me with information.

Thank you for your support and generosity,
Jen Gunasekera
PAC Chair

Garibaldi Movie Night Nov 22 @ 6 pm

2011-11-21T22:39:00.000-08:00

Reminder to all of tomorrow’s Movie Night. Hope to see you there!

Come out to Garibaldi's next movie night

When: Nov 22nd @ 6 pm

Showing: Tangled

Where: Library

$3 gets you a treat and juice

$1 for popcorn or extra treats

INVITE TO FUNDRAISER

2011-11-18T13:57:00.000-08:00

Hello Garibaldi Parents,

It Dina Jordan's mom. For the past two weeks I've been building a live doll house at a gallery downtown.

We will be opening up to the public and proceeds will be donated to a local battered woman's shelter.

Please join us on Sunday the 27th and bring the kids.

Here's the invite.

Hope to see you all there.

Vancouver Sun Run 2012

2011-11-16T17:30:00.000-08:00

Hello Team Garibaldi,

It is time again to start thinking about signing up for this year’s Sun Run. Last year we entered a team of 10 adult runners; perhaps this year we can top that number!If anyone is interested in the very easy job of being this year’s team captain, please feel free to contact me at garibaldiannexpac@gmail.com and I will be happy to pass the torch and help you out with any details or questions you may have.

More Info: Sun Run Website

Thanks for considering,

Jen Gunasekera

PAC Chair

Get out and vote!!!!!!

2011-11-16T12:21:00.000-08:00

VOTE

On November 19th, 2011 every community in the province will take part in School Board Elections. We encourage you to attend your school district All Candidate Forums. It is important to be informed, ask questions and have a voice in the election process of School Board Trustees. Check out your school district website or contact the school board office for information on upcoming debates in your area.

To find out more about your local candidates, check out the all candidate database here or visit the election page on the BCSTA website - www.bcsta.org

Click on the links below for further resources that you may find useful

The BCSTA Guide for 2011 School Trustee Candidates

Trustee Elections Bulletin 1/2011: Election resources, CivicInfo BC

Trustee Elections Bulletin 2/2011: Campaign Financing Forms, more resources

Trustee Elections Bulletin 3/2011: LGA Regulation on Volunteers

Trustee Elections Bulletin 4/2011: Financial Disclosure Act forms, signatures

2011 BCSTA Sample Election Bylaw

Useful links:

School Trustee Election Procedures

Local Government Elections FAQs

BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils (BCCPAC)Suite 200, 4170 Still Creek Drive, Burnaby, BC V5C 6C6(P) 604-687-4433 ext. 100 w Toll Free 1-866-529-4397 w (F) 604-687-4488www.bccpac.bc.ca

Registration is now open for the 2012-2013 school year!

2011-11-11T12:12:00.000-08:00

Information on registration can be found at http://garibaldi.vsb.bc.ca/KINDERGARTEN+REGISTRATION+2012.htm

Contact Garibaldi Annex at
p: 604-713-4740

Silent Auction December 3rd

2011-11-11T11:29:00.000-08:00

Silent Auction Donation Webform

Silent Auction Donation Form - Business

Save the Date!

The Garibaldi PAC presents Soiree and Silent Auction
A Social Fundraising Event in Support of Garibaldi Annex School

Saturday, December 3rd, 2011, 7pm @ Hastings Community Centre across from the PNE

Tickets $20.00 per person (welcome drink & light food included in ticket price)
Stay tuned for upcoming details on how you can purchase your ticket to this adult only event (cash bar, light food & dance floor available)

provide a donation of time or talent for the silent auction
solicit local businesses for donations of gift certificates or items
assist with ticket sales or event set up

Strike Update Letter: Example of Letter of Support from another parent group

2011-11-11T11:27:00.000-08:00

This letter was submitted in support of current strike action by another PAC group. This is simply an example should Garibaldi parents also wish to submit a similar letter to the ministry. This letter does not necessarily reflect the views of the Garibaldi PAC and parents of Garibaldi

Hello Garibaldi community! We are the Garibaldi Communications Committee.

2011-11-11T11:22:00.000-08:00

Communications Webform

What we do:
It’s our aim to foster efficient and effective communication supporting parent/student initiatives, Parent Advisory Committee business and broader community involvement where appropriate.

How we do it:
• Liaise between PAC committees and PAC executive, the school administration and parents;• Act as a conduit for broader community outreach when and where appropriate;• Keep parent notice boards, confidential parent contact lists and PAC related email/web pages up to date;• Ensure the PAC portion of the newsletter is submitted each month to school administration.
In working towards fulfilling our school goal of sustainability, one of Garibaldi’s three themes developed in 2008, the Communications Committee has set a goal to go “paperless” in communications out to parents by the end of 2012.

How you can make our committee successful:
1. Please use our newly established email address: garibaldiannexpac@gmail.com when and if possible.
2. Use the new PAC communications “drop box” located just inside the playground entrance doors for PAC business such as forms, comments, suggestions, etc. when paper is required.
3. Make use of the Garibaldi Parent Blog at http://garibaldiannex.com/ for sharing information on community matters, etc.
4. Please submit the form below to the PAC communication committee by October 31st .
Communications Webform

Garibaldi Annex PAC

Message from Gordon and Bayview Elementary School parents

standing in support of our teachers

Bill 22

BCTF News Release

BCTF News Release

Teachers will withdraw services to protest Bill 22, worsening classroom conditions

Letter from teacher Cheryl Angst

Minister's statement on BCTF strike

Popcorn days are here!

Cafe Etico

Manure Sale

BCCPAC - NewsBytes

Meaningful Movie screening February 16th

Big Night out with the Vancouver Giants

Manure sale February 25/26 and new raised garden beds!

Glimps of the future? A Bicycle Built For School

Cafe Etico Fundraiser - Order Due February 17th

Green Room Yoga Fundraiser

Latest DPAC News

Kung Hei Fat Choi

Additional DPAC Website Going Live

Garibaldi Sun Run Team

Adele Speaker Series: Nourishing the body, spirit and mind

LightWaterDrums Festival Saturday February 18th @ Hastings Park

Popcorn Days are Here!

BCCPAC - Survey on the Future of a Province-Wide Student Information System

January 17th PAC Meeting

BCCPAC Newsbytes: Volume 12 Issue 3

Our Future Campaign from VSB

News From DPAC

Recycling Committee update

Special Event: Tillicum Skating Party

Free Skiing this Winter!

Garibaldi Parents Show Support for Good to Grow Campaign

Coat and Boot Swap at Garibaldi Annex

Parents as Partners – Building SuccessThe

December 3rd Silent Auction Fundraiser Information

Garibaldi Movie Night Nov 22 @ 6 pm

INVITE TO FUNDRAISER

Vancouver Sun Run 2012

Get out and vote!!!!!!

Registration is now open for the 2012-2013 school year!

Silent Auction December 3rd

Strike Update Letter: Example of Letter of Support from another parent group

Hello Garibaldi community! We are the Garibaldi Communications Committee.