Dear Garibaldi Friends,

I just wanted to let you know that the Home Learner's class is doing a joint natural soap fundraiser after the Winter Concert on Thursday afternoon to help raise money for their robotics program and to help build a school for an illegally displaced community in Cambodia.  

FYI, We have been informed while just the Home Learners will do robotics this year, next year the robotics program is expanding and that it will advantageous for the whole school to already have the robotics kits bought.  Each kit cost approximately $300 and our goal is to raise over $990 so that 3 kits can be purchased so each child can participate in hands-on learning.

So, we are selling 4 packs of handmade natural soap from JustSoap.org (1 Peppermint Rosemary, 1 Cinnamon Vanilla, 1 Chamomile Calendula, and 1 Coffee & Milk Scrub bar) for $21.

The price of the soap will be equally split 3 ways.  $7 will go to pay for the cost of the ingredients and packaging.  $7 will go to paying for the robot kits for the Home Learners Program and $7 will be donated  to help build a school / community center in the relocated Borei Keila village.  Please check out the information and videos about Borei Keila below.

You can order online at http://fundraisingsoap.com (there is a local pickup option to avoid paying shipping and then pick up your soap after the concert) or you can buy soap after the Garibaldi Christmas concert, or you can share the above link with your friends or and family or tell all your social media friends buy utilizing the links below to help support the fundraiser from afar.

To post a soap fundraising update to Facebook click HERE...  sign in to your account and repost to your wall.

To send a soap tweet click HERE... sign in, and retweet.

To pin a soap fundraising blurb to Pinterest click HERE...  log in, and repin!

Keep your eye open for the Ernest's Ice Cream raffle  ($2.00 a ticket) at the concert to support the robotics program as well!"

Thank you SO MUCH for your support!

Sincerely,
Wade Pallister
Dad to Sophia and Eleanor


For more information about the difficulties the village of Borei Keila has faced and the good news about what has happened please keep reading...

Construction on the School has Already Started!

The Rock Foundation Cambodia still needs to raise $3000 to put a concrete slab on the bottom of the structure and brick in the walls to create a job skills training center.

Read about the original eviction of Borei Keila in this Phnom Penh Post newspaper article.

or watch it on video HERE.

I visited Borei Kelia for the first time in June 2012, 6 months after they had been evicted and relocated. You can watch me in Cambodia as I share my thoughts HERE.

A video of the original living conditions at the relocated site taken by my friend, Phil, can be viewed HERE...

However, the good news is that my friend Brett Medlin and his NGO, Rock Foundation Cambodia, has been working with the community, donors, and the United Nations, to provide homes, clean water, sanitation, solar lights, and jobs for the villagers as reported in the Phnom Penh Post.

I visited Borei Kelia again this summer and was amazed by the changes, the sense of hope in the community, and the progress of construction that has happened so far. Check out the good news HERE...

Life for Borei Kelia is looking much more hopeful but there is still not a school for the children to attend. Having an opportunity to receive an education is the only way that these children will escape the cycle of poverty. My friend Thyvon explains the situation HERE...

PAC MEETING - WEDNESDAY DEC.11 - 6PM - IN THE LIBRARY

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Garibaldi Annex Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Meeting Agenda

 

 

 

 

6 pm  - School Library (free child care available in the gym)

1. Welcome Members; Julie Beer, PAC Co-Chair (5 min)
2. Agenda Additions/ Adopt November  2013 Minutes (5 min)
3. Update from our school VP; Lorraine Baker (10 min)
4. Committee Update; Joel Ronne (10 min)
1. Garden
2. Fundraising
3. Outdoor committee
4. Kitchen/Popcorn - Phillipies bake sale
5. Other
5. Financial Update and Budget; Angela Wong-Moon (15 min)
1. Tennis bill (5 min)
6. New Business/ PAC Activities
7. Next PAC meeting (January) What  time? (10 min)
8. Adjournment at 7:30 pm

 

Nov PAC Meeting Minutes

Garibaldi PAC Meeting
 November 10, 2013

Attendance:

Lorraine Baker

Joel Ronne (Chair)

Caroline La Pointe

Lisa Nessi

Andrea Lloyd

Julie Beer

Sandra Larsen

Trudy O’Neill

Kerry McCullagh

Joel called meeting to order and asked for any additions to the agenda. Two issues were put forward:

• Caroline: request to move financial updates up on the Agenda
• Discussion of playground rules – request for clarification

A motion was made to accept the agenda, to adopt the minutes for the October PAC meeting.

1) Treasury Report

Treasury update.

Total amount: $6,1073.78.

PAC account: $4627.27

Chequing: $1546.51 (minus one cheque for $50.40 that hasn’t been cashed yet).

Three cheques cashed last month:

$137.60 – Jana garden signs

$361 – Julie bulb sale

$25 – babysitter for last PAC

2) Vice Principal update – Lorraine Baker

- 1st round of photos taken for students. We now have library cards

- Teachers doing in-service this month – Music Pro-D – music, play (6 hours of instruction, with facilitators on-site).

- 2 trained one-to-one reading volunteers, specifically trained for remedial learning to address ‘top-up’ needs, as part of a pilot project

- Parents are informed if their kids are involved with the reading program.

- Baseline date being collected through a school-wide ‘write’. (Baseline to be compared with spring.)

- Tennis – program wraps up November 11th. Skill levels are developing.

- Gloria, the music resource teacher, has gone on maternity leave earlier than anticipated. In her place, Thanh Ngo, will be working 2 days/week.

3) Committees:

3a) Movie Night

Pizza night – raised $200 – a great success.
Next Wednesday November 20th is the next movie night. Movie TBC, but likely “Monster’s University”. December movie TBC – depending on whether new Music Teacher can help arrange the Winter Concert.

3b) Garden Committee:

Harvest Festival was wonderful

• kids made bird-feeders and hand-stamped cards
• homemade stone soup, raspberry jam, cocoa and apple cider enjoyed by all

Garden winter clean-up to be arranged soon. The garden signs were painted by the children at the festival and are ready to be put up. Aiming for spring to put up signs.

Received fruit trees from Parks Board through grant. Will plant in spring in NE corner of school near bike rack.

3c) Fundraising Committee

Are looking at planning for an early 2014 party, possibly a Valentine-themed party.

First Popcorn Fundraiser November 11th! For December, the plan is to have another food fundraiser. Usually during the Winter Concert, coffee and cookies are sold to the adults. If no Concert, then it’ll be a Popcorn Fundraiser again.

4) New Business/Ideas for PAC Activities:

4a) PAC needs to be proactive about registration and push VSB on the sibling and boundary issue.

NB: Lorraine cannot be an advocate for the issue, so she excused herself from the meeting.  Therefore, this item will be revisited in an Executive Meeting.

Re: VSB

Don’t think we are going through another set of closures, but instead focus on utilizing space better. VSB needs the budget down, but not through closing schools. It’s good news, and this merits more discussion.

4b) BCTF gives free presentations for parents if we request it: eg. Anti-bullying/supporting your child’s learning, etc. Lorraine suggested the multi-purpose are could be used for these presentations. Also, a free workshop from a technology business has been offered – “Accomplished Learning Centre”

5) Budget

Joel handed out copies of the budget updates.

Items:

Class Supplies and Equipment

• Gator foam balls:$300 approved
• Magnets sets for Mrs. Moino:$150 approved

-    Classroom books Mrs. Rosati class - $500: approved (some work needs to be done for reader leveling and the library system)

- $100 missing lunch fund: approved

• Minerals sample $50: approved

Fine Arts and Culture

• Performances and culture - $1200: approved, but not allocated yet

Sports

• Sports $1000 approved for all sport, but not allocated yet (includes tennis lessons - $400)

Field Trips

• Field trips – To be determined

Capital items

- Boot scraper - $100 approved

- Soccer target - $150 approved

- Laminator bought – some funds taken from the Library Fund.

6) A discussion and informal vote for the best time to hold PAC meetings was held. Decision made to go back to the evening time, after testing out the after school time for this meeting.

Next PAC meeting on December 11. at 6:00pm.

The meeting was adjourned.

In case of snow….lots of snow:

    

At this time of year we can expect a bit of snow.

Unless there is an extreme amount of snow fall the school will stay open and staff and students are expected to attend.

If there is a large amount of snow, the VSB may decide to close schools. 

The decision will be made and publicized by 6:00 am.

The VSB will post information about snow closures on its website at www.vsb.bc.ca and will inform local media stations, including:

 CKNW (980 AM)

 CBC (690 AM, 105.7 FM)

 CJVB (1470 AM)                                                                                                           

 CFHG (96.1 FM)

 CKWX (1130 AM)

 BCTV/Global (Cable channel 11)

 CITY TV (Cable channel 13)

If you wake up to snow, please check one of these sources

Hi Everyone, 

I am hoping you will consider this benefit for Hastings Elementary when planning your social events for December. 

This live performance of Charles Dickens' classic Christmas tale will happen on Wednesday December 18th and Thursday December 19th at historic St. David's church at 2475 Franklin Street. We have attended each year for the last 3 years and it is a fantastic event.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children.

It is a great way to get into the spirit and support Hastings. 

Please let me know if you would like tickets for either night. 

Thanks so much in advance!

Hello Garibaldi friends and neighbourhood supporters,

THANK YOU so much for your support of our bake sale today!! By my quick and rough count I think we made around $380to send to UNICEF for typhoon relief! Which will be matched by the federal government so will mean our kids raised close to $800 in the end.  AMAZING for a small but dedicated community.  Small school, big heart really is the best motto for our little school!

Whether you baked, walked by and bought stuff, sent money with your kids, or just expressed support, thank you so much.  I think our kids get so much from knowing they have the power to help others!  

Lisa

Lord Nelson Silent Auction & Winter Social

Wednesday is Family Movie & Pizza Night

This Wednesday, November 20 is Family Movie and Pizza Night in the Garibaldi Gym. Doors open at 5:30 pm.

This month's movie is Monsters University.

Sunday Skate at Britannia

Welcome from the Outdoors Committee,

This is defiantly skating weather so our first event will be skating at the Britannia Ice Rink this Sunday, November 24 at 1:45 pm.
Everyone is welcome to attend however this event and all future Outdoors Committee events will be family events with parents responsible for their children's safety and well-being at all times.

Public Skate
Sun, 1:45pm–3:15pm Sep 14, 2013–Dec 21, 2013 Britannia Ice Rink 1661 Napier Street	Skating $5.65 adults $4.00 youths $4.00 seniors $2.80 children $2.80 skate rental LAC
Open skate for all ages

Skate rentals are $2.80 and hockey helmets are available but there are a limited number of smaller sizes so if you have your own helmets I suggest you bring them.

So pull those skates out of storage and wipe the dust off and we will see you at the rink!

Britainnia rink contact and location

Parking is available in the lot off of Venables. The rink is directly east of the parking lot and the rink entrance is on the south side of the building. If you have not been to Britainnia there are multiple buildings without signs so I suggest you look at the map before you go.

Web

http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/britannia-ice-rink-contact-and-location.aspx

Phone 

604-718-5800

Renfrew Creek Historic Walk this Sunday

This historic River Walk along Renfrew Creek will take place on Sunday and it is being organized by Sherry Breshears (a Dr. A.R. Lord mom) and Linda Young (the kindergarten teacher at Dr. A.R. Lord).   It runs from Charles and Kaslo to New Brighton- right through the sanctuary and Hastings Park.  A plan is in the works to start restoring the creek in New Brighton Park.  An environmental  restoration biologist, Sarah, who is working on the project and historian Bruce MacDonald will be with us.  Bruce has done some amazing research on historic streams and he has written a book, Vancouver- A Visual History.  There will be hot chocolate and treats at the park. Everyone is welcome!

Note: Bruce Mac Donald is my(Joel's) uncle. He helped out at the Manure Sale last spring.

November PAC Meeting Agenda

November PAC Meeting Agenda

Wednesday, November 11, 2013

School Library 3:15-4:45 pm (free child care available in the gym)

1. Welcome Members; Joel Ronne, PAC Co-Chair (5 min)
2. Agenda Additions/ Adapt Oct 2013 Minutes (5 min)
3. Update from our school VP; Lorraine Baker (10 min)
4. Committee Update; Julie Beer (10 min)
1. Movie Night
2. Garden
3. Fundraising
4. Other
5. New Business / Ideas for PAC activities; (20 min)
6. Financial Update and Budget; Caroline La Pointe (5 min)
1. Budget priorities (15 min)
2. Spending requests / Budget Approval (5 min);
7. Next PAC meeting (Dec 11th); When is the most convenient time? (10 min)
8. Adjournment at 4:45 pm

Please note the time change to 3:15pm !

Sat Nov 16 free family games workshop via VanCity NSG

Mama Says: Put A Hat On!
website: www.putahaton.com
putahaton@gmail.com / 604-616-1173

Interested in learning French?

Interested in learning French?

An information session is being held for parents to learn about all French language program options in the VSB (Core French, Early and Late French Immersion, and Intensive French) as well as the Registration process:

When?             Wednesday, November 27, 2013, 7:00 pm

Where?             Tupper Secondary School (419 E. 24^th Ave), Auditorium

Richard Zerbe

Principal, Ecole Laura Secord Elementary School

2500 Lakewood Dr.

Vancouver, BC   V5N 4V1

Tel:  604-713-4996

Fax:  604-713-4998

Time Change for next PAC Meeting 3:15PM Nov 12

An early reminder that the next PAC meeting will be on Wednesday November 12th at 3:15-4:45PM in the school library. Childcare will be provided.
The agenda will be posted later in the week with this year's budget being the focus.
As always if you have topics you would like discussed during the meeting you can email them to garibaldiannexpac@gmail.com and they will added to the agenda.
See you there.
Joel

October PAC Meeting Minutes

Garibaldi PAC Meeting
October 9, 2013

Attendance (approx.):
Lorraine Baker
PAC Board (4)
General PAC Members (10) including 3 Home Learner Parents
Home Learning teacher (1)

Joel called meeting to order and asked for any additions to the agenda

1) A motion was made to accept the agenda, to adopt the minutes for the September PAC meeting, and the annual report (circulated ahead of this meeting).
 - Jocelyn 1st; Maria (2nd)


2) VP Report - Lorraine Baker - had goal setting conferences with parents;
- Terry Fox Run went well; students carried themselves very well.
- ProD day – students to go over the school growth plan which helped to guide staff development – what are we doing already and what do we need to address. A great collaborative time.
-Fire Drill – fire department came because notification did not go through. Kids did great.
- Code Red Drill – lock down and safe place for staff and kids.
- Photo day – coming up; pictures also for library card
- Mother Goose – orientation to school; in consultation with VPL; 6 sessions that start next week.
- Earth Quake Drill – Coming up
- Halloween – Frog Hollow pumpkin patch not happening; school hosting pumpkin parade; parents welcome to attend on the 31st at 10:00am; if kids afraid there will be an alternate activity.
- Remembrance Day Assembly – Nov. 11. Parents welcome – will occur before next PAC meeting
 - School Board Website - almost operational; May need to wait for Ms. Conte to get back. Away for at least 2 weeks.


3) PAC Elections – Joel went over all the positions and who is currently in the position. Explained the rolls and welcomed anyone who has any interest to take a roll. Small PAC and able to make additional positions. No experience necessary.

Co –chair – Joel nominated by Angela; Julie nominated by Lisa; both were in by acclimation; Julie and Joel were voted in; carried

Vice- Chair – Angela nominated by Julie; accepted position noting that she would decline treasurer position; in by acclimation; carried

Treasurer - Angela nominated Caroline La Pointe – Caroline in by acclimation pending acceptance of the role.

Secretary - Andrea nominated by Lisa Osoba in by acclimation; carried.

Joanna and Lillia – were acknowledged and confirmed at home learning representatives on the PAC.
A motion was made to adopt Joanna as rep for Tuesday/Thursday HL Coordinator and Lillia as the M/W Coordinator. Angela; Taz seconded; carried.

Lisa Osoba and Lisa Nessi were voted in as members at Large on the PAC – carried.

4) Committees:
Julie provided a brief update of the committee sign ups and noted that emails were sent out, usually with a lead person to initiate the first meeting.
4a) Garden –
 - Harvest festival - date moved to the 20th. Come out; help out; happy for any participation.
 - Bulb fundraiser – bulbs are in; Made approximately $350 roughly


4b) Movie Night – Kerry not here but first movie night went well. Next to be held Oct 23rd.

4c) Fundraising Committee
- Last year was a silent auction soiree that has run for several years
 - Taslim willing to take the lead and trying to get the first meeting together to discuss what can be done and to brainstorm and event.

5) Treasurer’s Report
Gaming fund: $1,550.26
Savings PAC: $5,155.24
These numbers will be adjusted with a few items such as the laminator and the bulb sale that needs to be paid out to the organizer.

Angela made a motion to allocate $700 for a general allocation from the PAC (which can be spent with an executive’s approval). This amount was increased from $500 from last year to allow more flexibility. Lisa seconded; carried.

6) PAC requested teacher wish lists from Lorraine to be brought to next meeting for discussion.

7) PAC Blog best way to keep informed. Joel asked that we pass this info on to parents on the playground.

8) Next PAC meeting November 13. A discussion and informal vote for the best time to hold PAC meetings was held. Looking at alternating between afternoon and evening meetings. Most parents indicated that and earlier time in the evening would be better and that in the afternoon 3:15-4:30 best time provided child care is provided.

Julie made a motion to hold the PAC meeting on Nov. 13 at 3:15. Carol seconded Carried.

The meeting was adjourned.

Wednesday is Family Movie & Pizza Night

Family Movie & Pizza Night

Join us for a night of fun and food in the school gym on Wednesday October 23rd.

Doors open with pizza available at 5:30pm. Movie starts at 6:00pm.

This month's movie is Despicable Me. 

Entry is by donation with funds supporting the Garibaldi PAC. 

Bring a blanket to stay cozy on the gym floor. 

See you there.

Join us for the Garibaldi Harvest Party this Sunday 2-4pm

Come and enjoy!
Hot Garibaldi-grown potatoes with butter,
Garibaldi-grown veggies in our Stone Soup (so, please bring any soup ingredients you would like to add to the soup - I am sure it will be delicious),
Raspberry jelly from our awesome raspberry canes and also
a sampler of fermented Garibaldi beans and zucchinis,
Hot chocolate and apple cider.

Kids can make their own bird feeder to take home, create a leaf print card or help us finish painting our Garibaldi garden signs (we will have old T-shirts on site to help protect clothes).
For those who are playful, there will be games:)

We will also have for sharing many seeds saved from the school garden and other gardens. If you have nay to share, please bring them along!
If you need strawberry or mint shoots, there are plenty to take to your home.

A limited amount of local honey and beeswax will be available for sale.

Hope to see you there!