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Tuesday, December 2, 2014

PAC MEETING AGENDA for Wed. Dec 3, 2014 at 6pm

Below you will find the agenda for today's PAC Meeting at 6pm.  It will be held in the staff room or the library.  Child care provided in the gym.  I apologize for the delay in getting it out!

Thank you to everyone who came out last night to the meeting with Scott Robinson, Associate Superintendent.

  ~ Angela Wong-Moon



AGENDA

1. Welcome

2. Adopt previous meeting minutes

3. VP Report - Lorraine may not be there if she isn't feeling well

4. Financial Report

5. Committees
        - Kitchen
        - Garden
        - Movie Night
        - Fundraising & Grants
        - Sustainability
        - Activities

6. Spending Requests & Allocations

7. Other Business - Talk about choosing a DPAC Representative

8. Next Meeting - January 2015

9. Adjourn

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

** IMPORTANT MEETING - Tuesday, December 2nd from 6 - 7:30pm **

Please come out and show your support for Garibaldi Annex!!

The PAC has arranged a meeting with Scott Robinson, Associate Superintendent, Vancouver Board of Education so that parents can ask questions about the recent changes to the school and how they envision the future of Garibaldi Annex.  We really feel the need to assure families that Garibaldi is not slated for closure.  The rumours are still circulating which strongly affects our enrolment.

It is taking place on Tuesday, December 2nd at LORD NELSON's library from 6-7:30pm. Childcare will be provided.

If you have a pressing question, please let us know ahead of time so we can make sure we have time to answer it.  You can tell a PAC member or there is a poster board up at the school along the wall by Mrs. Rosatti's classroom for you to write your questions down.


WE REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT!

Thursday, November 20, 2014

FREE Parent Presentation on Technology and Parenting at AR Lord



December 8th 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Dr. A.R. Lord Elementary Library

FREE Parent Presentation on Technology and Parenting

Alexandra Wilson works with the School Age Children and Youth (SACY) prevention initiative, a partnership between Vancouver Coastal Health and the Vancouver School Board. SACY works to support families, students and school communities to support youth in making healthy decisions in all areas of their lives.

As children move into the pre-teen and teen years, their changing minds and bodies can impact all areas of life. What does this have to do with technology? With parenting? Come out and explore how development, parenting, and technology can work together. We’ll discuss:
·   What’s going on with technology use? How much is too much?
·   What does a balanced lifestyle look like for teens? For parents?
·   Having the conversation with youth

PLEASE RSVP to arlordpac@gmail.com to reserve a space. Seating is limited.


Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Living Christmas trees from TreeKeeper

Are you dreaming of a Green Christmas? Make it happen by buying a living TreeKeepers Holiday Tree.

They have four species:

'Rainbow's End ' White Spruce | 5-gallon | $15
'Baby Blue' Colorado Spruce | 5-gallon | $15
Douglas-fir | 5-gallon | $15
Norway Spruce | 10-gallon | $30

You must pre-order your tree through their website, then tell them where/when you would like to pick it up:
Saturday, Dec. 6, 10-11:30am, Kitsilano Community Centre
Sunday, Dec. 14, 10-11:30am, Trout Lake Community Centre

These are outdoor trees you may bring inside to decorate for the festivities. Just don't leave them in a warm room for too long or they're break dormancy and start to put on new growth that won't be happy once you return them to the cold. More info here on indoor tree care.

After the holidays, plant your Holiday Tree outside in the yard or a balcony container. (More info on the tree species and sizes can be found on our website).

If you lack space for an evergreen at home, consider buying a native tree and planting it with the TreeKeepers in a New Year Planting Party in a beautiful urban forest.


Please share this with family and friends and thanks for helping grow the urban forest. Have a wonderful holiday season!

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Want more gymnastic programs in East Van?

Cameron Stevenson, the founder and lead coach of the Britannia Community Center gymnastics program, is hoping to have a permanent space dedicated for his program during the planning for the Britannia Center renewal.
His gymnastics program and Circus West gymnastics are the only programs of this kind in East Vancouver and the demand is so high that Cameron's classes fill up 3 minutes after registration opening. Class availability is limited because of space and set up requirements issues. Since Cameron has not permanent space, he needs to set up and clear all of his equipment before and after each class session.

If you would like to add your voice of support to Cameron's petition for a permanent space for the program, please follow this link.

Petition for dedicated gymnastics space in Britannia CC

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Poinsettias and Planters Garibaldi Fundraiser

A Garibaldi Poinsettia & Tropical Planter Fundraiser

A perfect holiday gift or festive decoration for your home!

$12 for 6.5” Premium Poinsettia
$30 for a 10" Holiday Tropical Planter


Get your Order forms here. One will also be sent home with your child.

Return your order forms with payment to the front office.

Order deadline: November 24, 2014


Orders ready for pick up December 4th at Garibaldi.Screen Shot 2014-11-16 at 7.01.48 PM.png

Thanks from the
Garibaldi Pac

WINTER CLOTHING SWAP November 17-21


Please bring all your used winter clothing/gear to the school this week to donate to the Winter Clothing Swap organized by the Sustainability Committee!

You can bring boots, coats, ski/snowsuits, skates, gloves, hats, scarves, etc.

The items will be put out each morning and after school for parents to take what they need and leave any items they would like to donate.

This has been a great event in past years so please look through your closets and donate.  All items left at the end of the week will be donated to the YWCA Crabtree Corner.

Thanks!

Saturday, November 15, 2014

FREE Parent Seminar at AR Lord




November 20th 7:15-8:30
FREE Parent Seminar and Question Period with Kristina Spring
Drug and Alcohol Youth Worker

Drug and alcohol youth worker Kristina Spring has over 20 years of experience working with youth in Vancouver. On Thursday, November 20th she will be facilitating an evening on talking to your kids about drugs and alcohol. Topics will include how to talk in an open and meaningful way to your children, what are the current concerns specifically for youth today and how can we prepare our kids for making good choices in the future. Don't wait until high school to start the conversation with your kids.

Please RSVP to the PAC email account at arlordpac@gmail.com if you wish to attend the presentation as seating will be limited.

Monday, November 3, 2014

PAC Meeting Agenda for Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at 6pm

PAC AGENDA 

1. Adopting minutes of October 8th Meeting

2. VP Report

3. Financial Update

4. Spending Requests

5. Committee Updates
     - Kitchen
     - Garden
     - Movie Night
     - Fundraising
     - Sustainability

6. Special Meetings
     - Scott Robinson, Associate Superintendent
     - Mette Hamaguchi, Principal of Lord Nelson Elementary
     - Learning Services - upstairs in Garibaldi

7. Additional Business

8. Meeting Adjournment - next meeting December 3rd

Monday, October 6, 2014

PAC MEETING/EXECUTIVE ELECTIONS - Wednesday, October 8th at 6pm

PLEASE JOIN US this Wednesday, October 8th at 6pm in the school for our first Parent Advisory Council Meeting.

During this first PAC Meeting, we will hold the Annual General Meeting and the PAC Executive Elections for the 2014/15 school year.

Your support is appreciated so we hope to see you there!

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Hastings Park Farmer's Market at the PNE

The 10-week trial market starts Sunday October 5th and will feature a broad line-up of many of your favourite summer vendors with a great selection of local winter produce; fish, meat & dairy; artisan prepared foods, baking and treats; the best in local crafts, and of course, hot food trucks.

Treekepers fun day at Trout lake Saturday 27, 9-noon

All TreeKeeper Day activities are free (except for tree sales): 
 
9-12 -- Tree Pickup (for pre-ordered trees) and $10 Tree Sales (various species)
Get a tree!
What's available?
Calycanthus florida: Carolina Allspice
Acer circinatum: Vine maple
Red Cameo Apple
 
  10-11 -- Walking Tree Tour
Ace arborist Sylvain Martel will lead a walking tour of the trees around Trout Lake.
This whole neighborhood was once a mature coastal Western hemlock forest, which was logged to accommodate development. Later the bog was drained because of the continuous threat of peat fires. Maple, oaks, willows, poplar and other deciduous species are now featured.
 


11-11:30-- Vancouver PoetTree planting

11:30-12 -- Conkers Contest

 If you don't know what a conkers contest is, you could google it, or visit the official home of the World Conker Championships...or just come to Trout Lake and we'll show you. Note that it involves intrigue, strategy and horse chestnuts, and no trees (or people) get harmed in the process.
 

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Shane Simpson Meeting moved to Kiwassa

Hello neighbours,

NEW MEETING VENUE: I’m pleased to hear that both sides in the education dispute seem to have reached a tentative deal. Since many of you may have further questions, I’m moving forward with tonight’s Back to School meeting as planned. I’ve moved the location to Kiwassa Neighbourhood House, 2425 Oxford St., to accommodate more people. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Shane Simpson | MLA Vancouver Hastings
2365 E. Hastings St. Vancouver BC V5L 1V6 |604-775-2277 | shanesimpson.ca 

Friday, September 12, 2014

Coquitlam principal talks budget number trends over the years

****Principal's letter ******
https://twitter.com/CKNW/status/510115391608467456/photo/1

I wonder what those numbers are like for Garibaldi and the other neighbouring schools...

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Free triathlon clinic at Templeton pool this Sunday 9:30 -12

FREE TRIATHLON CLINIC FOR AGES 6 to 12 (may accept some 5 yr olds) 
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14     
9:30-12noon at Templeton Park and CC
We are hosting an NCCP Coaching Course for teaching youth triathlon September 13-14.
The coaches design special activities and practice implementing them with athletes.
We need 20-30 athletes to come test out their ideas and learn some “cool” new tri skills!
HOW TO REGISTER
E-mail Kristine at koachkristine@gmail.com (you will fill out a day-of-event registration on the 14th).  Arrive 15-20 min. early to do this, thank you!!
WHAT TO BRING
Bike, helmet, running shoes, outdoor clothing (extra change recommended), snack, water, and lots of energy!!
*Note there is no swimming component.
*The clinic will end with a special activity and prizes.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Hastings-Sunrise MLA is hosting a School strike meeting for constituents


Hello neighbours,

I’m holding a special meeting for constituents of Vancouver-Hastings to discuss the education dispute. Please let me know by  email if you’re coming, so that I can arrange some light refreshments. Special thanks to Carol Wood for organizing the meeting space.

When: Tuesday, September 16, 7-9pm
Where: Common Room, 2320 Franklin Street


Best,

Shane

Shane Simpson | MLA Vancouver Hastings
2365 E. Hastings St. Vancouver BC V5L 1V6 |604-775-2277 
e-mail: Shane.Simpson.MLA@leg.bc.ca

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Raspberry pruning workshop and summer garden clean up this Saturday

Our second crop of raspberries is starting to ripen and so it is high time that we prune out the old canes that gave us an amazing first crop in June and July! I will be in the garden to show all interested how this is done on Saturday, August 23 at 10:30am. I will also tell you how to prune the second crop canes during winter.

The garden is looking great and some of our watering crews have been doing some ongoing maintenance. Thank you all!

There is still some trimming and tidying up that should be done though, so if you feel like hanging around for half an hour after the raspberry pruning workshop (which will take about 5-10 min), your help would be greatly appreciated!

Sadly, the garden has been experiencing repeated vandalism this summer. Please, if you see any untoward activity around the school, call either the non-emergency police line at 604-717-3321 or if the activity warrants it (it is active vandalism or illegal activity) call 911.

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Cucumbers and beans in full swing in the Garibaldi garden

It was my pleasure this week to help watering the garden and it was really great seeing our families and neighbours coming in for some raspberries and peas!

There are still a few peas and raspberries but picking is slim at the moment. There will be more Raspberries in about 3 weeks when the next crop starts coming in:)

Right now, our cucumbers and beans are rocking some great fruit! Come and have some! They are growing in the "Dogwood flower" bed on the tripods.

Chard, kale and lots of herbs and flowers are also available for picking. Some lettuces as well.

Enjoy!

P.S. I am hoping to get together some helpers to do about an hours work of garden maintenance around Aug 16. I will be sending out a notice about it closer to the date. I will also be demonstrating how to prune twice-bearing raspberries.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Thanks from the Food Bank!

We have harvested and dropped off some peas, lettuces and chard at the Food Bank on Monday. Thank you to all who are helping to make food grow!

Keep harvesting and sharing with our neighbours!

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

How to get an access pass for Hastings park use during PNE

Please see the info from Hastings Community Center.
This pass is for actual park use only (not for access to PNE).

Hastings Park access card

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Letter from VSB to Garibaldi Parents and Guardians

June 30, 2014

Dear Garibaldi Parents and Guardians,

Recently, some decisions have been made by the School District regarding use of space at Garibaldi Annex . We understand that some questions may have arisen regarding the rationale for some of these decisions and are therefore providing the following information. We hope it will be helpful to you. Staff from the School District offices will be moving into the upper floor at Garibaldi starting in the fall of 2014.


Why are they coming to Garibaldi? 

As you may be aware, the district has experienced significant budget shortfalls for a number of years including an approximate twelve million dollar shortfall for the upcoming school year. As a result, the District has had to make some very difficult decisions regarding spending reductions and has also needed to identify areas of potential revenue. The District will be leasing the space at the District offices currently occupied by District Learning Services staff (teachers and support staff) in order to increase revenue. These staff members will be moving into excess space in a variety of schools around the District, including Garibaldi Annex. The Ministry of Education has made it clear that it expects school districts to use school space as efficiently as possible and has expressed concern about funding seismic or new school construction as long as a District has what the Ministry considers to be excess space . Garibaldi has an official capacity of 170 students, however there have only been approximately 70 students registered in the regular program for the majority of the past five years. This has resulted in a significant amount of excess space in the school. Garibaldi has had the ability to make use of and enjoy this extra space for a number of years , however as this space is considered 'above and beyond' what the Ministry of Education designates as necessary educational space, it must be re-designated at this time. The District has engaged in a careful long-term enrolment projection process and is projecting that in­ catchment enrolment at Garibaldi is likely to remain between 60 and 70 students for the next 15 years . This equates to a maximum of three divisions and therefore the need for three enrolling classrooms. This leaves a significant amount of excess space at Garibaldi that has therefore been identified to accommodate some of the staff from District Learning Services. Should the catchment enrolment shared between Lord Nelson Elementary and Garibaldi Annex ever increase significantly, use of space within both schools would be carefully re-examined .


What kind of checks will be in place in terms of these adults interacting with students? 

The adults moving into Garibaldi are all VSB staff who, as a condition of employment, will have already been expected to undergo criminal record checks and to adhere to the District Guidelines for Adults Interacting with Students . Although it will likely be somewhat rare for any of the Learning Services staff to interact directly with students at Garibaldi, the majority of these staff members are teachers who interact with students in many schools in the District as part of their professional roles. It is common practice for District Learning Services staff to work in a number of elementary schools across the District.


Why are the students going to be in classrooms only on the main floor of the school? 

The upper floor of Garibaldi was selected in order to accommodate the maximum number of District staff as its current layout includes a minimal number of walls and is therefore able to easily accommodate a greater number of staff cubicles. The lower floor is currently divided into classroom spaces and would have required significant additional cost to the District in order to reconfigure the space.


Three of the classrooms on the lower floor will therefore continue to be used as enrolling classrooms and one will be used to create the new library. Will the school library be reduced because of this move? 

Although the physical size of the new library will be smaller than the current library, the library collection and its availability to students will not change. The library size will be consistent with that of a number of schools in the District, and given that the enrolment at Garibaldi is under 70 students, the space per student is actually greater than in most schools.


What about the computers from the library? 

The District has been moving away from a 'separate' computer lab model to one of technology integration within classrooms. The District is about to purchase a class set of IPAD Minis and a cart for Garibaldi. This purchase will allow students at Garibaldi to experience use of current learning technology in a flexible way. With a student to IPAD ratio of 3:1, students at Garibaldi will actually have greater access to learning technology than students in many elementary schools. It is being investigated as to whether some of the current computers in the library can also be moved into enrolling classroom next year.


What about 'wet' space for Art? 

Each of the classrooms on the main floor has a 'wet' area with a sink and tiled floor. Teachers will be working with the school administration to determine whether additional facilities such as more counter space or sinks, drying racks, etc. will need to be purchased and the District will fund those purchases.


There is a rumour that the District is trying to 'cap' enrolment at Garibaldi. Is that true? 

No cap has been placed on in-catchment enrolment at Garibaldi. Students who live within the catchment shared by Garibaldi Annex and Lord Nelson Elementary continue to be able to register at Garibaldi as they have always done. As the District's budget has continued to be reduced by the Ministry, however, our staffing budget has become much tighter and our ability provide extra staffing to schools to accommodate students who do not live in the catchment has become severely reduced. If there is space available after all in-catchment students have been placed, then out-of-catchment students will continue to be approved for registration. Incoming students who do not live within Garibaldi's catchment and have a sibling already attending Garibaldi will continue to be given priority over other out-of-catchment applicants to the school when there is space available . Garibaldi is not treated any differently than any other school in the District in this regard.


There is a rumour that Garibaldi 'lost' its Kindergarten teacher last year because the District put a limit on the size of the incoming Kindergarten class. Is that true? 

The District did not put any limit on the number of incoming Kindergarten students who live within the Garibaldi catchment. Class sizes are determined provincially and the District is required to adhere to those class size limits, providing space, wherever possible, for students who live within a school's catchment. All schools are organized in the most efficient manner, so that in-catchment students are able to attend their neighbourhood school if they choose to . Teacher staffing is then provided based on the number of in­ catchment students registered at the school. If, after all in-catchment students are placed, there are still student spaces available within class size limits, then registration is opened to out-of-catchment students through the cross-boundary application process . These decisions are all made in accordance with the British Columbia School Act and Board policies relating to registration and cross-boundary applications. Again, Garibaldi has not been treated any differently than other schools in the District.


Why did Garibaldi 'lose' the Music teacher last year? 

Non-enroling staffing , such as Music specialists, librarians , Resource teachers, Administration, etc . is assigned to schools based on the total number of students in a school. As enrolment declines, the staffing assigned is reduced accordingly. Schools with a very small student population therefore generate a very small non-enroling staffing allocation, which often must be combined into a single position wherever possible in order to ensure the most efficient use of District staffing resources . Combined with decreasing flexibility regarding budget-based staffing allocations, this is what occurred at Garibaldi, resulting in the Music program being taught by the Vice-Principal. The non-enroling staffing allocation in a larger school is much higher and therefore the school is able to benefit from a higher specialist allocation. This is not fiscally possible in very small schools such as Garibaldi.


What happened with the review of the Garibaldi catchment boundaries? 

This spring, the District conducted a review of several school catchments located in the Northeast sector of the District, including Garibaldi. The review included the opportunity for school community members to provide input regarding potential changes to their catchment. It is my understanding that a number of Garibaldi , Lord Nelson and Begbie parents, including the Garibaldi PAC chair, attended the public input session and provided input both verbally and later in writing . All input was considered and ultimately, it was concluded that there was no overwhelming evidence to support adjustments to the Garibaldi catchment. Although some families did indicate a preference for an adjustment to the catchment boundaries, the majority did not. As such, families who do not live within the Nelson/Garibaldi catchment will continue to need to apply for cross-boundary approval in order to attend either of these schools and that approval will be based on available space as per Board policy .


Why was the Home Learners Program moved from Garibaldi? 

The District Home Learners program has been moved to Beaconsfield Elementary in order to provide the opportunity for intermediate students to remain in the program . This move was initiated primarily because some of the parents of students in the Home Learners program indicated that they would appreciate the opportunity to have their children continue in the program past grade four . The District supports this idea . Home Learners happened to be located at Garibaldi , however it was not a Garibaldi program and as such, it was subject to being relocated in order to best meet program needs.


I hear a rumour that the supervision aides at Garibaldi have changed some of the playground rules. Why is that? 

Playground rules are determined at the school level. It is expected that students will be supervised on the playground in a manner that minimizes the possibility of harm to students, however individual school administrators ultimately have the freedom and responsibility to determine what that will look like at their school site. If parents have questions about an issue such as this, they are encouraged to speak with the vice-principal and principal, who ultimately have the responsibility of ensuring student safety within their school. Finally, there has been a change to the administrative structure at Garibaldi Annex. Effective September 2014, Garibaldi will revert to being administered by the Principal of Lord Nelson Elementary. This change reflects the need to align the administrative structure with the shared Lord Nelson/Garibaldi Annex catchment area. School-based concerns should continue to be addressed through the Vice-Principal at Garibaldi, Ms. Baker, however Ms. Mette Hamaguchi, Principal of Lord Nelson, will also provide the supervision that used to occur by the principal of Begbie Elementary, Mr. Bob Bodden . The school and the District sincerely wish each of the Garibaldi families a relaxing and enjoyable summer and look forward to welcoming many of you back to Garibaldi in September.

Sincerely,

Denise Johnson Director of Instruction

The food in the Garibaldi Garden is for all - eat it please:)

Happy Summer to all!

At the moment, there is plenty of romain lettuce and mescalun salad greens, chard, kale, sugar peas, raspberries and currants. There is always plenty of mint for summer drinks (it hides in and around the raspberry clump by the parking lot fence), rosemary, fennel and lemonbalm, lavender and calendulas.
Garlic will be ready for digging up very soon!

Please, do come and take what you need for dinner or snack and let others in the neighbourhood know.

If you have time and you notice that there is lots of a particular crop unused, please take the pleasure in delivering our surplus to the Food bank. They will be thrilled! The best time to pick produce to keep it from wilting is before 9am. Store it in a rubber bin or plastic bags in a cool spot or with ice packs for transport.

The the Food Bank office at 1150 Raymur Avenue (close to Casa Gelato) is open Monday to Friday 7am to 3pm.

Friday, June 27, 2014

Free workshop on smart watering and composting

We will be hosting a watering and composting workshop on July 2th 2014, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at  2603 Adanac St, Vancouver.

What can you expect during the workshop?

    Catherine, the City of Vancouver’s expert garden consultant, will spend about an hour and a half with us in the garden looking for ways to use water efficiently to grow healthy lawns and plants.  Together we’ll take a “hands on” look at our plants’ health, lawn structure and examine the soil.
    Catherine will provide tips on how to improve your lawn, what types of plant to select for different areas of your garden, how to water to have the maximum impact with the least wastage, and how to trouble shoot your compost.

If you would like to attend, please RSVP by e-mail to jana.ronne@gmail.com or by texting to 778-991-9180.

Hope to see you soon!

Jana

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

VSB letter regarding labour disruption

June 23, 2014

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The purpose of this letter is to provide you with an update on some of the matters that may be of concern to you as a result of the current labour disruption.

As you are aware, the BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) and the BC Public School Employers’ Association (BCPSEA) have reached an impasse with regard to negotiating a new contract and, as a result, on June 17, 2014 the BCTF escalated to a full-scale strike. Unfortunately, it appears that the two parties are not making progress and the possibility of schools reconvening before the end of the school year seems very unlikely.

Report Cards

Grades K-7

The strike action will not allow for the completion and distribution of report cards for students in grades K through 7. The information that we need in order to produce report cards is not available due to the strike and therefore, we are not able to produce an accurate statement of your child’s progress. Unless you have been notified otherwise, your child will progress to the next grade and no report card will be issued.

Grades 8-9

The strike action will not allow for the production of complete report cards for students in grades 8 and 9. The information that we need in order to produce report cards is not available due to the strike. We are unable to determine an accurate final grade and will therefore assign a grade of “No Mark” (NM) for grade 8 and 9 courses. The report cards will not include comments or a description of work habits.

Grades 10, 11 and 12

The Labour Relations Board has ruled that final marks for students in grades 10, 11 and 12 will be submitted by teachers. However, the strike action will not allow for the production of complete report cards for students in grades 10, 11 and 12. Students in these grades will receive report cards, which will include final course marks. However, the report cards will not include comments or a description of work habits.

Summer School

At this date, the district does not have information from the BCTF about plans to continue the strike with picket lines through the summer. We recognize that this uncertainty is difficult for everyone. We will make a decision regarding the operation of summer school later this week and further information will be posted on the district website: http://www.vsb.bc.ca

Year End Routines

We are planning to distribute secondary report cards by the end of next week. Individual schools will make arrangements for students to pick up yearbooks/other belongings and drop off textbooks /library books later next week. Your school will provide more information about this.

Communications

Parents are encouraged to review information posted on the following websites:

BC Public School Employers’ Association (BCPSEA): http://www.bcpsea.bc.ca/

BC School Trustees’ Association (BCSTA): http://www.bcsta.org/

BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF): http://www.bctf.ca

Vancouver Teachers’ Federation - local (VTF): http://vesta.ca, http://vsta.ca

Ministry of Education: http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/ministries/education/

Vancouver School District: http://www.vsb.bc.ca

If you have specific questions about school-related matters during the labour disruption, please contact your school principal directly.

I am sorry that I do not have more positive news for you. I am proud of the hard work and support provided by all staff in this complex school district. It is my hope that the labour dispute is resolved at the bargaining table and that our school district can soon return to normal operations.

Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time.

Sincerely,
Dr. Steve Cardwell
Superintendent of Schools
c. Vancouver Board of Education.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Still looking for help with watering in during weeks Aug 11-17 and Aug 25-31

Thanks to all who agreed to help!

For all other weeks we have found 2 families each, so you can back each other up (I will be sending the tentative schedule + contatcts to those who signed up).

I am still looking for 2 families for Aug 25-31 and 1 family for Aug 11-17.

Please e-mail jana.ronne@gmail.com, if you can help.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Wood chip work party postponed to Wednesday, June 25

We will meet between 10 and 12.
Please, bring wheelbarrows. The more wheelbarrow we have, the faster it will be done!

Let's make Mr. Scott happy and move the wood chips in between the garden beds:) If you can and want to, you can come in a do a bit before next Wednesday. I might pop in this Sunday around 2pm for a bit.

See you at the BBQ!

Jana

Monday, June 16, 2014

PAC BBQ this Wednesday

The annual PAC BBQ is going ahead on Wednesday June 18 at Clinton Park - 4:30-7:30. 
All are welcome - students, staff, families, friends.  Please bring a side dish,dessert or drink to share as well as your own plates, cups, utensils and blankets. PAC will provide buns (gluten free option) and sausages. 

Friday, June 13, 2014

Daycamps at Hastings C.C. for end of June

Registration for the day camp at Hastings Community Centre for next week is now open.  Pools, water parks, bouncy castle fun, bowling - detailed calendar available at HCC, 3096 East Hastings Street.  Phone:  604.718.6222 ext. 2

DETAILS

Ages: 6-12

Week 1: June 16 to June 20, 9am to 3pm – 26003.201HS
Week 2: June 23 to June 27, 9am to 3pm – 26003.202HS

Where: Meets in Arts and Crafts Room

Costs: $100/5 days

REGISTER IN-PERSON ONLY – due to the nature of the camp’s start date, we will require everyone to come in to register to fill out a waiver. Please advise parent/guardian to have child’s BC Card Card.

The leader is Fondie Cheng.

Eric Yu
Community Youth Worker
Hastings Community Centre
604-718-6231

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Helpers needed to wheelbarrow woodchips into the school garden

We need to move the pile of wood chips in between the garden beds to suppress the grass and weeds for easier maintenance in the future.
The weather is not likely to cooperate this weekend, so we are planning on meeting on Wednesday, June 18,  from 10 am till noon. If you have a wheelbarrow and a large (snow)shovel, please bring it along to speed up the process.
Your help is really appreciated! The kids really enjoy these kind of jobs:), so bring them along!

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Fun Fair

Hi friends!

Our little church community is having a funfair this coming Saturday to raise money for our low income families to go to camp this summer. You can see (and hopefully share:) the attached poster.
10am - 4pm in the parking lot and front lawn of the Salvation Army building (the brick building on 1st Ave next to the Royal Bank parking lot)
We will have:
- a bouncy castle
- face painting
- balloon hats
- mega cyclone ball
- indoor play area for babies and toddlers
- hot dogs
- lemonade
- cotton candy
- games and prizes
lots of fun for everyone!
Also our community has been given our notice by the Salvation Army and we are looking for somewhere to meet. Ideally it would have office space and classrooms too, and have room for a Sunday morning gathering but we're flexible. if you have any ideas or leads, please email me off list.

Thanks and hope to see you Saturday!

Joanna
Mama to Sophia, Eleanor and Pax


Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Volunteers needed for summer garden watering

Do your kids love spraying water? We have a job for them and for you!

Our fabulous school garden cannot thrive without water on hot summer days, so we are hoping to find enough volunteers to share in the fun of drenching the garden and keeping it lush:) We will show you how to set up our two sprinklers, so you can play while the garden is getting its drink.

Besides all that fun, you will get a first-hand chance to harvest whatever you need and will be available at the time.

Anyone in the community is welcome to harvest from our garden during the summer - let all know!

If you can help out, please open the form below and mark all the weeks you will be available to help. We will assign you one of them. If there are enough volunteers, we will pair you up, so you can help each other out, if life gets in your way of watering.

*****Summer availability for watering*****

You will be given an access code to the shed and shown all the know-how at a time that works for you.

We are eternally grateful for your help!

Friday, May 30, 2014

Garibaldi Fundraiser Sunday June 8th


Come gather with your Garibaldi family and friends to have fun and support the PAC.
Sunday June 8th, 1:30-4:30pm
at Hastings Racecourse Marquee Area
Tickets are $5 and kids are welcome.
See you there.

Monday, May 26, 2014

VSB Letter re Teacher Job Action

Dear Parents and Guardians,
RE: Teacher Job Action
As you are aware, the BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) and the BC Public School Employers’ Association (BCPSEA) are negotiating a new contract and, stemming from these negotiations, the BCTF began job action at the end of April. This has now escalated to a district-by-district second phase with a series of rotating strikes involving a full withdrawal of service that commenced in Vancouver on Monday, May 26. You are also no doubt aware that the provincial government through its bargaining agent, the BC Public School Employers’ Association has initiated a responsive partial lockout of teachers and a subsequent 10% reduction in teachers’ pay. The lockout may have created some confusion for parents.
For more information about the job action, and lockout from the Ministry of Education:
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/05/teacher-bargaining---what-does-it-mean-for-bc-parents.html Parents might also wish to review information posted on the BCTF website at: http://www.bctf.ca. Parents might also wish to review information posted on the local teachers’ union websites at: http://vesta.ca/ and http://vsta.ca/).
Parents might also wish to review information posted on the BC Public School Employers’ Association (BCPSEA) websites at: http://www.bcpsea.bc.ca.
We also encourage parents to keep up to date by checking our district website at: http://www.vsb.bc.ca.
At this point, we are not aware of other days when Vancouver public schools will be placed behind picket lines. However, we understand that this rotating strike action might occur again. We will continue to keep you informed as additional information becomes available.
If you have more specific questions about school-related matters during the strike and lockout, please contact your school principal directly.
I am proud of the hard work and support provided by all staff in this complex school district. It is my hope that the labour dispute is resolved quickly at the bargaining table and that our school district can soon return to normal operations. Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Dr. Steve Cardwell
Superintendent of Schools
c. Vancouver Board of Education.

Friday, May 23, 2014

1 day $10 tree sale

The last of the trees from this year's Treekeeper program will be available for a big one-day sale on Saturday June 7th from 10 AM to noon at the South Vancouver Works Yard at 1250 East 45th Avenue (at Inverness). You'll be able to buy figs, apples and a few assorted other trees on a first-come first-serve basis. 
These trees are $10 each.

Monday, May 12, 2014

PAC Meeting - This Wednesday May 14th - 6pm

Garibaldi Annex Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Meeting Agenda


Wednesday, April 9, 2014

6 pm  - Staff Room (free child care available in the gym)


  1. Welcome Members; Angela Wong-Moon, PAC Co-Chair (5 min)
  2. Agenda Additions/ Adopt previous minutes (5 min)
  3. Update from our school VP; Lorraine Baker (15 min)
  4. VSB/Sibling and Boundary Review; Joel (5 min)
  5. Committee Updates; Angela Wong-Moon (10 min)
    1. Movie Night
    2. Fundraising
      • Hastings Track Day
      • Bike Rally Grant
    3. Garden
    4. Other
  6. Financial Update and Budget; Caroline LaPointe (15 min)
    1. Fund requests
  7. New Business/ PAC Activities
  8. Next PAC meeting May 14th @6:00pm
  9. Adjournment at 7:30 pm

Minutes of Garibaldi PAC Meeting – April 9th, 2014

Minutes of Garibaldi PAC Meeting – April 9th, 2014

Attendance:
Lorraine Baker
PAC Board (3)
General PAC Members (3)


Agenda:
  1. Welcome Members; Julie, PAC Co-Chair (5 min)
  2. Agenda Additions/ Adopt previous minutes (5 min)
  3. Update from our school VP; Lorraine Baker (15 min)
  4. VSB/Sibling and Boundary Review; Joel (5 min)
  5. Committee Update; Joel Ronne (10 min)
    1. Movie Night
    2. Fundraising
      • Hastings Track Day
      • Bike Rally Grant
      • Garden
    • Other
  • Financial Update and Budget; Angela Wong-Moon (15 min); Fund requests
  • New Business/ PAC Activities
  • Next PAC meeting May 14th @6:00pm
  • Adjournment at 7:30 pm

  1. Welcome and Adoption of Minutes:
The Co-Chair opened the meeting. March meeting minutes approved, motion by Julie, seconded by Sandra.

      3. VP Updates:
  • Norovirus still present, even after Spring Break
  • 1st day back after Spring Break, one of the servers crashed. The whole VSB system was affected. The side effect was that some information was sent but didn’t get through.
  • Invitation from McQuinna School for big student concert – April 15th in the afternoon
  • Earthquake drill – parents can be present to pick up kids as part of drill.
  • Transition to Grade 5. Grade 4’s to have an opportunity to visit their new school. Most kids are going to Lord Nelson, some to AR Lord and McQuinna.
  • Home Learners – transition going well. Schools are welcoming the students into their programs
  • School Fee schedule will be less next year due to decreased Agenda cost ($7 instead of $10)
  • VSB Budget:
    • “Snapshot” and full document available on website
    • In a nutshell: $13 million shortfall
    • Good news – no teacher layoffs, but VSB legally obligated to balance budget – need to cut $13 million in order to balance
- End of VP Updates

  1. VSB Sibling and Boundary Review:
  • Joel learned from VSB rep that there will be no change this coming year for sibling catchment rules.
  • How to address? You can attend the VSB Open House Discussions on Catchment:
    • Parents welcome to attend
    • Mon April 14 7:00-8:30pm, Nelson Elementary
    • Tues April 22 3:30-5:00pm, Secord Elementary

  1. Committees
Movie Night Committee:
  • Next movie night April 23rd: Frozen

Garden Committee:
  • Manure sale March 8th – raised $1400-1500.00. Joel will confirm the exact number when it’s available.

Fundraising:
  • “Hastings Day at the Track” fundraiser, scheduled for Sunday afternoon, June 8th.
    • $5000 grant split between Garibaldi and Hastings Schools
    • The grant also provides a small catering budget.
    • Additional fundraising is under planning – eg. Ticket sales for food and raffle for gift baskets.
  • “Bike Rally” scheduled for May 21st in lieu of Movie Night
    • Will be organized by Pedalheads or Endless Biking; kids will be divided into skills groups, and event will include bike decorating, a bike swap and tune-up station.
  • Proposal for “Community Garage Sale” raised by one of kindergarten parents
    • Timing and details to be confirmed


  1. Financial Update
  • Totals from Treasurer:
    • $1477.36 chequing
    • $4157.37 saving
    • $5634.73 total
    • March 7th - $250 deposit for tennis lessons
    • Monthly fees - $3.75 per account
    • To be confirmed – totals to be deposited from hot lunch (approx. $240) and manure sale; “Sexplainer” expense will be confirmed

Meeting Adjourned

Next meeting: May 14th 6pm