rs. pam essex ms.debbie tablotney principal/directrice...

TomekichiHommaElementaryNewsletter January12,20181

5100BrunswickDrive,Richmond,BCV7E6K9Tel:604-668-7844Fax:604-668-6412

Email:[email protected]:homma.sd38.bc.caEarlyWarning604-668-6491

“Seeking harmony..... respecting diversity”

“A la recherche de l’harmonie ..... au

coeur de la diversité”

DailyTimetable:8:30am......................................................Buildingopens8:45am......................................................Allstudentsreporttoclass8:50am......................................................Schoolbegins10:30–10:45am..................................Recess12:25–1:10pm....................................Lunch2:43pm.....................................................Schoolends

Mrs.PamEssexPrincipal/Directrice

Mrs.TanyaMajorVicePrincipal/

Directriceadjointe

Ms.DebbieTablotneySchoolLiaisonTrustee

Mr.MatthewWeinsteinP.A.C.Chair

Dear Families, Welcome Back! Happy New Year! The New Year is always a time of thinking about the treasures of the year we’ve had and the possibilities in

the year ahead. Many people make resolutions for the new year and prepare for that transition to a new, improved year (and a new improved “us”!).

The New Year is a time of transition and change at school, too. Building on the work done in the first term, classes are already developing new projects, study topics and planning for experiences that enhance learning.

We have several changes at Homma to share with you.: Mme Parent is the proud mother of a healthy baby girl. Both mom and baby are doing well. We continue to seek a permanent teacher for Division 17, and look forward to being able to share who the successful applicant is soon. Ms. Blue is now on maternity leave. A warm welcome to Ms. Jessica Geary, Division 10’s new teacher!! Mrs. L. Grant has accepted a position at Hugh Boyd Secondary School. All the best to you, Mrs. Grant! We will miss you! We hope you will join us in welcoming Ms. Britta Liepmann as our new administrative assistant.

Finally, I will retire as of February 28, 2018. Homma is a wonderful place to work and learn in. I continue to be so impressed by the dedication of the staff, the supportive parent community and the initiatives that are underway. Mrs. Tanya Major will be the Acting Principal at Homma beginning March 1, 2018. Mrs. Major and I will continue to work closely together throughout the next 6 weeks to ensure a smooth transition for the school community and to complete some important events such as the Quebec exchange. Congratulations, Mrs. Major! Homma is very lucky to have you!

The appointment of an acting Vice Principal will take place soon and we will update you once the selection process is complete.

Big changes and many transitions. We are so happy to have the strong foundation of community and care at Homma. Thank you, Homma!


WINTER PARKING LOT SAFETY As winter weather approaches we

remind parents and students to be extremely cautious in the parking lot during drop off times. Please drive slowly through the lot as we cannot ensure that this area is salted. As always, students should unload from cars only from the passenger side. Please be reminded that the parking lot is for staff only. We have a very large staff and they come in at different times of the day. If you are picking up your child during the day, or dropping off a lunch, please use the drop off lane.

Thank you for your ongoing cooperation to ensure our students arrive at school safely. COLD WEATHER IS COMING…

No matter the weather, all students will be expected to spend recess and lunch outdoors. Students who are part of the garden program will be going to the school garden with Mrs. Zeni and Ms. Regan – even in a downpour. It’s a good idea to keep some extra warm clothing or a change of socks at school in a bag just in case the temperature drops unexpectedly or they get soaked from rainy weather.

COLD AND FLU SEASON

During the winter months we often see an increase in cold and flu viruses. If your child is sick with a fever, a bad cough, or is vomiting, please keep them at home to recover. If your child shows these symptoms during the school day, we will be contacting you to pick them up. We ask that you ensure that your telephone contact numbers and emergency contact information are up to date with the office so we can get in touch with you in a timely manner.

FOOD BANK DONATIONS

A message from student council; Dear families, Every year at Homma, we collect donations for the Richmond food bank, but this year’s student council has decided to collect money instead of canned food. When will we be collecting donations? We have decided to start collecting donations of loonies and toonies starting Monday, January 22 – 26th. Our goal is to raise $2000. Why did we choose to collect money instead of canned food?

We have chosen to collect money instead of canned food for the following reasons:

• Canned food is not exactly a healthy part of a diet and money allows the food bank to get what they know is needed

• People need to get paid or volunteer to sort the food and deliver it Food expires but money doesn’t

• Canned food takes up space and resources in storage

• We have been told money goes 5 x further than food so the food bank is able to buy in bulk.

Thank you and we look forward to your support in January. IDLING VECHILES IN THE SCHOOL ZONE

Attention to all parents that the The City of Richmond will be cracking down on idling in school zones and will be issuing tickets. Please be mindful when dropping off and picking up please. D.A.R.E

Our grade 5 students are taking part in the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E) Program again this year. This program is an internationally recognized drug prevention program which teaches youth to make safe and responsible decisions. Our D.A.R.E. Program will be taught by RCMP Constable Kandola over a 10-week period starting this week.. ANTI-BULLYING DAY (PINK T-SHIRT DAY) – February 28, 2018

This year Homma is going to support the CKNW Orphan’s fund by accepting donations for pink ribbons. The CKNW Orphan’s fund supports children in many ways. More information about the programs offered can be found at www.pinkshirtday.ca P.A.C. FAMILY BINGO NIGHT

The 4th Annual P.A.C. Family Bingo Night will take place on Thursday, January 25th from 6:00 – 7:30pm in the gym. This event is free, but you can pre-order pizza for $2.00 a slice. Drinks and treats are also available for a small charge. Forms will be sent out shortly.


CHOIR SEASON It’s Choir Season! This musical opportunity is open

to all students in Grade 2-5 who love to sing. Our first practice begins on Tuesday, Jan.16th at lunch and will continue to run each Tuesday throughout term two, culminating with a performance at our Pink Shirt Day assembly in late February.

RUNNING CLUB UPDATE

During the fall term we had a very impressive participation in our Thursday morning Running Club and we hope that continues throughout the winter season however not while the weather is snowy or icy! New participants are always welcome. Please see the office or Mme Grant for a permission form. Kindergarten students must be accompanied by a parent.

BASKETBALL SEASON Basketball season for grades 6 and

7 students is coming up. If you are interested in joining the team, girls are asked to return their consent forms to Mme Grant and boys to Mr. Wolber. HERITAGE DAY

Heritage Day is about celebrating student’s culture and heritage. Students will be encouraged to wear clothing that represents and celebrates where their family is from on Friday, January 19th. If students do not have specific clothing they are welcome to wear the colors of their ancestor’s flags.

MUNCH-A-LUNCHUPDATE:

You can pre-order online for all of the lunch events for the rest of the school year at:http://www.munchalunch.com/schools/homma/

Thefollowingaretheremaininglunchevents:

§ February2,VietnameseFoodDay§ February16,Sushi§ March9,TacoDay§ April13,PizzaDay§ April27,Sushi§ May4,BoosterWrapandSmoothieDay§ June1,TacoDay§ June15,PizzaDay

Note:Ifwehaveapaidorderforaluncheventyouwillreceiveareminder/confirmatione-mailthedaybefore.Ifyoudonotreceiveaconfirmationthenwedonothavetheordersopleasesendyourson/daughtertoschoolwithalunchandnotifyusofyourorderdetails(i.e.,ordernumber,child’snameanddivision).


IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

JANUARY Thurs. 11 ..... D.A.R.E. Program starts for grade 5 students (Thursdays) Fri. 12 ..... January Newsletter Posted on School Website, 4:00pm Fri. 12 ..... Shish Kabob and Falafel Day (Pre-Orders only) Tues. 16 ..... District Options Program Closes, 4:00pm Wed. 17 ..... P.A.C. Meeting in the library Fri. 19 ..... Student Council Presents: Heritage Day Thurs. 25 .... P.A.C. Family Bingo Night Fri. 26 .... ½ Day Professional Day – Dismissal at 11:20am FEBRUARY Fri. 2 ...... Vietnamese Food Day (Orders due by Jan.26th) Sun. 4-9 .. Quebec Trip Mon. 12 ..... Family Day – School not in session Tues. 13-16 Kindness Week Wed. 14 ..... Valentine’s Day- Red, White and Pink Day Fri. 16 ..... Chinese New Year and Sushi Day (Orders due by Feb.9th) Wed. 21 ..... Early Dismissal at 1:45 pm Thurs. 22 .... Early Dismissal at 1:45 pm Fri. 23 .... Professional Development Day – School not in session Wed 28 .... Pink Shirt Day

MORNING REMINDERS Mornings at Homma are a very busy and exciting time! A reminder to families that school doors open to

students at 8:30am. Many classroom teachers have been having conversations with their students about classroom and hallway expectations upon arrival at school. Please also take the time to discuss these important points with your child(ren) at home. Students are expected to remain in their classrooms once they arrive at school and not to be entering and exiting the building. Morning supervision by Mrs. Essex, Mrs. Major, and one rotating staff member begins at 8:30am inside the school; there is no outside morning supervision at the playground. Teaching staff are always in their own classrooms by 8:45am but they are often involved in meetings and collaboration with their colleagues prior to this time. Thank you for working together with the Homma Staff to ensure a safe and caring learning environment.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION If your child is turning 5 by December 31,

2018 registration is ongoing at Central Registration located at 7811 Granville Avenue.

For more information, please visit https://www.sd38.bc.ca/services/student-

registration/Pages/default.aspx


IncentiveOutdoorAcademy:

an academically driven outdoor leadership program at

MacNeill Secondary School

The Incentive Program at MacNeill attracts high achieving, academically

motivated students. Through the enriched curriculum and outdoor leadership

opportunities, students are able to expand their horizons and challenge themselves

mentally and physically.

Students join our program in grade 8 and stay until grade 10, enjoying a warm,

supportive atmosphere where students work with 4 teachers. Highlights of the

program include a 3-day biology field trip to Bamfield Marine Science Center, kayaking, sailing, snow hikes, PNE

physics, an annual science fair, and much more. Some of the outdoor activities offer students the opportunity to gain nationally recognized certifications. No prior outdoor

experience is required. Students in the program can participate in and benefit

from MacNeill Secondary programs such as clubs, sports teams, and band.

Depending on activity choices, yearly fees

for the program can range from $1000-

2200. These costs include electives,

PE, enrichment field trips, and two

overnight trips (3 days and 6 days).

Come and find out

more! Info presentations:

Tues. January 16

at 7:30 pm in Room 226 MacNeill Secondary

Thurs. Jan. 25 at 7:30 pm in Room

226 MacNeill Secondary

For application

information and to find out more, go to

our website:

http://macneill.sd38.bc.ca/incentive

rs. pam essex ms.debbie tablotney principal/directrice...

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