Gabriola Elementary School

680 North Road, Gabriola, BC VOR lXO Phone: (250) 247-9342 Fax: (250) 247-8639 Principal : Eileen Jubinville Secretary : Laura Hague November 26, 2015

Principal’s Message It is hard to believe that December is almost here and that there are only three weeks remaining until

Winter Break! There is a great deal of positive energy and enthusiasm building among the students (and

staff). We have had a variety of exciting events occurring and ones we are looking forward to during the

next three weeks. Two events we are very excited about are our Dress Rehearsal and Concert, for which

the students are busy practicing. The dress rehearsal will be at 12:45 on Thursday, December 17, with the

evening concert at 6:00pm. We look forward to seeing students, families and members of our community

at the performances!

Thank you to our PAC for sponsoring a very successful PJ Day and Pancake Lunch - kids were excited to

come to school in their pajamas and eagerly awaited the pancakes, sausages, eggs and fruit.

On Tuesday, November 10th, Gabriola students participated in a very moving ceremony with song and

verse in solemn Remembrance of those who fought for the freedom we enjoy today. Mr. Bradbrooke led

the Gabriola School choir in 2 songs; Ms. Gilroy’s class presented In Flanders Fields and all classes laid a

wreath. Thanks to the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Brownies and Guides for joining in the colour parade.

On Wednesday, December 9th, your child’s first report card for this year will be coming home. Please

take the time to go over the report card with him/her and celebrate their strengths and accomplishments.

Also, take the time to discuss some possible goal areas and make a plan for working on those goals in the

coming term. Remember that their report card is only one reflection of their progress, but that it is a good

tool to use for dialogue and discussion in regards to their education. Thank you for continuing to support

both your own child and the Gabriola Elementary School community.

Eileen Jubinville

Sports Well done to our runners for their strong performances! All our young athletes demonstrated good

sportsmanship and had successful runs, with many qualifying for the District Meet on Nov. 5th at

the Rotary Bowl. A big "Thank You" goes to coach Gerry Bowes for his positive energy and

encouragement. Thanks as well to Mrs. Tufnail for sponsoring the team. Congratulations to all the

runners for a great season of running!

Upcoming Dates To Remember

Dec 2 Hot Lunch

Dec 9 First Report Card Issued

Dec 5 Gabriola Elementary Craft Fair (10-3)

Dec 16 Hot Lunch

Dec 17 Concert (12:45 and 6pm)

Dec 18 Last Day before Winter Break

Jan 4 First Day Back for 2015

PAC Craft Fair

Saturday Dec 5, 2015

10-3pm

Come one, come all! Join us at GES …… • Island Vendors in the gym (Handmade crafts)

• A concession with warm hearty food for you to enjoy

• Silent Auction

• Raffle Tickets

• Our Famous Cookie Walk

• Kids Art room for children of all ages to make some crafts

Please bake 2 dozen cookies & drop off during the day on Friday or Saturday am for the Cookie Walk!

GES’s Nature Garden – Thank you Rick Cranston! Our Nature Garden has a new addition, thanks to Rick Cranston, a local carver. Rick, well known for his

driftwood carvings for placement in gardens, carved a beautiful double headed eagle arch for the garden.

Stephen Levesque continues to work with our students and teachers planting trees, ferns and plants.

Fire and Earthquake Safety We have had three Fire Drills and one Earthquake Drill. The Gabriola Fire Department joins us during the

Fire Drills. During Fire Safety Week, the Gabriola Fire Department visited the primary classes giving fire

safety presentations. Two of our primary students were selected to be “Fire Chief of the Day”. Fire Chief

Jackson picked up Sadie and Andy with the fire truck and toured them through the new fire hall before

treating them to lunch.

Fire Chiefs of the Day →

Phone Messages for Students We receive many messages for students during the day for changes of where and how they are going

home. Please plan ahead and use the planners for these messages. In an emergency, we will deliver the

messages to the students. Otherwise, we cannot guarantee the message will be delivered. We appreciate

your assistance in this.

SCHOOL CLOSURE REMINDER

Occasionally, schools are temporarily closed on short notice for emergency reasons. A heavy snowfall is

the most frequent reason for emergency school closure; however, individual schools can also be closed

because of power or heating failures. The following emergency school closure situations are possible.

Morning school closures – announcements will be on local radio stations: Wolf 106.9 FM and Wave

102.3FM by 6:45 a.m. or go to the school district website - http://www.sd68.bc.ca/

Schools may be dismissed during the day and students sent home. – When schools are closed during

the day, radio stations will have announcements and electronic notices will be sent out.

The Superintendent of Schools, in consultation with the Transportation Supervisor, makes the decision to

close schools. In most circumstances the school district does not close schools early (in the middle of the

day) because of the concerns associated with ensuring that there will be someone there when students

arrive home early.

LOST AND FOUND We have many items in our Lost and Found box (located in the hallway by the staff room). If your child is

missing an item or two, please drop by the school in the next two weeks and claim it. We will display it in

the hallways prior to the Winter Break.

Colder Weather

Here it comes. Rain, drizzle, frost! A reminder that our lunch breaks (big recess) is 35 minutes long.

Please ensure your child comes dressed appropriately for the day’s weather. We promote fresh air

and physical activity and the lunchtime recess is usually spent outdoors. Mittens, toques, warm dry

footwear and coats are necessary to keep your child happy and healthy while playing outside.

FLU SEASON

Flu season is upon us so please follow the guidelines of being scrupulous about hand

washing and sneezing or coughing into handkerchiefs or the crook of your arm. If you or

your child feels sick stay home until you are better. Sick kids need to be at home and we

will be asking parents to pick up students who feel ill. If you have questions about the flu

call the Public Health Office.

HEAD LICE This is the time of year when head lice may show up in your child’s hair. To prevent the spread of

head lice among children at our school, we ask that you check your child’s head weekly for the

presence of head lice.

The wet combing technique, as described in the attached handout, is now recognized as the best

method for detecting lice and their nits.

If you detect head lice on your child, we ask that you notify the school, and treat immediately.

Avoid using head lice shampoos. They may no longer be effective in killing all lice and their nits,

and may cause skin irritation. As described in our handout, inexpensive conditioner and special lice

combs used as directed, will eliminate lice from your child’s head. Hair conditioner and lice combs

are available at most drug stores.

Remember that head lice are a nuisance. They do not carry disease and are not a health risk. Early

detection and appropriate treatment will significantly limit the spread of head lice in our school.

We would appreciate each family taking the time to read the information pamphlet and check their

child’s head regularly. Checking other members of the family is also good idea. More information is

available from the Public Health Nurse (755-3388).

Thank you for helping to prevent head lice from becoming a problem.

Your cooperation is very much appreciated.

Drama Club This year, under the direction of Ms. Reynolds and Diana, students

had a performance for their parents

on Wednesday, November 25.

Rocks and Rings (Curl BC) On Friday November 20, National Sports Day, students wore their favourite jersey and participated

in the School Rocks and Rings Program, led by a Curl BC instructor. Thank you to PAC for their

sponsorship of this opportunity for our students.

Science World at Gabriola Elementary

A scientist from Science World visited our school for two days in November. Students participated in

small groups to design and create their own community (a place where you live, play, learn, work).

PJ Day and Pancake Lunch Students, Parents and Staff came to school dressed in their Pajamas and enjoyed a delicious

pancake lunch (with eggs, sausages, oranges and watermelon). Thank you PAC!

LATES!! WE NEED YOUR HELP!

We have noticed an increase in the number of students who are arriving late to

school! In November, we have had as many as 40 students arriving 10-30 minutes

late. They are missing key instructional time and their late entry disturbs the

learning of other students. Parents, please help us and your child(ren) by having them

at school to start the day (8:40am). Thank you for your assistance with this.