Lord Strathcona Elementary School

592 East Pender Street

Vancouver, B.C. V6A 1V5

Tel: 604-713-4630 Fax: 604-713-4633

NEWSLETTER #6 - FEBRUARY 2016
Director of Instruction: Ms. Ellen Roberts
Principal: Ms. Harjinder Sandhu
Liaison Trustee: Mr. Christopher Richardson
Vice Principal: Mr. Jesse Brown
PAC Chairpersons: Ms. Francesca Benedetti and Mr. David Chen

February 8, 2016 is the Lunar New Year of the Red Monkey. According to some, the Monkey is an
intelligent, witty, and inventive animal. They are problem solvers, working with their group while
simultaneously demonstrating an independence associated with achievers. The nimble monkey is
playful, youthful in nature, and is a joy to watch as they move from activity to activity. In many ways,
this represents the students in our midst. As the year transitions, we would like to thank all of our
families and staff who work consistently to support and encourage our students to become both
collaborative and independent problem solvers while enjoying the presence and company of each
other. At this time of celebration, we wish all of our families good health, wealth, fortune and
company in the year to come as we continue to grow with each other.

For the past two weeks four lucky classes have participated in the Project
Chef Program at Strathcona: Divisions 7, 9, 10 and 21. The program is
designed to immerse children in the process of cooking from preparation
to clean-up, children gain knowledge about food; they discover the pleasure
and satisfaction in creating meals for themselves and they develop the
skills so that they can apply their new-found knowledge and abilities in
making healthy food choices at home. The program is an experiential,
curriculum-based school program aimed at children in kindergarten to
grade seven that teaches students about healthy food: where it comes
from, what it tastes like, how to prepare it and how to enjoy sharing it
around a table. Go to the Project CHEF: Cook
Healthy Edible Food website for more information
project chef.ca.

Daily school attendance is important for all students. Students who attend
school regularly are more engaged in learning, have a greater sense of belonging
to the community and are more likely to obtain a high school diploma. Perfect
attendance should be a goal because even missing school 2 days a
month a student misses the equivalent of one month of school a year.

Attendance Facts:
Students who miss 15 days of school per year will miss a year of school before their senior year.

A student with 90% attendance will miss 4 weeks of school per year.
Being 10 minutes late for class every day means the student will miss 6 days of instruction over
the year.
Students who miss 18 days of school in one year can be up to one year behind their peers.
Students who attend regularly have an increased likelihood of graduating.
Individuals without a high school diploma are twice as likely to be unemployed as those
with a high school diploma.
When a student feels an attachment to school through a web of relationships with other
students, teachers, or a caring adult, it can help overcome many of the causes of truancy (Jenkins
1995).

Students have the best attendance records in schools that make high demands and provide high
levels of support to students (Pellerin, 2000).
Protective factors associated with school attachment include: high self-esteem, positive school attitudes, pro-social activities such as sports, clubs and volunteer work,
and positive attitudes towards police officers (Dukes & Stein, 2001).
Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies by Epstein & Sheldon (2002) show that
students who have frequent absences have a pattern of absenteeism beginning as
early as first grade, and are the students who end up dropping out of school and not
graduating.

Safe Arrival
Our safe arrival program continues to run with the help of volunteers and our staff and neighborhood
assistants. We are requesting that parents/guardians please ensure the following:
That your contact information is up to date.
That you call the safe arrival line 604-713-4637 if your child is going to be late or absent.
Thank you for your support.

September 2016 Kindergarten Registration

For those children that are born in 2011, it is time to register for Kindergarten! Please come to the office to register your
child. It is important that you bring along with you, your childs Birth Certificate (original), Immunization Record, Care card
& Proof of Residency. The child must be 5 years of age prior to December 31, 2016. Please be advised that Cross
Boundary Applications will be accepted from February 1st to February 29th, 2016. Applications/registration forms are
available in the school office. Check out the VSB website: http://www.vsb.bc.ca/kindergarten
for more information.

French Immersion
Kindergarten Registration
For French Immersion applications, parents must register at their neighbourhood English
catchment school before applying for Choice Program(s). As of January 11th, you can apply for
up to three choice programs through our online application process. The application
period closes February 4th, 2016.
Parents wishing to register their child for French Immersion can also refer to the VSB links below for
more information:

http://www.vsb.bc.ca/programs/early-French-immersion
https://kchoice.vsb.bc.ca/

PARENT VISITORS
There are some days where parents are on site throughout the school day and take time to
visit with the children during recess and lunch. We are requesting that when you do so, that
you check in at the office to get a visitors badge. There are times where supervising staff do
not recognize parents on the school grounds and have to approach them for safety reasons.
Also please remember that if you need to speak to the teacher it is important that you do so
before or after school. Ideally it would be best if you could set up an appointment. Once the
bell has rung and class is in session teachers are not available, especially for confidential
conversations. Thank you for your understanding and commitment to your childs learning.

Dogs on School Property

The city of Vancouver Animal Control officers have been coming out to
Vancouver Schools to educate families on Animal Control By-Laws, specifically
licensing and leaving dogs unaccompanied while tied up in a public space.
Although its wonderful to walk together to the school with your children and
pets, dogs must not be left tied up to the school fence while owners or caregivers come into the school to drop off children. Since dogs cannot be brought into
the school, unless of course they are service dogs or part of a classroom
program, one suggestion is to drop off children outside of the school and to have a meeting spot at
one of the school doors or on the playground when picking them up. As well, do not forget to license your pet. Thank you for your cooperation.

LOST AND FOUND

Please stop by the Lost and Found in the Primary Building to look through the
clothing articles that may belong to you. There are many unclaimed items.
We also request that if possible you label your childs belongs: such
as coats, lunch boxes and backpacks, so if found we can return them
to their owner! Thank you.

Strathcona loves to read and now you can see it!

Check out the Reading Tree in the hallway between
the office and the library.
Green leaves are books students love and would
recommend to others.
Yellow leaves are books that are okay.
Pink leaves are books that are not student recommend.
What are you reading? Would you recommend your
book to your friends? If you would like to add leaves
to the Reading Tree, leaves are available in the library!
Let have some fun reading Strathcona and watch our
tree grow!
10 Reasons you should read each day:
1. Mental Stimulation
2. Stress Reduction - Tranquility
3. Knowledge
4. Vocabulary Expansion
5. Memory Improvement
6. Strong Analytical Thinking Skills
7. Improved Focus and Concentration
8. Better Writing Skills
9. Engage Your Imagination and Spark Creativity
10. Free Fun Entertainment

Your are invited to a free workshop on Thursday February 11th from 5:30 pm to 8 pm in the School
Library a light pizza dinner will be provided. Childcare available for this season.
TOPICS: Create an understanding of parents rights as set in the School Act and provide a
forum to voice their experience with the public school system. Revisit issues or topics raised by
parents at earlier workshop.
To RSVP or ask any questions please contact Donna in person or at 604-713-5516.
We look forward to seeing you and your family.

February 2nd - Ground Hog Day

February 3rd - Peer Helpers Lunch
February 8th - Family Day - School Closed
February 8th - Lunar New Year - Gung Hay Fat Choy - The Year of the Monkey
February 9th - Pro-D DayNo school for students
February 10th - PAC Evening Meeting @ 6:00 pm, Guest from the VPL
February 11th - PAC Presentation on Knowing Your Rights Under the School Act @ 6:00 pm
February 18th - Lunch Hour - Cup of Care ( Soup provided by Joeys Restaurants)
February 20th - Ray Cam Community Event to Celebrate Black History Month 9am to 5pm
February 24th - Pink Day - Kindness is a one size fits all.
February 29th at March 11th - Multicultural Weeks
March 4th - Curriculum Implementation Day - No school for Students
March 9th - Report Cards go Home
March 10th - Multicultural Fair and Community Dinner
March 11th - Last day of school before Spring Break
Mach 14th to March 25th - Spring Break School Closed
March 28th - Easter Monday - School Closed

Protect yourself from the stomach flu

Noroviruses are a group of viruses

that cause acute gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as the stomach flu. Outbreaks are commonly reported in
hospitals, long-term care facilities, child care centres and schools. Outbreaks are also being reported in restaurants,
catered events, hotels, resorts and cruise ships. Outbreaks occur throughout the year but the incidence is higher from
the fall through to the late spring.
The most common symptoms are: sudden onset of nausea, vomiting, non-bloody diarrhea and stomach cramps. Other
symptoms may also include: low-grade fever (less than 37.8 degrees Celsius), chills, headache, muscle aches and
fatigue. The symptoms of norovirus usually begin 24-48 hours after you become infected. Most norovirus infections are
mild and pass in a few days, so most people do not go to their doctors for a diagnosis. And there are no specific
medications to treat norovirus. If you have an underlying medical condition, or are elderly, frail, or pregnant, and you feel
like you need to, you may wish to visit your doctor or a walk-in clinic.

To check what it might look like: Visit HealthLinkBCs interactive health symptom checker.
Drink small amounts of fluids such as water or rehydration drinks frequently. Dehydration is the most common
complication and can become a serious concern for people with poor health.
Try to stay with your normal diet as much as possible. Eating your usual diet will help you to get enough nutrition and
may you feel better faster. Try to avoid foods that are high in fat and sugar. Also avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and
coffee for two days after all symptoms have disappeared.
Stay home for two days after your symptoms stop. Illness usually lasts 12 to 60 hours.
Dehydration is the most common complication and can become a serious concern for people with poor health.
The virus can spread: Norovirus can be found in the vomit and diarrhea of people who are sick. The virus can
survive for a long time on surfaces such as countertops or sink taps if not properly cleaned. People can become ill when
they touch these surfaces and then place their hands or fingers in their mouth. Occasionally, the virus may spread
through the air when someone vomits.

How can I prevent norovirus?

Be meticulous about washing your hands with soap and water

Do not share ANY food
Keep your hands away from your face

Rev July 2008 (Sept 2010)

HEAD LICE FACTS

Head lice is also called pediculosis.
Head lice are not a major public health concern because they do not spread illness or disease.
Head lice can be a bother because of the discomfort they can cause and how easily they are spread from

person to person.
Some facts for you and your family to know:
Head lice are tiny insects about the size of a sesame seed and live only on the human head.
Head lice are not caused by being dirty. Anyone who has hair can get head lice.
Head lice can move quickly on dry hair making them hard to see.
Head lice do not jump or fly or swim.
Head lice bites can make the scalp itchy but they do not cause disease.
Adult head lice lay about 10 eggs (called nits) every day. These nits are stuck to the hair near the scalp.
After the head lice hatch, the empty shell of the nit stays stuck to the hair.
You can find lice anywhere on the head. Look behind the ears and the back of the neck.
Lice can vary in colour from tan, brown or gray.
You cannot get rid of lice with a hair brush or with a hair dryer.
You can get head lice by touching heads with someone who has head lice, or by
sharing combs, brushes, hats, headsets or helmets.
Head lice are common where children play or work closely together.
The best way to find head lice is by using a fine toothed lice comb on hair that is dry,
wet or wet with conditioner.
Only treat when you find a live louse on the head.

Life Cycle of Head Lice

Day 1

Adult lice lay

nits (eggs)

Day 7

Day 10

Nits (eggs)
hatch

Day 16

Day 20

Lice become
adults

Adult lice lay

nits (eggs)

If Lice is detected:
Please treat your child by following the attached treatment guidelines
(Option A -Head Lice Shampoo/Rinse, Option B - Wet Combing, or Option C Head Lice Spray). All people in the house (adults included) should be checked for head lice.
Treat only those who have head lice. To check household members for head lice:
Step 1: Read the attached information about head lice.
Step 2: Find a comfortable well-lit area.
Step 3: Wash hair. Apply conditioner and leave in (do not rinse). Use a fine toothed lice comb to check the hair. Check the hair from
the scalp to the end of the hair strand. First look at the hair at the back of the neck, behind the ears and above the forehead. Then,
check the rest of the head. You are looking for live lice. Adult lice are difficult to see as they move quickly. They are the size of a
sesame seed and are tan, brown or gray.
Step 4: Treat only those who have head lice by following Option A - Head Lice Shampoo/Rinse, Option B - Wet Combing, or Option
C Head Lice Spray .
If you do not find lice, it does not mean that lice are not present. Check again in a few days. To find head lice early, it is a good idea
to check your child/children regularly for head lice.
For information, contact the school office, the school public health nurse or check out the Vancouver Coastal Health site:
http://www.vch.ca/your-health/school-health/vancouver---school-health-manual/head-lice-in-schools/

Strathcona Community Centre Food Programs

Thank you to all who came out and supported the Backpack Program Committee this past fall at
their World Food Celebration and Winter Craft Fair table. We will keep you posted about future
events.

Upcoming Food Program Highlights:

We have exciting workshops this winter including:
Feb. 9 - Valentine Vegetable Fermentation
Feb. 22 - After School Snacks
March 1 - Milk Kefir
March 22 - Kimchi
All are welcome and registration fees are pay what you can. Register at the Strathcona
Community Centre front desk 604-713-1838.
The Breakfast Program continues for Strathcona Elementary students and their families each
school day morning from 7:30am to 8:45am. Make sure you give yourself enough time to get to
school on time. Children are free and there is a suggested donation for caregivers.
Monthly free community kitchens take place the last Wednesday of each month. All are
welcome. Register at the Strathcona Community Centre front desk 604-713-1838.

Dogwood 20205
What is Dogwood 2025?
Dogwood 25 is a non-profit initiative that brings together key players in the area of Aboriginal Education in a concerted attempt to increase the
proportion of Aboriginal students who successfully complete high school with the Dogwood/ Graduation Certificate.
Mission
To work collaboratively with the schools to support the educational achievement and social-emotional growth of all Aboriginal learners in our K to
12 public education system in order for them to equal or supersede provincial graduation levels in the year 2025 and beyond.
Vision
Through processes of targeted support, including mentorship, asset-building, community involvement, cultural recognition and respect, and career development, we will work with Aboriginal students to help them achieve their potential as learners and as capable, responsible and fulfilled
members of society.
Aboriginal Youth Mentorship Program Support
Volunteer mentors from local post-secondary institutions will support this initiative. This will include:
Academic support implementing the Academy of Math / Literacy online learning program once a week to enhance the students math / literacy
skills.
Flexible mentorship including one-to-one, group, and goal-specific (i.e. career related) to assist Aboriginal students achieve their potential as
learners and as engaged, responsible and fulfilled members of
their community

RAY-CAM CO-OPERATIVE CENTRE

At Strathcona 11 Grade 7 Students will participate in this exciting

initiative.

Strathcona Student Council

February 24th we will celebrate Kindness is one size fits
all. This slogan will be shared as we stand up against
bullying. Keep your eye out further information coming out
from the Student Council later in the coming weeks.
The goal is to engage our students, and help them really
understand the hurt caused by bullying, gender
stereotypes and homophobia. It is sharing a commitment
to being open minded, to accept and even celebrate
differences, and to respect each other regardless of these
differences. We then as a school community will take a
pledge to demonstrate and promote kindness!
So Wednesday, February 24h please join us by dressing
in pink and thinking about kindness!

Trustees of the Vancouver Board of Education have approved an Interim Long Range
Facilities Plan (LRFP) to submit to the Ministry of Education by January 31, 2016.
VSB will spend the next month getting information out to the public about the Interim Long
Range Facilities Plan before beginning consultation in late February. Consultation and
feedback from the public will help to inform an updated plan that will be sent to the Ministry in
June. It will then be reviewed annually to take into account changes in demographics,
enrolment or education policies.
The Interim LRFP is a framework that will guide the upgrading and building of schools over the next 14 years while the
seismic mitigation program (SMP) is completed. It is intended to get students and staff into safe schools as quickly as
possible while also making sure schools are located where they are needed for future enrolment.
As implementation moves forward any significant changes, including repurposing schools for temporary accommodation
or closing schools, would follow VBE policy and consultation with individual school communities.
For more information on the Interim LRFP please visit: http://www.vsb.bc.ca/VSBengagement

January 20, 2016

Dear School District 39 (VSB) Parents:
DPAC is the Vancouver District Parent Advisory Committee. We represent the Parent Advisory
Councils (PACs) of the Vancouver School Board (VSB) with the common goal of assuring our
children receive the best possible education. DPAC is composed of representatives from PACs
and meets twice per month at the Board of Education building at 1588 West Broadway in Vancouver.
DPAC:
* Supports PACs and shares parents views at the district level.
* Represents the views of city parents to the Vancouver Board of Education through participation on school board standing and advisory committees.
* Meets on the second and fourth Thursday of the month at 7pm at the VSB offices and all parents are welcome. DPAC covers parking and childcare.
*Currently has funding available to support learning activities of our members. Please be in
touch to find out more!

DPAC's day-to-day activities are performed by the volunteer executive council which is made
up of up to 12 parents who are elected by the PACs. (We also have a staff person starting
soon.) Currently there are vacancies on the executive committee and parents are encouraged
to consider putting their names forward. The table officers and executive committee speaks on
the behalf of DPAC. All PAC members and parents are welcome to executive meetings. We
encourage all PACs to have a DPAC representative to attend our meetings on a regular basis
and are appreciative that many PACs are already doing so. While all parents are welcome to
attend our meetings, only the executive members vote at our meetings. We also encourage
parents to become DPAC representatives at VSB advisory committees.
DPAC invites all parents and PAC executives to subscribe to the DPAC mailing list for up-todate information about DPAC activities, DPAC initiatives, and developments at the school
board level.
In particular, we request that each PAC sign up a DPAC representative for your PAC to help us
ensure that the PACs remain up to date on developments at the district level.
Emails:
Subscribe to the DPAC mailing lists:
http://www.vancouverdpac.org/subscribe--pac-executive-mailing-list-.html
Facebook:
Follow the DPAC Facebook page for up to the minute updates:
https://www.facebook.com/VSBDPAC/
Twitter:
Watch DPAC on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/search?q=%40vandpac&src=typd
Bylaws Update Initiative:
The DPAC constitution is out of date and needs to be updated. The DPAC executive is asking
for input from parents to help us make our bylaws more effective so we can do our job better.
Our current bylaws can be found here: http://www.vsb.bc.ca/dpac-bylaws.
Please send feedback to DPAC by email to dpac.sd39@gmail.com or in person by attending a
DPAC executive meeting. Please let us know ahead of time if you wish to speak in person so
we can add time in the schedule.
Additional feedback will be requested throughout the renewal process when drafts of the new
constitution and bylaws are made ready. DPAC encourages parents to provide feedback at
each step.
Sincerely,
SD39 (VSB) DPAC Executive