Lord Strathcona Elementary School

592 East Pender Street

Vancouver, B.C. V6A 1V5
Tel: 604-713-4630 Fax: 604-713-4633
webpage www.strathcona.vsb.bc.ca
NEWSLETTER#7 March/April 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

We ended our second term of school with two weeks of

cultural exploration which included various workshops and
performances. Many of our classes worked on cultural
projects that varied from exploring ones own personal
identity, family history, our countries history, researching
other countries, having a cultural exchange or exploring
world religions.
Culture is the characteristics and knowledge of a particular
group of people, defined by everything from language,
religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts.
What is multicultural? It is where people from a variety of
different cultural backgrounds live in one area and all their
cultures are embraced, celebrated and valued. We are multicultural here at Strathcona. We come from many different
cultural backgrounds which we value, embrace and celebrate.
On the morning of Thursday, March 10th we held our annual Multicultural Festival in our gym.

We were fortunate to have the participation of so many in our community. This wonderful event
helps us celebrate some of the diverse cultures that make up our wonderful Strathcona community.
The different table booths highlighted cultural traditions, games, crafts, food, dress, music and
more. Each of our classes had the opportunity to tour through the displays and have information
that was shared by staff, students, community partners and parents. This year we had additional
displays of beautiful student artwork and presentations for all to see. Everyone enjoyed the cultural
exchange and later that evening we enjoyed multicultural entertainment and a community dinner.
Thank you to everyone who participated and assisted with the events. A special thank you goes
out to the Multicultural Open House Committee: Reid McInnes, Conor Murphy, Tracy Kong, Donna
Lokhorst, Michelle Martin, Pamela Buis, Caroline Lay, Evelyn Tam, Lilliana Matelich and Colleen
Sturrock .

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 graduate
high school. Perfect attendance should be a goal because even missing two days of school a month works
out to a student missing the equivalent of one month of school a year. We are concerned that irregular attendance will continue to be an issue. Research shows that 18 school days missed can lead to one grade
lost. Your child should attend school every day unless there is an unavoidable cause like illness.
When children arrive at school on time they start the day off more positively. When children attend school
consistently they are able to build stronger relationships with their teachers and classmates. It is difficult to
catch children up when they miss a significant amount of teacher instruction because of late arrivals. In
some cases, valuable teacher time can also be compromised and these late arrivals/absences
impact the learning not only of the child who is absent/late but also of his/her classmates.
If your child has missed or arrived late 18 or more times you will be receiving a letter from the office. How
can we make school a priority for your family? Please let us know if there is any way we can support you in
getting your child to school. We would love to meet with you to discuss your ideas and concerns. Please
contact us in the office 604-713-4630.

Artist Cindy Mochizuki set

out to work with students
from Strathcona and the
Japanese Language School
exploring the artistic process of drawing out a story before an idea has arrived. She led the students through an exploration
of being able to see both the small and large clues that emerge leading you to the seemingly surprising and unplanned markings of a creaturely thing. Cindy visited Division 8 this fall and with
them, devised a space of spontaneous creativity, and built collaborative relationships through a
simple imaginative framework where they could imagine something from nothing using only water,
blue ink, and some salt. The students randomly spilled, splashed and dropped inky colours. They
allowed time to wait for the images to appear. Over 30 beautiful and strange inky creatures were
created by all the students: a whole confederacy of Things. Together they told stories about them,
dreamed up habitats in which they might live, considered what they ate and what strange smells
and sounds they made. This project manifests in two forms: the is an exhibition currently at the
Access Gallery at 222 East Georgia Street until April 16th where you can see all the creations and there will be a childrens storybook published and launched on April 14th.
Ms. Nesmiths reflections on Division 8s work: Every Wednesday, Cindy would arrive laden down
with artistic treasures: sticks for sketching, ink for dripping, soft fluffy brushes for painting and thick
dense paper for creating. In turn, the students created imaginary creatures, and watched the ink
and water and salt expand, change colours, and take on a limitless array of forms and shapes.
Habitats were made for their creatures, lights were shone through windows, tress, and roofs. The
students observed the early morning sun rise over their environments on the classroom windowsill.
Noel would ask in anticipation, Is Cindy coming today? Joseph would sit at his desk and create
imaginary conversations with his creatures. Sabine would raise her hand, eager for others to share
her pride in her work. Art can do this too. Art can take twenty-six children and make each child feel
empowered, unique and special.

Thank you everyone in the school community who observed Pink Day . This year the message was
to be kind to one another, Kindness is one size fits all. Student council members had students
complete hearts that were hung around the school to display what we think of kindness and what
random acts of kindness have been completed by us or for us. Student council also hosted an
assembly on February 24th where they shared with everyone the history of Pink Day and how the
day began. In 2007, two Grade 12 Nova Scotia students felt something had to be done when a
fellow student in Grade 9 was being picked on for wearing pink. The boy was being called
homophobic names. Using social media, a call was put out for supports to come dressed in pink
the next day. This was the beginning of the sea of pink we now see on this day. Students shared
wonderful quotes about kindness to inspire continued acts of kindness.

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. Aesop

Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless Mother Teresa

During our Pink Day celebration we also had the opportunity to say goodbye to a Strathcona
Super Star. We could not find a better example of someone who shows kindness and empathy to
all, the incredible Ron Suzuki. Ron spent 16 years on staff here at Strathcona Community Centre
and he has made and continues to make such a positive impact. Everyone knows, respects and
appreciates his infections enthusiasm, hard work and dedication to our community members young
and old. He supported our school programs and brought in many others to meet our various and
diverse needs from sports and arts to leadership development.
Ron helped provide great opportunities.
Ron, we want to thank you for your service to our community. We know
that you will continue to be involved in many aspects of the programs
you are passionate about so it is not good bye! We do hope that you
will enjoy a little free time now to do some of the other things in your life
that bring you joy like reading, running and spending more time with
your wife and cats!

Basketball season drew to a close. We are extremely proud of all our teams for
their commitment, hard work and sportsman ship. We were fortunate to have
some of our teams compete in the competitive city championships.
Congratulations to all our teams on your hard work, dedication and improvement
over the season!
Junior Boys - Mr. Larson and Mr. Valente
Junior Girls - Madame Lexy
Senior Boys - Mr. Sherrett and Mr. Larson
Senior Girls - Madame LaRochelle, Ms. Deanna Lee, Ms. Ciara Martin

Registration Starts on
Monday, May 2nd, 2016

The Vancouver School Board is not charging a $30.00 commitment fee this year. If applicable, book deposit fees will be charged.
Registration Requirement: Except for international or out of province students, you need a Personal
Education Number (PEN) to register. If you don't know your PEN, please contact your home school.
Online Registration: You must have a PEN and a VSB Summer School account to be able to register
online. To verify your account or to apply for an account, please use the
online account
setup. Enter your PEN and birthdate. For new accounts, the application process may take up to one
week.
Register By Phone (604-713-4550): Monday to Friday (except statutory holidays) 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Register in Person (Vancouver School Board - Summer School Office): Monday to Friday (except
statutory holidays) 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Course Withdrawal: Withdrawals cannot be processed on the same day of registration
Please Note:
Elementary Program:
Students are limited to one Ministry Funded course and must register in their current grade level as of
June 30, 2016.

Secondary Program:
Students may take more than one Ministry funded course, but must be under age 19 on July 1, 2016.
Fee-paying Courses for Elementary and Secondary Students (not funded by Ministry):
Students may take any number of fee-based courses. See individual courses for applicable special
fees.
For more information please check the VSB site: https://summer.vsb.bc.ca/Pages/default.aspx

September 2016
Kindergarten Registration
For those children that were
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.
Applications/registration forms are
available in the school office. Check
out the VSB website:
http://www.vsb.bc.ca/kindergarten
for more information.

SCHOOL ORGANIZATION 2016-2017

We are starting the process of
establishing our enrolment
projections for the 2016-17 school
year. It is extremely important for us
to know who is not returning to our
school next year. Please notify the
office if you are planning to move.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Changing Contact Info?
Please notify the office of any
changes to your phone numbers,
address and emergency contact
ASAP

Head Lice Workshop - pre-registration is recommended.

By popular demand, the school nurse will be leading a lice treatment workshop on Wed. April 6th at 6:30 pm. A light
dinner will be served at 6 pm and childcare will be available. Please RSVP directly to info@stratchonapac.org , speak to
the office, or visit our Eventbrite site at:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/lord-strathcona-lice-treatment-workshop-tickets-22940678186
The event is free but the PAC will accept donations to help insure we can bring more special events like this to you.

April PAC Meeting - Wednesday April 13th. 6pm Dinner & 6:30pm Meeting.

BCTF Speaker Evelynn Ioannidis will discuss Advocating For Your Child. This workshop provides strategies to
help parents effectively communicate with school staff. Topics include: What is Advocacy?
Teacher Conferences, When you need to Call the School or When the School Calls, and Having difficult
conversations.

Spring Fair - Thursday, April 28th 3pm - 6pm

Join in the fun in the Strathcona Gymnasium. Games, Face Painting, Bouncy Castle, Balloon Animals,
Tasty Treats, Cake Walk and Amazing Raffles.
Tickets for games available on Wednesdays at the coffee stand or from Jenny at the Strathcona Community Centre Front
Desk starting April 4th. Advance Tickets 13 for $10.00. Watch for Raffle Ticket Sales at the Coffee Cart too!

Volunteers still needed! contact strathconavolunteers@gmail.com.

Pick ups during the week of the fair are much needed.

April 6th - PAC Lice Clinic @ 6:30 pm

April 13th - PAC Evening Meeting @ 6:00 pm, Guest from the BCTF
April 15th - Curriculum Implementation Day - No school for Students
April 15th - Brain Health Fair at the Vancouver Convention Centre
April 18th - Pro-D DayNo school for students
April 26th - Team/Club Photo Day
April 27th - Immunization Clinic
April 29th - Welcome to Kindergarten
May 2nd - School Planning Day - No school for students
May 4th - Volunteer Tea
May 11th - PAC Meeting
May 19th - Sports Day
May 20th - District Closure Day - No school for kids
May 23th - Victoria Day - No school for kids

Below please find a link to the LRFP survey. To date we have received over 300 responses and have set a target of
2000+ responses by the end of April. Please take the time to complete the survey and represent our community.

Please note that the survey has been translated into Chinese, to access the Chinese version just click the button on the
top right corner of the first page of the survey.
Survey Link: http://surveys1.fluidsurveys.com/s/VSB/futureofschools/
Please consider participating in one of our Public Workshops/Open Houses. Your efforts are very much appreciated. Dates, times and locations are on the flyer and are below:
Public Workshop & Open House dates and locations:
April 2nd Renfrew Community Centre Workshop from 12 noon 1:30 / Open House from 1:30 3 pm
April 7th Vancouver Board Office Open House from 6 pm 7 pm / Workshop from 7 pm 9 pm
April 10th Jewish Community Centre Wosk Auditorium Workshop from 1:30pm 3pm / Open House 3pm 4:30 pm
April 24th River District Centre Workshop from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm / Open House from 2:30 pm to 4 pm
April 30th SFU (downtown campus) World Art Centre Workshop 1 pm 2:30 pm / Open House 2:30 pm 4 pm

STRATHCONA COMMUNITY CENTRE

THE SHARING CIRCLE

The Leadership Committee will be hosting members of the community each week on Friday from 1:45pm until 3:45pm at
The Sharing Table. This will be a part of an overall welcome area, where we plan to offer beverages and a snack to people at the market or others who are visiting the center on that day.

The Sharing Table is meant to build community and relationships. We hope that by sharing
something of ones self with others you will draw attention toward the value and beauty of each
and every person in our community.
Sharing:
Photo albums
Coloring mandalas
Sharing smoothies
Planting seedlings
Braiding hair
Recipe sharing/Swap
Creating a cookbook with your neighbors
Demonstrating/offering a skill
Creating a cookbook with your neighbors
Demonstrating/offering a skill
Knitting
Crocheting
Weaving
Candle wax dipping
Working with cedar
. . . . . . . . . the list is endless

Listening
Relaxation methods
Threading
Basic hand sewing skills
Making something for charity
Nail care and polish
Offering Resource Information
Sports in BC
Low cost groceries and meals in Vancouver
Family drop in Vancouver
Best thrift stores in town . . . . . . . and so much more
Birthday party themes and cakes, for school aged children

Dates available: Apr 22,29 may 13,20,27 Jun 3,10,17,24 (the missing dates are full)

All ages and multi-generations sharing together are welcomed.

Here are the dates and most of the
details for visiting TuWusht( The
Aboriginal Gardens at UBC):
Spring Dates: TuWusht Project Family Friendly
Farm Trips
Trip 1
Tuesday April 18th 2016 Prod Day
Trip 2.
Monday May 2nd 2016 School Planning Day
To Register:
In person at the Food
Program office located next to the elevator on the 2nd
floor 9-5pm except Thursday 11- 5pm
By phone: 604 713 1839 Program Office
By email: lorraine.holubowich@vancouver.ca
In person at Donna Lokhorsts office in Room E300.
Trip Capacity: 24 passengers
Time: Mid-morning to mid- afternoon (on
non- instructional days at school)
Driver and organizer: Lorraine Holubowich
Location: The TuWusht Project located on
Musqueam Territory at UBC.
Transportation: Strathcona s Variety Bus ( booster
seats are available for children over 401bs please
indicate how many you need when you register)
Program Host: Kim Haxton Cost: FREELunch: will be provided by Strathcona and TuWusht
Special dietary needs: We require that you bring
some snacks and fluids that would best suit your
needs.
Please register by: April 11th 2016 for April 18th trip
April 25th for May 2nd trip
Please dont hesitate to call if you have any questions