Category: General

Letter from Vancouver District Parent Advisory Committee

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-to-date 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The DPAC constitution is out of date and needs to be updated.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

Weekly Reminders for Dec 14-18, 2015

**The lost and found located outside the library on the south side will be cleared out on Friday.  Please take a look to see if you have any missing items this week!!**
Monday, December 14-Friday, December 18th:
PAC sponsored Origins Parkour Program continues in gym classes – please have students dress for movement-oriented gym classes on their gym days. The first week of the program has been very well received by the students!
Monday, December 14th:

  • Mad science 12:25pm (last class)
  • Spanish classes 3:30 & 4:15 (last class)
  • Sr choir to sing at Stanley Park Christmas train 5-5:30pm

Wednesday, December 16th:

  • Winter Concert 9:30am and 1:30 pm. Additional Tickets still available. Contact the office 604.713.5441 or hudbuc@vsb.bc.ca to order more tickets. Please bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Food Bank.

*REMEMBER to send a bag to school with your child to help them carry things home from classroom cleanups at end of week*
Friday, December 18th

  • Last day of school for Fall term – Report cards go home
  • Happy Holidays, all!

December 19th-January 3rd:
Winter Break. School is closed for the holidays.
Monday January 4th:
Winter Term Begins. School back in session.
Brief Note on School Renovations
VSB District Principal Chris Atkinson came to the PAC meeting Weds. Dec. 9th to give an overview of the two final shortlist options for the school renovations to make space for an extra classroom for next year as we are growing to 17 Divisions. The two options are:
1. Turn the existing Staff Room into a classroom and move the staff room into a newly re-furbished area where the boys change room exists.
2. put a new classroom in the east side of the existing library, re-jig the library for other uses, and move the library to end of the hallway and into room 107 (Mr. Hunter’s room) which would dramatically reduce the size of the library.
Based on the input and feedback of those who attended the PAC meeting and from initial other feedback: the teachers, staff, PAC and parents support Option 1 over Option 2.
Next Steps
In early January, the PAC will be preparing a presentation to VSB and Trustees Committee 2 to indicate our preference. We have been advised that this approach will make the most impact within our sphere of influencing the VSB and Trustees’ final decision on which option to choose. Please join us in sharing your thoughts and opinions, and attend that meeting with us. We will be setting up a system to gather your feedback, and putting together a News Update centre on the Website, regarding this topic, in early January. 

Weekly Reminders for December 7-18, 2015

PAC sponsored Origins Parkour Program in gym classes – please have students dress for movement-oriented gym classes on their gym days.

Monday, December 7th:
  • Mad science 12:25pm
  • Spanish classes 3:30 & 4:15
  • Jr Boys basketball – 3pm (last session)
Tuesday, December 8th:
  • Gr. 3/4’s Yoga
  • Sr girls volleyball tournament – 3:30pm (away game)
Wednesday, December 9th:
  • Choir – Jr at 12:25 & Sr at 3pm (last session for this term)
  • PAC Meeting – 6:30-8pm in the library. Guest speaker VSB’s Chris Atkinson will speak on renovations, and logistics for the 2016/17 Hudson expansion to 17 Divisions, and update us on the school’s seismic upgrade plan.
Thursday, December 10th:
  • Sr girls volleyball City finals – 3:30pm (away game)
Friday, December 11th:
  • Arts & crafts 12:25pm
  • Senior Choir performance at Fly Over Canada – noon
  • Sr boys basketball – 3pm (last session)
Thank you from Winter Around the World Fair!
A warm and heartfelt thank you to our huge team of parent volunteers, students and staff for helping make this year’s Winter Fair such a fun, festive success! And a very gracious thanks to everyone who generously donated items for the fabulous Kids Market, Raffle and Silent Auction! Our wonderful community event would not be possible without all the time and effort contributed by so many people!

UPCOMING
December 16th
Winter Concert, 9:30am and 1:30pm
Don’t forget to complete your ticket order forms and drop them into the office this week!

December 18th
Last day of school for Fall term.
Report Cards.

December 19th-January 3rd
Winter Break. School is closed for the holidays.
Monday January 4th
Winter Term Begins. School back in session.

Weekly Reminders Nov 30 – Dec 4, 2015

Check out the December Calendar in handy PDF form
Monday, November 30th

  • Mad Science 12:25
  • Winter Around the World Fair Kiosk creations. Parents: please come and help us as dozens of students lead the creation of fabulous exciting games and activities for the Fair! Anytime: 11am-2pm, South Lobby next to the Library.
  • Spanish Classes 3:30 & 4:15
  • Jr boys Bball 3pm
  • Winter Fair tickets on sale – 3-3:30pm on the playground
Tuesday, December 1st
  • Winter Around the World Fair Kiosk creations. Parents: please come and help us as dozens of students lead the creation of fabulous exciting games and activities for the Fair! Anytime: 11am-2pm, South Lobby next to the Library.
  • Multi-ball 3 & 4pm
  • Yoga (gr. 3/4) – 3pm
Wednesday, December 2nd
  • Vball practice – 8am
  • Hudson choir (jr) 12:25 & (sr) 3pm
  • Winter Around the World Fair Kiosk creations. Parents: please come and help us as dozens of students lead the creation of fabulous exciting games and activities for the Fair! Anytime: 11am-2pm, South Lobby next to the Library.
  • Winter Fair tickets on sale – 3-3:30pm on the playground
Thursday, December 3rd

  • 3rd Annual Staff versus Students Volleyball game, 12:30 in the gym, bring a canned food item to donate to Food Bank. Everyone welcome!
  • Senior Girls Volleyball City Tournament at Elsie Roy, 3:30pm
  • Winter Fair setup – 3-7pm
  • Hudson junior choir @ Maritime Museum – 5-6pm
Friday, December 4th
  • Hudson Hawks Spirit Day – wear your RED!
  • Arts and Crafts Program: Lunchroom 12:25-1pm
  • Winter Fair set-up – 8am-3pm
  • Winter Around the World Fair – 3-6pm – bring cash to purchase Passports and Tickets, brings your family and friends, appetites, spirit and cheer!
LAST MINUTE REMINDERS FOR WINTER FAIR…
We have been receiving lots more donations of cakes for Cake Walk, for more raffle items, and more Kids Market items… thanks so much to everyone! And thanks to the growing list of volunteers! But we still need more of everything to really make this year a huge success! (We sold out of Kids Market items and Cake Walk items last year, for example!)

TICKETS FOR WINTER FAIR….
This year, you can purchase tickets three different ways: On MunchALunch (under Fundraiser Open, using credit card, cheque or cash) OR after school this Monday and Wednesday on the playground (cash only), OR, at the Fair (cash only).  Individual Games Passports are $5 each. Tickets for Raffle, Kids Market, Cake Walk, Used Books Fair, Food Fair and HOOSC Corner are each $1 each.

UPCOMING…

Monday, December 7th
ORIGINS PARKOUR PROGRAM
PAC Sponsored parkour program takes place for two weeks during students’ gym time led by renowned Origins Parkour. Gym teachers are on hand as well.

Wednesday, December 9th
PAC Meeting 6:30-8pm, Library
Special Guest Speaker, VSB District Principal Chris Atkinson will speak about the school renovation to add an additional classroom for next year, and also give us an update on our Seismic Upgrade… the timeline for our school and details.
Friday, December 10th
11am-1:30pm
Hudson Senior Choir field trip to Fly Over Canada for their Performance. Performance is from 12-12:30pm

Wednesday, December 16th
Winter Concert
Details are still in the works but there will likely be two shows (9:30am and 1pm) to accommodate the all the parents who want to attend! (and maintain safety under fire codes)

Weekly Reminders for November 23 – 27, 2015

Winter Around the World Fair Tickets on Sale on MunchALunch, Monday November 23rd.

Tickets go on Sale at 3pm Monday. Go to Fundraiser Open section. $5 Passport Ticket for all the games! $5 Passport buys your child a non-stop pass to travel the world and play at all the Games Kiosks.  $1Tickets for: Kids Market, Used Books, Raffle, HOOSC Corner, Food Fair. (Books of 10 Tix for $10 or 20 tix for $20. Tickets also on sale at the Fair. Cash only at the Fair, please)

Be a part of Winter Around the World Fair, Friday December 4th!

Winter Fair items and donations accepted in the office.

THIS WEEK…
Monday, November 23rd:

  • Mad Science 12:25
  • Spanish classes 3:30 & 4:15
  • Jr boys basketball 3-4pm
Tuesday, November 24th:
  • Gr. 5/6 volleyball game 3pm
  • Multi-ball 3 & 4pm
  • Grade 3/4 yoga 3-4pm
Wednesday, November 25th:
  • Volleyball practice – 8am
  • BC Fruit & Veg program serving mandarin oranges & milk in classes
  • Choir – Jr – 12:25 & Sr. 3pm
Thursday, November 26th:
  • Winter Around the World Fair Kiosk creations: THE AMERICAS AND AUSTRALIA! Parents: please come and help us as dozens of students lead the creation of fabulous exciting games and activities for the Fair! Anytime: 11am-3pm, South Lobby next to the Library.
  • “Last” Hudson Storytime-3:15-3:45 at the south entrance of the school library. Carla will read her two favourite stories. Kids will improvise a tale together using Tell Tale story cards. Hudson Story Group Signup Form
Friday, November 27th:
  • Pro-D Day – no classes for students
  • Red cross babysitting course, open to friends of Hudson students and a good choice for parents who just want to feel more comfortable leaving their grade 6/7 child at home alone. Just go to this link and find our school to sign up.

Saturday November 28th:
Family Photo Day has been rescheduled to the Spring. For more information: Renata Sinclair Gmail <renatasinclair@gmail.com>

Monday, November 30th:
Last day for sign up for 2016 Winter Term Hudson Story Group – please see attached.

UPCOMING….
Thursday December 3rd
Junior Choir (Grades 2+3) Perform at Vancouver Maritime Museum 5pm-6pm
(Grade 1’s are welcome to attend in the audience and enjoy participating in the craft area)

Friday December 4th
3pm-6pm Winter Around the World Fair

Wednesday, December 16th
Winter Concert
Details are still in the works but there will likely be two shows (10am and 1pm) to accommodate the all the parents who want to attend! (and maintain safety under fire codes)

The Honourable Madam Justice Miriam Maisonville

Henry Hudson Elementary was very fortunate to host The Honourable Madam Justice Miriam Maisonville as a distinguished guest speaker today, November 18, 2015. * Madame Justice Maisonville spoke to our school about the Rule of Law, the role of Judges in society, what it is like to be a Judge, how the Courts are open to anyone to come and watch and more. She had been given a list of questions in advance and responded to those as well as further questions asked by the children on the day of the presentation. It was a tremendous honour and a rare treat to have such an inspiring speaker, a Justice of the Supreme Court of B.C. attend at Hudson.
[For more information, please contact Victoria S., our parent volunteer who heads up the distinguished guest speaker program, now in its 5th year.]
TheHonourableMadamJusticeMiriamMaisonville
The Honourable Madam Justice Miriam Maisonville -Brief Biography *
Appointed to Supreme Court March, 2010
The Honourable Miriam A. Maisonville completed her undergraduate studies in Political Science in 1982 and received a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of British Columbia in 1985. She was called to the British Columbia Bar in 1986 and to the Alberta Bar in 1991. Prior to her appointment, Madam Justice Maisonville had been Crown Counsel with the Ministry of Attorney General since 1994.
Madam Justice Maisonville is a past member of the Judicial Council for the Provincial Court of British Columbia, as well as member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Bar Association. She served as President of the Canadian Bar Association’s B.C. Branch (2008-2009), the Conférence des juristes d’expression française de common law (2006-2008) and the Association des juristes d’expression française in British Columbia (2008-2009). She was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2009.
She also sits in the Yukon having been appointed as a Deputy Judge to the Supreme Court of the Yukon in 2011.

Weekly Reminders November 16 – 20, 2015

Monday, November 16th:

  • Mad Science – 12:25pm
  • Spanish Classes – 3:30pm and 4:15pm
  • Jr. Boys basketball – 3-4pm

Tuesday, November 17th:

  • Gr. 5/6 Volleyball game – 3pm
  • Multi-ball – 3 and 4pm
  • Gr. 3/4 Yoga – 3-4pm

Wednesday, November 18th:

  • Volleyball practice – 8am
  • Guest Speaker Honourable Madam Justice Miriam Maisonville (grades 4-7) – 9:15am – parents welcome.
  • Choir: Jr 12:25pm and Sr 3pm
  • PAC Meeting: 6-7pm. Childminding and beverages complimentary. Library
  • Guest Speaker 7-8pm: Dr. Cohen: ADHD and Anxiety in Children. Childminding and beverages complimentary. Please bring donation (suggested $5) to help cover guest speaker honorarium. Library

Thursday, November 19th:

  • Winter Around the World Fair Kiosk creation: ANTARCTICA AND ASIA! Parents: please come and help us as dozens of students lead the creation of fabulous exciting games and activities for the Fair! 12:15-1pm, South Lobby next to the Library.
  • Hudson story time with Sophie and Ee-Seul – 3:15-3:45pm. They will read their favorite stories from and about Korea, in English and Korean. Please join us at the south entrance of the school library. If you want to volunteer as a story teller, contact Ee-Seul: eeseul@gmail.com. **Please also see attached message for program coming in January**

Friday, November 20th:

  • Volleyball practice – 8am
  • Winter Around the World Fair Kiosk creation: EUROPE! Parents please come and help us as dozens of students lead the creation of fabulous exciting games and activities for the Fair! 12:15-1pm, South Lobby next to the Library.
  • Arts and Crafts Program (K-4s) 12:25pm, Lunchroom. Sign up in office. FREE!
  • Sr. Boys basketball – 3-4pm

Be a part of Winter Around the World Fair, Friday December 4th!

Winter Fair items and donations accepted in the office. Used books can be brought to the girl’s change room in the gym and will be accepted until Wednesday, November 18th in the morning.
Hudson Story Group Sign Up, deadline November 30th:
Please read attached message for further information.

Weekly Reminders for Nov 9-13, 2015

There is much to read but lots of important information!
Monday, November 9th:
Mad Science – 12:25
& Spanish Classes – 3:30 and 4:15
*Jr boys basketball will start next Monday*
Tuesday, November 10th:
Volleyball practice 8am
& Remembrance Day Assembly in the gym
& Grade 5/6’s volleyball game – 3pm
& Multi-ball 3pm and 4pm
& Yoga grade 3/4 room #205- 3pm. Forms are outside office.
Wednesday, November 11th:
Remembrance Day Holiday – schools closed for statutory holiday
Thursday, November 12th:
Volleyball practice – 8am
& Book Drive – 8:45-9:15am at gym door. Accepting gently-used adult and children books, cd’s, dvd’s and games for use in classrooms, school library and then for sale at Winter Fair. See attached notice for more info.
& Grade 7 Hockey Game vs. VPD – lunch hour
& Winter Fair kiosk decorating and poster making begins designing the 7 continents posters. 12:15-1pm Meet in the foyer outside the library. Parents are invited and welcomed to help!
& Kindergarten audiology screening. Questions, please ask the office.
& Fire Safety Drill
& Hudson Story Time – 3:15-3:45pm outside south entrance of library. Sonya-Vivien and Bev will read their favorite stories from Canada and Russia, in English and Russian. Please join us. If you want to volunteer as a story teller, contact Ee-Seul: eeseul@gmail.com. Please see attached flyer.
Friday, November 13th:
Kindergarten audiology screening
& Winter Around the World Fair AFRICA kiosk creation 12:15-1pm (parents are once again welcome!)
& Sr boys basketball begins 3-4pm. Forms available at the first session and outside the office.
Saturday/Sunday, November 14th/15th:
Renata Sinclair Family Photo Shoots at Kits Beach (rescheduled due to weather). Extended Hours so spaces are still available. Sign up on Munchalunch or contact Renata Sinclair at renatasinclair@gmail.com.
Hudson PAC Direct Donation Appeal
A big thank-you from the PAC to everyone who contributed to this fundraising appeal, now closed. You donated a total of $5,685!
All of this will go towards activities (such as sports, dance and arts programs for the whole school) and resources (field trip support for each class, technology upgrades, etc.) to enhance the educational experience of every Hudson student. Please come out to a PAC meeting or visit the website to learn more about our budget for this year.
Individual thank you notes will be mailed out with the tax receipts once the Vancouver School Board has prepared the latter. In the meantime, please know that the PAC is grateful for your support!
Red Cross Babysitting Course – Friday November 27 (Pro-D day)
Please see the attached form for details of this one-day course at Hudson open to students in Grade 6 and 7.
The PAC will be updating both the general list of Hudson students available to provide babysitting to Hudson families and the roster of students who provide childminding at the monthly PAC meetings once this course has taken place. Each child who wishes to be included on either list must have completed this course or an equivalent.
Registration deadlines are Nov. 19 by mail, and Nov. 26 electronically.  Red Cross Baby Sitting Form.
Guest Speaker at PAC meeting in the school library – Wednesday November 18
In addition to our regular business, we are welcoming psychologist Dr. Doug Cohen as a guest speaker on ADHD and anxiety. Our regular meeting will begin half an hour earlier, at 6:00, to provide time for Dr. Cohen’s presentation from 7:00 to 8:00. The PAC is providing an honorarium, and we will also have a jar on hand should anyone wish to top this up with a small anonymous donation (say $5 or thereabouts). All parents and guardians are welcome; as always, free childminding and refreshments are provided.
UPCOMING in DECEMBER – stay tuned for even more information closer to the dates!
December 4th
Winter Around the World Fair! The must attend Hudson event of the year! Over 400 families come together to celebrate the Winter holiday season with all sorts of festivities, music, wonderful decorations and lots of holiday spirit! This year, we are selling $5 Passports and taking the students on a trip through the seven continents, where they can play games from around the world as often as they want! And then the kids will ‘clear Canadian Customs’ where they receive a prize pack! As always, $1tix for signature Kids Market, HOOSC corner, Used Book Fair, Food Fair, and Raffle! Tickets will go on sale on MunchALunch next week. Or buy tickets on site, cash-only – 3pm-6pm, Friday December 4th.
Contacts for Items needed for Winter Fair:
Raffle prizes shelleeo@shaw.ca and (see attached letter)
Baked goods for Cake Walk (hudsonclassrep@outlook.com)
Used Books (minten@novuscom.net)
Kids Market Items We seek new or like-new condition items that the kids can come in a buy for their moms, dads, grandparents etc. Fun items can be picked up for just a few dollars at places like H&M, Forever 21, Superstore etc. Or re-gift your own stuff! Things you don’t necessarily want any more, such as costume jewellery, mugs, bubble bath, and other novelty items. (carlykrug24@gmail.com)
Volunteers needed for Winter Fair: Many volunteers are needed to make Winter Fair a success! There will be sign up sheets outside the office this week and on MunchALunch. Please sign up for a shift to help set up the Fair, or at one of the kiosks or stations!
Questions? Want to Help at Winter Around the World Fair? (marina@freshstrategy.com or njanepatel@gmail.com)

December 7-18th
Parkours is coming to Hudson! PAC is sponsoring renowned Parkours Origins to come in to teach all the kids Parkours! Takes place during gym classes in school time.

December 11th
Senior Choir Performs at Fly Over Canada!

Weekly Reminders for November 2 – 6, 2015

**Daylight savings time ended last night, so please ensure you have “fallen back” on all of your time-pieces**
Check out photos from Pumpkin Carving!
Please also see the November calendar of events
Monday, November 2nd:
Mad Science 12:25
& Jr Boys Basketball 3-4pm (forms outside the office)
Tuesday, November 3rd:
Volleyball practice 8am
& Race Against Climate Change (Ben West) Assembly 9am – all welcome!
& Grade 5/6 Volleyball game 3pm
& Multi-ball 3pm & 4pm
Wednesday, November 4th:
BC Fruit and Veg Program anjou pears and milk served in classes
& Choir (jr) 12:25 and (sr) 3pm
& Volleyball game 3pm
Thursday, November 5th:
Volleyball practice 8am
& Grade 7 volleyball game 3pm
& Hudson Story Time with Charles and Annie 3:15-3:45 at the south entrance of the library. They will read their favorite stories from Quebec in French and English. (See flyer attached). If you want to volunteer as a story teller, contact Ee-Seul: eeseul@gmail.com More Info
Friday, November 6th:
Henry Hudson Hawk Spirit Day – wear RED to celebrate all day at school! Hawks gear or just your favourite red hats, socks, scarf, anything!!
& Basketball practice (senior boys) 3pm (forms outside the office)
 

The Pumpkins Didn't Stand a Chance

On October 28, 2015, despite a cozy relocation to the basement, parents, guardians and children had a fun time turning donated pumpkins into works of art that became part of the annual celebrations.
Check out the photos.
Thanks to the volunteers to putting it together and for Fernando for help with disposing of the pumpkin guts!
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