3700 Hastings Street, Port Coquitlam, B.C. V3B 5K7 Phone: (604) 464-8581 Fax: (604) 461-7832 www.sd43.bc.

ca/maplecreek/

School Goals 2009-2010:

Goal One: To continue to improve students’ reading skills and attitudes towards reading for
information with non-fiction text; specifically, determining main ideas, synthesis, and
analysis
Goal Two: To continue to improve students’ sense of safety and belonging

\Dear Parents and Guardians,

O ur a m a z i ng p e r f o r m a nc e
assembly last Friday marked the
quarter mark of the school
year. Students have now switched
their daily exploration class and
exploration and CORE report cards
November 25, 2009
your son or daughter to come home
with some more knowledge and
transform your home waste and
recycling program into a more green
friendly model.
I would like to take this opportunity
Alone 2". There will be a
concession with popcorn, hot dogs,
chips and drinks. The cost is
$2.00 per person and a non-
perishable item for the food
bank. If you wish, you may bring

will be coming home soon. Please
make a point of touching base or
meeting with your child's teacher to
go over their progress and discuss
how we can work together to
ensure we are meeting your child's
needs and assisting them to reach
their full potential. The school is
constantly a hub of activity and
energy and we have many activities
NEWSLETTER # 3
to thank our PAC for their endless
hard work a nd unf a iling
support. Thanks to the PAC, we
are planning on replacing the
computer lab with a new set of
computers over Christmas. This
replacement has a positive "trickle
down" effect; the computers
presently in the computer lab will go
into the library (an upgrade), and
"foamies" or a lawn chair. The
show begins at 7:00 pm in the gym
and is open to all our students and
families, our 4 elementary feeder
school families, and any friends
students bring. See you there.
A reminder to familiarize yourself
with our webpage. You will find
information about our many

activities, school information, and

and initiatives up and running. Our
student leadership team, "The
Hawk Krew" not only do our
morning announcement s,
intramurals and a host of other
leadership duties, but just started
up our new recycling program. This
is a huge undertaking as it includes
all the garbage and recycling in the
school. If you are not efficiently
recycling at home, be prepared for
the library computers will go into the d a i l y a n no u nc e m e nt s . I
classroom and student services recommend you visit it frequently.
rooms - directly for our students. If you ever have any questions or
On Fri., Dec. 4, we are having our concerns, my door is always open.
annual Maple Creek Family Movie
Mr. B. Trask, Principal
Night. As it marks the beginning of Mr. M. Slinger, VP
the holiday season, we will be
showing the timeless animated
classic "The Grinch Who Stole
Christmas" followed by "Home

This is an important document. Please

First Formal Report arrange to have it translated
Friday, December 11

Parent/Teacher Conferences
Wednesday, December 16
(students dismissed at 1:10 p.m.)
(only one school bus is ESTE DOCUMENTO ES MUY IMPORTANTE, POR
available on these dates for FAVOR, TRATE QUE SE LO TRADUCIR AL
students who utilize the school bus ESPONAL LO.
and it leaves at 1:30 p.m.)

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 NO VE M B E R 25, 20 0 9 Page 2

IMPORTANT DATES TO
PUMPKIN PIE EATING CONTEST
REMEMBER

Students and staff participated in the annual pumpkin pie eating contest.

Winter Bliss Performance

Wed., Dec. 9
7:00 p.m.

First Formal Report goes

home with students
Fri., Dec. 11

Parent/Teacher
Conferences
Wed., Dec. 16
1:30—6:30 pm
(1:10 pm early dismissal)

Christmas Breakfast
Thurs., Dec. 10
7:30—8:30 am

Last day of school before

Christmas break
SCHOOL CLOSURE DUE TO EXTREME WEATHER OR POWER OUTAGE Fri., Dec. 18
Occasionally, it is necessary to temporarily close a school due to
extreme weather conditions or a power outage. This decision is made Winter Break
by school district personnel, not the Principal. Factors such as Dec. 25—Jan. 1
building temperature, light availability, other general safety factors, and
the recovery time for power (estimated by BC Hydro) are First Day back from
all considered by the school district in making a decision Christmas break
to close a school. Every attempt is made by the school Mon., Jan. 4
district to communicate a school closure ahead of time via local radio
and television, and through the district website. In the event of heavy
snowfall, ice or high wind, please listen to CBC 690 AM, CKNW 980 School-based
AM, or CKWX 1130 AM radio stations for possible school closure Professional Day
information. In addition, on inclement weather days, school closure information (no school in session)
will be posted on the school district website at www.sd43.bc.ca Fri., Jan. 22
Unfortunately, as we have experienced in the past, events sometimes occur at the last
minute, and a decision to close a school cannot be communicated ahead of time to
Literacy Conference
parents. In these circumstances, we will make every attempt to contact as many Thurs., Feb. 11
parents as possible using staff or student cell phones.
District
Professional Day
STUDENT INFORMATION CHANGES (no school in session)
During the process of updating student information from the “Student Information Fri., Feb. 12
Verification Form” that was sent home and then returned to the school in September,
it was noted that changes were requested for: students names, and/or parental
custody/guardianship, or citizenship.
Before we can change any part of the above we must have a legal document to
support the change. If this situation is applicable to your child please forward a copy
of the document to support a necessary change and we will make the corrections.
Please note that it is the schools obligation to have the legal name on all formal
reports, but a student can use a preferred name on informal documentation.

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 NO V. 1 2, 2 0 0 9 NE W SL E T T E R # 4 Page 3

MAPLE CREEK STUDENTS SUPPORT VOW OF SILENCE DAY COUNSELLOR CORNER

Twenty years ago in November, the Berlin Wall fell and the Velvet Last month’s newsletter
Revolution reached its zenith. Amidst these revolutionary events, the focused mainly around
Convention on the Rights of the Child – the most rapidly and widely students and in some case
ratified human rights treaty in history was born. This precipitated a different parents adjusting to a new
kind of revolution – in how societies around the globe view childhood. The school environment and I
Convention is an enduring consensus on how to create the best possible can sincerely say that the
childhood in the 193 of 195 countries that have ratified it. It is also a tool for majority of students have been able to make
the 21st century, presenting a holistic view of what children need and the transition from elementary school or a re-
deserve and how to deliver on that, in the here and now, rather than simply location to middle school without major
as future workers, citizens and consumers. difficulty. For the students and/or parents
who require further support feel free to visit
The milestone will be marked this year across Canada and around the me at the school or communicate via e-mail.
world by an unprecedented number of events large and small, from local By November the school has its diverse and
day cares and schools, to legislatures and parliaments. multi focused programs in place with always
As you may or may not know the Vow of Silence Day was last Friday. The an ear open to better ways to encompass a
purpose of that day was awareness: holistic view of “educating” students. In other
words, striving to incorporate social and
• of the 20 year old UN document called the Conventions on the Rights emotional growth within the framework of
of the Child that outlines the rights of all children. academia. For parents/caregivers who are
• that this document has failed to give all children those rights new readers of Counselors Corner or are
and millions of children around the world do not have these basic unfamiliar with my philosophy of lifestyle
rights. balance, I would like to reiterate that view.
Simply said, the whole is not merely that sum
• of how many children don't have a voice or anyone fighting for their
of parts but the interaction and cooperation
rights. of all parts within the whole.
• that taking the Vow of Silence allows us to think about the power and
privilege we have with our own voices, our own words, and our own For example, a few weeks ago the common
rights. usage of the term “just kidding” was
addressed school wide. It had come to the
• that taking the Vow of Silence allows us to think about others' voices,
attention of staff that many students behavior
others' needs and others' rights.
demonstrated that it was OK to say or do
• that being an activist/taking a stand can be uncomfortable but that something that was either disrespectful or
we all can use our voices to speak out in support of children's rights. even cruel to others and think that saying
The purpose of the day was to live a brief period of time without something “just kidding” would excuse or defend the
that we take for granted, our voices. We all need to experience, in a small behavior. This kind of behavior, if not
way, the challenges faced by others who don't have a voice. recognized as being disrespectful and hurtful
will manifest itself into adulthood. I suspect
Maple Creek Students supported this cause by committing to not using that everyone knows someone who uses
their voice for the three hours. Taking this project one step this strategy when uncomfortable/defensive
further, the students who chose to participate also in a situation AND has not had the
donated a loonie which will be donated to our Maple opportunity to reflect on the strategy as a
Creek Christmas Hamper project. way to gain insight to why they chose this
style of behavior.
Now knowing this, we challenge you to think about
what you will do with your voice. What will you say? As part of the commitment to promote holistic
How will you think and act and use your voice learning all the staff at Maple Creek
differently? Will you see it as a gift? Will you find a way communicates with one another on the social
to help others find their voice? Will you take the time to and emotional interaction of the students and
have a conversation about this issue? how it impacts the environment of the school.
Topics addressed are always in the interest
The following article by Craig and Marc Kielburger explains the issues of the student’s psychological health and
surrounding this document and why it's important. wellness that will take them into adulthood.
http://www.thestar.com/news/globalvoices/article/726368--world-s-adults- Open communication is a practiced policy at
must-honour-vow-to-children Maple Creek and we invite thought from
parents/caregivers on topics of interests.

Sheran Selluski, M.A.

Counsellor

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 NO VE M B E R 25, 20 0 9
TEAM HIGHLIGHTS
Team 1
Mme Armstrong's class has been looking into the past; we are
studying laws and customs from the Middle Ages. We are also
using reading strategies to improve our skills and comprehension in
all subject areas. All grade 8 students in the school should be
finishing up their term 1 volunteer hours for the HCE program.
M Kennedy's class has been studying Pythagoras’ theorem,
integers, and problem solving. In addition, we learned how to
integrate technology into our projects in social studies
(Moviemaker) and we just completed our “How I remember”
reflective writing project in language arts where we recognized the
importance of honouring everyone who has been affected by war.
M Francescini's and Mme McInnes' classes have been studying
earthquakes, volcanoes, and rocks. We have also been working on
a career project in HACE. Mme McInnes' class had the pleasure of
learning how to make tacos from Corina's parents! A special merci
to Mme Ouelette and several Team 1 grade eight students who
have been helping others with reading comprehension.
Team 1 is planning a sharing activity with the students from Glen
Elementary; we hope to see them before Christmas and have
some fun together.
***Team 1 is looking for a parent to be our CPF liaison this
year. If you are interested, please contact Mme Armstrong.
Team 2
It continues to be a busy time of the year for the students of Team
2. We were very moved by the Remembrance Day ceremony and
were very pleased to see such a large number of students
participate in the event. They also rocked out during the
performance assembly which showcased the many musical talents
of the students. We are also looking forward to the upcoming
reading afternoon. In Math, students are reviewing number theory
and working with fraction operations. In English, students are doing
memoir writing, and participating in literature circle discussions of
the novel Zack. In Social Studies the students have been
researching six religions and creating teaching pages which they
will be sharing with their classmates. They have been working on
research skills as they delve into understanding the various
religions in the world around them. For Health and Career
Education, students have been busy collecting volunteer hours by
helping around the school. These hours have seen a positive
change in the school as everyone is helping out and feeling a part
of the community.
Team 3
Three months in and hard at work. Team 3 students have gotten
into the routines of the classroom and are hard at work in all
areas. Math has done some basic review and is moving from
integers into fractions. The more practice we can get with the basic
facts the better everyone is at fractions and Math in
general! Science has gone from the safety rules to working on
simple labs, getting to know the lab set-up and we are working to
showing our own labs. Students have also been looking at cells
and the inner workings of the cells. In Socials, Team 3 students
have been doing some great work researching questions they have
on World Religions. These questions have lead to many great
discussions. In English, students have just begun looking at The
Outsider’s novel. With only a month before the winter break things
are sure to get even busier than the first three months.
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Page 4
Team 4
Team 4 has begun studies of early people.. A skating fieldtrip is in
the works for early December.
Team 5
Team 5 has been working hard in all our academic areas and will
soon be looking forward to some fun.
In Science, we are continuing to explore the area of Chemistry and
have been studying matter and the many types of changes to it.
We have been practicing to accurately conduct and document the
scientific experiments. All of our experiments have been
completed using household items and your child should be able to
demonstrate his or her new found knowledge at home.
In Social Studies, we have completed our Mapping Unit and will
soon be starting our study of Early Humans. Each class on Team
5 completes the topic of study at slightly different times and only
some classes may begin this area of study before the Winter
Break.
Team 5 will soon be saying good-bye to Mr. McPhee. Mr. McPhee
is just finishing his student teaching practicum. Although he
worked primarily with Division 18, Mr. McPhee taught many Team
5 students through our Math and French switches, or Physical
Education class and all Team 5 benefitted from his commitment
and enthusiasm. We all wish Mr. McPhee good luck with the rest
of his training and his teaching career.
Team 5 continues to go for a daily walk outside. Not only does this
help everyone stay more active and healthy, it allows our Team a
chance to bond together, before we begin our day. Please
continue to send your child prepared for this outside activity.
In early December, we will be going on a field trip to City Centre
Aquatic Centre. Look for a notice to come home shortly.
Team 6
Team six has already had an eventful November, including a
fabulously successful swimming field trip and a fun morning of
cartoons and cereal in our pajamas.
These fun moments are made possible by our student’s continued
commitment to their academic assignments. With our first reports
coming soon, students should be studying diligently for their Math
basics tests and seeking help as needed. Math tutorials are
available for students every week on Tuesday and Wednesday,
both at lunch and after school with other times available by
appointment. The reading log and DPA log still need to be
completed and signed weekly. Students will also have tests to
study for and larger projects to complete over the next few weeks.
FIRST FORMAL REPORT & PARENT TEACHER
CONFERENCES
Our first formal report goes home on Fri., Dec.
11. Any parents, who after reading their child’s
report, would like to meet with teachers on Wed.
Dec. 16 between 1:30—6:00 p.m can book a conferences by
calling into the school or emailing jmarsh@sd43.bc.ca.
 NO VE M B E R 25, 20 0 9
ATHLETICS
Maple Creek athletes have had a busy Fall season taking
part in 5 different sports this term: football, volleyball,
swimming, field hockey, and cross country). Students at
Maple Creek performed well in all sports and displayed a
level of excellence in terms of participation and effort. These
sports would not be possible without the effort and
commitment of our staff, these sports would not be going on.
Thanks to the following staff members:
Swimming: Ms Coghlan and Ms. Armstrong
Cross country: Ms. Dibblee, Mr. Elson, Mr. McPhee
Volleyball: Ms. Kehler, Ms. Shaw, Mr. Baran, Mr. St Prix, Ms.
Lee, Mr. Lau
Football: Mr. Lee, Mr. Corrado, Mr. Faulks, Mr. Lau, Mr.
Gibbons (volunteer)
Field hockey: Ms. Warner (parent coach), Mr. Trask
(sponsor)
Volleyball
Gr. 8 Girls Volleyball
Bump, Volley, Serve! Those three things were worked on
consistently over the course of the volleyball season and it
worked to our advantage. The girls displayed great
teamwork and good sportsmanship with each and every
game played this year. Both teams represented Maple Creek
well and the coaches were impressed with the growth in the
skills of the girls. The B team did an excellent job advancing
to the District finals placing 5th. Well done girls, all of you
should be very proud of your efforts this year.
Gr. 6 Boys and Girls Volleyball
Meeting twice a week at lunchtime, the Gr. 6
Volleyball team was able to have some fun
while learning some new skills. Thanks to
help from our Gr. 8 helpers we were able to
work on volleying, bumping and serving. Our
Gr. 6s represented us well at the mini games vs Scott Creek
and even better against the other middle school teams at our
District finals held at Gleneagle Secondary. It was a fun
season and the Gr. 6s learned a lot!
Grade 8 Boys
The grade 8 boys’ volleyball season has come to an
end. The boys met together as a group in early September
and ended their season as a team in the second week of
November. During that time the boys practiced hard and
continued to hone their skills, developing their volleys,
bumps, serves and spikes. They showed great
determination, hustle and sportsmanship in all
games. Congratulations to all the boys who participated and
represented our school in the district playoffs, making our
school proud as always. The boys’ played hard and showed
the desire to win, never giving up. I would like to thank the
boys for their effort and commitment to the game and their
teammates. It was great working with you and continued
success in your volleyball adventures. Thank you to Mr.
McCullough and Ms. Gallant for taking the time to drive the
team to the other schools when we had our away games.
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Page 5
Intramurals
Students have been taking part in beach ball volleyball
during their lunch hour this term. Each class will have
played at least 3 games to determine the top 8 teams in
the grade 8 and the grade 6/7 divisions. At stake is a
pizza lunch to the winning divisions. Good luck to all
teams.
CLUBS
The Outdoor Club
The Outdoor Club had an
amazing hike to Crystal Falls in
October and last week
practiced their outdoor cooking
skills on a very rainy after school day. Tenting in the gym
in January is our next activity. This is in preparation for
our May camping trip. A reminder that outdoor club is
open to all students and they may join any activity. A big
thanks goes to the Outdoor Club founder and sponsor,
Mrs. Davies.
Ski & Snowboard Club
The Ski & Snowboard Club is all set to start
with it’s first outing being Mon., Jan. 11.
Students leave right after the bell by
chartered bus and return to the school at
approx. 9:15 pm. The next dates of the
trips are: Mon., Jan.18 & 25, and Feb. 8.
There is still space available if students are
interested in participating. Registration forms are at
the office (see Ms. Waddington). Cost ranges between
$147 and $263 depending on package required (lesson
only, lesson & lift, lesson, lift and rental equipment).
SHOULD PARENTS HELP WITH
HOMEWORK?
Yes, f it is clearly productive to do so,
such as calling out spelling words or
checking a math problem that won't
prove. No, if it is something the child can
clearly handle himself and learn from
the process. Help and support should
always be calmly and cheerfully given.
Grudging help is worse than no help at
all!
Read directions, or check over math problems after your
child has completed the work. Remember to make positive
comments - you don't want your child to associate
homework with fights at home.
Model research skills by involving your child in planning a
family trip. Help your child locate your destination on a map
or atlas. Use traditional encyclopedia or a CD-ROM to find
information about the place you will visit; try the Internet or
books in the library.
 NO VE M B E R 25, 20 0 9 Page 6

FINE ARTS CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST

Maple Creek School will be hosting its annual
Choir

♪
festive Christmas Breakfast on Thurs., Dec. 10,
The choir has been meeting since from 7:30—9:00 a.m. We wish to invite parents,
September every Monday morning. They siblings, and staff to come and join us for breakfast
come eager to sing and ready to work on and help support our school community. The
challenging songs. Our first performance breakfast is by cash donation and all proceeds will
was the Remembrance Day assembly where go towards purchasing fresh food for the Christmas
the choir sang “Heal the World” by Michael Jackson and Hamper Program.
“Travellin” Soldier by the Dixie Chicks. Both songs were
sung extremely well by the choir and would have made Please take note that there will be no other
Michael or the Dixie Chicks very proud. Our next big breakfast served that week and that the breakfast
concert will be the Winter Bliss concert where we have club will resume in January.
some fun with Christmas Carols. Later on in the month we will be putting together
several food hampers to be given to members of
Drama our community. If you know anyone in our
Over 200 students participated in this year’s community who could really benefit from a
Remembrance Day Assemblies performing in the Christmas Hamper, please contact our school
advanced band, choir and/or grade 6,7 &8 drama clubs. youth worker, Brenda Coatta at (604) 464-8581.
Our two themes were: 1) Remembering
Canadian soldiers, past and present, who MAPLE CREEK MIDDLE CHRISTMAS
have died and, unfortunately, continue to die HAMPER PROJECT
in battle and in peace-keeping missions The holiday season is quickly approaching
around the world. 2) Uniting as one global and here at Maple Creek plans are in the
family to heal the world and find peace. works to support some of our own families
Students involved had been rehearsing since through this difficult time of the year with
September to help create a meaningful and respectful hampers.
assembly for our student body, staff, parents and Your child may ask for a non perishable
members of the community. Thank you to all who joined food donation to help out with this cause.
us and a special thank-you to all staff and students who
worked very hard to put this together. When you are deciding about your contribution, please take
the time to think about your Christmas festivities and what
The drama club will resume again in the form of the foods look like on that day.
auditions for our Spring Play (title and audition Breakfast
information will be announced soon) Pancake mix Lunch
Cereal Dry & canned soups
MCM GREEN TEAM INITIATIVES Syrup Canned meat and fish
Juice 1litre Canned meals stews, ravi-
We are very excited to have started a student led Peanut butter oli
initiative to substantially improve our recycling efforts at Jam Condiments, ketchup,
Maple Creek and reduce our overall carbon Dinner mustard, mayo
footprint. We have student leaders coordinating our Canned meats Granola bars
efforts with a number of teacher sponsors to keep Canned vegetables Mandarin oranges
‘Tower Power’ going. Each division has Canned tomatoes, pasta and
representatives that take care of the recycling in their pasta sauce
own class as well as another station around the Rice
school. Students now have the option to recycle all of Stuffing mix
their containers, hard/soft plastics, paper and Cranberry sauce
cardboard. MCM has taken a lead amongst middle Desserts & snacks
schools in the district taking advantage of some funding Candy canes
from the District Energy Manager. We have also Hot chocolate
Granola bars
signed up with Encorp to compete in a contest amongst Jell-o & puddings
Cookies
other schools around the Province with 501-750 Canned fruit
Pickles
students to see who can recycle the most number of Cake mixes
Tea coffee
containers (for deposit). We will start collecting on
The students have been doing a great job and our Dec 1 – 11.
community is working much more efficiently to Should you have some perishable items you would like to
recycle. We hope to see significant reductions in the contribute e.g.: turkey, ham, cheese, bacon, eggs, milk,
total weight of our garbage, along with reductions in our please contact Brenda at 604-464-8581. Thanks in
use of electricity and natural gas. We look forward to advance for making a family's Christmas season just a little
parent support in helping our community ‘Go Green!” bit brighter!
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 NO VE M B E R 25, 20 0 9 Page 7

WINTER BLISS CONCERT

This year’s Winter Bliss Concert is on Wed., Dec. 9 . Both our Beginner band and our Advanced
Band will be performing with some accompaniment of our school choir. Families are invited to attend
this wonderful evening performance at 7:00 p.m.

REMEMBRANCE DAY ASSEMBLY

On Wed., Nov. 11, our Drama and Music departments presented a remarkable Remembrance Day assembly that
honoured all Canadian armed forces that have served and are serving our country. We would also like to acknowledge
Mr. Burton, Ms. Grant, Ms. Asher and Ms. Shaw for coordinating this presentation.

Drama 6 Club

A. Agostino J. Ellis K. Letain C. Mitchell B. Thomas

M. Beebe S. Ellis H. Liu T. Mohebi S. Traub
K. Bondi A Fabian S. Mawhinney D. Murphy V. Vermes
A. Braever-Thorne T. Farrell D. McLean K. Nelson M. Wolsfeld
R. Braever-Thorne G. Gignac D. Meston A. Nordstrnd E. Wright
E. Brown K. Hammel J. Mikati M. Pelly K. Yee
M. Conroy K. La Bounty D. Miller J. Psenicka
T. Desai L. Latrace J. Mills R. Stenning

Drama 7 Club

A. Amir Jabbari G. Connor S. Hong M. Puevas

N. Anderson J. Edgar C. Kopplin M. Salonga
A. Bosch Q. Fowlie S. Lee S. Soheili
M. Cho D. Gaita Y. Leee S. Sun
R. Cho K. Guimond E. Pacyk

Drama 8 Club

A. Abu-Ata S. Bugos D. Jordan G. Nikjou

N. Allen R. Caban K. Klassen D. Tabyanian
K. Anderson R. Chapman W. Klun L. Valerio
N. Beauregarde A. Cho S. Lui T. Yang
B. Brauer J. Gillis A. Nicholson

Choir
A. Agostino G. Connor C. Kim T. Mohebi C. Saunders
C. Bai A. Cote C. Kopplin C. Moon G. Sekretaryuk
B. Bauslaugh G. Down C. Lam A. Nordstranc I. Soares
M. Beebe S. Ellis L. Latrace A. Olovyannik T. Tjaden
J. Biggin K. Guimond S. Lee M. Pelly M. Vega
M. Bischoff S. Hamzaei M. Lorette J. Psenicka E. Wright
A. Bosch B. Hanson N. Mansuri A. Rahmani
M. Brunelle R. Harding A. Marais D. Reddy
K. Bryson C. Huang C. Marsh N. Rogers
J. Chau S. Kang A. McLean M. Salonga

Advanced Band
W. Avery- V. Chen J. Ho J. Kim M. Lopez E. Moersch H. Shiu K. Wiens
Wilson V. Chen A. Huang J. Kim W. Lu T. Nan G. Soares L. Xu
J. Biggin A. Cho I. Hung S. Kim S. Lui A. Park K. Sohn T. Yang
T. Biggin R. Cho C. Iu J. Lamb C. Ly B. Park E. Stewart A. Yu
C. Bordignon D. Dizon Y. Jin A. Lee I. Mand J. Park D. Sun R. Zhang
K. Bryson Q. Fowlie P. Kamkar Asli T. Lee A. Marais A. Rahmani S. Sun S. Zhu
B. Chamberlin K. Guimond N. Kang T. Lee A. Markham B. Rees S. Wang
I. Chan R. Harding C. Kilberg T. Lengert J. Markham N. Romalo B. Wei
J. Chau C. Ho A. Kim M. Liao G. Miller C. Shaw D. White
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 NO VE M B E R 25, 20 0 9
Going on Vacation? Homework Policy:
Each year we are approached by an increasing number
of parents who wish to take their child out of school for
extended periods of time. Usually this is for reasons
associated with family plans or family business. We do
not have a procedure for granting students a “leave of
absence”. Rather it is assumed that parents will make
decisions in the best interests of their own child. We are
respectful of the fact that many of our families have
family members far away, and spending time with them
is important. Difficulties arise, however, when parents
wish to have some sort of reassurance that their child
will not be “behind” in their work when they return. If
your child misses school for extended periods of time,
he or she will be “behind” in classroom work. Students
may well have other cultural and travel experiences
which contribute to their overall development, but the
many varied daily classroom activities they will miss
cannot be duplicated through worksheets or workbooks.
We are not in the position to provide assignments for
children who have extended absences due to family
plans. Rather we are providing a list of suggested
activities which are designed to assist parents with
planning for their child’s educational needs while
traveling:
- Set aside a time each day for reading English books.
As school textbooks and library books cannot be taken
on extended absences, you may wish to acquire several
paperback novels or children’s magazines suitable for
your child’s age and reading ability.
- Have your child keep a reading response journal in
which he or she records this reading activity and
thoughts about what has been read that day. There are
many ways of structuring this, depending on how much
time the parent and child are willing to devote.
- Keep a scrapbook of special places or sightseeing.
This can include postcards, pamphlets, drawings, etc.,
with some student writing or labeling. Maps with routes
marked on them and short paragraphs about the
historical significance of certain landmarks would be
useful additions.
- Have your child keep a “math journal” or ledger,
dealing with changes in time and currency, distances
travelled, cost of fuel and meals... lots of real life
practice with numbers and your child can help to check
the VISA bill when you get home. You may wish to
purchase a math workbook which will help your child
keep in daily practice with basic math skills.
We will be happy to see what your child has
accomplished upon his or her return, but will not be
evaluating or marking these activities. It is your right to
take your child out of school due to family
circumstances, but once you have exercised that
privilege, you must also accept the responsibility of your
child’s education during that absence.
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Page 8
Limiting Screen Time
Too much screen time can interfere
with activities such as being physically active, reading,
doing homework, playing with friends, and spending
time with family. Try the following tips to reduce screen
time:
Set limits on screen time. Your children should
spend no more than 2 hours a day watching
TV, surfing the internet or playing video games.
Remove the TV or computer from your child’s
bedroom. Children with TVs in their rooms
spend almost 1½ hours more per day watching
TV than kids without a set in their room.
Provide other options and alternatives. Watch-
ing TV can become a habit for your child. Pro-
vide other alternatives for them to spend their
time, such as playing outside, learning a hobby
or sport, or spending time with family and
friends.
Be a role model. As a parent, set a good example
for physical activity and screen time in modera-
tion. If your kids see you following your own
rules, they will be more likely to do the same.
Make physical activity a fun family routine. Do
not rely on “active” video games to get children
moving.
Canada’s Physical Activity Guide suggests at least 90
minutes of physical activity per day for children and
youth. Yet, research studies show that more than half
of Canadian children and youth are not active enough
for optimal growth and development.
For more information: http://www.actnowbc.ca/?
section_copy_id=248&section_id=402
Eat Well…Be Active…Live Tobacco Free.
DON’T LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR CAR
A reminder to parents that there
have been many “smash and grabs”
on our school lots during and after
school hours, so please never leave
any valuables in your vehicle.
 NO VE M B E R 25, 20 0 9 Page 9

COMMUNITY NEWS

2010 SPRING JUNIOR

FIELD HOCKEY PROGRAM

The TRI-CITY EAGLES FIELD HOCKEY CLUB has offered a

field hockey program to younger players since 1991. The
Spring program runs for approximately 10 weeks from April
through until the end of June. There is a mini program for
those with 2000 to 2003 birth dates, and a junior program
for those with 1992 to 1999 birth dates.
U-11 to U-18 teams compete in the Greater Vancouver Jun-
ior Field Hockey League and the program cost is $115. The
Club’s Mini program is designed to introduce younger players
to the sport and the rules and field size are modified. Season
fee is $100 per participant for the Mini program and space is
limited.
Registration deadline is February 5, 2010 (and Febru-
ary 26, 2010 for Mini’s). Late registrants add $10 late fee,
if space is still available. More information on the Spring
program is available through the Club’s web site at
www.tcfieldhockey.com or by contacting Brian Lewis at
604-619-4034.
Players must first register with Field Hockey BC to gain in-
surance coverage and a player membership number. Under
11 and 12 players pay $15 while U-13 to U-18 pay $43.
Without the player membership number, registration with
our Club cannot be finalized.
Traditionally our Spring program has only included girls.
The Club is entertaining the idea of putting together a BOYS
TEAM, depending on sufficient enrollment. Call 604-619-
4034 to register your interest.
We hope to see your daughter/son on the field hockey pitch
this Spring!

29th Annual Coquitlam Christmas Craft Sale

Friday, December 4 5 - 9pm
Saturday, December 5 10am - 4pm
Sunday, December 6 11am - 4pm

Poirier Community Centre

624 Poirier St.
Coquitlam

Admission for Adults is $2

for Seniors and Children it's $1

Featuring unique handmade items from 120 local crafters.

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