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Ms. Kenney's May 5th Newsletter

May 8, 2023

Dear Swift Families,

May has arrived – it is so hard to believe that the end of the school year is just around the corner. It is common this time of year for us to see more unexpected behaviours from students. We appreciate your continued support with reminders of what is expected – also a good night’s sleep always helps!

PAC NEWS – Carnival Tickets and PAC AGM

We are excited to announce that the PAC Family Carnival is back! After a three-year hiatus, the Swift PAC has put together a great event for the families of the school, and we hope you will all join us on June 1st from 5:00 – 7:30 in celebrating another year at Thomas Swift. Information including forms for food, wristbands for attractions, and pre-order options for raffle tickets was sent home last week. All items will be available for purchase on the hot lunch site for your convenience – this would be the preferred method for orders and payment – that said, of course, we will still accept e-transfer, cash, or cheque along with the paper forms if that is easier for your family. Please note this is a family event – therefore parents are asked to actively supervise their children throughout the evening, children can not be dropped off unsupervised.

Our final PAC meeting of the year will be on May 24th, at 7:00pm. We would love to see you. This is also the AGM where we will be voting in member of the PAC executive for next year. If you are interested in learning more about the roles that are up for election please email taswiftpac@gmail.com

Check Your SchoolCash Account

Please help us keep our accounting up to date and check your SchoolCash accounts. Any outstanding fees will be visible on your account. We have many field trips coming up throughout the remainder of the year – please keep an eye on your account.

Lost and Found – Spring Post!

Please take a peek at the Lost and Found listed on the website. There are many items missing their home – if something is yours, please let us know so it can be returned. These items will be donated over the long-weekend in May.

There are many other items in the bin – we will get them onto the website soon. If you want to come and take a peek to see if anything missing from your closets are there, please do!

2023 - 2024 Class Placement Requests

May is the month where we accept requests for next year’s classroom placements.  If you have a particular request for your child, please complete the form found on the website stating a valid academic reason why you are requesting a certain classroom placement.  Please understand that not all requests can be honoured as we are mindful of all of our students' needs.  We place great value on our teachers’ opinions, and we spend a great deal of time creating classes – keeping in mind many factors.

Please note: Requests will not be looked at on a first come served basis. They will be considered along with many other factors when creating class lists. All forms must be received by May 26, 2023

Parking and Being Good Neighbours

We received a call this week from one of our neighbours concerned that they could not safely back out of their driveway due to it being partially blocked.  This continues to be a frustration for those who live closest to the school. We have advised them to call By-Law to have someone come to monitor the area during the morning and after school rush.

To avoid any unpleasant surprises, please ensure you are:

  • Following City By-Laws - Not blocking driveways in the cul-del-sacs or on nearby roads. City bylaw states that there must be at least 1.5 meters of clearance to a driveway. There should also be no double parking. (For City Bylaws please go to: https://www.abbotsford.ca/city-services/bylaw-services).

For more “Parking 101” information please go to the our school website. Thank you for your helping keeping the neighbourhood safe.

Dates to Remember:
Please be sure to check the website for the most up to date information!

May 8 – Fruit & Veggie Day – Apples and Milk
May 12 – Hot Lunch – White Spot
May 12 – Deadline to Order food for the PAC Family Carnival
May 14 – Happy Mother’s Day!
May 17 – Spirit Day – Swift Wear Day!
May 17 – Division 1 & 2 Field Trip to Science World
May 19 – No School – Non-Instructional Day