Ms. Kenney's November 6 Newsletter
Dear Swift Families,
We wish a Happy Diwali to all those who celebrate! On Monday, students are invited to come in traditional dress or bright colours to celebrate Diwali together.
A reminder that the school will be closed next Wednesday, November 11th, for Remembrance Day. All families are encouraged to observe this important day in someway together. This might be by watching the National Ceremony on TV or attending a local ceremony. While we will observe Remembrance Day on November 10th, it’s important that there is some observance on the 11th.
Rainy Days and Extra Clothes
Fall days are here which means the weather is going to inevitably be wet. Please send your kids to school ready to be outside for recess and lunch – we go out in all weather conditions unless it is incredibly stormy! It is always a good idea to have an extra pair of socks and pants in backpacks – wet feet and wet pants aren’t a lot of fun. While we have some extras at school, we save them for those unexpected bathroom accidents, not puddle fun!
Brighten the Path to School
As the mornings get darker this winter, across the school district, we're inviting our Abbotsford community to help make the journey to school a little brighter.
On November 8, coinciding with Diwali, the Festival of Lights, the Abbotsford School District is launching our Brighten the Path to School campaign. We're encouraging residents and businesses to turn on their existing outdoor lights during the morning school commute to bring a little extra light and warmth to neighbourhoods across Abbotsford. Whether it's a porch light, a holiday display, storefront lighting or outdoor decorations, every little bit helps brighten the morning journey for our students.
With British Columbia's move to permanent daylight-saving time, students will be travelling to school in darker conditions throughout the winter months. We believe even a small gesture can make a meaningful difference and remind students that their community is looking out for them.
We also encourage families to review Fraser Health's tips for helping students stay safe and supported during darker winter mornings.
Parking and Drop Off Reminders
We have recently heard from a few frustrated neighbours who have had their driveways blocked at the beginning and end of the day. We try our very best to be good neighbours, and things like this are not helpful. Please follow all signs and bylaws. We have encouraged them to call the City of Abbotsford Bylaw department to have the area patrolled. This could very well result in tickets to vehicles.
Also, a reminder that pick up and drop off should happen in the pick up and drop off lane, not the Fire Lane. There are signs indicating no parking and no stopping in this area. Not only is it a fire lane that must be kept free, it also clogs up the exit when it’s used. Please follow the signs.
Little eyes are always watching. It is up to the adults to teach the next generation the right things to do. Please help us by being good role models in this area!
Supervision Reminders
A gentle reminder that supervision before school begins at 8:15. Please do not drop off or send your kids to school with an arrival before that time! Supervision after school ends at 2:40.
Lost and Found
Our Lost and Found bin is very full! Please come by and check if anything is missing from your home! All items in the Lost and Found will be donated over the Winter Break.
Please label your items – adding your child’s name, or your family last name, will ensure we can return your things if they are misplaced!
School Photos – Proofs Available Now!
Your school photo proofs are now ready to be seen and ordered. You can go to this link to see the photos. All the needed information was sent home on a red card earlier this week. Any photos ordered before November 15th will arrive in time for Winter Break. Any questions related to ordering photos can be sent to [email protected]
News from the PAC
We have lots of fun things coming up this month!
Castle Fun Park Playcard sales end November 8th! Please ensure all orders have been paid by that date. Spend $35 and get $50 in value! And bonus - the student who sells the most (minimum 5) will get a $100 Playcard! Get yours on HotLunches.
On the evening of November 25th, we are hosting a holiday doormat making workshop run by Lisa Brands from Tiger Lily Homes. This is not a fundraiser, but more a friend-raiser. Enjoy a night out and get to know some other parents! Tickets will be available starting early next week on HotLunches.
And they're back! Panago Pizza vouchers will be on sale on HotLunches starting November 16th - $14 for a voucher that's good for any medium pizza. Only 200 available!
Speaking of pizza...if ordering hot lunch for November 27th, please note that November 18th will be the last day for orders and payments on HotLunches.
We'd love to have you join us for the next PAC meeting on Tuesday, November 17th at 7:00 p.m. in the Library. If you would like to help organize Christmas Fun Day, come early at 6:00 p.m. to hear all about it. Christmas Fun Day and the Vendor Night Market will be held on Friday, December 4th. We will definitely need volunteers (aka elves!) to help pull off the magic.
As always, keep an eye on the website for updates and news!
Dates to Remember for the next 2 weeks:
All dates are also or will be posted on the school website calendar
10 – Remembrance Day Assembly @ 10:45 – only families of classes presenting will be invited.
11 – No School – Remembrance Day
17 – PAC Meeting @ 7:00, Christmas Fun Day Planning Meeting @ 6:00
20 – No School – Non-Instructional Day
