Southlands Parent Advisory Committee

Read-a-thon

2012-02-07T18:52:00.001-08:00

Hello Southlands Families,

The sixth annual Read-A-Thon is starting Monday February 13. Notices and
pledge forms are going home this Wednesday, February 8th. Please make sure
your child has their form. Participants will be entered in a draw for
prizes from Kidsbooks, Toys R Us, Subway and Dairy Queen.

Read with us, and help support the Southlands library!

Thank you,
Southlands PAC Library Committee

Southlands PAC Minutes Dec 6 2011

2012-01-24T20:37:00.001-08:00

Southlands PACDec 6 2011n

PAC NEWS

2012-01-11T18:00:00.001-08:00

Fundraising

Bread Garden Starts up again on Wednesday Jan 18th. You can book lunches until the end of the school year. Ordering is done on-line at www.breadgardenkidseat.com.

Tuesday Jan 24th is Subway Day.

In February, we will be holding our annual Read A Thon. Watch for more details to come!

On Saturday February 25th, we will be holding our annual Southlands Parents Dinner/Dance from 6 PM to 1 AM, at La Notte Italian Restaurant in Dunbar. Please join us for a full Italian dinner and then a DJ for dancing the night away! Come get to know other Southlands parents and have a great winter’s night out! There will be plenty of raffle prizes, and a 50/50 draw too. Last year’s Dinner/Dance was fantastic. We would like to have many more of you come out for what is promised to be a super night! Don’t be shy…..there will be great food, great music, and even better company!This event is our major fundraiser for this winter. Come out and help raise funds for our childrens’ playground at Southlands! The cost is $50.00 per person for the whole evening or come later just to dance at $10.00 per person. Bring a friend or two. This is an event NOT to be missed. Hope to see you there!

Southlands IB blog

2011-12-15T11:05:00.001-08:00

The school board is in the process of updating all school websites, but there have been a number of glitches. In the meantime, we have created a blog which will contain information about the IB program as well as updates on IB related items such as the accreditation process. As well, we will include the Coordinator's IB Corner, which is printed in the school newsletter. On the blog, you will also find some useful links to websites that list books you can share with your child, to encourage the development of the various Learner Traits and Attitudes.

http://ibsouthlands.blogspot.com/

Grade 7 Bottle Drive

2011-12-09T06:20:00.001-08:00

The Southlands Grade 7 graduation committee are holding a bottle drive on January 7^th, 2012, to raise money for the Grade 7 graduation. Help support this event by saving your holiday bottles for recycling by the Grade 7 students. More info to follow.

Thanks for supporting the fundraising efforts of the Grade 7s!

DEC 6th PAC meeting Agenda

2011-12-05T06:46:00.001-08:00

Southlands Elementary School PAC Meeting Agenda

December 6, 7:00 pm
Location: Southlands Elementary School Library

1. Welcome Andrea Bishop & Michelle Kokan Chair & Vice-Chair

2. Principal’s Report Kim Nemeth, Southlands Principal

3. IB Report Michelle Kokan, Vice-Chair

4. Treasurer’s Report Dawn Olinek, Treasurer

5. Fundraising Report Heidi MacLean, Fundraising

Winter Social, request for volunteers

6. Other business Michelle Kokan, Vice-Chair

Traffic Safety

The Canadian Ski Council Snowpass program

2011-11-15T12:39:00.000-08:00

Hello Southlands Parents,

The Canadian Ski Council is holding its annual Snowpass program for Canadian 9 and 10 year old children (born in 2001 and 2002) attending Canadian schools. The cost for a Snowpass is $22 and allows your child to use their pass in exchange for a lift ticket at participating ski areas for free. There are well over 30 participating ski resorts in BC alone (including Whistler Blackcomb), so it’s a really great deal.

There are a few brochures available for pickup in the school office, or you can apply online at www.snowpass.ca

Have a great week!

Michelle Kokan,

PAC Vice Chair

October 4 2011 PAC Meeting Minutes

2011-10-27T17:24:00.000-07:00

South Lands PAC Oct 4 2011-2

PAC meeting has been moved to November 8th!

2011-10-25T19:20:00.001-07:00

IMPORTANT

PAC Meeting Information

New PAC Meeting Date: November 8^th, 7-8:30pm
Presenter: Bob Poole, International Baccalaureate Org.

We are pleased to welcome Bob Poole, Regional Development Specialist for the IB Americas Region, International Baccalaureate Organization, who will join us in the Southlands Library at 7pm on November 8^th to present on the Primary Years IB Program and to answer questions. Community members are welcome.

Background Information:
Southlands School is currently an IB candidate school. The international IB team will visit Southlands in the spring as part of the accreditation process toward becoming an IB PYP “World School”.

Bob Poole, our presenter, is the Regional Development Specialist for the IB Americas Region and works on initiatives with Universities, Governments, and Associations both in North America and globally and, among other things, helps to broaden the understanding of IB programs. Bob liaises with, and coordinates, schools around the continent. He will present some information on the IB Primary Years Program and will describe what it means to be a World School. He will also answer parent questions that are relevant to the IB Organization, such as questions about other IB schools’ experiences, the IB curriculum, and the accreditation process.

The IB program at Southlands was also recently designated as a District Program by the Vancouver School Board. Questions about how this will work (for example, any questions related to enrolment, registration or staffing at the school) will be answered by the School Board at a later time. Bob Poole does not have access to this information and will be unable to answer these questions.

Please join us for a presentation by Bob Poole in the Southlands library on November 8^th, 2011.

There will be NO PAC meeting on November 1^st. The meeting has been moved to November 8^th. Childminding provided.
Questions to Andrea Bishop, PAC Chair, andreabishop@shaw.ca; 604 737-0124

Terry Fox Run September 28th

2011-09-27T12:21:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that the School Terry Fox Run is being held tomorrow, September 28th at 1:00.

Sponsor/Donation forms went home last week.

Please ensure your kids are sent in run comfortable clothing and shoes and hope for the rain to hold off!

What is the PAC?

2011-09-15T20:21:00.000-07:00

Southlands Elementary School

Parent Advisory Council

Working together, with student and teachers, to enhance the school experience for our children

What is the PAC?
PAC stands for Parent Advisory Council. Our role is to enhance the educational experience of our children at Southlands. We do this by volunteering our time and/or expertise at programs such as cross country running, coaching, driving and supervising at field trips, organizing noon hour activities, and much more. We also do this by fundraising and giving financial assistance to the teachers and the school for improved facilities, sports equipment, and educational, cultural, and community programs. We also coordinate a social directory and organize pizza and hot dog days.

What types of things has the PAC contributed to the school?
• Built a new playground at Southlands, which is currently being extended
• Provided financial assistance to the school for computer upgrades
• Purchased new material for the school library
• Purchased tshirts for the cross country team
• Purchased a variety of sports equipment
• Annually donate up to $200 to each teacher for additional classroom resources
• Biannually donated financial support to the Grade 6/7 year end camp
• Sponsored several educational programs with educators such as Saleema Noon, and Friend to Friend
• Financially supported noon hour programs such as the KnitWits knitting club

How does the PAC fundraise for these contributions?
We have several fundraisers throughout the year. Some of our main fundraisers include:
• Hotdog and Pizza Days (Fridays)
• Grocery Voucher Program
• Subway lunch days (once a month)
• Purdy’s Chocolates Sales (Christmas and Easter)
• Christmas Bake Sale
• Winter Social Dinner and Dance for Parents (February)
• Spring Fling Carnival and Silent Auction (held every second or third year)
These events are only successful due to the many parent volunteers and contributions. All raised funds go directly back to the school.

Who is in the PAC?
The parents or guardians of every student in the school are part of the PAC. Every spring an Executive is elected for the PAC. We currently have 5 members on the PAC Executive. The Executive is responsible for planning the year’s activities, but many volunteers are needed to make each event a success.

Questions about the PAC or Volunteering?
If you are interested in volunteering, in this Start-Up Package you will find a form describing the various committees and volunteer jobs available. If you have further questions about the PAC, or about volunteering, try the following:
• PAC Bulletin Board- the PAC monthly meeting minutes are posted here.
• PAC News- in the bi-weekly school newsletter.
• PAC Monthly Meetings- held at the school on the first Tuesday evening of the month from 7-8 pm.
• PAC Blog – updates are provided on our blog, as well as a calendar of events, such as dates for Subway lunches, for example. http://southlands-pac.blogspot.com/

Contact Us
You can contact the PAC Executive directly. We’d be happy to talk to you and answer your questions. Most questions can be directed to either the PAC Chair or Vice-Chair.
PAC Executive for 2011/2012
Chair Andrea Bishop 604-737-0124 andreabishop@shaw.ca
Vice-Chair Michelle Kokan 604-739-8006 mkokan@telus.net
Fundraising Chair Heidi Maclean 604-733-1819 hpmaclean@shaw.ca
Secretary Averill Sadleir averills@telus.net
Treasurer Dawn Olinek dawnolinek@gmail.com

2011-2012 PAC Contact Information

2011-09-12T21:18:00.001-07:00

2011-2012 PAC Contact Information

Chiair: Andrea Bishop
604.737.0124 (andreabishop@shaw.ca)

Vice-Chair: Michelle Kokan
604.739.8006(mkokan@telus.net)

Treasurer: Dawn Olinek
(dawnolinkek@gmail.com)

Secretary: Averill Sadleir
(averills@telus.net)

Fundraising: Heidi MacLean
604.773.1819(hpmaclean@shaw.ca)

As a reminder; the PAC meetings are held in the School Library, from 7:00-8:00 on the first Tuesday of every month. Everyone is welcome.

2011-06-23T06:26:00.000-07:00

Hello Southlands Families,

Many of you have indicated that you would like to write a letter in support of the International Baccalureate program at Southlands to be shared with the VSB trustees at the Education and Student Services Committee meeting on Tuesday, June 28th. While individual letters always have a greater impact, one of my colleagues has drafted a form letter that you are welcome to use if that is what you would prefer. This is attached to this email.

Please drop off your signed letters in the PAC mailbox by Friday, June 24th. I will deliver all of them on Monday, June 27th.

Regards,
Michelle Kokan

General IB Letter

IB Program update

2011-06-18T18:57:00.001-07:00

Hello Southlands Families,

This year has certainly been a tumultuous one for our school. Earlier in the year, many parents were concerned regarding the status of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Southlands, given the upheaval. This year we were to have had an evaluation by the IB Program as part of the accreditation process. This evaluation was postponed for a year given our challenges.

Up to now, the IB program at Southlands has not been a district program, like French Immersion is at some schools. This means that there was minimal funding from the VSB specifically for this program, and minimal (if any) provision for the staff. As I understand it (and I may not be 100% correct), the teachers at Southlands have essentially been trying to work with the IB program, and the extra work it entails, "off the sides of their desks". Further, as it has been explained to me, teachers and staff who start at Southlands do not need to have either IB experience or be willing to obtain training. This can affect the way staffing for new positions is selected. Indeed, there are some people who are not in favour of continuing the IB program at Southlands for next fall because of the historical lack of guaranteed support.

On Tuesday, June 28th, the VSB has a meeting of Committee lll, the Education and Student Services Committee. On the agenda is the International Baccalaureate program in Vancouver. The Board will be voting on making IB (Primary Years Program, or PYP) a district program at Southlands. This would mean that there would be an actual part time position created to coordinate the IB program, as well as helping to solidify the future of the IB program at our school. You can read more about this agenda item here: http://www.vsb.bc.ca/meetings/agendas/meeting-agendas-current
This meeting is open to the public. It will take place at 5:30 pm at the Vancouver School Board (Room 120, 1580 West Broadway). You, as parents of students of Southlands Elementary, are welcome to attend.

If you are in favour of continuing the IB Program at Southlands, you may wish to lend your voice to the School Board Trustees regarding this matter. This initiative can be hugely supported by parents writing letters in support of the IB program at Southlands. Specifically, letters to Patti Bacchus, Chair of the VSB, stating how you feel about the IB program, why it is important to you and your children, etc., would be helpful. These letters should be addressed to Patti Bacchus, and clearly state that she is to share the letter with the other School Board Trustees.

I will provide the mailing address for letters here, but unfortunately the postal strike action may affect delivery. Therefore, if you would like to write a letter, I will be collecting letters and delivering them myself to Patti Bacchus's office. You can drop off your letter, in an envelope addressed as per below, in the PAC mailbox in the school office by Friday, June 24th.

Attn: Patti Bacchus
Chairperson, Vancouver School Board
c/o Secretary Treasurer's Office
Vancouver School Board
1580 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC
V6J 5K8

Regards,
Michelle Kokan

PAC 2011 AGM Minutes

2011-06-18T18:55:00.001-07:00

PAC 2011 AGM DRAFT

PAC AGM notes

2011-06-08T11:11:00.003-07:00

Last night was the PAC annual AGM. The minutes from this meeting will be posted for you to read, but will not be approved until the next AGM, in June 2012.

Highlights from this meeting include the Principal's Report, where parents found out that the Vancouver School Board is providing a 0.2 FTE position for IB Coordinator at our school for the fall, which is the equivalent of a 1 day per week. We do not yet know who will be the coordinator. Training for the teachers is continuing into next year.

There will be some staff changes in the fall. First and foremost, Mr. Harold Olson is retiring after many years at our school. We will miss his beautiful Christmas concerts, and certainly wish him all the best. Four other teachers will be leaving our school, and these include Mr. Jordan Covert, Mr. Andrew Cawood, Ms. Anke Barabulea, and Ms. Chapelski.
Expected enrollment for the fall is approximately 260 students (we currently have 308). Of course, we have no way of knowing what final numbers are until September, when we actually see how many people arrive. Southlands is not fully enrolled, which means we do have room for more students.

The Fundraising Report let us know that this was a fantastic year in terms of fundraising! Thank you so much to all you parents who have donated your time, spent money on the fundraisers, and provided prizes and auction items. For such a little school, we run a very substantial budget that supports our students with many opportunities. The PAC Executive wishes to thank all of you, from the very bottom of our hearts.

Our playground project is underway, with Phase 1 of the new equipment ordered. We do not know for sure, but we are hopeful that the equipment will be installed in September or October. Future fundraising efforts that do not go to our regularly-occuring PAC-sponsored activities will be directed to raising the necessary funds for completion of the project.

Also in terms of fundraising, there will be changes in our lunch programs. These changes are being made after consideration of our costs, the amount of volunteer time and effort needed to make the programs successful, and feedback from the children about what foods they liked and which they did not. The Pizza and Hotdog Fridays will remain the same, but we will have a new supplier for the pizza, which will be Panago Pizza. For the Wednesday food program, we will be trying out Bread Garden. This company offers a wide variety of foods that meet the schools' healthy eating guidelines, is available by online ordering, and will also work as a fundraiser for the new playground (our current Wednesday lunch supplier is not a source of revenue for the PAC). We look forward to trying some new things in the fall.

The budget was presented by John Stekl and was accepted by vote. The most noticeable changes include increasing some expenditures for PAC-supported programs such as Sports Day to reflect our larger enrollment.

Finally, the PAC Executive positions for next year were voted on. For 2011-2012, the new PAC Executive will be:
Recorder: Averill Sadleir
Treasurer: Dawn Olinek
Fundraising Chair: Heidi Maclean
Vice Chair: Michelle Kokan
Chair: Andrea Bishop.

Thank you to all these people for stepping up to the plate and volunteering their time for the school and our students.

Sports Day 2011

2011-06-03T15:41:00.001-07:00

Hello Southlands families,

Well, Sports Day 2011 was a resounding success!! What amazing weather we managed to have! We had an amazing turnout of families.....the kids had a great time, and it was wonderful that there were so many spectators to cheer them on!

A great big HUGE thank you to all the parent volunteers who all did so much to make this day a success. This day is an enormous amount of work and coordination, and it couldn't be done if it weren't for all the willing helpers.
A big thank you also goes to the highschool students who returned to their elementary alma mater to help out as well. It's great to see so many familiar faces!
Finally, a very big thank you also goes out to the teachers and staff of Southlands Elementary for all their hard work and participation too. Sports Day is the fun event that it is....because of their effort, creativity, and support. This is a great community event and the we want to thank all of you!

There will be more PAC notices coming home in the next few days in backpack mail and via email....keep your eyes out for Southlands Yearbook order forms, and for the agenda for the upcoming PAC AGM.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Welcome for new Grade 8 parents at Point Grey

2011-05-30T06:21:00.001-07:00

Hello Southlands Grade 7 Parents,

The Point Grey PAC would like to connect with incoming Grade 8 parents to welcome you to the high school, and let you know about their PAC activities. You are cordially invited to their final PAC meeting on June 14th at 7:15 pm. This meeting takes place in the Point Grey staff room on the main floor, just down the hall from the office.

Please RSVP to Keren Gertsman:
kgertsman@shaw.ca
or 604-812-9609.

Minutes PAC Meeting May 3rd

2011-05-22T21:26:00.001-07:00

PAC Meeting May 3rd

Southlands Gift Card Fundraiser Program – Summer Order

2011-05-17T08:12:00.001-07:00

Southlands Gift Card Fundraiser Program – Summer Order

This is your last chance to order Grocery Cards for the year!
Stock up on your favorite Grocery Cards and have them ready for summer
BBQ’s, birthday parties or any other occasion!

This is one of the easiest ways to donate to Southlands Elementary with out it costing you anything.

The school receives a donation each time you purchase a Gift Card.

How the program works:
Fill in the attached form and either return it to your child’s teacher or the PAC box in the school office, by Monday May 30th, 2011.

At the end of the following week the cards will be ready for pick up in the Principal’s office. They will be available in the morning from 8:00-8:50 am and after school from 3:00-3:30 pm. If your child goes to JKC simply fill in the section on the order form and it will be delivered there.

If you have any questions or need clarification on the program, contact Sofia Sandover at ssandover@metrofloors.com or Michelle Kokan at mkokan@telus.net.

*Please note: For people who have a standing monthly order, this order will be in addition to your usual order.

** IGA – Gift Cards are now re-loadable. Re-load at any IGA in BC and use any means of payment including your favorite credit card to collect points or miles. You can re-load between $10 and $500 each time. Our school automatically receives a 4% donation for every dollar re-loaded.

SummerGroceryOrder form.doc

Pac Executive 2011

2011-05-05T19:50:00.000-07:00

Southlands May PAC meeting Agenda; Tuesday May 3rd

2011-05-01T21:30:00.000-07:00

Hello Southlands Families,
Please find attached the agenda for the Southlands May PAC meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, May 3rd, 7:00-8:00 pm in the school library. We hope to see you there! Childminding is provided.

Cheers,
Michelle Kokan, PAC Chair

South Lands PAC Meeting May 2011

All-Candidate Meeting: The provincial by-election for Vancouver Point-Grey

2011-05-01T21:25:00.001-07:00

Bayview Community School Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)
presents an

All-Candidates Meeting
Wednesday, May 4th, 2011
In the school gym
2251 Collingwood Street (@ West 7th)

The provincial by-election for Vancouver Point-Grey is coming up on May 11th.

Make an informed choice!

Hear from candidates who seek to represent the riding in the BC Legislature.
Listen to platforms, ask questions, and offer your point of view on education issues that matter to you.

All are welcome

For more info email: webjan@telus.net

Canadian Redcross Japan Relief fundraiser

2011-04-12T21:40:00.001-07:00

Dear Southlands Families,

As everyone is all too aware, one of the worst natural disasters in modern history occurred in March in the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. As of April 7th, the official death toll had been raised to 12, 600; and more than 14, 700 people were listed as 'missing'. More than 160,000 people remain housed in temporary shelters and tens of thousands more have evacuated thier homes due to the subsequent nuclear crisis.

Two of our Southlands parents are heading up a fundraising drive by the Southlands students to help support the Canadian Red Cross in its Japan Relief work. With the full support of our principal, Kim Nemeth; as well as our teachers, Southlands students will have the opportunity to enact the IB program to its full extent by learning about the Japanese disaster in terms of Mother Nature; our world and surrounding nations; cooperation between nations, people, and organizations; emergency preparation; the environment; and energy resources, to name a few. Perhaps even more importantly, Southlands students will have the opportunity to support others in a time of need in a meaningful way. Caring is a central IB learner characteristic, and we believe that Southlands students will feel proud of being a part of the relief effort.

Fundraising will take place in each classroom from Wednesday, April 13, through to Wednesday, April 20. There will be one donation bin per classroom as well as in the office. Donations will occur in a designated way as follows:
April 13th: Penny and Nickel Day
April 14th: Dime Day
April 15th: Quarter Day
April 18th: Loonie Day
April 19th Toonie Day

On Thursday, April 21, the total collected amount will be announced. These funds will go to the Canadian Red Cross Japan Relief Fund on behalf of Southlands Elementary.

So, hold on to your loose change! Southlands Elementary students can make a difference!

Upcoming Pizza and HotDog Days

2011-03-18T07:00:00.001-07:00

Friday, March 11th: Pizza Day
Friday, March 18th: Hot Dog Day
Friday, April 8th: Pizza Day
Thursday, April 14th: Hot Dog Day
Thursday, April 21st: Pizza Day
Friday, April 29th: Hot Dog Day
Friday, May 6th: Pizza Day
Friday, May 13th: Hot Dog Day
Thursday, May 19th: Pizza Day
Friday, May 27th: Hot Dog Day
Friday, June 3rd: SPORTS DAY
Friday, June 10th: Pizza Day
Friday, June 17th: Hot Dog Day
Friday, June 24th: Pizza Day

Southlands Yearbook

2011-03-09T19:11:00.001-08:00

Hello Southlands Families,

The time of year has come when we start to put together our famous Southlands Yearbook. The children absolutely treasure these yearbooks, and they are a great memorybook keepsake for parents, too.

Our Yearbook Coordinator needs help putting this project together. It doesn't matter if you can spare several hours or only one, your help is needed. Please consider helping out with one of Southland's special projects for our kids. No experience necessary!

If you can help out in anyway, please contact me directly at mkokan@telus.net, or 604-739-8006.

Thanks and cheers,
Michelle Kokan

PAC Meeting Minutes March 3, 2011

2011-03-07T19:56:00.001-08:00

PAC Meeting March 1st 2011

Grade 7 Graduation Committee

2011-02-17T17:34:00.001-08:00

ATTENTION Grade 7 Parents: Grad Committee Needs Committee Members

Every year the Grade 7 parents get together to organize the
graduation celebration for the Grade 7 parents. If your child is in
Grade 7 we need your help, your money, or both. Please see the
attached notice and get in touch with Marni MacLeod ASAP if you can
help out. The notice should also be coming home via back pack mail
but feel free to contact Marni with your contact information at the
email provided.

Any Grade 6 parents who would be willing to help out at the post-grad
ceremonies at the school (simply involves setting out food, tea and
coffee that will be provided for after the grad) will be worshipped
forever and have really, really good karma :-).

Thanks!Grade 7 Graduation Committee

Vancouver Westside Minor Softball Association Registration

2011-02-09T19:43:00.001-08:00

Vancouver Westside Minor Softball Association Registration is now open!

Registration is for girls aged 6-19. All levels of play welcome.
Come play ball in a fun and supportive environment with other girls!
To register, or for more information, please check out our website at http://www.vwmsa.ca

Meeting regarding startup plans for the new school at Acadia Road

2011-02-04T16:54:00.001-08:00

Hello Southlands Families,

At our Tuesday, Feb. 1st PAC meeting, representatives from the Vancouver School Board met with some Southlands families regarding the proposed Acadia School Road changes. The meeting minutes are attached to this email notice for your information. They will also be posted on the Southlands blog and the Southlands parent board in the next few days.

Several questions and concerns were brought up by parents at the meeting. The VSB is actively seeking input from parents before the final decision is made. Parents are strongly encouraged to contact the VSB as soon as possible to give their input regarding this proposal. There are two ways to do this:

1. Pick up a feedback form from the school office, fill it out and send it in to the VSB.
2. Email the VSB at acadiafeedback@vsb.bc.ca

You may also contact the VSB trustees directly with your feedback.
For more information about the proposal, please visit www.vsb.bc.ca/district-facilities/projects/acadia

I am also willing to write an impact statement on behalf of the Southlands Elementary PAC to present to the VSB. In order to do this, please send me your particular questions or concerns by Tuesday, February 8th, via email.

Regards,
Michelle Kokan, PAC Chair

PAC Meeting February 1 2011

Southlands Dinner & Dance

2011-02-04T16:52:00.000-08:00

Southlands Dinner & Dance

Sat February 19^th 2001

6:00PM – 1:00AM

$55.00 per person

Buy your tickets now!

Parent Information Meeting regarding the Sept. 2011 startup

2011-01-25T06:27:00.001-08:00

Hello Southlands Families,

Last week you received an invitation to a Parent Information Meeting regarding the Sept. 2011 startup plans for the new school at Acadia Road. In case you missed this notice, the meetings will be held in the Univeristy Hill Secondary Auditorium (2896 Acadia Rd) at 7 pm as follows:

for Southlands Elementary, Wed. Jan. 26
for Queen Mary Elementary, Thurs. Jan 27
for University Hill Elementary, Wed. Feb. 2
for Queen Elizabeth Elementary, Thurs. Feb. 3

The meetings are organized by school, but you are welcome to attend any session convenient to you.
Further, the Project Directors for Planning and Facilities for the VSB, along with the Assistant Superintendent, will be attending our February PAC meeting to answer questions and address concerns. This PAC meeting will be on Tuesday, Feb. 1st, in the school library at 7 pm. The PAC meeting agenda will follow later this week.

Dunbar Little League

2011-01-04T20:59:00.001-08:00

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Dunbar Little League (DLL) 2011 Registration

Registration will take place in December for the Dunbar Little League for boys and girls age 4 to

age 12 (as of April 30, 2011). Please note that registrants must live within the DLL boundaries and

proof of residence is required.

Online Registration

Online Registration is available through the DLL web site at

www.dunbarbaseball.ca/registration.html

.
Registration Information Day

Date: Saturday, January 8, 2011

Time: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Place: Dunbar Community Centre

DLL Boundaries

:
North:

16th Avenue, South side;
East:

West side of Puget Drive,
south to 33

rd,
north side of 33

rd to Blenheim,
west side of Blenheim to the river;

South:

Fraser River;
West:

Camosun Street, including King Edward Place and Musqueam.
For more information consult the website

www.dunbarbaseball.ca or contact
registrar@dunbarbaseball.ca

PAC-Meeting-December-7-2010

2010-12-19T08:20:00.001-08:00

PAC Meeting December 7, 2010

Purdy's chocolates have arrived

2010-12-13T12:56:00.003-08:00

Hello Southlands Families,

Just a quick reminder that the Christmas Purdy's orders are in and need to be picked up from Kim Nemeth's office.

lost keys?

2010-12-13T12:56:00.001-08:00

Hello Southlands Families,

A set of Acura car keys and key fob were found in a child's sweatshirt pocket in the Lost and Found area in front of the library. To claim, please contact the school secretary, Kim Roe.

Purdy's chocolate orders

2010-12-09T09:58:00.001-08:00

Hello Southlands Families!

The Purdy's chocolate orders are in and are available for pickup in Ms. Nemeth's office.

Southlands Winter Concert

2010-12-06T21:33:00.001-08:00

Hello Southlands families,

As you know, the Southlands Winter Concert is coming up! There are two performances, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. You will need to purchase tickets for this popular event. Tickets are $5 per family. Please note that due to limited seating capacity in the gym, tickets are limited to 4 per family for the afternoon concert; and to 2 per family for the evening concert.
Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets will be available for purchase at the school as follows:

Tuesday, Dec. 7th: 8:45 am - 9:15 am
Tuesday, Dec. 7th: 2:30 pm - 3:15 pm
Tuesday, Dec. 7th: available at the monthly PAC meeting

Thursday, Dec. 8th: 8:45 am - 9:30 am
Thursday, Dec. 8th: 2:30 pm - 3:15 pm

Please note that we are still hoping to find an official photographer for this event. If you are willing to be the photographer, one ticket for a front row seat at the evening concert will be made available to you. Please contact Michelle Kokan at 604-739-8006 or mkokan@telus.net if this interests you.

Southlands PAC meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 7th at 7 pm

2010-12-06T19:21:00.001-08:00

Hello Southlands Families,

Please find attached the agenda for the next Southlands PAC meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 7th at 7 pm in the school library. There will be babysitting available for this meeting.

Hope to see you there!
Michelle Kokan, PAC Co-Chair

South Lands PAC Meeting Agenda Dec. 2010

PAC meeting Tuesday December 7th

2010-12-05T08:03:00.000-08:00

PAC meeting December 7th, 7 - 8 pm in the Southlands library. Baby sitting is provided.
Everyone welcome.

Southlands Winter Concert

2010-11-27T19:58:00.000-08:00

Hello Southlands Families!
The Southlands Winter Concert is fast approaching! Please consider becoming involved with this event; it's a fun-filled time for the children and parents alike! There will be live performances by the Southlands Elementary Band, the Kindergarten students and Grade 7 students, and of course the Holiday play. The PAC will be selling tickets to this event ahead of time.....plan to purchase your tickets early! This event sells out each year!

The PAC supports this event with our ever-popular bake sale (available during the daytime and night time performances), a small live auction and 50-50 draw at the evening performance, and coffee and tea sales in the evening. Funds raised are used to help purchase decorations, costumes, props and music supplies for the concert, and also to help support other special events and activities for the students.

We need lots of volunteer help to make this event a success! There are many different ways to be involved, ranging from donating items to hands-on work. Below are some of the things we need help with:

Donations
We need bake sale donations: any types of baking, such as cookies, squares, slices, loaves, pies, cakes, and candies are needed. Preserves and other treats are welcome, too! If you would prefer, we also need cash to be able to purchase wrapping materials and other saleable items

We need donations of items for the live auction. Some ideas include: gift certificates for restaurants or spa services; movie tickets; lottery tickets; sports or other entertainment tickets; wine; specialty foods; or anything else you can think of!

Volunteer Help
We need many hands to help make this evening a success! We need:
Before the Concert
Bake Sale Coordinator (1 or 2 parents): starting ASAP to coordinate the bake sale and volunteers
Bake Sale Wrappers (6-8 people): to help wrap baked goods and set up the bake sale. Date: Wednesday Dec. 15: all day. Please indicate am or pm availability
Concert Ticket Sales (2 people per shift): to sell concert tickets from 0815-0845 at the school. Dates: Tuesday, Dec. 7th and Thursday Dec. 9th
Decorating Committee (8-10 people): to help decorate the gym for the concert. Date: Wednesday, December 15th, all day. Please indicate am or pm availability.
Day of the Concert (December 16)
Bake Sale Sellers (2-4 people per shift): to sell baked goods. Shifts: 12:00- 1:00 pm; 1:00 - 2:00 pm; 6:00)-6:15 pm; 7:15-8:30 pm
Ticket Collectors (2 people per shift): to collect concert tickets at the door. Shifts: 12:30 pm -1:15 pm; 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Ticket Sellers (2 people per shift) to sell 50-50 tickets. Shifts: 6:15 pm - 7:15 pm; 7:15 pm - 8:15 pm
Refreshment Sales (2 people per shift): to sell coffee and tea. Shifts: 6:15 pm-7:15 pm; 7:15 pm - 8:15 pm.
We also need help to clean up after the evening performance
Please let us know if you can help out at all at any time or in any way. It's a fun way to get involved with the concert and with other parents, too. There are sign-up sheets posted at the entrance to the school on the Parent Board, or you may contact Heidi Maclean, Fundraising Chair: 604-733-1819 or hpmaclean@shaw.ca
or Michelle Kokan, PAC Co-Chair: 604-739-8006 or mkokan@telus.net

Thank you everyone!
Michelle Kokan

Southlands Grocery Certificate program

2010-11-22T18:18:00.001-08:00

Hello Southlands Families!

Christmas season is fast approaching! The Southlands Grocery Certificate program is pleased to offer a one time only special Christmas Gift Card extended order to help you with your Christmas shopping. You can donate to your child's school with NO cost to you!

1. What is special about this particular order?
Additional popular merchants and services are offered in this order, including various department stores, specialty stores, restaurants, entertainment venues, hotels, and spas. There truly is something for everyone on your Christmas list! Of course, we will also continue to offer our usual monthly choices, such as groceries, gas, and drugstores.

2. I have a standing monthly order. Will I still get it?
For people who have a standing monthly order, this Christmas offer will be added to it. You also may wish to consider increasing your regular order for the month of December, especially if you are hosting any events!

3. I'm not sure how this fundraiser works. How can it not cost me anything?
Various merchants sell gift cards worth set amounts for their stores to Southlands School. Parents purchase these cards from us at face value to use at these stores. For example, a $100 grocery certificate purchased for Stong's Grocery costs you $100, and you can then use it to purchase $100 worth of Stong's merchandise. Stong's Grocery then donates 8% of the amount of the grocery certificate value, or $8, to Southlands Elementary.
Each merchant in the program donates a different percentage, ranging from 2% to 10% of the sale.

4. How do I order?
The additional Christmas forms have been sent home via backpack mail, and more are available in the office. If you are unable to come to the office to pick one up, please let me know and I will ensure your child gets a form placed in his/her backpack to take home. The Christmas orders (and any extra regular orders) must be in by Wednesday, December 1, so that you can receive your order on the second Tuesday of December. We will notify you when they are ready for pick up in the Principal's office.

5. How do I pay?
You can either pay by cheque (made out to Southlands PAC), or by credit card.
Please consider paying by cheque if possible, as Southlands School loses 2.6% of any revenue to credit card fees.

6. I have some other questions. Who do I ask?
You can contact either me, Michelle, at mkokan@telus.net; or Sofia Sandover, at ssandover@metrofloors.com

Thank you so much for helping support our school!
Cheers,
Michelle

Live Auction 2010

2010-11-22T06:35:00.001-08:00

Southlands Live Auction 2010

Bake Sale

2010-11-22T06:34:00.001-08:00

Southlands Bake Sale

Purdy's Chocolate Holiday Fundraiser

2010-11-09T06:31:00.001-08:00

Time to get your holiday chocolates! Southlands makes 20% off everything
sold. Help support Southlands by ordering some great chocolate!
Order forms and cheques due no later than Monday, November 22nd. Chocolates
will be delivered on Wednesday, December 8th, 2010.

PAC Meeting November 2nd 2010 Minutes

2010-11-09T06:30:00.001-08:00

PAC Meeting November 2nd 2010

PAC meeting Tuesday November 2nd

2010-11-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

PAC meeting November 2nd, 7 - 8 pm in the Southlands library. Baby sitting is provided.
Everyone welcome.

Response from Vancouver School Board to Our Questions

2010-10-28T21:05:00.000-07:00

Hello Southlands Families,

Maureen Ciarniello, Associate Superintendent for the Vancouver School Board, has responded to the list of questions the PAC presented to her. These are embedded below. They are also available for viewing in the school office.

Response to questions Southlands PAC (1)

Southlands School Issues and Concerns

2010-10-20T20:06:00.001-07:00

Many parents have had questions about the school situation this fall. A list of questions were compiled by the PAC and will be submitted to Vancouver School Board Associate Superintendent, Maureen Ciarniello. Many of these questions and answers were discussed at the October 5th PAC meeting.

This list of questions is now located in the school office, in a yellow folder marked "VSB Questions" beside the PAC box. Please drop by the office to review the questions and feel free to add additional questions to the bottom of the list. Deadline is Monday, October 25th. The list will be sent to Maureen on October 26th.

Once responses are received from Maureen, they will be left in the same folder for your information.

Directories

2010-10-19T17:53:00.001-07:00

Hello Southlands families,

If you have ordered a Southlands directory, but have not yet paid, you may pick one up in the office from the secretary, Kim Roe, for a cost of $3.

If you did not order a directory, but would like one, there are extra copies in the office also available for purchase.

Gift Card Program

2010-10-19T17:52:00.000-07:00

Hi Southlands Families!

Please consider supporting our school fundraising efforts with our Gift Card Program.
This program allows you to donate to your child’s school with NO cost to you!

Southlands School receives up to $10 from supporting retailers for every $100 spent on Gift Cards, which you then use to purchase groceries, fuel, and household supplies.

How the Program Works

Fill in the attached form and either return it to your child’s teacher or the PAC box in the school office. Please return no later than the 28th of the month for the following month’s delivery.

The second Tuesday of each month (or sooner) the gift cards are ready for you to pick up from the principal’s office, from 7:30 am - 8:50 am, and after school from 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm. If your child goes to JKC, simply fill in the section on the order form and we will deliver your order there.

South Lands Gift Card Program 2010

Science Spooktacular 2010

2010-10-15T17:27:00.001-07:00

Family Event at SFU!
Science SpooktacularScience Spooktacular 2010

Family Science Day

2010-10-14T18:20:00.003-07:00

Dear all:

My name is Dr. Marina Milner-Bolotin and I am an Assistant Professor at the Department of Curriculum and Pedagogy at the Faculty of Education at UBC. I would like to bring to your attention a very special event we are preparing for you: A Family Science Day that will take place at the Faculty of Education at UBC on October 30^th , 2010. The event is geared towards families big and small, young and younger(kids and adults from 5-105 years
old) and it is FREE. Our goal is to inspire students and their families to get involved in science and science learning and to show cool science activities we do with our pre-service teachers.

Event web site: http://blogs.ubc.ca/mmilner/family-science-day-2010/

Please see the flyers attached. Notice, if you do want to participate, you have to RSVP so a space will be reserved for you as the spaces are limited to the first 200 registrants (we are 30% full already).

Best wishes, Marina

*Dr. Marina Milner-Bolotin*
Assistant Professor
Department of Curriculum and Pedagogy
Faculty of Education (Scarfe Building)
University of British Columbia
2125 Main Mall
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4
Phone: 1-604-822-4234

Family Science Day 2010_Flyer

October 15th is hotdog Day!

2010-10-13T20:47:00.000-07:00

Friday Oct. 15th is hotdog day for those who have placed orders.

PAC Meeting Minutes October 5th, 2010

2010-10-13T20:45:00.001-07:00

PAC Meeting October 5, 2010

Grocery Certificates Ready

2010-10-06T21:27:00.001-07:00

Southlands Grocery Certificates are ready for pick-up in the principal's office as of today, Oct. 6, 2010

Addressing Concerns Regarding Staffing

2010-10-06T18:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Parents of Southlands Elementary Students,

Many people have been expressing concerns and questions regarding the staffing at Southlands this particular year. At our PAC meeting last evening, Mr. Mark Horne, our interim principal, addressed many of the questions that parents raised. He explained that the current situations are in the process of being resolved. However, many parents asked Mr. Horne who they can contact in order to express their concerns at a higher administrative level. Mr. Horne has infomed us that our best options are to contact our school board trustee, Mr. Ken Clement, as well as the other trustees on the board. Further, he has also suggested we contact our MLA as well as other government officials regarding the lack of funding that has also contributed to the current situation.

As requested by some parents at the PAC meeting, I am providing contact information for some of these people. I would also suggest that you peruse some of the associated websites.

All the best,
Michelle Kokan, PAC Co-Chair

Vancouver School Board
http://www.vsb.bc.ca/

Vancouver School Board Superintendent:
Steve Cardwell scardwell@vsb.bc.ca

Vancouver School Board Associate Superintendent:
Maureen Ciarniello mciarniello@vsb.bc.ca

Board of Education Trustees
http://www.vsb.bc.ca/about-vsb/trustees

Mr. Ken Clement
Trustee, Vancouver Board of Education
Phone:
(778) 866-0317
ken.clement@vsb.bc.ca

There are other administrative officers at the school board you can contact, including the Associate Superintendent, Maureen Ciarniello. Contact information is on the website:
http://www.vsb.bc.ca/administration

The MLA for the Vancouver-Quilchena area is Hon. Colin Hansen. His contact information is as follows:

E-mail: colin.hansen.mla@leg.bc.ca
Web site: www.colinhansenmla.bc.ca
Office:
Room 153
Parliament Buildings
Victoria, BC
V8V 1X4

Constituency:
5640 Dunbar Street
Vancouver, BC
V6N 1W7

Phone:
250 387-3751
Phone:
604 664-0748
Fax:
250 387-5594
Fax:
604 664-0750

The Minister of Education is Hon. Margaret MacDiarmid. Her contact information is as follows:
HONOURABLE MARGARET MACDIARMID
PO BOX 9045 STN PROV GOVT
VICTORIA BC V8W 9E2

Telephone: 250 387-1977
Fax: 250 387-3200
E-mail: minister.educ@gov.bc.ca

PAC Executive Meeting September 29, 2010

2010-10-05T20:09:00.001-07:00

PAC Executive Meeting September 29th FINAL

PAC Meeting October 5th

2010-09-30T17:33:00.001-07:00

PAC meeting Tuesday, October 5th, 7pm -8pm in the school library.
Everybody welcome!

Thursday Sept 30 is Subway Day

2010-09-29T06:30:00.001-07:00

Reminder: Thursday September 30 is Subway Day for those who placed orders.

Meet the Teacher Night: September 22nd

2010-09-20T21:22:00.000-07:00

Meet the Teacher Night and Southlands Family Potluck is Wednesday, September 22.

The potluck will be held outdoors from 5:30-6:30. Please bring your forms in to let us know what you will be bringing to share. Remember to label your containers! Help with cleanup is also appreciated.

Meet the Teacher -Pot Luck Dinner 2010 (3)

Hot Dog and Pizza Form: Due Sept 24

2010-09-17T17:43:00.000-07:00

Hot Dog Pizza Day Oct 2010 to Feb 2011

2010-2011 PAC Contact Information

2010-09-15T23:03:00.000-07:00

Co-Chair: Michelle Kokan
604.739.8006(mkokan@telus.net)

Co-Chair: Verlee Bromley
604.266.7881 (verleeb@telus.net)

Treasurer: John Stekl
(jstekl@telus.net)

Recorder: Krista Hilton
(kristahilton@shaw.ca)

Fundraising: Heidi MacLean
604.773.1819(hpmaclean@shaw.ca)

PAC Executive Minutes September 2010

2010-09-15T22:30:00.001-07:00

PAC Executive Sept 8th - FINAL

Southlands Pac AGM June 2010 Draft

2010-06-26T21:37:00.001-07:00

Southlands Pac AGM June 2010 Draft

Southlands PAC AGM Meeting Minutes 2009

2010-06-26T21:34:00.001-07:00

Southlands PAC AGM Meeting Minutes 2009

PAC Meeting Minutes May 2010- Draft

2010-05-17T21:28:00.000-07:00

South Lands PAC Meeting Minutes May 2010

PAC Meeting Minutes April 2010

2010-05-17T21:26:00.001-07:00

South Lands PAC Meeting Minutes April 2010

PAC Meeting Minutes February 2010

2010-05-17T21:23:00.001-07:00

South Lands PAC Meeting Minutes February 2010

PAC Executive nominations

2010-05-14T22:18:00.001-07:00

SOUTHLANDS PARENTS

The Parent Advisory Council for Southlands School will be holding its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 8th June 2010 in the Southlands School Library. ALL parents/guardians of children in the school are invited to attend.

One of the purposes of this meeting is to hold the election of the members of the PAC Executive for the upcoming school year 2010/1011. Only parents of students who attend the school are entitled to vote for members of its PAC Executive. Elections will be held for the following positions: Chairperson or Co-Chairpersons, Treasurer, Secretary and Fundraising Chairperson or Co-Chairpersons.

The PAC meets the first Tuesday evening each month at the school. Every parent/guardian is a member of our PAC and is invited and encouraged to attend these meetings. In addition, members of the Executive usually meet once per month prior to the PAC meeting.

School parents, through their elected representatives on the PAC Executive may consult with the principal and staff of their school respecting any matter relating to the school. Topics on which PACs may offer advice include school philosophy and program priorities, school regulations, and general student conduct, the curriculum, facilities, budget, renovations, safety programs, etc. Our PAC fundraises to benefit the school and operates a budget and plan of expenditures. Our PAC has a Constitution and Bylaws by which we operate.

Our PAC Executive is currently as follows:

PAC Co-Chair – Michelle Kokan – willing to stay next year
PAC Co-Chair - Verlee Bromley - willing to stay next year
PAC Treasurer – John Stekl – willing to stay next year
PAC Secretary – Chrystal Palaty – stepping down
Fundraising Chairperson – Carole Jones – leaving the school

Please consider volunteering or nominating someone for one of these positions. Nomination forms are available in the school office. Please leave the completed forms in the PAC box, also in the school office. The nominations will be posted on the PAC board on the lower level of the school. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact Michelle Kokan (mkokan@telus.net) or Verlee Bromley (vbromley@telus.net) or ask any of the current Executive. Not all of these positions necessitate a large time commitment. Please note that positions can be split ie. Fundraising Co-Chairs. Remember, this is all volunteer activity and we can only give the amount of time that we have. However, being involved in your child's school can be immensely rewarding and a great learning experience!

________________________________________
Southlands PAC Nomination Form

I, ______________________________________________, am nominating

___________________________________________________________

for the position of PAC _________________________________________

for the year 2010/2011.

Postcard you can print and send to the Minister of Education regarding education cuts

2010-04-18T15:49:00.000-07:00

Hello Southlands Families,

Attached please find a pre-addressed postcard you can print and send to the Minister of Education regarding education cuts, compliments of another Southlands parent.

Budget Postcard

Cutbacks to band and music programs

2010-04-15T20:42:00.000-07:00

Hello Southlands Families,

A concerned Southland parent has written the following letter regarding cutbacks to the music programs at public schools as a result of the VSB budget shortfall. She has asked me to share it with you.

Dear Southlands Families,

I am moved to write to you today as a fellow parent from the Vancouver School District.

My second grade son attends Southlands Elementary School, and my daughter attends Jamieson Elementary School. Both of these schools are facing impending cuts to many programs as well as the loss of teaching staff. We were informed In a recent letter to parents from the VSB that the Strings and Band Program to all 51 Elementary schools will be cut. Completely.

As the parent of a child who plays in a public school symphony I am deeply saddened by this news. I am trying to do everything within my ability to make the public aware of the dire situation which our schools face. I have spoken with many of our teachers and they are relying on us as parents and stakeholders in our children's education to advocate for these important programs. In a recent e-mail Mr. Colpitts, one Vancouver school's strings teacher, described to me how the strings and band program in Vancouver have undergone a series of cuts over the past several years. His response, along with other dedicated strings and band teachers, has been incredibly resourceful and creative - they have all made many personal sacrifices to keep the music alive. However, this cut will be the death blow.

I am convinced that further cuts to the Arts programs in schools is a foolish decision, with long-lasting negative impacts. The music, drama, and fine arts departments of our elementary schools are quietly becoming a thing of the past. Yet, in order to educate the whole child how can society ignore this most human need for children to be able to express themselves in a supportive, safe environment? And further, how will children nurture a love for the arts without having been exposed to them? For many of our city's children it is their motivation to continue in school. And one cannot dismiss the science which supports the knowledge that children who are involved in music also transfer that brain learning over to their academic lives.

Another worrying trend is that as these funding cuts continue to erode the programs of our public schools more and more families are choosing to educate their children through the private system. A school's funding is based on its student enrollment. Fewer students means less funding - which inevitably will lead to further cuts.

I am asking for your support. Make your voice heard. Send emails to our local MLA, Honourable Colin Hansen; our Minister of Education, Honourable Margaret MacDiarmid; Chairperson of the Vancouver Board of Education, Ms. Patti Bacchus; and anyone who you can think to add this list. Add yourself to the growing numbers who are joining in protest at various rallies around the city.

Let us convince them to consider re-instating funding to these programs and in doing so make a difference for the hundreds of children who benefit enormously from their continued existence.

Best Regards,

Kelly Johnson

March 2010 PAC Meeting Minutes

2010-04-07T19:00:00.001-07:00

South Lands PAC Meeting Minutes March 2010

April 2010 PAC Meeting Agenda

2010-04-07T18:57:00.001-07:00

South Lands PAC Meeting Agenda April 2010

Spring Fling White Elephant Sale

2010-03-25T06:19:00.001-07:00

Hello Southlands Families!

Our Spring Fling on April 9 is fast approaching! We are holding our inaugural White Elephant Sale as a fundraiser this year.....for only $25 you can purchase a table to sale your goods. These may be anything from crafts to used clothing and toys to who knows what!! However, we need to know how many tables to prepare, so please let Jennifer Thornley or Sofia Sandover know and provide payment by this Friday.

Jennifer : ajthornley@shaw.ca
Sofia Sandover: ssandover@metrofloors.com

CALL FOR PHOTOS

2010-03-24T21:38:00.001-07:00

The yearbook committee is looking for photos.

If you’ve taken pictures at school this year and would like to see them in the yearbook, please bring them to the office so we can copy them.

Southlands Pac Update

2010-03-15T06:26:00.000-07:00

Purdy’s- please have your orders back no later than Tuesday at noon.

Subway, March 30th- order forms due back no later than March 19th, 2010

Spring Fling – Carnival Update

Book Sale- boxes are in the main & downstairs hallway. Please drop off your books as soon as possible.

Cake Walk- cakes will be needed for this popular game on the day of the event.

Bottle Draw- all kinds of bottles needed. Water, juice, olive oils, jams, cooking wines, gourmet food, shampoo, create your own bottle. Bags will be placed in each child’s class for collection. Remember to check expiry dates- no outdated products please.

Note; soda, pop not needed as we have had that donated by a grocery store.

Silent Auction- please drop off items to the office. Nothing is too small as we will be creating gift baskets also. Be Creative. Remember to include the donor’s name and value of the item that is being donated.

Note: looking for anyone who has a contact at EA Games. Call Carole Jones 604-263-6416

Volunteers- many volunteers will be needed to work 2-3 hour shifts on the day of the event. Forms will be coming home soon.

Southlands PAC Meeting Agenda March 2010

2010-03-02T06:29:00.000-08:00

South Lands PAC Meeting Agenda March 2010

Subway Orders due Wednesday

2010-02-16T06:35:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Just a quick reminder that Subway orders for the month are due by Wednesday, February 17th at noon. Get your orders in to support the Grade 7 Graduates!

Corrected memo on behalf of Gary Little and update on PAC response

2010-02-10T20:15:00.000-08:00

Hello PACs,

Attached is a corrected memo re revisions to the Alternate Calendar Proposal. The difference between this one and the one we sent out earlier is in the elementary schedule: the start time is shifted from 8:45 to 9:00 and the time continues to shift as you go down through the schedule. Everything else in the proposal remains the same.

We really appreciate your responses – we have heard from over 40 parents/PACs to date, and know that we will hear more after some PAC meetings this week. As can be expected, we have had a variety of responses, from solidly for to solidly against with many responses indicating support for some but not all of the proposed changes. Parents have also suggested adjustments to the proposal. We have had a number of questions:

Q: What is the timeline for response?

A: Gwen doesn’t have a timeline, in terms of a next meeting of the Calendar Committee (date TBA). If a new calendar were to be adopted, it would be before the release of the preliminary 2010-2011 budget on April 7th, so a decision would need to be made by mid-March or so.

Q: Does this proposed new schedule eliminate the early dismissal day for all elementary and secondary schools?

A: Yes, it could mean that there are no early dismissals. Please keep in mind that these are proposals, and no decisions have been reached.

Q: Is there any information about where the estimated savings would be directed?

A: Given a possible shortfall of over $30 million in operating costs next year, there are many ways to direct any savings that can be found.

Q: Who initiated the change?

A: The proposal came from Human Resources as a possible cost-saving strategy.

Q: Will there be a forum with school board staff for parents?

A: Nothing has been scheduled at this point.

Q: How does this proposal save money?

A: The savings would come from the extra 10 days of schools closed (in terms of facilities costs), as well as some savings in administration with all schools on the same schedule, and the Teacher On Call (TOC) costs for 10 fewer working days.

Q: What happens too professional days?

A: There are no changes proposed in the number of professional days.

Again, thanks for your on-going responses. We will bring your feedback forward to the board. DPAC would like to reiterate that this is just a proposal at this point.

2010 February 03 Alternate Calendar Proposal(2)

Proposed change in PAC bylaw

2010-02-08T18:09:00.000-08:00

February 9, 2010

Dear Southlands Parents,

The PAC Executive is proposing a change to a bylaw in the constitution that governs the PAC. In accordance with the constitution, we are posting this proposed change more than 14 days prior to the next PAC meeting scheduled for March 2, 2010. At the March PAC meeting, we will hold a vote to pass this change to the existing bylaw.

Currently, our constitution does not allow for any member of the Executive Board of the PAC to remain in their position for more than two (2) consecutive years. These positions include Chair, Vice-Chair (if applicable), Secretary, Treasurer, and Fundraising Chair. Given the difficulties in finding volunteers to take on these roles in recent years, we would like to change this bylaw to allow all members (with the exception of Treasurer) of the Executive Board to remain in their positions longer than two (2) years.

The proposed change in bylaw is attached here. It is also posted on the Parent Board at the school. Please review this change prior to the PAC meeting on March 2, 2010.

Proposed Amendment PAC v 3

Proposed Changes to 2010-2011 school calendar

2010-02-08T18:06:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

DPAC vice-chair Gwen Giesbrecht is our representative on the board’s Calendar Committee. She has been asked to bring back parent input on proposed changes to next year’s school calendar that would result in 10 fewer school days (but the same hours of instruction) and save the district $1 to $1.3 million. Attached is the proposal. Please send any comments to me and I will forward them to Gwen.

Thanks.

Rosemary (rkwakefield@shaw.ca)

2010 February 03 Alternate Calendar Proposal

Vancouver District Parent Advisory Council

2010-02-04T06:35:00.000-08:00

As some of you are aware, the Vancouver School Board is facing a very large deficit this year, which might possibly result in teacher layoffs and reduced services. The Vancouver District Parent Advisory Council is urging parents to write to the Minister of Education, as well as to their MLA, asking the government to fund the school boards across the province.

If you would like to do so, the provided attachment is a letter that you may print directly to sign and mail in. You may also personalize it any way you choose. Of course, you may choose not to do so as well!

Provincial Govt Budget Letter

Yearbook Volunteers Needed

2010-02-04T06:30:00.001-08:00

Yearbook Volunteers Needed!

Southlands desperately needs volunteers to create the Southlands Yearbook for 2009-2010. We are in danger of losing our yearbook this year, as we have not had any volunteers to coordinate or help out with this project. Anything you can do to help out is appreciated! Students are welcome, and encouraged, to help out with the yearbook. We also need photos of any and all activities at the school, so if you have any you are willing to share, please bring them or send them electronically to the school office.
If you can help out in any way, please contact Michelle Kokan at mkokan@telus.net; or 604-739-8006.

SouthLands PAC Meeting Agenda Feb. 2010

2010-02-01T19:25:00.000-08:00

South Lands PAC Meeting Agenda Feb. 2010

Free Olympic Entertainment

2010-02-01T19:21:00.001-08:00

Here is a comprehensive list of all the Olympic venues which offer FREE entertainment. This list is linked to a number of media web sites and is contributed to by Vanoc.

http://www.citycaucus.com/2010freeprint

Southlands PAC Meeting Minutes: November, 2009

2010-01-17T19:53:00.001-08:00

Minutes-Southlands PAC Meeting November 2009 - FINAL

Southlands PAC Meeting Minutes Dec 2009

2010-01-17T19:50:00.000-08:00

South Lands PAC Meeting Minutes Dec 2009

Dunbar Little League (DLL) 2010 Registration

2010-01-12T06:41:00.000-08:00

Dunbar Little League (DLL) 2010 Registration

Registration will take place in January for the Dunbar Little League for boys and girls age 4 to age 12 (as of April 30, 2010). Please note that registrants must live within the DLL boundaries and proof of residence is required.

Online Registration
Online Registration is available through the DLL web site at www.dunbarbaseball.ca/registration.html.

Registration Information Day
Date: Saturday, January 23, 2009
Time: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Place: Dunbar Community Centre

DLL Boundaries:
North: 16th Avenue, South side;
East: West side of Puget Drive, south to 33rd, north side of 33rd to Blenheim, west side of Blenheim to the river;
South: Fraser River;
West: Camosun Street, including King Edward Place and Musqueam.

For more information consult the website www.dunbarbaseball.ca or contact registrar@dunbarbaseball.ca

Winter Social 2009

2009-12-08T18:41:00.001-08:00

The Winter Social is next Thursday, Dec. 17th. This is a very fun event for students and all extended family members! Tickets are only $5 per family, but they must be purchased by Dec. 11 (Friday) so that we may order the appropriate amounts of food. Forms went home last week, but you can also purchase tickets directly from the office as of Wednesday, Dec. 9.

Winter Social 2009

2009-12-03T17:03:00.001-08:00

Please complete the form below and send back no later than Dec. 11th so we can order enough food & beverages.

Winter Social Notice 2009

Parent Nutrition Newsletter

2009-12-01T21:42:00.000-08:00

Here is a nutrition newsletter from Vancouver Coastal nutritionist Sarah Carten, who is assigned to work with schools to promote healthy eating.

Parent Nutrition Newsletter

PAC Meeting Agenda: Tuesday Dec 1, 2009

2009-11-29T17:26:00.000-08:00

Next PAC meeting is Tuesday, December 1 at 7 pm in the school library. Please read the agenda and contact Michelle Kokan at mkokan@telus.net if you would like to add an agenda item for discussion.

South Lands PAC Meeting Agenda Dec. 2009

Purdy's orders due November 24th

2009-11-20T17:44:00.001-08:00

Just a reminder that Purdy's orders are due November 24th. Orders will be sent home with your child on December 11th, 2009.

Christmas Gift Cards

2009-11-18T23:12:00.001-08:00

The Grocery Certificate Committee from the PAC (that would be Sofia and Michelle) would like to ask you to consider purchasing Christmas Gift Cards from our expanded list as part of your holiday shopping. These gift cards make great presents for family, friends, colleagues, and anyone else on your holiday list (teachers, hairstylists, letter carriers....etc.). As well, you may want to consider ordering extra grocery certificates to pre-pay some of your holiday groceries.

For every Gift Card ordered Southlands School receives up to 10% back. The funds raised pay for many important school programs and equipment such as new computers, books, bus rentals for field trips, playground equipment, grade 7 camp and school performances. You finish Christmas shopping early and stress-free, and at the same time, you can donate to your child’s school with NO cost to you!

This is a one time only special Christmas Gift Card order, with an exciting and expanded list of merchants and services. Order forms went home today via backpack mail, or contact Michelle Kokan at mkokan@telus.net

Steering Kids Away from Gangs

2009-11-12T18:25:00.001-08:00

Steering Kids Away From Gangs_flyer

Purdy's, Winter Social and Direct Appeal

2009-11-12T18:17:00.000-08:00

Purdy's order forms were sent home Thursday via backpack mail. Orders are due by November 23.

Mark your calendars! The Southlands Winter Social is on December 17th, from 6 - 9 pm, with a bake sale, live auction, craft room, and of course a visit from Santa! Bring the whole family! To help out with the social, please email Carole Jones: carole.jones@hotmail.com

The Southlands fundraising Direct Appeal is going well. You may hand in your donation in the office. Please make cheques out to Southlands Elementary School.

Creative Minds Fundraiser

2009-11-05T10:19:00.001-08:00

Creative Minds Childcare is selling Entertainment books as a fundraiser. If anyone from Southlands would like one of these books, you can purchase one by making out a cheque to Southlands PAC, with your name and your child's name and division, and handing it in to the office.

Entertainment books are $46 each. All orders must be in by November 13. The books will arrive the following week.

2009 Direct Appeal

2009-11-04T18:09:00.000-08:00

Southlands Direct Appeal forms went home in backpack mail yesterday. If yours didnt make it home, you can download or print it using the blue links below.

Southlands Direct Appeal '09

Purdy's orders!

2009-11-03T22:10:00.001-08:00

Purdy's order forms will be sent home soon! Place your order your chocolate Christmas goodies early!