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While I can't possibly account for everything that has happened at each of our campuses and in the classrooms, I've been reflecting on the gifts of our school and how socially rich our community is. This is by far an exhaustive list; here are some of the highlights that stood out for me this Fall Term:
In early September, the Grade School and High School gathered for our Opening Assembly and Rose Ceremony to welcome all new families and our new Grade 1 Class. From there, the new school year was launched.
Festival life has been rich! Students have observed Michaelmas, Thanksgiving Harvest Lunches, Diwali, Martinmas lantern walks, Hanukkah, St Nicholas, Santa Lucia, the Advent Spiral, and a Kalevala Celebration.
Some of the varied and engaging activities have included the High School Wilderness Trip to Manning Park, Grade 4 overnight at the Coast Salish Big House in Brackendale, Grade 6 performing their play: All Roads Lead to Rome, Volleyball & Basketball teams playing other independent schools, and those in our music program performing in our Christmas Music Concert.
Social engagement has included the formation of the Ukulele Lunch Club and the Social Action Committee at the Grade School, and the Student Council at the High School. Students have visited our neighbouring senior care homes and have joined Cascadia in providing lunches for people in the Downtown East Side.
Our High School student body has busily been buzzing with fundraisers, all to support the Grade 12 Year end service trip. Thanks to you, they’ve run the following successful fundraisers - Flower Bulbs, Tuesday Treats, The Sound of Music Film & Fun, Caramel Apples, Wreaths, Poinsettias, Purdy's Chocolates, and their festive tables at the Children’s Christmas Fair.
With the needs of our students in mind, we’ve expanded the After School Program to include two caregivers for those students who need to stay after hours. We’ve successfully run several fire drills, earthquake drills, and lockdown drills. During Fire Prevention Week one of our Preschoolers was even offered a ride to school in a DNV Fire Hall #1 fire truck!
You, our parents and guardians, have also been actively engaged! From participating in the 2/3 play-yard work party, to putting some loving care into our Memorial Garden, to bringing Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters to our school, to generously supporting our food drive, to providing the gift of warm and nourishing Advent Lunches, to assisting on hikes and forest walks, baking, crafting, costuming, fundraising, driving and more, you have demonstrated your generosity of spirit and love for our school. Thank you! And of course one cannot ignore the enormity of your community commitment in co-hosting our 48th annual Children’s Christmas Fair!
Parents have come together for Class Parent Evenings, Class Rep Meetings, “First Seven Years” seminar series, Q&A with the VWSS Board of Trustees, the Mindfulness & Anxiety workshop, our VWSS AGM, the Grief Circle, and Community Coffee Mornings. You have also galvanized to form various committees - Gardening Committee, Playground Committee, Indigenous Council, School Expansion Group, Strategic Planning & Visioning Committee, and the AWSNA Steering Committee. You have provided important feedback by participating in the AWSNA Self-Study work in person, by email, and via Thoughtexchange. It is clear, community connectedness is a value that is living strongly at our school!
Last night, we wrapped up the festivities of the term with an offering from our faculty and staff in the form of the Shepherds' Play. Thank you to the directors, cast, and crew, and thank you to our enthusiastic audience for braving the wind and rain to join us, and to Parent Council for hosting a warm and welcoming reception following the production.
We accomplished all this in our first four months! You are well deserved of a restful and nourishing Winter Break. Enjoy your family time, and I wish each of you peace and joy at this Solstice and Christmastide.
Many blessings
Laura Bergstrome
Communications & Events
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