HELP WANTED. INQUIRE WITHIN.

With the onset of the new school year, we seem to find ourselves somewhat lacking in the volunteer department.  Being on the PAC isn't all about fundraising.  Yes, we DO do that as well, but for the most part, PAC is just about being involved with your child's school.

Right now we have two main 'teams' looking for parent helpers:  The Nit Check Mom's and the Lunch Ladies  (yes, Dad's are welcome, too!)  Both extremely glamorous jobs! There are only enough volunteers right now to run two days of the school store (cafeteria).  That means no hot lunches for our kids.  No milk, no soup.

The year before last, I was the sole nit-checker.  It was a long and tedious job, and I honestly could not stay ahead of the game.  If we have a team of four or more, the job would be done quickly, and we wouldn't have the fear of lice running rampant through our halls.  Many hands make light work!

Apparently, we have SIXTY new kindergarten children!  We are planning to do a mini Meet & Greet this Monday morning to make the parents feel as welcome as the children.   During this time, we will be introducing some of fundraising options (IGA loadable cards!) as well as letting them know what they can do to help out in the school.

Monday evening at 7:00 pm is our 1st PAC meeting of the year.  This year,  we will be doing a draw at each meeting as well, to help get the numbers in!  Nothing like a little incentive!  There is also free babysitting available.  This truly is one of the most important years to be a part of the PAC.  With the school rebuild, you will be on of the first people to know the goings on.  Front seats as it were.

One more new implement this year:  the Meet & Greet BBQ on Thursday evening!  From 5-7 pm come and enjoy a burger and meet your children's classmates and their parents.   Find out what we, the PAC are all about and what you, as a parent of one of our students can do to help make their 8 years at GES great!

See you Monday!

Re-Build Meeting

School re-build meeting tomorrow at 6:45 pm at the school.... Child Care AVAILABLE

Re-Build INFO

February 12, 2013

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 46 ANNOUNCES DESIGN BUILD TEAM FOR GIBSONS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL!

The Sunshine Coast Board of Education has accepted the recommendation of the SD46 Evaluation Team for Bouygues Building Canada Ltd. & KMBR Architects to be the preferred design build team for the new Gibsons Elementary School. The Evaluation Team, comprised of Patrick Bocking (Superintendent), Nicholas Weswick (Secretary-Treasurer), Rob Collision (Manager of Facilities), Deborah Luporini (Principal, Gibsons Elementary School), Jim Alkins (Project Director) and Patrick May (Architectural Advisor) provided their recommendation to the Board of Education at its meeting on Tuesday, February 12, 2013. Patrick Bocking commented, We are excited to be moving forward to provide an excellent learning environment for our students in the Gibsons community! The next steps will be to meet with staff, students and parents to share the plans and hear further feedback. The SD46 Evaluation Team anticipates bringing a report to the Board of Education at the March meeting.  It is anticipated that the new Gibsons Elementary School will be open in the Fall of 2014. Board Chair Silas White added, The community has been waiting a long time for this. We are thrilled to have found an incredible team, that has been extremely responsive to staff, parent and community input, to begin construction for us later this spring.

February 4, 2013

The school district’s evaluation team (Superintendent Patrick Bocking, Secretary Treasurer Nic Weswick, Principal Deborah Luporini, Manager of Facilities Rob Collison, Architect Patrick May and Project directorJim Alkins met last week to review the three submissions for the new Gibsons Elementary School.

We have completed our part of the process.  The information will now be presented to the Board of Education by Mr. Bocking, Mr. Weswick, and Mr. Alkins.  We are excited that our new school is moving forward and we look forward to sharing more information in the near future.

January 27, 2013

Last Thursday morning the school district's evaluation team met to review the evaluation criteria for the projects submitted by each one of the three teams. Each evaluation team member has until this coming Thursday evening to do an individual review of each one of the projects.  The entire district's evaluation team will meet again on February 1st and 4th to continue the conversation on the preferred team for the new Gibsons Elementary School.

January 13, 2013

Last Thursday and Friday morning, the Evaluation Team met with each of the three companies to answer any final "request for information" questions or clarifications.  Each one of the teams will now be putting the final touches on their proposals.  The complete packages are required to be submitted to the School District by January 21 at 2 p.m.  The Evaluation Team will be meeting again on January 24th to receive further information and details as the final evaluation process begins.  We are hoping to have a team selected by mid to late February.

January 1, 2013

Happy New Year!

Next week each one of the three shortlisted teams will have an opportunity to meet with the Evaluation Team. All three shortlisted teams have had an opportunity to present their ideas and vision in relationship to the desired requirements set out in the Request for Proposal - fall of 2012.  We anticipate that next week's meeting will likely be their last request for information, as the final submissions are due into the school district on January 21st.

school re-build info

It was recently announced who will be building our new school! At February's PAC meeting, Mrs Luporini presented the group with computer generated images and blue prints of the new school. Very impressive. Over the next few PAC meetings we will be meeting 1/2 hour early (6:30) to discuss the re-build and to gain more information as things progress. As the next scheduled PAC meeting would lie on SPRING BREAK, we have Moved the meeting up to March 13th. 7:00 to 8:00. (6:30 for rebuild info)

NIT CHECKERS wanted!

Looking for Volunteers to help with NIT CHECKS....  (Oh, the Glamour of being a volunteer!!) I can no longer commit to Mondays  due to a part-time job.  I will be training tomorrow morning from 9-10 am for anyone who wishes to help out.  Once you know the 'drill' you can come and go at your own convenience... Set up meeting times with other team-mates (goes faster with more people!) and the such.  Please meet at the office at 9:00 am tomorrow (Monday) morning.....  THANKS!

News Release - Shortlist of Architects

Gibsons Elementary School Design Team Shortlisted to 3 Architects!

SD46 Evaluation Team has now completed its shortlist of architects! The respondents from the Request For Qualifications Phase in July 2012 for the rebuild of Gibsons Elementary School has now been shortlisted to Bouygues Building Canada Ltd., DGS Construction Ltd. and Stuart Olson Dominion Construction Ltd.

The Evaluation Team, comprised of Patrick Bocking (Superintendent), Nicholas Weswick (Secretary-Treasurer), Rob Collision (Manager of Facilities), Deborah Luporini (Principal, Gibsons Elementary School), Jim Alkins (Project Director) and Tom Moore (Architectural Advisory) arrived at a decision after ensuring the Fairness Monitor procedure was completed. The Team concluded that based on the submissions received these three respondents best demonstrated their capacity to undertake the Gibsons Elementary Rebuild project with an understanding of the project objectives.

The next step is a Public Information Session at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, September 19th at Gibsons Elementary School (Gym). The community and users of the school are invited to attend this information session and provide feedback to the Evaluation Team. After receiving input on the school and community’s vision, School District No. 46 will issue a Request for Proposals from the three shortlisted architects.

The school district hopes to be able to look at designs for the new building by late fall with the Board of Education approving the final selection in early 2013 and building of the new school to commence in the Spring of 2013. The anticipated Gibsons Elementary School opening would be in the Fall of 2014.

Board Chair Silas White commented, “We’re extremely pleased with the work and expertise of the district Evaluation Team and now look forward to the important community input to help inspire the shortlisted architects to give us their best stuff.”

News Release - $600,000 Allocated!

SD46 SCHOOLS TO RECEIVE $600,000 IN SURPLUS ALLOCATIONS!

At the Regular Board of Education Meeting on Tuesday, September 11, 2012, Trustees approved the release of two-thirds of the school district’s surplus – $600,000 – to be allocated directly to schools!

The school district recently completed its annual audit and has an unrestricted surplus of $904,191. In the past, unrestricted surplus amounts have been dispersed in February of the school year as part of the Amended Budget or even held until the Spring for inclusion in the following year’s budget.

This year, the Board of Education approved the immediate dispersal of funds so they would be available for direct classroom support at the beginning of the school year. The allocation would be distributed in approximately the same ratio that resources are allocated to schools from the operating budget. By releasing these funds now, schools would have an additional $600,000 in funding with the potential for additional resources later, based on future discussion about the remaining surplus.

Nicholas Weswick, Secretary-Treasurer, stated, “September is a time when the funds are most needed. Staffing plans for most schools are developed and revised within the first two weeks of classes. Additional resources could be the difference between adding a division or increasing other supports to students much earlier in the year.”

Trustees agreed that dispersing the funds now would better support our students while still honouring the need for consultation with stakeholders. Board Chair Silas White commented, “When we consulted our employees and parents about allocating surplus funds last year, most of the suggestions involved direct classroom support for students, including more special education, library and fine arts support or smaller class sizes. By receiving the funds in early September, our schools will have far more options to best meet the needs of our students from September to June.”

Here's a link to School supplies required for our district (thank you Misty!) 

http://www.sd46.bc.ca/index.php/schools - school supplies list for each school in district.

JUST IN CASE

Just in case you were not aware, the teachers have gone on strike for the next three days (March 5-7)  There is not adequate supervision available at the school, so please do not drop your child off.  There are also no buses.

If you are wondering on the why's and how's of the strike happening, 'Google' BILL 22, go to the BCTF web-site or search it on FB (LOL).  Most everyone has an opinion.   Before you place an opinion, however,  PLEASE be informed of the situation.

Yes.  It IS inconvenient.
Yes. Our children are missing 3 days schooling...
But, weigh the price well.  Let's look long term.

Help our TEACHERS help our children...

"Teaching is not a lost art,
but the regard for it is a lost tradition."
          -Jacques Barzun

FUNDRAISER: Grade 6/7 Ski Trip

SILPADA  Designs

GRADE 6/7 Ski Trip FUNDRAISER

January 24^th-February 15th

20% of all orders placed under “Grade 7 Ski Trip FUNDRAISER” will go towards the … grade 7 ski trip!

Go to www.mysilpada.ca/pammila.ruth to place an order on-line

(follow prompts: “Shop Silpada Catalogue” to “sign in” to “Create An Account”,  browse the on-line catalogue, place your order, and then associate it with “Grade 7 Ski Trip FUNDRAISER”)

or contact Pammila Ruth @ pznqz101@gmail.com to order by cheque or cash.

Silpada Designs Jewelry is .925 Sterling Silver

All orders placed before January 31^st will be delivered by Valentine’s Day!

Contact Pammila Ruth at 604-886-1717 for a full size catalogue and/or view on-line at:

www.mysilpada.ca/pammila.ruth

(if you have any fundraising ideas for your class and/or the school as a whole, please feel free to contact me as well!)

NOVEMBER 19th: VOTE for School Trustee!!

Just a reminder that this Saturday, November 19th is voting day!  Voting is at the Gibsons REC CENTER this year! KNOW who you are voting for. Don't just tick beside a name. Your decision is VERY IMPORTANT to our school! Now it's your turn to do your homework...

WORLD DIABETES DAY

In honor of Frederick Banting, the discoverer of insulin. GES has Declared this Monday WEAR BLUE DAY.

Building Stronger Relationships With Your Child: OCT 5th, 6pm to 7pm Sitters Available

School is back in session!

Sorry about being so late in posting. So many things needing to be done come September! Welcome back to all the students and staff! Welcome to all the NEW students and of course, new Principal Mrs. Luporini, and Administrative Assistant, Mrs. Petty ! As many of you know, there is a teach-only job action taking place through-out BC with the Teacher's Union. What this means to us, is that the communication system between the Administration and the staff will be limited. The teachers are still doing what they do best: Teaching Our Children. But any type of communication must be one-on-one. Mass information, such as news letters and lunch orders, must be dealt with individually without the teacher's involvement. That means us. The volunteers at the school... Which also means we need more volunteers! Please call the office if you would like to help out in this capacity. An easy task either first thing in the morning (lunch orders) or last thing of the day when there is a news letter or such) Speaking of news letters.... Did you receive your PAC news letter?? As Planners have not been given out yet, the routine of bringing items home hasn't been re-enforced yet. PAC members handed each child a News Letter this afternoon. In it was information on our Shopping Coupons, the Receipt Race, Family Fun Night, the new FaceBook page, request for Earthquake kits, School Store info (including the need for more volunteers there!) and reminders to Parents of the regular goings on. If you did not receive a news letter, please send your child to the office side window to request one. The Facebook page, as well as this Blog, will also keep you up-to-date. See side panel for up-coming events Also, just a reminder that the first PAC meeting of the year will be September 21st at 7:00. Free babysitting will be provided if needed. Elections will not be until October 19th.

Wow! You know June is CRAZY when....

Wednesday, June 15	Division 1: A Mid-Summer Night's Dream	GES Gym   1:00 pm
Wednesday, June 22	Spirit Assembly:  Retirement of Mrs. Klan Choralations/Youth Orchestra Presentation	GES Gym    9:15 am  GES Gym  1:55 pm
Wednesday, June 29	Grade 7 Leaving Ceremony: Followed by a Parent Tea	GES Gym 11:00 am
Wednesday, June 29	Last Day of School: Report Cards Distributed
Thursday, June 30	Administrative Day	GES  8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday, July 1	Canada Day
Tuesday, September 6	School Starts Today (1/2 Day)	11:20 am- 1:35 pm

Coin Drive & Car Wash

From May 24 to May 27 the school is partisapating in a coin drive to raise funds for Juvenile (Type 1) Diabetes Research. this fundraiser is being spearheaded by Maddie, our Canadian Ambassador (see side panel) for JDRF. Maddie and her 'Monster's' will be walking in the Telus Walk for a Cure on June 12th. All spare change is appreciated. Not only will you be helping this good cause, but the class with the most money wins a pizza party! On June 4th, there will also be a car wash held at Gibsons Park Plaza to raise funds for Maddie's Monsters.

Bake Sale for OSCAR

Just a reminder that there is a bake sale at the school, this Thursday during lunch, to raise money for the OSCAR DORVAL FUND... Oscar is a local little 3 year old boy battling cancer right now.

Three students had a bake sale last month to raise money and a few children over-indulged... Good for the fund, not good for the other students who never got to purchase. Mr H sent out a telephone message to parents that if they wished to contribute, more cupcakes would be appreciated. SuperValu has even offered mixes! So if you have a few extra moments tonight, feel free to bake away! Not a baker?  Please lend your child .50 cents or $1.00 to buy a cupcake or two.  They feel great pride in being able to help out, if even in a small way!   Let's have lots of cupcakes for all, and lots of funding to little Oscar and his family!


- Posted using BlogPress from that wonderful, magical, amazing little piece of modern technology.... my iPhone

Wednesday, April 13th 7:00, GES LIBRARY

BCTF, in conjunction with the GES PAC , presents an Anti-Bullying Workshop for Parents. All parents & guardians from our area schools are welcome to attend.

lost & Found

I cannot post Flickr for some reason. The L&F has been removed from the school. I have it at my home. More pix will be taken and I will figure out this FLICKR thing once and for all. I will also post quick descriptions in the meanwhile. No good deed goes unpunished!

upcoming events

Did you get your phone call yesterday? The Lost & Found pile has gotten out of control, and will be dispersed of on Friday... I have tried to post pictures on the blog, but Flickr doesn't seem to like me, and it takes FOREVER to post each picture. I will ask Mr H if I can take and sort the clothes on Monday, and try new pix. Will see what I can do. Next Friday is report card day! The 16th and 17th are early dismissal days so the parents can set up interviews with the teachers if need be. While not required, it is good to take advantage of this one on one if you would like to give or get feedback regarding your child.