September 6, 2024
Dearest Wix-Brown families,
Welcome back to a new school year! It has been so great to reconnect as a school community and welcome so many new faces to Wix-Brown this week. The transition back to school can take some time, but we have been mindful of that at school in the transitional activities and learning opportunities that have been set up throughout the week. At home, there are ways that you can also support your child’s transition back into the school year. These include:
1. Establishing a Routine
- Consistent Bedtime: Ensure your child gets enough sleep by setting a regular bedtime.
- Morning Routine: Create a morning routine that includes time for a healthy breakfast and getting ready without rushing.
2. Preparing for School
- School Supplies: Make sure your child has all the necessary school supplies and that they are labeled with their name.
- Clothing: Lay out clothes the night before to avoid morning stress.
3. Staying Organized
- Homework Station: Set up a quiet, well-lit area for homework and study.
- Calendar: Use a family calendar to keep track of school events, assignments, and extracurricular activities.
4. Communicating with Teachers
- Meet the Teacher: Attend any back-to-school events to meet your child’s teacher and understand classroom expectations.
- Stay in Touch: Regularly check in with teachers about your child’s progress and any concerns.
5. Encouraging Independence
- Self-Care Skills: Teach your child to manage their belongings, such as packing their backpack and organizing their schoolwork.
- Problem-Solving: Encourage your child to solve minor problems on their own, fostering independence and confidence.
6. Fostering a Positive Attitude
- Talk About School: Discuss what your child is excited about and any concerns they might have.
- Celebrate Efforts: Praise your child’s efforts and achievements, no matter how small.
7. Promoting Healthy Habits
- Nutrition: Provide balanced meals and snacks.
- Physical Activity: Encourage regular physical activity to keep your child healthy and focused.
8. Limiting Screen Time
- Set Boundaries: Establish rules for screen time, especially during school nights.
- Educational Content: Encourage the use of educational apps and programs.
9. Encouraging Reading
- Daily Reading: Set aside time each day for reading, either together or independently.
- Library Visits: Make regular trips to the library to foster a love of books.
10. Being Involved
- Volunteer: Participate in school activities and volunteer when possible.
- Support Learning: Show interest in your child’s schoolwork and provide help when needed.
By being proactive in preparing for the transition, both at home and at school, we can work together to ensure that every child at Wix-Brown is as prepared as possible for the school year ahead. Thank you for collaborating with us on your child’s success!
Around the School…
Outdoor Afternoons
Throughout the week, students have been working in various groups and with different teachers. One activity that we have engaged in over the last few years is “Outdoor Afternoons” during the first few days at school. Each afternoon, students head outside and rotate through a variety of outdoor stations and activities that teachers have designed. This gives students a chance to interact with new peers, while at the same time meeting the Wix-Brown staff and getting to interact in a fun, positive manner. Although it was warm outside, everyone seemed to be having fun while getting to know some of the new faces around Wix-Brown. Thanks to our teachers and support staff for organizing this opportunity!
Welcome, New Staff!
We have some wonderful new additions to our staff at Wix-Brown. It is so great to have a strong team at our school who are committed to supporting all our kids. Please welcome:
- Ms. Van Deventer, Resource Teacher
- Ms. Carrington, SEA
- Ms. Reid, Clinician
- Ms. Olafson, Grade 5/6 Teacher
- Ms. Nash, Noon Hour Supervisor
Cell Phones at School
The district has updated its policy regarding cell phones at school. In elementary schools, personal digital devices are not to be used during non-instructional times, from the student’s arrival at the start of the day, to the student’s departure at the end of the day. This includes during recess, lunch, and other breaks. Students are encouraged to keep their personal digital devices at home. Any devices brought to school should be turned off and stored away in backpacks or lockers.
At Wix-Brown, students are NOT permitted to use cell phones during the school day, and are not to use them before or after school on the premises. We recommend students keep them at home for safe keeping, but if they are brought to school they need to be turned off and stored in a backpack throughout the day. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
You can view the district’s Administrative Procedure regarding cell phone use in schools here.
School Volunteers
The district’s policy regarding volunteers in schools has changed. All volunteers at school, whether for field trips, driving, coaching, helping with hot lunch, reading/helping in classrooms, etc. will be required to complete a criminal record check (free of charge) and watch a short training video. These measures are designed to ensure student safety for all. Volunteers are a huge part of our school community at Wix-Brown, and we are so grateful to the many family members who have worked with us and support the school over the years.
If you are planning on volunteering at the school in any form, particularly if you intend on helping out on field trips, it is recommended that you complete the required volunteer process as soon as possible. In order for field trips to occur at school, we will need to ensure that we have enough volunteers who have completed the criminal record check and required forms. You can access the link to get started here. Please connect with the school office if you have not received the password to access the website.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you!
Consent Forms
Each year, Langley schools ask families to complete a set of parent consent forms for their child. These consent forms are required by our schools to ensure the health, safety, and security of all students. The school district uses a secure web form to collect this information. Beginning mid-September, please watch for an e-mail request (subject: Parent Consent Request) that contains a link for you to submit consents for all children in your family attending any Langley school. If your e-mail address or contact information has changed, please call the school office to correct it in our files. If you have not received an e-mail regarding a Parent Consent Request by the end of September or have any questions/concerns, please contact the school office.
Breakfast Club
Ms. Huseon and Ms. MacDonald, our Feeding Futures co-ordinators for the year, are excited to welcome back students to Breakfast Club beginning Monday! Any student who would like a healthy snack or breakfast item before school will line up in the undercover area and head into the school for some nutritious food before the start of the day. We look forward to seeing our students’ smiling faces in our new Breakfast Club space in the multi-purpose room. Come one, come all!
Bear Den Donations
At Wix-Brown, we have a wonderful resource called the Bear Den that is available to all families at our school. We have extra clothing, shoes, food, toiletries, etc. that families are able to access as needed. If you would like to come and visit the Bear Den, please feel free to reach out to our youth care worker, Ms. JM at: ljohnsonmallari@sd35.bc.ca
In addition, we are always happy to accept donations to our program, including food, that can be distributed to our community,. Thank you for your support of all our Wix-Brown bears!
From the District…
No items this week.
Upcoming Dates…
September 12 – PAC: Parent Information Night in Library at 6 PM
September 27 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Assembly
September 30 – No school (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation)
October 4 – No school (School Improvement Day)
October 11 – Student Photos
October 14 – No school (Thanksgiving)
October 25 – No school (Professional Development Day)
October 30 – Month-End Assembly
October 31 – Halloween