Thursday, March 30

Charles Dickens Book Fair – Volunteers Needed!

More volunteers are needed for our bi-annual school Book Fair to work 1-hour shifts from April 5 – 6. The Fair takes place during the week of the Parent-Student Conferences at the Main School.



1-Hour shifts that still require volunteers: 


April 5
  • 4-5 pm (3 volunteers)
  • 5-6 pm (1 volunteer)
April 6
  • 3-4pm (3 volunteers)

You are welcome to bring your kids if you'd like to do so. Please email dickens.pac@gmail.com if you're able to volunteer for any of these shifts.

What you will do 
Process payments for books as kids/parents come to the counter to purchase; this involves taking cash, cheques or setting up payment through visa machine. 

The school librarian, Miranda, or parent working the shift prior to you will show you what to do, including how to work the visa machine. And you have to be able to do simple math too of course.

Shift parents will also write 1 to 2 slips for books that have run out, but can still be purchased if prepaid. Miranda then orders the books and they'll arrive before the Fair ends.

SPRING FLING - Volunteers Needed to Lead or Co-Lead Classroom Basket Donations

Classroom Basket Donations always play a substantial role in contributing towards our Silent Auction at the SPRING FLING. 

We are looking for Volunteers to Lead or Co-lead in organizing the baskets at both the Main & Annex Schools. See more details on the poster below:


SPRING FLING - Volunteers Needed for our Community Promotions Team

We need 3 to 4 more volunteers to join our Community Promotions Team. 
As a volunteer you will work with our Community Promotions Team Lead, Lynne Boardman, to:

  • Set up printed posters at specific elementary & high schools and public venues. Public venues include nearby community centres, libraries, neighbourhood houses, and some local grocery stores, coffee shops etc
  • Drop flyers at certain locations in our neighbourhood, e.g. Kensington Library etc
See more details on the poster below:


SPRING FLING - Volunteer Needed to Lead the Recycling/Garbage Team

There are already a good number of people who've joined the Recycling/Garbage Team, however, we're looking for someone to lead & coordinate the team. See more details on the poster below:



SPRING FLING - Volunteer Needed to Lead the Wrap Up Team

There are always several people helping to wrap up towards the end of the SPRING FLING, however, we are looking for someone to lead & coordinate the Wrap Up Team. See more details on the poster below:



Tuesday, March 28

"Solo Georgia Strait Crossing" Fundraiser for Charles Dickens Elementary

Don Urquhart, Division 9 Parent, will embark on a solo paddle in an Outrigger Canoe across the Georgia Strait from Nanaimo to Vancouverlater this Spring...

Help him reach his fundraising goal for Charles Dickens Elementary  100% of the funds raised will go directly to the school!

He will also be visiting Divisions 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19 to share his experience of goal setting, preparation and awareness of oceans. 

Support his Dickens Fundraising Initiative here at
gofundme.com/solo-oc1-georgia-strait-crossing

Follow his journey here on Facebook 
facebook.com/Solo-OC1-Georgia-Strait-Crossing


Sunday, March 5

SQUARE Dancing at Dickens

The square dancing was a blast! The week long dance program at Dickens main, ended with two family dances on Friday, March 3 when students, teachers and parents “do-si-doed” to the sounds of live fiddle and banjo led by '”Professor Banjo”, Paul Silvera, and his band - professorbanjo.com

Paul has led traditional square dances at festivals & community events across the Pacific Northwest. We were fortunate to have him come to Dickens, and introduce our children to this form of dance.  

Thank you to all staff and to Kim's leadership in organising such a great event!

And thanks to all Dickens Parents & Guardians, who made this dance program possible through some of the funds raised at last year’s Spring Fling.

Dickens PAC Exec


Thursday, March 2

Save the Date for SPRING FLING!

New to SPRING FLING? You can view last year's photos on our facebook and instagram


Can you help with Silent Auction Canvassing?

The carnival game prizes have been ordered, and the dunk tank is booked!


With just three months away from SPRING FLING, we need your assistance: 


  • We need help to secure donations from local businesses for auctioning. 
  • We have a list of contacts to work through but if there's a business you already frequent, it makes it all the easier to ask the owner/manager to show our school some love! 
  • Silent Auction Canvassing is vital as the auction generates more than 50% of the funds raised for the Dickens Main & Annex schools.

For more info, contact Amy at dickens.spring.fling@gmail.com