**Holiday Hampers** - Thank you

Your generous donations are so appreciated, and will certainly make this joyful season even more festive for the participating families! 

Our warmest heartfelt thanks to everyone who took gift tags from the Giving Trees, and bought gifts & gift cards or gave cash donations towards our Holidays Hampers. 

An enormous thanks too to our volunteer shoppers, and to all gift-wrappers who'll be participating at the wrapping parties.

Have a wonderful Winter Break!

CHARLES DICKENS BOOK FAIR - THANK YOU

Many Thanks to our Parent Volunteers and to our teacher librarian, Miranda, for organizing an awesome, efficiently run Book Fair at the main school library. Thanks too, to the Student Library Monitors for their assistance. 

This year's fair was incredibly busy at times, successfully raising over $1,400 for the library. Thanks for shopping with us!

**Holiday Hampers**

The Charles Dickens Annual Holiday Hamper program is here again!

In the spirit of the season, the PAC is asking for help from the Dickens Community to create unique Holiday Hampers for families in need. Your donations will be greatly appreciated by the participating families! 

There are a few ways you can get involved, and helping out is easy! 

1) Look for the Giving Tree in the main hallway of both the Main school and the Annex, starting Monday, November 26. 

• Choose a tag from the Giving Tree to provide a suggested gift.
• Select a tag from the tree (with details about the child’s age/gender.
• Purchase the item*
• Bring the item (and the tag) to the school, unwrapped.
• Place your item in the drop boxes next to the tree.
• *Please ensure clothing items include gift/return receipt.

2) Provide a Gift Card from one of the following stores:

• Buy-Low
• No Frills
• Superstore
• Walmart
• Save-On-Foods

3) Donate Cash (or Cheques) at the school office

• Donations over $50 are eligible for a tax receipt. 
• Please pick up a form from the office and return it with your donation.
• Please make cheques payable to Charles Dickens PAC.

Drop off your gifts and/or donations by Friday, December 14, 2018

Thank You - all support is greatly appreciated.

Charles Dickens Book Fair – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

We are still in need of more volunteers for our bi-annual school Book Fair to work the following shifts during the week of the Parent-Student Conferences at the Main School:

Wed, Dec 5 (shift times)

• 1:50-3:00pm 
• 3:00-4:15pm 
• 4:15-5:30pm
• 5:30-6:30pm

Thu, Dec 6 (shift times)

• 8:20-9:10am
• 1:50-3:00pm

Friday, Dec 7 (shift time)

• 8:30-9:40am (Packing Up the Fair)

You are welcome to bring your kids if you'd like to do so. Please email jacquithomas@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 some simple math too. 

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. 

Guest Speaker this November: Living in Community

Presentation on Social Emotional Learning at Tyee Montessori Elementary

Mara St. Onge will be speaking about Social Emotional Learning on Wednesday, November 21 from 7:30-8:30pm in the Tyee Gym. 

Mara is the Creator of Blingja Concepts Ltd. Blingja is a multi-sensory social emotional learning resource that supports curriculums. The Blingja Lesson Plans are designed to help people feel calmer in stressful situations. Without judging themselves, children learn to recognize their emotions and feel powerful in every situation.

She is an award winning youth/child program developer, long-term educator with the Vancouver School Board, child advocate, entrepreneur, author and mother of two. Visit Blingja.com for more info.

To attend, tickets can be purchased for $5 at Eventbrite: https://maraattyee.eventbrite.com

If you have any questions, contact Tyee PAC Co-chairs, Jeni Haskett or Kyenta Martins at tyeemontessoripac@gmail.com

Glen Drive Community Gardens - Can you assist?

This past summer, many Dickens parents and community members came together to help repaint the "Rainbow Road" (our Glen Dr. Community Street) between 17th and 18th Avenues. 

We are fortunate to have such an amazing space that can be enjoyed by our entire community!

Our next project is getting the community gardens at both ends of the Rainbow Road ready for the spring. 

Can you assist with planting?

Plants and bulbs (and even a tree!) donated by the City of Vancouver will be delivered next week.

If you feel you would be able to help out with the planting, please join us on the Rainbow Road on Tuesday, November 13 from 1:30pm onwards.

Remember to bring a pair of gardening gloves, a trowel and yes, that good ol' community spirit!

Thank you

..and happy gardening!

Dickens PAC

SOGI Education for Parents & Guardians

SOGI = Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity. Everyone has one, so what's all the fuss? Come find out in a safe, inclusive environment. 

All parents & guardians of VSB students are invited to attend.

Facilitated by Charles Dickens Principal, Matt Carruthers (former SOGI District Lead), and Renee Hock, VSB Diversity Mentor.

Cantonese and Mandarin translation services will be available for parents who require them.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND HAZARDOUS WASTE IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

Needles

If you find any needles, it is important that you call the Needle Hotline at 604.657.6561.  

With your valuable help they will:

• swiftly and safely to dispose of it
• do a sweep of the area 
• track the information in a city "heat map" so the city can focus attention in problem areas

More details on the Hotline can be found at http://www.vch.ca/about-us/news/discarded-needle-pickup

The VanConnect App can also be used (click on Garbage and Litter, then Abandoned Garbage, then Discarded Needle) to report a discarded needle.  The City will share this information with the Needle Hotline. However, this option may take more time before the needle is picked up. 

Condoms

Condoms can be carefully placed in a garbage bin by an adult.  Alternatively, condoms can be reported on VanConnect as abandoned garbage (click on Garbage and Litter, then Abandoned Garbage, then Garbage/Miscellaneous Junk) on City Property such as Sunnyside Park. If found on the school playgrounds over the summer break, the Vancouver School Board (VSB) should be contacted. 

While school is in session, please contact the Dickens School administrative staff if any hazardous items are found on the school playgrounds.

Thank you,

Dickens PAC

How to Apply for Funding for Parent-led Clubs & Activities at Dickens

Successful clubs over previous years have included Chess Club, Ultimate Frisbee, Sewing, Singing etc. New ideas are always welcome too!

If you'd like to apply for PAC Funding for a Parent-led Club or Activity for the 2018-19 school year at either the Dickens Main School or Annex, go to the following link for more info and the online application form: goo.gl/vSr4Gv

The Online Application Form must be completed by Friday, November 9, 2018.

Thank you,
Dickens PAC Exec

Guest Speaker: Dickens Teacher, David Murphy - The Dickens Model of Learning

Parents/Guardians from the Main & Annex Schools are invited to hear our first Guest Speaker for the year: 

Main School Div. 8 Teacher, David Murphy. See details here on the poster.

Tuesday, September 4 :: Welcome back!

Parents & Guardians are invited to join us at our Welcome Tables at the main & annex schools on Tue, Sep 4—we will be serving coffee, tea and baked treats.  

Main School: For Grades 1-7, school will be from 9-9:30am on Tue, Sep 4. Regular hours (9am-3pm) will begin from Wed, Sep 5.

Annex School: For Grades 1-3, school will be from 9-9:45am on Tue, Sep 4. Regular hours (9am-3pm) will begin from Wed, Sep 5.

Kindergarten Students will begin on Wed, Sep 5. Follow the gradual entry schedule that was provided to you by the main or annex school in spring. 

© Charles Dickens PAC

Major PAC Blog Upgrade

Thank you kindly for your patience! 
The DICKENS PAC Blog was upgraded from Mon, Aug 27 to Fri, Aug 31, 2018. 

Going forward, we trust that our reconstructed blog will serve you well in the new school year. Please do contact us at dickens.pac@gmail.com should you encounter any technical glitches. We'd appreciate being made aware of these issues, so that we can correct them where possible—Thank You.

A BIG THANK YOU, re: Glen Drive Community Street

The Glen Drive Community Street between the Main School and Sunnyside Park has been repainted for the new school year - it's looking so good! Many thanks to all Parents/Guardians and Dickens Friends who assisted on Saturday, August 11. 

Minutes for Executive Meetings 2017-2018

Sep 27, 2017 Minutes: goo.gl/JFLZpg

Oct 17, 2017 Minutes: goo.gl/9SHvez

Nov 21, 2017 Minutes: goo.gl/zibx8T

Funding Distribution: Main School and Annex School

Dec 5, 2018 Minutes: goo.gl/cxL93X

Jan 10, 2018 Minutes: goo.gl/AjnwT8

Feb 6, 2018 Minutes: goo.gl/bKLqfi

Mar 7, 2018 Minutes: goo.gl/MshzZ4

Apr 10, 2018 Minutes: goo.gl/FJjRDb

Glen Drive Community Street — Volunteers needed

Enjoy the Summer!

Thank You to Dickens Parents & Guardians for all your support throughout this year. Hope you'll have a wonderful Summer Break! We're looking forward to a fantastic 2018-19 School Year. See you on Tuesday, September 4...  

By the way, we have several additional 2018 SPRING FLING photos for you to see - they're set up at: facebook.com/dickensspringfling and at instagram.com/dickensspringfling

© Charles Dickens PAC

THANK YOU re: Staff Appreciation Luncheon

A Huge Thank You to Jessica Lebowitz and to Dickens Parents & Guardians who donated towards our Mexican-themed Staff Lunch and/or volunteered with food preparation, setting up, serving or tidying up after the event! 

With your generous assistance, we were able to host a scrumptious fajita main course meal for all Dickens Staff to show our heartfelt appreciation. Despite the rainy weather, we managed to maintain a festive atmosphere indoors at the annex gym! Browse through some of our pictures below:

2018 Ultimate Frisbee Program

This parent-led program is one of several activities sponsored by funds raised at 2017’s SPRING FLING. This was the 4th full season that the program has been offered at Dickens.  

Approximately 165 Grade 5,6 & 7 students played ultimate as part of their PE instruction.  57 Players, plus some drop-ins, joined the after-school club program for 15 sessions from late April until early June - these were a mix of practices and games versus other schools.

18 Grade 7 athletes from the club program were integrated into a practice run with the Ultimate Team at Sir Charles Tupper Secondary, providing an additional link for students transitioning to high school next year.  

We took part in 2 full day tournaments: 

25 Athletes in Grade 7 competed in the “Sabrefest” hosted by Stratford Hall. They played against 22 other teams from across the Lower Mainland at Montgomery Park. Our top team finished 5th. 

The second tournament was the "2nd Annual VSB City Championship" which had 37 elementary school teams competing. Our top Grade 7 team finished 3rd!

Many thanks to Dickens Parents, Todd Hickling and Ania Jakobs, and to the other wonderful parents for organizing this fun-filled  program! 

Grade 7 Graduation Picnic

Thank You for Donating & Volunteering at our 2018 SPRING FLING!

Our 2018 SPRING FLING Photos are up!

Please do follow us and like some of our pics if you haven't done so already! The more people following us and liking our pics, the more exposure we get with the general public - and publicity, especially in our neighbourhood, counts for sure!

Instagram.com/dickensspringfling

Facebook.com/dickensspringfling/

Staff Appreciation Luncheon is next week Wednesday, June 13 - Can You Help?

The following notice will be sent home today! If you can assist with any food, drinks and/or volunteer shifts, please contact Jessica Lebowitz at jlebowit@gmail.com by June 11 at the latest. Thank You! 

DONATE and/or VOLUNTEER at SPRING FLING!

1.      VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are needed for all sorts of fun shifts during, before and after the event! There are short shifts, long shifts, early shifts and late shifts.  Email Laura at lauraporee@mac.com to get the spot that best suits you and your family!

2.      PLANT SALE

A CALL-OUT TO ALL OUR LOVELY GARDENERS! If you have a garden bursting with plants galore, please consider supporting our school by donating to the plant table. We're not fussy, and will happily accept anything that is green and will grow - bulbs & seeds too! [Hint - labeling your plants for us is extremely helpful.] 

Drop off your plants at the red courtyard's south-side wall on May 31 from 9am. Please send Nicole an email at nicolenozick@gmail.com so we know what to expect. 

3.      MADE IT

Bring your homemade handiwork and we will sell it!  Our MADE IT table will provide the opportunity for both artists and hobbyists to donate their work, with all proceeds going to the Spring Fling. 

Bring your Arts & Crafts to the table in the courtyard on May 31 from 12 to 4pm. If you have questions, email Kerryn at kerrynwilliams@hotmail.com

4.      GENTLY USED TABLE

NEW this year to the Spring Fling is our "Gently Used Table"!  Please bring gently-used KIDS clothes, coats, boots and shoes to the donations bins near the school offices from now until May 31. Items will be available for sale in the red courtyard during the Spring Fling. If you have questions, email Tami at tamigabay@hotmail.com

5.      BAKE SALE

Baked goods are always welcome at the Bake Sale! Please be sure to include a list of all ingredients due to possible allergens. Drop off your yummy cookies, squares, cupcakes and other creations on May 31 after 9am. in the Main School Staff Room. If you have questions, email Naslishah at naslithony@hotmail.com

6.      CAKE WALK

Bring your gorgeous cakes to Spring Fling! The best 3 cakes will win a ribbon! Bring your cakes on May 31 after 9am. to the Main School Staff Room. If you have questions, email Amanda at amandageo2000@yahoo.com

7.      SILENT AUCTION

Have an item, service or gift card to donate to the SILENT AUCTION? Email Sara at saragetz@telus.net to arrange drop off by Tuesday, May 29.

8.      CLASSROOM BASKETS

Check with your child’s teacher to learn how to contribute to the Classroom Baskets for the Silent Auction (Main School only)

9.      DONATIONS

Donations can be brought to the office at the main or annex schools: Write cheques to Charles Dickens PAC. Tax receipts are available for donations of $50 or more. [Please ask for the form at the office - Thanks]. Donations can also be given by credit card—find us during the Spring Fling at the Silent Auction cashiers, near the main school office. 

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

facebook.com/dickensspringfling | instagram.com/dickensspringfling

Join the Dickens PAC Executive and make a positive difference!

Our 18th Annual SPRING FLING is happening soon...

This is our main fundraiser to support art & classroom supplies, various field trips, activities and clubs. Celebrate our school and community, and join us on May 31 for loads of Outdoor & Indoor Fun! 

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

facebook.com/dickensspringfling | instagram.com/dickensspringfling

SPRING FLING's Silent Auction - Classroom Basket Themes - Dickens Main School

Notices about Classroom Baskets for the Silent Auction were sent home last week.

Please drop off your donation(s) to your child's classroom by Wednesday, May 23. Thank you! 

If you have any questions, contact Vira Jackson at vlaats@hotmail.com or 604.209.9991

Anxiety in School-aged Children - Presentation

Our guest speaker, Dr Katherine Martinez from Anxiety BC, gave an insightful talk to parents/guardians on "Anxiety in School-aged Children".

Here is the link to her presentation:  Tuesday, April 24 2018

Guest Speaker on Anxiety in School-aged Children

Head Lice Treatment

Our School Nurse sent out a head lice alert this week. Treatment information can be seen in the links below. You're welcome to share this info with parents and guardians from other schools too:

Information from HealthLinkBC

English: https://goo.gl/C5nHkw

French: https://goo.gl/OU5wEO

Chinese: https://goo.gl/4StmyL

Vietnamese: https://goo.gl/1NVakP

Punjabi: https://goo.gl/8gqtg1

Spanish: https://goo.gl/aFzLaa

Here are two YouTube demo's on how to look for & treat head lice:

Video showing how to look for lice and nits:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwwNwzZuv-g

Video showing wet-combing method:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsUvaxfw4yI

Going to Sir Charles Tupper Secondary School in Sept 2018?

If you have a child headed to Sir Charles Tupper, we would like to invite you to attend the next Tupper PAC meeting on April 11, 2018. 

At this meeting, you can ask questions of fellow Tupper parents, find out what opportunities await you in the PAC, and get a better sense of what our community is all about. Administration, teacher, and student reps will also be present. We look forward to meeting you!  

Sign up for the Tupper PAC Newsletter:

Please also sign up for the Tupper PAC newsletter at http://tupperpac.weebly.com/ and keep an eye on the news section of our website. There are exciting things going on right away at the beginning of the year that you'll want to know about, and there are many ways to get involved between now and then. We want to make your transition to Tupper as smooth as possible and make you feel welcomed. 

Thank you,

Makeesha Fisher

Charles Tupper PAC Chair

Email: tupperpacchair@gmail.com