Grade 7 Graduation Party Planning

 Attention Grade 7 parents 

You are invited to our 2024 Graduation Party Planning meeting this Thursday November 30th 7:30pm. 

The meeting will be on Zoom

Meeting ID: 998 947 1004 

Passcode: Oliver

If you have any questions please contact Jessica_melvin@yahoo.com

Holiday Hampers 2023

Holiday Hampers 2023

Extended until December 8th

In the spirit of the season, the Charles Dickens PAC is asking for your support in helping to create holiday hampers for the families and individuals living in our community who could use a boost at this time of year.

The need this year is significant; all our partner agencies are seeing an increase in the number of requests for support they receive, and the reality is that nothing ever gets less expensive as time passes.

If you’re able to help this year, know that your gift will make a HUGE difference to someone living right here in your community.

There are two ways you can support our Holiday Hamper program:

1. Donate gift cards! Visit your local grocer or retailer and purchase gift card(s) and then send the card(s) to school with your kid(s). Classroom teachers will collect the gift cards on our behalf. We’ve been hearing from our partners that the gift cards that provide recipients with the most flexibility are ideal. Gift card ideas include:

• Grocery cards - Save On Foods, Buy Low, Safeway, Superstore, Walmart, Nesters or other local grocers

• Clothing gift cards - Old Navy, Gap, Walmart, Joe Fresh, Carters, Mark’s Work Warehouse, Sport Chek, etc.

• Flexible gift cards for retailers with a variety of merchandise choices: Amazon, Indigo, Toys R Us, Walmart, Best Buy, The Bay, Walmart, Sephora, London Drugs, Shoppers Drug Mart, etc.

2. Donate cash through your SchoolCashOnline.com account: 

• The link above is a direct link to the Charles Dickens PAC donation page. If you sign into your schoolcashonline account, once you’ve selected the “Make A Donation” option, be sure to select E-Charles Dickens PAC as your Fund Destination (this works for gifts from both Dickens Main and the Annex).

• When you make your gift, please let us know that it is for the Holiday Hampers by making a note in the Message box. Gifts of $10 or more are eligible for charitable receipts, which are issued automatically by the VSB.

This year’s hampers will be distributed beginning the week of December 4th, so please be sure to drop off your donations to your classroom or office by Friday, December 8, 2023. 

If you have any questions, please email us at charlesdickensholidayhampers@gmail.com

Thank you! Your support is vitally important and deeply appreciated!

Purdy’s Winter Fundraiser

   

The Charles Dickens PAC Winter Holiday Fundraiser with Purdy's Chocolates is back, by popular demand!  Now is the time to let your inner chocoholic out, as this fundraiser will only be offered once this entire year.

This tasty fundraiser will raise money to support school activities funded by the PAC at both Charles Dickens Annex and Main school. The schools will receive 25% of the money spent, back to support enriching activities for all students! Last year we aimed to sell $10,000 and smashed that goal, selling over $11,000 – which raised more than $3,000 for our schools 😊

To view the items and make a purchase, please visit this link:   

https://fundraising.purdys.com/1418327-112752

Once you are at the website, 

• Enter your email address
• Create an account
• Click on “shop online” (at the top of the next page)
• Select the "Market place" button (this allows you to see images of all the chocolate for sale) 

Submit your chocolate order to the Purdy’s website by Friday December 1st, 2023.

Pick-up your chocolates on Friday December 15th, between 3:15pm-6pm, at 

3120 Saint Catherines Street (PAC member Hanna’s home)

Check it out, and consider buying treats for teachers, friends and family through this school fundraising campaign. Feel free to share the link with friends.  A little chocolate goes a long way to warming someone's heart!

Thank you in advance. We are wishing you a sweet holiday season.

From the Charles Dickens School PAC fundraising committee

Kids Swap Market Friday December 8th 2023

We are excited to announce that Dickens is hosting a Kids Swap Market on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, from 3:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. at the School gym. 

We would love for you to join us for a fun-filled day of swapping and shopping. You can buy, sell, or trade your kids' clothes, toys, books, games, or anything else that they have outgrown or no longer need.

Admission is only $1.00 per person (children are free). Tables are available for $15.00

If you would like to sell your items, please reserve a table by

• filling out the table registration form here
• emailing it to Charlesdickensswapmarket@gmail.com

Volunteers are also needed for this event. Please sign up here

Red Cross Courses for Students on October 20 (Pro-D Day)

Charles Dickens PAC is once again hosting fundraisers for a Babysitting and Stay Safe Course! We’ve partnered with the Red Cross to offer the Babysitting & Stay Safe Courses in person for October 20th (Pro-D Day). Partial proceeds from all registrations will be directed back to the PAC. Details on both courses are below. 

In PERSON Red Cross Courses - October 20th 2023 (Pro-D Day) at Charles Dickens Main School.

Maximum of 30 students per course.

• Babysitting Course

• Minimum Age 11 years old (or completion of Grade 5)
• Duration: 7-8 hours.  Starts at 8:30am
• Offers basic first aid and caregiving skills for youth 11-15 years old. Participants learn how to provide care to children in a variety of age groups, and how to prevent and respond to emergencies. The course also offers youth the skills to promote themselves as babysitters to prospective families.
• TAKE-HOME MATERIALS:  Babysitter’s Manual 
• Cost: $72

• Stay Safe Course

• Minimum 9 years of age (or completion of Grade 3)
• Duration: 5-6 hours. Starts at 9am
• Offers basic first aid and safety skills for youth 9-13 years old. Participants learn about being safe when they are without the direct supervision of a parent, guardian or trusted adult, both at home and in their communities.
• TAKE-HOME MATERIALS: Stay Safe! Workbook
• Cost: $72

 

• Register for either class at this link.   
• There is a maximum of 30 students per course and registration will be first come, first served.
• To guarantee registration, payment will be required. 
• We do require 12 students minimum for each class, so please book by October 10th to ensure we can run them!

Looking forward to having more babysitters in the neighbourhood!

Charles Dickens PAC 

Hot Lunch Program!

This optional lunch program offers our children fun lunch options and gives you a break from packing lunches once a week!  We'll once again be teaming with Bittersweet Kitchen and the Munch-a-Lunch online ordering platform. 

We're aiming to offer healthy lunch options throughout the school year. All proceeds from this program will benefit student programs and activities at the main & annex schools. 

Thank you in advance for your support! We hope you will enjoy the delicious and healthy lunches provided by Bittersweet Kitchen.  

Very Important Notes:

• The deadline to order is every Wednesday at 11:59pm for the following week’s lunch service. For example: For our first lunch delivery this year on Thursday, October 5th, your order will need to be placed by Wednesday, September 27h at 11:59pm. The site is open and ready to accept orders for the 2023-24 school year.

• Refer to the additional info and instructions here

• Go to our Munch-a-Lunch ordering website at https://munchalunch.com/schools/charlesdickens/

• Be sure to supply re-usable cutlery to your child(ren) as it is not provided by the school or food vendor

Our hot lunch program has always been well-received, and we thank you in advance for your continued support!  Please feel free to email any comments or suggestions to the Hot Lunch Coordinator at dickenspac.hotlunch@gmail.com 

Thank You!

Sincerely,

Dickens PAC

First PAC Meeting for 2023-24 School Year

Thursday, September 21 from 7:15 - 8:30pm
Main School Library 
Child Care provided

The PAC is recruiting new members for the Executive for 2023/2024. Get involved in the Dickens school community! Prior council experience is not required! :)

Positions available for the coming year include:

• Chair/Co-chairs – arrange and lead meetings, meet with administration, and serve as a conduit between parents and the school
• Co-Secretary - take turns with the Secretary taking minutes at the PAC meetings
• Communications Committee Social Media Liaison - update the PAC Blog, Facebook, Spring Fling Instagram and PAC page on VSB School Website.

If you or someone you know (who's also a Dickens parent or caregiver) might be interested, please email us at dickens.pac@gmail.com for more information.

Welcome back to school!

We hope you and your children will enjoy the new school year!

2023 PAC AGM & Elections

Dear Parents & Guardians,

The 2023 PAC AGM is scheduled for Monday, June 12 at 7:30 pm on Zoom.  

All parents & guardians from the Main & Annex Schools are welcome to attend! 

If you are interested in attending, click on the Zoom Button at https://dickenspac.blogspot.com/p/pac-meetings.html

The AGM is an opportunity to get engaged with the PAC for the next school year: 2023 - 2024!  We are seeking members for the PAC Executive including a space as Co-chair. Getting engaged in the PAC is a wonderful way to meet parents and contribute to the Dickens School Community - All are welcome!

Warmly,

Hannah and Melanie 

Current PAC Co-Chairs

Thank You Notes, re: SPRING FLING!

After a 3-year gap, it was wonderful to host our 20th SPRING FLING on Thursday, May 25, 2023! Some photos and video-clips of this year’s SPRING FLING can be viewed at Facebook.com/dickenspac and at Instagram.com/dickensspringfling/

Staff Appreciation at Dickens Annex - Wednesday, June 7

NOTE: This info is for the Annex School only. See more details at this link, regarding the Staff Appreciation at the Main School, which will also be hosted on Wednesday, June 7!

2023 PAC AGM & Elections

Dear Parents & Guardians,

The 2023 PAC AGM is scheduled for Monday, June 12 at 7:30 pm on Zoom.  

All parents & guardians from the Main & Annex Schools are welcome to attend! 

If you are interested in attending, please email dickens.pac@gmail.com and we will send you the meeting link! 

The AGM is an opportunity to get engaged with the PAC for the next school year: 2023 - 2024!  We are seeking members for the PAC Executive including a space as Co-chair. Getting engaged in the PAC is a wonderful way to meet parents and contribute to the Dickens School Community - All are welcome!

Warmly,

Hannah and Melanie 

Current PAC Co-Chairs

Staff Appreciation Breakfast at the Main School - Wednesday, June 7

NOTE: This info is for the Main School only. More details can be seen at this link regarding the Staff Appreciation at the Annex, which will also be hosted on Wednesday, June 7!

Donating Items at SPRING FLING today:

 

When and where to bring your items:

Main School: Drop donations at the Main School Gym from 8:45am – 3:15pm.

Annex School: Drop donations at the Annex Office from 8:45am – 3:15pm or take them directly to the Main School Gym. After 3:15pm, please take items to the main school.   

 

1.     Donations for Bake Sale

Cookies, Squares, Cup Cakes, Loaves, Brownies, Cake Pops, Pastries and other treats.

Please add labels with ingredients in case of allergens. We’ll also need gluten-free and/or dairy-free items.

 

2.   Donations for “Dance Dance Musical Desserts”    

Cookies, Squares, Cup Cakes, Loaves, Brownies, Cake Pops, Pastries and other treats.

Please add labels with ingredients in case of allergens. We’ll also need some gluten-free and/or dairy-free items. 

 

3.     Donations for MADE IT table

We welcome any Home-made Crafts and Handiwork! Ideas include: Knitting, Crocheting, Sewing, Quilting, Jams & Jellies, Chocolates, Jewellery, Hair Accessories, Friendship Bracelets, Buttons/Pins, Greeting Cards, Candles, Soaps, Key Chains, Artwork, Photographs, Pottery, Ceramics etc.  Label your items with your name + number if you want unsold items returned.

 

 

4.     Donations for the Plant Sale

Plants, bulbs, young trees, seedlings, seeds, flowers – buy new or pull from your garden!  The more we have, the more we can sell. Decorative pots and planters are welcome too.

 

5.     Donations for Gently-used Charles Dickens Cheer Gear

Donate any Dickens Cheer Gear clothing that your children have outgrown! 

SPRING FLING 2023 - SECOND CALL FOR ITEM DONATIONS!

 

SPRING FLING is fast approaching – we need your help to make it happen!

Thursday, May 25 from 4 – 8pm at the main school.

This is our biggest annual fundraiser to support all Dickens students for various activities, field trips, clubs, art and classroom supplies.

Dear Parents,

 

Please sign up to VOLUNTEER and/or DONATE - Thank you!

 

VOLUNTEERING

 

More volunteers are needed for the event to run smoothly. Most shifts are about 1 hour onsite on Thursday, May 25 or a few hours prior to the event for setting up.
 
An email was sent to you on Monday, May 8th from school - if you can volunteer, please sign up at the link in this email. Ensure you are seeing the entire sheet and please fill in your name and contact details – thank you.
 

 

DONATING ITEMS

 

When and where to bring your items:

Main School: On the day, drop donations at the Main School Gym from 8:45am – 3:15pm.

Annex School: On the day, drop donations at the Annex Office from 8:45am – 3:15pm or take them directly to the Main School Gym. After 3:15pm, please take items to the main school.   

 

1.     Donations for Bake Sale

Cookies, Squares, Cup Cakes, Loaves, Brownies, Cake Pops, Pastries and other treats.

Please add labels with ingredients in case of allergens. We’ll also need gluten-free and/or dairy-free items.

 

2.   Donations for “Dance Dance Musical Desserts”    

Cookies, Squares, Cup Cakes, Loaves, Brownies, Cake Pops, Pastries and other treats.

Please add labels with ingredients in case of allergens. We’ll also need some gluten-free and/or dairy-free items. 

 

3.     Donations for MADE IT table

We welcome any Home-made Crafts and Handiwork! Ideas include: Knitting, Crocheting, Sewing, Quilting, Jams & Jellies, Chocolates, Jewellery, Hair Accessories, Friendship Bracelets, Buttons/Pins, Greeting Cards, Candles, Soaps, Key Chains, Artwork, Photographs, Pottery, Ceramics etc.  Label your items with your name + number if you want unsold items returned.

 

Donation Sign-up for Bake Sale, Dance Dance Musical Desserts and Made It table. 

Use the link sent to you by email on May 8th from school, to let us know what’s coming in.

 

4.     Donations for the Plant Sale

Plants, bulbs, young trees, seedlings, seeds, flowers – buy new or pull from your garden!  The more we have, the more we can sell. Decorative pots and planters are welcome too.

 

5.     Donations for Gently-used Charles Dickens Cheer Gear

Donate any Dickens Cheer Gear clothing that your children have outgrown! 

 

 

Silent Auction

Do you own a business or work at a business providing products or services that could benefit those in our Dickens Community? If you can donate a product, service or gift card / certificate to the Silent Auction, please contact us directly at dickens.spring.fling@gmail.com

- Thank you!

 

Questions?

Contact us at dickens.spring.fling@gmail.com if you have questions in regards to volunteering or donating.  Thank you for your time and generosity!  – Dickens Spring Fling Team.

 

https://www.facebook.com/dickenspac

https://www.instagram.com/dickensspringfling/

Share your pics with us at #dickensspringfling