Cheer Gear

 

Cheer Gear is Back!

What better way to support our school, than wearing Dickens Gear. Once again the PAC in partnership with Jackson's General Store is bringing back some classic Cheer Gear items. All proceeds raised go directly to funding school needs and programs.

Order here by November 19th, 2024

Trivia Night Fundraiser

 

Unfortunately we will be rescheduling the trivia night fundraiser 

New date TBD in early 2025

Charles Dickens PAC is hosting our second trivia night fundraiser to support our inclusive playground initiative. This night is guaranteed to be a fun night out connecting with our school community and raising funds for a great cause! 

Tickets are $40 each and can be purchased here

See more details on the poster below

Holiday Hamper 2024

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 2nd, so please be sure to drop off your donations to your classroom or office by Friday, December 6th, 2024. 

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

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/1418326-122042

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 Monday December 2nd, 2024.

Pick-up your chocolates on Friday December 13th, between 2pm-6pm, at 

945 East 21st Ave, blue house on the north side of the street

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.

 The School Travel Planning Program

Please join us on November 20th @ 7PM at the PAC meeting

Charles Dickens and Dickens Annex have been invited to take part in a really exciting initiative called the School Travel Planning Program. This is a partnership between the City of Vancouver, the school, and the PAC to improve the safety of the streets around the schools for children. This project has the potential to make significant changes that will directly impact our children, such as improving the safety of the Kingsway crossing, among others. But we need your help!

This is a three phase project and the first phase includes gathering feedback from parents about what their concerns are and what changes they would like made. The City of Vancouver is coming to the main Dickens library on November 20th at 7pm to meet with parents. They will be conducting a virtual walking tour, using Google Street View to look at the intersections and blocks right next to both schools, and allow parents to share particular safety concerns. They will then address Windsor/Kingsway intersection, and possibly other locations, if there is time. 

Find out more about this programs HERE

 Dickens PAC Parent Education committee is looking for your feedback

The PAC is planning to host 1-2 education sessions for parents this year.  For example, a 60-90 min talk and discussion from someone in the field. We are a small group of volunteer parents and would love to get your feedback!

Survey Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/17BK518aCg2IYtOhxOz2Ik8w01G9Se7GjKQRRfSnPULs/edit

Please respond by OCT 31.

Dickens School Lunch Program

The Charles Dickens Elementary PAC runs a weekly Hot Lunch Fundraiser.  This optional program provides our children with a variety of lunch options and gives you a break from packing lunches once a week!  The PAC aims to offer healthy lunch options throughout the year.  All proceeds from this program will benefit classroom and student programs at school.

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 7pm for the following week’s lunch service. For example: For our first lunch delivery this year on Thursday, October 3rd, your order will need to be placed by Wednesday, September 25th at 7pm. The site is open and ready to accept orders for the 2024-25 school year.

• New parent registration can be found at https://munchalunch.com/register 

• Returning parents can login at https://munchalunch.com/login

• 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!

Staff Appreciation Luncheon

Thank You Dickens Main & Annex Staff for your amazing work throughout the 2023-2024 school year! 

Thank You to all Dickens Parents & Guardians who donated Salads, Fruit Plates and Desserts, and to those who volunteered to set up/clean up and serve. Your assistance is greatly appreciated! We are grateful for the Gift Cards and other prizes too!

Staff were treated to a delicious Mexican-themed Luncheon from Sal Y Limón on June 5, 2024. 

Photos and a Video of the event can be seen on our Dickens PAC Facebook and Charles Dickens PAC Instagram

Note: There are two albums on Facebook - Album 1 of 2 (17 photos) and Album 2 of 2 (24 photos + 1 video).

Staff Photos will be sent via a Private Google Link
that will be shared with Staff Only - Thank You!

Thank You for SPRING FLING 2024!

We would like to extend a heartfelt and enormous Thank You to all our Volunteers and Donors! We could not have had such a fabulous fundraiser without you!

Thank You too to Everyone who came out on Thursday, May 30 to SPRING FLING!  We had a wonderful time celebrating our school and community with you!    

Our SPRING FLING 2024 photos & videos are now up! 

Option 1: 

Click on facebook.com/DickensPAC to go to the Photo Album at our Dickens PAC Facebook.

 
Watch our Video Clips at: facebook.com/DickensPAC/videos
"Like" our profile on Facebook! This will help you to follow us. 

Option 2: 

Click on instagram.com/CharlesDickensPAC  to scroll down and view our Photos & Videos on Instagram.
"Follow" us on Instagram! 

Last Note: 

Bookmark our Dickens PAC Blog at Dickenspac.blogspot.com to check for updates on PAC activities, events & fundraisers. 

Thanks again,
Dickens SPRING FLING Team

Thank You! SPRING FLING 2024

Thank You to Everyone who came out on Thursday, May 30 to SPRING FLING! And an Enormous Thank You to ALL our Volunteers and Donors! We could not have had such a fabulous fundraiser without you!

Still working on setting up our SF Photos and Videos for this year - thanks for your patience! Some pics and videos are up already on our Facebook and Instagram.

Here's what's happening at SPRING FLING 2024

We look forward to seeing you at SPRING FLING on Thursday, May 30 from 4 to 8pm!

Thank you to all those who are volunteering and/or donating items!

Drop Donations for Bake Sale, Musical Desserts, Made It and Plants Sale at the Main School Gym from 8:45am-3:30pm 

OR at the Annex Office from 8:45am-3pm. After 3pm: Please take items directly to the Main School.

 

Please Read these Very Important Notes below about this year’s SPRING FLING – Thank you!

 

OPENING CEREMONY AT 4 PM

Join us in the Live Music & Performance Area for a traditional opening blessing at 4pm with Wendy Nahanee (Ancestral name: Kwákwaýel Simia). She is a Matriarch from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) host nation and is the mother of a wonderful young man, Keona. We are grateful to have her and her son open the event for us!

 

WATER BOTTLES

Bring reusable water bottles with you on the day!  To stay hydrated, refill your bottles at one of the school’s indoor water stations. To reduce waste, and protect the environment, we will not have bottles of water for sale.

 

TICKETS AND FORMS OF PAYMENT

Please bring Cash or Credit Cards to buy Tickets for items or activities at the following stations:

• Bake Sale, Popcorn, Cotton Candy
• Sausage Stand (in the red courtyard) 
• Face Painting
• Outdoor Inflatable Games (on the field)
• Indoor Games (in the gym)
• Musical Desserts (in the gym)
• Photobooth is free! 

As we only have access to a few Square Credit Card terminals, we highly encourage bringing Cash to reduce wait times and line-ups at the Ticket Sales.

 

• Made It (Crafts table) and Plants Sale will accept Cash and Credit Card payments.

• Classroom Tables in the Marketplace (in the red courtyard) will take Cash only. 

NEW! ONLINE SILENT AUCTION 

This year's Silent Auction bidding will be held online for the first time. There will be NO physical in-person bidding as in previous years but ALL items will be on display at SPRING FLING for you to view. 

To bid, go to: https://www.32auctions.com/dickensspringfling24

Note: Bidding will open at 8am on Thursday morning, May 30 and will close at 10pm that night! For more info on bidding, and how to collect physical items if you win, see the PDF in the email sent to you on Important Notes for SPRING FLING 2024!

FOOD AND DRINKS

We will have 3 Food Trucks beside the Gym on East 18th Ave. They will accept Credit or Debit Cards and Cash. 

• Food Truck themes include: Grilled cheese sandwich options, Thai food options, and Rain or Shine Ice-cream. The trucks will sell sodas and a limited amount of bottled water. 

• The Sausage Stand (in the red courtyard) will accept Tickets only. 

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Please invite your Family, Friends and Neighbours to SPRING FLING! We hope that you will have a wonderful and enjoyable experience with us!

Thank You,

The Dickens SPRING FLING Team

SPRING FLING 2024 - We need your help!

 

SPRING FLING is this week!

 

Thursday, May 30 from 4 - 8pm

We need your help! Please sign up to VOLUNTEER 

and/or DONATE – Thank you!

VOLUNTEERING

More help is still needed for all to run smoothly and to avoid long line-ups! Most shifts are 1 hour onsite on Thursday, May 30. 

Please sign up to Volunteer! 

Use the link sent to your email to sign up for any of the following listed below. INCLUDE your Name, Phone Number and Email so that the Team Leads can contact you. The QR code on the Classroom Handout sent home also gives you the link!

• Face Painting - 16 people. We’ll be using stencils this year, so there’s no need to be an artist! It will be very easy to make beautiful face painting designs.
• Cotton Candy - 6 people. More volunteers are needed for this popular treat!
• Musical Desserts (previously called Cake Walk) - 3 people. We currently don’t have any volunteers for this very popular indoor game!
• Indoor Games - 9 people. More volunteers are needed for the later times!
• Games Prize Table - 3 people.
• Ticket Sales - 6 people. More volunteers are needed to avoid long line-ups!
• Made It (crafts table) - 1 person
• Plants Sale - 3 people
• Outdoor Games - 1 person
• Popcorn - 2 people
• Photo Booth - 1 person
• Recycling & Garbage - 7 people
• Pre-Event Set Up (on May 30) - 8 people
• Tear Down - 2 people

 

DONATING ITEMS 

When and where to bring all items:

Main School: On the day, drop donations at the Main School Gym from 8:45am - 3:30pm. 

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

    

Donations for Musical Desserts (previously Cake Walk)

We need more small items for this very popular indoor game! Cookies, Squares, Cup Cakes, Brownies, Muffins, Cake Pops and other sweet treats. Please add labels with ingredients in case of allergens. We’ll also need some gluten-free and/or dairy-free items. 

Donations for Bake Sale (Savoury & Sweet)

Cookies, Squares, Cup Cakes, Loaves, Brownies, Muffins, Cake Pops, Small Pies/Tarts, Mini Quiches and other treats.  Add labels with ingredients in case of allergens.  We’ll also need some gluten-free and dairy-free items.

Donations for MADE IT 

We welcome any Home-made Crafts and Handiwork! Paintings/Drawings, Pottery, Ceramics, Woodwork, Sculptures, Photographs, Greeting Cards, Jams & Jellies, Chocolates/Candy, Jewellery, Friendship Bracelets, Hair Accessories, Buttons, Pins, Magnets, Key Chains, Candles, Soaps, Beeswax Wraps, Knitting/Crocheting: e.g. Toques, Gloves, Scarves etc. and Sewing/Quilting: e.g. Pillow Covers, Totes (cloth bags) etc. Label your items with your name + number if you want unsold items returned.

Please sign up to Donate! 

Use the link sent to your email to give us a heads up on what’s coming in for Bake Sale, Musical Desserts and MADE IT – INCLUDE the Item(s), your Name and Email so that the relevant Team Lead can contact you. The QR code on the Classroom Handout sent home also gives you the link!

Donations for Plant Sale

Flowers, Plants, Bulbs/Tubers, Shrubs, Seedlings, Seeds etc.  Buy new or pull from your garden! Garden accessories, Decorative pots and containers are welcome too.

Silent Auction

Do you own a business or work at a business that can donate products or services that could benefit our community? If you can donate products, services, gift cards and/or gift certificates to the Silent Auction, please contact dickens.silent.auction24@gmail.com  You will be informed how, when and where to deliver the item(s).

Any Questions? 

Contact us at dickens.spring.fling@gmail.com if you have questions regarding Volunteering or Donating. Thank you for your time and generosity!  

Trivia Night fundraiser

 

SAVE THE DATE

Wednesday June 19th, 2024

Charles Dickens PAC is hosting a trivia night fundraiser to support our inclusive playground initiative. This night is guaranteed to be a fun night out connecting with our school community and raising funds for a great cause! 

Tickets are $40 each and can be purchased here

See more details on the poster below

Staff Appreciation Luncheon :: Can you help?

We're hosting our first in-person luncheon in 4 years! 

The luncheon for 70+ Main School & Annex Staff will be held 

at the Main School in the Red Courtyard. 

Please read the poster below. If you can assist in any way, sign up using the link in the PDF sent to your email. 

Questions can be sent to: dickens.div5@gmail.com Thank you! 

SPRING FLING 2024 - We need your help!

It's less than 2 weeks to SPRING FLING –

we need more help!   

Thursday, May 30 from 4 - 8pm

Dear Dickens Community, 

Invite your family & friends! This is our biggest annual fundraiser supporting field trips, activities, clubs, art and classroom supplies at the Main & Annex schools.

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

VOLUNTEERING

More than 200 Volunteers are needed for everything to run smoothly and to avoid long line-ups! Most shifts are 1 hour onsite on Thursday, May 30. We also need help with setting up the night before and a few hours before the event.

Sign up to Volunteer! 

Use the link sent to your email to sign up for any of the following listed below. INCLUDE your Name, Phone Number and Email so that the Team Leads can contact you. The QR code on the Classroom Handout sent home also gives you the link!

• Pre-Event Set Up
• Tear Down
• Recycling & Garbage
• Face Painting
• Cotton Candy
• Musical Desserts (cake walk)
• Sausage Stand
• Ticket Sales
• Made It (crafts table)
• Plants Sale
• Indoor Games
• Games Prize Table
• Outdoor Games
• Popcorn
• Silent Auction
• Photo Booth
• Bake Sale

 

DONATING ITEMS 

When and where to bring all items:

Main School: On the day, drop donations at the Main School Gym from 8:45am - 3:30pm. 

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

SILENT AUCTION

Do you own a business or work at a business that can donate products or services that could benefit our community? If you can donate products, services, gift cards and/or gift certificates to the Silent Auction, please contact dickens.silent.auction24@gmail.com  You'll be informed when, where and how to deliver your item(s).  

Donations for Bake Sale (Savoury & Sweet)

Cookies, Squares, Cup Cakes, Loaves, Brownies, Muffins, Cake Pops, Small Pies/Tarts, Mini Quiches and other treats.  Add labels with ingredients in case of allergens.  We’ll also need some gluten-free and dairy-free items.

Donations for Musical Desserts (previously cake walk)

Small items please! Cookies, Squares, Cup Cakes, Brownies, Muffins, Cake Pops and other sweet treats. Please add labels with ingredients in case of allergens. We’ll also need some gluten-free and/or dairy-free items. 

Donations for MADE IT 

We welcome any Home-made Crafts and Handiwork! Paintings/Drawings, Pottery, Ceramics, Woodwork, Sculptures, Photographs, Greeting Cards, Jams & Jellies, Chocolates/Candy, Jewellery, Friendship Bracelets, Hair Accessories, Buttons, Pins, Magnets, Key Chains, Candles, Soaps, Beeswax Wraps, Knitting/Crocheting: e.g. Toques, Gloves, Scarves etc. and Sewing/Quilting: e.g. Pillow Covers, Totes (cloth bags) etc. Label your items with your name + number if you want unsold items returned.

Sign up to Donate! 

Use the link sent to your email to give us a heads up on what’s coming in for Bake Sale, Musical Desserts and MADE IT – INCLUDE the Item(s), your Name and Email so that the relevant Team Lead can contact you. The QR code on the Classroom Handout sent home also gives you the link!

Donations for Plant Sale

Flowers, Plants, Bulbs/Tubers, Shrubs, Seedlings, Seeds etc.  Buy new or pull from your garden! Garden accessories, Decorative pots and containers are welcome too.

Any Questions? 

Contact us at dickens.spring.fling@gmail.com if you have questions regarding Volunteering or Donating. 

Thank you for your time and generosity!  

The Dickens SPRING FLING Team

Team Lead Volunteer

Previously known as the "Cake Walk" this Indoor Game is similar to Musical Chairs. It's always been a very popular game with Kids 4 to 12 years old.  

Email at dickens.spring.fling@gmail.com if you'd like to sign up for this role OR want to know more about it. 

Family Baseball Night Funraiser

Come watch the Vancouver Canadians minor league baseball team with families and students from the Charles Dickens community!  

This event is to raise funds for the Inclusive Playground and $5 from every ticket sold will be donated directly to our fundraiser. Tickets cost $22.

When: Thursday, June 13^th @ 7:05pm

Where: Nat Bailey Stadium

 Order tickets here

Some additional information:

• Tickets can be bought up to the day before the event, however the public can buy them too so buy early if you can.
• All payments are handled through the link above
• Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable
• Tickets for this fundraiser can only be purchased through the link above. Any tickets purchased elsewhere are not a part of this fundraiser.
• Tickets are delivered via email only. Tickets cannot be printed at the Box Office.

SPRING FLING 2024 - We need your help!

 

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

 

Save the Date for Thursday, May 30 from 4-8pm 

 
Invite your Family & Friends!  Enjoy a fun-filled day celebrating our school and community!  This is our 21st Annual Fundraiser supporting field trips, activities and classroom supplies at the Main & Annex.
 

Hello Dickens Community,

 
Please take a look through the following points to see how you can help.  Thank You!  

 

1.  Volunteering:

 
About 200 Volunteers are needed for the event to run smoothly!  Most shifts are 1 hour onsite on Thursday, May 30.  We also need help with setting up the night before and a few hours before the event.
 
a) Look at the SPRING FLING email sent to you via the Main School & Annex — sign up at the link for Volunteering. (Annex sent email on May 3 and Main sent email on May 7) 

 
Please INCLUDE your Name, Phone Number and Email so that the Team Leads can contact you. Thank you!  

b) Need a Team Lead for Musical Desserts!

We’re urgently seeking a Team Lead for “Musical Desserts” (previously known as the Cake Walk, this indoor game is similar to Musical Chairs).  Email dickens.spring.fling@gmail.com if you'd like to sign up for this role or want to know more about it.

2.  Donations for Silent Auction:

 
Do you own a business or work at a business that can donate PRODUCTS that could benefit our community?  

Examples include Clothing, Homewares, Furniture, Sporting Goods, Eyewear, Backpacks/Handbags, Jewellery, Music, Food Gift Baskets, Theatre/Movie Tickets, Restaurant Gift Cards, Holiday Accommodation, Gift Cards etc.
 
Or can you donate 1-2 hours of your SERVICES as a Silent Auction item?  

Examples include Dental, Nutrition, Landscaping/Gardening, Plumbing, Electrical, Music/Art/Drama Lessons, Entertainment, Catering, Photography, Hairstyling, Facials, Massage, Nails/Pedicures etc.  
 
If you have any questions or can donate any Products, Services or Gift Cards, contact dickens.silent.auction24@gmail.com
 

3.  Donations for the MADE IT table:

 
Donate your creative handiwork and we will sell it!
 
Some Homemade Craft Ideas:  
 
• Paintings/Drawings, Pottery, Ceramics
• Woodwork, Sculptures
• Photographs, Greeting Cards
• Jams & Jellies, Chocolates/Candy
• Jewellery, Friendship Bracelets, Hair Accessories
• Buttons, Pins, Magnets, Key Chains
• Candles, Soaps, Beeswax Wraps
• Knitting/Crocheting, e.g. Touques, Gloves, Scarves etc.
• Sewing/Quilting, e.g. Pillow Covers, Totes (cloth bags) etc.
 
Contact us at dickens.spring.fling@gmail.com if you have any questions in this regard.  Label items with your name and number, if you want unsold goods returned.
 

4.  Donations for Plant Sale:

 
Flowers, Plants, Bulbs/Tubers, Shrubs, Seedlings, Seeds etc.  Buy new or pull from your garden!  Decorative pots and containers are welcome too.

5.  Donations for Bake Sale:

 
Cookies, Squares, Cup Cakes, Loaves, Brownies, Cake Pops, Small Pies/Tarts, Mini Quiches and other treats.  Add labels with ingredients in case of allergens.  We’ll also need some gluten-free and dairy-free items.

More Info + Contact Us

 
More details to follow in future SPRING FLING emails.  We'll also let you know closer to the event, when and where to drop off your items.
 
Email dickens.spring.fling@gmail.com if you have questions in regards to Volunteering or giving Donations.
 
Email dickens.silent.auction24@gmail.com if you are donating to the Silent Auction.  
 
Thank you for your generosity!

The Dickens SPRING FLING Team