Time flies and it is hard to believe that we are already enjoying spring break and getting ready for the final stretch to finish Grade 6 with a bang and prepare for the transition to middle school. Due to the teachers' contract dispute, this year has been challenging for us as teachers as well as students and families, and I have been trying to answer some of your questions in my most recent email newsletters, which I have also published on this website under Grade 6 News. I will continue to update you through email newsletters and if you have not received any emails from me, please be sure to send your email address to kvanderleeden@sd62.bc.ca and I will add you to the distribution list. My greatest concern at this point is fundraising. All Grade 6 students are booked to enjoy a full day of adventure and activity at Camp Thunderbird in June and this event will cost approximately $50.00 per student. Hopefully, parents and students will be able to fundraise for this event and to cover other costs (i.e. t-shirts, cake, food) associated with the farewell celebrations for our grade 6 students.
On a more positive note, our students have enjoyed two Spirit Days at Ruth King this month. First, we stood up against bullying on Pink Day and took the opportunity during our classroom meetings on Wednesday to discuss how put downs and bullying affect kids. Students recognized how important, but also difficult it can sometimes be to stand up for the victims and report the bullies. We will continue to talk about these issues and focus more on cyber bullying and the dangers of social media such as Facebook. Corporal Scott Hilderley from the RCMP, who is teaching our grade 6 students the DARE program on Tuesday afternoons, will also focus some of his lessons on these important issues.
Last week it was Jersey Day at Ruth King and it was great to see so many dedicated sports fans in their favorite team's jersey! Keep up the good spirit everyone!
