Re.: Bill 22
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Regrettably, government has recently introduced legislation that will deeply and irrevocably undermine the already deteriorating learning conditions in our schools. With the implementation of Bill 22, class sizes will increase, particularly in grades 4 – 7, and services to children with special needs will be eroded even more than they have been over the past decade. As importantly, the new legislation will eliminate long-standing employment rights and protections for teachers province wide.
The Sooke Teachers have passed the following motion without dissent:
that the members of the STA cease all volunteer labour as long as Bill 22 is in effect and until a fairly negotiated contract is in place. This would not include trips to foreign countries or any long distance trips in which money has already been paid and tickets have been booked.
With regards to our Grade 6 year end activities this means that, until further notice, Mr. Craig and I will no longer be able to volunteer our time to assist with fundraising for our grade 6 activities, which includes the planned pizza day and the bottle drive. If the differences get resolved, once Bill 22 is repealed, and we have a negotiated collective agreement, teachers will resume extra-curricular activities, including fundraising.
If you or any parent groups would like to take over the fundraising (Bottle Drive and Pizza Day) on your own time, you are welcome to do so. Please let me know what your plans are. However, you will have to organize the events outside of class hours, as instructional time cannot be used to participate in any fundraising activities. Furthermore, please also note that all other extra-curricular activities at Ruth King, such as Leadership and Basketball, have been cancelled effective immediately until further notice.
I am deeply appreciative of your patience to date. I am aware that parents, students and teachers are all making great sacrifices and I thank you for your patience and understanding. I will keep our reservation for Camp Thunderbird, hoping that, with your help and efforts we WILL be able to raise the money needed.
We all want the best for our students.
NEWS #1 - February 25, 2012
Dear Grade 6 Parents and Guardians:
This year, due to teachers’ job action, it has been and will continue to be a little more challenging to organize our Grade 6 year end activities. I know that many of you have been asking about it and are eager to help out by volunteering and fundraising. Thank you so much to all of you for your patience and understanding! Mr. Craig and I are committed to make this year a memorable experience for our Grade 6 students as they say farewell to Ruth King and embark on a new learning adventure at middle school. We have planned a variety of wonderful activities, which focus on team-building and outdoor education. On June 6, the Grade 6 students will spend a day at Camp Thunderbird. Activities will include archery, canoeing, nature hiking and team-building activities. We will depart the school in the morning and return to Ruth King in the afternoon that day. On June 22, after a morning of bowling at Langford Lanes, we are invited (all Grade 6 students!) to spend the day at Ms. Clark’s house (just across from Spencer Middle School). We will enjoy games and a BBQ lunch in the back yard, right at Langford Lake. Thirdly, we are planning a special Grade 6 Beach Day to China Beach on June 25. More detailed information about each of these activities, as well as permission forms, will be forthcoming!
Please note these IMPORTANT DATES and mark your calendars:
Bottle Drive (Volunteers needed **)
April 28
April 28
Immunization 2nd set (Volunteers needed**)
May 3 (start 9 am)
May 3 (start 9 am)
DARE Graduation
Early May (date TBA)
Early May (date TBA)
Camp Thunderbird Day Adventure
June 6
June 6
Bowling and BBQ at Mrs. Clark’s House
June 22
June 22
China Beach Day
June 25
June 25
Grade 6 Graduation
June 27
June 27
Last Day of School
June 28
June 28
This year we have 46 Grade 6 students and in order to have all students participate in the year-end activities, we will need to raise approximately $3000. I very much encourage fundraising efforts by parent groups. If you would like to organize your own fundraising event, please send me a quick email and let me know what your plans are. Donations towards our year end program are also gratefully accepted.
Mr. Craig and I will organize two fundraising events this year:
PIZZA FRIDAY at RK
Starting on March 9, we will host “Pizza Friday”” at Ruth King Elementary. For $2.00 Grade 6 students will be selling pizza in the foyer. Please support this event by encouraging your child to purchase a slice or two on FridaysJ
Bottle Drive
We have scheduled a Bottle Drive for Saturday, April 28 from 9:00 – 12:30. We will need student and parent volunteers for this event and I will send out more information about this event separately. If you are able to help us out for a 1.5 hour shift, please mark your calendars. Also, we will need vehicles (preferably pickup trucks) and drivers to help us collect the recyclables!
I will continue to communicate regularly through email with you and share news and updates as they become available. If you would like to add another email address to the distribution list, please let me know. Please do not hesitate to email me or call Mr. Craig or myself at school with any questions or concerns you might have.
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