November 1, 2022

ÍY SȻÁĆEL Prospect Lake Parents and Guardians,

RECENT SCHOOL NEWS

What a wonderful turnout to our Halloween Hoot and Howl.   It was delightful for our families to get together and enjoy some time together.  We are grateful for these community events and have certainly missed these over the last two years.  Thank you to our PAC executive for planning and to the many volunteers to make this event happen and such as success. 

At our October whole school assembly, we shared our focus on Gratitude. It's about focusing on what's good in our lives and being thankful for the people and things we have. When we care about people/ things we show gratitude.  At Prospect Lake, we show that with kindness, caring and respect.  Gratitude is pausing to notice and appreciate things and people. Throughout the month, students did a brilliant job sharing on the announcements some examples of what they are grateful for.  

Halloween Pumpkin Run: The rain held off for students and staff to participate in a fun run/walk that helped us get fresh air and to work some wiggles out on Oct 31.   

Candy:  Now that Halloween is over and children have had lots of treats. We appreciate if candy stays at home.  We’d like to focus on healthy foods for a good day of learning.  

Garden Club:   In October, our Garden Club students worked with Paula McKormick, a Master Gardener from Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (HCP).Primary students (w/Ms.Ashcroft) weeded, planted garlic and collected lettuce seeds. Intermediate students (w/Mrs. Tate) weeded and collected sunflower seeds. We will be planting a cover crop, organizing the shed and winterizing the garden next.

• We will offer Garden Club - primary students 11:15-11:40
• We will offer Garden Club - Intermediate students 11:45- 12:10

Soccer  There are 28 students in Gr ⅘ who practice Tues/Thursday at lunch. Thanks to Mrs. Harward and Ms. Gregory   The Jamboree  will take place Nov 25 at Claremont.

Swim Club Practices for members in Gr 3,4,5 will begin Monday Nov 7 at Commonwealth and the first swim meet is on NOV 27 3:15

UPCOMING EVENTS

This upcoming Month of November, our whole school focus is on Courage.  At our school assembly on November 1, we learned that Courage involves making good choices in the face of fear or obstacles. It's another term for bravery. Bravery doesn't mean fearlessness. It means we do not let fear or worry hold us back from exploring new opportunities, developing our skills, and doing what is right. 

Students from Div 3 shared their views and examples of courage.   

This week at school, we are focusing on positive self-talk and trying to make a habit of saying  “I can…”  Stay tuned for more ideas and resources to teach courage.

Courage can be taught, built upon, and expanded over the years until it becomes a habit. 

Paws Pick Updates- To inspire and learn about Courage, we can discuss characters in stories and novels who show courage or could have shown courage. Ask questions and listen to what they think courage looks like.  Thanks PAWS PICKS for sharing books on courage.   

November 2 is “I Read Canadian Day!”    You can help us celebrate Canadian books by reading awesome authors like: Robert Munch, Ashley Spires, John   Klassen or Melanie Watt.

PARENT INFORMATION

Wet/Cold Weather: As we get more wet and cold weather, families are asked to have their children dressed appropriately to go outside. While we do hold inside play times during heavy downpours, we recognize that all children benefit from fresh air and outside time, so we encourage rain boots and good outdoor clothes, such as a rainproof jacket, for those days when we will all head outside in rainy/cold weather. And for our youngest Prospect Lake students, mud pants or splash pants are a great idea. A full change of clothes in their  backpacks is also helpful for all students, should they need to change. If purchasing winter gear is a hardship for your family this year, please contact Ms. Ko at ako@saanichschools.ca 

Lost and Found: PLEASE LABEL clothing with your child’s name.  Our lost and found collection is growing. Please have your child look through the lost and found for their  belongings.  If you are coming in for a conference, come have a look in the atrium and collect any of your children’s clothing.

Emergency Preparedness: As part of the district emergency preparedness we have procedures in place to ensure the safety and well-being of your child(ren) and staff in the event of an emergency. The students at Prospect Lake practice fire drills, earthquake drills and lockdown/hold and secure drills throughout the year. The students have participated in 2 fire drills to date. As part of the Great Canadian Shakeout on Oct 17, students and staff  practiced Duck, Cover and Hold on,  counted to sixty following a shake and evacuated the building.  They did a very good job of listening during this drill.

Toys and electronics: We ask that students keep toys including trading cards, stuffies and electronics at home so they can enjoy playing outdoors without the worry of losing or breaking valuables.

UPCOMING DATES

New Webpage:   The schools in Saanich have new websites.  Formerly the messages that were sent out to families via a subscription will no longer apply. Our website can be found here https://prospectlake.saanichschools.ca/    Families are encouraged to check the website for updates.

Twitter:   Check out Prospect Lake Twitter for photos of events and activities happening at  the school ProspectLake@SD63PLake