NEWSLETTERS :: JULY 2010

DEAR PARENTS:

As our school year comes to an end and thoughts of summer loom large, it is time to reflect upon this school year...And what a year it has been!

We started out this year with two beautiful new playgrounds and a wonderful, blooming garden. We were awarded three new Pilots - Healthy Living, Early Literacy Initiative/ Reading Recovery and the Primary Music Pilot Project.

Halloween was very “spooky” with students, teachers and parents in costume. Student Council organized a fun-filled assembly and pumpkins for each division. And our Halloween Dance was a huge success, sponsored by our Grade 7 students.

The Remembrance Day Assembly, as usual was a heartfelt occasion, where we honoured those who died, so we could live in peace.

We ended our first term with a wonderful Christmas Concert, featuring Norman Foote and our talented students.

After Christmas, we got involved in a Senior's Project, where we interviewed Seniors who had attended Beaconsfield School many years ago, and invited them to a Pot Luck Dinner Party which was a huge success!

Both the Fall and Winter terms saw many Beaconsfield students involved in Inter-Mural Sports, Gymnastics Club, Dance Club and a myriad of After School Programs.

Destination Imagination and Destination Conservation were alive and well at Beaconsfield this year. Our D.I. students attended two events and came in third in the Provincial Tournament in their division. Way to Go! Our Destination Conservation students were awarded the “ Star School ” award for all their Conservation efforts this school year.

We finally completed the first phase of our new computer lab. Our PAC has been very successful in fund-raising this year, and will be finishing the lab in the next year or so! A big “HATS OFF” to our dedicated PAC! Our PAC will be selling Entertainment Books in the early Fall. Please support them.

The Olympics came to Vancouver in February and to our school as well! The TREK - OLYMPIAD OF THE ARTS proved to be a highlight of this school year. Thanks to everyone who made this event a phenomenal success - red mittens and all!

Chinese New Year and Valentines Day were full of exciting events.

Spring Break came and went, with Parent/Teacher Conferences, etc. When we returned, our efforts were put into updating our School Growth Plan. It was at that time that I informed the Beaconsfield Community that I would be retiring at the end of this school year.

I have experienced a wonderful 37 year career. (44 years associated with the VSB). I have gone “full circle”, teaching Kindergarten at Beaconsfield School in the 80's and now, retiring as the Principal of Lord Beaconsfield School. It has been an honour and a privilege to work with the wonderful students, the dedicated staff and the supportive parents during my time here. I leave my Profession having loved every day that I came to work, partly because of the wonderful children you send to us every day! I have had a full and rewarding career, and now I look forward to more time with my family and friends, but as I leave Beaconsfield School , I have wonderful memories of my time here and at all the schools I have worked in. I would like to publically thank all the people who were involved in the planning of my Retirement Party. It was one of the most memorable events of my life!

This term has been busy with Fieldtrips, Sport's Day, Carnival, Band Concerts, Talent Show, etc. etc.

Our Grade 7's completed their years here with many exciting events including a Graduation Ceremony, a day at Playland, an overnight sleepover and a fun-fulled hike. We wish them well in High School.

School resumes on Tuesday, September 07, 2010 @ 9:00am. Gr. K-6 children will go to their last years' class. Please note: All Students will be dismissed at 10:00 on Tuesday., September 7 th . 2010. Wednesday to Friday will be regular full days (9:00am-3:00pm). All new Kindergarten students have received a letter outlining their schedules. All new Kindergarten students have a gradual entry which is outlined in the letter that was sent home. Please read it carefully. All new Kindergarten students please report to the Gym at 9:00am on September 7 th , 2010.

We are saying Good-bye to Ms. Tammy Wreggit. She will be moving to another school. We also bid adieu to Mr. Brian Wong, who will be assuming the Head Physical Education position at Douglas School .

A few words from Mr. Wong:

The past four years at Beaconsfield have been an incredible adventure. I appreciate all the students, staff and parents who have shared the ride with me. You have made me feel welcome in all my incarnations, whether it be teacher, coach, colleague, super hero, cheerleader, plant life or S.O. I look forward to hearing and reading about Beaconsfield alumni making positive changes in our world. See you at the city championships!

Sincerely,

Mr. B. Wong

Fortunately, our Band Program will continue next year, however our Resident Band Teacher (Ms. K. Holland) will be moving on to another school. We also say Good-bye to Alderwood Teacher, Ms. Dorothy Smith and to Ms. Loconte, our wonderful itinerant secretary. Ms. Penny Tonge and Mrs. Pearl Jung are also “retiring” from Gym Club after volunteering in the Gymnastics Program for 15 years. They will all be missed!

We are saying hello to our new Principal, Mr. Greg Barnes. Many of you have met him. We are lucky that he is joining our team. “Welcome Mr. Barnes!”

At this time, I would like to thank all the Beaconsfield Staff for the support they have given me these last two years - the teaching staff, the support staff and the office staff - without them, we would not have accomplished all that we have. I wish them Success, Good Health and Happiness as they carry on in their respective careers.

As I leave Beaconsfield School and my Career with the V.S.B., I will leave a little part of me with this school and all the schools I have worked in. And I will take a little part of the all schools I have worked in, with me, and hold that dearly in my heart forever.

I wish everyone a safe, happy, healthy, and fun-filled summer.

Thanks for the Memories,

Mrs. P. Neibel

HAVE A GREAT SUMMER HOLIDAY !!