Reminders - Thursday, April 23
Science Fair Judges Needed: Thursday, May 21, 9 - 11 AM. Some classes will be involved in creating science fair projects over the next month. We are looking for adults who work in the field of science and are willing to ask entrants some questions about their projects and provide feedback. If you are willing, please reply to Mrs. Evans in person or call the school at 250.727.3314
Please keep saving your recyclable beverage containers! Our school has a good chance to win an extra $2000 from the Bottle Depot. We are currently at the top of our category. Please pitch in - collect from friends and neighbours. You can drop off your donation at the office.
Silent Auction: We need your donations now. Please think of what your family could contribute and be creative. Can you do some baking? Can you donate something you no longer use that's in great condition? Donations to Multipurpose Room (gift cards to Mrs. Blackwell please). Auction will be open the week of the Country Themed Family Dance - May 18-22. Thank you everyone.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DATE FOR THE SAANICH POLICE BIKE RODEO HAS BEEN CHANGED FROM THE MORNING OF MAY 6 TO MAY 25
Mark Your Calendars
Friday, April 24: Non- Instructional Day. No students in session.
Tuesday, April 28: Swim to Survive. For Grade 3 & 4 students.
Tuesday, April 28: Math Night Workshop. Dr. Robert Craigen will present a math night workshop from 6:30 - 8pm at Bayside Middle School, 1101 Newton. His presentation will focus on best practices for Mathematical Instruction from K -12. Dr. Robert Craigen, is a professor of Mathematics at the University Of Manitoba and COPACS would like to invite any interested parents and guardians to attend.
Cross Country Team Meet: Wednesday, April 29 at Centennial Park in Central Saanich. Meet in the field at the park at 3:15 PM.
Friday, May 1: Hot Lunch Day. Pizza will be served
Monday, May 4: Non- Instructional Day. No students in session.
Tuesday, May 5: Spring Plant Orders ready for pick up. 3 - 6 PM in the gym.
For Grade Fives:
Friday, May 1: Online booking of Royal Oak Middle School student placement meetings with Royal Oak Administration staff. Online at: http://royaloak.sd63.bc.ca/
Tuesday, May 5: Grade 5's will travel by bus to Royal Oak Middle School for a tour of the school they will attend in September.
Tuesday, May 5: Royal Oak Grade 6 Band registration deadline. Online at: http://royaloak.sd63.bc.ca/
Friday, May 22: Family Dance and Silent Auction. Western theme so get out your hats. DJ Carrot Top is ready to have some fun!
Principal's Report
April 2015
Enrolment at Prospect continues to grow and will be particularly strong next year. We currently have 147 students registered but 173 are registered for 2015. This is a dramatic increase and reflects the strength of our staff and school community.
Class Configuration: The District is currently in the process of allocating staffing to schools and we do not know at this time how many divisions we will have next year. Once this number has been finalized the teachers and I will begin the process of "building” the classes for next year.
Class Building: Deciding which children are placed in classes is a complex, time consuming process that requires a great deal of time and energy. At our next PAC meeting I will give a detailed presentation showing how this is done.
Outdoor Learning Places: With our new benches and forest trails now in place, the building portion of our Outdoor Learning Spaces initiative is complete. These two phases, in conjunction with our garden and natural playground, provide a wealth of opportunity for teachers to take learning outside. Although our staff have submitted three applications for grants to help pay for the remaining cost, we are grateful to the PAC for the support they have given this initiative over the last two years.
Grade Five Transition: It is an exciting time for the grade five students and their families as they prepare to move to Royal Oak Middle School next year. To make this process as successful as possible a careful transition plan takes place. This includes visits from ROMS staff to Prospect to collaborate on class placements and learn about our students, and the opportunity for the grade fives to visit ROMS for a morning.
Grade Four Bike Program: Once again the grade four students of Prospect will have the opportunity to participate in a Cycling program. This program will be presented by Mr. Warren Hamm in conjunction with the Mrs. Hamilton and Mr. Peterson. Mr. Hamm was a teacher and administrator in the Saanich District for many years and served as vice principal at Prospect during this time. He has been involved with cycling education with students in the Saanich District for over 25 years with the goal of assisting children to learn safe cycling skills that convert into the habits of a lifetime.
Cross Country: A large group of grade 3, 4, & 5's have been practising diligently twice a week for the last month and competed at their second District Cross Country Meet on Wednesday, April 22. We appreciate the work of Mrs. Evans to organize this club and the support of virtually the entire staff at the practices and Meets.
Earth Day: Our school was very busy celebrating Earth Day this year. Mrs. Evans and Mrs. Hamilton released the coho salmon they have raised into the stream on our school grounds. After lunch students and staff participated in a school walk on the Cross Canada Trail and after recess there was a wide variety of outdoor activities for children to enjoy.
Mark Guiguet
Principal
Prospect Lake Elementary