We are proud to announce that one of our students, Noelle Yau 4B, was the winner of “Here is Canada!” a nationwide art contest for young Canadians between the ages of 7 and 18.  Noelle was the grand prize winner of her age group and received a trip for her family to Ottawa this past summer and a $5,000.00 cash prize.  Congratulations!

Parent Support Group – The Parent Support Group (PSG) is a parent liaison group between the school and the BC Gaming Commission. The formation of this group meets the eligibility for receiving gaming funds from the BC Gaming Commission.  According to policy, each school shall hold an election for three officers that will comprise the Parent Support Group. The officers should be elected annually from the parent body of the school. Officers on the PSG have a one year term but can stand for re-election. The PSG in accordance with BC Gaming Commission regulations (Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch) opens its own banking account to receive funds from BC Gaming.  Once the funds are received, the PSG consults the school to determine areas in which the funds can be spent. In past years, the PSG has provided the opportunity for students to attend the Vancouver Symphony and Plays. They have purchased equipment for the Music Program, playground equipment, etc. If you are interested in running for the PSG, please send an email to the office at office@olphbc.ca The election will be held at the Meet the Teacher Evening on September 12^th.

Yard Supervisors – If you are interested in supervising on the playground before or after school, at lunch or at recess, there are a few spots left.  Please contact Joyce Lee (tinxee@gmail.com).  ALL supervisors MUST attend a meeting with Ms. Macken and Mrs. Clarke on Friday, September 14^th at 10:45am. If you are unable to attend, please contact the office. We will have a meeting at on an alternate day for parents who are unable to attend. Please note that yard supervision is a very important job and is hard work. It is not suitable for parents with younger children. You cannot supervise the students and attend to your own child.

Traffic Patrol Training – Wednesday, September 26^th or Wednesday, October 3^rd at 7:00 pm in the school library.  Parents must attend one of these sessions prior to volunteering. Signup will be on our Parent Participation link which will be activated mid-week.  Thank you for your patience.

Concerns – Please try to have your children come to school on time. It is very disruptive to the class to have students trickling in. If you wish to enter the school, please use the front door and sign in. We are required by law to know who is in the school at all times. Please do not go onto the playground at recess or lunch unless you are a supervisor or you have permission. Lunch hour is not a time to have a visit with your child, feed him his lunch, brush her hair, or check on who their friends are this year, etc.  We cannot supervise properly with an abundance of adults on the playground.

Parent Lobby – It has come to my attention that some of our parents have been writing letters and emailing a variety of agencies with regard to government funding of Independent Schools. Please know that the Federation of Independent Schools of BC is constantly in discussions with the government and have assurances from both the party in power and the opposition that funding will continue. I have been asked by our Superintendent of Schools to request that these communications from our parents cease as there really is no need for them. If there comes a time when a lobby is necessary, you will be informed by me and the Parish Education Committee. Thank you.

Health Concerns – Many of our students have a life threatening anaphylactic allergy to peanuts & nuts.  The only way to ensure a safe environment for these children is to make our school PEANUTS & NUT AWARE and to ensure all parents and students are mindful of the importance of not bringing any items to school that contain nuts.  To do this we need everyone’s cooperation.

For those who may be unfamiliar with this condition, anaphylaxis is an increasingly common condition affecting children and adults.  It is characterized by a sudden, severe allergic response that produces breathing difficulties, collapse and possible death.  Symptoms usually occur within several minutes following contact with the allergen and proceed rapidly.  Anaphylactic reactions tend to be faster and more severe with each exposure to the allergen.  Our staff is aware of this condition and has been instructed by the school nurse in the correct treatment and procedures in the event of an emergency.

We are asking for the parents to exercise due care in checking the ingredients of all foods that your child brings to school.  Trace amounts of peanuts or nuts are a potential risk and prudence should be employed in assessing any questionable products.  Fresh fruits and vegetables are, as always, encouraged as healthy snacks.