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PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Fall is here! The days are getting darker and the temperature cooler. We are settling into our routine
at Alexander Robinson, not that things are ever really routine around here. Each month is always
packed with special activities and October is no exception.
First of all, a huge thank-you to all of our Mr. Oleksyn and all of the students and families for the
amazing effort to raise money for the Terry Fox Foundation. Over September, we raised $2806.00
toward cancer research. This was not quite as much as we raised last year but still an incredible feat
and something we should feel proud of. This was partially driven by the desire of many of our
friends to see some of us shave our heads if we reached the $5000 mark, but hey, there is always
next year. As for me, I plan to freshen up with a haircut that I now have to pay for.
Coming up in October, we have photo retakes on the 24th, our Halloween Dance on the 26th, cross-
country on the 23rd and 24th, and a barrage of special presentations and field trips. Thanks to
Coaches Jinnouchi, Lawrance, and Gowan, volleyball season is well underway, so please feel free
to cheer our boys and girls on. At the end of October, some of our students in Grade 4 and 7 will
also be writing the Foundation Skills Assessment Test over a number of days, about which there
will be further information sent out independently on the portal.
Happy Hallowe’en, Everyone! Also, Santa officially starts watching carefully this month!
Newsletter #2 - October, 2018
11849 – 239B Street, Maple Ridge, B.C. V4R 2T8
Phone: 604-463-3035 Fax: 604-463-0667
Website: http://elementary.sd42.ca/alexanderrobinson
Principal: Adam Stanley
Vice Principal: Jenn Gallop
PERTINENT PERMISSION FORMS…
These forms are located on the Parent Portal. Please log in and complete the following forms asap.
Occasional Walk Form, Media Release forms, Information Technology & Communication Systems – Appropriate
Use Policy, Personal Information Consent, Student Use of Google Drive Services and Student Use of Microsoft
Office 365 Services
SCHOOL NOTICES AND NEWSLETTERS…
Welcome to another school year! As we move to becoming eco-friendlier, we will no longer be sending home a
paper copy of our school newsletter. All newsletters, calendars & notices will be sent home using the Parent Portal.
We will also post the entire newsletter on our school website http://elementary.sd42.ca/alexanderrobinson
STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE…
This insurance is very reasonable and offers valuable coverage in the event of a school related accident. For further
information, please go to this website: www.iapkidsplus.com
TREE NUT & PEANUT AWARE SCHOOL…
We have several students who have SEVERE LIFE THREATENING allergies to a variety of nuts,
INCLUDING TREE NUTS AND PEANUTS. If this applies to your child, please make certain that
you have notified the OFFICE and YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER and you have provided the
appropriate medical information and necessary medication. Since this is such a common concern
for our school, we would ask, if possible, please do not send your child with peanut butter sandwiches
or any food items containing nuts to school. PEANUT/TREE NUT ALLERGY SIGNS HAVE
BEEN POSTED IN PERTINENT CLASSROOMS.
STUDENT INFORMATION SHEETS
WE ARE MISSING MANY OF STUDENT VERIFICATION SHEETS.
It is ABSOLUTELY IMPERATIVE we have all information filled out and returned to your child’s teacher ASAP.
We must have these forms on file in the office in the case of an emergency. Please make sure all emergency contacts
are individuals who would be readily available, if needed. ALSO, PLEASE REMEMBER TO PROVIDE CELL
PHONE NUMBERS AND WORK NUMBERS. Please ensure your child’s health care number is on the form. IF
ANY OF THE INFORMATION CHANGES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, PLEASE REMEMBER TO
CONTACT THE OFFICE! It is essential we have accurate contact information on file at all times. Thanks!!
VOLUNTEERS & VISITORS
The safety of our students is a major priority. If you are in the school to volunteer or just visiting,
please remember to sign in at the office and get a Visitor Pass. If a staff member or student sees
the Visitor pass they will know you are officially signed in. If you are dropping off a lunch, etc.,
you won’t be required to wear a tag but you must check in at the office. We appreciate your help
to maintain a safe environment in our school. Thank you!
PHONING IN ABSENT OR LATE STUDENTS
We really encourage students to attend school and miss as few days as possible. It makes an incredible difference
to their learning. But, when children are sick they should stay at home in order to get better and to stop the spread
of germs. If your child is not well enough to go outside at recess and lunch, they probably are not well enough to be
at school. IF YOUR CHILD IS GOING TO BE ABSENT OR LATE FOR ANY REASON, PLEASE REMEMBER
TO EMAIL THE SCHOOL AT [email protected] OR CONTACT THE SCHOOL AT (604) 463-
3035. An answering machine is available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week for your convenience. If we do not have
confirmation of absence from home, the office will call contact numbers available. This procedure is absolutely
critical in order to help ensure student safety. Please help save valuable office time by phoning in to report your
child’s absence. We also ask that you ensure that your child arrives at school between 8:15-8:25. Our warning bell
rings at 8:25 and instruction begins at 8:30. Please note that there is no supervision of students prior to 8:15 or after
2:35.
MEDICATION AT SCHOOL
It is important to maintain a safe and efficient procedure for dispensing medications at school. If
your child requires the administration of any medication during school hours, it is
IMPERATIVE you come to the office and fill out a “Request for Administration of Medication”
before any medication can be dispensed. This form is also available on our website. The school
cannot assist with any medication unless this form is completed. For safety reasons, all medications
must be in their ORIGINAL CONTAINER and are stored in a locked cupboard in the office. A
record is kept of all amounts given to any child. This procedure complies with Board policy regarding
medications to be taken at school. Children are not permitted to bring any medication of any
kind to school to be taken by themselves. Please DO NOT send any prescriptions or over the
counter medication to school with your child without contacting the office first.
STUDENT ENTRY AND EXIT PROCEDURES
It is expected that all students ‘line-up’ at their designated doorway upon the sounding of the warning bells at 8:25
a.m., 10:23 a.m. and 12:38 p.m. Shortly after the warning bell has sounded, teachers will meet class groups outside
and supervise students as they walk to class in an orderly manner to class.
As an added safety measure for students during morning entry and exiting at dismissal, we respectfully request that
you not escort your children to their classroom in the morning; please wait with them at their designated entry
doorway. We also request that parents (or caregivers) meet children at predetermined locations outside the school
at the 2:20 p.m. dismissal time. Having a number of adults and preschoolers in the hallways at morning start-up and
afternoon dismissal poses an additional challenge with respect to safety for students during these very busy and
congested periods.
DYNAMIC DRAGONS
Has your child won an award? Played on a winning team? Been chosen for a special event? We want to know and
celebrate with you! Please send Mrs. Hogarth a note or email ([email protected]) about your child’s special
accomplishment and we will recognize him/her in our Newsletter.
ANIMALS AT ARE
The School District has implemented a new policy that No LARGE animals are allowed in any
schools without previous approval. If you are bringing a large animal for show and share, please
contact school prior to your visit so that we are aware. Thanks for your co-operation.
LUNCH TIME PROCEDURES
For safety reasons, only those students who routinely go home for lunch may leave the school grounds after
advising office staff of their departure (AND having a note from their parent on file). Otherwise, children may
not leave the school grounds during the school day without being signed out by a parent or designated adult.
Designated adults need to be identified as being an emergency contact on your child’s registration form. In an
“emergency situation” where your contacts cannot pick up, please call in to inform the office of who will be picking
your child up. Please do not send notes of permission for students to leave the property alone or to go to someone
else’s house for lunch without being picked up by a parent or designated adult. Thank you for your cooperation
as we ensure our students are safe.
EMERGENCY DRILLS
Your children may have been talking about the emergency drills that have taken place this fall. As a school
community, we take these drills VERY seriously. The better we are prepared, the better our chances of staying
safe. As a school community, we are responsible for holding 6 fire drills throughout the year (3 in the fall and 3 in
the spring). We are also expected to provide practice drills for both earthquake and intruder preparedness.
We believe that each and every drill may well contribute to the safety and well-being of your child in the event of
a real emergency situation. We encourage you to discuss the details of these drills with your children.
RETAKES...
Mountain West will be returning to our school on Wednesday, October 24 for all students who either missed the
1st photo day or would like to get retakes
A.R.'s GOT TALENT
In case you haven't heard, Alexander Robinson has talent lurking in its building!!
Auditions will be happening soon, and Intermediate students are encouraged to practice and perfect their acts.
Students may audition as many as 3 acts in the following performing arts categories: singing, dancing, acting, and
playing a musical instrument. Grade 6 and 7 students may also audition in pairs to be M.C.'s. There will be a
minimum of three performances for each monthly assembly starting in November. The performers, M.C.'s and
crew members range between grades 4 and 7 and spend a minimum of six lunchtimes, as well as an early morning
dress rehearsal, preparing for their special show. The A.R.'s Got Talent portion of the monthly assemblies occurs
near the beginning of the assemblies (9:00 a.m.) and lasts for approximately 15-20 minutes, with May's assembly
being the final show. Families of A.R. are welcome to come to the assemblies and watch the performances, along
with the rest of the school.
Please direct any questions about A.R.'s Got Talent to Mrs. MacKenney, Mrs. Murphy, or Mrs. Mooney. Enjoy the
shows!
LOST & FOUND CLOTHING
We are only 1 month into the school year and our lost and found is being filled weekly! We have brand new boots
and coats and hoodies and shirt…and umbrellas and water bottles and lunch containers, etc. All of our Lost and
Found items are in the bin at the front foyer. We encourage everyone to take a moment and stop by to see if you
are able to claim any items. Unclaimed items will be donated to charity weekly.
TERRY FOX FUN
Terry Fox Run/Walk Update!
Our Alexander Robinson students and staff participated with true spirit in our Terry Fox Walk/Run event this past
month! We wish to express our sincere appreciation to our Volunteer Spotters along the running and walking
routes! A Big Thank You to the Alexander Robinson students and school community who raised over $2806.00 in
donations to the Terry Fox Foundation in support of cancer research! What a supportive and amazing community!!
SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS…
Do you have a son or daughter who is ill or injured and unable to attend school? School District No. 42 provides support to students who are unable to attend school for medical reasons. The Hospital Homebound teacher works with elementary and secondary students who have not been allocated support teacher time through a special needs designation. Students may be absent due to a non-contagious illness or they may be recovering from surgery or an injury. Instruction is provided in Ridge-Meadows Hospital or in the student’s home.
How does Hospital Homebound support work?
The Hospital Homebound teacher provides direct instruction and support to students, with the goal of helping them return to class with as little interruption to their education as possible. The teacher also helps students maintain connections with the people and programs at their school. While receiving Hospital Homebound support, students continue to be registered at their school and in their classes. Students work on the core academic subjects. They often use the same materials and complete many of the same assignments as their classmates, although some adaptations may be necessary depending on the child’s illness. Students typically receive two to three hours of support each week.
When can a student be referred? Homebound students qualify for support if they are absent from school for 10 consecutive school days. Students who are hospitalized can be referred upon admittance to Ridge-Meadows Hospital.
How do I refer my son or daughter? Contact your child’s teacher, counsellor, or administrator. He/she will complete the Learning Services referral form. A physician’s authorization form is also required (available at the school). For more information contact Marc Beaudet, the Hospital Homebound Teacher, at 467-1101, or by email at [email protected].
Important memo on Parking lot Safety and Routines at Alexander Robinson Elementary
Traffic issues surrounding ARE Elementary have been a safety concern to all for the last few years, with the problem increasing as our population continues to grow. Our PAC, parents, and school neighbours have expressed safety concerns over driver behaviour and the amount of traffic in and around the school, especially the rear parking lot, nearby streets, and most of all, the drive through lane at the front of the school, which is a designated no stopping/no parking zone. Although we have repeatedly asked drivers to be aware of the restrictions, we continue to see double parking, unattended vehicles, and severe congestion, especially at pick up time. These circumstances are a considerable risk to our students and there have been too many ‘near misses’ as children weave through double-parked or unattended cars to get to their ride. These conditions aggravate drivers and pedestrians, which has led to discourtesy, conflict, and unsafe road conditions.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility and we need to ensure that we all do our part.
Common Traffic Problems at our Schools Include:
Parking, stopping illegally, leaving vehicles unattended, blocking spaces intended for parents of children with disabilities
Unsafe turns and U-turns
Not stopping for children at crosswalks
Arriving very close to bell times causing traffic congestion
Other Safety Problems:
Children darting across the driveway or street through parked/waiting cars unaccompanied by an adult
Crossing in between vehicles or mid-block instead of at the marked crosswalk
Letting children out of the car on the driver side (traffic side) of the vehicle
Double parking / reversing a vehicle out of the parking lot onto street
School Parking Lot Rules:
The rear parking lot, off 118th, has designated STAFF PARKING stalls. These spaces are reserved at ALL times for ARE staff members.
The rear lot also has clearly marked handicap-parking stalls. Even if you have a tag, use these spaces only if the student requiring the permit is being picked up/dropped off. We have many children who need these spaces. AS OF NOVEMBER 1st, 2017, the FRONT driveway will be closed to thru traffic at drop off and pick up time. This decision has
been taken in consultation in consultation with the School District’s Manager Health, Safety & Wellness and the City of Maple Ridge.
The only vehicles allowed through at these times will be those displaying valid handicap permits for students attending our school.
City of Maple Ridge, Highway and Traffic Bylaw No. 6704-2009:
The City of Maple Ridge bylaw states in part; that no vehicle shall block a driveway or park within 3 meters of a driveway. Please be considerate of the neighbours. They need to be able to come and go safely too. Note: The by-laws department will be issuing fines to
anyone who is in violation of these by-laws;
Highway and Traffic Bylaw 12.1 – (b) Driveway – in front of or within 3 metres of a public or private driveway; (c) Intersection – in or within 6 metres of the approach or far side of an intersection, except as permitted by a sign (d) Hydrant – within 5m of a fire hydrant measured from a point in the curb or edge of the roadway which is closest to the fire hydrant to the nearest wheel of the vehicle (e) Crosswalk – on a crosswalk or within 6 metres of the approach side of a crosswalk
Suggestion to help keep the area safer:
Consider parking away from the school and walking your child to school.
118th provides excellent walking access to the school via wide sidewalks.
Ensure all pedestrians use the designated crosswalk.
Do not block the crosswalk with your vehicle.
Do not let children out on the driver’s (traffic) side of the vehicle.
Looking for Volunteers:
We are looking for parent volunteers to help keep our parking lot safe. If you are interested, please contact our head secretary, Mrs. Hogarth. Thank you for your cooperation!
