November 9, 2017

33661 Elizabeth Avenue, Abbotsford, BC V4X 1T4 604.826.8181 Website http://matsqui.sd34.bc.ca Principal: Mr. Terry Jung

Principals Message

As we head into the month of November, we can look ahead and see all the wonderful learning opportunities and special events that are coming up. With the month of October being such a favourite month for the children, however, we should take one more look back at some of the fun and exciting events that took place.

a. Diwali Celebration 2017

With the help of student leaders, we were able to celebrate Diwali at the school on October 19th. It was a

festive day with some of our Indo-Canadian students wearing bright and colorful culturally significant

clothes to school. A special assembly was held in the school’s gym with a presentation about some of the

traditions and customs, along with bhangra dancing. We thank our Indo-Canadian families for providing a

delicious samosa lunch for each of our students and staff members. We also commend the students who

were involved with the assembly.

Bell Schedule: Welcoming Bell 9:00 a.m. Classes Begin 9:05 a.m. Warning Bell 12:00 p.m. Play Time 12:05 – 12:38 p.m. Eating Period 12:38 p.m. Warning Bell 12:53 p.m. Classes Begin 12:58 p.m. Warning Bell 3:05 p.m. Dismissal 3:10 p.m. Office Hours 8:45 a.m. – 3:15 p.m

Dates to Note:

Remembrance Day Assembly November 10th Remembrance Day (no school) November 13th

Picture Re-Takes November 17th Book Fair November 21-23 Report Cards Home November 21st ArtStarts November 22nd

Parent Teacher Interviews (5 – 8) November 22nd Parent Teacher Interviews (no school) November 23rd Pro-D Day (no school) November 24th Writing Day December 1st Report Cards Home December 8th

PAC Meeting December 12th

Christmas Concert December 21st Popcorn Day December 20th

b. Walk-a-thon Update

We appreciate the efforts of all of our students (and family members) who participated in the Walk-a-thon.

Thanks to the hard work of our students in finding sponsors, and the generosity of family, friends,

neighbours and colleagues at work, we were able to exceed the total amount raised last year. Our goal was

to pass last year’s total of $3000. This year, we raised $4000 to go towards the purchase of library books,

classroom resources, outdoor play equipment, technology, and extra-curricular club supplies. Well done!

Note: Congratulations to Division 1 (kindergarten) and Division 2 (grade k/1) for raising the most funds.

Panago Pizza (South Fraser Way) will be providing a free pizza lunch for these two classes on a date of

their choice.

c. Autumn Harvest Fun Night

It was fabulous to see so many of our Matsqui students and their family members at this very special

event. The children were excited to be able to come dressed in their Hallowe’en costumes, play games,

win prizes, have popcorn, eat hot dogs, and spend time with their friends and classmates. An amazing

night like this could not have been made possible without the tremendous amount of hard work and

planning from our dedicated PAC (and their significant others), parent volunteers, former students, and

present student leaders. Thank you!

d. Apple Barn

It was an absolutely beautiful day for our students in Divisions 3 to 6 to go to the Apple Barn. The children

came back looking a little tired, but happy they had spent this warm autumn day exploring the farm, going

on a hay ride, and choosing a pumpkin to take home.

e. Hallowe’en Day

Congratulations to all the Matsqui families and children who entered this year’s annual Pumpkin Carving

Challenge. The judges had a very difficult time selecting the winning entries because there were so many

fabulous designs and creations. The children really enjoyed looking at all the carved pumpkins on display

in the front office area and hallway. In the afternoon, our students took part in a costume parade, and

visited each of the classes in their Hallowe’en costumes. It was definitely a fun day, but the teachers are

happy that this special day only comes once a year.

Note: We thank Taylor May’s family for donating three enormous pumpkins to our school. Our student

leaders will be approaching them for advice on how we can successfully grow these gigantic pumpkins in

our own school garden.

Once again, we would like to thank all of our parent volunteers who continue to help out around the school (ie. reading with students, preparing hot lunches and popcorn, helping with special events, driving and accompanying classes on field trips, supervising during lunch hour, putting up bulletin boards, fund raising for our proposed playground equipment, making and building things for the school, supporting extra-curricular clubs, and so much more). It is your involvement and dedication that helps to provide additional learning opportunities and to help create special memories for our children. It is with great appreciation that we thank our parents and grandparents for all that they do for the school. -Terry Jung (Principal)

PAC NEWS

Our "Saddle Up And Read" Schoolastic Book Fair is from Nov

20-Nov 24th details about when we are open and volunteer

opportunities will come in the coming weeks.

The Harvest fair was a great success! We raised $1658! Thank you to all the parents and

students that helped make the night a success! Thank you also to all those who donated

raffle prizes! Prairie Coast Equipment, Eagel Wind RV Park, The Co-op and many more!

Gardening at Matsqui

Fall is the best time to plant garlic. We planted 3 rows of 6 bulbs so we are hoping to harvest 18 plants in the spring. We can make garlic bread with garlic. We love garlic bread! By: Daniel and Jayden

Missing Something?

Just a reminder that our lost and found box is

located in the hallway just outside of the gym. If

your child has lost something please ask them to

check in the box.

The Gaga Ball pit continues to be a place of excitement and energy! We

have had more than a few scraped knuckles, so if your child loves to play

gaga ball, please consider sending them to school with a pair of gloves.

Changing Weather It’s raining, it’s pouring, it’s sunny, it’s cold and it’s windy!

Please dress your kids for the changing weather. The students do go out each day for recess

and lunch. If your child likes the puddles on the playground please consider having an extra

pair of socks/pants in their backpacks.

Trivia Facts for Kids – Animals Did you know…. Cows can sleep standing up? The largest egg laid by a living bird is that of the North African Ostrich. It is 6 to 8 inches in length and 4 to 6 inches in diameter.

The smallest is that of the hummingbird. It is less than 0.39 inches in diameter. Elephants purr like cats do, as a means of communication. The snapping shrimp, only 1 1/2 inches long, makes a noise with its one big claw, which sounds exactly like a firecracker.

“Matsqui is a school community that fosters the courage to believe and the confidence to succeed.”

Kind Responsible Respectful Safe Helpful