Hanukkah window display at the Grade School.
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Dear <<First Name>>,
What a whirlwind of activity it has been at the school over the last week. As the end of every term approaches, students and teachers bustle about to complete main lesson blocks, handwork projects, crafts, in-class activities, musical pieces, and performances. The end of the fall term includes extra hustle and bustle as the growing excitement about the upcoming holidays is coupled with the hard work and creativity required to complete seasonal crafts, gifts, activities, projects, songs, and performances. It’s always a very special time of year at the VWS, and this year is no different. It’s been heartwarming these past few weeks to witness the unique way seasonal festivals are celebrated in each class, to hear students singing, playing, and rehearsing their parts, and to support parents in their wish to offer gifts and acts of service to the faculty. In so many ways, it feels outrageous that the New Year is almost upon us, and I find myself double-checking the calendar often. And in other ways, it is just perfect that the seasonal rhythm and excited students remind us that it surely is only 10 days until the winter solstice. Thank you for enabling the school to keep the beauty and wonder of childhood present for all of our students, big and small. It is our ability to continue doing what we do, as much as is possible, that allows a shared and much-needed experience of connection, warmth, and comfort during the shortest days of the year.
Blessings to you all,
Mary Henley
Community & Resource Development Manager
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The third light of Advent
is the light of beasts—
All await the birth
from the greatest and in least.
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Monday, December 14
Santa Lucia Day |
Wednesday, December 16-18
Grade 8 Play: A Christmas Carol |
Friday, December 18
End of Term, Early Dismissal 12:20 pm GS, 1 pm HS,
No Aftercare or After School Program |
On the Horizon
Winter Solstice December 21
Winter Break December 21 - January 1
Christmas December 25
Kwanzaa December 26
Winter Term Begins January 4
ECC (Early Childhood Centre) | GS (Grade School) | HS (High School)
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Last week we asked for submissions of the good things that are happening in and around our community. Here are just 12 of the wonderful things that are happening quietly in the background or forward for all to see and engage with! Keep sharing the good things that you see. There is so much for us to celebrate during these darkening days.
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Finding new ways to keep old traditions alive with cohort-based Advent assemblies.
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Grade 2 has been collecting donated items throughout the term for delivery on December 18. Covenant House provides love and hope to Vancouver's homeless and at-risk street youth aged 16-24. They are currently accepting canned foods and new clothing items, with their top needs being: rain gear (coats, boots), hand warmers, men’s boxer briefs, umbrellas and earbuds.
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Decorations made by students in Grade 3 and decorated by the students in Grade 7.
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Grades 3, 4, and 8 have been working together to collect items of benefit to those in need in our community, package the items into stockings, and prepare the lot for pick-up by Hank who will distribute them across the North Shore.
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Thank you, Anne Pepper and Lauren Hornor, for setting up the display windows this week. And thank you to all the wonderful volunteers in our community; we are so blessed to be here together at this time.
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Dear Customers,
Thank you so much for supporting the Grade Six is Bazaar online store. Our store experienced a few glitches last week, especially during the check-out process, but this did not quell your enthusiasm! You all persevered! I hope you were able to find a few items that suited your fancy. We will continue to work on the website to improve your shopping experience. Your patience and business are greatly appreciated.
Last week we opened the individual stalls that each student carefully prepared. One of the stalls was unable to upload last week and will be uploaded this week. Please come and have a look at Asha Henley’s amazing products in his stall, The Best Roll.
This week we will also include many products that Grade 6 made together in weekend crafting events. These products are toys. We focused on stocking stuffers and small precious little things that could fit in pockets! In addition to all the products that Grade Six made both individually and collectively, there will also products from previous Bazaars and Christmas Fairs that we will offer as well.
Thank you again for supporting our fundraising efforts.
Warmest Wishes,
Raja Chrimes
Grade 6 Class Teacher
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Keeping healthy social connections and fun alive! Grade 10 families got together virtually for an evening of trivia, a group crossword, and snack bag delivery to each home! So many great things can happen when creativity and connectivity lead the way.
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Ms. De Ceuster and her Grade 8 class are thrilled to present their class play, A Christmas Carol. The script was written by James Hutchison, as adapted from the classic story by Charles Dickens.
Register now to stream the play on Friday, December 18 at 7:00 pm.
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Vanessa and Bruno, PE & Circus Skills teachers, motivate us to get moving over the winter break! Here they share some skipping tricks for you and your children.
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Ella is making it easier for you to book visits to the Red Door Store. Use this link to see and choose shopping times for last-minute gift-giving and stocking stuffer solutions signup.com/go/GKHsBUL. For our teachers, know that Ella has spaces available on Saturday and Sunday, December 19 and 20, if you're not having luck scheduling other times in your full teaching days. Of course, online sales are also still available at reddoorstore.ca.
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We will give a full report in January when our Giving Campaign has come to a close. For now, please know just how grateful we are to each of you for enthusiastically showing up in the ways that work best for you in your unique situation. Financial offerings are, but one way to show your support; volunteering or sharing your appreciation of the school with your circle of influence are others. And as you have read throughout this newsletter this week, there are so many other ways to feel good being part of this community. Have a restful and festive weekend. We'll be back on Monday to celebrate Santa Lucia.
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Much love,
Laura Bergstrome
Communications and Events Coordinator
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