October Newsletter
Principal’s MessageIt is hard to believe how quickly September has gone by, and we are fortunate to still be enjoying these beautiful fall days in October! This month, our RAISE focus is on R – Respect, with an emphasis on showing respect for others. We are reminding students that small actions make a big difference, using good manners such as please and thank you, holding the door for others, and being thoughtful in how we treat those around us. We are also focusing on respect and good sportsmanship when playing games outside. This includes using positive words such as “Good job!” and “Great game!”, cheering others on, and being gracious whether we win or lose. Reinforcing these simple messages at home helps us work together to make CPE a kind, caring, and respectful place for everyone. Tammy Tomm, Principal, CPE |
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Kindergarten RegistrationWe are excited to welcome parents, guardians, and caregivers to register children who will be five years old in 2027 for kindergarten starting in September 2027! Registering new Kindergarten students during the month of October 2026 helps us plan effectively and be ready to welcome our new young learners. How to Register for KindergartenParents, guardians, and caregivers of new students must register at your neighbourhood school. If a placement to another school is desired, please still register at the neighbourhood school and request to apply for a cross-boundary placement. To register your child online, go to www.sd19.bc.ca and click “Register” along the top menu. If needed, paper registration forms are available at each elementary school. |
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Terry Fox RunWe had a beautiful, sunny day on September 23 for our annual Terry Fox Run. Thank you to all the parents who volunteered along the route to help students navigate the course and cheer them on! Through our Toonies for Terry fundraising, we raised $300 for cancer research. A big thank-you to our families for supporting this important cause! |
Orange Shirt DayOn September 29, CPE recognized Orange Shirt Day. Students worked with their buddy classes to learn and reflect on the impact of residential schools. Together, they designed their own orange shirts, which were linked to create a paper chain displayed in our school. |
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Goal Setting ConferencesOn October 21 and 22, students will be dismissed at 12:30 to allow teachers time to meet with students and parents/guardians to discuss goals for the year ahead. Please keep an eye out for booking information and time slots from your classroom teacher. Some meetings may be scheduled for a different day or in the evening to ensure all families are accommodated. If you are unable to attend the time provided, please email your child’s teacher to arrange an alternate time to connect or leave a message for them at the school 250-837-4744. The purpose of these conferences is to have a shared conversation about your child’s learning, to include the student in the process, and to set goals together based on their strengths and how they learn best. |
Fable Book Fair at CPEOur local bookseller, Fable Books, will be at CPE from Tuesday, October 20 to Thursday, October 22, during our Family Conferences. There will be a great selection of books for CPE students and families to browse and purchase. Classes will have a “looky-loo” time (no purchasing) on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning. Purchasing Times: Tuesday: 2:30–4:30 p.m. Funds raised from the Book Fair will go toward purchasing new books for our very own CPE Library. Thank you for supporting our school and encouraging a love of reading! |
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Numeracy at CPEAt CPE, we continue to look for ways to make numeracy visible and enjoyable throughout the school. Students can participate in our Numeracy Problem Board located at the front entrance of the school. The problem is updated regularly and encourages students to think mathematically, problem solve, and challenge themselves. Often there are sheets the students can bring home and work on and then enter into the prize box at the office!
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Feeding FuturesThrough Feeding Futures, we are able to provide a variety of food supports for CPE students and families. This includes our breakfast program, fresh fruit available throughout the school day, support with healthy lunches, and our Backpack Program, which provides additional food for families to take home for the weekend. We want all of our students to have access to nutritious food so they can feel their best and be ready to learn, play, and connect at school. If the lunch or Backpack Program would be helpful for your family, please contact the school. We are happy to help connect you with the support available. |
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CPE Running ClubThe cross-country running team is off to a great start! Students are having fun running together every Tuesday after school and r participated in the Arrow Heights Grizzly Grind and the BVE Invitational Golden Shoe run. Following that, we will host the annual Turkey Trot at CPE on October 8. If you are available to volunteer between 3:00 and 3:45 pm, your help would be greatly appreciated! The season will wrap up on October 15 with a run in the National Park, hosted by École des Glaciers. A big thank you to coaches Ms. Hill, Ms. Kramer, and Ms. Dodds for their time and dedication to supporting our runners!
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BadmintonCPE Badminton Team A big thank you to Ms. Dodds, Ms. Lorimer and Ms. Russell for coaching our team and providing practice opportunities for students. A sign-up form and schedule will be shared in the next few weeks. November 12 – Badminton Singles (Gr. 6 at AHE, Gr. 7 at BVE) November 19 – Badminton Doubles (Gr. 6 at AHE, Grade 7 at BVE) November 24 – Gr. 6 Mixed Doubles at CPE November 26 – Grade 7 Mixed Doubles at CPE |
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HalloweenThis year, Halloween falls on a Saturday, but at school we will dress up and celebrate on Friday, October 30. We will begin the day with our regular Friday assembly, followed by a Halloween costume parade in the gym at approximately 9:00 am. In the afternoon, the CPE Leadership Team will be hosting a fun school-wide dance for all students in the afternoon. Costume and Treat Guidelines:
We are excited to see everyone’s costumes and to celebrate together. Thank you for your cooperation in helping make Halloween a safe and enjoyable event for all! |
PAC NewsThe Columbia Park Elementary Parent Advisory Council (CPE PAC) supports school events, activities, purchases equipment, and more throughout the year. Every CPE parent is welcome to join the meetings, and there are many opportunities to get involve. You can contribute as much or as little as you are able. PAC meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30–7:30 pm in the library. Everyone is welcome, and childminding is available in the gym.This year’s PAC executive is: President: Jen Baron Vice-President: TBD Secretary: Ainsley Bell Treasurer: Amrit Bal DPAC: Courtney Pinkenburg & Christina Griffith Thank you to all the parents that support the PAC. We appreciate your time and effort! |
Upcoming Dates at CPE
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Stay connected!
Please visit our website columbiapark.sd19.bc.ca and twitter @columbiaparksch
