This September, our school-wide focus is to continue to build a RAISE community of learners. RAISE—Respect, All, Individuals, Self and Environment—continues to guide how we learn, play, solve problems and care for one another at CPE. Our goal is for every student to feel that they belong, are valued and are an important part of our school community.

CPE also has a fresh new look this year! Over the summer, all of our classrooms received fresh paint, and students returned to new basketball backboards and rims both in the gym and on the playground. Outside, we have added a new Gaga Ball pit, and the gravel in our play areas has been replaced with wood chips and our sensory garden thrived and also has a new bench! These improvements have brought new energy to our school and created even more inviting spaces for students to learn and play.

Most importantly, it has been wonderful to see our students and staff filling those spaces again. The school feels great! There is a positive energy throughout CPE, and I am looking forward to a year filled with learning, connections and growth.

Tammy Tomm
Principal, Columbia Park Elementary

Terry Fox Run

On Wednesday, September 23rd, our school will be participating in the Terry Fox School Run. We encourage each child to bring a Toonie donation (or whatever amount you are able to contribute) in support of the Terry Fox Foundation. The day will begin with an assembly at 9:00 am to honour Terry’s legacy. Following the assembly, the whole school will take part in a cross-country run.

Parent Volunteers Needed
We are looking for parent volunteers to help students navigate the running course. If you are available to help, please contact the school office.

Photo Day

Monday, September 21 is photo day! Your child will have their individual photo taken. These are used in the CPE Yearbook, and families have the option to purchase photo packages from MountainWest Studios. When you receive the photos, if you are not happy with them there will be an opportunity for retakes in October.

Cross-Country Running

Running Club will be starting soon for students in Grades 4–7. Practices will be held on Tuesdays from 2:40–3:10 p.m. A big thank you to Ms. Kramer, Ms. Dodds, and Ms. Hill for volunteering their time to coach our runners!
September 24 – AHE

October 1 – BVE

October 8 – CPE

October 15 – EDG (at Mt. Revelstoke)

Students are asked to try to arrange their own rides to and from the running  events.

From The Office

In the first few weeks of school, there will be several forms sent home. To help you keep track, here’s a list of items that will need your attention:

Medical Needs
If your child has any medical needs, or requires medication to be administered at school, it is the responsibility of parents/guardians to notify the office. Updated medical forms will be required, and in some cases, you may be asked to book a doctor’s appointment so that directions can be signed off.

Student Agendas
For students in Grades 1–7, each child will receive an agenda. This is an important day-to-day communication tool between home and school. The first few front pages include the Student Handbook, which includes key information about our school, staff, and school-wide expectations. Please read through this section with your child.

Leaving School Grounds

If your child will regularly go home for lunch, please contact their teacher and provide a written permission note for the office. We encourage students who live nearby to go home for lunch when possible.

Students who remain at school for lunch are expected to stay on school grounds. If you would like your child to go home for lunch occasionally, you must send written permission for that day.

Before leaving, students must sign out at the office and sign back in when they return. Parents picking up children early are asked to check in at the office.

Permission Forms Package
A package of permission forms will also be sent home. These include consent for:

·       in-town (walking) field trips,

·       photo use,

·       participation in school food programs,

·       internet use, and

·       other activities throughout the year.

Please read the package carefully, sign where appropriate, and return it to school as soon as possible.

School Fees

If you are using bulk school supplies, please send a cheque or cash for $45 ($37 school supply fee + $8 agenda fee). At this time, we can only accept cash or cheque (no e-Transfers yet).

Verification of Student Information

You will receive a copy of the contact and registration information we have on file for your child. Each year, parents/guardians are asked to review and confirm this information. Please look over the verification form carefully, make any corrections directly on the sheet, then sign and return it to your child’s teacher.

CPE Parent Advisory Council (PAC) News

Regular PAC meetings are scheduled monthly,  on the second Tuesday of each month, and run from 6:30–7:30 pm.

Free child-minding is available in the gym, provided by our Grade 6 and 7 students.

The PAC at CPE is a wonderfully supportive group that contributes to many school initiatives and organizes special events for our students throughout the year.

Please attend the October PAC meeting if you are interested in volunteering or contact the PAC at cpeschoolpac@gmail.com.

Upcoming dates and events:

**Please note that the CPE Events Calendar is available on our website here and includes all the ProD Days, holidays, and early dismissal days for the year ahead.

Thursday, Sept 17th – Band Equipment Rental at CPE 4:00-5:00 pm

Monday, September 21 School Photo Day

Wednesday, September 23 – Terry Fox Run (Assembly 9:00am, run at 9:15am)

Thursday, September 24 – Cross Country Running meet at Arrow Heights Elementary (Gr. 4-7) @ 3:00pm

Friday, Sept. 25th  Assembly and Hot Lunch – Please send your child with a container that has a lid and a fork.

Tuesday, Sept, 29  Orange Shirt Day –please try to send your child in an orange shirt if they have one.

Wednesday, Sept 30 – No School – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Thursday, October 1 Cross Country Running meet at Begbie View Elementary (Gr. 4-7) @ 3:00pm

Friday, October 2 – Free PAC Pizza Lunch!