2023 Back To School Digital Book – Junior School

BACK TO SCHOOL

JUNIOR SCHOOL

BUILDING FINE YOUNG MEN. ONE BOY AT A TIME.

GREETINGS JUNIOR SCHOOL FAMILIES!

Welcome to the new school year! It is my hope that when you receive this information, it will be after a summer of adventure and rejuvenation.

When I was a boy, this time of year created a concoction of emotions in my stomach. I was both nervous and excited and that combination built up an energy and impatience to get started. Decades later, I still have many of those same feelings in my stomach as each new school year approaches.

My father always told me not to look forward with expectations but rather with anticipation. I’m not sure I totally agree with him but the ideas behind his statement are good, especially for a boy waiting for the school year to begin. Let me see if I can explain.

His theory was that an expectation of something is static; exact. What we expect is a fixed thing and that very exactness means it can be fraught with the possibility of disappointment and frustration. Expectation means that before we have even started, we have discounted all kinds of amazing variables that might have been brilliant. Unless you have the chance to tell every friend, teacher, parent, or coach exactly what it is you expect of each situation, the chances that they are able to work with you to create that exact expected outcome seems slim. My dad’s theory is that focusing on expectations leads to a very narrow experience of life. Instead, my dad always told me to look forward in anticipation. His theory was that anticipation allowed for a whole myriad of outcomes and experiences, all of which could possibly be brilliant. Anticipation was a mindset of openness, imagination, and creativity. All things were possible. He believed that anticipation made friendships better and experiences more fulfilling because things were not judged before they began. He also believed feelings of anticipation made it more likely that I’d try new things and evolve myself, rather than staying static.

I’m not sure I totally agree with my dad. I think it is important to have some expectations. For example, you should have high expectations of the faculty, staff, and our commitment to support your unique son during his time at St. George’s School and towards his adventure after he leaves us. That is really important — it is a responsibility I take very seriously.

However, it is my hope that you also look with anticipation at that same journey, curious to see the untold passions and curiosities your son will develop. One of my favourite discoveries about St. George’s School is the atmosphere of possibility it creates for our boys. It is so often true that our boys anticipate all manner of paths for themselves with incredible outcomes. It is a glorious sensation to see boys of all ages unencumbered by imposed restrictions of expectations, and instead creatively anticipating with excitement the possibilities ahead of them. And so, as we seek to provide the very best experience of learning for our boys, expectations can be very important, but it seems anticipation is essential. I look forward to seeing you soon and wish you and your family the very best for the upcoming year.

Sine Timore Aut Favore.

DAVID YOUNG Head of School

IMPORTANT DATES

AUGUST:

August 30:

New Student Orientation

• Grades 3–5 New Student Orientation, 9:30–11:30 am

• Grades 6-7 New Student Orientation, 1:00–3:00 pm

SEPTEMBER:

September 5: SGPA Used Uniform Sale – Blackmore Gym

September 6: Classes Begin

September 11: First Full Day Of Classes For Kindergarten

September 14: Junior School Photo Day – Individual Photos; #1 Uniforms

September 14: Meet The Teacher Evening, 7:00 pm

September 15: Terry Fox Run, 1:40 pm

OCTOBER:

October 2: Day In Lieu Of Truth And Reconciliation Day; No Classes

October 3: New Parents Dinner, 6:00 pm, Junior School

October 9: Thanksgiving; School Closed

October 12: Class Photo Day & Photo Retake Day; #1 Uniforms

October 15: Saints Spirit Run

October 20: Professional Development Day; No Classes

October 25: Grade 6 Camp (October 25–27)

NOVEMBER:

November 1: Virtual Three-Way Conferences; No Classes

November 11: Remembrance Day; No Classes

November 13–14: Professional Development Days; No Classes

November 15–17: Term Break; No Classes

DECEMBER:

December 6: Primary Winter Concert 2:15 pm

December 7: Intermediate Winter Band Concert, 3:30 pm

December 14: Last Day Of Classes; Full Day

December 15: Winter Break

GREETINGS

FROM THE PRINCIPAL OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

This past June, I had the pleasure of taking boys from the leaving Grade 7 class to Italy. Imagine, if you will, 45 wide-eyed boys walking the ancient roads of Rome. The boys were adventurous yet responsible, and curious, yet kind. They swam in new waters (literally and figuratively!) and ate a shocking amount of pasta and gelato. I couldn’t have asked for better travel companions! They took risks and experienced new things each day, and as a result, they left Italy with new skills and a whole new album of memories.

School can be a lot like that trip to Italy. As parents, we prepare our children as much as possible ahead of time, but the best results come when our boys are willing to take risks, inhabit our Core Values, and enter the school year with a sense of adventure. The 2023–24 school year is just around the corner and for many of us, it brings with it the excitement and bubbly nervousness of beginning something new.

Here is some helpful information to get you started:

FOR NEW STUDENTS: We look forward to welcoming new students at our New Student Orientation on Wednesday, August 30th. Students entering Grades 3–5 will have orientation from 9:30–11:30 am. Students entering Grades 6 & 7 will have orientation from 1:00–3:00 pm. Please bring a snack and water bottle. Students may come in casual clothes.

FOR STUDENTS ENTERING KINDERGARTEN: Each Kindergarten boy will receive information from the Kindergarten and Admissions Team regarding gradual entry for September 6–8. Kindergarten students should arrive for their gradual entry sessions dressed in their school-crested golf shirt, grey flannels, and black shoes. The school blazer is optional for the entire school year. The first full day of classes for Kindergarten is Monday, September 11th.

FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES 1–7: The first day of school will be Wednesday, September 6th from 8:20 am–3:10 pm. All students should be dressed smartly in their #1 School Uniform: blue blazer, grey flannels, grey socks, black shoes, white shirt, and school tie. New boys are asked to not wear a tie on the first day as they will be presented with a school tie during a Formal Assembly at the end of the day. All students are reminded to bring their gym strip. The boys will be in their homerooms from 8:20–11:25 am and then begin rotation in the afternoon. Grade 7 students trying out for the “A” Soccer Team should bring their soccer kit for try-outs after school.

I can’t emphasize enough how important it is for the boys to arrive on time. The purpose of morning homeroom time is to help the boys settle in and begin to focus on their day. They will have time in their homeroom to collect their materials, organize their books, and review their daily schedule. Teachers also use this time to share announcements, check prep books, and have class discussions. Boys who constantly arrive late are not organized and develop bad habits. Students should be at school by 8:20 am from Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and by 8:30 am on Wednesdays.

This year we will be changing our late start day to Wednesday. Late Start Wednesdays allow our faculty to focus on boycentred learning; examine and refine our teaching practices from Kindergarten to Grade 7; and continue to develop our rubrics and assessments. Collaboration time is essential for these projects, so we will use Wednesday mornings for our meeting time. Junior School faculty arrive early on Wednesday mornings to meet and work on our school goals. As a result, we are asking parents to drop their sons off between 8:20–8:30 am on Wednesday mornings only We will not have supervision before 8:15 am on Wednesdays. The morning bell will ring at 8:30 am and students will proceed to their homerooms and then attend the first period. On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday morning the school bell will ring at 8:20 am for the beginning of the day. This time of the day is very important for both our teachers and boys as this is an opportunity for all to check in and organize the day ahead together. If parents have any concerns about their son’s performance, they are urged to contact their homeroom teacher by phone or email, or make an appointment to meet. Parents should check the website frequently and be sure to read the weekly Saints eNews to keep themselves abreast of everything, including course outlines, athletic fixtures, and school announcements. The “My Resources” page of the website is also a helpful tool, as it provides invaluable information about the policies and routines of the School. As always, my door is open if you have any concerns — please phone or email me to make an appointment. Visitors to the Junior School will be accepted by appointment only.

Parents are also asked to mark Thursday, September 14th on their calendars for our Meet the Teacher Night. This is your opportunity to come into the School, meet your son’s subject teachers, and familiarize yourself with the expectations and routines of the classroom.

I look forward to seeing all the boys in September. In the meantime, have a restful and enjoyable remainder of the summer!

Sincerely,

CONTACT US!

It is easy to contact our staff and faculty. The email directory is available through our School website (click the mySGS button on the top right of the page to access the School Portal) or by contacting the Junior School Front Office at 604-222-5823.

MS. KARYN

Principal, Junior School

NASREEN MAHERAL Executive Assistant

MS.

for the Principal and Associate Principal of the Junior School 604-222-5801

nmaherali@stgeorges.bc.ca

ROBERTS

MS.

NIEDERER

MS. LOUISE JONES

JUNIOR SCHOOL STUDENT COUNCIL:

Head Boy: Kriday Shankar

Assistant Head Boy: Essi Mindell

ATTENDANCE

When your son is absent, it is important you notify the school by 8:35 am, either by email ( junior_attendance@stgeorges.bc.ca) or phone 604-221-3901. All absences need to be accounted for either by note, email, or phone message. The School’s policy is that a child should attend school every day unless there are medical issues, bereavement in the family, or celebration of a religious holiday.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

The Junior School’s Dress Code and Standards of Appearance exist in order to cultivate an educational setting where students are able to concentrate on learning in a safe and respectful environment. The dress code reflects our high standards of presentation and complements our expectation for work and behaviour. Students should wear their uniforms with pride and follow the standards set by the School. For September and October, the Golf Shirt is acceptable for the uniform. Specifically, the uniform includes:

• White School Logo Golf Shirt (September–October, and April–June)

• White Dress Shirt with School Tie (Number One Uniform; November–April)

• Grey Pants

• Grey Socks

• Polished Black Dress Shoes (No black runners)

• School Blazer (For Assembly and Special Occasions)

• Primary boys (Kindergarten– Grade 3) may wear their golf shirts or buttoned down shirts all year

Students are not permitted to wear sweatshirts or hoodies at school except during recess. If students require warmer clothing in the winter, they are advised to purchase a school sweater, vest, or wear their school blazer during the school day. For recess, boys can wear any brand of jacket or coat. We encourage students to dress for the weather as every day is an outdoor day at the Junior School. With respect to personal appearance, please be reminded that hair should be kept neat and off the collar, shaped close to the head and away from the face. Please note that the School respects religious or cultural traditions of our students who observe a particular manner of dress or grooming.

If you require a uniform, the School Store at the Junior School is open throughout the summer. Appointments may be made by phoning the store at 604-221-3899 or emailing MS. ASHWIN BENNY, Head of Retail Services, at abenny@stgeorges.bc.ca.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Kindergarten boys will receive an invitation for gradual entry from the Kindergarten and Admissions Team. More information will be available in the invitation.

School for students in Grades 1–7 officially begins on Wednesday, September 6th.

Boys in Grades 1–3 will meet in the Primary Playground where teachers will be available to escort them to their new homerooms.

Boys in Grades 4 and 5 will assemble at the front of the school. When the bell rings, they will enter the foyer where Class Lists will be posted.

Grades 6 and 7 boys will meet on the tarmac behind the school and will be directed to their Class Lists from there.

The first morning is devoted to orientation. Homeroom teachers will spend time reviewing expectations, helping the boys organize their belongings, introducing the class schedule, and getting to know their new class. After lunch, we will begin classes with four blocks from the regular Wednesday afternoon timetable.Thursday and Friday will be regular full days of classes.

BELL SCHEDULE FOR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

8:10 am

8:20 am

8:25 am

11:30 am

12:20 pm

Students arrive Students enter building Homeroom

Lunch and Recess

Class rotation: Periods 5, 6, and 7 (Wednesday schedule)

2:20 pm

Assembly: Tie Ceremony and Introduction of New Students (students only, please)

3:10 pm

Dismissal

GREETINGS

FROM THE ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

Our Core Values are one of the elements we use to help navigate a student’s journey at our School. The six values form an important role in a student’s growth because all of our students arrive at the School from a different upbringing. The consistency of the Core Values is that we are all connected to them, with the aim of making us become better people. When we reflect, we all have a Core Value or two that we are able to demonstrate better than the other, but the key part for us all is to have the belief in continuing to grow. I, for one, will continue to work on my own responsibility because I have a tendency to leave certain things to the last minute. It is important as we move through the school year, that we all continue to work on the Core Values so we keep growing and understanding ourselves and each other.

As the new school year is soon to be upon us, one Core Value I would encourage our students to have at the forefront of their minds is responsibility. The reason I have chosen this Core Value over the others is that it ties in with our school uniform. Our school uniform allows us to distinguish ourselves from other schools. As a School, we pride ourselves on this unique identity. How we appear and present ourselves in front of others, whether it’s at school or at another community or athletic event, is very important. In order to know and understand how to conduct ourselves, it’s essential that all students and families take the time to review the key principles outlined and have a full understanding of the expectations. As parents, you would have reviewed and signed the Code of Conduct during the registration process. The Code of Conduct is available HERE.

For the school day, students will receive resources from the School and will also be permitted to bring their own appropriate resources from their home. To support a student’s organizational skills, students are provided areas to keep all their belongings together. In Kindergarten–Grade 3, students will have a cubby or a storage area in which their belongings can be placed. In Grades 4–7, students will have access to lockers in their neighborhood, which they will be responsible for looking after. Students are encouraged to not bring electronic devices to school, but if they are required, all electronic devices must stay in students’ lockers until the end of the school day. If students bring their own snack or lunch to school, they are encouraged to keep it in their lockers. At the end of the day, all remaining food items must be taken home. Additional lockers will be provided to students in Physical and Health Education, and Music. These lockers are to be used for clothing, footwear, instruments, and specific equipment required for that particular subject. I encourage all students to be responsible and label their belongings.

I’m excited for another fantastic year at our School. I look forward to seeing our students return because without their presence, the Junior School isn’t quite the same place. See you in September!

Sincerely,

ALED THOMAS Associate Principal, Junior School

*Please Note:

Student drop off in designated grade areas

Homeroom and Attendance

DELAYED START ON WEDNESDAY.

STUDENTS TO ARRIVE AT 8:30 AM

Period One

Period Two

Morning Recess

Period Three

Period Four

Lunch

Lunch Recess

Period Five

Period Six

Period Seven

Period Eight

End of the Day Homeroom

Dismissal

Wednesday Morning Schedule: Homeroom: 8:30-8:40 am

MEDICAL SERVICES

604-222-5802 (direct line)

604-880-3343 (emergency cell)

Medical services at the Junior School are coordinated by Ms. Kelly Bodutch, Head of Student Health Services. The Student Health Centre for the Junior School is located in the nursing station on the first floor, adjacent to Devenish Gym. Nursing coverage is provided by Ms. Bodutch, Ms. Claire Niebuhr, or Mr. Jon Mislang.

DROP OFF AND PICK UP

For Kindergarten–Grade 3, drop off and pick-up is at the east gate, near the primary playground. Another preferred option is to park on the street where signage permits, and walk in. We ask parents to please be mindful of the neighbours, as our School is located in a residential area.

For Grades 4–5, drop-off and pick-up is on West 29th Avenue at the main (centre) gates. Note there is a “threeminute stopping only” zone in front of the school.

For Grades 6 and 7, drop-off and pick-up occur at Chaldecott Park. A crossing guard is provided to assist students across West 27th Avenue and Wallace Street. Students who have not been picked up by 3:55 pm will be walked back to the main school entrance.

BUSING

SCHOOL BUS SERVICE

The school operates a complimentary bus system that serves the Metro Vancouver region, including Burnaby, the North Shore, Richmond, Vancouver, and UBC. In addition to morning service to the school each day, there are two returning buses at 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm to support after school and co-curricular activities. Please note there is no 5:30 pm bus on Fridays.

REGISTRATION FOR SCHOOL BUS SERVICE

There is no additional cost for the bus service; however, students must register in order to be eligible to ride the bus.

Registration for School Bus Service is now up and running.

As in past years, registration for the routes will be on the School Portal. Once logged in, there will be a message on the home page stating you have a form to fill out. When you click on this message, it will take you to the registration page.

Please read the information and follow the instructions on the registration form.

2023–24 BUS ROUTES

Here are the bus routes for the 2023–24 school year School bus service will commence on September 6th for the Junior School and September 7th for the Senior School. That said, all students from both schools are permitted to use the bus starting on September 6th.

For more information, please visit the Transportation page on our website or contact:

MR. GARY BACKHOUSE

Head of Transportation

Phone: 604-221-3618

email: transportation@stgeorges.bc.ca.

THANKS FOR RIDING THE BUS!

LATE ARRIVAL AND EARLY DEPARTURE

When a student arrives after 8:30 am, he must sign in at the Front Office. If a parent wishes to take their son out during the day, it is important the student is signed out at the Front Office. This procedure is in place to ensure the School has an accurate record of who is in the building in case of emergencies that require evacuation, such as fire alarms and earthquakes.

FOOD SERVICES AND LUNCHTIME

The St. George’s Junior School offers a Meal Program featuring high-quality meals prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients that suits all grades from Kindergarten–Grade 7 with two types of Meal Programs: the Dining Room Program and Boxed Lunch Programs.

Click HERE to see our photo gallery of the Junior meal program.

PRIMARY BOXED LUNCH PROGRAM — KINDERGARTEN–GRADE 3:

Students can enjoy their meals with our sustainable program using reusable lunch boxes and real stainless steel cutlery that will be delivered to their homeroom classrooms.

K–Grade 3 students have TWO options for menus:

• Option 1 — Primary K-3 Menu: Kid friendly menu options that do not require a fork and knife

Note: This Menu is for Grades K-3 ONLY*

• Option 2 — Regular Menu:

The Regular Menu is the standard option for all Grade 4–12 students but Primary students are welcome to choose this menu.

GRADES 4–7 LUNCH PROGRAM:

NOTE: 2023–24 DINING PROGRAM IS NOW FULL. THE BOXED LUNCH PROGRAM IS STILL AVAILABLE.

Grades 4–7 Dining Room Program:

Boys can enjoy a community Family-style lunch with their fellow students, teachers, and staff in our first floor Dining Hall.

Grades 4–7 also have the option to eat in their classrooms with the optional Boxed Lunch Program if they do not want to eat in the Dining Hall. Please note that the procedures for this service have changed this year. Students with special diets will be accommodated within the Meal Program and should contact:

BOBBY PHAN, Food Services Director at catering@stgeorges.bc.ca

To learn more about our Junior School Lunch Program and sign-up for the Meal Program, please visit our website HERE. Students who bring their lunch from home are expected to recycle their lunch containers as appropriate.

Students are not permitted to order food from external food services, unless authorized by school administration for club or group meeting purposes.

AFTER SCHOOL CARE

The After School Care Program is currently full. After School Care begins the week of September 11th. More information will be provided to the families who have signed up.

2023–24 KEY DATES

For the most up to date information, please check out our online calendar on our website HERE.

WELCOME BACK FROM THE

WELCOME BACK BARBECUE

SGPA EVENTS

USED UNIFORM SALE

Tuesday, September 5, 2023 | 11:00 am–2:00 pm

Blackmore Gym, Junior School 二手校服义卖

2023年9月5日周二上午11:00–下午2:00

小学部Blackmore体育馆

WELCOME BACK BARBECUE

Wednesday, September 6, 2023 | 3:30–7:00 pm

For all Saints families, Senior School Field 新学年返校烧烤会

2023年9月6日周三下午3:30–7:00

欢迎所有圣乔治家庭参加，地点为中学部操场

SGPA AGM

Thursday, October 19, 2023 | 9:00 am

McLean Hall, Senior School

2023年10月9日周四上午9:00

中学部McLean大厅

SAINTS SPIRIT RUN

Sunday, October 15, 2023 | 10:00 am

Outside, Junior School Campus 圣乔治风采跑

2023年10月15日周日上午10:00

校外，小学部校区

SAINTS SOIRÉE

Friday, November 3, 2023 | 6:30 pm–Midnight

Hollywood Theatre, 3123 W Broadway, Vancouver

圣乔治之夜

2023年11月3日周五晚上6:30– 午夜12:00

好莱坞剧院，3123 W Broadway, Vancouver

FOOD FEST

Thursday, January 18, 2024 | 1:00–3:00 pm

Junior School Dining Hall

多元美食汇

2024年1月18日周四下午1:00-3:00

小学部餐厅

ST. GEORGE’S SCHOOL FAIR

Saturday, May 4, 2024 | 9:30 am–4:00 pm

Outside, Junior School Campus

圣乔治校园集市

2024年5月4日周六上午9:30–下午4:00

室外，小学部校区

STAFF APPRECIATION - LUNCH

Thursday May 16, 2024

Staff Room, Junior School | 11:00 am–1:00 pm

Staff Room, Senior School | 11:30 am–1:30 pm

教职工答谢日 - 午餐会

2024年5月16日周四

小学部教职工休息室上午11:00–下午1:00

中学部教职工休息室上午11:30–下午1:30

TUNED

USED UNIFORM SALE

SEPTEMBER 5, 2023

The St. George’s Parents’ Association (SGPA) is very excited to invite parents, students, faculty, staff, as well their families to the Welcome Back Barbecue. This event will take place on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 from 3:30–7:00 pm on the Senior School Field Be sure to mark your calendars and bring your family to this casual, fun, and free event. The Welcome Back Barbecue will take place rain or shine, so please prepare in advance for the weather and arrive hungry!

There will be a variety of games to keep the kids entertained while everyone reconnects and welcomes new families to the St. George’s community. This year, we kindly ask that you please leave your dogs at home.

PARKING:

Due to construction, there is no parking at the Senior School

Please consider leaving your car at the Junior School. There is also parking at Chaldecott Park.

REGISTRATION:

Guests should register for the barbecue along Camosun Street at the entrance to Mortenson Field at the Senior School.

Please RSVP HERE by Thursday, August 31st to help ensure that enough food and beverages are prepared for this event.

VOLUNTEERS:

Parents, if you would like to volunteer at the Welcome Back Barbecue, please click HERE to sign up.

For inquiries, please contact: sgpa@stgeorges.bc.ca.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN SEPTEMBER!

Sincerely, Your SGPA

11:00 am – 2:00 pm

The St. George’s Parents’ Association (SGPA) invites all families to attend the Used Uniform Sale on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 from 11:00 am–2:00 pm at the Blackmore Gym at the Junior School campus The entrance to the gym can be found next to the playground, on the right hand side of the school’s entrance. This annual stop-and-shop event is a wonderful opportunity to find gently used school clothes for your ever-growing son(s). Cash payments and personal cheques will be accepted. Student accounts cannot be billed. Please remember to bring your own reusable bags for your purchases.

DONATIONS ACCEPTED

We will also accept uniform donations at this event. Items should be laundered, have the current school logo, and be in good condition (no rips, holes, or stains).

Please note that this will be the only day for donations in September.

OUTDATED CLOTHING FOR ZERO WASTE

If your donation items are outdated, stained, torn, have a year or team event logo, please put them in a separate bag labelled ‘ZERO WASTE’. We’ll accept these unsellable items and ensure they are recycled, in partnership with the Global Stewardship Initiative.

Please consider volunteering with the Used Uniform Team and sign up here!

All questions about the Used Uniform Sale can be directed to useduniforms@stgeorges.bc.ca

SPEAKER SERIES

tuned for more details on upcoming parent education speaking series events.

系列讲座 敬请关注更多面向家长的成长教育讲座资讯。

圣乔治校家长协会2023–24学年活动安排