Friday, September 1, 2023

Dear Families of REDFISH Elementary School,

We hope you were able to find some rest, relaxation, restoration, and good times alongside family and friends over the summer. At the same time, we recognize that this may not have been the case for all, and that the last two months may have brought along some difficult times for some families.

With the start of the school just around the corner, some students are likely growing in excitement and anticipation. Others may be feeling a bit more nervous. Either way, we are eager and ready to meet our Redfish families and students wherever they are at and we look forward to welcoming your children back into our school community next week.

The days are growing shorter… mornings and evenings cooler. Kokanee salmon have returned once again to Redfish Creek. The paving project on the north shore may even reach Redfish Elementary in time for school start-up. Fall is in the air. The changing of the seasons offers a good reminder of the inevitability of change in life. Although times of transition and change can be hard, they can also serve as important opportunities to take stock of the past, find our footing in the present, and look forward with hope for a brighter future.

On a personal note, change has brought me to a new school this August. I am excited to join the school community at Redfish Elementary School, and I look forward to working with you in the school year ahead. Following is some initial information for you in advance of the first day of school on Tuesday, September 5, 2023…

SCHOOL STAFF

On the school staffing front, we are fortunate to welcome back returning staff Charlotte Heddon (K/1), Jen Dehnel (GR1/2), Shelley Sandquist (GR2/3), Sarah Goggins (GR3/4), Maggie Hodgson (GR5/6), Catherine Donnelly (EA), and Shannon Haigh (Custodian) to Redfish Elementary. In addition, we would like to warmly welcome Daniela Fiess (K/1, Inclusion Support Teacher, and School Counsellor), Alison Keraiff (Music Prep Teacher), and Naomi Legg (Aboriginal Support Teacher) to our team.

Please note that our school secretary is currently away. With this in mind, we thank you for your ongoing patience as you await responses to your office emails and phone calls. If you have any pressing concerns or questions, please feel free to reach out to me directly at mark.bonikowsky@sd8.bc.ca. Once the school year is underway, please feel free to contact your child’s classroom teacher directly with any classroom-related questions or concerns.

FIRST DAY (Tuesday, September 5, 2023)

Tuesday, September 5 is a half day for all schools across the district. As such, Redfish Elementary will start at 8:02 AM and dismiss at 11:02 AM with buses running three hours earlier than usual. All students entering Grades 1–6 will report to last year’s classrooms for the morning. Any new students will be directed to meet at the front office. Students should bring water and a snack, and be prepared to head outside for a recess break.

Enrolment and class lists will be confirmed with staff in the afternoon, and classroom teachers will be reaching out via email to their new families for 2023/2024 by Tuesday evening. Students in Grades 1–6 will return for regular instructional hours in their new classes from 8:02 AM – 2:02 PM starting Wednesday, September 6.

Please note that students entering kindergarten will not be attending school on Tuesday, September 5. Kindergarten families can refer to the gradual entry schedule sent out by Ms. Heddon back in June for more details.

BUS REGISTRATION

All riders must register annually. Bus registration applications received by the June 16 deadline have been processed. Confirmation emails were sent out by the transportation department on August 23 to families who hold confirmed seats on a bus for the 2023/2024 school year. If you submitted an application prior to the deadline, but did not receive a confirmation email, please feel free to reach out to transportation.coordinator@sd8.bc.ca.

Any late applications submitted after the June 16 deadline will be processed starting at the end of next week. New busing requests can be submitted here. An automatic email will be sent to you to confirm that your application has been received. Any other questions can be directed to me.

These were just a few items to help get us started for the school year. Please stay tuned for more information to follow in the days and weeks ahead.

See you soon!

Mark Bonikowsky | Principal

REDFISH Elementary School (SD8)