Dear McKinney Elementary School Families,

Today holds special significance as we come together as a school community to observe Orange Shirt Day, a day of reflection and remembrance. It is a day when we wear orange shirts to acknowledge the profound impact of Indian Residential Schools on individuals, families, and communities. Orange Shirt Day is a solemn reminder that "Every Child Matters," and it aligns with our commitment to fostering an inclusive and compassionate environment at James McKinney Elementary.

Additionally, in honour of the children lost and the generations impacted by residential schools, we will be displaying the orange “Every Child Matters” flag in our school.  We are fortunate to have been gifted this flag through the fundraising efforts of the Student Social Justice Committee at Hugh Boyd Secondary.  This student-led committee worked hard to raise funds to provide each school in our district with an “Every Child Matters” flag as part of their action towards Truth and Reconciliation.  The flag serves as a collective dedication to learning, understanding, healing and reconciliation.  

Finally, a reminder that the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation occurs each year on September 30th.  As this happens on Saturday this year, the statutory day will be Monday, October 2, 2023; therefore, the school will not be in session on this day.    HERE  you will find a resource that families can use to spark conversation and learn more. 

Lunches:

• PAC lunches are online, Visit the MunchALunch website for ordering details. Our PAC is organizing hot lunches every Thursday.
• Please send snacks and lunch with your child in the morning. 

FSAs

• Parents who have children in grade 4 or grade 7, please note that you should have received an email from the School District that shares information about the FSAs (Foundational Skills Assessment). If you have any questions about FSAs please email Ms Monika Sood (msood@sd38.bc.ca)

Weather News

• Our learners go outside for recess and lunch. Please be sure to have your child come to school with the appropriate clothing depending on the weather. It never hurts to leave a second set of clothes at school.

Reminder - Illness Procedures

• As we enter the Fall season, we are already beginning to see students staying home who are not feeling well. If your child is sick and unable to participate fully in routine activities, please keep your child at home until they feel better. We thank you for helping to keep our community healthy.

Important Dates

Up-to-date school calendar information can be found here: https://mckinney.sd38.bc.ca/node/5

Finally...

As we observe Orange Shirt Day and look ahead to the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2023, let us remember that our journey towards understanding, healing, and reconciliation is ongoing. We are grateful to the Student Social Justice Committee at Hugh Boyd Secondary for gifting us the "Every Child Matters" flag, which serves as a symbol of our dedication to this important work. Let us continue to support one another, spark meaningful conversations, and nurture a sense of unity and belonging within our school and larger community. Thank you for your unwavering support, and together, we can make a positive impact in the lives of our children, honouring the spirit of "Every Child Matters."