Parents and students in and around Colwood are advised that there is a bear in the area. Mr. bear has been seen numerous times. The RCMP and Conservation officers are aware of the bear and are keeping a close watch.

If you do see a bear, call the Conservation Officer 24 hour hotline: 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP)

Please remember to throw all garbage in the bin and keep your composts and garbage bins sealed, and if possible, inside until collection day.

For more information about becoming bear aware, see the Ministry’s website.

-Jim Cambridge

To celebrate Literacy Week in SD62, I went to Poirier Elementary to read to a class of great kids.

I also got a sneak peak of the massive book exchange. Students brought in their old books and traded them. A great way to get some new reading into the home without spending any money!
– Jim Cambridge

Parents of students that attend Hans Helgesen are encouraged to keep their kids at home today due to a power outage at the school. At this time BC Hydro does not expect to have the power restored until 1 p.m. If power is restored prior to noon, classes may take place, but for now, please consider classes cancelled for the day. – Jim Cambridge

Reminder to all Presidents & past Presidents- dinner meeting tonight @ 6:30 in the School Board Office Board Room. – Jim Cambridge

NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release

January 24, 2011

GROWTH & IMMERSION CREATE CHANGES IN SD62

COLWOOD – An increase in Kindergarten students and demand for French Immersion will change Millstream Elementary into a dual track school and introduce Grade 9 students into Belmont beginning September 2012.

“Right now we are predicting six Kindergarten classes going into École John Stubbs, and only three classes of Grade 9 classes coming out,” says Sooke School District Superintendent, Jim Cambridge. “The inclusion of Grade 9 students into Belmont will prepare École John Stubbs for a big wave of younger students.”

Changes beginning September 2012 include:

· Inclusion of a French Immersion program at Millstream Elementary School

· Lighter intake of French Immersion Kindergarten classes at École John Stubbs

· Transfer of Grade 9 students from École John Stubbs to Belmont High School.

“I’m very excited about the addition of Grade 9’s to Belmont,” says Belmont Principal, Carl Repp. “We can provide an outstanding education program that is going to benefit both the students and the Belmont community.”

These changes reflect the first step in the overall plan to bring the Belmont Zone in sync with other school zones and districts. Eventually all Elementary Schools will be from Kindergarten to Grade 5, middle schools Grades 6 to 8 and high schools Grades 9 to 12.

Parents with students going into Kindergarten in September are encouraged to attend an information session.

Information sessions take place this Thursday, January 26 at 7 p.m. at:

· École John Stubbs

· Millstream Elementary

· Poirier Elementary

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We would like to invite you to our Parent Evening event on Restitution. On February 2nd 7:00PM at Colwood Elementary School.

Over the next three years all staff and students will be trained using Restitution techniques.  See how it can work in your home.

Learn the Language of Restitution

This philosophical difference in relating to others is not a skill simply for the school. The ideas brought forward during this evening will have a positive impact on all aspects of one’s life. Join us for an informative and uplifting evening.

A new French Immersion track will begin at Millstream Elementary School September 2012.  The district has seen a massive explosion of interest in French Immersion over the last five years.

Currently Ecole John Stubbs is the only school offering French Immersion classes in the Belmont Zone of the District.  This year, John Stubbs had four French Immersion Kindergarten classes.

Look for information regarding registration and information meetings in the near future.