September 14, 2023
Principal’s Message
Only two weeks into the new school year and we have seen students adapting to the new schedule and routines. It’s been great to welcome back returning students and meet the many new students, including 276 grade 8s, many who attended our Grade 8 Family Night on August 30th.
SDSS is a bustling school. Enrolment is up, classes are full, and interest and engagement in learning and activities is high.
Last Saturday, Dennison Park was buzzing, as hundreds of students and families gathered to enjoy the weather and an exciting football game. We look forward to many more special events, including theatre and music performances, sports, other events over the course of the school year. We hope that you will find the opportunity to join us.
We look forward to seeing parents at “Meet the Teacher Night” on Thursday, September 21st. This marks the return of a very popular and well attended event! Parents will navigate the halls and bell schedule and attempt to follow their child’s school timetable! Scroll down for more details.
This week, our leadership team and counselors met with students in grade assemblies, talking about getting involved, setting goals, seeking support from the adults when needed, and reviewing the expectations for student conduct for the purpose safety and well-being.
We were relieved to hear good reports from the community regarding a calm start up to the school year. Feedback that we shared with grade 12s, noted the efforts made to make good decisions. I know that many parents took the time to talk to their teens, reinforce the messages from the school, and even provide evening alternatives. Although there was some “Hell Night” activity, it was described as far less disruptive than years past.
Thanks for reading. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have questions, concerns, or even suggestions. tainge@deltaschools.ca
Read on to find out more about what’s happening at SDSS.
School Photo Update – from the Artona Group
Hooray! School photos are now online.
Images from photo day are now online for students and families to view and order. You can scan the QRcode on your access card, or log in on Artona’s website here: https://artona.com/student_requests/digit_code
Don’t forget.
All orders placed will be mailed directly to the student’s home and incur a shipping fee. If students and families want to avoid this fee, we recommend ordering the high-resolution digital download. This is sent via email right after checkout and has no additional fees.
A reminder of what to expect next:
- We’ll be back for retakes. Don’t forget, we will be back for retakes on October 17, 2023. Any students or staff who missed photo day will have an opportunity to be photographed then. We will be in touch one week before retake day to confirm the event details.
Meet the Teacher Night – Thursday, September 21st
It’s back to school! Meet the Teacher Night is an opportunity for parents to follow their student’s schedule, navigate the halls, and meet the staff at SDSS! Teachers will provide parents with a general overview of their courses, assessment practices, and home-school communication strategies. We recommend that you bring a copy of your student’s schedule to reference throughout the evening (can be printed from Parent Connect or MyEdBC). Student guides will be available to assist parents in the hallways.
Note that “Meet the Teacher” night is not for reporting individual student progress. Interim reports will be posted November 9th.
Please be prompt. We will be sticking to schedule. If you happen to arrive late, please attend the next scheduled class. Bells will be used to note the end of periods. Semester 2 courses will not be available.
Block A: 6:00 – 6:08 p.m.
Block B: 6:13 – 6:21 p.m.
Block C: 6:26 – 6:34 p.m.
Block D: 6:39 – 6:47 p.m.
Block E: 6:52 – 7:00 p.m.
Block F: 7:05 – 7:13 p.m.
Block G: 7:18 – 7:26 p.m.
Block H: 7:31 – 7:39 p.m.
Block X: 7:44 – 7:52 p.m.
We look forward to your participation in this event!
Please note that there will be an early dismissal on Thursday, September 21st at 1:00pm.
PAC (Parent Advisory Council)
Our first PAC meeting will take place Wednesday September 20th at 7:30pm in our Library/Learning Commons. PAC meets approximately once per month (3rd Wednesday of each month in our library). This year’s PAC Chair is Mrs. Rebecca Lee. School PACs provide feedback and input to the principal and play an integral role in supporting extracurricular programs and student led initiatives. All parents, especially our new Grade 8 parents are invited to join our PAC. For more information, please visit the SDSS PAC website.
Grad Info
Career Life Connections/Capstone
Grade 12 students have been invited to enrol in a google classroom to begin their Career Life Connection 12 Course and Capstone Project. This year’s CLC/Capstone Coordinator is Mr. Josh Redmond. Any inquiries can be directed to him via email jredmond@deltaschools.ca or jredmond@deltalearns.ca . We encourage all Grade 12 students to use their study block to get started in their CLC and Capstone now. Students should ensure they are aware of all assignments and keep up with the posted deadlines throughout the year.
Grade 12 Parent Night
Grade 12 parents are encouraged to attend the Grade 12 Parent Night on Thursday, October 5th at 6:00 pm in the Theatre. Parents will get an overview of the grade 12 year, graduation events, post-secondary applications and scholarship information. At the meeting, parents may sign up to be involved in the planning and organization of a Dry Grad celebration in June.
Post Secondary BC Information Night
On Monday, October 16th, SDSS will host a Post-Secondary BC Information Event at 6:00 pm in the Cafeteria. Parents of grade 11 and grade 12 students are encouraged to attend to learn about post-secondary program options.
Flex Time
Regular Flex Time will begin on Tuesday, September 19th. Flex Time is a 35-minute block of instructional time built into our schedule between period 1 and period 2 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Students are required to be in a Flex Learning Block.
Flex Time provides students with a regular opportunity to:
• Complete assignments and reduce homework
• Receive additional help from their teacher(s)
• Catch up on missed work due to absence/illness
• Review and study for upcoming assessments
• Practice or review to build foundational skills
• Extend the learning and inquiry in a particular subject
This week, teachers have been working with students to show them how to sign-up for their Flex Block using Student Connect.
Check out @SDSSSundevils in the news! https://www.delta-optimist.com/local-sports/sdss-grad-excited-for-the-jump-to-sfu-7521471
Permission Forms
There are several forms on Parent Connect for you to review and authorize. Please login to Parent Connect, ( https://cimsweb.deltasd.bc.ca/schoolconnect/parentsignon.aspx ) review the notices, and select the appropriate response to each form. It is important that all forms be reviewed and responded to by each student’s parent/guardian by Sept 30.
The Forms are: Personal Information Consent Form, Permission for Google Classroom, Outside Media in Schools, Electronic Communications, Walking Field Trips Permission, BC Fruits and Vegetables Program Permission, Demographic Information, and Student Emergency Release.
If you require assistance logging into Parent Connect, please contact the office.
Important Dates to Note
Wednesday, September 20th, 7:30 pm PAC Meeting – SDSS Library / Learning Commons
Thursday, September 21st – Meet the Teacher Night, 6 pm (early dismissal at 1:00 pm)
Friday, September 22nd – Non- Instructional Day (Pro D)
Thursday, September 28th (during Flex Time) Grade 12 Assembly – Career and Post Secondary Information
Saturday, September 30th – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Monday, October 2nd – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (observed)
Thursday, October 5th, 6:00 pm – Grade 12 Parent Night – Theatre
Monday, October 9th – Thanksgiving Day
Monday, October 16th – BC Post-Secondary Institutions Information Night
Tuesday, October 17th – Photo Re-Takes
Friday, October 20th – Non-Instructional Day (Pro D)
For a complete calendar of events, check out the SDSS website:
https://sd.deltasd335.upanupstage.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2023/09/CALENDAR-APPENDIX-II-23-24-For-posting.pdf