February 14

Important Dates

-Feb. 17. Family Day. No School

Feb. 23.  Gr. 7 Bottle Drive Fundraiser

-March 12. 6:00-7:00.  Celebration of Learning

Hot Lunch

Hot Lunch happens every Wednesday.  It is provided by PHC (People for Healthy Communities) and as per their policy, no child will be denied a hot lunch.  Needless to say, due to PHC’s delicious offerings, Hot Lunch is a popular thing at GES and all the children in our school partake in it, often coming back for seconds, thirds and fourths.  It is a truly wonderful thing to see all the students dining together on healthy, delicious food.

However, although the link for the Hot Lunch sign up has been on this newsletter page since September, only 29 of our 160 families have contributed money to it.  I am reaching out to all families to urge you to click the link below and make a financial contribution to the Hot Lunch program.

You do not have to pay for all the Hot Lunches now.  You could contribute some money now and then contribute again down the road.  That’s fine.

Here is the link:

https://forms.monday.com/forms/3da8c0b4085e5077c227a61c9439c4c8?r=use1

If you would prefer to contribute in cash, that is fine too.  Simply send your cash contribution to school with your child and their teacher will collect it and forward it to PHC.  Contribute what you can.

Thank you

Family Smart Parent Sessions

Family Smart will be offering sessions for parents and caregivers on the topic of mental health. These sessions will be held at the old school site located on Dufferin Crescent on February 18, 26 and 27. Please click on the following links to access more information.

Family Smart Coffee and Connection February 12^th

Family Smart ICY Event February 26^th

PAN Applications

PAN (Poverty Advocacy Nanaimo) is offering a free drop-in to assist with printing, completing and submitting online and paper applications for programs and resources that support those with low-income. For more information, please click on the following link: PAN Applications Support

Community Schools Spring Break Programs

Registration of the Spring Break programs is now open.

Access to the registration page is via the school district site: https://www.sd68.bc.ca/spring-break-programs-2025/

Registration for Spring Break programs is a straightforward online process open to all Sd68 students. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to Program Coordinator, Misty, at: mduifuis@sd68.bc.ca

Ready Set Learn Event 

Guided Walks by GaLTT (Gabriola Land and Trails Trust)

Looking to spend more time outside?  Consider enjoying this series of free winter guided walks organized by GaLTT (the Gabriola Land and Trails Trust).  They are every second Saturday at 10 am and walks are between 60 and 90 minutes.  Dogs on leash are welcome. The next is this Saturday leaving from the end of Dorby off Peterson. Below is the schedule that was recently published in the Sounder.

Hulquminuum App from Kwumut Lelum

Kwumut Lelum is thrilled to announce the launch of the Qwal – the hul’q’umi’num Language App, which is now available for download. The app is a step forward in revitalizing and sharing the rich language of our member Nations. Key features of the app include:

• Dictionary with more than 1,000 words and phrases
• Audio pronunciation by fluent speakers
• Interactive games to help you learn and practice

Download the ILHE Qwal today and start your journey into the language, stories, and spirit of the Coast Salish community. You can use the links below or find the app in your app store.

For Iphone Users: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/ilhe-qwal/id6447658350

For Android Users: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.Ogoki.Kwumut&hl=en_CA&pli=1

Makerspace at GIRO

Late French Immersion

Kindergarten Registration

NLPS Academy Info

School Registration

School Board Trustee, Leana Pellegrin, visits GES and helps serve hot lunch.

Working on Coast Salish Design elements with Beaul Wagner.

Delivering Valentines to classmates.