Firefighters

We had a visit from some North Vancouver firefighters today.  It was a very exciting visit!  These are some of the things we learned about:

• tell an adult if you find a lighter or matches
• stop, drop, and roll if your clothes catch on fire.  Roll until the fire is out!
• crawl to safety UNDER the smoke when in a burning structure
• have a meeting place outside to go to after escaping a fire
• never go back inside a burning building
• do not hide from firefighters when they come to rescue you - they demonstrated what they look like with their gear on

We also got a tour of the fire truck and even went inside!  Ask you child if they remember the magic word that made the ladder come down ;-)  

The firefighters insisted that all children speak to their parents tonight about fire safety at home, and in particular, having a safe meeting spot outside!

Christmas events next week

Next week is packed full of activities!  Here is what you need to know...

On Monday we are picking up the Harvest House Donations from our neighbours.  Please congratulate your children on that day for a job well done. We trudged through some deep snow today, in the freezing cold, withstanding the urge to play - all in the name of helping others this holiday season and we will do it again on Monday.

Wednesday is the Christmas concert.  For the evening performance, no particular costume is required.  Children typically come in their "Christmas best."  

Thursday, the firefighters are scheduled to visit after lunch to speak to the children about fire safety.  It would be great to review with them at the end of the day to see what they remember!  I will try to get info and pics up on the blog to facilitate these conversations.

Friday is a party day for us.  Children are welcome to wear their pyjamas to school on that day.  We will make some crafts, and gingerbread houses (thanks Colleen!), and just generally enjoy spending the day together before the long break.  If you wish to contribute anything to the class to make the day more special, please publish info to this post.  

They will have a goody bag for treats or trinkets if you wish to send something.  Last year a parent brought in hot chocolate for everyone which they LOVED.  

I will provide a pizza lunch so there will be no need to send any lunch that day!  

Lastly, they are bringing home a gift for their family on Friday.  If your child will be away or ends up staying home sick that day, please either pick it up early, or make arrangements for someone in the school to pick it up for you.  I would hate for them to miss out on having it under the tree for Christmas.  

Harvest House

Every year Brooksbank students deliver flyers to our neighbours asking for canned/boxed food donations to the Harvest House.  Our class is scheduled to walk the 14th St. route tomorrow.  There is some concern that weather tomorrow may make this challenging.  Student safety will be the first priority in making a decision about whether or not we go tomorrow.  It is my feeling at this moment that 14th St. is a low-traffic street and thus, more safe than some of the busier routes.  There is a sidewalk on only one side of 14th St. so we may decide to only flyer that side of the street.  In that case, I may ask my volunteer parents to deliver to the other side...barring that, I will do it myself after school.  

Please ensure that your child has proper snow gear tomorrow, including boots with a good grip on the bottom.  

On Monday, we walk the same route and pick up donations.  We may be in a similar situation that day.

  

Christmas Conceret

There will be a notice coming home on Friday of this week regarding the Christmas concert that is being held on Dec. 14th.  There will be a matinee performance from 1-2 that day as well as an evening performance at 7pm.  More info to come.

Gerry's garden

This Thursday, at 3:00, please consider visiting Gerry's garden behind our school (on 14th) with your children for a few minutes.  The Brooksbank choir and band will be performing, Gerry the gardener will be there, and a tree will be adorned with ornaments made by Brooksbank students (including our own).  It will be festive and Gerry will be thrilled to see so many of you appreciating the garden.

Cheers!

Volunteers

We are in need of a couple of a few volunteers for our upcoming Jingle Walk.  Here is what it looks like and what we need:

Friday, Dec. 9th from 10:50 until finished (app. 11:30) - we need 1 parent to walk our route with us.  On this day, we deliver flyers to our neighbours asking for food donations for the Harvest House.

Monday, Dec. 12 from 10:40 until finished (app. 11:30) - we need 2 parents to walk our route with us, helping to collect donations.
We also need 1 parent to bring a vehicle and drive alongside us to carry the donations.  A hatchback suits this job well but we can make anything work.  We will unload the vehicle when we get back to the school.

First come, first served!  Please email me if you would like to join us.

lmaclaren@sd44.ca

Thanks!