Oct 27th, 2023

ART CARDS DUE BACK TO SCHOOL MONDAY OCT 30TH!!

Honouring Siobhan Joseph

Check out the article in the Squamish Chief 'Brackendale Elementary honours Siobhan Joseph'

On Tuesday, we held an honouring ceremony for Siobhan Joseph, local Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation artist of our school's new mural. This beautiful work of art is painted on the front of the school. This celebration of land and culture welcomes us to school every day.

During the ceremony Siobhan told us that she was inspired to include the four seasons, water, land, forests, mountains, sky, animals and a Welcome Figure. She taught us that her work reflects traditional Coast Salish elements like the oval, trigon, crescents, within her own unique style.

I want to thank Siobhan for this gorgeous gift; Anthony Joseph, Gavin Lewis, Joy Joseph-McCullough, Rachael Baker, Nicole Baker, Virginian Johnston, Roxy Lewis, Jonas White, Delmar Williams for their work during the ceremony; Maureen Baker and Charlene Williams for guidance with protocols; all the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Elders, guests and parents for attending the tea reception and ceremony; Leigh Joseph, Colleen Hannah (lakrás), Chris Nicholson, and Beth Smith for speaking, recognizing Siobhan and reflecting on the significance of this work of art for themselves, their families and our school community.

To our students, Hunter, Kyera, Meah, KC, Ava, Marlo, Amelia, Katy-Jane, Cody, Tomas and Lucas for contributing to the tea-reception and the ceremony; to Ms. Brant for organizing the ceremony with me and for managing all the student parts; to Jada, Hunter, Mrs. Fairbairn and Ms. Cornish for creating the welcoming atmosphere in the library for the tea-reception; to Mr. Zigar, his class, Ms. Murakami and Tina for the set up; to BRE’s Student Leadership Team for all your “behind the scenes” helping hands; to Mr. Hirn and his class, Nicole and Maureen for making the beaded bracelets to give to Elders and workers; to Ms. Frizzle for taking care of the admin tasks and always being at the ready to give children a little extra TLC; to Jenn Morris for public and media relations.

To our teachers and support staff for embracing this special occasion and teaching our students how to listen and be respectful through the whole ceremony – they exceeded expectations!

Chen kw'enmántumiyap (I thank you all)!

Finally, on behalf of the entire Brackendale School Community and our School District, I wish to thank the Squamish Arts Council and the District of Squamish for the arts grant that made it possible for us to embark on this project with Siobhan as part of our ReconciliAction journey.

Ms. Saenger,

Principal

Our School hosts a district CROSS COUNTRY meet!

Thank you so much Mr Hirn and Mrs Côté for not only coaching our kids,

but organizing the meet coming to our school!

What a fun afternoon cheering on our students, along with students from Signal Hill Elementary in Pemberton, Myrtle Phillips and Spring Creek in Whistler and Garibaldi Highlands, Mamquam, Valleycliffe and Squamish Elementary.

We are so proud of our team and all of the kids that came out. They did amazing!

Thank you also to our volunteers who donned their vests, guided kids the right way and cheered loud. We appreciate you!

And we'd better not forget Mother Nature... THANK YOU for the most glorious day :)

Safe School Practices and Halloween

Halloween can be a fun, safe time at school for everyone, provided that we adhere to our core values and code of conduct.

On October 31st, some staff and students may wish to wear a costume to school. We recognize that many students pour their creative energy into making unique, homemade costumes. To celebrate creativity, teachers are organizing a costume parade in the morning. To respect family values and beliefs, learning in classrooms will continue for those who do not take part in Hallowe’en activities.

With respect to Halloween costumes, we ask the following:

Keep all accessories such as swords, wands, or brooms at home.
Objects meant to simulate the appearance of a weapon, or other illegal objects, whether handmade or otherwise are prohibited.
Masks that cover the face are not permitted at school.
Please be respectful of the age range at our school when it comes to scary costumes, we want it to be fun for everyone!
Promote inclusion and a climate of respect towards others as defined by the BC Human Rights Code.

We believe that student conduct shall meet the needs of individuals in a way that works for them, for the school and others. In keeping with the BC Human Rights Code, costumes must not display any statement, sign, symbol, emblem or other representation that shows intolerance, indicates discrimination, or an intention to discriminate on the basis of an individual’s or a group’s race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, family status, sex, or sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, gender identity or expression, dress, or other perceived differences.

Finally, one reminder from WildSafe BC, please bring carved pumpkins indoors at night and minimize the number of hours that these animal attractants are available as snacks for our furry neighbours.

For those of you who participate in Halloween, thank you in advance for your consideration.

Join the Brackendale PAC for Family Bingo Night!

Bring the whole family for a fun night of B-I-N-G-O!

Lots of great prizes for all ages!

RSVP Here: https://brackendalebingo.eventbrite.ca

Admission is By Donation at the door.

Date: Friday, Nov 3rd

Time: There are two seatings to choose from, 5:30pm & 6:30pm

RSVP Here: https://brackendalebingo.eventbrite.ca

Select your preferred seating time and select the number of people who will attend and then click Register!!

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Pizza slices and other concession items will be available for purchase.

We are always in need of extra hands to make these events possible. If you are available to volunteer before, during, or after the event, please email [email protected]