Annual School District Retirement Dinner – June 15, 2017

This annual event honours those retirees who have dedicated their careers to the children, families and community of the Mission Public School District. Congratulations and best wishes as you journey into new found adventures!
      - Board of Education

To view pictures of the retirement party, please click here.

Bus Registration Letter to Parents for the 2017/2018 School Year

Dear Parents/Guardians:

In order for your child to ride the School Bus the following steps must be adhered to:

• Every potential bus students must be registered in order to ride the school bus.
• Parents may complete the registration on-line at www.mpsd.ca – Transportation Link.
• Students are not authorized to ride the school bus until they are notified by the Transportation Department. If authorized to ride the bus, the notification will provide the Bus Route information details.
• Parents will be notified if the Transportation Department is unable to accommodate the request for busing.
• If a student is not registered for bus service, or if we are unable to accommodate your request, students must not try to access a bus. Students that are not registered will not be picked up; they will be left at the bus stop.
• Once registered, students may only ride the bus they have been assigned to. Any exceptions must first be authorized by the Transportation Department, as the bus drivers must be notified in advance.

Potential Changes to Busing for the 2017/2018 School Year

Dear Parents/Guardians:

At the May 9, 2017 Committee of the Whole meeting, the Board of Education will be discussing potential changes to the student transportation program for the 2017/2018 school year.
Topics for discussion will include:

1. Enforcement of current walk limits:
• Elementary: 4.0km;
• Middle School: 4.8km
1. Includes providing priority access to the bus for students outside of the walk limits before courtesy riders.
2. Enforcement of registration requirements:
• This may result in students not being picked up if they have not registered.
3. Reducing walk limits:
• Comparing Mission School District walk limits to surrounding School Districts;
• Identifying a reduction of walk limits in other School Districts.
4. Fees for courtesy riders for:
1. Students busing from inside the walk limits to their catchment school;
2. Students busing to a school of choice;
3. Students busing to a cross boundary school - unless the School District requires the student to attend the out of catchment school.

Parents will be advised of any decision the board makes regarding busing changes for September as more information becomes available.

The Mission Public School District will begin accepting Bus Registrations for the 2017/2018 school year on May 1, 2017. Please refer to the Mission Public School District website at www.mpsd.ca for the online Bus Registration process.

For more information, please contact:

Jodi Marshall, Manager, Student Transportation
Mission Public School District
Jodi.Marshall@mpsd.ca

Stave Falls School Site Consultation Evening

At the March 28, 2017 Public Board meeting, the Board of Education stated that Stave Falls Elementary would neither be 'opened, sold, nor leased' during the 2017 calendar year.

The Board asked staff to summarize information on the Stave Falls School for consideration and discussion. The School District will host a committee meeting to discuss the Stave Falls School and consider the information.

Staff will prepare a presentation with information for the benefit of the Board and public to assist the Board with their future consideration of this facility.

Meeting Information:

Date:         Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Time:         6:00 pm
Location:   Fraserview Learning Centre's Meeting Room
                    32444 – 7th Avenue
                    Mission, BC

Our website will be updated regularly with any ongoing news regarding this, and other School District matters.

NOTE: Individuals or groups wishing to be placed on the Agenda to make a presentation addressing the Board and staff can register by emailing Secretary Treasurer, Corien Becker: Corien.Becker@mpsd.ca

New Release - Testing for Lead in Drinking Water - April 4, 2017

In consultation with the Province of British Columbia and Fraser Health, the Mission Public School District tested the water in 14 School District buildings from over 150 sources to measure the amount of lead in the water at each source. The tests resulted in 39 fountains being decommissioned, one fountain being replaced, re-piping the plumbing for a second fountain that was being replaced, and where necessary installing signs to advise that the water from the faucet or sink must be flushed for 2 minutes before use.

News Release - Water Testing Program - April 4, 2017
Water Testing News Release Attachment
Policy for Testing Lead Content in Drinking Water

Province announces $2 million investment in rural teacher recruitment

On March 14, 2017, the Province announced that it will be investing $2 million to enhance efforts in the recruitment and retention of teachers and other qualified education sector professionals in rural school districts.

The announcement was made by Education Minister Mike Bernier and Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Education Linda Larson. On his last conference call with BCSTA Board Chairs, the Minister acknowledged feedback that he had received from districts and advised that the issue was being reviewed.

In October, BCSTA Provincial Councillors passed a motion on recruitment and retention in rural and remote school districts that requested help from the Ministry of Education in the form of funding and increases in retention allowances.

Read the announcement: Province invests $2 million for rural teacher recruitment

New Curriculum Change

BC's new school curriculum is changing.
The Ministry of Education wants parents to share how they want to learn about their child's progress from kindergarten to Grade 9.

Everyone is welcome to attend a community meeting:

Date: Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Where: Abbotsford Senior Secondary – 33355 Bevan Avenue
Time: 5:00 pm – Open House // 7:00 pm – Facilitated Discussion

For information about the meeting: Ministry Community Meeting Information.

For more information: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/yourkidsprogress/

Fraser Valley Regional Meeting

The Ministry of Education has been planning regional meetings to seek input from stakeholders, including (but not limited to): parents, public, school district staff, Boards of Education, partner organizations and local governments.

The Fraser Valley regional meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, January 26th in Chilliwack. The exact location has yet to be determined.

Please see the Rural Education Meeting Invitation Letter by clicking here.

For further information, please visit: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/ruraleducation/

Information for Caregivers and Families of Mission Public Schools

Mission Public Schools is pleased to announce its partnership with the University of the Fraser Valley in a school based opportunity for third year social work students to connect with Mission families and act as community navigators, offering a diverse range of supports and connections to local resources.

Please see the following link for further details: UFV Caregiver Opportunity for Mission Families

Chair and Vice-Chair Elections

At the December 13, 2016 public meeting of the Board of Education, the annual elections for the positions of Chair and Vice-Chair were held. We are pleased to report that Trustee Rick McKamey was re-elected as Chair and Tracy Loffler was re-elected as Vice-Chair of the Board.

Public Feedback Requested: Policy #180 – Physical Restraint and Seclusion - Input Deadline has passed and is now Closed

A recommendation was passed unanimously by the Board of Education at the November 15, 2016 Public meeting. The draft Physical Restraint and Seclusion Policy was approved in principle is referred to the public for comment and consideration.

To view a copy of the policy, please click here.

The deadline for written submission: December 30th. Email your submissions to: tracy.orobko@mpsd.ca

The feedback gathered will be presented at the January 10, 2017, Committee of the Whole meeting.

Public Feedback Requested: Policy #300 - Draft Catchment Areas, Cross Boundary Applications, Schools of Choice and Programs of Choice - Input Deadline has passed and is now Closed

A recommendation was passed unanimously by the Board of Education at the November 15, 2016 Public meeting. The draft Catchment Policy was approved in Principle and is referred to the public for comment and consideration.

To view a copy of the policy, please click here.

The deadline for written submission: December 30th. Email your submissions to: tracy.orobko@mpsd.ca

The feedback gathered will be presented at the January 10, 2017, Committee of the Whole meeting.

Job Fair at Riverside College

Check out the free Job Fair happening at Riverside College this Thursday, November 17, 2016. New employers have been added. If you are looking for work in the Fraser Valley, Riverside College should be your destination! We hope to see you!

For more information, please click here.

A Message from the Superintendent of Schools, Angus Wilson

In light of the recent tragedy in our neighbouring community of Abbotsford, I felt the need to communicate with everyone in regards to the incident.

First, I know I speak for the Board and all my School District 75 colleagues when I say that our thoughts are with the families and staff impacted by this terrible incident. Abbotsford staff responded heroically, and bring credit to our profession, but the memories will last a lifetime.

Second, I want to assure you all that Mission schools regularly practice our lockdown and lockout procedures, that we have good liaison with our RCMP, and staff are mindful of strangers and unexpected events at their schools. It may be worth mentioning that schools are not public property, and under the law the school principal has the power to eject or prevent entry for any member of the public if she or he deems it necessary for the safety of students and staff.

Third, our counsellors and other professionals do an excellent job of supporting students in times of stress such as these.

With this said, schools should be places of curiosity, encouragement, and joy. We will continue to be vigilant, but we know the damage of living in fear can bring to us all, especially young people. I believe we can all keep sight that, despite tragic moments or dark times, we live in a wondrous world and our children need this reinforced. As a father of three children myself, it is important that we live with vision, compassion, and hope.

Should you have questions about the School District's emergency procedures, or our plans around critical incidents, do not hesitate to contact me at the number above or via email at angus.wilson@mpsd.ca.

Thank you for your consideration on this important issue.

Sincerely,

Angus Wilson,
Superintendent of Schools

To obtain a copy of this message, please click here.

Notice of Public Meeting Between District of Mission and Board of Education

We welcome your attendance to observe a meeting scheduled between the Board of Education, Staff and the District of Mission for Monday, November 14, 2016, at 2:00 pm downstairs at the School Board Office.

Please see the following link for details: Notice of Meeting - Nov 14, 2016.

Agenda

Student Transportation - Refunds

We are pleased to announce the Ministry of Education has approved the School District's transportation funding submission.

To view the Press Release, please click here

Cheques will be issued prior to November 15th.

This information has been circulated to schools, stakeholder groups and has been submitted to Mission City Record for circulation.

Public Feedback Requested: Draft Board Meeting Procedures

A recommendation was passed unanimously by the Board of Education at the October 18, 2016 Public meeting. The draft Board Meeting Procedures Policy was approved in principle is referred to the public for comment and consideration.

Deadline for written submission: November 18th.
Submit to: Tracy.Orobko@mpsd.ca
*The feedback gathered will be presented at the November 29th Education Committee meeting.

For further information, please click here.

Public Feedback Requested: Draft Strategic Plan

A recommendation was passed unanimously by the Board of Education at the October 18, 2016 Public meeting. The draft Strategic Plan was approved in Principle and is referred to the public for comment and consideration.

The deadline for written submission: November 18th
Submit to: Tracy.Orobko@mpsd.ca
The feedback gathered will be presented at the November 29th Education Committee meeting.

For further information, please click here.

The following motion was passed unanimously by the Board of Education at the September 20, 2016 Public meeting:

THAT the Board of Education communicate to the Ministry of Education the actual cost impact of the student transportation funding and in no way addresses the actual cost of transportation in our School District.

For further information, please click here.

On Behalf of the Superintendent of Schools

Correspondence has been received from Minister Bernier of the Ministry of Education regarding engaging parents on student reporting. There will be community meetings scheduled in 10 communities across the Province over the coming months for parents to ask questions and share input. This correspondence has been sent to all school Principals for sharing with their school communities at their earliest convenience.

For further information, please click here to see: Minister Bernier's letter

Nicomen Island and Cade Barr Properties to be Sold

For further information, please see: New Release Sept 21, 2016

Transportation Funding Announcement:

On August 10, 2016, the Ministry of Education announced new funding totaling $14.7 million under the new Student Transportation Fund.

This funding is intended to support School Districts in improving the affordability of transportation services as well as ensuring more equitable and affordable access to BC families.

Each School District is expected to develop and submit a funding plan to access this new funding in addition to following Ministry guidelines prior to September 30, 2016.

Upon approval of School District plans, it is Government's expectation that current transportation fees charged to eligible riders for standard bus service to catchment schools be eliminated for the 2016/17 school year. Accordingly, the School District will work diligently to refund fees already paid by families, in due course.

For your information:

• The School District collected $135,448 in transportation fees during 2015/16 school year.
• The amount allocated to our School District pursuant to the Ministry's new Student Transportation Fund is $188,900.

For complete information regarding the Student Transportation fund, please visit the Ministry of Education's website:

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016EDUC0076-001429?WT.cg_n=Hootsuite

On Behalf of the Superintendent of Schools:

After a proposed recommendation by the Superintendent of Schools and with unanimous Board approval, we are pleased and excited to announce the appointment of our new Assistant Superintendent of Schools, LARRY JEPSEN. A passionate educator and leader, Larry has devoted his career to numerous committees and associations to improve School District and student successes. Please join us in congratulating Larry to his new role effective August 1, 2016.

Disposal of Properties:

We thank the many groups and individuals who have expressed interest in the potential disposal of School District properties.

At a Committee of the Board held on June 7, 2016, a report provided by Staff was received for information.

In the best interest of the School District, the Trustees have agreed to defer the matter to the Fall where further options will be explored.

The School District will continue to receive expressions of interest during this time.

We thank you for your understanding and patience as we work through this very important decision-making process.

On Behalf of the Board of Education:

After numerous interviews, consultation with partner groups, Board deliberations with the Superintendent and a unanimous vote, the Board of Education is pleased and excited to announce the appointment of our new Secretary Treasurer, CORIEN BECKER.
Corien  is a former Kootenay resident originally from the Creston Valley who currently resides in Vancouver. She holds a CPA, CGA accounting designation, with a certificate and diploma in Local Government Administration and a Bachelor of Commerce degree (public sector).  
Corien began her career in local government in 1991 with the City of Cranbrook and has held Chief Finance and Administrative Officer roles with the municipalities of Prince Rupert, Elkford, Squamish and Powell River, BC. She is passionate about the service side of public administration and strives to make a difference in the communities and organizations where she works.
With an eye on service, Corien has held numerous volunteer positions on many boards and committees and is the current Past President of the Local Government Management Association of BC. Corien's passion has also led or inspired many initiatives, including an award winning marketing and branding campaign that has been modeled by communities in BC and Alberta, an award winning customer service program recognized by the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators, and a project that was documented in a United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change publication. 
With a work hard, play harder motto, Corien enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and golf as well as attending concerts and sporting events in the lower mainland and beyond. With two adults sons and other family members scattered across BC and Alberta, Corien and her partner Marc take to the road when time permits, exploring BC, Alberta, and ball fields to cheer on the NY Yankees.
Corien will be in the office a few days in May, and will be in the role full-time on June 20th.
Please join us in welcoming Corien to the School District upon her arrival ~ we look forward to introducing her to you over the coming weeks!

Bus Transportation Registration for 2016-17

Families are advised that registration of students for bus transportation for the 2016-17 school year will run from May 3rd through June 30th, 2016. In order to ride a district school bus, all new and returning riders must complete a registration form each year.

Registration can be initiated by using our online bus registration form, or in person at the Transportation Department (NEW LOCATION) located at 33919 Dewdney Trunk Road, during the business hours of 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. M-F. Please note, registration is not considered complete until full payment is received. If you are using the online form, you will be contacted directly by the Transportation office regarding payment arrangements.

Students who qualify to use district transportation services but have not registered by June 30th, or students who are cross boundary students, are not guaranteed transportation as it will depend on availability of service.

Any registrations received after the June 30th deadline will incur a 20% surcharge.

The Transportation office will be closed between July 1st and August 19th, 2016. Online registrations may still be submitted during this time.

Please click here to access the bus registration page.

On Behalf of the Board of Education:

After lengthy interviews, broad consultation with partner groups, Board deliberations and a unanimous vote, the Board of Education is pleased and excited to announce the appointment of our new Superintendent of Schools, ANGUS WILSON.

Angus grew up in Vancouver and completed university degrees at both UBC and Sussex before becoming a teacher through the rural based West Kootenay Teacher Education Program. His experience includes teaching at all grade levels in SD 52 (Prince Rupert) and 50 (Haida Gwaii), then worked as a Vice-Principal and Principal at the elementary and secondary levels and has served as the Superintendent of Schools for SD50 for almost 8 years. During this tenure, he also held the position of Secretary Treasurer for three years. As a passionate educator, he advocated for pedagogical shifts in Indigenous, Place Based, and Culturally Responsive education, and is a strong supporter of both early education and real world applied skills. He has worked with numerous provincial committees and associations over his career to improve student success, particularly in rural school districts. One of his career highlights has been supporting SD50 staff to massively increase school completion rates and post-secondary success over the past decade. An avid reader, amateur historian, and movie buff, Angus is the proud father to three kids, aged 11-18, and stepdad to a 13 year old maltipoo. He spends his off time visiting his children, painting very small bits of plastic, exercising, or on practising his sous chef skills. Angus will be available to us on a part-time basis assisting with the role of selecting the Secretary Treasurer with an anticipated full-time commitment to commence early June.Please join us in welcoming Angus to the School District upon his arrival ~ we will work diligently to introduce you to him over the coming weeks!

POTENTIAL DISPOSAL OF SCHOOLS AND PROPERTY

The Board of Education ("Board") has indicated its intent to dispose of four school sites and associated property. These schools are not required for district educational purposes, either now or in the foreseeable future.

The four sites are:

 Stave Falls Elementary
 30204 Brackley Avenue
 Mission, BC

 Durieu Elementary
 11620 Seux Road
 Mission, BC

 Cade Barr Elementary
 33447 Dewdney Trunk Road
 Mission, BC

 Nicomen Island School
 40071 Nicomen Island Trunk Road
 Mission, BC

The School District is undertaking broad consultation both within the community and beyond and is specifically soliciting your comments on:
 a. The disposal of these properties, and/or;
 b. Whether you have any interest in the acquisition of any of these sites.

More information on these properties is available from the School District. Please address any and all comments before Wednesday, June 1, 2016 to the attention of:

 Mr. Ray Seifert, Director of Facilities
 School District No. 75 (Mission)
 33940 Dlugosh Ave
 Mission BC V2V 6B2

All comments will be summarized and presented to the Board of Education on June 1, 2016. Following review of all appropriate comments, the Board may apply to the Minister of Education for disposal of any or all of these four properties.

Should the Board apply to the Minister of Education and approval to proceed be given, then a public disposal process will be undertaken. Any agency who has expressed an interest in acquiring these properties will be individually notified of the process steps and timelines.

Please click here for more details about these properties.

2016/2017 School District Calendar

Schools Opening Day for Students ................................................................................ Tues. Sept. 6, 2016
Non Instructional Day .......................................................................................................... Fri. Sept. 23, 2016
Thanksgiving ........................................................................................................................ Mon. Oct. 10, 2016
Provincial Professional Development Day ........................................................................ Fri. Oct. 21, 2016
Non Instructional Day .......................................................................................................... Mon. Oct.24, 2016
Remembrance Day ............................................................................................................... Fri. Nov. 11, 2016
½ Day Assessment/Evaluation (PM only, Elementary, Middle, Secondary) ......... Thurs. Nov. 10, 2016
Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences (Elementary, Middle, Secondary) ................... Fri. Nov. 25, 2016
Last Day before Winter Break ............................................................................................. Fri. Dec. 16, 2016
Schools Reopen .................................................................................................................. Tues. Jan 3, 2017
Family Day ........................................................................................................................... Mon. Feb. 13, 2017
Provincial Professional Development Day ....................................................................... Fri. Feb. 17, 2017
½ Day Assessment/Evaluation (Elementary PM only) ................................................... Fri. Feb. 24, 2017
Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences (Elementary only ............................................... Fri. Mar. 10, 2017
Spring Break ......................................................................................................................... Mar. 13 - 24, 2017
Schools Reopen ................................................................................................................ Mon. Mar. 27, 2017
Good Friday ............................................................................................................................. Fri. Apr. 14, 2017
Easter Monday ..................................................................................................................... Mon. Apr. 17, 2017
½ Day Assessment/Evaluation (Middle, Secondary) ................................................ Thurs. Apr. 13, 2017
Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences (Middle, Secondary) .......................................... Fri. Apr. 28, 2017
Non Instructional Day ......................................................................................................... . Fri. May 19, 2017
Victoria Day .......................................................................................................................... Mon. May 22, 2017
Last Day of School for Students (Elementary, Middle, Secondary) ...................... Thurs. June 29, 2017
Administrative Day ............................................................................................................... Fri. June 30, 2017

(New) 2016 Non-Instructional Days

Due to changes in the new curriculum the following two dates have been added:

   DISCOVER A NEW WAY for your child to learn French:
                           
   INTENSIVE FRENCH PROGRAM     

This is not a French Immersion program but rather an alternative language acquisition program for those students interested in building their French language skills more rapidly.

In Today’s World Bilingualism is an Asset!
• Don’t miss your chance; space is limited! Registration will begin
  on Wednesday, February 17th for students entering Grade Six in  
  September, 2016. The program takes place at Windebank Elementary School.
• Intensive Core French is part of the Mission Public Schools system.
• Parents do not need knowledge or background in French language.
• There is no cost to participate.
• Learning French as a second language opens many great opportunities such as
   traveling, public speaking, French entertainers and much more.
• Improves the ability to learn further languages.

For more information about the Intensive Core French Program, you are welcome to attend our Parents Information Night.

Tuesday, February 16th, 2016
Windebank Elementary School
33570-11th Avenue,
Mission, BC

Time: 6:30 pm in the library

 Or visit: www.mpsd.ca

email Ghislain Michaud
District French Coordinator, Mission Public Schools

FRENCH IMMERSION INFORMATION

Please see this link to the proposed new French Immersion Boundary Catchments map.

The following recommendation will be brought to the Public Board meeting on January 19th for Board approval:

THAT the Board of Education adopt the Superintendent of Schools recommendation to implement the attached Elementary French Immersion school catchment boundaries for Ecole Christine Morrison and Ecole Mission Central for the 2016-2017 school year ensuring the Board's education goals and guiding principles for the two dual-track schools are also met.

Presently, it is suggested you register your children as you normally would in your school catchment area.

If the proposed French Immersion catchment boundaries are approved, the following list will be your French Immersion catchment school:

WEST – Ecole Christine Morrison

- Cherry Hill

- West Heights

- Silverdale

EAST – Ecole Mission Central

- Albert McMahon

- Windebank

- Hatzic

- Dewdney

- Deroche

Communities in Bloom School Program

At the November 3, 2015 Education Committee, the School District was presented with a plaque in recognition of its efforts for the participation in the Communities in Bloom School Program. The presentation was made by Bill Elliot, Bert the Moleman and Kerry Bysouth to Bill Fletcher, Superintendent of Schools and Tracy Loffler, Chairperson of the Education Committee.

Football Comes to Hatzic Middle School and Heritage Park Middle School

For the past eleven years the Mission Roadrunner Football team has worked hard to establish itself as one of the perennial contenders for the AA championships. During that time the program has earned four provincial championships at various levels and three other appearances in the final game. These results were achieved due to the efforts of the athletes, coaches and parents. With the creation of two middle schools in 2015, it is the opportune time to introduce football programs at Hatzic and Heritage Park Middle Schools. These programs will be open to all students who will be in grades 7 or 8 in September. Grade 9 students will have the option of playing at their Middle School or for the Mission junior varsity team.

With your help, we can start new traditions at our Middle Schools and continue the program that was established 11 years ago at Mission Secondary. For more information, please pick up a brochure at your child's school office and return the completed registration forms to the school they will be attending in September.

Registering prior to the end of this school year would be appreciated as it would allow us to order the necessary equipment in time.

Football Registration Brochure

Bus Transportation Registration for 2015 - 16

Families are advised that registration of students for bus transportation for the 2015-16 school year will run from May 4th through June 30th, 2015. In order to ride a district school bus, all new and returning riders must complete a registration form each year.

Please click here to access the bus registration page.

2016-17 Kindergarten Registration

Information regarding Kindergarten Registration for Neighbourhood Schools & Programs / Schools of Choice can be found here.