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 5100 Brunswick Drive, Richmond, BC V7E 6K9 Tel: (604) 668-­‐7844 Fax: (604) 668-­‐6412 Email: [email protected] Website: homma.sd38.bc.ca “Seeking
harmony.....
respecting
diversity”
“A la recherche de
l’harmonie ..... au
coeur de la
diversité”
Ms S. Roy Principal/Directrice Mr. M. Gilles Vice Principal/ Directeur Adjoint Ms Donna Sargent Trustee Liaison Commissaire Ms Terra McKenzie PAC Chair Daily Timetable: 8:30 am ................................................... Building opens 8:45 am ................................................... All students report to class 8:50 am ................................................... School b egins 10:30 – 10:45 am ............................... Recess 12:25 – 1:10 pm .................................. Lunch 2:43 pm .................................................. School ends Dear Parents,
It is hard to believe that May is here already! We continue to have a
very busy spring term here at Homma. Students in Grades 3 through 7
have been actively engaged in Track Attack in preparation for our zone
track meet on May 12. Ms Tang has been working with our band
students to rehearse for their upcoming concert at the Gateway
Theatre. Classrooms are abuzz with activity and learning. It’s an
exciting time of year and we are all looking forward to the final two
months of school.
ZONE TRACK & FIELD – TUESDAY, MAY 12th
We are almost ready for the zone track and field meet at Minoru Park on Tuesday, May
12. Thank you to the parents of children who are interested in participating in the meet
for returning your permission forms. Everyone who has returned a form will have at
least one event. A schedule of events will come home with your child next week. A bus
shuttling service will start leaving our school at 9:00 a.m. or parent volunteer drivers will
take students to the meet. An information sheet with last minute details will be sent
home as soon as possible. A regular program will be in place at school for those not
attending the meet.
Tomekichi Homma Elementary Newsletter 1 May 1, 2015 GARDEN CLUB UPDATE
Mrs. Zeni has been hard at work
organizing teams of workers this spring in
our Homma Gardens. Along with the help
of
many
classes
including
Mme
Courtemanche, Mme Sidhu, and Ms
Parkes; Mrs. Zeni and the Garden Club
have been out there sprucing up the
gardens, creating new planting areas, and
adding new plants. Thanks to everyone for
their mammoth efforts in this worthwhile
and beautiful project!
STUDENT PLACEMENT FOR 2015-2016
In the spring of each year schools begin
their planning for the coming year. We
have preliminary staffing meetings with
board office personnel and look at possible
scenarios for organization in the fall. As
our school population varies from June to
September, it is not possible to finalize the
organization of classes until the first week
of school in September.
At this time of year, we begin to collect
information about students from many
sources to help us in determining the best
placement for all the children at Homma.
This includes information about children’s
strengths
and
needs,
their
social
relationships, their interests, their learning
styles, and previous placements.
Students are placed into classes by the
principal after consultation with teachers.
Should parents wish to describe the
learning situation they feel best suits their
children or other factors which might
influence
placement
(other
than
friendships), we ask that a letter be directed
to Ms Roy at the school office. Each staff
member will be surveying students
regarding their friendships both in their
own class and in other classes in the school.
Parents, thank you for not asking for
specific friends in placement letters. Thank
you also for understanding that it is not
possible to request specific teaching
personnel as teaching assignments for the
coming year have not yet been made and
are seldom confirmed before September.
CHESS CLUB CHAMPIONS REVEALED
The
6th
Annual
Homma
Chess
Championship drew to a close last week.
The winner of this year's Championship
and recipient of the Gold Medal is Eric Wen.
His name will be engraved on the School
Plaque alongside previous years' champions.
The Runner-Up and winner of the Silver
Medal is Maxwell Gao.
The Bronze Medal winner is Sean Pang
and the honourable mention is 4th place
winner, Joshua Song.
Congratulations to the 56 children who
entered this year's exciting tournament! A
sincere thank you to M. Martin for his
support of the chess club.
Tomekichi Homma Elementary Newsletter 2 May 1, 2015 PARENT
APPRECIATION
COFFEE
&
MUFFIN MORNING
Please join us on Thursday,
May 28th, from 8:15 a.m. to 9:15
a.m. for coffee, tea, fruit and
muffins. Whether you have been
able to help out by driving on field trips,
volunteering in the school, organizing
fundraising, acting as a class parent, reading
with children, or helping out in some other way,
come along for some breakfast goodies. Please
RSVP to the office by Friday, May 22nd.
MAY 15 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
DAY
On May 15th, Homma staff will be engaged
in professional development activities.
School will not be in session that day and
Monday, May 18th is Victoria Day. Enjoy your
long weekend!
PAC UPDATE
The May PAC
meeting has been
rescheduled
for
Tuesday, May 26th
from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. We will be holding
elections for our executive for the 2015-2016
school year.
If you would like to consider taking on
one of the PAC executive positions, please
leave your name at the school office and we
will pass it along to the PAC.
The PAC position descriptions are
detailed below:
Chair - convene and preside at membership,
special, and executive meetings, ensure that
an agenda is prepared and presented, be the
official spokesperson for the organization,
and be a signing officer for the PAC
Co-Chair or Vice Chair - assume the
responsibilities of the Chairperson in the
Chairperson's absence or upon request,
assist the Chairperson in the performance of
his/her duties, be a signing officer, and
accept extra duties as required
Secretary - record the minutes of general,
special, and executive meetings, keep an
accurate and up-to-date copy of the
Tomekichi Homma Elementary Newsletter Constitution and Bylaws and have copies
available for members upon request, and
issue and receive correspondence/minutes
on behalf of the organization
Treasurer - one of the signing officers of the
executive, receive all funds for the Council,
disburse funds authorized by the executive
or members, maintain an accurate record of
all expenditures of the Council, give a
report of all receipts and expenditures at
general meetings, deposit all funds collected
on behalf of the Council in an account at a
recognized financial institution approved
by the PAC
SPC Rep - act as one of three parents on an
advisory body whose major responsibility is
to consult with the school community in
developing, monitoring, and reviewing
school plans for improving student
achievement. The SPC meets after school
for 1 to 2 hours, approximately 2 times per
year.
You may nominate yourself or be
nominated by another parent in the
school.
WRITING AT HOMMA
In April all students in our
school from Kindergarten to
Grade 7 participated in a
“school-wide write”. Teachers
used the B.C. Performance
Standards to assess these
writing samples and spent time at a recent
Professional Development Session using
this information to plan for instruction.
As improving student writing is our
school wide goal, we conduct two writing
samples each year (fall and spring) to collect
data that informs our practice. This helps
us to see what students are doing well and
in what areas students may need more
support. Performance standards for Gr. 1-7
are available on this website:
https://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/perf_stands/
writing.htm
Please check out some student writing
from Division 8 on page 8 of this newsletter!
3 May 1, 2015 ARE YOU MOVING?
If you will be moving before September 2015,
and your child will no longer be attending
Homma, please let us know as soon as possible.
It really helps with class organization for the
next year if we know who will and will not be at
the school. Thank you.
Reminder!!! The Homma Spring Carnival
will take place on Thursday, May 21, 2015 from
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Donations of bottles of wine,
theme basket items, and bottles and jars filled
with NEW 'kid-friendly' items would be greatly
appreciated. Deadline for donations will be
May 13th, 2015.
MATH AT HOMMA
Some interested grade 5/6/7 students will
be participating in the Gauss Math Competition
on May 13th. The competition will be held in
school, providing a great opportunity to
experience a math competition in a low-pressure
environment. The school will be covering the
cost for each student booklet.
For more
information, please click on this link: Link here
NOTICE OF LATE RETURN 2015-­‐2016 IF YOUR CHILD WILL BE RETURNING TO TOMEKICHI HOMMA LATER THAN 12:00 pm on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 please be advised that you must complete a Notice of Late Return Form (available from the School Office) before June 26, 2014. If you had intended to return on time but your plans change during the summer, fax or phone the school before September 9, 2015. Any student(s) who: • is not in attendance by 12:00 pm on Wednesday September 9th and has not completed a Notice of Late Return Form or • returns after September 21, 2015 will be removed from the school’s register and placed on the School District Wait List. MOVE FOR HEALTH WEEK – May 4-8
With the weather warming up, it’s time to
shed the winter blues and get outside. Move for
Health Week is a chance for all of us to celebrate
healthy active living in Richmond. The city of
Richmond is offering dozens of activities at
community facilities throughout the week. For
complete listings of fun events, please visit:
http://www.richmond.ca/parksrec/sports/r
mdmoving/moveforhealthday/Events.htm
JUMP ROPE FOR HEART
Jump Rope for Heart Day will be
held on Tuesday, May 5th. Please
return the pledge envelope by May
15th. You can also fundraise online
by visiting www.JumpRopeForHeart.ca
BC CHILDREN’S
HOSPITAL JEANS DAY
Thank you for your support
of the Jeans Day campaign. We
sold out! By purchasing Jeans Day Buttons, we
were able to send a cheque in the amount of
$1,025.00 to the BC Children’s Hospital
Foundation. Awesome job, Homma!
Tomekichi Homma Elementary Newsletter Want to join something a little more
ambitious?
Join David Suzuki’s 30x30
challenge. For the month of May, David Suzuki
challenges everyone to take 30 minutes in nature,
every day for 30 days. Increase your happiness
and well-being. For more information or to sign
up, please visit:
http://30x30.davidsuzuki.org/#section-youand-nature
4 May 1, 2015 MS RUDGE’S AUSTRALIAN
ADVENTURE, PART 3
Life in Sorrento has been great and our trip is
coming to a close.
A week or so ago we decided to fly up to
Byron Bay in northern New South Wales and
had a few days exploring the area. Beautiful
beaches and a more tropical feel. The body
surfing was super there, and I understand the
sharks don't come in quite that close to shore!
This picture is
one
of
a
Crimson Rosella
right in our
back yard. I just
can't get enough
of them and I
race
outside
every time I
hear
them
calling to each
other; Either in
a large group - they make a huge racket that you
can't miss, or a simple two note call when they
are on their own and looking for friends!
All the best, Ms Rudge
SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAMS IN
RICHMOND
The above is a picture of Ms Rudge standing at the
most easterly point of the Australian mainland.
Below is a wallaby that was on the side of the trail
leading to the most easterly point of the Australian
mainland.
Information is now available regarding
Summer School Programs being offered in
Richmond. Please see www.RichmondCE.ca for
more information or to register.
Programs include Summer Camps as well as
a variety of other courses.
YMCA
Summer break is a time for kids to be kids! It’s
a chance to play, to run, and to be
free from the busy school schedule.
That’s why the YMCA offers day
camps, so that every child can reach
their full potential. From out-trips
and theme days to sports and games, we have
something for everyone. We hope you’ll join us!
Check out everything we have to offer online
at www.vanymca.org/daycamps or visit
[email protected] to register
Tomekichi Homma Elementary Newsletter 5 May 1, 2015 ADMINISTRATION
AT HOMMA
2015/16
I am very happy to let you know that the school district has decided to continue my
assignment as Acting Principal at Homma for the 2015/16 school year. I feel fortunate to be
part of such a dynamic and collaborative school community.
Mr. Michael Gilles, who has been in the role of Acting Vice Principal since January, will be
returning to his classroom full time in September. I am grateful to Mr. Gilles for the excellent
leadership he has provided and his ongoing support in keeping things running smoothly at
Homma over these past months.
In September, Mrs. Karen Lin will be joining the Homma team as Vice Principal. Mrs. Lin
has been a Vice Principal in the school district for several years and is currently in the VP
role at Garden City Elementary School. We look forward to welcoming Mrs. Lin back to
Homma School as she previously taught here.
-Ms Susan Roy
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
MAY
1 ............. Grade 6 Girls & K Immunizations
5 ............ Jump Rope for Heart
7 ............ Dufflebag Theatre Presentation of Rumplestiltskin, 1:30 p.m. – All Grades
8 ............ Sushi Day
12 ........... Track Meet at Minoru
13 ........... Band Night at Gateway Theatre 7:00 p.m.
15 ........... District Wide Pro-D Day – School not in Session
18 ........... Victoria Day – School not in session
19 ........... 2:00 p.m. Dismissal
21 ........... Carnival
22 .......... Food Day – Pizza
24-29 ..... Quebec Trip
26 ......... PAC Meeting 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (RESCHEDULED)
28 .......... Parent Appreciation Coffee & Muffin Morning – 8:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
JUNE
2 ............ Grade 7 Orientation @ McMath – 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
3 ............ Kindergarten Orientation – 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
12 ........... Fun Day / Pizza Day
19 ........... Grade 7 Dance – 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
23 .......... Grade 7 Lunch – 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
24 .......... 9:00 a.m. Year End Recognition Assembly
24 .......... Reports Home
25 .......... 9:00 a.m. Grade 7 Farewell Assembly
25 .......... Last Day of School Early Dismissal 11:20 a.m.
26 .......... Administrative Day – School not in session
Tomekichi Homma Elementary Newsletter 6 May 1, 2015 School Calendar 2015-­‐16 Designation 2015-­‐2016 Days in session 187 Non-­‐Instructional Days 6 Days of Instruction * 180 Hours of Instruction (minimum) 853 in K, 878 Grades 1-­‐7 952 in Grades 8-­‐12 Labour Day Monday, September 7 Schools Open Tuesday, September 8 Thanksgiving Day Monday, October 12 Remembrance Day Wednesday, November 11 Winter Vacation Monday, December 21 to Friday, January 1 Family Day Monday, February 8 Spring Vacation Friday, March 11 to Thursday, March 24 Good Friday Friday, March 25 Easter Monday Monday, March 28 Victoria Day Monday, May 23 Administrative Day/Schools Close Thursday, June 30 Professional Development Dates for 2015 – 2016 at Homma:
Monday, September 28, 2015
Friday, October 23, 2015
Friday, November 27, 2015
Monday, February 19, 2016
Friday, April 22, 2016
Friday, May 20, 2016 (p.m. only)
Wednesday, June 29, 2016 (p.m. only – Last day of classes)
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Tomekichi Homma Elementary Newsletter 7 May 1, 2015 POETRY SAMPLES
By Division 6
Rainforest Similes
By Hunter McLean
The toucan’s beak is as colourful as a butterfly’s wings.
The plant leaves are as green as fresh spikey grass.
The monkey swings like a playground swing.
The butterfly flutters like a robin flapping its wings.
The boa slides like a slippery waterslide.
The parrot is as noisy as a bat squeaking for its life.
The sloth is as slow as a snail crossing the road. Rhyming Couplets
By Mengna Ma
The small hairless boy that was three
Had a very small pet flea.
I met a fast gray fox
That had chicken pox.
Simile Poem
By Aidan Chan
The toucan’s beak is as colourful as a beautiful rainbow.
The plant leaves are as green as a bright lime
The monkey swings like a green vine.
he butterfly flutters like falling petals.
The boa slides like a very small worm.
The parrot is as noisy as chattering chimpanzees.
The sloth is as slow as a crawling turtle.
Thank you, Mrs. Kishi’s class!
Tomekichi Homma Elementary Newsletter 8 May 1, 2015