A New School Year

Welcome back to a new school year, 2017 – 2018. I trust families have had a wonderful summer break with many opportunities to explore the great outdoors both locally and globally. I look forward to reconnecting with returning students and families and welcoming newcomers. Together with the Ridgeview staff, I look forward to an exciting, productive and successful school year.

During the summer months, our West Vancouver Facilities staff have been very busy preparing the school for the year ahead. Our Library Modernization project is progressing and will be ready for a special opening in the early weeks of September. My thanks to site custodians Mr. Mercado and Mr. Ibias and the entire WV crew for preparing the school for opening day. Our school sparkles and we are ready to welcome 412 students in grades Kindergarten through Grade 7!

Maintaining parent-teacher communication throughout the school year is the key to student success. Research has shown that students do better in school when their parent or guardian is involved. Parent effective communication with their child’s teacher(s) is critical in building a strong partnership with the teacher(s) in the best interest of the child.

Communication begins on the first day of school with a greeting, indication of trust in the teacher, a mention of working together and a hug for your child. The partnership you develop with the teacher and school can be enhanced and strengthened in upcoming weeks by implementing the following strategies and suggestions:

• During the first week(s) of school, communicate in writing any special needs of your child. In the first few weeks of school students will receive student verification information. Please provide complete and current contact information. Please refer to the weekly school Ebulletin for expectation details.
• If you are new to the school, attempt to communicate personally or with a positive note to other school personnel that will be in contact with your child (principal, counselor, nurse, resource teacher). Refer to the “Our Staff” tab on our website for staff contact information.
• Volunteer in some capacity in your child’s classroom or at the school. This does not have to be extensive but shows commitment to the partnership.
• Participate in the established Ridgeview Parent Advisory organization. Meetings are held monthly and are a good source of information for school events/activities as well as provide educational context for teaching and learning. The RPAC is composed of parents and staff who are dedicated to help maintain and improve student success. The first PAC meeting of the year is scheduled for Thursday, September 21^st at 9:00 a.m. All parents/guardians of Ridgeview students are welcome.
• Conversations with the teacher that are potentially longer than 5 minutes should be prearranged. Do not expect to have a meaningful conversation with the teacher when class is in session or directly before or after school if your meeting is unscheduled.
• Read the weekly school Ebulletin. Sent out on Thursdays, the Ebulletin is brimming with dates and events specific to Ridgeview and to WVS. Check out the first Ebulletin of this school year distributed on August 31, 2017.
• Explore our website to learn more about the school, our students, the staff, and opportunities for parents and community members.
• Attend Open Houses, music concerts, and special events at the school. Mark your calendars for our Meet My Teacher /Ice Cream Social event to be held on Thursday, September 14^th, 2 – 4 p.m.
• Send a note of thanks or recognition of a teacher’s efforts. Small acts of kindness facilitate a strong partnership.

“At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to a child’s success is the positive involvement of parents.” Jane D. Hull

As we begin the new school year, strong communications will go a long way to nurturing a caring respectful culture where student successes are continuous. Together with staff, I wish all students and their families a safe, happy and joyful school year!

Valerie Brady

Principal, Ridgeview Elementary