Truth & Reconcilitaion Day T-shirts

This year, in honour of September 30th and the first federally recognized Truth & Reconciliation Day, the PAC purchased 65 orange shirts for the Choice students, staff & teachers to keep. 

Our 2021 Orange Shirts were purchased from Native Northwest.

Their principles include the following tenants:

• 100% of the art featured on Native Northwest products is designed by Indigenous artists
• All artists have provided consent and contractual permission for their art to be featured on Native Northwest products
• Artist names are acknowledged on all product packaging
• Cultural traditions are honoured by acknowledging cultural affiliation on product packaging
• Artists are paid in fees and royalties

This year, proceeds from orange shirt sales will be directed to the Native Northwest Reconciliation Fund, Orange Shirt Society, and the BC Aboriginal Child Care Association. The new Native Northwest Reconciliation Fund was created to support people and families who continue to be impacted by Residential Schools and intergenerational trauma. Its purpose is to advance Reconciliation by funding initiatives that support Indigenous wellness, learning, and culture. Thank you for supporting Orange Shirt Day.

Many families have made substantial donations towards these shirts - we thank you for your contributions and generosity. If you would like to make donations, please email the PAC chair Erin O'Halloran.

Nature Art

Nature Art is a great way to engage children with the world outside and encourage them to appreciate the beauty and wonder of nature and appreciation of our environment. It also allows them to be creative in an open ended way by exploring shape and space, counting and pattern making and they feel truly free to express themselves as they breathe a breath of fresh air.

We have been highly inspired by the gorgeous GIANT sized sunflowers in our garden and are working on sketches, drawings and paintings depicting these flowers. We have already noticed how the outdoors can have a very calming effect on some students and increase of focus on their artworks.

Chess - a spectator sport?

Chess is fast becoming a very popular game at Choice. With Mr. Bolina being a very keen player himself, he never misses a chance when students challenge him to a game. At this game with Oliver, there are even spectators watching over.

Who won?



Music update

This week, one of our students (Keira) brought a harp for the music room. This is a very special instrument and plays a very soothing sound.

The harp was donated to the school by Keira's family for this school year. It will be used by Keira and other students to enhance the delivery of our music program.

We thank the Ah Yong famiy for their generousity. We are so fortunate to have a dedicated group of parents working in partnership with the school.

Professional Day-October 1 , 2021

As Thursday September 30, 2021 is Reconciliation Day (no school), administration has decided to make the next day (Friday October 1, 2021) into a Professional Day. Teachers and Education Assistants will be working on planning for student supports and instructional plans.

Donate a book

As we develop our Choice library, we are looking at ways to add reading material for our students.

We suggest that parents donate a book (or two) on the occassion of their childs birthday. This would be a perfect way to give back and add to the learning resources of the school.

And these books will be used for many years to come and read by many of our students. Please contact Mr. Bolina if you would like to donate books or any other resources.

Loon Lake

The CMS students are looking forward to their field trip to Loon Lake in the second week of October. During the three day excursion, students will be learning about and participating in various outdoor activities.

More details to follow!

Parking lot

The school parking lot is a very busy place at drop of and pick up times. We understand that parents are always in a hurry, however, we cannot jeoparise the safety of students. In particular, we ask that you pay attention to the folllowing concerns:

• Please do not park at an angle
• Please do enter and exit the parking lot at the alotted places
• Please be aware of the speed limits
• Please do not park in the fire lane
• Please do not park/stop in front of the gate
• Please do not let your children out of the car in the middle of the parking lot as it blocks other cars

Thank you for your attention to to ensure the safety and well-being of our children.