What's Up at Myrtle Philip?

Words 100% by Brianne Aldcroft

Life is not easy so we need to make friends with struggle. Often as parents, we want to protect our children from struggle, OR it's just easier if we do things for them (like putting a toddler's shoes on for them). But when we shield them from struggle, whatever our intent, we take away a learning opportunity. When we struggle, our brains are literally growing dendrites and synapses. On the other side of struggle, is an endorphin release: I did it! That is the magic. 

With our children, we want to normalize struggle. Talk about times you struggled and how you coped and got through. Remind them of times they struggled and made it through and were so proud. You can also break big tasks down into smaller ones.

When frustration totally hijacks their thinking brain, it's fully ok to walk away for now and take a break. Let the problem simmer on the back burner until cooler minds prevail. Once they are back in their thinking brain, they can try again. Distraction is not avoidance, it's a regulation strategy.

Image by ChatGPT

THANK YOU to Mark Freeman of Whistler Youth Soccer for an amazing week of soccer. The kids and teachers loved it and learned so much.

Thank you to everyone for their generous donations for our bake sale for Joseph Banda. We will let you know asap how much we raised for his school tuition.

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New Stuff

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In Case You Missed It

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Calendar Change

Please note two important updates to the 2025–2026 school calendar (now posted on our website):

1. Early Dismissal Change
• January 28 will now be a regular day
• February 4 will be an early dismissal at 11:45 a.m.
2. Early Dismissal Change
• April 28 will now be a regular day
• April 8 will be an early dismissal at 11:45 a.m.

These changes bring MPE’s schedule in line with Spring Creek Elementary to improve busing and childcare coordination on those days.

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School Food Programs

Our School Food Program ensures students have access to nourishing food at school through the lunches and snacks in the community fridges and breakfast program. Whistler Community Services Society in partnership with SD48 provides food to ensure that every child has access to nutritious, delicious and local food to be able to learn at school. Government funding helps but we rely on family and community contributions to bridge the gap and keep programs sustainable.

Every bit helps - Donate to the program here.

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Breakfast Club!—All Welcome!

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday

8:05 am to 8:20 am

Cereal and toast

Remember your manners, tidy up after yourself, back outside when you are done so more students can come in for a bite to eat.

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Bussing

Students must be registered to use SD48 busing and meet certain criteria.

If you have the same address as last school year and are already registered, you are good to go!

If you are new to the district or have moved homes, please go to the SD48 website for further info and for instructions on how to register: School Bus Transportation

Information about Bus Routes is also on their website.

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Attendance

Please let the office know as soon as possible if your child will be away during the first week of school. Email [email protected] with your child’s first and last name, the reason for their absence, and their start date.

We ask that both new and returning families take a moment to familiarize themselves with our Attendance Procedures and expectations

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Volunteers

Criminal Records Checks - If you wish to volunteer at Myrtle Philip Community School or partake in any class field trips in the upcoming school years, we require that a Criminal Record Check (CRC) be on file here at the office. Click here for more info.

Volunteer Driver Application – This must be completed annually in addition to the CRC if you plan to volunteer as a driver this year: Volunteers – Families – Myrtle Philip Community School (sd48myrtlephilip.org)