What's Up at Myrtle Philip?

MPE’s School Goal

Words 100% by Brianne Aldcroft

Students will apply critical thinking in numeracy

when demonstrating their mathematical understanding across a variety of problem-solving contexts.

MPE staff and students have been working on building our critical thinking skills over the past few years. We are narrowing our critical thinking focus to numeracy for the next period of time. We want our students to be confident with math and take skills learned in school to the outside world. We want them to be problem-solvers and kids who know how to learn new skills.

Parents, we are going to need your help to do this! I am really excited about this goal and the work ahead. As an English teacher, this is new learning for me but absolutely fascinating. We will be pulling you in the help with math conversations at home, building a growth mindset and making math fun.

For this first bit, our request is that you talk about a “Growth Mindset” with your children. This can be a dinner time conversation, a chat on your way to hockey practice, bed time chats, or even (especially?) when your child is frustrated with themselves (maybe wait until the feelings pass and then chat.)

Carol Dweck from Stanford did incredible research on how important it is to believe in yourself and your ability to learn. Intuitively, we always knew this and nurtured our children, but she proved it in her research. Here is a link to her 10 minute TED Talk.

Here are some conversation starters you can use to chat about having a growth mindset with your children:

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Bake Sale for Joseph Banda—November 20

Joseph Banda is a student at Twiti School in Zambia whose tuition we pay for each year. Parents can make a donation between November 17 and 20 either through School Cash Online or you can send cash in with your child. On November 20, students will visit each class with a tray of treats and every child will get to choose a treat for themselves.

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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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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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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)