TSAWWASSEN Like the rest of you, I imagine, the parents of the small Bois- Joli School in Tsawwassen have been very busy during the past few months. While our many educational and fundraising activities are well appreciated, there is always a threat, espe- cially in small groups, of volunteer burnout. In this regard, we were very fortunate this year to welcome a new pool of parents to help take up the slack. We are even more grateful, since this doesn't happen every year. Of course, many hands make light work, then fatigue takes longer to set in. Our many educational activities included numerous trips to the pool and skating rink, with parents and grandparents pro- viding transportation for some 40 students. These dedicated volunteers have certainly earned our gratitude. Without them, we could not afford these outings. We must also ad- mit that these terrific additions to the physical education program could not happen without the extra coordination time put in by a miniscule number of people who already perform many tasks. The Christmas party provided another demonstration of our parents’ dedication-arranging the room, manning the baked goods table, or providing baskets of sweets for the draw to raise funds to top off the kitty (not to mention clean-up after the event!). Each helpful act counts and we appreciate it. Increasingly warm community relations and the children's heightened sense of civic duty are direct benefits of this involvement. Then there are those who work more behind the scenes on the committees (administrative, fundraising, accounting ac- tivities of all sorts...) We have to collect emergency supplies, order and catalogue books to set up a library, paint or print signs to increase visibility, organize hot meals, etc. In conclusion, the more volunteers we have, the more school life is enriched, in every sense of the word. The volunteers make it possible to host celebrations, purchase equipment and books, sponsor field trips, and ensure the health and safety of the group-something the current system, or too small a group of parents, cannot do. Volunteerism has become a treasured community asset, but, we must admit, it has also become an added stress in our already busy lives. We envy the past, when such devotion was not needed to ensure educational quality!!! For all of these reasons, we must take the time to thank each and every volunteer and show our appreciation for their work, which benefits us all. Danielle Marcotte, APE Parent — NORD VANCOUVER —— Our old school has now been demolished and construction will begin soon on our new buildings. In September 2004, the new André-Piolat School should be ready to welcome students from Kindergarten to Grade 7, and, eventually, to Grade 12. We also plan to take advantage of this unique op- portunity to position our school at the core of the North Van- couver francophone community. We welcome your sugges- tions in this regard... Christophe Simon, APE President VICTORIA i) Communication, Community and Consultation describe the activities at l'école Victor-Brodeur this year. Communication: L'association des parents has launched it's new website www.parentsbrodeur.ca, information about upcoming events, minutes of l'association meetings etc are available on line. We are also continuing to compile our e-mail list so that parents can receive important information quickly and efficiently. Community: the Christmas Concert was a wonderful produc- tion and example of teamwork by all members of the school team. It provided the perfect opportunity to invite the parents to participate in the spirit of Christmas and community. L'association des parents plans to build on this community feel- ing by continuing our CinéVendredis and organizing a family oriented activity to celebrate La Semaine de la Francophonie. Consultation: We have chosen our representatives for the new School Planning Council and during January parents were in- vited to participate in two evening workshops to establish our goals and objectives for the coming year. These evenings were well attended and the ideas expressed were exciting and con- structive. Through communication and consultation the feeling of community continues to grow at L'école Victor-Brodeur. Pam Pigeon, APE Parent COMOX In December, we hosted two main events. First came two per- formances of the Christmas Concert, one in the afternoon and one in the evening with performances by students from the francophone and immersion programs. Finally, the teachers and staff surprised us by performing two songs, which we enjoyed thoroughly. The second activity was a pyjama party and hot dog luncheon. Staff and students donned their best PJs and enjoyed a meal of succulent hot dogs. Rock Fortier, APE President CAMPBELL RIVER In November, Mr. Jacques' grade 4, 5, and 6 class explored the Horne Lake caves. The day was filled with fascinating discove- ries and we had a great time. Between now and the end of Febru- ary, the students in the Campbell River francophone program will take part in the Dictée PGL. The Dictée is an educational project designed for primary school students in Kindergarten through Grade 8 in francophone and French-immersion programs. Good luck everyone...have fun! Maria Stinchcombe, APE Parent PAGE 16 INFO-PARENTS