APEs NEWS

We were glad to welcome 28 students at the start of
the school year. We have two classes (kindergarten-
grade 2, and grades 3 and 4) this year. The APE is
continuing its efforts to raise funds, to expand the li-
brary, prepare lunches, and provide school outings.
The APE will focus on recruiting and contacts with
the FPFCB and CSF. We hope to have new names
by late fall.

— KITSILANO - VANCOUVER ——

Kitsilano School held a “Walkabout” on Wednesday,
September 19, from 7 to 9 p.m. After the event, we
took advantage of parents’ presence to hold a meet-
ing to recruit new faces to the APE and to introduce
the executive and some of the projects for the com-
ing year. It was an extremely brief meeting with many
parents in attendance.

CHILLIWACK

The 2001-2002 school year began on a thrilling note
for La Vérendrye: “we have a new high school pro-
gram at our school !” Two portables were moved to
the school in August to accommodate the program.
After a few “small” renovations, the program got
underway Officially on September 18, to the great de-
light of students and teachers alike.

In addition to core courses (French, math, science,
humanities), the program will offer optional courses
in French. During consultations last year, students,
parents, teachers, and school administrators ex-
pressed their vision, which serves as the basis of the
high school program at La Vérendrye. As elective
courses, students opted for “Practical Skills” includ-
ing culinary arts, woodworking and sewing, and a Fine
Arts course. A physical education course offering an
“outdoor” option also got students’ attention. This is
an innovative program that will fulfill the needs and
interests of the clients. It is also important to add that,
to satisfy all of the requirements, the entire teaching
staff got involved in the high school education pro-
gram. What more could we ask—dedicated staff, in-
terested students, involved parents—the ideal com-
bination for guaranteed success !

= — TSAWWASSEN —————

COMOX

Comox Valley French-language program has moved. On
September 17 and 18, 2001, our French-language pro-
gram moved into its new space in the freshly renovated
classrooms at Robb Road Elementary School. The trans-
fer went off without a hitch. After two days off, students
returned to classes in their new school, which they share
with 200 French immersion students. Everyone seems
quite pleased with the move.

COQUITLAM

Last May, parents took part in the process to select our
new administrators. We sincerely appreciate their help.
We thus began the year with Mr. Marc Jalbert at the con-
trols. Marc comes to us from Montreal with a great deal of
experience. We welcome him to British Columbia and to
our French-speaking community. We are disappointed to
have lost the assistant principal position at our school.
Ms. Saad will be missed as the parents’ contact person.
We would like to thank her for her cooperation. It was a
pleasure working with her. Fortunately for us, and for Mr.
Jalbert, Ms. Saad will continue as a staff member.

Outgoing APE president Diane Robert is enjoying a well-
deserved rest. Thanks for her assistance, because we
still need her skill and background knowledge! Lucie Olson
has been elected APE president for this year. The APE
will organize numerous fundraising campaigns again this
year. The first is already under way. As an incentive, we
convinced our principal and two teachers to give the chil-
dren a treat if we meet certain objectives. If sales are good,
the three have to show up at school with their hair dyed—
one blue, one purple, and one pink. We will also offer prize
money for various levels of success in the campaign.

The English expression “Fun Day” clearly describes the
day—a fun-filled day for the children. Play stations, each
zanier than the last, were scattered about the schoolyard
and inside the school. Our students, along with students
from the BC Christian Academy (our 2™ floor tenants) took
part in the festivities. What a great opportunity to have
fun together and to get to know the other parents! And
we had no trouble telling the kids apart, since our upstairs
neighbours wear uniforms! The day ended with a rain-
dampened BBQ, hastily served by the parents. So much
for ketchup ! Thanks to the big kids from high school and
the teachers who organized the event !

Les P’tits Lutins have finally arrived. They hoped to move
in last year, but a host of details delayed their plans. This

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