AHE February 2025 Newsletter
Principal’s Message
I can’t believe it’s February! January sped past us, as staff and students at A.H.E. kept busy with continued learning and amazing winter activities! A special Thank You goes out to all the volunteers who share their time supporting our students in trying something new. The sportsmanship and enthusiasm shown by our students out in the community makes us proud!
We had a great day celebrating Family Literacy with PJ and Favourite Book Day on Jan. 27th. Members of the Revelstoke Grizzlies joined us to share in reading their favourite books!
In true CARES fashion, we will continue to focus on fostering respect, cooperation, and friendship with our school-wide focus for February: Kindness. Our grade 7 leaders are kicking off their “Culture Shifter” project with Random Acts of Kindness Week February 10-14. Pink Shirt Day on February 26th reminds us of the importance of random acts of kindness: standing up for a friend, supporting someone in need, or simply saying “Hi”!
It’s as packed month ahead! Read on for all of the details!
Have a fantastic February everyone!
Mrs. Pam Mair
Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten Registration continues into February. Early registration helps us with planning for the upcoming school year. A registration link can be fund on our AHE website or in person with Mrs. Pendergast.
Pre-K Play
New This year, Pre-K play offers an opportunity for our upcoming Kindergarten students to come and play in the classroom space and check out their neighbourhood school! This is open to children born in 2020 and their parents/caregivers. Registration is open!
Arrow Heights Renovations
We are pleased to announce the plan to complete the renovation of the last few classrooms at AHE. The scope of the renovation includes updated millwork, a sky light and an update to our entranceway. Renovations will start in June and will continue over the summer months to create minimal disruption to our students and teachers.
Indigenous Education
Speaking of our entryway, please come and check out our new mural on the gym doors created by Cree artist, Delree Dumont. Below is a message from Delree to our school community.
“Tansi (Hello) Arrow Heights Elementary School!
My name is Delree Dumont, and my traditional name is Wâpiski Kihew Esquao – White Eagle Woman. My family is from Onion Lake Cree Nation, and I currently live in Galena Bay which is where I spend my time painting at my h
ome. We are on the traditional territories of the Sinixt, the Syilx, the Ktunaxa and the Secwepemc. It was my great pleasure to create a pointillism painting for your school and I thoroughly enjoyed my time here! Thank you to the Revelstoke School District 19 for inviting me and to the many students who stopped by to ask questions or quietly just watched me painting. That was the best part. This painting represents so many elements of nature that means everything to First Nations peoples across Turtle Island. We are all connected, and we all belong. Everything has a spirit. The water, the trees, the rocks, plants and the animals. All this was brought here by the Creator. Some people call him God, Budda, Allah and other names. Over 95% of our body is water, and water is sacred. Water gives life and is medicine. And we are born in water. Clean air is sacred. The day we are born, the Creator breathed one breath into you, and that breath gives you life for the rest of your life. Some of our DNA is the same DNA as the tree. When the tree exhales, we need what the tree exhales. We call North America Turtle Island, and we call the earth Mother Earth. She gives us food, wood for fire, air to breathe and water. Earth, wind, fire and water are the four sacred elements in our Medicine Wheel teachings. Honouring Mother Earth requires us to experience our connection to her and consider that everything we have or do, is because of a gift she has given us. It is an excellent day to be thankful for these gifts. So go near the water, or sift the dirt in your hands, go out and enjoy the fresh air, or sit by a campfire, plant a tree. Allow that energy to fill you up with all that goodness and give thanks. Hiy hiy….(thank you)”
Name of Painting: Askiy (land (or earth), Nipîy (Water) Waciy (hill or Mountain), Pisiskiw (An animal) Size: 8’x10’ Artist: Delree Dumont (Wapiski Kihew Esquao) – Onion Lake Cree Nation
Student Learning Survey
The Student Learning Survey (SLS) has been administered every year in B.C. public schools since 2001. Prior to 2016-17 it was known as the Student Satisfaction Survey. The SLS provides feedback on the implementation of the curriculum changes, learning environment, student wellness and satisfaction, student belonging and engagement, and career preparation. The SLS is the only source of province-wide information about students’ learning experiences through the perspectives of students, parents, guardians/ caregivers, and school staff. Schools and districts use the SLS to make informed decisions around long-term planning and goal-setting, and in providing individual students personalized support.
Parent/Caregiver Series
Feb 11th Parent/ Caregiver Series – Cellphones with Hannah Beach
Many of our kids are anxious and glued to their phones, seeking endless distraction and feeling isolated and disconnected. Aggressive outbursts have become common and yet others seem to have stopped talking all together. As parents and caregivers, we are increasingly alarmed. We entice, cajole, bribe, encourage, shout, but nothing seems to work long term. Is technology bad? Absolutely not – it’s wonderful and has brought us so many gifts. The invention of devices that travel with kids has also greatly shifted childhood and adolescence, affecting their learning, relationships, and emotional health.
Is change impossible? No…in fact we are seeing a groundswell of change percolating across the world! Although we may not personally be able to change the culture at large, there is much we can do to shift our family and school cultures so that we can support our kids to truly discover their best selves. Small changes can have big effects.
If anyone is having difficulty with the virtual option, send an email to Michael at mhaworth@sd19.bc.ca and we will support you to get in asap. The virtual option works best if you download the teams app on your device. You will be prompted to download when you click the Virtual link which can be found on by following this link.
PAC News
Can you believe how quickly January has flown by? We’re already gearing up for another exciting month ahead!
Just a reminder that our PAC February meeting is happening tonight at 6:30 PM in the AHE Library. As always, childcare will be provided. We welcome and encourage all parents, grandparents, and caretakers to join us—your participation and input are always valued!
In addition, PAC will be providing hot chocolate for the upcoming Winter Fun Day. If you’re interested in volunteering for this fun event, please send a quick email to pacarrowheights@gmail.com. We would love your help to make this event a success.
School Sports
Basketball
What a great start we have had to our inter school basketball league. We have 3 more games left to play in February before the Tournament on February 27th at RSS. Our teams are showing great team work and sportsmanship. Go Arrow Heights Go!
A great big Thank You to Mr. Cadegan, Ms. Draboczi and Ms. Butler for coaching and refereeing games.
Ski/Snowboard Program
Our grade 3 students have now completed their three sessions of the ski/snowboard program at RMR, and our grade 6 students have just started! Thanks to all of our parent volunteers who are out there supporting our students.
Skating
Our grade 1 students enjoyed three session of skating in January at the Revelstoke Forum. Thanks to all of our parent volunteers and instructor, Marisa Salon. A great time was had by all!
Curling
Grade 7 students will be taking part in two sessions of curling in February under the guidance of volunteers from the Revelstoke Curling Club.
Ski After School
Ski after school continues through February with 15-20 of our students skiing the trails at Mt. McPherson. A great big thank you to all the volunteers, teachers, Revelstoke Nordic Club and Stoke Youth Network. This is a very popular program and all the students have had such an amazing time. Thanks so much everyone for making this happen!
Family Literacy Day
We celebrated Family Literacy Day on January 27th this year with PJs and our favourite books. Some students even dressed as their favourite book character! We were joined for buddy reading with our big buddies…The Revelstoke Grizzlies…. who shared some books aloud with classes and joined in with buddy reading to enjoy our favourites.
POPS and PALS
The first session of POPS and PALS is now complete, and we’d like to thank all of the parents who were able to make it out to support Literacy in Grade 1 and Numeracy in Kindergarten. The students always love having their parents at school. The second session of POPS is scheduled for April 7, and the second PALS will take place on April 24.
Arrow Heights Book Club
Our Arrow Heights book club has books to lend to parents and caregivers. The two books we are highlighting this year are Reclaiming Our Students by Hannah Beach and The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. Both books are integral parts of our school professional development and offer insights into the importance of play in the elementary years, while limiting cell phones and the use of social media. Thanks to our PAC for supporting the purchase of extra copies for our school community. Please see Mrs. Pendergast if you are interested in borrowing a copy. If you’re finished reading, don’t forget to return books so we can keep lending them out!
Numeracy News
Problem of the Week!
Each week, we have a Problem of the Week that involves a real-life scenario and is often connected to events happening at school that week. Solving word problems helps students develop perseverance as they are asked to apply their mathematical thinking to various situations. We know that developing a Math vocabulary is a crucial component of mathematics education as our students gain confidence in thinking critically about the problem and communicating their answers to others. Problems are posted near the display case at the front of the school and answer slips can be found on the desk in front of Mrs. Pendergast’s office.
Hope-a-Scope
Students in Ms. Johnson’s grade 6 class and Ms. Vickers’ grade 2/3 class are lucky to be collaborating with local artists Rob Buchanan, Jess Leahey and Turbo Bambi on a new art installation scheduled to be installed at the top of the Stellar chair at RMR at the end of February. Students incorporated their thoughts and dreams for Revelstoke’s future into a kaleidoscope art telescope – “The Hope-a-Scope”. We can’t wait to see it in person!
Red Wagon
Mark your calendars! Red Wagon registration dates for the 2025/2026 school year are officially posted. We recommend setting a reminder in your phone. Share with your friends!
Spaces are limited as registration is open to current Red Wagon families prior to Registration day.
Registration day is for NEW families to Red Wagon. This gives every family an equal opportunity to register at the same time.
After School Care Registration is Thursday May 1st, 2025 at 8:00am and open to all children who attend Arrow Heights Elementary & École des Glaciers.
Preschool Registration Tuesday April 1st, 2025 at 8:00am and is open to all children in Revelstoke ages 30 months to 5 years old.
Visit our website for full program details! https://www.redwagonrevelstoke.ca/
Mental Health and Wellness
PAUSE
Similar to our POPS and PALS programs, PAUSE is a program offered to grade 5 students across the district. PAUSE is designed to assist students (with the support of the adults in their life) to learn strategies to manage worries. The students are learning strategies during class and would like to include parent involvement on the afternoons of February 7th and 21st from 12:15-2:00. We hope you can join us!
Below is the link to our SD 19 Mental Health Newsletter full of information to support the mental health and wellbeing of our students.
Upcoming Events
Random Acts of Kindness Week
February 10-14 is Random Acts of Kindness week. Science states that Random Acts of Kindness are good for your health! When you demonstrate kindness, your brain releases hormones that contribute to good mood and overall well-being. Our grade 7 class is hosting a week of activities intended to give and receive kindness starting on Monday, Feb. 10.
AHE ROYALTY FOR A DAY
- Royalty for a Day Tickets are on sale February 10th.
- The two who win will be treated like AHE royalty for the day on February 13th.
- Tickets will be $2 for 3 tickets
- All proceeds go to the charities selected by our Student Leadership Crew (Trees for Tots and the Revelstoke District Health Foundation).
Date Night
Parents: Do you need some time on Thursday, February 13th for an evening out?
Well, if so, drop your children off at Arrow Heights School on Thursday, February 13th from 6:00 – 8:00pm (For Arrow Heights Elementary School students only).
Cost: $10.00 per child. All proceeds will go towards our two charities: The Revelstoke District Health Foundation and Revelstoke Trees for Tots.
Games and Activities organized by the AHE Student Leadership Crew, Mrs. Just, Mrs. Gadbois, Mrs. McCulloch, and Ms. Lorimer
Activities will include games in the gym, arts and craft activities, stories and games, and a movie (G-rated)
Please watch for a slip coming home this week with students!
Pink Shirt Day
Pink Shirt Day is Wednesday, February 26th, 2025. Pink Shirt Day, also known as. Anti-Bullying day raises awareness about bullying in schools, workplaces, in homes and online. The Pink Shirt Day movement began in Nova Scotia when students David Shepherd and Travis Prince organized a protest to wear pink to support a classmate who was bullied for wearing a pink shirt. Their care and support as upstanders is now a movement across the globe. Wear pink on February 26th!
Winter Fun Day
Coming up on February 28th, students will partake in an afternoon of fun outdoor activities in collaboration with EDG. Last year, everyone really enjoyed the Caban a Sucre! Remember to dress in jerseys for the day!
Battle of the Books
Battle of the Books is a great opportunity to improve reading skills and take part in team activities while building camaraderie and working on common goals. There is a lot of enthusiasm for reading at AHE as students work their way to our school competition, BOBFEST, taking place at the end of February. Students who have read at least one book on the list can join a team. While BOBFEST is about celebrating literacy and participating in fun activities, the District Battle of the Books (Wednesday, March 5th) is a bit more serious: our students compete against teams from BVE and CPE to see who can answer challenging questions about the books. To be eligible for Battle of the Books, students need to finish at least 5 of the books on their age- appropriate list. Parents and caregivers are invited to watch and cheer for their young readers in BOBFEST and Battle off the Books.
AHE’s Got Talent
Mark your calendars for March 13th from 6pm-8pm. As part of a “Culture Shifter” project, our grade 7 students are organizing a talent show on March 13th open to all students who would like to showcase their talents! Entry forms are available in classrooms and at the office and are due back on Feb. 21st. Auditions will be held during the week of February 24-28th to allow organizers to pre-view acts to assist with planning. Entry to the talent show will be by donation with proceeds going to one of our two charities: Trees for Tots and The Revelstoke District Health Foundation. Grade 7 students will also be holding a bake sale to raise funds for their year end trip.
Important Dates:
February 3, 10 – Grade 6 ski/snowboard at RMR
February 3, 10 – Grade 7 Curling
February 3 – PAC Meeting 6:30
February 4, 11, 18 – Ski After School
February 6 – Hot Lunch (Community Kitchen) Chicken Noodle Soup
February 7, 13 – Grade 4 Nordic
February 7, 21 – PAUSE – Grade 5
February 10-14 – Random Acts of Kindness Week
February 11 – Parent/Caregiver Series – Hannah Beach
February 13 – Red, White and Pink Day – Royalty for a Day
February 13 – Date Night
February 14 – Pro D
February 17 – Family Day
February 20 – Hot Lunch (Community Kitchen) Pulled Pork and Coleslaw
February 24-28 – AHE’s Got Talent Auditions
February 25-27 – BOBfest
February 26 – Pink Shirt Day
February 27 – Basketball Wrap-Up at RSS (3:00-5:00)
February 27 – Pre-K Play 4:00-5:00
February 28 – Winter Fun Afternoon
Stay connected!
Please visit our website arrowheights.sd19.bc.ca
