Choosing pictures and stories created and written by qathet region students to feature in our 2024 Holiday Greetings edition was a difficult endeavour. Peak staff divvied up hundreds of submissions to read and consider before deciding on the final selections that grace the following pages. Once again, the burgeoning creativity of students in the region impressed one and all, and provided us with a festive boost to the holiday season.
DANIEL OLFIRENKO
Grade one
Kelly CreeK Community SChool
Once
NOAH FAEDO
Grade one
Kelly CreeK Community SChool
Once upon a time Santa went to the North Pole. His elves were making toys. The Grinch came to the North Pole. He got Santa to take him to his cave and put him in a cave. His elf got him out of the cave.
HAMISH COFFEY
Grade one
Kelly CreeK Community SChool
Santa Claus is at the North Pole. He is cooking some radish and pizza. But he has too many pizzas! Santa threw the extra pizza at his reindeer. The reindeer did not catch the pizza, so it had to go to the garbage.
The garbage had bananas and dishes. Santa found
Once there was a dragon named Red. He was not alone, he lived with Santa at the North Pole. Red was so good Santa put him on the good list until someone kidnapped Santa the day before Christmas.
Red saw this so he went to the elves and told them that Santa was lost. Red and the elves went out in the Snowy Forest to find Santa but they couldn’t find him. They looked everywhere until they found a lever attached to a tree.
When Red pulled the lever a secret door opened underneath them and they fell through. Then they found a hallway. They went through the hallway. Suddenly they saw Santa in a cage made of strong candy cane.
Artic, an elf that Santa had fired, had captured Santa. Everybody slowly backed away into the hallway. Arctic did not notice them.
In the hallway the group came up with a plan. The plan is that the elves will distract Arctic by dancing. Then, Red will sneak around to Arctic and get the key out of his pocket to unlock the cage. After they came up with the plan the elves walked into the room in front of the dog hiding him. They start dancing while the dog is tiptoeing by the walls. He slowly gets the key out of Arctic’s pocket and unlocks the cage so quietly. Then, he barked to the elves and Santa and Red ran to the hallway. They find the lever and they pull it. The trapdoor opens.
Santa used his magic to get all of the elves and Red back up to the snow. Arctic ran to them but he didn’t get up because he didn’t make anything to go up. He got trapped. The elves, Red and Santa ran back to the factory.
Santa is proud of Red. Santa sent elf cops to arrest Arctic. The elf cops brought Arctic to the factory and put him in jail. The elves, Santa and Red lived happily ever after.
Grade two • westview elementary school
Once there was a dragon named Candy Cane. He and his family were celebrating Christmas. Christmas was only a few days away!
They couldn’t go outside because it was too cold. So Candy Cane wished for Santa to make him and his family coats to go outside. He really wanted to go outside. He thought for a second yes he would invite his friend Molly over. He called to Molly on his phone. Soon there was a knock on the door, he opened the door. Molly walked in. She was an arctic fox white as snow.
“Hello Candy Cane,” she said.
There they played and played until it was night, then Molly said her goodbyes and left.
“Candy Cane” his mother yelled, “it’s your bedtime.” Candy cane walked to his bedroom. He got in his bed and then he slept.
Soon it was Christmas. Candy Cane walked out of his bedroom. He was super happy that it was Christmas!
He looked at his Christmas tree. There was lots of gifts from Santa.
“Thank you, Santa” smiled Candy Cane.
He looked at one big, big gift. His family was there, too.
“Can I open this one?” he said.
“Yes you can!” they all said.
Candy Cane opened it. In it there were three coats. For him and his family. “Thank you,” he said.
LOU LIGHTFOOT
Grade two
James thomson elementary school
Once upon a time there was a child named Boby. He was on a mission to stop the evil snow princess. But how can he get there?
Then an idea popped into his head! Good one. He could build a sleigh! But he would have to make instructions.
A day later he was finished. It was time to start his journey. So the next day he packed up and was ready to go. Ten minutes. He got on his sleigh and vanished through the snow.
The day after that he was halfway there. He looked at the map and there was only half a mile there so he kept going…and he was there in an instant. He climbed through the window then he heard a voice that said, “Stop right there!! You’re not going anywhere!!”
“Oh yeah?!?!” Boby said.
Two minuted she was hypnotized but he could not find the Christmas tree. Six hours later he found it. Two years later he was at home with the Christmas tree celebrating Christmas.
NOAH BAULNE
Grade two
edGehill elementary school
The elves were working in Santa’s workshop. There were lots of elves and they had lots of cool clothes on them. The elves have lots of fun.
They were playing hide and seek and then one was not found by Santa Claus.
Santa went up on the roof with his ladder. He fell off the ladder into a puddle of water. Then he had to go get dressed. Then they were done playing hide and seek because the reindeer and elves got too tired.
They found the missing elf. He was stuck in a puddle of water. The end.
MARCUS OLSON
Grade three • edGehill elementary School
One day there was a little boy named Jake. Jake had a secret favourite animal and they were axolotls. The boy adored axolotls and Christmas was coming. So Jake asked for an axolotl.
“I want an axolotl,” said Jake to his mother.
She said, “Wait till Christmas and maybe you will get one.”
Nights passed. Jake could not wait any longer. So he snuck into the closet and there were boxes, lots of boxes. So he looked at the boxes and one of them was shaking. There was axolotl food beside it. Jake smiled and whispered, “Yes!” He snuck the box and the food into his room. In the box there was a slight nudge coming.
Chapter two
Jake asked his mother, “Mother may I please have a pair of scissors?” “What for?” his mother said.
“Uhh, for a craft,” said Jake sarcastically.
“Here,” said his mother as she passed Jake the scissors.
“Thanks, mom,” Jake said as he ran to his room.
When he got to the box, he used the scissors and slowly cut open the box. He smiled again. Snip, snip, snip. He peeked in the box. He saw a axolotl!
“Hello,” said the axolotl.
Jake screamed. His mother heard him and quickly ran to Jake’s room and saw the axolotl.
Chapter three
“Jake, you are grounded,” said Jake’s mother.
“Come on, mom,” said Jake.
His mother stomped away angrily. Jake covered the axolotl’s mouth and gently lifted his head.
“You can talk?” said Jake.
“Sure can,” said the axolotl. “Now get me some food, chop chop.”
“Okay,” said Jake.
Chapter four
His mother came back in and noticed that the axolotl could talk.
“It can talk?” said Jake’s mom.
“It can, Mom,” said Jake, “It sure can.”
“Aww, a little family moment,” said the axolotl.
“Give me a hug,” said Jake’s mother.
“This is the best early Christmas I could ask for,” they said. The end
BRYNN STEKMAN
Grade three
WeStvieW elementary School
One stormy night in Santa’s workshop there were elves working very, very hard on toys for the good boys and girls when suddenly they heard a loud, “CRASH!!!” and they all ran downstairs to check on the reindeer.
And when they looked at the table, only one reindeer was there, it was Comet! So the elfs ran upstairs told Santa Claus so they went to look.
They found Cupid in the bathroom. They kept on looking till they had one left to find! They kept on looking and looking till they saw him. But he was too fast. They saw him run toward the tree so they ran after him. They finally caught him and they took Dancer inside for some hot cocoa.
ELLIOTT PALMER
Grade three • Kelly CreeK Community SChool
Once upon a time there was a reindeer in her bed. All the other reindeer were sleeping. Her name was Dasher. Dasher heard some weird noises, so she walked outside and saw something. But she didn’t know what it was because…all she saw was a shadow, so she walked more closer and she saw Santa getting ready to give gifts to kids.
Apparently Dasher and all of the other reindeer overslept. When Dasher woke up all of the other reindeer heard Dasher, so they woke up, but Dasher didn’t see them because it was dark.
Santa said, “I was waiting for you.”
“Sorry,” said the reindeer, “We overslept. On the most important day ever.” “It is okay,” said Santa.
KEN BAUMGARDT
Grade three • texada elementary SChool
Once upon a time Jake was sleeping and Bob was watching the grand reindeer show. They realized it was 8:00 pm at NIGHT so they went to bed and jumped on to the bed and started sleeping.
Later they woke up to a giant guy walking on the roof and then they went and checked, and they saw Santa Claus. They met him and they started working for him.
They had to build toys and make stuff, so then they started having a good time and goofing around and a whole bunch of other stuff. Santa got mad at them for goofing around and then he
threw them into his coal bin with all the coal he gets for bad kids and stuff. They tried to get out, but they couldn’t. They tried using the coal to bash the lock open. They escaped.
Santa was sleeping and then he woke up to them escaping out the door. They caught a plane back to their house and then they got back. Santa banged on the door, and they barricaded it. He told them all to open the door for him.
Santa told the boys to not goof around in his workshop. They agreed. They had a great Christmas.
Grade four assumption school
Once upon a time, on a cold Christmas morning, there was a girl named Caity. Caity knew that it was going to be the best Christmas ever. She was sure of it. When she woke up she zoomed downstairs like a rocket, then she glided on the smooth wooden floor with her socks on. She ran over to the Christmas tree and kneeled down on her knees and her eyes shimmered when she saw all the gifts tucked under the Christmas tree.
Then her mom came in when she heard the noise of Caity running. Her mom spoke up.
“Caity? Is that you?” her mom called out. “Why are you awake? It’s only 5:30.”
“Ummmm,” Caity said. “I was just too excited to go back to sleep since it’s Christmas morning.”
“Well Caity,” her mom said. “You’ll have to try to sleep. You can’t be up while everybody is sleeping, you know.”
“Fine,” Caity said. “I’ll go back to sleep.”
Caity went to her room and went back to sleep. When she woke up she felt more energized. She checked the time and she was surprised.
“I’ve been sleeping for three hours?” she said.
Then she shrugged and walked downstairs. She barged into her mom’s room.
“MOM!” Caity yelled.
“Shhhhhh,” her mom said. “You’re gonna wake your brother.”
“Oh,” Caity whispered quietly. “Can we open gifts now?”
“Sure,” her mom said.
A little while later her brother woke up. They opened their gifts together and they had the best Christmas ever!
Grade four
James Thomson elemenTary school
Before Santa existed, there were wild elves. There were North Pole elves and South Pole elves. Every December, the elves would do little pranks...tearing your books or throwing your math into the fire.
But one time, an elf was about to prank somebody, when he saw something strange. Saint Nick was going to every house and giving an orange to everyone John was watching. He was surprised! They usually play pranks on people, but he’s helping them?!
He floated over to Saint Nick and said, “What’re you doing?”
Saint Nick jumped and said, “Who are you?”
John said in a squeaky voice, I’m an elf!”
Saint Nick was curious about their magic. He wondered, “Can I look at your camp?”
The elf was surprised that he knew this. They were very tiny and hard to see. He said, “Uhh, I have to go and ask my friends...”
He ran to the commander.
“This isn’t good. A man named Saint Nick might know our location.”
The leader was surprised and said, “Nonsense, our camp is whiter than snow. Nobody will find it.”
The elves whispered, “Did you hear that? A guy named Saint Nick might be watching us!”
The leader said, “Back to work everybody. We have a night of pranking!”
But Jingle and Belle believed John. They looked for Saint Nick, but they couldn’t find him. When they found his house, Jingle said in a squeaky voice, “Hello? Anyone home?”
Saint Nick came from his room and said, Yes’
To be continued.
VIOLET BURTON
Grade four
Kelly CreeK Community SChool
It was Christmas Eve and Lisa and Piper were setting up the Christmas tree and putting yummy treats and presents under it. Lisa heard a stomping noise on the roof and told her mom, but she didn’t believe her. So, she told her dad, but he didn’t believe her.
Lisa had a plan to prove it to her parents. So, she got a voice recorder, set it up and went to bed. When she woke up, the voice recorder was gone. She looked all around the house, but she could not find it. Then she remembered she put it on the shelf, and it could have fallen on the floor.
She checked on the ground and there it was. Lisa was so happy she could not breathe. She went and showed her mom, and she finally believed her. Then, Lisa showed her dad, and he also believed her.
She also forgot to tell her sister. So, she marched up the stairs, but her sister was not there. So, she went to her mom’s room, but she was not there.
“Where could she be?” thought Lisa.
So, Lisa went up to the roof to clear her head. Ther suddenly, Lisa saw her sister. She thought, “could it have been my sister all this time? What could she be doing up here?”
Piper came over to Lisa and told her that she was setting up the lights!
MIA CLARKE
Grade four
edGehill elementary SChool
Puerto Rico, December 24, 2004, Christmas Eve.
One night a ninja jumped stealthy and nimbly. But tonight is no ordinary night, tonight is Christmas Eve!
As she jumped she strung lights on the houses of the village, for she was the Christmas ninja! She brings happiness and joy to people on the joyful day she also brings presents to the family’s that could not afford them. She delivers presents like Santa. The name of the ninja was Phay.
As she silently leaped, she slipped down the chimneys. Luckily all the houses had chimneys. She filled the stockings with toys, put presents under the trees and lit the fireplace in all the houses.
Chapter two: The Elf
She slipped down another house, she noticed an elf sitting on a shelf crying.
“Why are you crying?” she said in a soft voice. (Sniff)
“My little girl has run away! (starts to cry hard)
“Elves should be at the north pole by now”
“Don’t worry I will try to get her back.”
“Y-y-you would do that?”
“Yes.”
“Oh thank you so much!”
“You are welcome.”
So she set out and when she was on the second roof, she noticed a little pink thing behind a tree. She jumped down and ran to it and the girl was sitting on the ground.
“Hi,” she said. “I need to take you home.”
“Okay.”
So she went to the house, and they lived happily ever after.
The end.
ELI KERR
Grade five • assumption school
John was really excited about Christmas because he loved the presents that he gets. John had a lot of family coming to his house for dinner and they were having his favourite meal: chicken and mashed potatoes and stuffing. He was excited to have his family over for dinner because he loved playing with his cousins.
On Christmas Eve, John and his cousins had a lot of fun hanging out. He ate dinner with his family but then it start-
ed to get late so his family started to leave. John was sad that everyone had to leave but in the morning Santa would have left presents. So John went to bed.
In the middle of the night, Santa got stuck in his chimney. So, when John woke up in the morning all the presents were there but he heard grunting in his chimney. John thought it was his dad in bed just waking up so he thought nothing of it until he heard, “Ho Ho Ho!
When he heard that he ran for his life, it scared him so bad! After five minutes he got the courage to go back out there. When he saw Santa he said in a puzzled voice “Santa?’
Then Santa said, “I need help. Get me out!”
So John and his dad got some tools and managed to pry Santa loose. Santa was so happy he gave them an extra present! It was an awesome Christmas.
Grade five • assumption school
Bailey the gingerbread dog was a cute doggy that loved going on walks and had fun playing. She was always nice and caring. But one day her owner was making gingerbread. Little did she know that the gingerbread was magical.
When she went to her room a few minutes later, Bailey was looking for the box. Bailey was tempted to try gingerbread. She found the gingerbread box and grabbed a nice, crispy, warm gingerbread man and ate it. The next moment Bailey felt queasy, so she decided to sleep it off. The next day she looked at herself and was surprised. She was covered in crispy gingerbread, creamy icing and colorful sprinkles. She discovered she grew whiskers made out of cotton candy!
over herself and looked away when she came near. But then she went to pet Bailey. And she was surprised that she saw her dog made out of gingerbread.
She said, “Mom!”
Mom said, “What?”
She said, “Bailey is a gingerbread dog. What are we supposed to do?”
Mom said “I don’t know! Let’s take her to the vet.”
When they went to the vet, Mom said, “My dog turned into a gingerbread dog.
The vet said, “All you have to do is give her medicine.”
So we gave her medicine. Then she slowly turned back into a normal dog.
She was scared and ran to her dog bed hoping her owner wouldn’t find out. She put a pillow
The end.
ANDREUS MENDOZA
Grade five
Henderson elementary scHool
Once in the North Pole Santa was looking for his elf. The snow was so thick it covered all the tracks.
“An elf has been missing for two days now, what will we do?” Santa cried.
All of the elves were worried. The elf was not found.
“He has not been seen for days,” another elf yelled.
“I don’t know, but we must solve this problem,” Santa said. “Hurry, my elves.”
This elf went missing after he went out to get wood for Santa’s toys and had been missing since.
“Christmas must be cancelled this year,” screamed an elf who had just come out of his house.
“We just sent out a search party,” Santa said.
The search party was making their way through a snowstorm. When they saw a small cabin, other people were inside trying to take the elf’s magic. The elves made a plan to save their friend in the cabin. They made big snowballs
and sharp ice blocks.
“We will wreck the cabin and save our friend,” the boss elf said.
“We will make them pay,” another elf cried.
There were sixty elves in the search party. They started the attack. First they dropped the ice blocks and broke a hole in the wall and suddenly humans came out. The humans were holding iron spikes.
“Drop the snowballs,” an elf said.
“We will win at this rate,” said an elf.
Half the humans were down from the first attack. They got their friend.
A little bit later they were going back to Santa.
“We’re almost there,” an elf said.
“Yay” another elf said.
Soon they made it to Santa’s base.
“Your back,” said Santa. “Good job!
Have the people been stopped?”
“Yes, sir,” said an elf. “Now that the elf has been found we can do Christmas.”
“Yay,” all the elves cheered.
The end.
CALEB GORDON
Grade five
edGehill elementary School
There was a big man named Santa who loved Christmas. Unfortunately, there was a mix-up between Santa and the Easter Bunny. Santa had to control Easter, and the Easter Bunny had to control Christmas, so Santa turned into a rabbit and the Easter Bunny turned into Santa.
So, Santa lived in a little nest and the Easter Bunny lived in the north pole with all those little elves. On Christmas Eve there was a problem. The Easter Bunny didn’t have the same magic as Santa to make the reindeers fly.
The Easter Bunny didn’t know what to do until the elves said that they would try to fly the sleigh. Later that night it was time to fly but Santa on the other hand wasn’t doing as good trying to live in a little nest because he was used to something nice and big. The worst was that all he could do was eat carrots and he was used to eating cookies and drinking milk all day and night, as well, the Easter Bunny wasn’t used to the cold of the North Pole and Santa wasn’t used to being warm.
The Easter Bunny thought the little elves were just little dogs because of what they looked like in the Easter Bunny’s vision. He only had Santa’s leftover crumbs for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and all he could drink was Santa’s leftover milk.
When the Easter Bunny stopped at his old house he and Santa switched places and Christmas was saved!
Grade six
Kelly CreeK Community sChool
It was Christmas Eve and Gabby was playing outside building a snowman.
“Gabby time for dinner!” called mom.
“Awe, okay mom,” she said.
She came inside and ate dinner. Turkey.
“YUM!” said Gabby.
“Time for bed, Gabby,” Mom said.
“Okay, mom.”
She ran upstairs and cuddled down under her sheets.
“Good night mom, I love you!”
“I love you too, honey, now bedtime,” said Mom.
She walked back downstairs, and Gabby closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.
“AHHHHHH!”
Gabby woke up in terror.
“What was that?” she said to herself. She got up and walked downstairs quietly. Nothing. She walked outside. Nothing. She looked in the living room. No presents.
“What?!”
She heard the scream again, “AHHHHHHH! HELP ME!”
Whatever it was, it needed help. She went back outside and looked on the roof. Santa’s sleigh was sitting on the roof but no Santa, then she saw his legs sticking out of the chimney. She got the ladder from the shed and climbed on the roof.
“Are you okay, Santa!?” she asked.
“No, I need help,” he said.
“Okay, l’m coming.”
She ran over to Santa, almost slipping on the wet snow. She tried to heave Santa out from his legs. She heaved and heaved and then finally...POP! He came flying out.
“Thank you so much!” he said.
“Haha no problem,” she said back. He flew away going house to house. She whispered that it was the best night ever.
Lora leaped out of bed and went to her parents’ room.
“Wake up!” she yelled while leaping up and down on their bed. They got up and went downstairs.
“Andrew!” Lora yelled.
“Huh?” said Andrew.
“It’s time to have breakfast!” Lora echoed down the hall as she ran downstairs.
Andrew slowly got up and slumped down the stairs. They ate quickly and got in the car. After a long drive they arrived at the place where Pikes went to collect holly for years. They started collecting. In about half an hour they were done. Then they drove home.
When they got back, their mom went inside to cook, and they hung up the holly all over the house. They finished just in time. For supper they had soup. Everyone went to bed ex-
cited for Christmas morning. Lora stayed up checking the time.
Finally, it was morning. Lora woke up her parents.
“IT’S CHRISTMAS!” she yelled so loud it woke up her brother.
Everyone sprinted downstairs and froze in shock. All the holly was gone! Lora was determined to find out who did it. So, they checked all around, they found nothing. So, she went outside and saw dozens of robins eating the berries, inside and outside.
“They came in through the back door!” they yelled. They were all extremely mad but then they realized that the birds were only trying to feed their family.
“They needed it more than us,” said Andrew.
“That’s the Christmas spirit!”
The Salvation Army staff and volunteers at the Salvation Army Foodbank and Thrift Store would like to say a big thank-you to our community
At this very difficult time, we could not do what we do without your help, and we will do our best to continue.
Have
Grade six
Powell river Christian sChool
One day Ed the snowman was travelling by boat to have Christmas with his family in Newfoundland. Then there was a humongous storm. His boat crashed over the treacherous waves until he fell off into the ocean.
Days later he awoke on a beach with bright umbrellas and beach chairs everywhere. An old lady came up to him and asked what happened. He explained everything and asked the old lady where this beach was.
The old lady replied, “My name is Beatriz and this is Copacabana beach in Rio!”
Then she said, “You seem lost, do you want to come stay with me for Christmas?”
Ed was overjoyed, he told her that he would love to stay with her for Christmas. They walked up to Beatriz’s motorbike and rode up through the favela where there were Christmas trees and many people. They arrived at Beatriz’s house in the evening.
When they walked in, Beatriz’s family was preparing a Chester chicken and other foods that smelled wonderful. But then Ed noticed that he was melting!
He told Beatriz. She was worried, then Beatriz’s grandchild said, “Papa Noel will fix you.”
After the scrumptious dinner, Ed stayed up to ask Papa Noel to save him. By now Ed was more than half melted. Papa Noel showed up.
“Can you make it so that I will never melt?” asked Ed.
Then Papa Noel made it so that Ed would never melt. Ed was the happiest snowman in Rio!
from the qathet Regional District Board of Directors
We would like to extend a special holiday greeting to the many volunteers who generously contribute their time to our communities and to regional district services:
Volunteer Fire Departments:
Malaspina, Northside, Savary Island and Lasqueti Island
Texada Airport Advisory Committee
Savary Island Marine Advisory Committee
Texada Island Community Heritage Commission
Texada Island Recreation Commission
Agricultural Advisory Committee
Solid Waste Management Plan
Monitoring Advisory Committee
Lasqueti Island Solid Waste Plan
Monitoring and Advisory Committee
Savary Island Community Plan Advisory Committee
Joint Accessibility & Inclusion Advisory Committee
AYLA CIARNIELLO
Grade six • Kelly CreeK Community sChool
It was the night before Christmas, and an only child named Bella was home alone. Her mom was a nurse, and her dad was away on a trip with his work. Bella is 12 years old, and their house was not decorated. Bella’s dream is to have a Christmas with her whole family but it has never happened.
4:00
She decided to at least wrap her mom and dad’s present since they’re not there to see it. Her dad is trying to get home before morning.
4:30
When she was done, she went into the kitchen to make cookies for Santa. Obviously, they were gingerbread, Santa’s favourite.
5:00
While the cookies were in the oven she went outside to cut down a small tree to put the presents under, then went in to put on Christmas lights and decorations.
5:30
The cookies are done, and she puts them in the fridge before she ices them.
5:45
She goes to finish decorating the tree, it looks great! Bella said to herself, as it was the only sound in her house other than her cat that was sound asleep in her parents’ room.
6:10
The cookies are cooled off, and she decorates them for Santa. She made one with Santa’s face on it.
6:45
After she tasted one, she put frozen pizza in the microwave for dinner.
7:00
She heard the door creek open.
“Mom! Dad!” screeched Bella as she ran up and hugged them. The end.
Grade seven
Kelly CreeK Community sChool
In a small village settled among snow-capped mountains, Christmas was just around the corner.
The townsfolk were busy preparing for the annual Christmas festival, but young Lucy felt a sense of sadness. Her father had recently lost his job, and they could barely afford a tree, let alone presents. One chilly evening, Lucy decided to take a walk through the village. As she strolled, she noticed a beautiful, decorated tree standing in the town square. It sparkled with lights and ornaments, drawing everyone’s attention.
Inspired, Lucy had an idea. She rushed home and gathered her old toys and crafts. The next day, Lucy went back to the town square, where she began to hang her toys on the tree. Curious villagers stopped to watch, and soon they joined in, adding their own decorations. The tree transformed into a stunning display of love and community spirit.
On Christmas Eve, the villagers gathered around the tree for the festival. As they sang carols, Lucy’s heart swelled with joy. She realized that the true spirit of Christmas wasn’t about presents, but about togetherness and kindness.
That night, as snowflakes gently fell, Lucy felt warmth in her heart. The village had come together, and in that moment, she knew they would always support one another, no matter the challenges they faced. And so, the Christmas spirit shone brightly in their little village, reminding everyone of the magic that comes from giving and sharing.
To our friends and customers,
As the holiday season approaches, we at Valley want to take a moment to express our gratitude for your continued support throughout the year. Serving our community for nearly 50 years is an honour we don’t take lightly, and it’s customers like you who make it all possible.
Whether you’ve stopped by for a project, big or small, or just to say hello, your loyalty means the world to us as a locally owned and operated business. As we gather with family and friends to celebrate the season, we want to ensure you have plenty of notice about our holiday hours. Our team will be taking some well-deserved time off to rest and recharge:
If there's anything you need before we close for the holidays, we encourage you to stop by or give us a call before December 20. We'd be happy to help you get ready for the New Year.
From all of us a Valley Building Supplies, we wish you a Merry Christmas, a joyful holiday season, and a new year filled with health, happiness and successful projects. Thank you for choosing us and we look forward to serving you in 2025 and beyond.
CHARLIE HILDEBRAND
Grade seven WestvieW elementary school
I wake up on Christmas morning with excitement in my eyes. I run downstairs so fast I almost fall. I see the Christmas tree twinkling. I look at my stocking and almost pass out. It’s empty! I scream.
My parents and my younger sister Betty rush to me curious about all the action.
They say, “What’s wrong Marley?”
And all I do is point. They realize what’s wrong and try to get me to stop crying. When I calm down, my parents explain that Christmas isn’t about presents, it’s about family and making others feel joy. I storm off to my room and slam the door.
I hear my family downstairs. They sound happy. I feel warm inside for a moment, then I go back to feeling angry. I want to be there with them.
I hear my little sister gasp in excitement when she opens a gift. I can’t help but feel joy for her. I feel like I should be mad, but I’m not. For some reason her feeling joy makes me feel joy.
I pull a gift out of my closet and run downstairs. I give it to my sister and see the joy on her face. Betty gasps when she opens it. She gives me a big hug and says, “Thank you.”
The doorbell rings. When I open the door, there is a letter with my name. It says…
“I am glad you learned my lesson.” Sincerely, Santa Claus.
Sage Lavigne, kindergarten, Henderson Elementary School
Grade seven • Powell river Christian sChool
Santa was addicted to extreme zesty Italian salad dressing. His friends knew that he was addicted, so they found a website called www.Let’s talk about why you are addicted to extreme zesty Italian salad dressing.
It was a long, long bus ride to camp. When Santa finally arrived, he was greeted by his roommates, Jeff and Larry. Larry was a chatterbox, and Jeff was a safe freak. He couldn’t take a step without triple checking his surroundings.
Larry immediately started telling Santa that it was so incredibly boring at camp that he needed to help him escape because Jeff wouldn’t bother. Larry was explaining that they could dig their way out.
Santa didn’t want to stain his white gloves or his Nikes, so he suggested stealing 1,957 plastic spoons instead. The volunteers only import seven spoons daily, which means that it would take 280 days to get all the spoons. But they take three right away and on Fridays they take four right away. This means that it would take 507 days to get the spoons needed. Larry quit. 507 days later, Santa started the big escape. Spoon after spoon Santa was getting closer and closer to glory. Four hours later, Santa was one spoon away from freedom when a guard came in. He would have never seen the tunnel being made until Larry pointed under the desk. The guard immediately sent Santa to a high security prison.
BROOKLYN BOURCIER
Grade seven • assumPtion sChool
On Christmas Eve, I walked into the workshop. I couldn’t believe my eyes. The elves had gone crazy!
They didn’t make the presents and they were dancing to gangster rap. They were drinking Pepsi at 12:30 at night and they were fighting. One had a bloody nose, one had a broken hip, and another had both arms in slings. I thought to myself that Christmas is for sure ruined. I screamed at the top of my lungs, “EVERYBODY STOP!!!!”
They all looked at me with grins on their faces and laughed. Then, on the speaker, the craziest thing happened! The speaker said “Christmas is ruined.”
I really wasn’t expecting that and I guess the elves weren’t either because they started crying, saying that they are horrible elves. They were sorry. I forgave them, but Christmas still must be saved! The elves got to work making the presents while I went to check on the reindeer. Once again, I couldn’t believe my eyes! They were also dancing to gangster rap!
I screamed, “Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph!” as loud as I could. They all stopped and galloped off, except Rudolph.
I rode Rudolph to catch the other eight reindeer. I caught them one at a time and set up my sleigh and went back to get the elves. All of the presents were perfectly ready. I packed them in the sleigh and took off to save Christmas.
It turned out to be the best Christmas ever.
As we celebrate this holiday season, we also mark a special milestone: our 30th year serving this incredible community. It’s been an honour to bring you the stories that matter, the news that keeps you informed, and the moments that inspire connection.
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to you—our loyal readers and the dedicated business leaders who have supported our journey year after year. Your trust, engagement and partnership fuel our passion to deliver quality journalism every single day. Here’s to many more years of storytelling, collaboration and community building.
Wishing you and yours a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year!
With warm regards, The Peak Team
Nothing adds to the magic of this time of year like welcoming a new baby into our community
Townsite Jazz Festival Society will preview upcoming event with night of Brazilian flair
Brazilian-Canadian multi-instrumentalist Celso Machado is returning to the qathet region for a performance on January 24, 2025, at Max Cameron Theatre.
Now living on the Sunshine
Coast, Machado remains worldrenowned for his extraordinary guitar mastery, engaging vocals and ability to make a percussion instrument out of just about anything within reach.
The event is being presented by the Townsite Jazz Festival Society (TJFS) in collaboration with qathet School District (qSD).
“Many will remember Celso’s incredible sold-out show in 2023 as part of the Townsite Jazz Festival, as well as others over the past two decades,” said Paul Cummings, TJFS artistic
director and director of choirs at Brooks Secondary School.
“We’re thrilled to welcome him back to an even larger venue this time around.”
Machado seamlessly blends jazz, classical and world music, creating an atmosphere that’s both intimate and electrifying.
Brooks Vocal Jazz will open the concert, in addition to collaborating with Machado on Sergio Mendes' hit, “Mas Que Nada,” which will be performed in Brazilian Portuguese. As an added treat, approximately 150 grade five
to 12 students from qSD will also join Machado on stage, including for “Samba Lelê.”
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for these young musicians to share the spotlight with a world-class artist, and it’s going to be a magical night for our community,” said Cummings.
This evening will also mark the official launch of Townsite Jazz Festival 2025, which is slated for April 10 to 12.
“We’ll be announcing our full lineup of artists, selling new merch and opening ticket sales,”
said Cummings. “Attendees at the launch event will be first in line for all of the good stuff.”
This also includes festival passes, which were paused during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tickets for Machado’s performance are available online at townsitejazz.com, or (direct link) zeffy.com/ticketing/celso-machado-in-concert-the-official-townsite-jazz-festival-2025-previewparty.
Digital gift cards are also available for purchase, just in time for the holidays.
A majority of people think of a new year as an opportunity to change their lives.
We respectfully acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional and treaty lands of the Tla’amin people.
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Lack of money, troubled relationships or any other unhealthy habit will not automatically change in 2025. Postponing them is another way we avoid the things we don’t like to do.
Changing your habits to improve your life starts now. Setting simple and achievable goals is the first step to accomplishing anything.
Now is a perfect time to write them down and display them where you can see them. Identify the obstacle that might hold you back. Find a solution; there is always at least one solution. Be persistent and never give up.
Many of us avoid difficult and unpleasant jobs that will take a long time to finish. Day after day, we promise to do the things that will help us get ahead. The year is nearly over. Are you in the same place, stuck and unhappy?
This seems like an epidemic in our society. Many people claim they don’t have the time to plan their lives, so they choose to stay in unfulfilling jobs and unhappy lives. So, they might start watching Netflix, browsing Facebook or using alcohol to escape from reality.
Let’s face it, corporations
By Ranka Burzan
that produce this addictive material are not going to stop. It’s their way to make a profit. Our responsibility is to choose what we watch and how much.
Even if we don’t feel like taking action, we must take it anyway. There are rewards for taking action and consequences for not taking action. Many of us paid the price for avoiding things we have to do.
For many years, I avoided change, feeling fear of failure. Once I discovered my true purpose, I became unstoppable, and you can too.
It’s human nature to like easy and rewarding jobs. The easier option is usually the one that doesn’t involve extending ourselves in any way. If something involves
a little effort, and stepping out of our comfort zone, our immediate response is often to avoid it. And almost always we have one or two excuses ready.
However, giving in to the impulse and avoiding the effort to change becomes a habit. The more you give in to your emotions, the more sluggish you feel. And the harder it becomes to break out of this shackle. The good news is any habit can be changed.
One way of breaking an unhealthy habit is to commit to replacing it with a new and positive habit. Experts recommend one month of everyday commitment to change.
The decision to change might take a second. Committing to a healthy habit might not be that quick, especially when you don’t feel like it.
Rewards from changing unhealthy habits are endless. I wish you the best of luck on your journey to a purposeful life.
Transformational life coach Ranka Burzan owns a professional organizing company in the qathet region and has written several books on reducing clutter. For more information, email getcoachedwithranka@ gmail.com.
This year’s version of Everybody Deserves A Smile has resulted in significant kindness care bag contributions to those facing poverty and homelessness in the qathet region.
“It all started in 2019 with a handful of people who asked the little school with the big heart [Henderson Elementary School] if together they could bring smiles to people during the winter season through the Everybody Deserves A Smile (EDAS) program,” stated Doe Fraser, qathet region EDAS community team leader, in a media release.
Through the program, students make hand-painted kindness care bags filled with handmade cards, homemade cookies and new warm socks, hats, scarves and gloves, and large-print word-search books. In the weeks leading up to the filling of the bags, students learn about poverty, addiction, homelessness and about social action.
The program aims to educate and engage students and their school communities about supporting marginalized and unhoused individuals in the community by the creation of Christmas care packages.
When the program was announced, Henderson school stepped up, with the support of qathet School District, as the lead school, and, with the community support of the Circle of Friends from Powell River United Church, formed the qathet EDAS team. In the first year, 100 kindness care bags were assembled and delivered.
“Jump forward to December 9, 2024, in the Henderson school gym, and 542 kindness bags were assembled by qathet School District students, and were distributed by Powell River Fire Rescue, Tla’amin Fire Service and Friends of Rotary, to 10 local agencies and community groups in the region,” stated Fraser.
Other schools involved were Edgehill Elementary School, James Thomson Elementary School, Kelly Creek Community School, Westview Elementary School and Brooks Secondary School. The goal was to assemble 475 bags and this total was surpassed by a significant margin.
Contributions came in through financial donations, supplies and volunteer efforts leading up to the packaging event on December 9.
“This empathy building and social action leadership program is now in six schools and supported by community organizers, local sponsors, qathet School District, as well as our compassionate community,” stated Fraser.
Fraser added that EDAS is
grateful for the continuing support of the City of Powell River, qathet Regional District, First Credit Union, CUPE 798, Rotary Club of Powell River, Dr. Belinda Chow, Dr. Ryan Sinotte, Integrated Clean Dental Hygiene, Quality Foods, FreshCo, Save-On-Foods, Coast FM 95.7, Ecole Côtedu-Soleil, the many cookie decorators, and the growing community support of time and donated items.
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
The annual Special Olympics-Powell River chapter Christmas tree mulch is happening January 5, 2025, from 10 am to 1 pm, at Mother Nature, located at 7050 Duncan Street.
"We have athletes travelling to compete so our fundraising assists with these expenses as well as the year-round costs associated with running our programs," said local Special Olympics coordinator Jackie Milsom. "The money from our fundraising efforts go toward funding expenses so athletes, who are often on a fixed income, can participate in programs and competitions."
The annual tree mulch is one of the organization's main events to raise funds for ath-
letes from the qathet region.
"This has always been a successful event due to the generosity of our community," added Milsom. "People are able to purchase tree tags at Mother Nature by donation and CUPE 798 volunteers will pick up the trees. People can also drop their trees off the day of the mulch."
The organization also has an ongoing bottle drive fundraiser throughout the year.
Milsom said the programs provide fun physical activity for participants and opportunities for connecting with others in the community. One of the more popular activities is the bowling program; bocci, golf and curling programs are also well attended.
"We have three swimmers competing at the [2025 Special Olympic] Summer Games in Prince George in July," she added. "We have approximately 55 athletes and so we will also be doing a polar plunge fundraiser sometime in the new year as well."
For more information about the tree mulch or Special Olympics BC-Powell River, contact Milsom at 604.414.8266.
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August 26, 1938 - November 26,
It is with profound sadness we announce the death of Gerald (Jerry) Douglas Southern on November 26, 2024, at the age of 86. Jerry and his identical twin brother James (Jimmy) were born on August 26, 1938. Jerry is survived by his daughters Shannon and Leslie Southern (Elaine Smith); grandchildren Lucas and Madeleine Garnett; his partner Joan Hollingsworth (Emma and Blu); extended family; dearest brother Jimmy (Karen Southern) and many beloved nephews, nieces and cousins. He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years Edie Southern; brother Thorton; and sister Violet.
Born and raised in Wildwood, Jerry was a beloved member of the Powell River community. He spent his entire career at the mill, eventually becoming a sawmill supervisor. Jerry was considered to be an exceptional boss and colleague, and you would be hard-pressed to find a negative word spoken about his leadership skills.
Jerry was a passionate mushroom picker and spent countless hours in the bush (the locations of which will never be divulged!), often by himself, or with Donny, Jimmy or Joan. Several years ago Jerry took up lawn bowling with a passion, which filled his summers with laughter, companionship and competitionwinning the PRLBC Men’s Novice Award in 2022. Jerry had many passions throughout his long and healthy life: running, hunting, bottle collecting, the great outdoors and, most importantly, helping others, which he did in so many ways, including donating blood 35 times. Over the years he volunteered countless hours with local organizations. Dad was loved by many and always had the ability to make people laugh. The family is very grateful to the doctors and nurses of the ICU at qathet General Hospital for their kind and empathetic care during his brief illness.
‘Tis the human touch in this world that counts
The touch of your hand and mine,
Which means far more to the fainting heart, Than shelter and bread or wine.
For shelter is gone when the night is o’er
And bread lasts only a day.
But the touch of the hand
And the sound of your voice
Sing on in the soul always.
A celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2025. Further details will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider being a blood donor.
