[New] Vermilion Elementary School News

Karen King

Submitted

VES students and staff would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and all the best in 2023. We hope you have a safe and enjoyable break.

In the last week of school, the Grade 3/4 class read the book How the Grinch Stole Christmas and compared it to the cartoon version. Then they completed an art activity followed by descriptive writing of their Grinch. Grade 5 and 6 students wrote a Dear Santa letter from the perspective of a villain who had been placed on the naughty list and who had to convince The CEO of the North Pole why he/she should be on the nice list. Christmas gnomes were also made by all Grade 5 and 6 students.

Students enjoyed the annual Rock, Paper, Scissors contest that was held on December 21. Congratulations to Evelyn

Bosgra on being the ultimate champion. On December 23, students and staff gathered for a great game of Elves and Reindeer, as well as some carol singing and a small skit put on by the staff.

Both Christmas concerts were a huge success, thanks to all our audience members who joined us on two of the coldest evenings this year. Special thank you to all the volunteers who put in many hours making sure these concerts were each a success.

Basketball Club is starting up in the New Year. All interested Grade 4-6 students will have the opportunity to learn some basketball skills under the direction of Mr. Beecroft. Practices will start on January 9 and run until February 27, on Mondays and Wednesdays after school.

The next school council meeting will be on January 17 at 6:30 pm. Activities in the gym will be provided by VIBE and the Grade 6 Leadership Club. Please join in to engage with them regarding budget and the VES education plan. Everyone is welcome.

On January 27, VES students and staff will be celebrating both our success in working toward our year end AR goals, and the beginning of the second half of our school year. We will be celebrating with a shared breakfast and beach day activities. Students will dress in beach wear and/or sunglasses, and be ready for some special activities in the afternoon. Please note that beach and sunglasses Spirit Day has been moved from Feb 1 to January 27 for this event.

Dates to Remember: Jan 9 – School Starts after Break; Jan 9 – Dress to Impress or Career Wear; Jan 17 – School Council Meeting at 6:30; Jan 27 – Staff and Student Breakfast and Beach Day; Jan 30 – No School – School Based

PL Day; Jan 31 – No School – Teacher

Directed Day; Feb 3 – Science Fair.

` ADMINISTRATION:

Tax Penalty Reminder: All outstanding tax balances will have a further 12% penalty applied if not paid by January 16, 2023. Payment options include paying at the County office, using the drop box, by mail, online/telephone banking or OptionPay Credit Card on the County website.

New Phone System: The County has implemented a new phone system to better serve the public. To help make the rate payer experience a bit more efficient, the options available are also listed on our website and list the main topics covered by the staff you will be directed to. This new phone tree system is intended to ensure calls coming into the County Office are directed in a timely, efficient manner and calls are transferred to the correct individual without delay.

The Vermilion Mental Health & Wellness Symposium will be held on January 18, 2023 at the Vermilion Regional Centre. Tickets and further information are available at www.vermilionalbertachamber.com. Topics include creating healthy professional boundaries, a personal journey with addictions, trauma and mental health and simple ways to build well -being.

TAXES:

Changes to Boundaries of the East Catholic School Division: East Catholic School Division have changed for the 2023 tax year. Any property within the Catholic School Division boundaries may have its education tax dollars to be directed to either the public or separate school jurisdictions. The County has mailed property owners within the new boundaries a School Support Declaration form. If you own property within the area prescribed in the Ministerial Order (please visit our website for map) and haven’t received a School Support Declaration form, please contact the Tax Department.

PUBLIC WORKS:

Snow Plow Flags: are available for purchase at the County office. Stop by today to sign an agreement for the 2022/2023 season. If you have a red or green flag from last year, place it at the end of your driveway and the grader operator will pick it up.

Heavy Vehicle Permits: All heavy vehicle permits will expire on December 31, 2022. Please contact our Public Works Team to renew your permit for 2023 at 780.846.3309. All vehicles registered for 22,500kg and over require a permit to travel on County roads as per the Traffic Bylaw (Bylaw 14 -04).

Reminder to check our website www.vermilion-river.com for news, events, announcements, employment opportunities and more! For current news and updates, follow County of Vermilion River on Facebook and Twitter.