May 29th

Hello Brackendale families,

As we close out the month of May, many thanks are in order. We had our final PAC meeting of the year, and while their work is not done, with an upcoming dance on June 12^th, I want to thank all those involved with the PAC for their time and commitment to the school. I would also like to thank Taurean from the Squamish Cricket Club, who spent two full days with our students, teaching them the basics of the world’s second most popular sport. Thanks to Jack and Shannon Fieldhouse for helping to organize and officiate the first mountain bike race of the season, and to Beth Smith and Sean Kliman for starting some track and field training sessions. Also, thank you to the inspiring constables who are riding in the Cops for Cancer tour, who were able to swing by Don Ross and meet with a few hundred of our students, teaching them all about the inspiring work they are doing raising money to research children’s cancer. Finally, thanks to all the Brackendale Elementary staff, who are continuing to work hard every day to provide fantastic learning and experiences to all of our students.

On Thursday, we had a bit of a safety concern when students saw a black bear cub on our property. Despite the staff responding appropriately and attempting to move children away from the bear, a number of students chose to run towards the bear, which was separated from its mother. It took more effort than it should have to get all the students to listen to our commands, despite the education we have provided students around bear safety. If you could spend a few minutes reviewing how to avoid interactions with bears, that would be very helpful. Some resources for bear awareness can be found HERE.

Antony Blaikie – Principal

Brackendale Elementary School

Sea to Sky School District, SD48

I am honoured to be living, working, and learning on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Sḵwxwú7mesh Nation.

From our PAC:

Hello Parents!

As our kids prepare to wrap up their elementary school journey, we are fundraising to plan a truly special Graduation Dinner this June to celebrate all of their achievements, friendships, and hard work. To help keep this event affordable and memorable for every family, we are launching a special fundraiser—and we need your support! By purchasing a pouch of Probiotic + Hydration stickpacks (from local company Everwell Water Kefir), you aren’t just getting a healthy product made for the whole family; you are directly funding the food, gifts, and treats that will make their milestone night magic.

The grad's receive $7 for each pouch sold!

Pouches cost $30. Three flavours available - Peachy Iced Tea, Super Berry and Tropical Glow.

Please place your orders by June 10th by sending an e-transfer to [email protected]

Write "Brackendale Fundraiser" and the flavour and number of pouches in the message line. eg: Peachy Iced Tea x 2 as well as your full name. Pick up at 3pm on June 10th in front of the school.

Feel free to save and share the image below with friends and family who might want to support our grads!

Thank you so much for your generosity and support!

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Squamish Cricket

This week most of our students had the opportunity to be introduced to cricket. If your child is eager to continue their cricket journey, they are invited to attend the upcoming sessions, free of charge.

📍 When: Fridays starting June 5th at 5:00 PM
📍 Where: Brennan Park

For more registration and information: squamishcricket.ca or contact them at [email protected]

Squamish Helping Hands is bringing the Cereal Drive to our school from June 2-19! The Cereal Drive targets a heightened need for kid-friendly meals during the summer months when families do not have access to essential school meal programs. Cereal is a meal most kids are able to prepare for themselves and/or their siblings, and can provide filling whole grains and vitamins that make a comforting, nourishing meal. In 2025, Helping Hands had over 4,860 families visit the food bank. This number is rising, and we're grateful for every donation we receive to help us address this need in our community. Thank you!

Happening in the Community:

School Meal Program: Zero Waste Pilot!

Just in time for Earth Day on April 22, Brackendale Elementary is proud to be the first school to pilot a zero-waste lunch program as part of the School Meal Program, in partnership with Squamish CAN. Meals will be served on reusable plates and bowls, and all food waste will be composted.

Parents/guardians: if your child participates in the meal program and you would like them to bring home any leftovers, please send a reusable container with them. Please note that food should not be consumed if it has been outside of refrigeration for more than two hours.

Thank you for supporting this initiative! 🌱

Criminal Record Check

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Please consider this efficient method for obtaining a Criminal Record Check at no charge for volunteers.

Online Link: https://justice.gov.bc.ca/eCRC/home.htm

Access Code for Brackendale Elementary: EFQHCA7NB2

Instructions:

Please follow the link and read the information provided.
1. Note that the CRRP is not affiliated with the police or RCMP and so any previous record checks done through them cannot be shared with us through the CRRP.
2. Two of the requirements to use the online process is living within Canada for at least 24 months and having at least six months credit history (for ID verification).

Enter the Access Code and choose the appropriate option to either Request a New CRC (recommended) or Share the result of a Completed CRC.

Read and confirm understanding of Consent Information

Complete applicant information as required.

Identity verification questions will be asked. These are provided by Equifax and use your financial history to verify your ID.

If you fail any of the ID verification questions you will be asked to print off the application and have the organization (Brackdendale Elementary) verify your ID using two pieces of valid ID and provide a signed signature where it asks for it (under “To be completed by requesting organization”).