This document is a newsletter from Howe Middle School that provides information to parents. It introduces the principal and vice-principal. It lists important dates like Pro-D days and photo retakes. It provides information about upcoming events like a Diwali celebration and a cross country season recap. It requests that parents sign and return student forms and check the lost and found. It also addresses extended absences and banned bracelets.

1. Howe Happenings
Mr. J. Roberts Principal
Mrs. L. Howard Vice-Principal
Phone: 604-859-8700
October 20, 2011
Check out our website: (currently under construction)
Thank you in advance for phoning in your child’s absence. You may also phone
Important Dates to Remember: during off hours and leave a voice message. It is also appreciated when you
inform us if your child will be late. If your child is late in the morning or after lunch
Oct 21: Pro Day - No School
they must check in at the office, with their agenda, for a late stamp before going
Nov 2: Photo Retakes
Nov 15: PAC Mtg Library 6:30pm to class.
604-859-8700
We believe it is vitally important to
PAC (Parent Advisory Council) the success of all our students to be
for 2011.2011 in school and on time on a regular
basis. If you are driving your children
to school each day please make sure
President: Allison Reid
Vice President: Narv Bamara you are giving yourself enough time.
Secretary: Helen Plummer/Janice Grafstrom Regular attendance and being on time are habits that
Treasurer: Sandra Loewen will be important right into adulthood. Your support
and consistency in making this happen at Howe
DPAC (District PAC): Rani Gandha Middle are greatly appreciated.
Key Communicator: Allison Reid
SPC (School Planning Council): Allison Reid/Sandra Loewen
Our Lost and Found bin is
Photo Retakes are for students who were absent on our original growing. Please have your child
photo day. Also, any family who ordered a picture package and check it regularly or if you are in the
wish a retake will be able to do so on that day. The original school you may want to take a look.
photo package must be returned to the photographer on that
day. Also remember, payment must be submitted along with
the photo package envelope. Photo order form packages are
available in the office.
Please check your child’s backpack
Retakes are scheduled on Nov 2 at 1pm.
and planner for items sent home that
Barky’s , our canteen, is need to be signed and returned. The
looking for parent help during locker permission form (yellow) and
lunch from about 11:30 to 12 the student verification sheet
noon each day. If you are only (green) were sent home in September.
able to do some days that In order to keep our records current,
would also be appreciated. If we would like these back as soon as
you are interested, please
drop by the office or Barky’s. possible.
Hope * Opportunity * Wonder * Excellence

2. Howe Middle School is committed to honoring the occasion of Diwali
especially since this is a much celebrated occasion among many of
the people in the Howe community. We’ll be starting our Diwali
celebration on Monday, October 24th. We will start by playing
music in the foyer before classes. As well, we will have 6
students, two students from each grade level, that will go to all
the classrooms during Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to present
information on Diwali. On Wednesday, October 26th, we will have
a special Diwali assembly in Block 4 (12:25 - 1:25). All parents
are welcome to attend.
After the Diwali celebration is over, students will also do a small
write/reflection on the Diwali celebration and tie in how this
celebration is unique in each of their cultural backgrounds. Some
of the writings will be put on display in the foyer.
Cross Country . . .
Congratulations to the Cross Country Team on completing a great season.
Our school team consisted of 72 students who participated in races at
Clearbrook park over the last four weeks. Many students showed excellent
dedication to their training; they endured weekly runs, strength exercise
and even toughed out the rain. Three of our runners placed in the top ten,
a phenomenal accomplishment considering they were racing against
hundreds of students from several Abbotsford middle schools.
Congratulations to Karanjot Deol, 4th place, Herleen Sidhu, 6th place, and Davinder Gill 10th place.
School awards for theTop 3 and Most Improved in each grade will be presented at the end of Term One.
Thanks for all your hard work team!
Ms. Frank and Ms. Burgar
Extended Absences
Administration has decided that the popular
If you are planning to take your child out of school for an extended period bracelets that some students are wearing - “I Love
of time (more than 1 week) you will need to notify your child’s teacher as Boobies” (which apparently is not sanctioned by the
well as the office at least 3 weeks prior to your departure. There is a form Canadian Breast Cancer Society) will not be allowed
to be filled in at the office. Extended absences from school will likely mean
that students will develop gaps in learning which may limit their chances at Howe Middle School. We find that most students
of success in later years. Therefore, the District strongly encourages are wearing them strictly as a novelty item. If you have
parents to consider shorter absences or that parents arrange the trips any questions about this, please call the office.
in conjunction with an existing school holiday such as winter, spring or
summer break.
Did you know your body is only 10 years old?
Within 10 years, every cell in your body will be replaced with
new cells.
Hope * Opportunity * Wonder * Excellence