Central Community Newsletter

Happy November, Central!

November is a time for many things, including reflecting on and honouring those who have served our country and helped protect the freedoms we enjoy each day. Students have been learning about Remembrance Day in their classrooms and have proudly showcased their work on the bulletin boards outside their classrooms.

Central will be hosting our Remembrance Day Ceremony on Tuesday, November 10th at 9:15 a.m. The ceremony will begin with a piper leading in our flags, followed by student readers, a performance by our choir, the laying of wreaths, a moment of silence, and a special slideshow featuring photos of relatives of Central students who have served in various parts of the world. Thank you to the families who submitted photos to help make this tribute so meaningful.

Lest We Forget.

As we move into the darker and wetter months of the school year, I would like to remind our community to take extra care when travelling to and from school. Please ensure that students who walk to school wear bright or reflective clothing to help increase visibility. We have also noticed an increase in concerns regarding vehicle speed in and around our school zone. The RCMP and community partners will be increasing their presence in the area and reminding motorists of the importance of adhering to school zone speed limits to help keep everyone safe.

Highlights from October

October was filled with memorable experiences and opportunities for our students and community to come together.

Our PAC-sponsored Halloween Dance was a tremendous success. We had a fantastic turnout, with students arriving in creative costumes and ready to dance the night away. A huge thank you to Mr. Morrison for generously volunteering his time and energy to keep the students entertained all evening.

Another special highlight was our grade-group Halloween Parade. It was wonderful to see every student have an opportunity to showcase their costume to classmates, families, and loved ones who attended.

The annual Central Pumpkin Patch continues to be one of our favourite traditions. Thank you to the staff members who made the trip to Maple Ridge to pick up the pumpkins and arrived early in the morning to set them out for students. Watching our students search for that perfect pumpkin to take home is always a special experience. We would also like to thank the parent volunteers who generously gave their time to help supervise the event and keep everything running smoothly.

We were also excited to trial the return of a hot lunch offering at Central. Students enjoyed a complimentary hot dog complete with condiments. A sincere thank you to our PAC for organizing this event and successfully navigating a few logistical challenges along the way. One of the most heartwarming aspects of the day was hearing so many students stop to say, "Thank you." It was a wonderful reminder of the kindness and gratitude that our students demonstrate every day.

Looking Ahead

We are excited about a couple of upcoming opportunities for our Central community to come together.

On Friday, November 20th at 2:45 p.m., families are invited to join us in the courtyard for a Hot Chocolate Treat Day. We look forward to gathering as a community, sharing a warm drink, and spending time together as we move further into the winter season.

Please also mark your calendars for our Family Movie Night on Friday, December 4th at 6:00 p.m. in the gym. Events such as these help strengthen the connections between home and school and contribute to the strong sense of belonging that makes Central such a special place. We are grateful to our PAC and volunteers for creating opportunities for students and families to come together, have fun, and create lasting memories.

Please consider supporting our PAC through the fundraising opportunities highlighted later in this newsletter. Your support helps make many of the experiences and events enjoyed by our students and families possible throughout the year, including community gatherings such as our Hot Chocolate Treat Day and Family Movie Night.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We are grateful for the strong sense of community that makes Central such a special place to learn and grow. Together, we continue to create opportunities for our students to connect, celebrate, and thrive.

Have a wonderful month, Central!

Warmly,

Shawn O'Brien
Principal, Central Community School

Feedback is always appreciated. I can be contacted at sobrien@sd43.bc.ca

It is safe to say that fall weather has officially arrived. With the recent time change and darker mornings now upon us, staff and students are commuting to Central under reduced visibility conditions. Please take the extra time needed to ensure you are visible and to slow down while driving.

We have noticed an increase in vehicles travelling above the posted 30 km/h speed limit on Central Avenue. The RCMP, along with Speed Watch community partners, have been asked to increase their presence in the area to support the safe arrival and departure of students.

A reminder regarding the staff parking lot at the rear of the building: this area is designated for drop-off only. Drivers should not use staff parking stalls to park, double park, or exit their vehicles. If you need to leave your vehicle, please park on the street and walk in.

We would also like to remind everyone that the speed limit in the shared alleyway is 10 km/h. As good neighbours, please ensure that access to either underground parkade remains clear at all times.

Recess and lunch are important parts of the school day. They give students time to have a snack, get a drink, spend time with friends, and enjoy some fresh air and movement. While we may occasionally call an inside day due to extreme weather, families and students should expect that we will go outside even when it’s rainy.

When students are outside for recess and lunch, it’s important for them to remain outdoors, as this is where supervision takes place. If your child needs to use the washroom, they may come in through the courtyard door and use the washroom located just outside the gymnasium.

Thank you for sending your child with proper footwear, a jacket, and an umbrella if needed. We also appreciate families who send a change of clothes in their child’s backpack—sometimes those puddles are deeper than they look!

Please see below information and flyers about ongoing PAC fundraising initiatives

1. Poinsettia and more Fundraiser - October 16 - November 13

• Pick up is November 30th at Central

https://centralelementary.growingsmilesfundraising.com/home

2. Purdy's Fundraiser - October 28- December 6

• Pick up is December 14th at Central

https://fundraising.purdys.com/fundraising/campaign/000038982

Central Community School will be observing Remembrance Day with a school-wide assembly on Tuesday, November 10, at 9:15 a.m.

Thank you to the families who have submitted photos of loved ones who have served in uniform. With our diverse student population, it has been meaningful to learn about and honour family members who have served not only here in Canada but also in countries around the world.

We ask that students wear their black Central Community T-shirt to the assembly, if possible.

Thank you as well to families for reminding their children that this assembly is a solemn event. As a sign of respect, we do not applaud during the ceremony.

Lest We Forget

Circle your calendar - Our Second PAC sponsored treat day will be at 2:45pm in the courtyard on Friday November 20th, 2026.

$1.00 Hot Chocolate will be served

Students who are in afterschool programming are reminded to check in first with their program for attendance and they will then be brough to the treat day event with a staff member.

No student drop offs please - Parents are asked to remain on site to support with supervision.

Friday December 4th

$2.00 Entry

6:00pm in the gym

Concession available

If you can volunteer please connect with the PAC at: centralcompac@gmail.com

Central will continue its tradition of having a pancake breakfast on Wednesday December 9th. More information to come closer to the date.

Please print out and put on your fridge. Reminder that we have two school based professional development days that may be different than other schools across the district.

Monday February 1st, 2027 & Friday June 4th, 2027

Central Community School Contact

Principal: Shawn O'Brien

Email: sobrien@sd43.bc.ca

Office email: central@sd43.bc.ca

Website: Central Community School

Address: 2260 Central Avenue Port Coquitlam

Phone: 604.941.0355