AHE March 2026 Newsletter
Principal’s Message
We have just two short weeks leading up to Spring Break, but we have a lot going on! This March, our school is focusing on celebrating individuality, confidence, and self-expression. Students will be encouraged to recognize their own strengths, share their talents, and appreciate what makes each person unique. Through classroom activities and reflections, students will build self-awareness, practice positive communication, and learn the importance of respecting and celebrating differences. This focus supports the development of the Core Competencies and helps create a school community where everyone feels valued for who they are.
Our second written learning update will be sent home to families on March 13th. These formal learning updates are intended to be a snapshot of your child’s learning in the moment, rather than an average across the term. Formal written updates are one of the tools used by teachers to communicate growth and progress. Additionally, your child’s teacher may use class newsletters, emails or phone calls to keep you informed of what they are learning. Student-led conferences will be held on April 29th and 30th, giving our students an opportunity to show off their strengths and share their progress on their learning goals.
Upcoming events this month such as Battle of the Books and AHE’s Got Talent! highlight our success in reading and celebrate the diverse talents of students. We hope you can join us for these fun events.
I hope you all enjoy a restful and happy break.
Mrs. Pam Mair
Winter Fun!
Our students have taken advantage of the little bit of snow we had this year by building, shovelling, sliding and tobogganing. Basketball and 4 Square have been popular playground activities as well as playing in the forest.
We enjoyed a chilly day in the snow on Thursday, February 19th with a Winter Fun afternoon in collaboration with staff and students at EDG. Grade 7 leaders did an amazing job of running the stations and a good time was had by all. Thanks to PAC for the hot chocolate station!
Battle of the Books
Battle of Books is a great example of how we are working towards our goal of nurturing a love for literacy!
Many AHE students are busy reading some of the ten titles in each age category in preparation for the District Battle of the Books event coming up on Thursday, March 5 at BVE. Huge thanks to Ms. Draboczi for her work in organizing books and teams, and in holding BOB fest events to help students prepare for the district battle!
AHE’s Got Talent
Auditions are this week (March 2 and 3rd) and students are preparing their performances for our third AHE’s Got Talent Show! Grade 7 students will be hosting the event on March 13, 2025 from 1:00-2:30. Please come and join us celebrate the diverse talents of our students!
Kindergarten Registration
Early registration helps us with planning our class configurations for next year. If you know anyone with a child born in 2021, please remind them that Kindergarten registration is ongoing!
Kindergarten students attending AHE in the fall are invited to Pre-K play sessions (last one April 23rd). This is such a nice way to meet and greet our new families and to spend some time exploring in the classroom. Registration is not necessary. Come and join us next time to play in the gym!
Ready Set Learn
Calling all future SD 19 students born in 2022! We will once again be hosting Ready, Set Learn in the BVE gymnasium on Wednesday, March 4th from 4:00-6:00. This is a great chance to meet SD 19 Principals and Kindergarten teachers and get to know our community partners. Use the QR code to register and order your take-home pizza!
Parent/Caregiver Series
Many of you were able to attend our second session of the Parent and Caregiver series on February 26th in the AHE Library featuring Bret Batchelor. The final speaker in the series is Vanessa LaPointe on April, 28th.
Numeracy News
Memorizing Math Facts — What It Means for Learning
Memorizing basic math facts (like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) helps students work more confidently and efficiently in math. When students know these facts by heart, they spend less time struggling with basic calculations and more time thinking critically about problem-solving and deeper mathematical ideas.
In British Columbia’s curriculum, the emphasis isn’t just on memorization, but on developing number sense and mathematical understanding. That means students are supported to understand patterns and relationships in numbers, apply strategies flexibly, and build fluency over time — which often includes learning basic facts through practice, games, and meaningful activities.
Helping students strengthen their foundational math facts can support success in all areas of math, and we encourage families to support practice in fun, low-stress ways (like math games, flashcards, apps, or quick daily practice).
There are many fun ways to practice at home: short daily sessions, math games with cards or dice, movement activities like skip-counting while jumping, or creative strategies like drawing arrays or using objects. Celebrate effort as much as accuracy, encourage explaining how answers are found, and connect math facts to real-life activities like cooking, shopping, or sports.
School Sports
Basketball
Our basketball season ended with great success! Both teams showed amazing teamwork, growth and sportsmanship over the season. Thanks to our coaches Mr. Cadegan, Mrs. Gauer, Ms. Draboczi and Ms. Butler for their support! The gym continues to be open at 8am for extra shooting and dribbling practice until Spring Break!
Smashball
Smash Ball starts for grade 6 and 7 students on Tuesday, March 10th after school at RSS. Smash Ball is a lead – up to Volleyball, where students play 3 to a team, learning volleyball skills in preparation for full court games. See more information below:
Smashball Dates:
Tuesday March 10 and 31
Tuesday April 7, 14,21 and 28
The first 3 dates will be practices, with April 14 and 21 being games days and April 28th, the final tournament. All practices and games will take place at the RSS and Begbie View gyms. As in the past, Arrow Heights and Columbia Park students will take the bus to RSS. Practices and game days will go from 3:30 to 4:30, with the final tournament potentially taking to 5:00pm (depending on the number of students/teams we have.)
The final tournament will be tiered so that students are playing against other teams of the same skill level.
AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly common part of students’ lives—both inside and outside of school. As educators and families, it’s important that we understand not only the opportunities AI can offer for learning, but also the implications around privacy, academic integrity, critical thinking, and responsible use. Being informed helps us guide students to use technology thoughtfully, ethically, and safely. An information session for parents will be offered on March 11 in the MacPherson Commons at RSS from 6:30-8:00 p.m. We’ll explore what AI is, how students may be encountering it, and how schools and families can work together to support positive use.
Bike Safety
With spring weather approaching, we’re seeing more students riding bikes and e-bikes to and from school. As e-bikes become more common, it’s important that students understand how to ride them responsibly and safely. E-bikes travel at higher speeds and require increased awareness, good judgment, and respect for others sharing sidewalks and roads.
To help keep everyone safe, please note the following expectations:
- Bikes and e-bikes are not to be ridden on school grounds.
- Students must dismount in the driveway and walk their bike or e-bike while on school property.
- Helmets are required at all times.
- Bikes and e-bikes should be locked in the bike racks provided.
- We appreciate families reviewing these expectations with their children and reinforcing safe, respectful riding habits both on the way to school and in the community.
Also, a friendly reminder that the 30km/hr zone extends along Park Drive from Nichol Road to McKinnon Dr. and U-turns in this area are very unsafe. A further reminder to turn your vehicle off while you are waiting.
Thanks for doing your part to keep our kids safe!
PAC News
A big thank you to all the volunteers and to Save on Foods for their generous donation of hot chocolate powder and whipped cream, which helped make Winter Fun Day on Friday, February 19th a success!
PAC is also running an Easter Purdy’s campaign—a fantastic way to support PAC, as we receive proceeds from each order. You can find more information and place your orders via this link:
Hey chocolate lovers! 🍫 We’re kicking off our Purdy’s Fundraiser and you’re invited to help us reach our goal. Order your spring treats through our custom link and up to 30% of your purchase goes directly to [insert team Arrow Heights PAC. Everything is made in Canada and packed with care at the Purdy’s Vancouver chocolate factory.
Start shopping: Today!
Please order by: March 10
Expected pick up date: March 31- April 3
https://fundraising.purdys.com/campaign/000024602
Breakfast Club
Breakfast Program Volunteers Needed
Our school breakfast program plays an important role in helping students start the day feeling nourished and ready to learn—and we couldn’t do it without the support of our amazing breakfast coordinator, Mrs. Cottingham. We are currently looking for parents or caregivers who may be able to help with preparing, serving, or tidying up during the breakfast program. Even occasional help makes a big difference! If you’re interested or would like more information, please contact the school office. Thank you for helping support the well-being of our students and school community.
Upcoming Dates:
March 2 – Whole School Assembly
March 2, 3 – Auditions for AHE’s Got Talent!
March 4 – Ready, Set, Learn at BVE 4:00-6:00
March 5 – Battle of the Books 9 a.m. at BVE
March 5 – Hot Lunch – Mac and Cheese with Veggie Sticks (GF and DF available)
March 11 – AI Presentation for parents/guardians at RSS 6:30
March 13 – AHE’s Got Talent Show 1:00-2:30 p.m.
March 13 – Green Day!
March 13 – 2nd Written Progress Profile sent home
March 16-29 – Spring Break
March 30 – First Day Back at School
March 30 – April 2 – Egg Drop Challenge
April 3 – Good Friday – No School
April 6 – Easter Monday – No School
April 9 – Hot Lunch – TBA
April 10 – Spring Fling Dance 6:00-8:00
Stay connected!
Please visit our website arrowheights.sd19.bc.ca
