Principal’s Message

Our first week back has been a huge success and it was so great to see all of the familiar faces, as well as a few new ones! The renovations allowed us to get into our classes just in the nick of time for students to return. Teachers are being creative in the absence of whiteboards and projectors, and students have been very understanding.  We are very happy with the new look, and are looking forward to the completion of our resource room and the front entry next week!

The Student Handbook (found in the front of the planners) is an excellent resource to access programs and expectations at AHE. Please take the time to read it over with your child….there might be a quiz next week!

Read on to find out what we are up to in the first, busy month back!

 

Pam Mair, AHE Principal

One WORD

This year we are starting off the year asking students to think of ONE WORD that will help them have the BEST YEAR EVER!! This activity is based on the book, “One Word for Kids – A Great Way to Have Your Best Year Ever!” by Gordon, Britton and Page.  Don’t be surprised if students come home after Monday’s Assembly asking you to help them think of one word that is meaningful to them. The ONE WORD can represent a goal, a growth mindset, or something new they want to focus on. We will be displaying the words along the hallways at AHE.

AHE CARES!

Guided by our code of conduct, AHE students take comfort in the clear repetition and acknowledgement of our CARES expectations. AHE values the nurturing of individuals who are COOPERATIVE, ACHIEVE their best, RESPECT one another and the environment, have ENTHUSIASM for all that  is offered and maintain a SAFE environment.

The afternoon of September 22 will be spent with our student leaders running stations to share their experience of what CARES looks like, sounds like, and feels like in all areas of the school.

Cross Country Running

Running club will once again be starting up for students in grades 4-7. There will be a meeting at recess on Monday, September 8th for all students who are interested.  Mrs. MacLeod and Ms. Draboczi will be running practices from 2:30 to 3:15 Tuesdays and Thursdays starting on September 16th. See the schedule below for the run events at each school.

September 25 – AHE

October 2 – BVE

October 9 – CPE

October 16 – EDG (at Mt. Revelstoke)

Students are asked to try to arrange their own rides to and from the run events.

Configuration and Staffing

AHE welcomed 216 kids this week into 10 divisions. We have many single grade classrooms as well as some combined classes.

What is a Combined Class?

A combined or multi-grade class—often called a split class—is made up of students from two or more grades learning together with one teacher. These classes are mostly found in elementary schools. Students are taught the full, grade-appropriate curriculum for their level. Children in a combined class are not expected to work beyond their abilities, nor are they held back to a lower grade level.

Why Do Schools Create Combined Classes?

Combined classes are formed for several reasons. Our school team spends a lot of time balancing educational needs with available staffing, enrolment numbers, and contractual class size limits. This planning process ensures that all students are placed in supportive and effective learning environments.

Will the Teacher Teach the Entire Curriculum to Both Grades?

Yes. Teachers in combined classes use integrated teaching and cross-curricular planning, which align with B.C.’s

curriculum. This curriculum focuses on flexible learning, core competencies, and deeper understanding across subject

areas. Instruction is tailored to a range of learners, creating meaningful, connected learning experiences that encourage

collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.

Our Classes!

Kindergarten – Ms. Tedesco

Kindergarten/Gr. 1 – Ms. Butler and Mrs. McCulloch

Grade 1/2 – Mrs. MacLeod

Grade 2 – Mrs. Vickers and Mrs. McCulloch

Grade 3 – Ms. Poirier

Grade 4 – Mrs. Haworth

Grade 5 – Mrs. Gadbois

Grade 6 – Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Larter

Grade 6/7 – Mrs. Gauer and Mr. Cadegan

Grade 6/7 – Ms. Hall

Support Staff

Secretary – Mrs. Pendergast

Learning Support – Mrs. Just, Ms. Draboczi

Library – Ms. Draboczi (Teacher Librarian), Ms., Bloem (Library Clerk)

Physical Education – Mr. Cadegan

Educational Assistants – Ms. Carley, Mrs. McGeragle, Mrs. Cottingham, Ms. O’Gorman, Mr. Becker

School Counsellor – Ms. Lambert

Speech Language Pathologist – Ms. Penner

Indigenous Student Advocate – Ms. Manson

Custodians – Mrs. Kolt, Ms. Federico

Numeracy

Our Numeracy Goal at AHE is to “Build a Thriving Mathematical Community of Learners Who Can; Think, Communicate and Problem Solve. This year, we would like work to increase the understanding of our Numeracy Activities and Curriculum in our school community…….Watch out for Numeracy excerpts in the monthly newsletter as well as ways you can get involved!

Let’s start now! Normally, the Numeracy Problem of the Week is posted in the the front entryway for student participation. As our entryway is still under renovation next week, here it is! Students can still submit their answers to Mrs. Pendergast at the front office. The draw for prizes will be next Friday, September 12th.

AHE Numeracy Problem of the Week (September 8-12)

 

Arrow Heights Elementary has 216 students, 26 staff members, and 1 class pet.

On the first morning:

18 students are absent.
3 staff members are off-site at a training.
The class pet is at school.

Before lunch:

7 of the absent students arrive late.
5 new students register and join the school.

At 2:00 p.m.:

4 students go home early.

Question: How many living beings (students + staff + the class pet) are in the building at 2:00 p.m.?

 

PAC Meeting

Welcome Back, Arrow Heights Families!

We can’t believe summer flew by so quickly — but we’re excited to kick off another fantastic school year with you!

Getting involved with the PAC is a great way to stay connected with your child’s school experience and keep up to date on exciting events like Hot Lunches, the Scholastic Book Fair, and the ever-popular Holiday Craft Fair. These events are made possible by parent volunteers, and we’d love to have you join us! Parents, grandparents, and caregivers are all welcome and encouraged to attend our meetings

We’re also looking for a Social Media Coordinator to help keep our Facebook and Instagram pages updated with all things PAC. If you love social media and want to help us spread the word about school happening, send us an email at pacarrowheights@gmail.com to learn more.

Our first meeting of the year is Monday, September 8th, 2025 at 6:30 PM in the AHE Library.  As always, child care is provided.

Can’t make it to the meetings but still want to help? No problem! Just email pacarrowheights@gmail.com, and we’ll add you to our volunteer list so you can stay in the loop.

Let’s make this school year a great one — together!

School Supplies and Agendas

Many of you have opted to buy into the bulk school supply purchase for students. The cost is $37 for supplies plus $8 for planners (note: Kindergarten students do not use planners).Fees can be paid by cash at the office or online by following the link below.

Hot Lunches

The Revelstoke Community Kitchen and SD 19 have partnered to provide hot lunches to all school students twice per month. The hot lunches at AHE fall on Thursdays (usually the first and third) and are prepared by Austin at the Community Kitchen. Lunches are served by our grade 7 students as a way to earn some funds for their grade 7 year end trip to Sunny Brae. Students are asked to bring their own container and utensil for the hot lunch. We do not yet know what’s on the menu for the full year, but it is always wholesome and delicious! Students are encouraged to try the new foods!

September 18 – Perogies, sausage and cabbage

October 2 – Spaghetti & Meatballs

Individual School Photos

Mountain West Studios will be here on Tuesday, September 16 for Individual Photos.

September 29 Whole School Outing:

On Monday, September 29, we will be bussing all students to Centennial Park (busses leaving at 8:35) for morning activities, including the Terry Fox Run on the Greenbelt and Indigenous Education activities in honour of Orange Shirt Day. It will be very special for our students to walk the paths and spend some time along Swift River, as we recognize people who attended Residential Schools and work towards our school goal of Reconciliation.

***Parent volunteers for the morning will be welcome and appreciated! Please reach out to your classroom teacher is you are able to help.

Upcoming Dates:

September 8 – School Wide Assembly

September 15 – DOT day – Wear dots in recognition of having a Growth Mindset!

September 16 – Individual Photos

September 18 – Hot Lunch – Community Kitchen

September 22 – CARES Stations in the p.m.

September 25 – AHE Cross Country Run

September 26 – Kokanee Fish Festival – Grade 2

September 29 – Terry Fox Run and Orange Shirt Day at Centennial Fields/Greenbelt

September 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – No School

October 2 – Hot Lunch

October 2 – BVE Cross Country Run

October 6 – PAC Meeting 6:30

October 6 – Whole School Assembly 11:15