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The halls are alive with the sound of students

Portables finally removed from Myrtle Philip

Falling leaves from trees and showery days can mean only one thing to kids.

It’s time to get back to school.

Last week hundreds of local kids packed their backpacks and headed back to the classroom.

At Myrtle Philip every seat was full. The school has even had to take on a new teacher with student numbers settling in at 316.

"It’s been hectic, but it’s been a good start," said principal Ron Albertin, who could been found chatting to students and parents in the hallways and outside as everyone settled into their new routine.

Several parents from the Spring Creek catchment area also elected to move their kids to Myrtle Philip.

The moves, said Spring Creek principal Linda Watson, were not a reflection of dissatisfaction with the new school, but rather a result of the families’ desire to have the kids schooled closer to home.

Those students from out of the catchment area who are now in Myrtle Philip will not need to go through the application process each year, said Albertin.

"We have been told that if they (the students) are in your catchment and in your school and they remain there then you will be staffed accordingly," said Albertin.

High numbers for Myrtle Philip meant some teacher and classroom juggling so kids spent the first couple of days with last year’s educators. But by the beginning of this week just about everything was in place.

Gone, however, were the portables that have for so long graced the back of the school.

"The area they occupied has been rough graded for now," said Albertin adding that discussions are underway about what to do with the space.

It’s unlikely the area will have grass laid, as there is no irrigation in place.

But, said Albertin, the space might work for an outdoor sport such as volleyball.

With school underway the focus is on the school’s core values: honesty, caring, respect and responsibility.

"Everyone needs to remember those," said Albertin adding that parents also need to get kids to school on time.

"We are also looking for parental involvement in the school. Everything from helping out on the playground to all the great things that go on in the class."

Parents who fill volunteer positions through which they might be alone with children must undergo police checks, said Albertin.

He is hoping that parents will get involved in the literacy program at school, which he considers one of the most important goals.

"Literacy is the key for just about everything and that is our main focus," said Albertin.

"This will result in increased results for our students."

"I want this to be a place where students love to come. We are a friendly, caring place where we are trying to have all our students reach their full potential."

Another great way to get involved is through the Parent Advisory Council, which will hold it’s first meeting Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. at the school.

Spring Creek’s first PAC meeting will be held at 7 p.m., Sept. 22 at the school.

The following week, Sept.30, the Spring Creek PAC will sponsor a "welcome back" barbecue and get together for all the parents and school staff from 4 to 7 p.m.

"We are trying to make this a real welcome back for families," said Watson.

"It’s a chance to meet other families, meet the teachers, meet the children that are in your son’s or daughter’s class, have a hot dog, look at the scholastic books on sale, get fitted for logo wear if you want to, just have everything together for one night for the parents."

Parents will also have a chance to have family portraits done and the scholastic book fair will also have French titles available.

Spring Creek will also be focusing on its school goals of improving student literacy, reading, and writing and improving student’s social responsibility skills.

To that end teachers have just taken part in a literacy-training program in Vancouver and an anti-violence program at the school.

Watson said the number one thing for parents to do as the school year gets up and running is to keep in contact with the classroom teacher.

"They are the key contact between the home and school so be very aware and keep in close contact to know what is happening in the classroom, and read all the classroom newsletters," she said.

And she encouraged all parents to read to and with their kids, and show kids that parents read too.

This year the students, 245 to date, are also enjoying the new playgrounds and it’s hoped that the grass sod will be laid on the fields by the end of the month.

Whistler Secondary students, of which there are about 300, are also enjoying new areas with the opening of the science wing.

And the new multi-purpose room and fine arts area will be open by Christmas.

The first PAC meeting for the secondary school will be held Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. at the school.