Hello Nootka Families,
The last half of the 2019-2020 school year has been different and difficult. We’re not doing many of the things we used to do. We’re doing a lot of new things. And, we’re generally and honestly figuring it out as we go.
This relates not only to the new COVID-19 crisis, but also to the new attention drawn to the ongoing crisis of systemic racism across our society. Most of us are experiencing varying levels of anxiety, frustration and sadness due to these issues. We are also experiencing joy, beauty and hope.
I am writing this message to share with you some inspiring moments from these past few months, to inform you of some Nootka PAC updates, and to give thanks for your support of the Nootka community.
THANKS:
- First, I would like to thank Grade 7 parent Karen for organizing grad gifts for all our Grade 7 students. Every year, Nootka PAC typically budgets around $500 for Grade 7 grad. These funds usually go towards an event for Grade 7s and their families. This was obviously not possible this year, but Karen came through and secured gift cards from a local ice cream shop to be distributed to all Grade 7s with their report cards. Thank you Karen and thank you Grade 7s for enduring the end of your time at Nootka in a way that most certainly did not align your expectations.
- Next, I would like to thank our teachers and staff for all the emotional, mental and physical labour they have put into keeping school going. School is not just a place. School is a central component of our families’ lives, and Nootka teachers and staff have done so much to ensure that support is still there for us. Thank you Nootka teachers and staff for your love for our community.
- And, finally, I would like us Nootka families to thank ourselves. Our children need us. They need us as parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, caregivers, neighbours, friends. So, let’s be kind to ourselves. Let’s recognize that this has been and will continue to be a rough journey. And let’s draw inspiration from these recent challenges to continue to support our children and each other in our efforts to make the world a safer place for everyone.
UPDATES:
While we have been away from our regular school functions, Nootka PAC has been operating very minimally as most families have been preoccupied with just keeping things together. However, we do have a few updates:
- Spring Flower Fundraiser: The spring flower fundraiser brought in $500 which was then redistributed as 10 $50 gift cards to Nootka families in need during the COVID-19 crisis.
- Emergency Supply Bin and Stream Painting: The side of the emergency supply bin on the Nootka playground that had been deteriorating has been painted with the Nootka logo and the stream painted on the asphalt that was paved over during playground maintenance will be fixed.
- Tech: Nootka PAC voted to allocate $10,000 from our legacy funds to procure 15 desktop computers to supplement our tech lab. The original plan was to have the computers ready at the beginning of the new school year. However, due to the inability to foresee if the tech lab will be able to operate in the new school year, we are putting this plan on hold. The funds will remain allocated for these purposes, but the request for VSB to procure the computers will not be put forth at this time and the plan will be revisited in the new school year.
INSPIRING MOMENTS:
Aside from the above mentioned items, I have also been inspired by our teachers and staff commitment to social issues education and would like to pass on a few items related to that.
I have selected these because they are accessible for both kids and adults and I recommend watching them together with your family. The content is heavy, but critical.
- Afraid of Coronavirus? OK, but don’t be racist from Al Jazeera
- The Roots of Racism from Indigenous Youth Wellness
- White privilege, systemic racism explained from CBC Kids News
Thank you once again to all the Nootka families, teachers and staff for making school and home a special place for us all. Take care and enjoy your summer!
<3
Amelia Guimarin
Nootka PAC Chair