Earlier this week, I received two messages from our neighbours who were understandably upset, with their frustration and anger directed at the School. They described aggressive driving and disrespectful parking behaviour from drivers who are most certainly members of our CHS community. The behaviour described in their messages is disappointing and unacceptable. As parents and guardians know, the CHS facilities team and security staff actively supervise both Blenheim and Balaclava Street when student safety requires adults to be present, manage traffic flow, and generally keep an eye on things. These individuals do their best to keep students safe and prevent issues from arising; however, they can’t be everywhere. Even when they are present, they do not always receive the consideration warranted from the parents and guardians of the children they are working hard to keep safe. This lack of respect is equally disappointing and unacceptable. We have been working closely this year with the Kerrisdale Oakridge Marpole Community Policing Department and the associated liaison officer to ensure the safety of our students at pick up and drop off times, and continue to do so. Still, Crofton House School is a busy campus for hours that extend well beyond those of a neighbourhood school. This is wonderful for CHS; however, there are unintended impacts, and our immediate neighbours most often feel these. While we can accommodate vehicles in the parkade, parking on nearby side streets is required when large events are being held during the day. Fortunately, Crofton House is located in a part of the city where street parking is possible, but sometimes, inevitably, some guests may be required to park several blocks away from the School. The recent descriptions from our neighbours and those who supervise student arrival and dismissal prompt me to remind everyone of the need to show respect and consideration for the needs of others. The School depends upon the goodwill of our neighbours, and, as parents and guardians, you have an essential role to play in this. Please:
These measures will go a long way in building a positive rapport, and are essential components of the kind of community captured in the School’s Code of Conduct. Without exception, all members of our community, students, staff and parents are expected to abide by it. CHS adults have a special responsibility to model the sort of behaviours the Code of Conduct promotes so that we can collectively establish a safe, caring and orderly learning environment in which each community member feels safe, accepted and respected. It is important for all of us to remember that the School community includes our neighbours. We are returning to events on campus, and, in the past few weeks, there have been many wonderful opportunities to welcome parents and guardians back to campus. As we begin to require more street space for special events on campus, we encourage you to choose to park a few extra blocks from the School, drive with care, and make way for others. Both our neighbours and the School appreciate your efforts to contribute to our positive community.
We Need Your Help! - Support the Backpack Drive Today The CHS Parents’ Auxiliary annual backpack drive is back, and we still have 120 backpacks that need sponsoring! Let’s work together to reach our goal of donating 300 filled backpacks, to ensure students across Vancouver have the supplies they need for September. Simply complete the online form and your student account will be charged $60 per backpack. Parents and students are also invited on-campus for a backpack filling event in Manrell Hall. Sign up to join the fun! Volunteers don’t need to sponsor a backpack to participate—everyone is welcome! Volunteer to be a Class Parent for Next Year If you enjoy organizing events and activities, and like to work on a team, being a Class Parent is for you! This volunteer opportunity is a great way to get involved at the School and make new friends, all while putting your own stamp on events just for your grade. To volunteer, please complete the registration form by Friday, May 13. In grades where there are more volunteers than spots, guidelines will be used to assist with selection. Sign up today! Uniform Shop Appointments - Grade 4 and Grade 7 Parents of Grade 4 and Grade 7 students can book an appointment with the Uniform Shop by emailing uniform@croftonhouse.ca. While the Uniform Shop is open to all families by appointment, you can also purchase items through the online order form, with quick and easy pick-up from the receiving area. A Good Neighbour 
As we return to gatherings on campus, please be reminded of the importance of being a good neighbour to those living around CHS! When parking for short or long term visits to campus, please be aware and respectful of all street signage, and avoid blocking our neighbours' driveways. It is important that we are all considerate of the impact that School events can have on those who live on the surrounding streets and avenues. “School Street” Pilot Program at Kerrisdale Annex, May 9 to June 3
The City of Vancouver, in partnership with the Vancouver School Board, will be piloting a School Street program adjacent to Kerrisdale Annex (the West 43rd Avenue cul-de-sac off Blenheim Street). During School Street times, no motor vehicles will be permitted to enter or exit the block, but parked vehicles may remain. The School Street will be monitored by parent volunteers who will place barriers at either end of the street to ensure student safety. If you have questions about the program please reach out to the City of Vancouver at: SchoolActiveTravel@vancouver.ca and/or visit: vancouver.ca/SchoolStreets. |
Courage, Creativity, Citizenship
|
|
Crofton House School • 604 263 3255
Communications Department • communications@croftonhouse.ca
IT Department • support@croftonhouse.ca