Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Letter to Parents from Principal Mark Pearmain

Dear Parents / Guardians,

We are just over one week from the beginning of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games and we can feel a buzz beginning to build in the school. I am hearing stories of staff and students who have been able to secure tickets to events and the excitement that it is finally here! During the Olympics we will have some large scale viewing available for students / staff for important events as well as some classes going on field trips to the cultural Olympiad. We are excited for the possibilities for our city, province and our students.

I wanted to give you the heads up as to how the school is planning for the Olympics and how we plan to manage the school around the games. This plan really came to fruition after hearing Michelle Aubin (UBC Olympic Secretariat Office) at our most recent PAC meeting for the 2’nd time and the traffic / congestion concerns that we will be dealing with.

During the Olympic Games:

  • School will be open as usual beginning at 6:30 am
  • All after school events / clubs / teams are postponed during the Olympics
  • Due to the increased traffic congestions predicted between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm staff is encouraged to leave the building no later than 4:15 pm.
  • The School building will shut down by 4:00 pm and all students will be expected to leave the building by that time
  • The office and switchboard will be closed at 4:00 pm
  • Parents are encouraged to have their children WALK TO SCHOOL and avoid dropping off their kids

The Olympics will affect the building for 10 school days – 9 enrolling days as we have a pro-d day on Feb 15. Looking at our calendar of events we do not currently have any major school events planned for the evenings (theatre, music, athletics, etc). Please note that we are trying to be a flexible as possible during this time. If your child misses a class or day of school please ensure that you send a note explaining the absence to the school when they return.

In case of an emergency – safety will override any leave times.

As UHill is a small school I am amazed at our students’ and the opportunities that they have to participate in world wide events. Not only do we have an actual Olympian in our student body (Savannah King – Beijing 2008) and two possible Olympians for London 2012 (Savannah King (swimming) and Heather MacLean (swimming)) we also have a 2010 Olympic Torch Bearer! Congratulations to Andy An (gr 8) who will be carrying the Olympic Torch on February 11, 2010 at 6:25pm out on the UBC campus (Westbrook Mall)! If you would like to see UHill be a part of the 2010 Olympics go cheer Andy on!

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me at mpearmain@vsb.bc.ca or Mr. Wilson (Vice Principal) at awilson@vsb.bc.ca

Regards, Mark.

-----------------------
Mark Pearmain
Principal
University
Hill Secondary School
604-713-8258 (ph)
604-713-8257 (fx)

No comments: