September 5th Newsletter

Hello Peter Ewart Families,

We are thrilled to welcome our students back to school! The energy in the building has been incredible, and it’s been heartwarming to see so many new connections and friendships forming. As the year unfolds, we look forward to many opportunities to build community, strengthen relationships, and celebrate learning together.

A special shout-out to our amazing Grade 8 WEB mentors who warmly welcomed our new Grade 6 students on their first day of middle school. Their leadership and kindness helped create a strong sense of belonging and made the transition smooth and memorable for our newest Ravens.

Next week, we’re excited to have our first full week of school! Students will take part in fun activities and learn about the many clubs, teams, and leadership opportunities available at Peter Ewart. We’re also starting the District Middle School Read Aloud, a fantastic initiative to enrich our literacy program and foster a love of reading across all grades.

Our athletic programs are gearing up for an exciting season! Miss Hundal, our dedicated Athletic Director, has been working hard to prepare for Cross Country Running and Volleyball. We can’t wait to cheer on our student-athletes! Please see the attached Athletics newsletter.Athletics Newsletter.pdf

Thank you to our PAC, staff, and families for your continued support. We’re excited for a fantastic year ahead at Peter Ewart Middle School!

Warm regards,
Stephanie Labby
Principal

Here are a few reminders from the school……

BAND AND CHOIR

PEMS Music Info 2025/26 – Concert Band, Choir, Jazz Band 

Music courses are again being offered at PEMS. There will be 3 Concert Bands (3 levels; each class 2 times per wk), Choir (all grades, once per wk), and Jazz Band (gr 8’s; once per week). 

• All classes are approximately 1 hour. Lunchtime classes start just before lunch. Students leave their classes at 10:55 to walk to band which starts at 11:00. They are given time to eat their lunch after band. 
• There will be 2 concerts at the school (December & June). Band 8 may even have a small overnight trip to the Whistler Music Festival. 
• As concert band is a course, all students will receive a grade on their report card (MyEd). 
• Attendance is mandatory at all classes. Students are expected to commit to the full year. 
• If your son/daughter previously played in band and is not happy with their choice of instrument, 

Sr. Concert Band 8 

This class/band is for students in gr 7 or 8 who can already play their instrument and have at least 2 years of experience on their band instrument. Our rehearsal times this year will be Mon lunch (11:00) & Wed 2:45-3:45. Teacher: Mr. Mills 

There will be a quick meeting in the music room on Monday, September 8th at 11:20 AM (Lunch) where students can sign up for this year. 

Regular rehearsals will begin on Monday, September 15th at 11:00 AM (Lunch) in the PEMS music room. 

Intermediate Band 7 

This class/band is for students in gr 6-8 who can already play their instrument and have at least 1 year experience on their band instrument. Our rehearsal times this year will be Wed & Fri 7:30-8:20am. Teacher: Ms. Joo. 

There will be a quick meeting in the music room on Tuesday, September 9th during lunch recess (after eating period) where students can sign up for this year. 

The first rehearsal date will be communicated soon by Ms. Joo via email. 

Beginning Band 6 

This class/band is for students in gr 6-8 who are just starting on their band instrument. Our rehearsal times this year will be Mon & Thur 7:30-8:20am. Teacher: Ms. Joo 

The sign-up form will be distributed to Grade 6 students by homeroom teachers on Friday, September 5th. Additional details, along with an electronic copy of the form, will also be emailed to Grade 6 families shortly. If you are a Grade 7 or 8 student wanting to join Beginning Band to learn a new instrument, please contact Ms. Joo directly at ejoo@sd35.bc.ca. 

Information about the first rehearsal date will be shared soon via email by Ms. Joo. 

Choir 

The PEMS Choir is set to begin under the leadership of Ms. Williams. The choir is open to all grades. No previous experience is necessary. Rehearsal times will be: Tuesday 7:30 - 8:15 in the R.E. Mountain choir room (Rm 2018). 

Students are encouraged to bring a friend! Choir will perform at the two PEMS concerts. Choir will begin Tues, September 16th at 7:30 AM in the RE Mountain choir room. 

Jazz Band 8 (Jazz Lab) 

The PEMS Jazz Lab is set to begin under the leadership of Mr. Mills. No previous jazz experience is necessary. Students must be enrolled in Band 8. Rehearsal times will be: Thursday lunch (11:15).

Jazz Band will begin Friday, September 18th at lunch in the PEMS music room. 

BELL SCHEDULE

Bell Schedule

8:20                             Warning Bell

8:25 – 9:45                  Block 1

9:45 – 10:00                Recess            

10:00 – 11:20              Block 2

11:20 – 11:53              Lunch (15 mins eating/18 mins outside)

11:53 – 1:13                Block 3

1:13 – 1:18                  Transition

1:18 – 2:38                  Block 4

STUDENT ABSENCES/LATES AND EARLY DISMISSAL

For any student absences, lates or early dismissals please email pemattendance@sd35.bc.ca or call the PEMS attendance line at 778-726-4815 (press 1). 

For student absences and lates please provide the following information in your message or email. This helps us in the office to mark your child attendance record accordingly so we can account for their absence.

Student Name:

Division:

Date(s) of Absence:

Reason:

 **If your child is leaving early without a parent/guardian signing them out at the office, please call/email the office to let us know that they have permission to leave on their own.

We cannot sign students out without written or verbal permission from you.

We encourage students to be down at the office on their own if they know they are leaving early. Emailing or letting the teacher know as well is always helpful! 

STUDENT ITEM DROP OFF

If you are dropping items off for your child, we have a table just beside the office window. Please label your child’s item with their name and they will get called down at the next natural break! 

PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY

Our policy is that students must put away all personal technology (Phones, iPads, headphones...etc.) in backpacks upon school entry and locked in lockers all school day. Technology is not to be used until the bell at the end of the day. Electronic devices will not be used during recess and lunch and will not be allowed outside during these times. Please visit http://www.sd35.bc.cafor the most updated district cellphone policy.

***We kindly ask parents to support our Personal Technology Policy by contacting the school directly if you would like to contact your child during the school day***

WEBSITE

 We are working hard to keep the PEMS website up to date with important information, staff contacts, athletics and other updates. 

https://pems.sd35.bc.ca/

 INSTAGRAM

Follow Peter Ewart Middle on Instagram for updates, posts, and reminders.

 VOLUNTEER DRIVING?

Driving paperwork needs to be completed every school year. If your insurance or driver’s license expires that needs to be updated as well!

• First 2 pages of insurance papers with 2 million liability
• Copy of driver’s license 
• ICBC Drivers Abstract (NOT Factor Report) https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/getting-licensed/Your-driving-record
• SD35 Volunteer Drivers form Volunteer-Driver-Elementary-Middle-FINAL-Oct2022.pdf

VISITORS TO THE BUILDING

Any visitors to the building should phone ahead and make an appointment through the office to enter the building.  Visitors enter the building through the main entrance.   Visitors must sign in before entering the office. A drop off table is located outside the office for items dropped off by parents/guardians.

ELECTRIC KICK SCOOTERS/E BIKES

Considering sending your child to school with an electric kick scooter or E bike?

 As more students use electric kick scooters to come to school, the District would like to inform schools on some basic safety:

1. In BC, you must be at least 16 years of age and be wearing a helmet to operate an Electric kick scooter, within certain parameters, as per below and in the link.
2. Operators cannot ride an electric kick scooter on sidewalks or in crosswalks, except if a sign or traffic control device allows. 
3. Please refer to the link below for a full list of safety rules for operators. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/cycling/electric-kick-scooter-rules 
4. All modes of personal transportation must not be stored inside the school.

UPCOMING DATES 

• September 19 – Photo Day
• September 25 – Meet the Teacher 6pm 
• September 26 –  Assembly for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
• September 29 – School Improvement Day (Students do not attend)
• September 30 – National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (Stat Holiday. School Closed)
• October 5 –  World Teacher Day
• October 13 – Thanksgiving Monday (Stat Holiday. School Closed)
• October 14 – Photo Retakes
• October 22 – Parent/Teacher Interviews (1 Hour Early Dismissal) 
• October 23 – Parent/Teacher Interviews (1 Hour Early Dismissal) 
• October 24 – Professional Development Day (Students do not attend.)

Below are a few updates and important information from the School District…….

PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT

The Langley School District is committed to fostering safe and caring schools that promote mutual respect, cooperation, social responsibility, and support optimal learning. Trauma Informed Practices and Procedures promote the creation and maintenance of safe, inclusive, equitable, welcoming, and nurturing school environments.

Families play an important role in helping students achieve success as well as helping create a compassionate learning community. Just as students are expected to follow the District’s Student Code of Conduct, there is an expectation for parents/guardians to uphold the District’s Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct. The District’s Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct can be viewed on the District’s website here.

PARENT CONSENT REQUEST

Each year, Langley Schools asks families to complete a set of parent consent forms for their child. These consent forms are required by our schools to ensure the health, safety, and security of all students. Langley Schools uses a secure web form to collect this information. Beginning mid-September, please watch for an email request (subject Parent Consent Request) that contains one link for you to submit consents for all children in your family attending any Langley School. If your email address or contact information has changed, please call your school to correct it in our files. If you have not received an email regarding Parent Consent Request by the end of the month or have any questions/concerns, please contact your school administrator. 

Have a wonderful weekend.  We look forward to a great year ahead,

Stephanie Labby, Sabrina Sidhu and Ryan Roman (Your Peter Ewart Admin Team)