2023-2024 Welcome Back Letter

August 24, 2023

Dear PMSS Families:

Welcome back to another exciting school year at Pitt!  I hope this letter finds you refreshed, rejuvenated, and filled with anticipation for the wonderful learning experiences that lie ahead.  Whether you are a returning Marauder, a new student, a dedicated staff member, or a valued parent/guardian – I want to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to each and every one of you.

At PMSS, we believe in creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment that nurtures the intellectual, emotional, and social growth of our students.  We are committed to fostering a culture where all individuals are respected, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.  As the Principal of this incredible school, it is my privilege and responsibility to lead with a focus on cultural leadership to develop and sustain a climate that supports student learning.

This year, we will be placing special emphasis on embracing diversity, promoting equity, and cultivating a climate of understanding and acceptance.  Our goal is to create an environment where every student feels safe, valued, and included.  We will celebrate the unique talents, backgrounds, and experiences that each member of our school community brings to the table.  By doing so, we will foster an atmosphere of collaboration, empathy and growth that will enrich the educational journey of every student.

To achieve this, we will be implementing various initiatives, programs, and professional development opportunities throughout the year.  These efforts will help us enhance our cultural competence, promote inclusive practices, and empower student voice and agency.  We will also actively engage with our community partners, parents/guardians, and staff members to forge strong connections and work together to achieve our shared goals.

Parents and students are strongly encouraged to use our school website as a source of information, as well as download the school app, ‘My School Day’ which is available for free.  Moreover, make sure you are connected to the Parent Portal and MyClass – these provide online access to critical information related to each student’s school/fieldtrip/sports fees, attendance, permission forms, school schedule, report cards, etc.  ** Please be sure to review family contact information to ensure that details are correct and up-to-date.  If you ever have a concern, please do not hesitate to contact any of your child’s teachers, the counselors, or administration.

The 2023-2024 student schedules will be available to view through Student MyClass accounts later in the day on Tuesday, August 29^th.  Student MyClass log-in information will only be sent to individual @sd42.ca student email accounts.  If you have not yet signed up for your Student MyClass account, log on to the SD42 website – you will find the sign-up information and brochure under the Student Top Tab.

Students needing MyClass help must email myclass@sd42.ca as PMSS school staff cannot reset MyClass passwords for you.  Parent MyClass accounts will open later in September.

Our Admin and counseling team will continue to balance classes through September to accommodate class size and composition requirements.  The course change request process will be communicated to students during the first week of school.

If you need to contact any of the Administration regarding a student issue, please see your ‘appropriate’ person:

• Mr. Sharpe – Grade 12
• Ms. Girbav – Grades 8 and 10
• Ms. Cooley – Grades 9, 11 and Int’l Students

Counseling: Counsellors will be in the building the week prior to school start-up.  They are available via email to address questions or concerns about counselling support needs.  Discussions about schedules/timetables are to occur the first week of school.

• Ms. Price – Grades 8, 10, 12 (A-Mc only) – alisha_price@sd42.ca
• Mr. Edwards – Grades 9, 11, 12 (Md-Z only) – simon_edwards@sd42.ca

Student Fees & Lockers:  We encourage you to pay your child’s student fees ($35.00) on the Parent Portal as soon as possible.  Moreover, locker distribution will occur on the first day of school and are done by Homeroom during each student’s Block A class.  Students wanting a locker should bring their own combination lock on the first day.

Grade 8 Orientation Day: Thursday, August 31^st at 9:00 a.m. The PMSS Student Leadership Team will be hosting a welcome event for our new Grade 8 students, culminating in a BBQ lunch.  Students are to meet at the front entrance down by the gym (east end of building).  I highly encourage participation as it is a great way to re-connect and see the school.

Tuesday, September 5th:  Students are to enter through the main front doors and proceed directly to their Block A Class (as noted above, schedules are accessible via MyClass).

• Grade 8 Students – arrival time 10:00 a.m.
• Grade 9/10 Students – arrival time 11:00 a.m.
• Grade 11/12 Students – arrival time 12:00 noon

Wednesday, September 6^th:  We will move into our regular schedule, starting with Block D at 8:30 a.m.  As the Pitt Stop will NOT be open for cafeteria service until Thursday, September 7^th – your Leadership Team will be selling Hot Dog/Chips/Drink Combos for $5.00 (cash) in the courtyard for those that are interested.

Thursday, September 7^th:  Starting with Block H at 8:30 a.m.  The Pitt Stop will be open for its’ first day of cafeteria service (cash or ‘existing’ Pitt Lunch Cards that still have money to purchase on them).  Please note that new Pitt Lunch Card sales will start up on the Parent Portal the week of September 11^th so plan accordingly if your child is wanting to purchase lunch.

Our first PAC meeting is on Monday, September 11th at 7:00 p.m. at the school.  PAC meetings provide an important opportunity for parents to learn more about our school, talk with school administration and other parents, and have any questions or concerns addressed.  New and returning members are always appreciated.  More information will be sent via the Parent Portal during the first week.

Once again, welcome to Pitt Meadows Secondary School.  I am genuinely excited to work with each one of you and witness the amazing growth and accomplishments that our school community will achieve together.  Let’s make this year memorable, transformative, and filled with moments of joy and learning.

Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!

Be well & take care,

Colin Sharpe, Principal