What's Up at Myrtle Philip? July and August 2026

That's a Wrap!

Brianne Aldcroft

That was an incredible year. We had a lot of shifts in staffing but our kids did a great job thanks to the adults who stepped in to help. Thank you also to parents for helping your child foster empathy for their teachers, both the ones who had to step away and the ones who stepped in. 

We are so proud of every single child. Gains were made in reading, writing, and numeracy as we obviously expect. I was witness to kids learning how to take the perspective of other people. I saw kids with a short fuse breeeathe through perceived injustice. I saw kids who can be tentative have so much courage and take really big risks academically and socially. I saw friendships repair and restore. Witnessing this growth absolutely fills my heart.

Last year, we got 1657 PAWS tickets and this year, we got a whopping 3,099! The fire truck came and hosed every one down. A few grade 7s got revenge on the principal by dragging me into the spray. Then it was just game on and so much fun. Thank you so much to the Whistler Fire Department for coming and being part of end of year celebrations.

 The office will re-open on August 31, 2026 with Courtney (Coco) Brown in the hot seat. We will send communication out to you that week, but school starts up on September 8 from 8:30 to 9:30. Children will go back to their old classroom. If their teacher is on a leave or not returning, there will be another teacher in their place for that day. New kids will report to the office and we will sort them out with a temporary class.

Have an amazing summer!

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New Stuff

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Public Engagement On the Future of Child Care in BC

Since the launch of ChildCareBC in 2018, families have seen substantially lower fees, more spaces, and a bigger workforce in the sector with the newest social program in B.C. in a generation. The Province is continuing to build on this progress and is seeking input to guide the future of child care in B.C. 

The provincial government has launched a survey to hear directly from families, early childhood educators and child care operators about their experiences. 

This survey is voluntary and is separate from the ongoing mandatory Provider Profile Survey. I encourage you to share the survey with your parent communities. 

The survey can be found at gov.bc.ca/childcaresurvey and is available from May 28-July 9, 2026. A poster is available for you to share with your schools and child care providers. 

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In Case You Missed It

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Host Families Needed!

See the advert below from the SD 48 International Program. They are looking for host families for next year. I HIGHLY recommend you do this if you have the space in your home and life. You may not be able to go to Spain for a year, but you CAN invite Spain to your home for a year. By and large, the experience is a positive one.

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Personal Technology

Personal technology can interrupt learning because notifications, messages, and games pull attention away from class. Keeping devices put away helps everyone stay focused, protects people’s privacy, and makes sure learning isn’t disrupted.

Students may not use personal electronic devices including cell phones, smart watches, e-readers, and wireless earbuds during the school day unless a teacher gives clear permission for learning.

Devices, including watches, must stay turned off and kept in back packs. If a device is used without permission, it will be taken to the office. After the first offence, the student can pick it up at the office. After the second, a parent or guardian must pick it up.

--> Teachers may not be able to tell the difference between a normal watch and a smart watch. They may ask that all watches be kept in back packs. Admin supports this. Teachers don't have time to check every watch and what it can and and can't do.

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School Food Programs

Our School Food Program ensures students have access to nourishing food at school through the lunches and snacks in the community fridges and breakfast program. Whistler Community Services Society in partnership with SD48 provides food to ensure that every child has access to nutritious, delicious and local food to be able to learn at school. Government funding helps but we rely on family and community contributions to bridge the gap and keep programs sustainable.

Every bit helps - Donate to the program here.

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Breakfast Club!—All Welcome!

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday

8:05 am to 8:20 am

Cereal and toast

Remember your manners, tidy up after yourself, back outside when you are done so more students can come in for a bite to eat.

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Bussing

Students must be registered to use SD48 busing and meet certain criteria.

If you have the same address as last school year and are already registered, you are good to go!

If you are new to the district or have moved homes, please go to the SD48 website for further info and for instructions on how to register: School Bus Transportation

Information about Bus Routes is also on their website.

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Attendance

Please let the office know as soon as possible if your child will be away during the first week of school. Email [email protected] with your child’s first and last name, the reason for their absence, and their start date.

We ask that both new and returning families take a moment to familiarize themselves with our Attendance Procedures and expectations

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Volunteers

Criminal Records Checks - If you wish to volunteer at Myrtle Philip Community School or partake in any class field trips in the upcoming school years, we require that a Criminal Record Check (CRC) be on file here at the office. Click here for more info.

Volunteer Driver Application – This must be completed annually in addition to the CRC if you plan to volunteer as a driver this year: Volunteers – Families – Myrtle Philip Community School (sd48myrtlephilip.org)