What's Up at Myrtle Philip? Dec 1-5, 2025

Math Diversity

Words 100% by Brianne Aldcroft

Diversity is our strength. As an English teacher, I always tapped into the diverse strengths and experiences of my students--this is what makes the human experience so rich! This is what social studies is ALL about. Career Education? Of course you need to be able to work with many different people. We know science is all about collaboration and diversity.

But math? There is only one right answer, right? That's what makes math so nice and clean, right? Well, no and no. Math is actually super messy and if you find it frustrating, you aren't alone, but that frustration needs to become your friend.

Take a look at the image below. How do YOU see it expanding? Ask your partner how they see it expanding. Then, ask you kids.

Some people will see the blocks growing from the centre outwards. Some will see blocks coming down from above. Some will see blocks coming from below. There are so many more explanations of HOW these blocks are growing. What does Case 10 look like? Again, many ways to get to this. This is the DIVERSITY of math and patterning. 

Personally, when I was in grades 8 and 9, I thought there were two kinds of people in a math class. Those who "Get It" and those who "Don't". I fell into the "Don't" category. Through perseverance and thousands of dollars in tutoring, I got through math and even taught it at WSS a few times. My parents laughed really hard at that one. Thanks guys.

But what if we were able to create a math class or culture where there are MANY ways of seeing math? What if math was as creative and open as an English or art class? What if we started with the understanding that ALL brains are math brains?

This is exactly what we are doing. 

When we embrace the many, many different ways of seeing a problem, we dispel the myth that there are only two ways of knowing something mathematically and help them develop a positive math identity.

I am so glad you are all along for this exciting adventure at MPE.

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New Stuff

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December 3: Writing Day. Please see the information your classroom teacher sent home.

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December 4: Trinkets and Treasures. We are collecting donations in the office starting on Monday. Please see the information below on what we are accepting as donations and how to prep your child on Thursday.

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December 5: Movie night! Showings are listed below!

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In Case You Missed It

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Calendar Change

Please note two important updates to the 2025–2026 school calendar (now posted on our website):

1. Early Dismissal Change
• January 28 will now be a regular day
• February 4 will be an early dismissal at 11:45 a.m.
2. Early Dismissal Change
• April 28 will now be a regular day
• April 8 will be an early dismissal at 11:45 a.m.

These changes bring MPE’s schedule in line with Spring Creek Elementary to improve busing and childcare coordination on those days.

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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)