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Order Fun Lunch now, and a whole bunch of February Updates

Let the games begin: the final Fun Lunch Order Window of this year is officially open. After March 6, ordering will be closed for the remainder of the year, so please Do It Now!

While you’re there, look for the new offerings from Booster Juice – Chicken Cesar Wrap, Turkey & Cheese Wrap, and Veggie Cup with Dip.

Call for assistance – parent volunteers required for two important issues:

  1. Emergency Preparedness Audit. One-time help. 2-3 volunteers are needed to help audit classroom emergency preparedness kits and the supplies in the outdoor bin (the big white container next to Quinn’s Court). Date/Time: Friday February 27, 9:00 a.m. to noon. BONUS we’ll feed you Fun Lunch pizza .
  2. School Travel Planning Committee. Participation in a few day-time input meetings over the next couple of months. Committee members must bring their child to and/or from school on a regular basis, via any method of transportation. See below for additional details on the project.

To participate in either of these opportunities, please email us at exec@ridgewaypac.org with either “Emergency Preparedness Audit” or “Travel Planning” in the subject. Include your name, phone number, and best email to reach you at. Thanks in advance to anyone who is able to help!

February’s regular PAC Meeting was full of interesting info.

We heard from guest speaker Carol Sartor of HASTe BC, regarding school travel planning. HASTe BC has been retained by the City of North Vancouver to work with specific schools (including ours) on travel planning, i.e.; how students get to and from school. The work will include an assessment of barriers (e.g.; lack of sidewalks, lack of bike racks, traffic congestion or hazards, or other barriers); input from a parent committee; and improvements which will include a Best Routes Map, and which could also include changes to traffic planning (e.g.; sidewalks, traffic calming, etc…), facilitation (e.g.; signage, bylaw enforcement, etc…), and modifications to address other specific barriers or issues.

Watch for a survey coming out after March Break to have your first crack at input. But if you are already brimming with interest, please consider joining the Parent School Travel Planning Committee (see above). Ideally we will have some representation from all directions surrounding the school, and also a good variety of drivers, walkers, bikers, etc…

The Ridgeway Spring Fair is not far off, and work is already underway to make sure it’s a fun event for everyone. Coming to the Fair on Saturday May 9 with your family and friends is an excellent way to have fun, build our school spirit, AND help support our school programs – so please mark the date in your calendars!

If you are interested in other ways you or your business can support the school and the Spring Fair, please consider donating an item or service to the Silent Auction, making a tax-receiptable cash donation towards a Raffle prize, or renting a vendor table for just $20. There are lots of opportunities to support the school and also highlight your business or brand in a positive community environment. For more information on opportunities, please email exec@ridgewaypac.org.

Reminder of the DDA Clothing Drive scheduled for Friday March 27, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. The DDA takes clothes of course, but they will also happily receive your old purses, curtains, sewing fabric, tablecloths, shoes, and stuffed animals. PLUS our school earns funds based on the number of full bags we collect. Donation bags will be sent home with all students in the first week of March. If you have more than one bag’s worth to donate, please use large garbage bags. If you are not using your bag, please pass it to a friend to use, or return it to school.

Reminder that the school library’s Scholastic Book Fair has been rescheduled to Monday April 27 – Thursday April 30. The PAC Family Fun Night in support of the Book Fair is now confirmed for Wednesday April 29. Parent volunteers will be needed to help Mrs. Tatham run the Book Fair, as well as to help with Family Fun Night. If you are interested in helping with either of these events, please email exec@ridgewaypac.org.

Here’s another reason to check out the regular PAC meetings, if you can: (Sometimes) be the first to hear big news.

At the February meeting, we heard confirmation from Principal Dean Yeo that our school is scheduled to receive two portables. Current plans are to have the portables installed next year, and ready for use in the 2016/17 school year. No doubt the district and/or school will be communicating further details in the future, but for now please direct any questions to Principal Yeo or Vice-principal Debora Benedict.

Our neighbours at Sutherland Secondary School are hosting their annual Starry Nights Gala on Saturday April 25. Catered by North Shore Culinary School; DJ Christian spinning your favourite hits from the ’80s; and an impressive Silent Auction. Proceeds to support student education at Sutherland. Past reports indicate that this is a very fun evening! For more information and to buy tickets, visit sutherlandnetwork.org

 

 

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PAC Public Update (Meeting); Book Fair rescheduled; Fun Lunch order window & more

Reminder of the PAC Public Update (aka PAC Meeting), this Monday February 16 at 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in the school library. Come to hear guest speaker Carol Suddor from Hub for Active School Travel BC (HASTe BC) regarding the on-going school zone traffic review in our area; and get updates on the Spring Fair plans, PAC Treasurer’s report, School Admin report, and more.

Put some names to faces of other Ridgeway parents. No volunteer commitments required! Child care is provided during the meeting for no charge. Draft minutes of the previous meeting, and proposed agenda for this meeting, are posted here.

The school’s Scholastic Book Fair has been rescheduled to April 27-30 (Monday – Thursday). Thanks to Ms. Tatham for working the magic to make this event happen. The PAC Family Fun Night in support of the Book Fair will be scheduled on one of the evenings – date to be confirmed shortly.

PAC Recess Snack Sale coming up on Wednesday March 4, at recess. Frozen yoghurt for $2.

Mark your calendars – next Fun Lunch order window will be open Friday February 20 to Friday March 6. This is the last order window for this school year. After March 6, no more Fun Lunch orders will be accepted. Thanks everyone for your participation, and for your support in moving to the Munchalunch system this year!

The first Ridgeway Coffee Morning, presented by North Shore Neighbourhood House in partnership with Ridgeway PAC, was a great success. Thanks to everyone who was able to make it out.

Reminder that the Gym Sense program is underway for all divisions during their regular Phys Ed classes, so make sure your students wear suitable clothes on Gym days!

Start cleaning out your closets for Ridgeway’s next Developmental Disabilities Association Clothing Drive, scheduled for Friday March 27.  This is THE clean-out event you’ve been waiting for. The DDA takes clothes of course, but they will also happily receive your old purses, curtains, sewing fabric, tablecloths, shoes, and stuffed animals. PLUS our school earns funds based on the number of full bags we collect. Tell your friends and neighbours! Drop off on 8th Street (south side of school) between 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. on March 27.

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Book Fair and Family Fun Night to be rescheduled; a night out for parents and lots of free events; Fun Lunch order window coming up!

We promised to remind you again, so here it is: PAC recess snack sale, tomorrow Wednesday Feb 4. Cinnamon raisin bagels, $1 each. (Next snack sale is Wednesday March 4, frozen yoghurt for $2.)

To confirm: the school library’s Scholastic Book Fair and PAC Family Fun Night, previously scheduled for February 4, are cancelled and are being rescheduled. Updated details ASAV (as soon as available!).

On Monday February 9, celebrate Family Day (no school!) with an Old Fashioned Family Picnic at John Braithwaite Community Centre. The event is free but please register. More details here: Family Day Event Poster JBCC

On Tuesday February 10 from 8:45 – 9:15 a.m., enjoy a free Parent/Care-giver Coffee Morning at Ridgeway School, in the Multi-purpose room (downstairs). Presented by North Shore Neighbourhood House (NSNH) and co-hosted by Ridgeway PAC. Join representatives from NSNH, John Braithwaite Community Centre, and North Vancouver City Library.

Sponsored by the Grade 7’s and parent volunteers, the second Ridgeway Babysitting/Movie Night is on Friday, February 13 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.  The cost will be $15.00 per child and $10.00 for additional siblings.  This event is open to Ridgeway students only. Please bring your completed Movie Night Parent Form and money (cash only) on the night of the event. To reserve a spot, please email Kim Ohashi (md-ko@telus.net) by Friday, February 6.

In case it got lost in your inbox, draft calendars for the 2015/16 and 2016/17 school years were recently published by the North Vancouver School District. Comments can be provided back to the District, up to and including February 28. For all the details go to http://www.sd44.ca/District/DistrictCalendar/SCSG/Pages/default.aspx

Spring sports opportunities abound! Check out our Parent Resources page for details on North Van Central Little League  and North Shore Inline Hockey League.

Next regular PAC meeting is Monday February 16, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in the school library. Child care is available at no cost. Get the update from reps for teachers, school admin, and PAC. Questions are welcome, and contrary to urban myth, you ARE permitted to leave without volunteering for a single thing!

Help us keep the FUN in Fun Lunches – mark your calendar now! The next Fun Lunch order window will be open from February 20 – March 6, for the Spring Fun Lunch term. In order to preserve the sanity of all volunteers involved late orders can not be accepted, so put a reminder in your calendar today!

 

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Movie/babysitting night Feb 13; Rescheduled Book Fair; FSA info kit; and more

January is a busy month! Here’s what we know so far:

Due to the popular response from the first Ridgeway Babysitting/Movie Night fundraiser for the Grade 7 students, the Grade 7 Class and their parents are offering a second movie night on Friday, February 13 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.   The cost will be $15.00 per child and $10.00 for additional siblings.  This event is open to Ridgeway students only. Please bring your completed Movie Night Parent Form and money (cash only) on the night of the event. To reserve a spot, please email Kim Ohashi (md-ko@telus.net) by Friday, February 6.

Reminder that this Monday January 26, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. is the “Sex talk. No sweat.” workshop for parents, taking place at the school. Presented by Dr. Brandy Wiebe of Saleema Moon Sexual Health Educators, this workshop exclusively for Ridgeway Elementary parents will complement the student sessions taking place at school later in the week (see notice from school about student sessions here). Your RSVP is not required, but would be appreciated if you are planning to come – please email us at exec@ridgewaypac.org with your name and number of parent attendees. More info on the parent workshop here.

Please note that Ridgeway Library’s Scholastic Book Fair, and the corresponding PAC Family Fun Night (originally scheduled for February 4) have been postponed. We will update on a new date as soon as possible!

The North Van PAC General Meeting on Wednesday January 28 will feature speakers on traffic safety and active routes to school. The Ridgeway PAC is represented at these meetings, but all parents are welcome to attend. More info here.

Un-Wrapping Bubble Wrapped Kids: The Importance of Risky Play. Free speaker event, Wednesday January 28, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. at Lynn Valley Elementary. More info: Un-Wrapping Bubble Wrapped Kids

BCCPAC has created a kit for parents, offering information relating to the upcoming Foundation Skills Assessment for children in grades 4 and 7. A copy of the kit is here: FSA Information Kit for Parents

Next PAC recess snack sale is on Wednesday February 4, at recess (duh). Cinnamon raisin bagels for $1. Don’t worry, we’ll remind you again…

On Tuesday February 10, North Shore Neighbourhood House (NSNH) presents a free Parent/Care-giver Coffee Morning at Ridgeway School, 8:45 – 9:15 a.m., in the Multi-purpose room (downstairs). Join representatives from NSNH and North Vancouver City Library.

Note that the Jesse Miller Social Media Awareness Presentation which had been listed on the Parent Resources section of our site, scheduled for January 28 at Centennial Theatre, is now full

The North Shore Inline Hockey League (NSIHL) is a co-ed inline hockey league for kids and young adults aged 6-18. The league is focused on fair play and affordability. No experience on inline skates is needed to start! Currently offering free registration for players aged 6-10. For more information or to register go to www.nsihl.com.

Remind your friends how awesome these updates are! They can get them too – just go to ridgewaypac.org and click the Follow button at the bottom of the page.

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Parent Workshop “sex talk, no sweat”; and other useful stuff

Happy New Year all. Hope you had a healthy and restful break from school. Now we can celebrate the return to routine!

Lots of fun things to look forward to – here are a few of them.

Next PAC regular meeting is Monday January 19, 7:00 p.m. in the school library. All are welcome. Updates on current status of PAC events, PAC budget, and new ideas. Report from teacher representatives, and school admin.  Childcare is available during the meeting – and free!

Monday January 26, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., at school, is the “Sex talk. No sweat.” workshop for parents. Presented by Dr. Brandy Wiebe of Saleema Moon Sexual Health Educators and funded by Ridgeway PAC, this workshop exclusively for Ridgeway Elementary parents will complement the student sessions taking place at school later in the week (see notice from school).

“Not all parents are comfortable talking to their children about sex, but all parents can learn to be comfortable. During this open and informational session, parents will come to terms with sexual health, and understand how it fits into the lives of their children at this stage of life. Attendees will discover how to easily overcome embarrassment when talking about sexual health, learn words and concepts that are easy to use, and leave well equipped to clearly answer the questions children ask. The workshop is light hearted, but delivers straight and current facts on how parents and children can work together to promote good sexual decisions for a lifetime.”

Your RSVP is not required, but would be appreciated if you are planning to come – please email us at exec@ridgewaypac.org with your name and number of parent attendees.

A new term of PAC Fun Lunches has begun! The MunchaLunch system sends a handy reminder email of what you ordered, a couple of days before each lunch date. Please use these reminders to let your children know what they are receiving for lunch. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A MUNCHALUNCH REMINDER, THEN NO ORDER IS ON FILE FOR YOUR CHILD. Please ensure that your children are aware if they are not receiving a Fun Lunch this term. Ordering for the next term of Fun Lunches will open in March. You can contact us at funlunch@ridgewaypac.org with any questions about the program.

The school library’s Scholastic Book Fair and corresponding PAC Family Fun Night (February 4) are coming up in the first week February. Stay tuned for more details!

Calling all planners – volunteers needed for this year’s Spring Fair planning. If you are interested in helping, please email us at exec@ridgewaypac.org, or check out the additional information and submit a form on the 2014/15 PAC Committees page.

Thank you to all those who participated in the Ridgeway PAC 2014 Survey. A summary of results will be posted on our site soon.

Remember to check the site at ridgewaypac.org regularly, as we are always adding new info to the Parent Resources page. If you know of a great Parent Resource that you think we should share, please forward it to exec@ridgewaypac.org.

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Last day to sign up for Fun Lunch

Today is the deadline to sign up for PAC Fun Lunches for January to March. Click here to go to the PAC Fun Lunch page.

Also, new info posted on the Parent Resources page, including:

Yoga for Parents of Ridgeway, Westview, and Queen Mary. Wednesdays 7:15 – 8:30 p.m. starting in January. Must register to attend – no drop ins. More info on the Parent Resources page or directly at January Yoga PDF

Christmas Lights for Charity in North Vancouver. Daily 5 -11 p.m., with donations of food or cash going to the Harvest Project. Tens of thousands of lights, blow-ups, and a massive hanging star. Address is 4967 Chalet Place, at the top of Skyline Drive in North Vancouver. More details and map coming soon on the Parent Resources page!

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Family Skate, Purdy’s, Poinsettias, next Fun Lunches, and new PAC info

CORRECTION: poinsettia pick up is TODAY, December 1! Apologies for the error.

Another November, another torrential rainfall. And SNOW??? Well, if you need something exciting to do while you’re inside, TAKE THE RIDGEWAY PAC SURVEY!

If you haven’t done the survey yet, please do it now. Currently about 14% of Ridgeway parents have completed the survey, but we know a lot more than that contribute to PAC funding through Fun Lunches, Photo Nights, Spring Fair tickets, etc…

If you have ever put money towards any PAC-sponsored events (or even if you haven’t), this is your opportunity to have a say in how PAC funding is directed within the school. You can find the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GPGL9FC, or via the link on the home page of ridgewaypac.org, until the end of this term.

Check our site in January for a summary of survey results!

PAC Events coming your way:

Recess snack sale on Wednesday December 3 – yummy frozen yoghurt for $2.00. (Kids don’t care about the weather when it comes to frozen yoghurt!)

Family Skate with Mrs. Claus on Monday December 8, at Harry Jerome Arena. This fun event is hosted by PAC, so admission is free to all Ridgeway students and their families. Children must be supervised by an accompanying adult. Note that helmets are mandatory for children 12 and under. Skate ($2.85) and helmet ($0.90) rental tickets can be purchased in advance at the Harry Jerome Rec Centre front desk. Primary skate from 5:30 – 6:15, Intermediate skate from 6:35 – 7:30 (ice clean 6:15 – 6:30). Bring a donation of canned goods for the Harvest Project if you can.

Purdy’s Chocolate pick-up, for those who ordered, will be available at school on Monday, December 8 from 8:30 – 9:00 a.m., or 2:45 – 3:15 p.m. For alternate arrangements contact Tanis at thuckell@gmail.com.

The PAC Winter Social will be held on Monday December 15, in lieu of a regular PAC meeting. You are welcome to come and meet the newly-elected PAC executive, as well as regular PAC members, and a few teachers and administrators in a casual social environment. Pot-luck style – bring your favourite appetizer or dessert if you wish. Hosted at Christine Grundy’s home, 424 WEST 15th Street, North Vancouver, starting at 7:00 p.m.

The order period for the next term of PAC Fun Lunches will be open from Monday December 1 to Wednesday December 17. During this time, you can order your Fun Lunches for the January – March term. Please note that all orders for the January – March term must be placed and paid for by Wednesday December 17, and that once placed, all orders are final. We will be unable to accept any late orders for this upcoming term. Click here for more info and details on how to order.

Note that if you ordered poinsettias through the Grade 7 Fundraiser, they will be ready for pick-up on Monday December 1, downstairs in Heritage Hall, from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Side doors (near the gym) will be open for entry during this time. The weather is expected to be cold and wet that day, so if possible please pick up your poinsettias in a vehicle rather than walking (just this once!).

If you haven’t been to our site in a while, check out some of the new content:

We now have a Parent Resources Page that is updated regularly with great resources specific to our school, area, and/or kids. Currently featuring new Mother Goose classes at Queen Mary, and Homework Help sessions for Grades 5 and up at the CNV Library.

Also new, you can sign up for PAC committees right on the website. We know not everyone is into Monday night PAC meetings (even though they are totally fascinating, and if you had been at the last one you would now know what the “PEP” in PEP Room stands for…), but you can still participate by joining a committee – a wide range of skills are needed, and no regular PAC meetings are required (unless you decide to be the Chair)! Now is the time – don’t wait.

In case you missed it, the most recent PAC meeting was our Annual General Meeting, held on Monday November 17. The members present elected the 2014/15 PAC executive. For a list of the new executive and to see the draft minutes, visit the PAC Meetings Etc. page of our site.

Last but definitely not least, remind your friends that they too can receive these handy updates directly, just by clicking “follow” on the bottom of ridgewaypac.org.

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PAC Survey, Fit-a-Thon, Photos, Food Skills, and NVPAC

With the school year now fully underway, it’s time to get the Ridgeway PAC process up and running officially for another year. Some key PAC points of interest:

  1. SURVEY!!! If you don’t participate in any other way this year (although we hope you will), please provide your input by taking the Ridgeway PAC survey. It will take about 15 minutes of your time, but, well, you’re worth it (and so are your kids).
  2. Regular PAC meeting Monday October 20, 7:00 p.m. in the school library. All PAC positions are up for election at the AGM in November, so come and announce your candidacy, or check out the others who are doing so. Agenda posted soon on the PAC Meetings page.
  3. PAC AGM and elections on Monday November 17, same time, same place. All Ridgeway parents are PAC members and can vote (or run) in PAC elections. It’s that, or Steelers vs. Titans. Come on.

Reminder that tomorrow, Wednesday October 15 is the Ridgeway PAC Fit-a-Thon. If you need a new pledge sheet, you can find it here: PAC Fit-a-Thon pledge sheet.

Reminder also, to sign up for your $20 ten-minute family photo sitting. Truly the most economical and least painful way to get a jump-start on Christmas cards / in-law gifts / photo-wall-updating. Or just to get a great family photo. Approximately six spots remaining on Monday and Tuesday nights, October 20 & 21. Email photos@ridgewaypac.org by this Friday October 17 to reserve your spot.

Food Skills for Families – a special opportunity for parents of Ridgeway, Queen Mary, and Westview, presented by North Shore Neighbourhood House. This FREE six-session program involves learning and hands-on cooking. Spaces are very limited so sign up quickly! More information here: Food Skills for Families Oct 2014

North Vancouver Parent Advisory Council – NVPAC – is the District Parent Advisory Council for the North Vancouver School District.

  1. Anyone can go to their meetings, but Ridgeway PAC specifically needs one or two reps to attend NVPAC meetings on behalf of Ridgeway PAC. Interested? Come to the Oct 20 PAC meeting, or email us.
  2. See info about their upcoming meetings on our site, but special note that upcoming meetings will feature a presentation about the NV District’s Assessment Handbook; a presentation on Outdoor School; and an all-candidates meeting for School Trustee candidates.

Last thing – please do the survey! Do it now!

That’s all, thanks for reading. If you like getting these updates, let your fellow Ridgeway parents in on the secret – tell them to follow us at ridgewaypac.org. Cheers until next time!

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Lunch, Fitness, Meetings, Photos, and more!

Thanks everyone for a fantastic Ridgeway “Slice Night” Open House last night! We really appreciate the participation of teachers and administration, and all reports indicate that it was one of the best-attended Open Houses in recent Ridgeway history. We did run a little short on pizza by the end – mental note made for future. We hope everyone was able to pick up a PAC Handbook, full of good info on PAC opportunities and upcoming events. If you didn’t receive a handbook, copies will be left just outside the school office (on the main floor) for pick-up during school hours.

What a shock to the system that October has crept up so fast. But it has, and that means Fun Lunches start soon! And THAT means, Fun Lunch ordering (for the October – December term) closes soon. REMINDER THAT FUN LUNCH ORDERING CLOSES TONIGHT (THURSDAY OCT 2) AT MIDNIGHT. To set up your MunchaLunch Account for the first time, click here. If you have an account but need to log in and complete your order, click here. Sorry, but late orders can not be accommodated. If you can spare a couple hours one Friday to help distribute the Fun Lunches, please click the “Volunteer” link at the top of the MunchaLunch site. For all the upcoming Fun Lunch dates, click here.

This year’s PAC Fit-A-Thon is scheduled for Wednesday, October 15. Students collect pledges ahead of time, then see how many laps of the school field they can run in 12 minutes. The Fit-A-Thon is intended to highlight the fun and importance of fitness, and all funds raised go toward the purchase or replacement of school gym and pep room equipment. Student pledge forms will be sent home on Wednesday October 8, and are to be returned to the classroom teacher by Friday October 17. If you would like to volunteer approximately one hour of your time on the morning of October 15 to record student laps, or set up / tear down the course, please email us with “Fit-A-Thon Volunteer” in the subject.

The first PAC meeting of this year will take place on Monday October 20, at 7:00 p.m. in the school library. This meeting will help set the direction for PAC initiatives and committees for this year, so please plan to attend if you want your voice to be heard (or just want to hear others’ voices)! This will be followed by the PAC Annual General Meeting on Monday November 17, at which all positions are open for election/appointment. For more details see the PAC Meeting Dates page of our site.

Ridgeway PAC’s Annual FAMILY PHOTO NIGHTS are also coming up soon. Pay attention and sign up quick, because this popular opportunity always fills up. Run by MjM Studios, Family Photo Night is an opportunity for you to get a fantastic family photo for MUCH less money and hassle than hiring your own professional photographer!

Who: Your family, including pets (yes, pets), siblings, grandparents, in-laws, and anyone else you consider family.

What: A ten-minute family photography sitting, for $20 per family. The $20 sitting fee includes one 8 x 10 print of your choice, and a whole range of shots to choose from. Additional photos and packages are available for purchase through MjM Studios.

When: A ten-minute sitting time that will be assigned to you. (Preferences are accommodated as much as possible on a first-come, first-served basis.) All sitting times are between 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. on Monday October 20, or Tuesday October 21.

Where: At Ridgeway Elementary School, using a backdrop and professional lighting set up by MjM Studios.

Why: Why NOT??? You may never look this good again!

How: Sign up by emailing photos@ridgewaypac.org. Please include your first and last name, child’s teacher and division number, and preference for date (Monday October 20 or Tuesday October 21) and/or time (between 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.). Note that preferences will be accommodated as much as possible, on a first-come first-served basis.

Last but not least, if you are the proud parent of a Grade 7 student, get ready for Grad Year! A notice about Grad hoodies and an upcoming Grad Parent meeting has gone out to all Grade 7 parents.  If you missed it, it will be posted in a new Grade 7 Grad section of our site shortly.