Parent Newsletter – February 3, 2024

• Candy Gram Sales: Students will be selling Candy Grams from February 7^th to 13^th at lunch outside the main doors. The candy grams will be delivered on February 14^th to classrooms.
• Grade 8 Families: EMCS will be hosting an information night on Thursday February 8^th from 6:00-7:30 pm in the EMCS Theater. For information about Gr 9 course selection, go here.
• Appazur: download the Journey Middle School app and get school updates on your phone.
• Games: Thank you to the PAC and to all Journey families for the fundraising that has helped purchase outdoor games for students to use at recess and lunch. It’s great to see students playing volleyball, badminton, corn hole, Jenga, and more around the school. Students can sign out one of the games on the clipboard in the foyer near the games bin.
• Professional Development Day on February 16^th. No school for students.

Learning Opportunities for Parents and Caregivers:

• The Boys and Girls Club (BGC) Parenting Programs (Online) Issues / Needs in the Community that Programs Address:
  • Many parents who reach out for support feel guilty, blamed by others, isolated, and unsure about what to do. BGC Parenting Programs can help parents address these feelings in a confidential, non-judgmental group setting. BGC Parenting Programs are professionally facilitated education and support programs for parents of preteens and teens. Parents come to the group with a wide range of concerns regarding their youth:
    • teen mental health
    • lack of motivation (school attendance)
    • drug/alcohol use abusive or aggressive actions
    • defiant/rebellious attitude

Workshops

• Do you need a speaker at your next event? Our facilitators offer workshops for schools, PAC’s, community service organizations and many other types of group meetings on the following topics:
  • Communication
  • Self-care and Boundaries
  • Temperament
  • Adolescent Development and the Relationship Bond
  • Navigating the Teen Years
  • Technology
  • Drug & alcohol use

All programs are via Zoom.

Registration: https://bgcsvi.org/programs/parenting/

• Parenting the Messy Middle: February 13^th. See attached for more details.
• Family Smart “In the Know” Events
  • February’s Event is: A Conversation About Eating Disorders
    • Register for this online event (free). Dates and Times available: https://familysmart.ca/monthly-events/
    • Watch Last Month’s Event: Supporting Safety at Home When Your Child Has a Mental Health Crisis Now:
  • Westshore Basketball: spring break camp. See attached.

Calendar of Events:

Resumption of Roadworks at Church/Throup Roundabout Following Telus Works

Friday, February 2, 2024 – After a temporary hiatus to accommodate Telus completion works, road construction crews are set to resume operations at the Church/Throup Roundabout. The intermittent delays and single-lane alternating traffic are expected to occur Monday through Friday between 7 am and 7 pm, with the possibility of occasional weekend work. The primary objective is to achieve substantial completion by spring.

The break in construction allowed Telus to carry out essential work. As we move forward, residents and commuters are advised to anticipate intermittent delays during peak hours as construction activity resumes in the roadway.

Simultaneously, roadworks will continue on Charters Road in close proximity to the Church/Throup Roundabout. Single-lane alternating traffic will be in effect on Charters Road to facilitate ongoing construction activities. The strategic scheduling aims to minimize any potential overlap between roundabout construction and the temporary closure of Charters Road.

Later this year, Charters Road will be temporarily closed in both directions to facilitate culvert placement and associated preparatory works. This necessary closure is expected to last for several weeks.

Please follow traffic personnel and posted signage when travelling in the area or consider using alternative routes, if at all possible.

Learn more:

• Navigating Sooke: Transforming Traffic Challenges into Solutions
• Transportation Master Plan Implementation: letstalk.sooke.ca/tmp

Contact:

Hazelwood Construction
Tel: 250.716.1940

Link: Resumption of Roadworks at Church/Throup Roundabout Following Telus Works (sooke.ca)

Volunteers needed! 

Please signup here https://volunteersignup.org/FT8Y7

Wounded Warrior Run Travels from Sooke to Sidney on February 4^th, Expect Delays on Highway 14

Thursday, January 18, 2024 – The public can expect delays on Highway 14 on Sunday, February 4, 2024 as the Wounded Warriors Run (One Day Event) travels from Sooke to Sidney. Runners will leave from the Sooke Legion at approximately 10 a.m. and are expected to reach the end of the “original” four-lanes by the Co-op Gas Station in Langford around noon.

Please give runners space and follow the guidance of the support vehicles as you travel in the area.

Wounded Warriors honours and supports Canada’s ill and injured Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, First Responders and their families. This One Day Run is a prelude to the main Wounded Warrior Run event: 8 days and 600 kilometers from Port Hardy in the north to Victoria at the southern end of Vancouver Island. The run is done relay-style with a team of military and first responders from Vancouver Island. Runners raise over $150,000 for programs and training to support the mental health of first responders, military and their families.

Those wishing to donate to the cause and to learn more about the organization can do so on their website:

• BC Run | (woundedwarriorrunbc.ca)

For more about local traffic advisories, please visit this dedicated web page.

Link: TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Wounded Warrior Run on February 4th on Highway 14 (sooke.ca)

Coffee with a Cop Brewing Community Connections at Cafe VOSINO on February 7, 2024

Monday, January 8, 2024 – “Coffee with a Cop” invites the local community to join an informal gathering with law enforcement officers. This event aims to foster positive interactions, build trust, and strengthen the bond between Sooke RCMP and the community it serves.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, February 7, 2024
• Time: 9:30am-11:00am
• Location: Cafe VOSINO, 6715 Eustace Rd

The event encourages an informal setting where residents can ask questions, share concerns, and connect with the officers who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.

Why Coffee with a Cop?

“Coffee with a Cop” is an international initiative aimed at breaking down barriers and creating a relaxed environment for constructive dialogue between law enforcement and the public. By bringing this initiative to Sooke, we hope to provide a casual setting for community members to get to know the officers serving their neighborhoods, and for officers to gain valuable insights from the people they protect and serve.

Highlights of the Event:

• Free Coffee: Complimentary coffee will be provided to all attendees.
• Open Conversations: Engage in open and friendly discussions with local law enforcement.
• Q&A: Have your questions answered by the officers and gain insights into their roles within the community.
• Community Building: Connect with neighbours, fellow community members, and law enforcement in a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere.

Quote:

Greg Willcocks, Staff Sergeant with the Sooke RCMP –

“Fostering positive relationships between Sooke RCMP and the community is essential for creating a safe and vibrant neighbourhood. ‘Coffee with a Cop’ is an opportunity for us all to come together, share experiences, and build a stronger, more connected community.”

Community Contact:

Sooke RCMP Reception

Tel: 250.642.5241

Media contact:

Christina Moog, Communications Coordinator

Tel: 250.642.1634

Email: cmoog@sooke.ca

Link: Coffee with a Cop Brewing Community Connections at Cafe VOSINO on February 7, 2024 (sooke.ca)

A Message from the PAC:

1. Hot Lunches! Our next hot lunches are locked and loaded in Munch A Lunch, our online ordering system. Take a minute to log in and get your orders in before the deadline!

Click here to create your Munch A Lunch account, or to move your student from their elementary school to Journey.

Panago Pizza – Friday, January 26th (deadline for ordering is Thursday, Jan. 18th)

Hara Sushi – Friday, February 23rd (deadline for ordering is Thursday, Feb. 15th) (ordering open in February)

2. Anti-Bullying Parent Information Session – January 22, 2024 6:30-8:30pm

JMS PAC will be hosting an information session for parents and caregivers of current JMS students to talk about what is happening in our school. Topics will include the differences between bullying and conflicts, what is happening at JMS now, policies and procedures and resources for parents and students. There will also be table discussions to help parents understand what they and their students can do in these situations.

Current JMS parents and caregivers must register to attend the session. Please fill in the form below so we can verify that you are a part of our school community. Also included is an opportunity to submit your questions or comments ahead of the session which will be discussed that night.

Please email journeymiddleschoolpac@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns. This session is for parents only.

Register here:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdxMGWitYg8_8VtATF-6wyf8x2BG_e2mvthK8gYAOeyhPGeQw/viewform?usp=pp_url

3. Krispy Kreme Fundraiser in the Sooke Community – Saturday, January 27th  – MORE INFO TO FOLLOW SOON

Good Morning Journey Families,

At the current time, Journey Middle School has power and will continue to run as scheduled.

Thank You

Please select the link for more information on Raising Digitally Responsible Youth

Journey Middle School Parent Newsletter – December 17, 2023

Hello JMS Families!

We had quite the exciting Band concert on Wednesday night! After some rousing tunes from the Grade 6 and Grade 7 bands, the fire bells went off and we all had to evacuate the building. We waited outside until the fire department arrived and took over. I would like to thank each and every person who was there and who acted quickly and calmly to exit the building. It was cold outside while we waited for the all clear, but luckily not raining. When the fire department discovered the small fire in the building, it became evident that we would not be able to continue the concert, and we asked families to go home while the fire department got to work. This is a good reminder to not park in fire lanes.

Mr. Froese has jumped into action and booked a “Take 2” of the concert this week on Wednesday December 20^th at 7:00 p.m. This will be for the Grade 8 and Jazz Bands to perform. I acknowledge that some family members came last week and may not be able to attend this week. We apologize for this.

Here is what is happening in this last week before Winter Break:

5000 Today: thank you to all who donated items for the food bank.

Door Decorating contest until December 20^th.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Day December 21^st.

Winter Dance and Activities on December 22^nd from 12:30-1:58. Last chance for students to sign up to be in the gym for the dance or do another activity in the school. Sign-up sheets are below the TV in the foyer.

Exploratories: Term 1 exploratory has now ended and we are preparing for Term 2. Your child should have completed their choices by now through a link they received in their homeroom class. Term 2 class lists will be posted when we return on January 8^th. We will start Term 2 exploratories on Friday January 26^th.

Lucky 7’s Draw: tickets will be on sale again at lunch (4 for $1) this week until the tickets sell out. Divisions 3 & 4 have raised over $800 so far! Thank you for all your donations!

Hockey Nets and Equipment: We are looking for outdoor hockey nets and equipment to use at recess and lunch. If you have any items you can donate, we would be very grateful. Thank you to the family who donated the goalie equipment!

Outdoor Games: a huge thank you to the PAC who has covered the cost of some games that students will be able to take outside. We will ask students to sign out the game from the foyer and return it at the end of lunch when done. We are currently getting the games ready to go. We do have portable volleyball nets available for use already and it has been amazing to see how many kids are playing together.

ADST: We say goodbye to Ms. Zadan who teaches the Grade 8’s Marketing and Entrepreneurship. She has taken a full-time job. We wish her all the best!

Athletics: here is a message from our Athletics Director, Mr. Vine:

Hello Everyone,

The basketball season has ended, and the volleyball season is starting up. Thank you to all those classes that attended the Fall Pep Rally and celebrated all our Fall teams this year. A special thank you to Mr. van Hooydonk, Bronte, Ms. Kroetch, Mr. Robertson, Mr. Shlomo, and Ms. McClintock for volunteering to coach the Journey Basketball teams this season.

Looking forward to our Journey Volleyball season, we have had an enormous number of students sign up to play. Last week we had 44 students try out for 12 positions on the Varsity Girls Competitive team. We will have 7 Journey Volleyball teams this season, and potentially an 8th team:

• Varsity Girls Team (coached by Bronte)
• 2 Senior Girls Teams (coached by Ms. Federici and Mrs. Walker, and we need 1 more coach)
• 2 Junior Girls Teams (coached by Ms. McClintock and Mr. Vine, with Ms. Gautam as assistant coach)
• 1 Senior Boys Team (coached by Mr. Robertson, with Mr. van Hooydonk as assistant coach)
• 1 Junior Boys Team (coached by Mr. Shlomo, with Mr. van Hooydonk as assistant coach)

Conflict vs Bullying: a conflict is a disagreement or argument where both students, who are at an equal level with each other, can express their views. For example, conflict can be name calling, not following the rules in a game, borrowing something and not returning it, not taking turns, inserting themselves in a game that they haven’t been invited to play in, grabbing something from someone, swearing at each other, etc.

In middle school, students are usually able to work out a conflict with another student but may require some support from an adult. We remind all our students that any adult in the building can help them solve a problem. One way to ask for help is to simply say: “I need some help.”

If one or both students are not able to accept the differing views of the other student and move forward from the conflict, then feelings of resentment start to develop. If students don’t feel heard or that the conflict has not been resolved, the problem grows. We tell our students that they don’t have to be best friends with everyone at school, but they do need to be polite and respectful to all their schoolmates.

In contrast, bullying is targeted, negative behaviour from one student towards another by exerting power and control over them. For example, one student could threaten another by saying something like: “If you tell anyone about this, I’ll get you.” If students don’t tell adults about another student having power over them, we can’t help. We have heard some students say: “I don’t want to be a ‘snitch’ or a ‘rat’.” There is a big difference between being a “snitch” and reporting a problem. If the problem goes unreported, it grows and can become unsafe. Everyone in the school has a duty to keep everyone safe. If a student knows something, they need to say something, so we can do something.

The PAC will be hosting an evening about the difference between conflicts and bullying on Monday January 22, 2024. Please stay tuned for more details.

PAC Snack Day on December 20th during lunch hour. We will be selling popcorn for $1/bag and we also have lollipops from VIP Hard Candy for $2/each (grape, watermelon and blue raspberry).

PAC – Game Night January 11, 2024: Join us for a fun-filled evening of games and laughter at Journey Middle School! Our PAC Game Night is the perfect opportunity to connect with friends, old and new, while enjoying some friendly competition. Whether you’re a board game enthusiast or prefer card games, we have something for everyone. So, grab your favorite game and head on down to Journey Middle School on Throup Road, Sooke, BC, Canada. Get ready to have a blast!

Admission is free! We want all families to come and enjoy themselves. Parents are not required to attend with their students; however, we expect all students to follow the same rules they must follow when they attend school each day. We will ask students to leave the event if they are not being respectful.

All attendees will need a ticket. PAC will have a cash concession available. The Board Game Cafe will also offer a chance to purchase some of the games that you’ll get to play!

Get your tickets here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/journey-middle-school-pac-game-night-tickets-774532988017

PAC Night: Conflict vs bullying. Save the Date: Monday January 22^nd in the gym. More details to follow.

Calendar of Events:

This is the last newsletter of the year…of 2023! On behalf of all the staff at Journey Middle School, we hope you have a restful winter break and have lots of fun with family and friends. Happy Holidays! See you next year – on January 8th at 8:43 a.m.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Church Road and Throup Road Closure for Hydro Work on December 20, 2023

Thursday, December 14, 2023 – Progress continues on the Church/Throup Road Roundabout Project!

Central Power will be installing a hydro pole as a part of this project on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. This work will result in a road closure affecting both Church Road, from Wadams Way to Throup Road, and Throup Road neighbouring the Church Road intersection.

The work will take place from approximately 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will also result in a short-term planned power outage. BC Hydro will be notifying affected residents in the area.

Subsequent congestion on Highway 14 can be expected. Best efforts will be made to complete the required work as quickly as possible while ensuring the safety of crews and the public.

Map:

Contact:

• Highway 14, Provincial Jurisdiction (Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure): 250-952-4515
• Local roads, District of Sooke: 250-642-1634

Related:

• Transportation Master Plan: Implementation | Let’s Talk Sooke
• Federal government supports active transportation infrastructure upgrades in Sooke
• Traffic Advisories (sooke.ca)

Photos:

See photos of the recent works, including substantial pedestrian improvements that are making walking and rolling around town safer (expressed as the top community priority in our recent budget survey):

Link: TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Church Road and Throup Road Closure for Hydro Work on December 20, 2023 (sooke.ca)

Journey Middle School Parent Newsletter – December 10, 2023

Happy Sunday JMS Families!

Here are a few of the details of what is happening at JMS.

Blood Donor Clinic in the Gym all day on Monday December 11^th

Door Decorating contest until December 20^th

Ugly Christmas Sweater Day December 21^st.

Winter Dance and Activities on December 22^nd from 12:30-1:58. Students sign up to be in the gym for the dance or do another activity in the school. Sign up sheets are below the TV in the foyer.

Exploratories: the last explo for Term 1 is this Friday December 15^th. This week, your child’s teacher will be giving a link to sign up for the Term 2 Exploratories. Students will watch videos and read the blurb about the Term 2 offerings, then choose 5 Explos they might like to take.  We then do our best to place them in one of their choices. Once we have built the new Explo groups, we will post the lists in the foyer.

5000 Today! Spencer has challenged all the middle schools to collect 5000 food items before December 14^th. All donations will be given to the Sooke Food Bank. Let’s get those items in!

Generation Health: see attached newsletter

Lucky 7’s Draw: Divisions 3 & 4 are selling tickets starting on December 14^th at lunch. They will be on sale until all the items are gone.

Hockey Nets and Equipment: We are looking for outdoor hockey nets and equipment to use at recess and lunch. If you have any items you can donate, we would be very grateful.

PAC Snack Day on December 20th during lunch hour. We will be selling popcorn for $1/bag and we also have lollipops from VIP Hard Candy for $2/each (grape, watermelon and blue raspberry).

PAC – Game Night January 11, 2024: Join us for a fun-filled evening of games and laughter at Journey Middle School! Our PAC Game Night is the perfect opportunity to connect with friends, old and new, while enjoying some friendly competition. Whether you’re a board game enthusiast or prefer card games, we have something for everyone. So grab your favorite game and head on down to Journey Middle School on Throup Road, Sooke, BC, Canada. Get ready to have a blast!

Admission is free! We want all families to come and enjoy themselves. Parents are not required to attend with their students, however we expect all students to follow the same rules they must follow when they attend school each day. We will ask students to leave the event if they are not being respectful.

All attendees will need a ticket. PAC will have a cash concession available. The Board Game Cafe will also offer a chance to purchase some of the games that you’ll get to play!

Get your tickets here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/journey-middle-school-pac-game-night-tickets-774532988017

Calendar of Events: