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:

Journey Middle School PAC – Game Night

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

Hi Everyone!

PAC will be hosting  a snack day on December 20th during lunch hour, (similar to last time).

PAC will be selling popcorn for $1/bag and we also have lollipops from VIP Hard Candy for $2/each (grape, watermelon and blue raspberry).

Local Roadwork Notification: December 11-12, 2023

Boring on Highway 14: Phillips Road to Church AND Throup Road Closed at Church

Thursday, November 6, 2023 – Two different roadwork activities will be undertaken next week on Monday, December 11 and Tuesday, December 12 near Sooke’s town core:

• boring on Highway 14 from Phillips Road to Church Road will occur from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on each day; and
• paving, weather permitting, on Throup Road will occur from approximately 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day (with Wednesday, December 13 as a potential date for work if weather adversely affects activities earlier in the week).

The boring is to complete soil sampling in advance of a water main replacement project with a lane shift in effect. While we understand traffic flow is expected to be maintained for travel in both directions on Highway 14, some slowdowns should be expected with crews working in the area.

For the Throup Road paving, Throup Road will be closed at Church Road. Please avoid the area, if possible.

We recognize that road works are disruptive and impact people’s days. The District is prioritizing implementing the Transportation Master Plan to assist with managing traffic on local roads as resources allow.

To maximize available resources, we are seeking as many grants as possible to assist with the funding impacts of these capital projects. Yesterday, we were thrilled to share the news of our most recent successful active transportation funding application. The District is receiving $1.3 million in funding from the federal government to help us realize Little River Pedestrian Crossing.

More on Little River Crossing

Mayor Tait shares her enthusiasm for what this project means for Sooke:

“The bridge and associated trails for Little River Crossing will provide critical infrastructure to connect residents in the Sunriver neighbourhood with the Sooke town centre and nearby schools. The crossing will offer safe and efficient travel over Little River (Demamiel Creek) drastically improving residents’ ability to reach desired destinations including schools, local businesses and recreation amenities.

In facilitating this instrumental connectivity, the project will support alternative modes of transportation — transforming an 8-kilometre round-trip drive on Highway 14 to an approximately 1-kilometre round-trip walk or roll to school for students.

The crossing, initially recommended by the Parks and Trails Advisory Committee (2016) and supported through Capital Regional District Active School Planning (Journey – 2018, Poirier – 2018, Sooke – 2021) and the District of Sooke’s Parks and Trails Master Plan (2020), is the result of the District’s steadfast commitment to increase community connectivity and make getting around Sooke safer.”

While we recognize Little River Crossing will not be realized tomorrow (aiming for substantial completion by fall 2025), having it on the horizon as a mechanism to alleviate vehicle congestion on Highway 14 is welcome news for our community!

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

Link: Local Roadwork Notification: December 11-12, 2023 (sooke.ca)

Traffic Advisory: Sooke Santa Parade on Sunday, December 10th

Sooke Road Closed for event from Charters to Otter Point 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – detour in effect

Wednesday, November 29, 2023 – Santa Claus is coming to town!

Sooke Lions, with support from the District of Sooke, present the Sooke Santa Parade on Sunday, December 10^th at 5:00 p.m.

The parade means Sooke Road will be closed from Charters Road to Otter Point Road from approximately 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 10^hh. A detour will be in effect, see map below.

The road closure, before and after the parade, is in place for pedestrian safety and coordinating the assembly and disassembly of parade participants. Hundreds are expected to gather and take in the holiday festivities. Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area or plan ahead for delays.

Fun for the whole family

As dusk settles, Sooke Road will come alive with community spirit! The festivities begin at 4:00 p.m. at Evergreen Mall with crafts and activities with the Edward Milne Community School (EMCS) Leadership Class and complimentary refreshments served by the Sooke Harbourside Lions.

The parade will run from approximately 5:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. with festivities wrapping at Evergreen Mall around 6:00 p.m.

Many thanks to the tremendous volunteers who make this event possible.

Learn more:

• Sooke Santa Parade
• Sooke Lions Website

Church/Throup Roundabout Reaching Major Milestone Ahead of Schedule: Short-term Road Closures in Effect

Thursday, November 23, 2023 – The Church/Throup Roundabout Project is reaching a major milestone ahead of schedule! Paving of the first lift is scheduled to begin next week, weather permitting.

Please be advised of the following related road work schedule, which is set from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:

• Church Road CLOSED from Wadams Way to Throup Road on:
  • Tuesday, November 28;
  • Wednesday, November 29; and
  • Friday, December 1.
• Throup Road CLOSED at Church Road on:
  • Monday, December 11; and
  • Wednesday, December 13.

Follow posted detours and instructions from traffic control personnel.

We know that transportation and getting around Sooke safely is the “single biggest issue” for residents. We are listening and responding by moving forward with the implementation of the Transportation Master Plan as quickly as resources allow.

Overall, we hope the inconvenience will be relatively short-lived. In the meantime, we kindly ask residents to pack their patience or make alternative plans, if possible. Consider carpooling or using Transit if these are viable options for your household.

After progress is made on the Church/Throup Roundabout, we’ll proceed with the Charters Road Connector with works including significant structural repairs and the addition of sidewalks and bike lanes.

The District’s efforts through longer-term planning are to manage both vehicle and pedestrian traffic off of Highway 14, on our local roads, through a combination of infrastructure improvements and economic development.

Learn more:

• Sooke Traffic Advisories
• Transportation Master Plan Information Page

Link: Church/Throup Roundabout Reaching Major Milestone Ahead of Schedule: Short-term Road Closures in Effect (sooke.ca)

Please select link for the weekly Parent Newsletter.

Church/Throup Roundabout Reaching Major Milestone Ahead of Schedule: Short-term Road Closures in Effect

Thursday, November 23, 2023 – The Church/Throup Roundabout Project is reaching a major milestone ahead of schedule! Paving of the first lift is scheduled to begin next week, weather permitting.

Please be advised of the following related road work schedule, which is set from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:

• Church Road CLOSED from Wadams Way to Throup Road on:
  • Tuesday, November 28;
  • Wednesday, November 29; and
  • Friday, December 1.
• Throup Road CLOSED at Church Road on:
  • Monday, December 11; and
  • Wednesday, December 13.

Follow posted detours and instructions from traffic control personnel.

We know that transportation and getting around Sooke safely is the “single biggest issue” for residents. We are listening and responding by moving forward with the implementation of the Transportation Master Plan as quickly as resources allow.

Overall, we hope the inconvenience will be relatively short-lived. In the meantime, we kindly ask residents to pack their patience or make alternative plans, if possible. Consider carpooling or using Transit if these are viable options for your household.

After progress is made on the Church/Throup Roundabout, we’ll proceed with the Charters Road Connector with works including significant structural repairs and the addition of sidewalks and bike lanes.

The District’s efforts through longer-term planning are to manage both vehicle and pedestrian traffic off of Highway 14, on our local roads, through a combination of infrastructure improvements and economic development.

Learn more:

• Sooke Traffic Advisories
• Transportation Master Plan Information Page

Link: Church/Throup Roundabout Reaching Major Milestone Ahead of Schedule: Short-term Road Closures in Effect (sooke.ca)

PAC Subway Order

Time for ‘hot’ lunch!! We’ve got it all up and running. Very excited to offer Subway on December 8th.

Click on the link below to set up your account. If you already have one you can login and transfer to Journey.

Orders are due November 29th. That means order and payment are due.

We are hoping all families will use Munchaunch but if you have any issues please reach out: journeymiddleschoolpac@gmail.com

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://munchalunch.com/schools/journeyms__;!!AqQTiOZlHyw!51tJIbkIa3FmJk0na440SFWO5SsF27YNvik2EsJl6n8OhhrlukaxDBuI5GBKd5Qc80XX3tfra2ql-GQLwHRlkupd$

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Throup Road Closed at Church Road on November 24, 9am-5pm

Thursday, November 16, 2023 – As construction continues on the Church/Throup Road Roundabout and utility works for the 2182 Church Road development are undertaken, Church Road will be CLOSED from Wadams Way to Throup Road from approximately 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, November 24. The date for this work was chosen to coincide with the Sooke School District 62 Pro D Day and minimize disruption to the public.

• WHERE: Church Road from Wadams Way to Throup Road; Detour in effect
• WHEN: Friday, November 24^th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (approximate)
• WHAT:
  • Road closed: no access on Church Road from Wadams Way to Throup Road
  • Follow detour and traffic control personnel

Contact:  Hazelwood Construction, 250-716-7940

Related:

• Traffic Advisories (sooke.ca)

UNSUBSCRIBE: If you would like to be removed from the District of Sooke Traffic Advisory electronic mailing list, please respond to this message

Christina Moog   l  Communications Coordinator

District of Sooke  l   250-642-1634 ext. 678

2205 Otter Point Road

The District of Sooke is within the Coast Salish territory, on the lands of the T’Sou-ke Nation. I am grateful for the T’Sou-ke Nation’s generosity and hospitality while we live, learn and work in their territory.

STAY INFORMED: subscribe to District electronic mailing lists and receive meeting notifications and agendas

For the latest on District of Sooke activities, visit sooke.ca or follow us on Twitter!

2023 Sooke Firefighters Charitable Giving Campaign and Plan for Sooke Santa Run Announced

Celebrating 30 years of community spirit

Tuesday, November 14, 2023 – Today, the Sooke Firefighter’s Association and IAFF Local 4841 Charitable Giving Campaign are launching their annual giving campaign with a goal to raise $30,0000 in their 30^th year!

The campaign, delivered in partnership with the Sooke Christmas Bureau, the District of Sooke, Western Foods, and Village Foods, is led by local firefighters who, along with other District staff, volunteer their time for both the fundraiser and Santa Run. Team members will be at local businesses over the coming weeks with the campaign culminating in the annual Santa Run on Saturday, December 9^th.

A community tradition continues with the addition of “Santa Claus Pit Stops”

The Sooke Santa Run, a capstone of the Sooke Firefighters Charitable Giving Campaign, that warms the hearts of families is set to continue! On Saturday, December 9th, starting at dusk (approximately 5 p.m.), four fire trucks decorated with bright and colourful Christmas lights, playing festive holiday will drive through neighbourhoods to spread holiday cheer.

All routes will have a Santa Claus Pit Stop along them. Teams will be stopping at these stations for ~5 MINUTES at the designated times (displayed on the map), to greet families in the area, take photos and collect donations (cash or food).

NOTE: New for 2023! The Blue Route will start from Fire Hall No. 1, changing the overall direction of the route. This will allow Blue to hit the greatest number of families at the beginning of the event.

How to donate:

• See our elves at a local business leading up to the Santa Run? Make a cash donation storefront.
• Donate online at any time. Please note that there will be no portable electronic payment systems this year.
• Food and cash will be collected during the Santa Run this year. For those wishing to donate food items, the Christmas Bureau notes that cereal, school snacks, and easy-open cans are always needed!

See the routes/follow the trucks here >>

More about the Sooke Food Bank and the Sooke Christmas Bureau

• The Sooke Food Bank is open the first three Thursdays of the month from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 2037 Shields Road.
• Registrations for a Christmas Hamper are being accepted until November 30th.
• The food bank provides one hamper of food per month to families and people from Sooke and the surrounding area, including Port Renfrew. They support 100 families every week!
• The Sooke Food Bank is organized and operated through the hard work of volunteers and the kindness of the community.

Over its 29-year history, the Sooke Firefighters Charitable Giving Campaign, thanks to inspiring community support, has supported over 6,500 families.

Image: Screenshot of the new Santa run map featuring Santa Claus Pit Stops throughout the community!

Media Contact:

Christina Moog

Tel: 250.642.1634, etx. 678

E: cmoog@sooke.ca