Aug
28
James Bay Community Centre School
By Darcy Topinka
Congratulations to our spectacular childcare team for their energy and commitment to the delivery of a tremendously successful summer program. James Bay children had over 30 opportunities to tour popular Victoria and CRD destinations. Aided by financial assistance through the BC Gaming Community Grant our community kids were treated to daily educational and interactive out trip opportunities. With the assistance of Greater Victoria School District #61 Community Link Funding and the Thrifty Foods smile card program children were introduced to a summer reading program that encouraged children to incorporate a minimum of three reading periods in their very active day. Our goal was to develop a culture of reading by assisting children to develop a love of reading for pleasure in a non-academic setting.
Aside from the very busy summer here at the centre, School District #61 contractors and facilities staff were extremely busy at a number of schools in the district. James Bay Community School had its main boiler replaced as well as improvements to the heating ventilation and cooling systems. In an effort to make our school even safer, a new fire suppression sprinkler system was installed throughout the school and centre.
The school year will commence Tuesday September 4th approximately 175 students excluding kindergarten children will attend a half day of school beginning at 9:00 am and will then be dismissed at 11:30 am. Approximately 40 new kindergarten children, not to mention some nervous parents will begin the long journey of their child's formal education. On Wednesday September 5th at 8:45am "Kindies" will attend class for a half day as well as a partial day on the 6th. They will experience their first full day of class on September 7th.
The fall recreation activity guide was issued to James Bay residents in early August; you can also find the guide on our web site at there are many new programs offered as well as some of our more popular reoccurring drop in and fitness programs.
Residents in Victoria are still in celebration mode. Victoria's 150th birthday was observed over the summer months, various community groups applied for a special City of Victoria grant to host events throughout City neighborhoods. The James Bay Community Centre, New Horizons and the Community Project have all joined efforts to bring James Bay residents together to celebrate Victoria's very special birthday. Individual events will run throughout the day on Saturday September 15th starting with a community pancake breakfast at the community centre, for detailed information refer to our respective web sites and this issue of the Beacon.
We are looking forward to another busy school term. James Bay Community School is greatly impacted and benefits tremendously from the generous support of local business and community groups. Volunteers are the corner stone of our program delivery. We thank you for your past contributions and look forward to your continued support and involvement in the school and centre.