Last night Kelly Melsness (kelly.melsness@vch.ca) spoke about some of the resources in the areas of addiction and mental health that are available. Kelly and I will be working together closely this year. A lot of what SACY does is in preventative workshops and support for families. Families that aren't presented with crises are supported just as much as those that aren't.

There's one particular workshop called 'The Capacity Cafe' which is said to be a truly powerful opportunity.
​See the attached files I've included.

Van Tech has an active soccer program and we're lucky enough to have two teams at the grade 8 and 9 level. Because other schools didn't have the same number of students we've made one largely grade 8 team (the greens) for which I've attached the schedule. I'm also the coach, so let me know if player's families have any questions.

Here's the agenda for Thursday's event. It's 6-8pm at Van Tech. Hope to see many of you there!

It's an awesome tradition at Van Tech that math teachers offer their time after school to supporting students Monday-Thursday with Math support. The schedule is up. I HIGHLY recommend students take this opportunity.

Schedule for 1st month: HERE

It can often be a bit difficult when coming to a new school to find new friends. It can also often be difficult to find a great activity at lunch to do. The Frog Hollow organization has been providing a great option for grade 8s for a few years now.

BASE Space runs Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays every week at lunch time. It's staffed by an adult, supported by senior students, and for grade 8s. Make friends, play games, play pool, hang out, eat lunch, and much more. I definitely recommend this to the kids whenever they ask for ideas of what to do at lunch. So far everyone has said they've loved it.

Youth Connections is another program for anyone new to Canada worth checking out. They meet Tuesdays after school. Any interested student can see me and I'll connect them up.

I've got extra agendas for any students who didn't get one on the first day. These are a great way for the students to keep organized. There's useful information about the class times, schedule, school policies, tips, days off, and lots of room to write homework.

Come by my office to pick it up!

Mindfulness is an awesome tool for many students to lower stress and anxiety. YMCA is offering a Teen Mindfulness Program which I've attached the information about below. Follow up with them if you and your child are interested. Follow up with me if you'd love more info about Mindfulness.

​PDF poster below.

As many of you will know, Van Tech is having a Grade 8 Families Night on September 22nd from 6-8pm. I wanted to share it with you all now that we've created a poster for it so that you're aware what we're up to. Hope to see lots of you out there!

We've got an amazing School Liaison Officer (SLO) at Van Tech. She wanted to reach out to families and say hi. I've copied her message verbatim below. Thanks!

"I just wanted to send out an email to you all to say hello and to introduce myself to those who may be new to VT.  This is my 3rd year at VT and I’m once again very excited to be here.  You will see me wondering around the halls, popping my head into your rooms from time to time and generally connecting with students.  I respond to complaints or concerns in and around the school as well as in the City during my travels (I have a total of 9 schools to service).   I also attend school functions and assist on off-campus outings if needed.  Please feel free to contact me on my cell if I can assist in any way.  You can always ask and if I can’t help I’ll let you know!
Regards, Constable Leggett.