J. G. Diefenbaker Elementary
PAC Newsletter
September 2017
WELCOME BACK! Your PAC has been hard at work already. Here’s what’s happening:
The Parent Advisory Council (PAC) made up of motivated volunteers – everyone in the school community is a member. Our mission is toencourage parents to participate in meaningful educational activities and decision-making, to strengthen the role of families in education and schooling and to foster meaningful parent participation. We organize fundraising activities to help raise funds for the school – from playground equipment to technology, library books to parent workshops, and so much more. We also organize fun social events such as family movie and skate nights, and our annual Spring Fair. Our volunteers also play an important role in the safety of our students as well, by assisting with the school’s Early Warning System. The PAC meets every other month, with the Annual General Meeting being held in May. JOIN US THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21ST AT 6:30 PM FOR THE FIRST MEETING OF THE SCHOOL YEAR.
PLAYGROUND FUNDRAISING CONTINUES…..
We didn’t meet our goal last year. And it turns out that’s ok. We will use this fall term to continue to fatten our playground account so we have more options to choose from. Here is what we are planning this fall. Drum roll, please…….
DIEFENBAKER ELEMENTARY ONLINE AUCTION: OCTOBER 6TH – 21ST, 2017
Who doesn’t love a good bidding war and great deals?! And with all proceeds going towards new playground equipment, it’s a win-win for everyone! There are over 125 goods and services to choose from. As an added bonus, we are very fortunate to have the support from TOWNLINE HOMES for our campaign – they have generously offered to MATCH ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE AUCTION, AS WELL AS MATCH ANY FINANCIAL DONATIONS towards our playground fund. WE are extremely grateful for the generosity of our donors, and to Luella Cook, grandmother and volunteer extraordinaire, who has spent countless hours procuring these donations.
Here’s how to participate:
- Go to
- Click on the REGISTER button and follow the directions
- Activate your registration by clicking on the link provided in your email
- You are now registered! Sign in and browse around!
**Although the auction is not “LIVE” until October 6th, you are still able to view the items**
This auction is open to anyone. Please share the link with as many people as you can. We are community that is building a playground with love!
NEIGHBOURHOOD CASH DRIVE
This fall, we are planning a cash drive for the playground. After all, the entire community benefits year-round from having a safe and fun area for children to play. All cash donations will be matched by TOWNLINE HOMES. Minimum donation of $25 is required to receive a tax receipt. We will be looking for volunteers to deliver flyers shortly.
MUNCHALUNCH PAC HOT LUNCH RETURNS OCTOBER 13TH, 2017
MUNCHALUNCH is a PAC fundraising lunch program. The PAC contracts different restaurants (Little Caesars, Subway, etc.) to provide lunches and we receive a percentage of the sales. Last year we raised nearly $5000 through Munchalunch. Parent volunteers are required to run the program, which is available twice a month. Nova Foods is an independent food service that is not connected to PAC, nor is a fundraiser.
A separate form with detailed information will be sent home.
If you have any questions, please contact Kat or Jen at:
DIEFENBAKER ELEMENTARY EARLY WARNING SYSTEM
PLEASE call this number, 604-718-4094, to inform the school if your child will be absent or late. One of our lovely parent volunteers will retrieve the messages from the voice mail and pass on the information to the administration assistants. Our priority as a school community is to ensure that every student is accounted for and is safe. We are also looking for volunteers. Commitment is 25 minutes every 2 weeks, from 8:45-9:10 am. Please contact Darcie at: if you are interested.
CALENDAR OF PAC EVENTS
September 21 - PAC meeting in library 6:30 pm
October 6 – 21 – Online Auction goes LIVE
October 24 & 25 –PAC family photo nights
October TBA – Neighbourhood Cash Drive
October TBA – Halloween Bake Sale
October TBA – Family Movie Night
November TBA – PAC meeting (daytime)
December TBA – Family Skate Night