We will miss you Ms. Morishita!

Dear Graham Bruce Families,

We had a very sunny and beautiful week, and our students thoroughly enjoyed their outdoor activities. As the days are getting colder, please ensure that our students come to school dressed appropriately to stay warm and dry outside.

Today, I am sharing with mixed emotions that two of our amazing staff members are retiring at the end of the month. Denise Meyer, our office admin assistant, and Anne Morishita, our student and school support staff, have decided to embark on new adventures. Their last day at Bruce will be Friday, January 31st. Please join me in thanking them for their many years of dedicated service and congratulating them on their retirement. This e-News and the next one are dedicated to Anne and Denise. Please read their bios to learn more about them.

Anne Morishita Is Retiring!

Anne graduated from UBC with a Bachelors degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies/Therapeutic Recreation. She already had a job but friends suggested she work with kids in schools. "It'll be fun" they said. Soon she found herself substituting around town then taking positions at Cook then Cunningham. After a Program closure at Cunningham, she ultimately chose Bruce solely based on its location.

Anne started on B-Deck. Full of action with 3 primary classes and a specialized Program. The staff was young, energetic and the days were filled with laughter. According to Anne, a perfect fit. Over the years she worked in every room, in every grade and wearing all sorts of hats: first aid, Health & Safety, Student Council and Hot lunch just to name a few. She remembers knowing every child's name and so many of their families. Anne also remembers sleepovers in the Library and B Deck and going to camp. The community had a great time installing the yellow playground.

Does everyone have a secret list of awesome people? Anne does and says it is stacked with past and present 'Brucies'. "I have definitely made life long friends here". After 33 years with the VSB, Anne is excited to move forward with new goals, spending more time with family and friends and living the dream. Anne will reminisce over the 30+ years spent in a place that is more than just a building. She would joke that they will have to kick her out of here in a wheelchair because she loves this school.

"We talk about school community, families, wonderful staff and students that can melt your heart. That is Bruce. Thank you for more than 30 wonderful years everyone. You are simply the best!"

Basketball @Bruce!

The basketball season at Bruce has begun! All grade 6 and 7 students are welcome to join. Practices will be held on Thursday mornings at 8:15 AM in the school gym. We have one team entered in the senior boys’ league (girls are welcome to join the team as well), and our matches will typically be after school on Wednesdays. Our first match is on Monday, January 27th, and it will be a home game against Beaconsfield. If your child is interested in joining, please have them see Mr. Clinton for a permission form. Our special thanks go to Mr. Clinton, who is coaching the basketball team and organizing and leading the related events.

Upcoming Dates

• Wednesday, January 22: Professional Development Day - School closed for students
• Thursday, January 23: Lion's Dance Performance for K-7
• Wednesday, January 29: Lunar New Year
• Thursday, January 30: Kindergarten Hearing Screening @ 9:15 a.m. in Room 128

I wish you a restful weekend.

Sincerely,

 Armin Samiei | Principal
 Graham Bruce Elementary School

With deep gratitude and respect, we are honoured to be learning and unlearning on the ancestral and unceded lands of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7meshÚxwumixw (SquamishNation) & səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).