Dear DG Families,

Hope you all had a wonderful long weekend!

Term 2 Learning Updates (report cards)

A reminder that Term 2 Learning Updates were posted last Thursday and can be viewed online, via Parent Connect.

Our Focus for April is Open Mindedness (that’s the “O” in ROARS

Each month at our school we have a focus area that’s connected to our ROARS grid.  Teachers spend time talking about/teaching to the focus area and these efforts are further supported by reminders and tips on the daily announcements.   For the month of April, the focus is “Open Mindedness”.

Kids often see things only one way – their way!  Open-mindedness has to be actively taught and cultivated in children.   So, why is it important for kids to be open-minded? Children (and adults) who are close-minded tend to get into arguments more often while trying to make others see things from their point of view. Open-mindedness, on the other hand, enables kids to think critically and rationally. Open-minded children are also able to step out of their comfort zones and display more understanding and empathy for others.

When we are open-minded we’re also curious to learn new things, and show more acceptance to rethink assumptions and identify misleading information. This ability to challenge outdated beliefs is a vital part of learning and personal growth.

Here are some ways we can help kids to learn to be more open minded:

Walk the talk: If we explain the importance of being open-minded but then kids witness us make dismissive comments about beliefs and opinions that differ from our own, we are modelling close-mindedness.  Little people have big ears and they are quick to pick up on inconsistencies between the words and actions of the adults around them.  Having an awareness of our own bias and judgment, and how these might show up in our words and actions, is a great place to start.  Challenge yourself to identify the issues you are most passionate about, and consider the reasoning of the other side.

Promote Empathy: Empathy is key to reducing judgment and fostering understanding. Teach children to consider the feelings and perspectives of others. Encourage them to express kindness and compassion towards their peers, family members, and the community. Engage in conversations about empathy and encourage them to put themselves in others’ shoes. Through empathy, children learn to appreciate different experiences and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Acknowledge the Curiosity: At a family gathering, or out and about in the community, your child may have a hundred questions to ask you. Why is that person in a wheelchair? Why does the person look the way she does or speak in particular fashion?  Why do some people wear religious head coverings or abstain from eating certain foods?  Curiosity helps children be more observant and to figure out things. When children explore, they expand their vocabulary as they use language to describe what they’re thinking, seeing, or hearing. Grab these teachable moments and turn them into learning experiences.

Foster logic and reasoning: Open-mindedness goes hand-in-hand with logical thinking.  We should not blindly believe everything we see on the internet or on TV.  Nor should we assume that the opinions or political beliefs of friends and relatives are automatically right. Children should be encouraged to be independent thinkers and should be able to analyze facts and form their own opinions. Allow them the space and security to ask difficult questions; even if they are around traditions or the relevance of certain rituals and beliefs. Encourage them to research, find answers and develop their own world view.

Challenge stereotypes: Stereotypes encourage people to believe sweeping generalizations about entire groups of people, and ignore individuality among us.  Not only do stereotypes create a huge divide between people, they can also limit potential by feeding into a phenomenon called “stereotype threat”. Stereotype threat is when people under perform when they become self-conscious about negative stereotypes pertaining to one or more characteristics that they possess (such as race, sex, body type, etc.).  Learn more about stereotype threat here.

Even very young children notice stereotypes; particularly those that are gender-based. Stereotypes are often transmitted through everyday comments and actions (we might not even realize we’re doing it).  For example:

• making comments like “Boys don’t wear pink” or “Girls don’t play football”
• believing that elderly people won’t understand modern technology
• assuming a male healthcare worker is a doctor rather than a nurse
• statements about certain groups of people having an academic or athletic advantage based on race or ethnicity
• thinking taller people will naturally be better at basketball than shorter people
• saying things like “he throws like a girl” as an insult (the implication being that girls are less than)

Take the opportunity to challenge stereotypes in discussion with your child, and point out exceptions.

Track and Field

Track and Field activities will begin for our grades 4 – 7 students shortly after Spring Break. Your intermediate child will be able to share with you, shortly, his/her schedule of when they need to come to school with their running shoes and athletic clothes.

For those of you who ordered Track t-shirts, we expect them to be delivered to the school by the beginning of May.  Please stay tuned for more information.

There are 2 Track Meets for Delta students:

• the Regional or Zone Meet (ours is Thursday, May 7th)

and, for those who qualify,

• the District Meet on Thursday, May 14th

Upcoming Grade 7 Bottle Drive

Reminder – PAC Meeting Next Monday

PAC Fundraisers ongoing throughout the year

For information about the following fundraisers, please click the logos.

Questions?  Send an email to pacdevongardens@gmail.com.

Click image for more info

Use code DevGardens26, $5 from each registration goes back to our school

Click image for more info

Use your personal Return-It account by clicking donate and looking up Devon Gardens Elementary

click image for more info

Mention Devon Gardens Elementary at checkout, 10% of your purchase becomes credit for the school

click image for more info

Use this link https://mabelslabels.ca/en-CA/fundraising/support to make a purchase and 20% of your purchase becomes goes back to our school

North Delta Football Club 

We’re excited to offer a great lineup of Summer Day Camps for our players, whether they’re looking to stay active, try a variety of sports, or get ready for the upcoming fall soccer season!

Multi-Sport Day Camp

Our Multi-Sport Camp is all about fun, variety, and staying active! Campers will take part in a range of sports and activities led by our staff, including Ultimate Frisbee, Basketball, Flag Football, and Soccer.  This camp is perfect for players who enjoy trying different sports, building friendships, and staying active in a positive, high-energy environment.

Camp Dates:

• Camp #1: July 6–10, 2026 (5 days)
• Camp #2: July 20–24, 2026 (5 days)
• Camp #3: August 4–7, 2026 (4 days)

Details:

• Age Group: 2018–2014 born (boys & girls)
• Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm
• Location: Mackie Clubhouse (10900 82 Ave, Delta)
• What to Bring: Running shoes, water, snacks, and daily lunch

Fees:

• Camps #1 & #2: $335 (includes camp t-shirt)
• Camp #3: $275 (includes camp t-shirt)

Pre-Season Soccer Day Camp

Took the summer off from soccer? No problem! Our Pre-Season Soccer Camp is the perfect way to get back on the field and prepare for the upcoming fall season.

This camp focuses on maximizing touches on the ball in a fun, high-energy environment. Players will build confidence, sharpen their skills, and get game-ready through engaging sessions led by our experienced staff.

Camp Date:

• Camp #4: August 24–28, 2026 (5 days)

Details:

• Age Group: 2018–2014 born (boys & girls)
• Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm
• Location: Mackie Clubhouse (10900 82 Ave, Delta)
• What to Bring: Shin pads & cleats (mandatory), running shoes, water, snacks, and daily lunch

Fee:

• $335 (includes camp t-shirt)

Whether your child is looking to try something new or get ready for the season ahead, we’ve got a camp for them!

Spots are limited and camps fill quickly, register early to secure your spot.  https://northdeltafc.com/summer-camp/

Monday, April 13th – PAC Meeting, 7pm

Tuesday, April 14th – Vaisakhi

Wednesday, April 15th – PAC recess popcorn sale

Thursday, April 16th – Term 3 Term Previews sent home electronically

Saturday, April 18th – Grade 7 Bottle Drive 9am-noon, DG Lower Parking Lot

Wednesday, April 22nd– Earth Day! (wear your Earthy colours – blue, green, white, brown, etc)

For other upcoming events, please refer to the calendar on the school website:

https://dg.deltasd335.upanupstage.com/news-events/monthly-calendar/