False Creek Elementary production of Seussical: The Musical

The False Creek Elementary School Parent Advisory Council (PAC) –  parents and guardians of students at the school – aims to enhance our families’ school experience to build a strong sense of community within our school and beyond.

We have:

  • held dances, potluck movie and family skate nights,
  • served hot lunches,
  • initiated art workshops and dance programs,
  • hosted poetry slams,
  • coached sports teams,
  • organized Bike to School Weeks, “Parent Free Coffee Fridays”,
  • and lots and lots of fundraisers to help pay for activities and supplies not provided by the School Board or P

Parents are encouraged to bring ideas, efforts and inquiries to our monthly meetings – though there’s often much discussion and planning on the playground after school, and at our many social events.

This year we provided the funding for a school-wide musical theatre program to enhance the music and art curriculum. Working with Vancouver Performing Stars, a local performing arts school, we produced “Seussical Jr. the Musical” – a colourful and lively performance featuring all our students and the imagination of Dr. Seuss.

From September to February, students participated in weekly workshops and rehearsals during school hours. A huge team of parent volunteers created magnificent costumes and stagecraft.  In keeping with our goal to build community around us too, we showcased the final performances in the beautiful new theatre at Kitsilano Secondary School (our catchment high school.) This was a big hit with our students and, for many, the first time on stage in front of a live audience, inspiring them to pursue their interest in performing arts. Perhaps one day they’ll be involved with one of the many theatre companies and stages in our own neighbourhood.

Over the years we’ve also increased efforts with sustainability and the environment. Together with staff we’ve created a school garden program and, in collaboration with the False Creek South Neighbourhood Association and Spruce Harbour Marina, a herring spawning initiative.

While we’ve offered an optional lunch program for our families for many years, this year we committed to “zero-waste”, teaming up with a local caterer who provides healthier lunch options and reusable cutlery and plates. The result:  a huge reduction in lunch waste. Our students are becoming experts at composting food scraps and, as the weather warms and they can enjoy their lunch outside, we’ll provide additional recycling and composting bins.

And thanks to the generosity of the Neighbourhood Association, we’ll be setting up our new “outdoor classroom” this spring. With increased student enrollment, the amount of space for flexible learning decreases. This outdoor classroom will provide a much needed sheltered area for our teachers and students to creatively apply many aspects of the curriculum. Situated next to our school garden in a quiet courtyard, the large canopy and benches will also provide a covered area on rainy and sunny days so classes can enjoy learning outside on a regular basis.

Many more activities planned for this year include our annual Bike to School Week, a “Spring Fling” carnival-style event and student photo exhibit, and lemonade stand fundraisers. Our final event of the year is the always fun and well-attended “PAC’nic” where families meet one last time before the summer break for picnic dinners, dessert potluck and games on the field.

The enthusiastic participation of our families, with support from our neighbourhood, will undoubtedly continue to build a strong sense of community at our school and beyond and enhance the school experience for years to come.

– Larissa Warrington, PAC chair (Alder Bay Co-op)