B LO G U P - D A T E
My Library Blog has been on hold, waiting for the district's
policies on social media. I am back now with an overview of what has been happening in the Library since October!
B O O K F A I R 
Our October Scholastic Book Fair was an incredible success! Thanks to our wonderful parent and staff volunteers the fair ran smoothly and our sales were excellent. It is exciting to have many new books for the Library and cash for future purchases.
H A L L O W E ' E N
The monitors did an incredible job of decorating the Library for Hallowe'en. Their displays added interest and encouraged students to check out the selection of spooky books.
Each Fall, we focus on a traditional Hallowe'en creature. Last year, the students became bat experts and this fall we are studying owls. These wise birds can be found on every continent except Antarctica. North America is home to 19 species. Watch for these nocturnal predators in New Westminster and check for owl pellets at the base of large trees next time you visit a wooded area. Ask your children what they have learned about owls.
R E M E M B R A N C E D A Y
I continue to be impressed with how well the McBride students approach somber and serious topics. Their level of respect and maturity is commendable.
In preparation for Remembrance Day and our school assembly, we focused on Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, the Canadian doctor and poet. His enduring poem "In Flanders Fields" serves to remind us of the sacrifices made not only by those who gave their
lives in the Great War but by those who continue to fight and die so that we
can live in freedom.
The students were especially interested to learn of McCrae's love of animals. When he left for the Great War at the age of 42, he was accompanied by his horse, Bonfire. Throughout the war, McCrae collected pets, including his spaniel Bonneau and an assortment of cats, rabbits and chickens. McCrae died of pneumonia in France on January 28, 1918. He was buried with full military honours and his horse, Bonfire, led his funeral procession.
T W A S T H E N I G H T B E F O R E C H R I S T M A S
During the holiday season, we looked at the iconic Christmas poem, A Visit From St. Nicholas. Written in 1823 by Clement Clarke Moore , this classic poem gave the first description of Santa Claus and the names of his eight reindeer. Moore's work helped promote Christmas as a child-centred, family holiday.
A N I M A L S I N W I N T E R
We have started the new year with the study of animals in winter. The students are learning about the ways Canadian wildlife adapt to our snowy winters. While some animals migrate or hibernate, many remain active in even the harshest weather. What do you do when it snows in New Westminster?
Ask your child the difference between true hibernation and torpor!
