News

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For Term 1, parents will be able to see their child's learning update in two ways.</span></p><ol class="editor-list-ol"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On December 17, you will be able to view your child's learning update through the new MyEducation BC Parent Portal. This secure online tool makes it easy to stay informed about your child’s learning. Plus, families of grade 8 students will be able to support your child's transition to high school.&nbsp;</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On December 18, your child will receive a paper copy to take home.</span></li></ol><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">With the Parent Portal, you can:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">View learning updates as soon as they’re published</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Confirm your child's GESS grade 9 course selection and schedules</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Check attendance and track progress</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Update contact information quickly and easily</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s a convenient way to stay connected and support your child’s success. In the next week or two, you will receive a personalized email with instructions on how to sign up. There will also be updates posted in our newsletter and our website.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Term 1 Learning Update will be a pilot process with the intention of transitioning to a fully online Learning Update for Terms 2 and 3.</strong></b></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Photo by </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/@mediamodifier?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mediamodifier</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> on </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/pink-ribbon-on-white-paper-vJ-zmwPZQ0o?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Unsplash</span></a></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We welcome families to HMS on Wednesday, February 11</span><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>th</span></sup><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> and Thursday, February 12</span><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>th</span></sup><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> for learner led conferences to learn more about their child’s experience at school. We look forward to seeing you there.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">February 11</strong></b><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>th</span></sup><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> and 12</strong></b><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>th</span></sup><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> are both 1:00 pm early dismissal days. </strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We will have a shortened lunch break on these days from 10:50 – 11:15 so please be sure to send a large snack or lunch with your child on both days.&nbsp; School busses will be here at 1:00 pm to do their usual routes.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Open House Format - Wednesday, February 11</strong></b><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>th</span></sup><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> (4:00-6:30 pm).</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Students with their families are invited to meet teachers in their community. Wednesday evening’s open house format is for families to connect with teachers, ask questions about their child’s learning, and see the learning spaces. Your children’s can also take you to their Exploratory spaces so that you can meet their Art, Music, Foods, Outdoor Education, Textiles, or French teacher.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Optional Learner Conferences </strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">will be held in person or over the phone and will require families to sign up for an appointment. These will be offered on Thursday between 1:30 – 3:30 pm.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Parents will be able to register for the conferences starting Tuesday, January 27</strong></b><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>th</span></sup><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> and booking of appointments will close at 12:00pm noon on Monday, February 9</strong></b><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>th</span></sup><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have more than one learner at HMS, please book appointments carefully to be sure that they don't conflict.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Remember, parents can reach out to their child’s teachers at any time during the school year to enquire about their child’s learning.</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> A complete school directory can be found at</span><a href="https://hms.sd23.bc.ca/staff-directory-about" class="editor-link"><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> https://hms.sd23.bc.ca/staff-directory-about</span></u></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Parents of students from blended families are strongly encouraged to attend appointments together.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">To schedule a parent-teacher conference:</span></p><ol class="editor-list-ol"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Go to our school appointments website</span><a href="https://hsgrenda.schoolappointments.com" class="editor-link"><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> https://hsgrenda.schoolappointments.com</span></u></a></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Click the "Click Here to Register" link to register for an account.&nbsp; You may need to create a new account (off to the right of the webpage).</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our School Access Code is HMS and it is case sensitive.</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Fill in the registration form to obtain a User ID (=email address) and Password.&nbsp;</span></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Click on "Manage Participants" to add each of your students to the system.</span></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Click on the Appointments button beside your student's name.</span></li><li value="7" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Click on "View Calendar" and select your child's homeroom teacher.</span></li><li value="8" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Select the date and time that you would like by clicking the check box. Once an appointment has been selected it will change to green.</span></li></ol><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It is time for our Round Two Passion Exploration Selection. Please take a moment to read through the Passion Selection Booklet with your child(ren). Students will get to choose their top 4 choices. Please click the link here:&nbsp;</span><a href="/documents/bc50e5b1-3fcf-4b87-96b3-6b24f684768c/2025-26-R2-Passion-Exploration-Selection-Booklet.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Passion Selection Booklet</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> January 2026&nbsp;to access the booklet. Passions form will open on Monday, January 12. Watch your email for a sign-up link!</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><a href="/documents/52b48565-071b-4d69-9009-e74be5062b94/Registration-Ad-Spring-2026-2027-FI-Note.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Enrollment Application Process 2026-27</span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The enrollment application period begins&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Monday</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">February 2</strong></b><b><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><strong class="editor-text-bold">nd,&nbsp;</strong></sup></b><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2026 (beginning at 7:00 am on-line) – Friday, March 13</strong></b><b><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><strong class="editor-text-bold">th,&nbsp;</strong></sup></b><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2026.</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Summer Enrollment Application period begins</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">: Tuesday, September 1</strong></b><b><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><strong class="editor-text-bold">st,</strong></sup></b><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;2026, to Thursday, September 3</strong></b><b><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><strong class="editor-text-bold">rd,</strong></sup></b><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;2026.</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Also, the French Immersion Kindergarten Information Session meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 6:00 pm on Zoom.&nbsp; Link:&nbsp; </span><a href="https://sd23.org/French" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">sd23.org/French</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Photo by </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/@austindistel?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Austin Distel</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> on </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/person-using-macbook-pro-744oGeqpxPQ?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Unsplash</span></a><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</strong></b></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><a href="/documents/f6ead1b0-fdb2-402a-bae1-11a24fe660b5/MyEducation-BC-Parent-Portal-HMS-Quick-Guide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">MyEducation BC Parent Portal for Families - HMS Quick Guide</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> (Download)</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Starting this year, the HMS MyEducation BC Parent Portal will be the method in which student Written Learning Updates can be read by parents. With the Parent Portal, you can:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">View learning updates as soon as they’re published</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grade 8 families will be able to view their children's GESS grade 9 course selection and schedules</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Check attendance and track progress</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Update contact information quickly and easily</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On Wednesday, December 10, we will be launching the portal. The launch is one week prior to the release of the Term 1 Learning Update which is being published on Wednesday, December 17. This early launch gives you time to log in, explore the interface, and feel comfortable navigating the system before the Written Learning Updates are released the following week.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">To support HMS families’ transition to the portal, we will be providing a paper copy of the Term 1 Written Learning Update for students to take home on Thursday, December 18. Written Learning Updates for terms 2 and 3 will be available through the Parent Portal only. Families are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the portal during the term 1 transition.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><i><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Term 1 Learning Update will be a pilot process with the intention of transitioning to a fully online Learning Update for Terms 2 and 3.</strong></b></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">HMS is a "Nut Aware" School. A number of individuals at our school have life-threatening allergies to nuts, kiwi and shellfish.&nbsp; Please help us keep everyone safe by avoiding bringing these items to school or being very mindful about their consumption and cleanup.&nbsp; Thank you for your understanding and keeping everyone safe!&nbsp;</span></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">How to recognize anaphylaxis</span></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Life-threatening allergies are called anaphylaxis. To help protect our friends who have life-threatening allergies, it's important to be able to identify the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis. Follow the link below from Food Allergy Canada to learn more.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><a href="/documents/d3025811-28b9-4af1-a876-f31cc65f3a4e/Signs-and-symptoms-of-anaphylaxis-resources.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Signs and Symptoms of Anaphylaxis</span></a></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As we head into summer, we wanted to make families aware of some important changes to rules surrounding E-Bikes and E-Scooters in Central Okanagan Schools. We recognize that some families may be considering purchasing some sort of electronic transportation for their children as a means for them to travel to-and-from school in fall. Before doing so, please read the information about provincial regulations regarding e-bikes and e-scooters below.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Provincial Laws on E-Bikes and E-Scooters</span></h3><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">According to British Columbia's Motor Assisted Cycle (E-Bike) Regulation, there are specific age limits and safety requirements for operating e-bikes and e-scooters on public roads. Here are the key points:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Standard E-Bikes: Riders must be at least 16 years old.</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Light E-Bikes: Riders must be at least 14 years old.</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">E-Scooters: Riders must be at least 16 years old.</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Given these regulations, E-bikes and E-scooters will not be permitted for students at HMS in September. We encourage all students who want to ride to school to use traditional bicycles, scooters, or other non-motorized forms of transportation to ensure compliance with provincial laws and to promote safety. Always wear a helmet when you ride.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you for your help in keeping our students safe.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><a href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/cycling/electric-kick-scooter-rules" class="editor-link"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">BC Provincial E-Scooter Regulations</strong></b></u></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><a href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/cycling/cycling-regulations-restrictions-rules/e-bikes" class="editor-link"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">BC Provincial E-Bike Regulations</strong></b></u></a></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Welcome to École H S Grenda Middle School! Follow the link below to read information for our new students and their families. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><ie-document data-lexical-document-id="61fe009c-8bf6-4fd7-870a-ce6e794a7569"></ie-document></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><a href="/documents/bdbee333-f9b2-4ba3-8a99-1a00332f7db6/2025-26%20HMS%20Important%20Dates%20-%20Family%20Edition%20(1).pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2025-26 School Calendar</span></a></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Responsible Student Use of Personal Digital Devices, School Technology, and District Network Services</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Student use of personal digital devices (any device used to communicate and/or access the internet), school technology, and district networks at school is for educational purposes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students must abide by the school’s Code of Conduct and procedures, as well as Central Okanagan Public Schools Policy 486: Student Use of Network Services and Digital Technologies.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students will:&nbsp;</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Put away their personal digital devices when they arrive at school;</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Secure, power off and store personal digital devices during instructional (i.e. class time) and non-instructional time (i.e. breaks/lunch) at Middle schools unless instructed by the Principal or school staff;&nbsp;</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Use personal digital devices during instructional time for instructional purposes and digital literacy skills as instructed by the Principal or school staff;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ensure personal digital devices are not used in areas where privacy is expected, such as restrooms and change rooms;&nbsp;</span></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Be permitted to use personal digital devices to support accessibility, accommodations, medical and health needs;&nbsp;</span></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Always take precautions to ensure online safety, privacy, and security;&nbsp;</span></li><li value="7" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Treat others with respect and kindness when using digital devices and district network services;&nbsp;</span></li><li value="8" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Always use digital devices and district network services responsibly and with academic integrity.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Schools will ensure that all students have equitable and developmentally appropriate access to technology to meet curricular requirements.&nbsp; Students are not required to have their own personal digital device or cellphone at school.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The use of personal digital devices, school technology, and district networks is a privilege. Staff may revoke a student’s access to devices because of inappropriate student conduct.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Violations of the school code of conduct could result in appropriate restorative processes or disciplinary actions including suspension and police intervention.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our entire Code of Conduct can be found </span><a href="https://hms.sd23.bc.ca/codeofconduct" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">here</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Online application for student enrollment begins on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 7:00 am for 2025 - 2026 School Year (for kindergarten, new students, and Programs of Choice for K – 12). Please read the letter below for further details.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><a href="/documents/ec9698c3-d138-4718-996c-372846103ff7/Registration%20Ad%20Spring%202025-2026.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Registration Ad Spring 2025-26</span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The </span><a href="https://hms.sd23.bc.ca/calendar-main" class="editor-link"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">HMS online school calendar</strong></b></u></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> can be found on the school website. If you have an iPhone (or other Apple device), you can subscribe to the calendar and the dates will sync and automatically update to the Calendar app on your iPhone. To subscribe, visit the </span><a href="https://hms.sd23.bc.ca/calendar-main" class="editor-link"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">HMS online school calendar</strong></b></u><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></u></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">using the Safari app. In the future, we hope to have this feature available to Android and other devices.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Families don't have to wait for conferences or learning updates to hear about how their child is doing at school. They can reach out to their child’s teachers at any time during the school year to enquire about their child’s learning. You A complete school directory can be found at </span><a href="https://hms.sd23.bc.ca/staff-directory-about" class="editor-link"><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">https://hms.sd23.bc.ca/staff-directory-about</span></u></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p>