News

<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;">HMS welcomes you all to the 2025-26 school year! We've included the 2025–26 HMS Student &amp; Family Information Guide to support you and your child throughout the upcoming school year. Inside, you'll find helpful details about:</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;">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; the first day of school</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; the August 29</span><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>th</span></sup><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Grenda Greeting Day for our Grade 6 and new Gr 7 and 8 students</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; how to stay connected</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; and a lot more!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span><ie-document data-lexical-document-id="51862456-4e1f-4164-83a6-6de7e611d6c8"></ie-document></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A special note about the HMS PAC (Parent Advisory Council). The HMS PAC works together to support our students, teachers, and school community through events, fundraising, and parent engagement. The first PAC meeting of the year will be our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 23. At this meeting, the positions of President, Vice President, and Secretary will all be open for nominations. The PAC encourages all parents and guardians to join, get involved, and help shape another great year at HMS!</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;">If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.</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;">All the best,</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;">Rob Aviani, Principal</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">(</span><a href="mailto:rob.aviani@sd23.bc.ca" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">rob.aviani@sd23.bc.ca</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">)</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;">Tonia MacGregor, Vice Principal</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">(</span><a href="mailto:tonia.macgregor@sd23.bc.ca" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">tonia.macgregor@sd23.bc.ca</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">)</span></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>