We Love Our School!

Dear Graham Bruce Families,

We had a joyful start to the school year and were delighted to welcome back our returning students and meet our new ones! We are excited for the year ahead and look forward to the learning and growth our students will experience. Please read the following information to help prepare for next week.

New 2025-2026 Divisions

On Monday, September 8th, students will begin the day in their previous classrooms, just as they did this past week. Teachers will then inform students of their new class divisions, and students will transition to their new classrooms shortly after the school day begins. At lunchtime, teachers of the new divisions will email families with details about the new class assignments, room numbers, and designated drop-off and pick-up areas. At the end of the day, please pick up your child at 2:58 p.m. from the location indicated in the teacher’s email. Staff will be available outside to assist with any questions you may have.

How Class Placements Are Determined

Our staff dedicate significant time and care to the class placement process. Each decision is made collaboratively, with a focus on what will best support each student’s learning and well-being. In addition to academic considerations, we take into account:

• Social-emotional development
• Peer relationships and dynamics
• English language learning needs
• Individual learning needs and supports
• Leadership potential
• Group cohesion
• Past classroom experiences
• Class size and Ministry/VBE guidelines

Our goal is always to create balanced, supportive learning environments where every student can thrive.

Supporting Your Child Through the Transition

Moving into a new class can bring a mix of emotions for students. Some may feel excited, while others may need time to adjust. As parents and caregivers, your response plays a key role in shaping how your child experiences this transition.

You can help by:

• Encouraging a positive outlook on new beginnings
• Talking about the opportunity to make new friends and learn from a new teacher
• Reassuring your child that it’s normal to feel uncertain at first
• Avoiding comparisons to previous years or divisions

Please note that changes to class placements are not possible, as each move affects the broader class structure.

If your child is in a combined-grade class (also known as a “split class”), rest assured that these groupings offer many benefits. For more information, you can visit the VSB’s page on Combined/Split Classes.

Bruce Open House – Tuesday, September 23 | 6:00–7:00 PM

We are excited to invite you to our annual Open House! This is a great opportunity to meet your child’s teacher, connect with other families, and explore the school environment. Please note that this is not a time for individual student progress discussions—those will take place during our parent-teacher conferences in October.

Upcoming Dates

• Wednesday, September 10 – First full day for new Kindergarten students
• Thursday, September 11 @ 6:30 PM – PAC Meeting 
• Thursday, September 18 @ 2:00 PM – Terry Fox Run
• Tuesday, September 23 @ 6:00–7:00 PM – Open House
• Wednesday, September 24 – Professional Development Day (No school for students)
• Monday, September 29 - Orange Shirt Day
• Monday, September 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (School closed)

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We are looking forward to a fantastic year ahead!

Warm regards,
Armin Samiei
 Principal, Graham Bruce Elementary

With deep gratitude and respect, we are honoured to be learning and unlearning on the ancestral and unceded lands of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7meshÚxwumixw (SquamishNation) & səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).