During the school year we host many special events for our community at BCS. Together with our Fundraising Events they are a highly appreciated part of our school life. Here is a quick overview on what to expect:
School Year Kick-off
Prior to the beginning of our school year, BCS hosts an evening when students and parents are invited to the school to view the classrooms and become familiar with the space wherein the students will spend the rest of the year. Information regarding your child’s space designation and supplies will be sent to you in advance which will allow for a more prepared start for your child. Any paperwork required for the school start, such as internet permission forms, classroom trip permission or other specific and sensitive information can be addressed on this evening. The evening begins with devotions in the gym and then you are free to roam the school and meet the classroom teacher.
New Family Orientation
On the same evening as the School Kick-Off event, families who are new to BCS are invited to arrive early and enjoy a meal together. At this time, information regarding the way we function at BCS is shared, and an opportunity to ask questions and mingle with other families is provided.
Kindergarten Potluck
Our kindergarten teachers organize a potluck dinner in the early fall to facilitate a time where the parents and their children, who are part of the kindergarten class, can socialize and make connections with other families.
Grandfriends’ Day
Grandfriends’ Day is traditionally held on the first Friday of November. We honour the grandparents and special friends as being an important part of the BCS community. Grandfriends’ are invited to visit the classrooms from 9:30-10:30 a.m., after which they are served refreshments and then presented with a special assembly by our students. Following the performances at the assembly, the grandfriends are invited to stay for lunch.
School Skate
On the last day before Christmas Break, our school rents a local arena and invites parents to come skating with their children for an afternoon. All children are required to wear helmets and mittens or gloves while on the ice.
Field Day
BCS hosts its own field day on the last Friday before the Victorian Day weekend. Students in grades 1-8 compete in their age categories in these events: running long jump, ball throw/shot put, high jump, standing long jump/triple jump and dashes. Students in grades 5-8 may also compete in the 400m and 1500m which are not held on Field Day. The top achieving athletes in each age category qualify for the District Field Day which is held in June. Typically, the Kindergarten students enjoy their own field day at Mohawk Park.
Celebration of Learning
A Celebration of Learning is a school-wide event where student work is displayed and presented to family, friends and members of the greater community.
Student work can include dramatic productions, public speaking, art displays, musical performances and project presentations. This event enables students to express their learning and demonstrate skills leading to future growth.
Fund Raising Events
Each year we host three major fundraising events. These events not only raise over $100,000 per year but they are also wonderful community-building opportunities.
BCS Bike-a-thon
Although the event is called “BCS Bike-a-thon”, what actually happens is an event where students collect sponsors to support the number of kilometres they walk or bike on the rail trail that runs behind our school property. This event occurs on a Friday afternoon in the latter half of September.
Parents may bring their child(ren)’s bike(s) to school on Thursday evening or Friday morning in preparation for the Friday afternoon and are invited to ride along with their child(ren). After the walking and biking are completed, students return to the school where they are joined by their parents for an evening of fellowship. A bar-b-que meal is provided as well as activities for the children, such as a bouncy castle.
This is a major fund-raising event for our school and in the past we have raised in excess of $22,000. More information will be sent home in early September or at the Kick-Off.
Christmas Bazaar
On the last Saturday of November, a Christmas Bazaar is organized by a Committee of dedicated volunteers. It begins in the morning and comes to a close by mid-afternoon. This event allows for all our school members to volunteer for a time in a variety of different ways. It is also a wonderful way in which to connect with our community and have a time of fellowship.
Again, this is a major fundraiser and has generated more than $56,000.
BCS Golf Tournament
Every June, BCS hosts a golf tournament. Volunteers approach sponsors, gather prizes and organize the day to make this a very successful fundraiser. Anyone from within or from outside the community is welcome to register a team and all are welcome to the dinner following the tournament, even if you have not played in the tournament.
Proceeds from the BCS Golf Tournament have been in excess of $65,000.