Previous News
May 6th:
Spring Flowers
A reminder that spring flowers are arriving this Tuesday May 8th! Pick up is from 10am - 5pm at Elphinstone Secondary. Please avoid parking in front of the school between 2:30-3:30.
Prom:
Saturday May 12
Sunshine Coast Golf Club - Roberts Creek
5:30 - 7:00- Reception - for Grads/dates and immediate family
7:00-10:30 - Dinner & Dance - Grads/Dates only
A photographer will be available during the reception. There are no set times scheduled for individual family photos. However, since there are a number of families that would like a photo we may start a sign up sheet at the event.
A reminder that Grads are not to drive themselves to and from the event. Please transport your grads. Car pooling is strongly encouraged where possible.
April 17th
Spring Flower Sales:
We are in our last week!
The deadline for Spring Flower sales is April 25th - all forms must be turned in by this day. We are less than halfway to our goal so we still have a ways to go meet our target. Each student only needs to sell approx 5 or 6 items and we will get there. Please pass along to your networks.
The online and pdf order forms can be found at: https://elphinstonegrads.growingsmilesfundraising.com/home
Prom
Prom details are outlined below. If you are available to volunteer before or after the event please contact Trina at TrinaGiesbrecht@outlook.com.
Details:
Saturday May 12th
Sunshine Coast Golf and Country Club 3206 Highway 101, Roberts Creek
5:30 - 7:00 pm - Reception - Grads and parents - Photographer will be onsite during this time
7:00 - 10:30 - Dinner/Dance - Grads and their guest.
Aftergrad
We are looking for prize donations from parents and businesses that can be offered to grads throughout the night to enhance the spirit of the event and to encourage students to stay. We would also like to offer a silent auction with a number of items the grads can bid on with their casino money winnings. Ideal items are small appliances, dishes, electronics, camping gear, gift baskets and gift cards. We have started to track the donated prizes and individuals who have donated. If you have any items you can donate or a business you would like to contact for a donation, please contact Roxanne Finnie at elphigrad2018@gmail.com.
We also require a number of volunteers throughout the night. If you haven't done so already, please contact Catherine Evans at info@toursexplore.com to add your name to the list. Check the outline of events planned for Aftegrad on the Grad Information page at: https://sites.google.com/view/grad2018elphinstonesecondary/events
Supervalu
Don't forget to turn in your receipts to the Grad box at Supervalue (near the express check out). We receive store credit for these which we use to pay for food for Aftergrad and other events.
Please feel free to contact Roxanne at elphigrad2018@gmail.com if you have any questions about Grad activities.
March 16, 2018
Just a quick update before spring break.
Spring Flower Sales
Please spread the word about spring flower sales. Sales are starting to come in, but we will need everyone's help in order to meet our goal. If every Grad sells approx 6-7 items on the order form we should hit our fundraising goal. Deadline for orders is April 25. Flower pick up is May 8th - just in time for Mother's Day
The online and pdf order forms can be found at: https://elphinstonegrads.growingsmilesfundraising.com/home
After (Dry) Grad Event - Tuesday June 26
We are looking for prize donations from parents and businesses that can be offered to grads throughout the night to enhance the spirit of the event and to encourage students to stay. We would also like to offer a silent auction with a number of items the grads can bid on with their casino money winnings. Ideal items are small appliances, dishes, electronics, camping gear, gift baskets and gift cards. We have started to track the donated prizes and individuals who have donated. If you have any items you can donate or a business you would like to contact for a donation, please contact Roxanne Finnie at elphigrad2018@gmail.com.
We also require a number of volunteers throughout the night. If you haven't done so already, please contact Catherine Evans at info@toursexplore.com to add your name to the list. After Easter we will have a full outline of events planned for Aftegrad on the Grad Information page.
Thanks again everyone! I hope everyone has a great spring break and Happy Easter!
March 1, 2018
***a reminder that there are still a number of outstanding Grad Fees. Please submit these as soon as possible***
Fundraising and budget update.
During February we completed two more fundraisers - the Grad Raffle Ticket Sales and the Winter Formal. Great job to all the grads involved in these events and a big thank you to all parents who donated time, baking, prizes, decorating expertise and help with raffle ticket sales.
How did we do?
Although we met our budgeted goal for the Winter Formal event, our raffle ticket sales were $3,000.00 short of our budgeted target.
What does this mean?
Planning is already underway for Prom, the grad field trip and After Grad. In order to help cover the costs of these events we are ready to launch our next fundraiser, Spring Flower Sales. This is our last major fundraiser and we need the participation of all grads to reach our target.
Sales will run between March 1 and April 25. In order to reach our goal we are asking ALL grads to aim for a minimum of $135 in sales. This equates to approx 5 to 6 of the items available for sale per student. This is very doable! The link to the pdf forms and/or online order forms is: https://elphinstonegrads.growingsmilesfundraising.com/home
We are not able to set up tables at the mall or IGA so we will be relying on everyone to spread the word to friends and family. If anyone has ideas or connections to other places we may be able to set up a table please let me know.
We have also noticed that a few of the grads have been doing the majority of the heavy lifting during past fundraisers so we are aiming to have all grads participate in this next push to help lighten the load. The fundraisers allow us to keep the grad events free and accessible to everyone regardless of their financial ability. Please encourage your grad to participate and help spread the word on sales to family and friends. We will keep you posted on our progress.
We are also open to other fundraiser ideas you may have so please feel free to send any ideas my way.
An updated budget can be found on the Grad Info website at: https://sites.google.com/s/0B86iLL6whWr2SVM0TGZzazQ5Mms/p/0B86iLL6whWr2NHMxUnJZMFJQYmM/edit?authuser=1
Upcoming events and volunteers
We could still use help for upcoming events. Please see the Grad Information Event Page for more details and contact information:
https://sites.google.com/view/grad2018elphinstonesecondary/events?authuser=1
February 1, 2018
Raffle Ticket Sales - Final Push
WE NEED YOUR HELP! We still have a very long way to go so please reach out to your networks. All tickets (sold and unsold) and money must be turned on MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5th.
Grads will also be selling tickets again this weekend at IGA in Gibsons - Please spread the word!
Click here for a full list of prizes
Grad Fees
There are still a number of outstanding grad fees. Kindly submit these as soon as possible. If you need to make alternate arrangements please contact the school.
Fundraisers and Volunteers
We are in need of more parent (and grad) volunteers to help with fundraising and other activities. All grads benefit from these fundraising and planning activities so we encourage both parents and grads to support the current volunteers by volunteering where you are able. Please encourage your grads to contact Mr. Yamamura or Ms. Ross if they need more information. A list of upcoming activities are outlined below.
Formal - February 16th – Elphinstone Secondary
We are in need of parents who can help with set-up, decorating, chaperoning and clean-up. Please contact Silke at silk-bri@telus.net to volunteer. Grads are also needed to help with planning and set-up. Please encourage your grads to speak to Mr. Yamamura about where help is needed.
Prom -May 12th - Sunshine Coast Golf Club Roberts Creek
The Prom Committee has started their planning. More details will be available soon! We are starting to compile a list of parents who are available to help with set-up and clean up for the event. Please contact Trina at trinagiesbrecht@outlook.com with your availability.
AfterGrad – June 26 – Gibsons Community Centre
We need a number of general volunteers (about 50) to help with activities throughout the night. Please contact Catherine Evans at info@toursexplore.com to add your name to the list.
If you have any other questions about AfterGrad - please contact Roxanne Finnie at elphigrad2018@gmail.com for more details.
December 14, 2017
Grad Fees
There are still a number of outstanding grad fees. Kindly submit these as soon as possible. If you need to make alternate arrangements please contact the school.
Fundraisers and Volunteers
We are in need of more parent (and grad) volunteers to help with fundraising and other activities. All grads benefit from these fundraising and planning activities so we encourage both parents and grads to support the current volunteers by volunteering where you are able. Please encourage your grads to contact Mr. Yamamura or Ms. Ross if they need more information. A list of upcoming activities are outlined below.
Raffle Ticket Sales
Raffle Ticket books have been signed out to students. Students will be selling tickets throughout the weekend at SunnyCrest Mall in Gibsons and grads will be scheduled in shifts. Please encourage your grad to contact Mr. Yamamura for information on how to sign up for a shift.
Please spread the word about this weekend and/or ask your grad for a book of tickets to sell among family, friends and colleagues (please track these carefully). We have some amazing raffle prizes thanks to the generous donations of local businesses.
Click here for a full list of prizes
Bottle Drive and Tree Chipping - January 7th
We need a large number of grads to sign up for shifts before Christmas break. Please ask your grad to see Mr. Yamamura or Ms. Ross for details. Parent volunteers should contact Jenny Brown at browncarr@telus.net to volunteer.
Also, be sure to save your cans and bottles and tree to bring with you that day. Tree Chipping is a $10 minimum donation.
Formal - February 16th – Elphinstone Secondary
We are in need of parents who can help with set-up, decorating, chaperoning and clean-up. Please contact Silke at silk-bri@telus.net to volunteer. Grads are also needed to help with planning and set-up. Please encourage your grads to speak to Mr. Yamamura about where help is needed.
Prom -May 12th - Sunshine Coast Golf Club Roberts Creek
The Prom Committee has started their planning. More details will be available soon! We are starting to compile a list of parents who are available to help with set-up and clean up for the event. Please contact Trina at trinagiesbrecht@outlook.com with your availability.
AfterGrad – June 26 – Gibsons Community Centre
We are in need of a volunteer and prize coordinator to start in the new year. We will also need a number of general volunteers (about 50) to help with activities throughout the night. Please contact Todd Simpson at todd7490@icloud.com for more details.
If you have any questions please contact Roxanne at elphigrad2018@gmail.com
December 6, 2017
Poinsettia Order Pickup - Friday December 8th 10am-5pm Elphinstone Secondary Cougar Crossing Room
Poinsettia pickup is this Friday! Pick up your Poinsettia orders in the Cougar Crossing Room between 10am and 5pm. Please avoid driving/parking at the school between 2:50- 3:50 when parents and school buses are doing pick-ups. If you need to pick up your order during this time we suggest parking at Sunnycrest mall and walking over to the school.
Grad and Parent Council meeting Tuesday December 12th 7pm - Elphinstone Secondary Library
Join us for the next Grad and Parent Council meeting on Tuesday December 12th at 7pm. We will provide updates on current and upcoming activities. Parent and grad leads will be available with information on the volunteer requirements.
Fundraisers and Volunteers
Raffle Ticket Sales
Raffle Ticket books have been signed out to students. Please treat these like cash and track carefully as we have to account for all tickets. Ticket stubs, cash or unsold tickets should be given to Crystal in the school office.
We have some amazing raffle prizes thanks to the generous donations of local businesses. Please encourage your grads to participate in the fundraising and help support the grads by spreading the word to friends and colleagues.
Click here for a full list of prizes
Bottle Drive and Tree Chipping - January 7th
Start saving your cans and bottles for the bottle drive and tree chipping fundraiser!
We need lots of hands that day. Please contact Jenny Brown at browncarr@telus.net to volunteer.
Formal - February 16th – Elphinstone Secondary
We are in need of parents who can help with set-up, decorating, chaperoning and clean-up. Please contact Silke at silk-bri@telus.net to volunteer.
Prom -May 12th - Sunshine Coast Golf Club Roberts Creek
The Prom Committee has started their planning. More details will be available soon! We are starting to compile a list of parents who are available to help with set-up and clean up for the event. Please contact Trina at trinagiesbrecht@outlook.com with your availability.
If you have any questions please contact Roxanne at elphigrad2018@gmail.com
November 29, 2017
Parent Volunteer Lead needed for Formal
We are still in need of a parent volunteer lead for Formal. Tentative date is February 16th. If you would like more details please contact Roxanne at elphigrad2018@gmail.com
Raffle Ticket Sales
The next fundraiser has started. Please encourage your grads to participate in the fundraising and help support the grads by spreading the word to friends and colleagues. Raffle Ticket books will be signed out to students soon.
We have some amazing raffle prizes thanks to the generous donations of local businesses. Click here for a full list of prizes.
Grad and Parent Council meeting Tuesday December 12th 7pm
Join us for the next Grad and Parent Council meeting on Tuesday December 12th at 7pm in the Elphinstone Secondary Library. We will provide updates on current and upcoming activities. Parent and grad leads will be available with information on the volunteer requirements.
Bottle Drive and Tree Chipping - January 7th
Start saving your cans and bottles for the bottle drive and tree chipping fundraiser! The digital poster is below - please share far and wide!
If you can lend a hand that day please contact Jenny Brown at browncarr@telus.net.
Stay Updated
There a number ways to stay updated on grad fundraising events and other activities.
1. Join our Facebook Page at https://m.facebook.com/groups/845005095648184
2. Bookmark this Grad Info Website.
3. Watch for regular email updates.
Feel free to contact us anytime at elphigrad2018@gmail.com.
November 15, 2017
Poinsettia Sales
Poinsettia Sales - deadline for orders is Friday November 24! Please support the grads by helping to spread the word. Forms and online orders are available at: https://elphinstonegrads.growingsmilesfundraising.com/home
Join the fun on December 12th!
Join us for the next Grad and Parent Council meeting on Tuesday December 12th at 7pm in the Elphinstone Secondary Library. We will provide updates on current and upcoming activities and parent and grad leads will be available with information on the volunteer requirements.
There are many opportunities to get involved and any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
Parent Volunteer Lead Required
We are looking for a parent to help organize the Formal fundraiser scheduled for February 16th. Please contact Roxanne at elphigrad2018@gmail.com if you are available.
Raffle Ticket Sales
We have some amazing raffle prizes thanks to the generous donations of local businesses. Ticket sales will begin just in time for Christmas. They make the perfect stocking stuffer! Click here for a full list of prizes.
October 30, 2017
Haunted House
Congrats to the grad organizers and volunteers for the Haunted House on Saturday! Thank you to all the parent volunteers who helped with baking and set-up and a big thank you to Kristi Swanson for the use of the bouncy castle. The event was great, well attended and a lot of fun!
Poinsettia Sales
We apologize if some have received an order form without pricing. This has been corrected and paper forms or on-line ordering is available at https://elphinstonegrads.growingsmilesfundraising.com/home. Please help spread the word by distributing to your networks.
Raffle Donations
We have received some great donations for the raffle. Thank you to everyone who donated and who helped spread the word. We are aiming to have tickets printed and ready to go by mid-November. We will send an update and and confirmed list of prizes by next week.
AfterGrad
The AfterGrad will be held at the Gibsons Rec Centre on June 26 (following the Grad Ceremony). We are in the process of organizing activities for that night. We would love to hear from any parents who may have attended or helped out last year with comments about the activities - what was used/what wasn’t/what was missing/what worked/what didn’t. Please email your comments to elphigrad2018@gmail.com by Saturday November 4th.
October 16, 2017
Grad Fees:
A reminder the $175 Grad fees, payable to "Elphinstone Secondary School", are now due. Please drop cheques off at the school office.
These fees go towards the cap and gown rental, the grad group photo and securing venues.
Any concerns regarding fees please contact John Brisebois (JBrisebois@sd46.bc.ca).
Raffle Prizes:
Additional prizes are still needed for the grad raffle ticket fundraiser. Our deadline for all prizes is Friday October 20th
A big thank you for all the donations we have received to date.
Parent Leads/Volunteer Coordinators:
Thanks again to all the parent volunteers who have signed up already.
We still need a parent lead for the following positions. Your help is greatly appreciated!
Haunted House - Saturday October 28th (set-up Friday October 27th)
Raffle - October 23 - February 2
Bottle Drive/Tree Chipping - Sunday January 7 - date TBC
Formal - Late Feb/Early March - date TBC
Please contact Roxanne Finnie at elphigrad2018@gmail.com if you have any questions on the above positions and to volunteer.
IGA and SuperValu
You can help raise money for Grads by grocery shopping at both IGA and SuperValu.
SuperValu collects receipts. The drop box is next to the express check-out.
IGA has a reloadable gift card that can be used. A percentage of the sales goes directly to grads. Cards are available from students or the Elphinstone Secondary office.
Raffle Prizes - October 3, 2017
We are looking for additional donations that can be used as prizes.
Examples of previous prizes (2017)
1st Prize: 2 night Whistler Getaway for 2 ($800 value) Donated by the Crystal Lodge, Scandinavia Spa, Superbly Zippiness
2nd Prize: Canucks Game, Dinner & Ferry for 2 Donated by Longman Developments
3rd Prize: Gibsons Building Supplies $500 Gift Certificate Donated by Gibsons Building Supplies
4th Prize: Bag of Coffee a week for 1 year. Donated by Ethical Bean
5th Prize: Coyle Antique Reproductions $500 Gift Certificate Donated by Coyle Antique Reproductions
6th Prize: 20 Minute Helicopter Ride for 4. Donated by Airspan Helicopters Ltd.
7th Prize: Jackson Grill Portable BBQ. Donated by Thomas Heating & Electric
We need to collect these items by Friday October 20th so we can apply for the gaming license (prizes need to be in place in order to apply).
Donated items can be physical items or cash that can be used to purchase items (i.e.hockey tickets etc). If you have ideas or contacts or have items you can donate, please email elphigrad2018@gmail.com