Community

Friday, November 6, 2015

Thank you to all parents who took the time to come and observe our classes! We believe this is a wonderful opportunity to witness, first hand, your children at work and hope this has provided you with a greater understanding of the Montessori classroom dynamics. Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any questions or concerns. We hope you enjoyed your observation!

Our Upper Elementary students enjoyed a lovely concert at the VSO today! Thanks so much to all who donned their hockey jerseys for this homage to Canada’s favourite past-time!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend,
The Staff at Lions Gate Montessori

GENERAL NOTICES

NO SCHOOL on Wednesday, November 11th: Remembrance Day.

Local Outreach Winter Food Drive – November 16th to December 4th: Once again, we are participating in a Winter Food Drive for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Please bring in non-perishable food items and place them in the marked box in the entrance at both locations. The most wanted items are high protein, whole grain, lower sodium, lower sugar items such as canned fish or meats, canned beans (kidney, black, chickpeas), 100% nut butters, pasta and rice, canned vegetables and pasta sauces, canned fruit, packed in its own juice or water, whole grain breakfast cereals, hearty sops, stews and chili. Please note, due to health and safety issues, the Food Bank is not able to accepthomemade items, expired food, products containing alcohol, and open packages of food. Thanks in advance for your support for such a worthwhile cause!

PHOTO DAYS:
Monday, November 9th, North Creek: Preschool, Kindergarten/Extended-Day and Siblings
Tuesday, November 10th: Anchor Point: Grades 1 to 7

IMMUNIZATION CLINIC for Kindergarten and Grade 6 students – Wednesday, November 25th: Immunizations are available for Kindergarten and Grade 6students on November 25 from 9 am to 10:30 am at Lord Roberts Annex. Consent forms from our local health nurse with information on what immunizations are recommended have been sent home with your child/children. If you would like your child to be immunized, please return the consent forms to the school. You are also welcome to immunize your child/ren with your family doctor or at your local health clinic.

FLU SHOTS CLINIC – Flu shots are available as follows:
Nov 4 1pm – 4pm West End Community Centre 870 Denman St. 604-257-8333
Nov 19 1pm – 4pm Roundhouse Community Centre 181 Roundhouse Mews 604-713-1800
Dec 10 1pm– 4pm Three Bridges Community Health Centre 1292 Hornby St. 604-736-9844
Jan 7 1pm – 4pm Three Bridges Community Health Centre 1292 Hornby Street 604-736-9844

ELEMENTARY COMMUNITY

A Call for Donations: Our craft projects are underway and would appreciate donations for these items: Glass jars (clean, small and medium sized); Picture Frames (old, but in good shape and new)

Band Update: Due to school closure for Remembrance Day this Wednesday, this week’s band class will be held on Tuesday, November 10th.

Snack Policy Reminder: This is a friendly reminder that the school provides healthy and nutritious snacks (organic, where possible) such as seasonal fresh fruits, vegetables, rice cakes, and crackers, as well as filtered water for your child. However, you are welcome to pack your child his/her own snack. We ask parents to refrain from sending sugary and non-nutritious snacks such as chips, chocolate, candy, etc. Thank you!

Monday, November 9 – SIBLINGS PHOTO DAY: All Elementary students who have siblings enrolled in Casa will have their siblings photo taken on this day. A teacher will walk the siblings from Anchor Point to North Creek to meet the photographer.

Tuesday, November 10 – LOWER AND UPPER ELEMENTARY PHOTO DAY: All Elementary students will have their photo day on this day. The photographer will be at Anchor Point to take both individual and class photos.

Physical Education Update: Physical activities held on Monday mornings at the Dance Centre. Kindly drop off your child as follows:

Upper Elementary (Grades 4 to 7, Ages 9 to 13) – Directly at the Scotiabank Dance Centre (677 Davie Street) If this is inconvenient for your family, please drop off your child no later than 8:45am at Anchor Point and a teacher will walk with them to the Dance Centre.

Lower Elementary Group B – Directly at the Scotiabank Dance Centre (677 Davie Street) If this is inconvenient for your family, please drop off your child no later than 8:45am at Anchor Point and a teacher will walk with them to the Dance Centre.

Lower Elementary Group A – Regular drop off at Anchor Point (9:00am).

Heritage Christmas Celebration, Burnaby Village Museum, 6501 Deer Lake Ave., Friday, December 11th: Extended-Day and Elementary students will participate in the “Heritage Christmas” program. They will be touring all the exhibits in the museum and riding on a vintage carousel. This program is a wonderful way for students to learn about different aspects of life in a 1920’s urban community. Please prepare a bagged lunch and a light snack for this outing. Again, please check the weather on the day of the field trip and send your child to school with the appropriate clothing and footwear. We will be taking a school bus for this field trip. We may have a few extra seats available for parents who are interested in coming along on this trip. Please let us know if you would like to join us. Kindly return the permission form back to school with payment no later than Monday, November 30th. We would like to send a special thank you to our Parent Support Group for generously funding the transportation to the museum.

Arts Umbrella Dance Company – Mixed Nuts, Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton St., Tuesday, December 15th: Elementary students will attend this very special interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker”. Not limited to ballet, this twist on the holiday classic will have a variety of dance styles including Hip-Hop, and Ballroom Dance. We will have an early lunch at the school and walk to the venue. We will be departing from school at approximately 11:30 am. As always, please check the weather on the day of the field trip and send your child to school with the appropriate clothing and footwear. Elementary students have raised enough funds for the entire class to attend, so no payment is needed. Congratulations students! Kindly submit the permission form no later than Monday, November 30th.

CASA COMMUNITY (PRE-SCHOOL & EXTENDED-DAY) 

Monday, November 9 – PHOTO DAY: All Preschool and Extended-day students will have their photo day on this day. The photographer will be at North Creek to take both individual and class photos. Ms. Julia’s class will have their pictures taken in the morning and Ms. Kelly’s class will have their pictures taken in the afternoon. Casa students with siblings in Elementary are organized to have their pictures taken on this day too. A teacher will walksiblings from Anchor Point to North Creek for sibling portraits.

Friday, November 13th – Make up French Lesson for Preschool and Ex-day Students: Mme Sonia, our French specialist teacher, was sick on Wednesday, November 4th and a make up class is scheduled for this day.

Arts Umbrella Dance Company – Mixed Nuts, Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton St., Tuesday, December 15th: Kindergarten/Extended-Day students will attend this very special interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker”. Not limited to ballet, this twist on the holiday classic will have a variety of dance styles including Hip-Hop, and Ballroom Dance. We will have an early lunch at the school and walk to the venue. We will be departing from school at approximately 11:30 am. As always, please check the weather on the day of the field trip and send your child to school with the appropriate clothing and footwear. Elementary students have raised enough funds for the entire class to attend, so no payment is needed. Congratulations elementary students! However, since the Kindergarten/Ex-day students are planning on taking public transit to the venue, the total cost for this field trip is $3.50. Kindly return the permission form with payment no later than Monday, November 30th.

COMMUNITY NOTICES Wondering what to do with your family over the weekend? Check these out!

Body Worlds – Animal Inside Out! @ Science World, Tuesday, November 3, 2015 – Monday, March 28, 2016: Body Worlds creator and anatomist, Dr Gunther von Hagens takes you on an anatomical safari with Animal Inside Out! As you explore this captivating exhibition, you will experience the intricate biology, zoology and physiology of a variety of the world’s most spectacular creatures. Animal Inside Out contains more than 100 specimens that have been painstakingly preserved by the remarkable process of Plastination, invented by Dr von Hagens. Students will be able to examine the anatomical intricacies of familiar and exotic animals like giraffes, camels and octopuses. This exhibition is an unforgettable way for students to learn about animal science.

KOOZA Cirque du Soleil – Sunday, November 1, 2015 – Sunday, December 27, 2015: KOOZA tells the story of The Innocent, a melancholy loner in search of his place in the world. KOOZA is a return to the origins of Cirque du Soleil: It combines two circus traditions – acrobatic performance and the art of clowning. The show highlights the physical demands of human performance in all its splendor and fragility, presented in a colorful mélange that emphasizes bold slapstick humor.

Remembrance Day Ceremony & Parade – Wednesday, November 11, 2015: The program begins with a performance by the Vancouver Bach Youth Choir and Sarabande starting at
9:45 am. Led by the Vancouver Flag Party, the parade of veterans, military marching units and bands will arrive at Victory Square before the ceremony begins at 10:30am. At 11:00am the Last Post will be sounded. There will be Two Minutes of Silence, during which a 21-gun salute by the 15th Field Artillery Regiment will be heard from Portside Park. Rouse and Lament will follow. The RCAF will conduct a fly-past moments later, weather permitting. The enduring In Flanders Fields will then be sung by the Bach Youth Choir and Sarabande and wreaths will be placed at the Cenotaph. A feature will be a combined performance by the Vancouver Fire and Rescue Service and the Regimental Pipes and Drums of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. The main parade will march Route 2, marching west along Hastings past the reviewing stand between Homer and Richards, turning right at Richards, east on Cordova, then south on Cambie. The veterans section of the parade will march Route 1, marching west along Hastings Street past the reviewing stand and disperse. Where: Cenotaph at Victory Square, West Hastings Street, between Cambie Street and Hamilton Street.

L A M P Lantern Making Workshop with Windy & friends – Saturday, November 14, 2015: 2nd Annual L A M P Workshop for KIDS teams up with Windy & friends to create a fun filled morning for youngsters making their own LED Paper Lanterns! Kids of all ages will follow the basic diy instructions to make their lanterns and are then given freedom to explore their own decorating techniques. Registration fee covers the cost of materials, a L A M P tote bag, a snack & a download of the “Sunny’s Dark Night” – the groundbreaking stop-motion animation app by Windy & friends. Click here to register. Parents of children under 5 must stay through the workshop to help provide supervision. Workshop is limited to maximum 30 kids. Location: 505 Railway Street, Vancouver, BC

Common Ground: An Exhibition of Young People’s Art – Saturday, October 17, 2015 – Sunday, March 27, 2016: Common Ground is an exhibition featuring a variety of projects that present how students in schools across British Columbia explored their local landscape and its relationship with the people, animals and plants who live there. ArtStarts Gallery is located at 808 Richards Street (at Robson) in downtown Vancouver. The ArtStarts Gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 4:30pm. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.

Heart of the City Festival – Wednesday October 28 to Sunday November 8, 2015: Featuring 90+ events at over 25 locations throughout the Downtown Eastside, the annual Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival is a cultural and heritage event. It serves as a high impact, bridge building force that gives voice to the Downtown Eastside and its low income residents, cultural communities and neighbourhoods. The Festival takes inspiration from the words of the
much beloved late Downtown Eastside poet and activist Bud Osborn: Our purpose is to live in community, and community is care, care for one another, care for those least able to care for themselves, care for all, care in action. The 2015 Festival is a twelve day feast of music, stories, songs, poetry, cultural celebrations, films, theatre, dance, processions, spoken word, panels, workshops, discussions, gallery exhibitions, multi media, art talks and walking history
tours created by a diverse array of artists.

Diwali Fest – November 3rd to November 15th: Diwali Fest (formerly Vancouver Celebrates Diwali) is an annual South Asian arts & culture festival celebrating the universal light that exists in everyone. Each year’s festival engages dozens of artists in events across the city, the majority of which are open and free to the general public, by suggested donation, or at very affordable ticketed prices. Click here for this year’s events!

Friday, October 30, 2015

Kind thanks to all families who pitched in to help with our Bake Sale! It was a great success, raising just over $1,170!

We are already gearing up for our Winter Performance and Craft Fair, so mark your calendars for Thursday, December 10th. It will be held at the Roundhouse Community Centre. Extended-day, Kindergarten and Preschool children will also take part in this traditional event! There will be NO SCHOOL that day.

Don’t forget – Observation Week in our environments starts this coming Monday, November 2nd. Observation Week provides you with a first-hand experience of your child’s interactions with his teachers, peers and the materials in the classroom.

Sign-up sheets were posted by the doors. Don’t hesitate to email us with Observation Week on the subject line if you are unable to attend, and need to re-schedule.

In order for your observations to be as beneficial as possible, an observation chair will be provided so that you can view all the activities comfortably. Please limit your interaction with the students. The children may approach you and introduce themselves. You are most welcome to tell them your name using a quiet voice, but please do avoid engaging in lengthy conversations. At the close of your visit, please stand up and exit the room quietly. Detailed information and tips can be found on our Observation Guidelines.

When observing, kindly refrain from discussing your child’s progress and/or general questions with us. We’d be most happy to arrange a conference time with you to discuss any concerns. We appreciate observers who minimize their impact on the classroom as this allows the class to run smoothly in its usual manner, thereby giving observers a clear and accurate understanding of our school program.

In addition to Observation Week, parents are welcomed to visit their child’s classroom throughout the year. Observations are available after the sixth week of school when new students have acclimated to the school environment. ENJOY YOUR VISIT!

Wishing you a safe and happy Halloween,
The Staff at Lions Gate Montessori

GENERAL NOTICES

PHOTO DAYS:
Monday, November 9th, North Creek: Preschool, Kindergarten/Extended-Day and Siblings
Tuesday, November 10th: Anchor Point: Grades 1 to 7

IMMUNIZATION CLINIC for Kindergarten and Grade 6 students – Wednesday, November 25th: Immunizations are available for Kindergarten and Grade 6students on November 25 from 9 am to 10:30 am at Lord Roberts Annex. We are awaiting consent forms from our local health nurse with information on what immunizations are recommended.If you would like your child to be immunized, please return the consent forms to the school. You are also welcome to immunize your child/ren through your family doctor or at your local health clinic.

DRIED FRUIT & NUT FUNDRAISER: Thank you to those who have sent in orders!For those interested in supporting this (yummy) fundraiser, please order promptly so we can ensure we haveexactly what you want. Bring an order form to your office and circulate it! These make the perfect hostess gifts, Christmas gifts, family gifts, client gifts, etc.Just a reminder that the students will be scooping the treats into beautifully decorated 1 lb or 2 lb bags; hygiene and food safe lessons will also be presented. The the orders will be distributed in sealed bags and handed to parents directly. The students will pack the bags beginning in November, so they will be ready in time for the holiday season. Kindly return the order form to school with payment no later than Friday, November 6th. Please note that Chocolate Covered Cranberries are SOLD OUT.

Recycling Unwanted Electronics Update: We have extended the deadline for drop off to Thursday, November 5th. The Electronic Recycling Association is hoping we might be able to help with their mission in reducing electronic waste. A not-for-profit organization, they reduce electronic waste through the re-using and recycling of unwanted electronic/IT equipment. All kinds of equipment (computers, laptops, printers, telephones etc.)are collected, refurbished and donated to various charities and other non-profit organizations. ERA representatives will be leading a drive to collect unwanted electronics from our community. If you would like to participate, please drop-offyour e-devices at your child’s respective school location. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!

HOT LUNCH PROGRAM: November are now CLOSED. However, you can begin ordering for December until Thursday, November 26th 5pm.

ELEMENTARY COMMUNITY

We enjoyed a week packed with activities! On Thursday, our students learned about the Day of the Dead with Ms. Lula followed by lessons about historical figures – Warm thanks to all who took part in dressing up – We had Albert Einsteins, Mark Anthony, Frida Kahlo, Malala, Queen Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, and Florence Nightingale, to name just a few! Actors in our winter play also began rehearsing their lines. Groups will practice in class twice a week on Wednesdays and Fridays. However, we also encourage students to practice at home as well. Please let us know if you have any questions!

Physical Education Update: Physical activities held on Monday mornings at the Dance Centre. Kindly drop off your child as follows:

Lower Elementary Group A – Regular drop off at Anchor Point (9:00am).

Upper Elementary, VSO’s Symphonic Sketches of Canada – New Horizons and Hockey! November 6th, 12 pm: Upper Elementary students will explore music’s ability to bring ideas, traditions, and stories to life. Students will have an early lunch before they walk to the theater. Please let our teachers know by email or in person at the door if you would like to join us. Please ensure your child is dresses appropriately for the weather.

Monday, November 9 – SIBLINGS PHOTO DAY: All Elementary students who have siblings enrolled in Casa will have their siblings photo taken on this day. A teacher will walk the siblings from Anchor Point to North Creek to meet the photographer.

Tuesday, November 10 – GRADES 1 to 7: All Elementary students will have their photo day on this day. The photographer will be at Anchor Point to take both individual and class photos.

CASA COMMUNITY (PRE-SCHOOL & EXTENDED-DAY)

Monday, November 9 – PHOTO DAY: All Preschool and Extended-day students will have their photo day on this day. The photographer will be at North Creek to take both individual and class photos. Ms. Julia’s class will have their pictures taken in the morning and Ms. Kelly’s class will have their pictures taken in the afternoon. Casa students with siblings in Elementary are organized to have their pictures taken on this day too. A teacher will walk siblings from Anchor Point to North Creek for sibling portraits.

COMMUNITY NOTICES Wondering what to do with your family over the weekend? Check these out!

Heritage BC is giving B.C. residents the opportunity to share their opinions about B.C.’s Stop of Interest signs and the commemoration of historic people, places, and events across the province. We are reaching out to schools to invite students to help locate the B.C. Stop of Interest signs. This is a great way for you and your child/ren to learn and be engaged with B.C.’s heritage – There’s even an opportunity to win a prize! Anyone can participate by taking pictures of the signs and the stop of interest to which they refer, noting the location, then completing Heritage BC’s online form. Forms can be submitted online until December 18, 2015. You can also follow Heritage BC on Facebook and @HeritageBCanada on Instagram and Twitter and upload your Stop of Interest photos using the hashtag #bcstopsofinterest. Online form submissions as well as social media submissions will be entered into a prize draw. The online form is available here .

ArtStarts presents a Free Workshop for Children – Saturday, October 31, 2015 at 11 am and 1 pm (2 sessions): Did you know bees help plants make seeds? Did you know seeds help make plants that feed bees? Join artist and beekeeper Lori Weidenhammer to explore the fascinating world of seeds and seedpods. Make seedy care packages for the bees in your garden or as a gift for your favourite gardener. Use your imagination to create your own inspiring seed packet designs to celebrate and feed the bees!

Ghost Train – Stanley Park – Friday, October 9, 2015 – Sunday, November 1, 2015: Each year, the Stanley Park Halloween Ghost Train takes riders on a journey through a mystical and magical world. The classic night train ride includes a 14-minute experience with lights, sounds, and live performers. Back from the graveyards of yesteryear, this year’s Classic Horrors theme comes the most gripping, exciting, and spine-tingling creatures ever to haunt the Stanley Park Train! Witness Dracula, Frankenstein, the Phantom of the Opera, and more, as they come back to life from behind the silver screen to haunt you, chill you, and thrill you! This weird and wild adventure will take you back to a time when moving pictures dared to unearth the shadows that lay sleeping in the dark recesses of our minds. Entrance also includes the Haunted Maze, face painting, live music on select nights, and more fun Halloween activities for the entire family! Hours: Mon-Thurs: 5:30-9:30pm/Fri-Sun:5:30-10pm/ Matinees (no live performances): Fri-Sun: 11am-5:30pm

Halloween Flyover Canada – Friday, October 16, 2015 – Sunday, November 1, 2015: Halloween at FlyOver Canada is a family friendly event with the spook factor suitable for those aged 4 years and older. Minimum height requirement of 102 cm / 40 inches. Times: From: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Heart of the City Festival – Wednesday October 28 to Sunday November 8, 2015: Featuring 90+ events at over 25 locations throughout the Downtown Eastside, the annual Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival is a cultural and heritage event. It serves as a high impact, bridge building force that gives voice to the Downtown Eastside and its low income residents, cultural communities and neighbourhoods. The Festival takes inspiration from the words of the
much beloved late Downtown Eastside poet and activist Bud Osborn: Our purpose is to live in community, and community is care, care for one another, care for those least able to care for themselves, care for all, care in action. The 2015 Festival is a twelve day feast of music, stories, songs, poetry, cultural celebrations, films, theatre, dance, processions, spoken word, panels, workshops, discussions, gallery exhibitions, multi media, art talks and walking history
tours created by a diverse array of artists.