Tuesday 30 November 2010

From our Vice-Principal

Dear Families,

Hello from Dr. A.R. Lord Elementary School! We are a Vancouver public school, right across the street from the Hastings Community Centre. I would like to take this opportunity to share a little bit about our fabulous school!

Dr. A.R. Lord is a busy, vibrant, exciting place to learn. We currently have 170 students in 7 different classes. Like all schools in the Vancouver Board of Education, Lord is inclusive and has a diverse student population. We welcome all learners and strive to meet the needs of each student. Students, staff, families and volunteers make our school a positive place to learn and play.

We are currently accepting registration for Kindergarten (Sept 2011). We will be hosting a Ready, Set, Learn event on January 17th for all neighbourhood 3 and 4 year olds. Please join us! Please call the school if you would like more information or would like to have a tour of our school.

Sincerely,
Sarah Gray
Vice-Principal

Hot Lunch Day!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Students have the opportunity to pay only $3.00 for a yummy hot lunch! There will be a delicious serving of pasta with marinara sauce accompanied by fresh fruit or vegetables, one cup of milk and chocolate pudding.

Order form notices were sent home on November 29th. Please contact your teacher or the PAC if you missed the notice and would still like your child to participate.

Forms and payment should be returned to your child's teacher no later than MONDAY, DECEMBER 6TH.

For further information please contact the PAC Executive or with a letter through the school's Main Office.

Friday 26 November 2010

Fruit & Vegetable Program

This week the students will receive another delivery from the BC School Fruit & Vegetable Nutritional Program.

BC APPLES
  • Apples are grown on deciduous trees (Malus domestica) which reach a height of 3 to 12 meters (9.8 to 39 ft).
  • Tens of thousands of varieties are grown worldwide.
  • Apples are a pomaceous fruit, meaning they have extra or accessory flesh around the core of seeds.

  • For further information, fascinating facts and interesting history on this delicious fruit please read the PDF document on APPLES.

    Students will receive their delivery during class time on Wednesday. This snack is not meant to replace the foods students normally eat at school. Students can make their own decisions on whether to taste the fruits offered.

    If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the PAC at arlordpac@gmail.com or contact the school administration at 604-713-4620.

    Upcoming School Dates

    Monday, November 29th
    Kindergarten Vision Screening

    Tuesday, November 30th
    Arts Umbrella Program begins

    Monday, December 6th
    Templeton Concert at 10:50am
    PAC Fundraising Meetings 3pm & 6:30pm

    Tuesday, December 7th
    PAC Ideas Session at 2:30pm

    Wednesday, December 8th
    Vancouver Giants Read to Succeed Wrap Up at 10:00am
    Hot Lunch Day at 12:00pm

    Friday, December 10th
    Family Holiday Breakfast at 8:00am
    Last day for Food Bank Collections and Zane's Hair Fundraiser

    Monday December 13th
    Report Cards home

    ARTS UMBRELLA

    Arts Umbrella, a not-for-profit arts education centre for children and youth, will be at Lord working with most classes on a fantastic drama program for the next week. This is a wonderful experience for students to learn and have fun with an expert!

    Numerous studies indicate that people who receive arts education early in life reap many tangible, long-term, life-changing benefits. From enhanced critical thinking, improved self-esteem and ability to collaborate, to improved scores in math and science, children gain skills that can help them well into adulthood.

    Arts Umbrella will return in February and March to provide our students with another wonderful art program. We are very fortunate to have this opportunity for students within the regular classroom schedule.

    For more information about this program at Lord, please contact the school at 604-713-6420.

    Hot Lunch Update

    Thank you to our PAC for organizing another successful Hot Lunch Day on Thursday, November 25th! Students enjoyed a well-balanced lunch of pizza, fruit and a tasty treat. Many thanks to parent volunteer Linda D who worked tirelessly to coordinate all the orders and ensured that there was pizza for all!

    FOOD BANK DONATIONS

    Ms. Young-Eng, Ms. Poletti and Mrs. Gray are coordinating a Food Bank Drive with the Student Council. They are collecting food for those in need until DECEMBER 10TH. They are asking students and families to contribute at least 3 items each, if possible.

    Thank you again for thinking of those in need, and demonstrating to the children in our school how important it is to take care of others! For more information please contact the school at 604-713-4620.

    Read to Succeed

    The Vancouver Giants Read to Succeed Program was launched on Tuesday, November 23rd for all students. Giants players Connor Redmond and Dalton Reum, along with Coach Chad Scharff, came to Lord to speak to students and staff.

    These young men explained the Read to Succeed Program and provided each student with a special Passport. Students are encouraged to meet the challenge over the next 2 weeks! Each student has been challenged to complete 15 minutes of reading and 30 minutes of physical activity every day (outside of school time).

    Students are to keep a log, recording the details in the passport, and have a parent initial the passport each day. On December 8th reps from the Vancouver Giants will return to school to see how our students managed with the challenge, and provide complimentary hockey tickets to successful participants.

    Please help your child with the terrific program - perhaps it will be a chance to establish some new, healthy habits for the whole family!
    For more information on this healthy program please contact the School at 604-713-4620.

    Vice-Principal's Message

    Dear Families,

    This has been a busy and exciting fall at Dr. A.R. Lord Elementary School. Students have been working on a number of projects, assignments and lessons in the classrooms for their academic growth. The library has been well utilized with children borrowing books each week. Classes go to the gym often, if not every day, for a variety of games, dances and sports. We are also all working on plans for the upcoming Winter Concert.
    Through the year we try to offer a variety of learning experiences to balance academic, social, emotional, artistic and athletic opportunities at school. As the holiday season approaches life at school seems to pick up, building momentum until the winter break.
    Once again there are many positive initiatives at school to share with you, so you can mark your calendar and talk to your child about some of the special activities happening at Lord.

    Yours truly,
    Sarah Gray
    Vice-Principal

    Winter Break Programs

    December 20-23 and December 28-30
    From the Templeton Community School Team!

    Winter Day Camp Programs for ages 5-13 years. Cost $35 per day.
    All programs run in the Family Room at Hastings Elementary Community School (Rm 161). Programs run from 9:00am to 2:45pm (with supervision until 3:00pm) each day.

    Calendar at a Glance
    December 20th Monday - Laser Beams
    December 21st Tuesday - Water Adventures
    December 22nd Wednesday - Icy Escapades
    December 23rd Thursday - Tasty Pizza Pie
    December 28th Tuesday - Bowl o' Rama
    December 29th Wednesday - Frozen Lake Escapade
    December 30th Thursday - All Washed Up

    Fees & Registration
    Registration forms available at the School Offices, through your child's teacher, or from the Templeton Community School Team office at Franklin Elementary School. Please register before December 10th to avoid disappointment. No children will be excluded from participating. If you require financial assistance please contact Sarah Mulder at 604-713-5268. Cash or cheque payable to Hastings School Community Office (please have exact payment, schools do not have change). Please bring registration and fees to the Community Office at Hastings, Franklin or A.R. Lord Elementary School, attention Sarah Mulder or Melissa Tang.

    Refund Policy
    Due to staffing commitments and trip bookings the Community Office will only be able to refund Winter Break program fees up to 2 weeks before the program date.

    For any questions please phone the Templeton Community School Team at 604-713-5268.

    Thursday 25 November 2010

    Kindergarten Vision Screening

    This coming Monday, November 29th Vancouver Coastal Health will be sending Public Health Staff to Dr. A.R. Lord Elementary School for VISION SCREENING for all Kindergarten students.

    The purpose of this screening is to find vision problems which can interfere with health and learning. As part of these screenings the students vision will be measured in each eye and depth of perception checked.

    Parents will receive the screening results shortly after the screening day. If VCH has any concerns about your child's vision they will send a notice home with recommendations for further follow-up. Results will also be shared with the school Principal.

    If you do not want VCH to screen your child, or if you do not want the Principal to be informed of the screening results please contact VCH at 604-654-2640. If you do not contact VCH they will screen your child's vision and share the results with the school administration.

    If you choose for your child not to participate, your child will still be eligible for all health and education services.

    These vision screenings do not replace regular check-ups by your Family Doctor, Nurse Practitioner or Vision Specialist.

    If you have any questions about this program please contact Vancouver Coastal Health at 604-654-2640.

    Snow Closure Policies

    Information regarding school closures in the event of snow, natural disaster or other emergency situations will be provided to the radio and television stations before 6:00am on the morning of the closure.

    RADIO STATIONS
    CKNW 960 AM
    CKWX 1130 AM
    CBC 690 AM, 105.7 FM
    CJVB 1470 AM
    CKHG 96.1 FM

    TELEVISION STATIONS
    BCTV Global Channel 11
    City TV Channel 13

    Please listen/watch these stations to find out whether the school is closed for the day. You may also phone Dr. A.R. Lord Elementary School at 604-713-4620 to listen to the outgoing message, or visit the Vancouver School Board website at www.vsb.bc.ca.

    PLEASE NOTE: Do not contact the media outlets directly to determine if there's a closure.

    Wednesday 24 November 2010

    NO SCHOOL

    A reminder to all families that this coming

    FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH

    is a day off from school for all students. There will be no regular classes or after-school activities.

    If there are any questions or concerns, please contact the PAC or phone the school office at 604-713-4620 during regular school hours.

    PAC Meeting Minutes 11-09-2010

    View or download the PAC Meeting Minutes from November 9th, 2010.

    Any questions or concerns, please contact the PAC Executive for clarification or copies.

    Sunday 21 November 2010

    Order Forms Due

    All forms and payment for

    PURDY'S LOLLIPOPS and
    HOT LUNCH DAY

    are due by the end of the school day on Monday, November 22nd.
    For any questions or more information please contact the PAC Executive.

    Thursday 18 November 2010

    Ready, Set, Learn!

    All preschool aged children and their parents/guard ians are invited to Dr. A.R. Lord Elementary School.

    Monday, January 17th
    11:00am

    Children will spend 45 minutes in the Kindergarden classrooms singing and making crafts with our teachers and staff. Families will have the chance to meet some of the primary teachers and get to know our wonderful school.

    Participation is FREE, but we request advance registration so we can plan accordingly. Please phone the school office at 604-713-4620 and ask to register for our Ready, Set, Learn Event.

    For further information, please view the Ready, Set, Learn Booklet (available in alternate languages on their web site). We look forward to meeting the little ones and their families in January!

    Senior Volleyball

    This year Mrs. Burke and Mrs. O'Neill have volunteered to coach the senior boys and girls volleyball teams. The regular practice schedule is Mondays and Thursdays at 8:15am in the school gymnasium.

    Regular season games are at 3:30pm at Begbie Elementary School. Boys games are Wednesdays, girls games are Thursdays.

    Good luck to both teams and have fun!

    Recent School Events

    Fana Soro was at Dr. A.R. Lord Elementary School on Monday, November 1st. This was a fantastic, energetic, hands-on drumming session that engaged all our students from start to finish! This unique opportunity was organized by Mrs. Burke and made possible by the performance fees paid by our families. Thank you!



    Bash the Trash visited our school on Monday, November 8th all the way from New York City! Students learned about the beautiful music that can be made from things people throw away. This innovative music group, in addition to being very talented musicians, came with an important message about reusing items that would otherwise end up in landfills. Our own imaginations are the only limit! The concert was hosted by the Vancouver Recital Society - many thanks to the Society and its sponsors for bringing this performance and learning opportunity to our school!

    Hot Lunch Day!

    Thursday, November 25th

    Students have the opportunity to pay only $3.00 for a yummy hot lunch! There is a choice of a pepperoni or cheese pizza slice, accompanied by fresh fruit, one cup of milk and chocolate pudding. Additional pizza slices can be ordered for $1.50 each.

    Order form notices were sent home on November 17th. Please contact your teacher or the PAC if you missed the notice and would still like your child to participate. Forms and payment should be returned to your child's teacher BEFORE NOVEMBER 22nd.

    For further information please contact the PAC Executive at arlordpac@gmail.com or with a letter through the school's Main Office.

    SEASONAL FUNDRAISER

    Purdy's Chocolate Santa LOLLIPOPS
    $2.00 per Lollipop
    Perfect stocking stuffer or tasty gift!

    Each lollipop is made of premium Belgian Chocolate with no additives or preservatives. There are no limits on the number of Lollipops ordered, and all money raised will help support our school!

    Please contact your teacher or the PAC if you missed the notice and would still like your child to participate (Or download the order form to print). Forms and payment should be returned to your child's teacher BEFORE NOVEMBER 22nd.


    Lollipops delivered to students during the week of December 6th.
    For questions or more info contact arlordpac@gmail.com.

    Sunday 14 November 2010

    Fruit & Vegetable Program

    This week the students will receive another delivery from the BC School Fruit & Vegetable Nutritional Program.

    D'ANJOU PEARS
  • A pear is a fruit that varies from apple-shaped to teardrop-shaped.
  • Its skin colour ranges from green and light yellow to red and brown.
  • If you pull on the stem and it comes out easily, the pear is ripe.


  • For further information, fascinating facts and interesting history on this delicious fruit please read the PDF document on PEARS.

    Students will receive their delivery during class time on Wednesday. This snack is not meant to replace the foods students normally eat at school. Students can make their own decisions on whether to taste the fruits offered.

    If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the PAC at arlordpac@gmail.com or contact the school administration at 604-713-4620.

    Wednesday 10 November 2010

    NO SCHOOL

    A reminder to all families that this coming

    THURSDAY NOVEMBER 11TH and FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH

    are days off from school for all students. There will be no regular classes or after-school activities.

    If there are any questions or concerns, please contact the PAC or phone the school office at 604-713-4620 during regular school hours.

    Tuesday 9 November 2010

    Remembrance Day Ceremony

    Wednesday, November 10th
    10:45am
    School Gymnasium

    All parents, guardians, caregivers and families are welcome to attend the school's Remembrance Day Ceremony where students will be singing "Just One Candle".

    Monday 8 November 2010

    PAC Meeting Reminder

    Date: TUESDAY, November 9th
    Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
    Location: School Library

    Everyone is welcome to attend this meeting.
    Child minding will be available.

    We encourage all parents/guardians to participate in creating a thriving school community by volunteering in any capacity for school programs, events and fundraisers.

    This PAC meeting will focus on upcoming events this fall (ex. the December breakfast), some general PAC goals and projects, a financial update, discussion on the playground loan, fundraising money allotment and the Templeton scholarship, among other items.

    For further information please contact the PAC Executive at arlordpac@gmail.com or with a letter through the school's Main Office.

    Wednesday 3 November 2010

    Hot Lunch Day!

    Tuesday, November 9th

    Students have the opportunity to pay only $3.00 for a yummy hot lunch! There is a choice of a regular hot dog or veggie dog, accompanied by fresh fruit, one cup of milk and chocolate pudding.

    Order form notices were sent home on November 2nd. Please contact your teacher or the PAC if you missed the notice and would still like your child to participate. Forms and payment should be returned to your child's teacher BEFORE NOVEMBER 5TH.

    Monday 1 November 2010

    PAC Ideas Session

    Date: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4th
    Time: 2:45-3:15pm

    Location: School Library

    Everyone is welcome to attend this informal session.
    Child minding will NOT be available.

    We encourage all parents/guardians to participate in creating a thriving school community by volunteering in any capacity for school programs, events and fundraisers. This afternoon session is a great opportunity for parents or guardians who are unable to attend next week's PAC meeting. Bring your ideas, thoughts or concerns to the PAC representatives present in the library. The PAC reps will do their best to answer all questions, and/or add items to the agenda for discussion at the subsequent PAC meeting.

    For further information please contact the PAC Executive at arlordpac@gmail.com or with a letter through the school's Main Office.

    Fruit & Vegetable Program

    Next week the students will receive another delivery from the BC School Fruit & Vegetable Nutritional Program.

    MINI CUCUMBERS
  • The cucumber is a creeping vine that roots in the ground and grows up trellises or other supporting frames, wrapping around ribbing with thin, spiraling tendrils.
  • Cucumbers are scientifically classified as fruits because they have an enclosed seed and develop from a flower.
  • Cucumbers are 95% water.


  • For further information, fascinating facts and interesting history on this crunchy vegetable please read the PDF document on CUCUMBERS.

    Students will receive their delivery during class time on Wednesday. This snack is not meant to replace the foods students normally eat at school. Students can make their own decisions on whether to taste the vegetables offered.

    If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the PAC at arlordpac@gmail.com or contact the school administration at 604-713-4620.

    Early Dismissal Days

    Tuesday, November 2nd AND Wednesday, November 3rd are early dismissal days at AR Lord Elementary School for all students.

    Parents or guardians please arrange for your children to be picked up at 2pm on both days.

    Parent-Teacher Interviews will be conducted by all teachers from 2pm onwards. If parents have missed setting up an interview time or have further questions, please contact the school office at 604-713-4620.