Tuesday 31 March 2015

Friday April 10th: Free Family Movie Social at Dr. A.R. Lord




Save the Date and join us on Friday evening April 10th in the gymnasium for a fun family movie night + Free Popcorn! All families of A.R. Lord Students welcome! 
 Hosted by the A.R. Lord Parent Advisory Council

Monday 30 March 2015

Thank you to all PAC Lunch Baking Parent Volunteers

  Thank you to Parent Volunteers: KIMBERLY, VANESSA, SERINA for being super Dessert/Bakers for the Winter PAC Hot Lunch Days.  Your time and delicious treats are much appreciated.   

Saturday 28 March 2015

Planting Potatoes in the Classroom

Dr. A.R. Lord students continue to learn about gardening, seeds and plants from the Environmental Youth Alliance volunteers and educators.  Whole potatoes with "eyes" were put into planter buckets a few weeks ago and are now starting to sprout.  Students will continue to take care of the container garden plants over the next couple of months.

Many consider learning about food production and gardening a basic life skill.  Gardening is for country and city folk alike.  Gardens can be created in even the smallest of spaces in container, small backyard plots, mini greenhouses, rooftop gardens and of course community gardens within the neighbourhood. 

Thursday 26 March 2015

Manure Sale This Weekend! Dr. A.R. Lord Fundraiser

Spring gardening is just around the corner and A.R. Lord will be selling Hormone and Antibiotic Free, locally produced, 1.5 year-composted steer manure.  Manure is sourced from Hopcott Farms in Pitt Meadows and is great for flowers, plants and gardens.     Cost is $5 per 5 gallon bag or bring your own wheelbarrow before lunch and save $1 per 5 gallons by buying loose bulk! 

Saturday, March 28, from 9am - 4pm in the Garibaldi Annex parking lot @ 1025 Slocan Street. 
Preorder here:  online order form

Join in on this community event by helping out:  Volunteer signup:  Link to Volunteer Signup (we reward each hour of bagging help with 1 free bag of manure).  Refreshments, light lunch and babysitting provided. Alternatively, you can order manure or sign-up to volunteer by e mailing the.manure.sale@gmail.com

Please, spread the word, put in your and your family's and friends' orders and come out and help us bag! All the proceeds will go towards the Garibaldi Annex and AR Lord PAC funds to benefit our children and schools! 

Wednesday 25 March 2015

Newspaper Seedling Pots: Environmental Caretakers Club

It's easy to make your own newspaper seedling pots. Under the guidance of Ms. Mcmaster and Ms. Young, members of the Environmental Caretakers Club recently made their own pots to plant peas.    These eco-friendy pots are made of recycled newspaper strips that are simply rolled into a cylinder cup.  They are biodegradable and when it is time to transplant the seedlings, they will be transplanted directly into the ground.  What a great project to try at home!



Tuesday 24 March 2015

Thursday is Class and Group Photo Day

Bring your smiles on Thursday morning.  Photos of each class will be taken starting right after the morning bell and announcements.  A  group - panorama photo will also be taken of the whole school!

Class photos will be provided to each students at no cost and delivered later in the year.

Monday 23 March 2015

A.R. Lord Parents are Invited to Presentation: Anxiety 101 at Lord Nelson School


Anxiety 101 is being hosted by Rebecca Mitchell, M.A., RCC, and a member of The Wishing Star team.  She will speak about the perceived root of anxiety, alarm, and explore what it is that alarms children.  She will also address coping strategies or ways to overcome alarm in the long term. 
Date: Monday, March 30
Time: 6:30 pm  8:00 pm (Doors open at 6:00 pm)

For more information and to purchase tickets, please click on the following link: http://www.anxiety101.eventbrite.ca 
Limited space available, so reserve your ticket early online for only 5 dollars.  Should tickets remain on the day of the event, they will be available at the door for 7 dollars

Books for the Library: Scholastic Book Fair

Did you know that part of the proceeds of the Scholastic Book Fair goes towards the purchase of new books for our school? We strive to keep a great selection of books and continually bring in new titles for all the kids to enjoy. Parent Volunteers coordinate this annual book fair sale in the library each year.    Children and their families can come and purchase books, stationary and gift items before and after school on March Wed 25th to Fri 27th.  COME AND CHECK IT OUT! 

Saturday 21 March 2015

Reminder: Return Report Card Envelopes

Don't forget to return your Signed Report Card Envelopes                     back to School this upcoming week ahead!                        

Thursday 19 March 2015

Schedule for Week of March 23rd - Back after Spring Break


The first week back to school is a busy one at Dr. A.R. Lord.  Don't forget to also put in your orders for the Manure Fundraiser Sale:  Preorder here:  online order form

Tuesday 17 March 2015

Coho Salmon Song


Coho Salmon, Coho Salmon
Where are you going? 
Where are you going?
Swimming up the stream, 
Swimming up the stream
Laying Eggs, Laying Eggs
Eggs, Eggs, Eggs, Eggs, Eggs, Eggs, Eggs, Eggs, Eggs,  Eggs, Eggs, Eggs
Eggs Hatching, Eggs Hatching
Alevins, Alevins
Fry, Fry, Here come the Fry,   Fry, Fry, Here come the Fry
Smolts in the Estuary, 
Smolts in the Estuary
Adults in the Sea,  Adults in the Sea
Go home Spawners, Go Home Spawners 
COHO SALMON! 

K/Gr. 1 students learned this song to teach them about the lifecycle of Salmon.  
The salmon eggs in the aquarium in Ms. Young's class have recently started to emerge as alevins (newly spawned salmon still with the yolk sac attached).  They will grow into fry and will be released into a local river in the next few weeks.    Curious young scientists also examined whole salmon and studied their body parts. 

Sunday 15 March 2015

Year of the Sheep Artwork - Division 1

If you were born 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, or 2003 you are year of the Sheep (sometimes also referred to as goat or ram)Grade 6 and 7 students drew beautiful sheep pictures that symbolize this Chinese Zodiac sign.  

What are the characteristics of the Sheep?
Daydreaming all afternoon sounds heavenly to the Sheep. This creative, esoteric Sign needs plenty of time alone in which to feed its Muse. Sheep are generally most comfortable in their own minds (which other, more linear-thinking Signs may have trouble deciphering). In fact, Sheep tend not to be very materialistic in general, finding plenty of riches in their own imagination. However, especially when in love, the Sheep can be quite a lavish gift-giver. Appearances are also important to the Sheep, which may explain why these folks can spend hours primping and posing. Sheep would be well-served by learning to relax and let others run the show from time to time. 

Friday 13 March 2015

3 and 4 year olds visit Dr. A.R. Lord for Ready Set Learn

Many little visitors recently came to our school and got a glimpse of elementary school.  The 3 and 4 year old children and their parent/caregivers were treated to story time in the library with well known children's author Vi Hughes.   Principal Ms. Car gave information about learning resources.  

Many of these children will join us in Kindergarten within the next 2 years. They were also treated to a snack that was hosted by the Parent Advisory Council.  

Ready Set Learn is a Vancouver School Board Program that provides young children with learning experiences prior to entering school.  

Thursday 12 March 2015

Spring Gardening with Environmental Youth Alliance

Now that Spring is just around the corner, there are many gardening and environmental projects and lessons going on throughout the school.  Volunteers,  Rebecca and Josh from The Environmental Youth Alliance came to work on the school garden with young A.R. Lord students in the beginning of March.  They demonstrated what materials can be used for compost (such as food scraps) and which ones don't break down (such as styrofoam and plastics).  The children also put vegetable seedlings into the planter boxes and learned how to take care of the community garden.  

Tuesday 10 March 2015

Parent Advisory Council Board Nominations and Feb Meeting Minutes

The Dr. A.R. Lord Parent Advisory Council is calling for nominations for the next term: June 2015-May 2016.  Elections will be held at the May 7th AGM/PAC meeting.  The executive board provides leadership oversight and coordination on behalf of the Parent Advisory Council.  Any A.R. Lord Parent can stand for nomination for any of the positions:
   *PAC Chairperson       *Treasurer               *Secretary                  
   *Communications        *Member-at-Large (up to 3 positions)
There are also many other ways to participate.  We are always looking for parents to attend meetings, make suggestions, help out and volunteer on our many endeavours, tasks and activities.

If you are interested in a nomination for the PAC: contact:  arlordpac@gmail.com or talk to current PAC Chairperson:  Tracy Spring

The recent Meeting Minutes are posted here:  Feb 2015 PAC Meeting Minutes

Sunday 8 March 2015

Principal's Newsletter: March 6 2015

In case you missed getting a copy of the March School Newsletter from Ms. Car, Principal......  link to online newsletter

Saturday 7 March 2015

Upcoming Scholastic Book Fair: Volunteers needed

SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR - a yearly favourite, is an "on site" book sale in the School Library.  This event is scheduled for the first week after Spring Break: March 23-27th.  It is an opportunity for students and parents/caregivers to puchase books, stationary and gift items.  This event helps us earn bonus books for the school library and classrooms for all students to enjoy. http://www.scholastic.ca/bookfairs/

.... we have great helpers scheduled, but we need a few more volunteers to setup, sell and shut down.  Link to Online Volunteer Signup
Please sign up directly on the above link for one or more times.  You don't need an account, but do enter your name/email so that we can track and send you an automatic reminder. 
Or send an email to arlordpac@gmail.com 
If you have any questions, please contact Parents:  Kelly Robinson or Linda D.

Friday 6 March 2015

Morning Reading Time




Each day Kindergarten/Grade 1 Classes start off the day by reading for a few minutes with their parent/caregiver in the classroom.  This unstructured time allows for everyone to settle in, greet their friends, and listen to morning announcements.

For those busy parents/caregivers who can't stay and read on a given day, others are happy to have them join in.  Some kids are happy to read independently.   Everyone enjoys picking a new book, reading, sharing and getting the day off to a great start.

A.R. Lord isn't just about students and school, it is an inclusive place that makes families part of the school community!  We love it!

Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines - Children 5-11 years old

For health benefits, children should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity daily.

This should include:

  • Vigorous-Intensity Activities at least 3 days per week
  • Activities that strengthen muscle and bone at least 3 days per week
  • More daily physical activity provides greater health benefits
Link to guidelines

Wednesday 4 March 2015

Creating with Clay


Rolling, Squishing, Squeezing, 
Pinching and Cutting! 
Why is playing with clay great for Dr. A.R. Lord students?  

Clay is a wonderfully responsive and tactile material to work with.  It's simplicity and immediacy appeals to even the youngest of children and satisfies their innate longing to touch the earth and work with their hands.  


Children become aware of structure, shape form and perspective through it's 3-D properties.  Working with clay brings many learning opportunities to children through experimentation.   They also learn to repair mistakes, innovate and adapt. 

.... but most importantly, playing with clay is FUN! 

Tuesday 3 March 2015

Spring Break Day Camps Still Available with Extended Hours- Hastings CC

Spring Break starts next week.  Still haven't figured out how to keep the kids busy?  Space is still available for Extended Hours Day Camps (7:30am-6:00pm) through the Hastings Community Centre Out of School Care Program.    Children as young as 5 years old can register.

Monday 2 March 2015

READY SET LEARN: Thursday Mar 5th

Local and Neighbourhood 3 and 4 year olds will come to visit our School this week! 

Ready, Set, Learn is a Vancouver School Board Program and is open to families and caregivers with children who are 3 and 4 years old. The purpose of the program is to give children and their families/caregivers access to resources that will enable children to have rich learning experiences prior to entering formal schooling.


Children's Author Vi Hughes will be reading and presenting to the group!   http://vihughes.com

For more information and to register:  contact the school:  (604) 713-4620
Thursday Mar 5th  11:00am-12:00pm

Sunday 1 March 2015

Hastings Community Association Hosts Lion Dance Performance for Students

Thank you to the Hastings Community Association for inviting Dr. A.R. Lord Elementary students to the Lunar New Year celebrations at the Hastings Community Centre.
Students, teachers and staff were treated to watch traditional Chinese Fan dancing, drumming and  the exciting Lion Dance.  They also all got up and participated in a group Little Apple Dance.

Link to Hastings CC Lunar New Year Photos on Facebook