HAPPY NEW YEAR! Ring in 2015!

The 2014 school year got off to a slow start, but our school spirt, sense of community, the fabulous students, caring educators and staff, engaged caregiver/parents and generous community partners have made it a wonderful finish to the year.

For 2015 we all look ahead filled with wishes for happiness and health, friendships and family.

For the Grade 7's it is a time of passage as they embark on their "lasts" at A.R. Lord before they transition to high school next fall. Steeped in tradition, they don their cool graduation sweatshirts with the autographs of all their colleagues.  They symbolize the wonderful journey that A.R. Lord students take through our wonderful little school!

We wish the grade 7's and everyone 

a Happy New Year!  2015

Promoting Literacy through our Community: Book Exchange

A recent visit to the Community book share library revealed a great collection of fun and fascinating books that have been donated, exchanged and shared by local neighbours.  This share library was built by A.R. Lord families and is dedicated to children and youth literacy.  What did we discover during our last visit?  Old time classics like the Bobbsey Twins and modern cartoon books like Sponge Bob (just to name a few)!

Tips for Sharing and Reading Books:
Let your Child choose a book
Have your Child sit close to you when you read together
Encourage everyone to read together in your family
Let your child see you reading and writing!
Reciprocate and make a special trip to donate some books!

If you are reading to your child
Use a voice to hold your child's attention
Children love it when you use expressions when you read
Encourage your child to act out what is being read

If your child is reading to you
Be patient
Occasionally ask some questions about the story
Let them answer and express the thoughts in their own words

Talk about the story with your child
Help your child connect actions, themes, thoughts, and characters about what was read
Encourage your child to question things about what you have read
Talk about how the book relates to your own lives, experiences, culture and values

Share your Passion for Reading and Share your Books! 

Trivia Answers

1.  Can you name at least 5 countries where Boxing Day is celebrated
UK, Canada, Australia, N.Zealand, Kenya, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, S. Africa, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands & other Commonwealth countries

2.  The bible refers to how many wise men that play homage to baby jesus?
There is no specific number of wisemen mentioned in the bible.  Most assume it is three as 3 gifts were given (Gold, Incense and Myrrh)

3.  What does the X refer to in Xmas?   It is the short form for Christ in Greek

4.In the movie Castaway starring Tom Hanks, his character Chuck has his christmas interrupted and he must take a FEDEX flight.  Where was he headed when his plane was downed?  Malaysia

5. What southern US fast food is traditionally eaten in Japan on Christmas eve?
The Colonel's Kentucky Fried Chicken

6.  Candy is one of the 4 main food groups for Buddy the Elf in the movie Elf.  Can you name the other 3?  Candy Cane, Candy Corn and Syrup

Christmas Trivia

1.  Can you name at least 5 countries where Boxing Day is celebrated
2.  The bible refers to how many wise men that play homage to baby jesus?
3.  What does the X refer to in Xmas?
4.In the movie Castaway starring Tom Hanks, his character Chuck has his christmas interrupted and he must take a FEDEX flight.  Where was he headed when his plane was downed?
5. What southern US fast food is traditionally eaten in Japan on Christmas eve?
6.  Candy is one of the 4 main food groups for Buddy the Elf in the movie Elf.  Can you name the other 3?

.... check back for the answers in a couple of days......

12 Days of Christmas by Division 4

On the first day of Christmas, please Santa give to me -A Pokemon under the tree
On the second day of Christmas, please Santa give to me -Two Maple Leas
On the third day of Christmas, please Santa give to me -Three iPads
On the fourth day of Christmas, please Santa give to me -Four X-Box ones
On the fifth day of Christmas, please Santa give to me -Five angry birds
On the sixth day of Christmas, please Santa give to me -Six pies for baking
On the seventh day of Christmas, please Santa give to me -Seven Avocados

On the eighth day of Christmas, please Santa give to me -Eight motorcycles

On the ninth day of Christmas, please Santa give to me -Nine Maple Syrups

On the tenth day of Christmas, please Santa give to me -Ten Lego friend sets

On the eleventh day of Christmas, please Santa give to me -Eleven cans for food bank

On the twelfth day of Christmas, please Santa give to me -Twelve dollars for giving

A.R. Lord Gives Generously to the Food Bank

Food bank Driver Picks up
School Donations

The student council lead food bank drive came to an end on the last day of school. Hundreds of food items plus cash donations were collected for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society. The campaign ran for a couple of weeks and many items were collected at the Holiday Winter concert.

A.R. Lord families, friends, staff and the students themselves brought in canned goods, non-perishables and monetary donations as part of this charity effort.  

The Greater Vancouver food bank provides assistance to over 28,000 people every week through 15 depots and over 100 community agencies located in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster and N. Vancouver. 

They continue to evolve and also have programs that foster a path towards self-sufficiency with a mission to empower people to nourish themselves by providing access to healthy food, education and training.  

VSB Photo Gallery of 60's Sockhop

Check out the VSB Website that recently showcased our 50th anniversary 60's Sockhop celebration:

https://www.vsb.bc.ca/district-news/lord-elementary-school-community-take-school-back-60s

Last Minute Holiday Gifts

If you are still looking for last minute holiday gifts, we still have some East Van T-shirts available.  A great fundraiser for our school that will ensure that we continue with the great events, presentations, activities, classroom funds,  field trips, lunches etc. for the kids at Dr. A.R. Lord!

email:  ARLORDPAC@gmail.com to coordinate a purchase and delivery/pickup before Christmas.

Upcoming Parent Child Learning Sessions with Linda O'Reilly

AR Lord Elementary School and the Parent Advisory Council are pleased to present these free parent and child sessions:

Primary Grades (K-3)
Parent and Child "Reading Partners"Jan 14th.  6:30pm in the Library:
Encouraging your children to grow up loving reading is the best gift you can give them.  You can also have great fun in the process!  Join Linda O'Reilly to learn activities that families can do together to support their children's literacy development and reading success" 

Intermediate Grades (4-7)
Parent and Child "Getting Good Grades is Not a Matter of Luck" Jan 21st.  6:30pm in the Library:
Successful students have secrets! Join Linda O'Reilly to learn the homework and study secrets that have helped many students excel.  This session will keep you laughing and learning as Linda shares exciting new information on ways to help students study smarter and to write quizzes and exams with confidence.  

Linda O'Reilly has talked to hundreds of students and parent about what it takes to be a successful reader and student.  She has been a Vancouver classroom teacher, consultant, university lecturer, and workshop presenter.  She is also currently working as a School Liaison with the One to One Literacy Society. 

How to participate

• Register directly online (via volunteerspot):  online automated registration and signups  or
• email:  arlordpac@gmail.com or
• fill in the registration slip (sent home with report cards) and place in the AR Lord PAC Mailbox

Note Childminding will be available (by donation) 

Holiday Concert 2014

The Stage is Set, Rehearsal for tomorrow's Winter Concert!

Showtimes: 1:30 and 6:30 pm Wednesday.  Don't forget food bank donations + extra tshirt sales (cash or cheque only) 

PAC Lunch - Volunteers with big Hearts!

The Parent Advisory Council (PAC) hot lunches are such a treat for kids (and a welcome day off from figuring out what to send the kids for lunch for parents).  At the heart of these events are the parent volunteers that work behind the scenes and on the front line!

We also have the generous support of school staff and neighbouring Hastings Community Centre Association who has made their commercial kitchen facilities available to do the preparation in a food safe manner.


Turkey and Veggie Hotdogs on wholewheat buns, mini muffins, oranges and milk were on the menu.


The PAC also ensures that all children can participate and that no child will be excluded due to financial reasons.  Accessibility, building community, sharing and fun are also a priority for our school.

The hot lunch schedule for 2015 will be distributed in the new year. 

Dr. A.R. Lord Alumni Association Visit with Special Holiday Activities

DARLAA came to spread some holiday cheer on Friday Dec 12 including Arts and Crafts, Cookie Decorating and Games for the children!   They also donated holiday turkey hampers to families in need.
Thank you and Happy Holidays to DARLAA!

Even on the rainiest days are fun filled at A.R. Lord.....

Pitter-patter raindrops, 
falling from the sky

Here is my umbrella, 

to keep me safe and dry

When the rain is over 

and the sun begins to glow

Little children start to bud,
and grow, grow, grow

Potluck Volunteers Still Needed for Next Tuesday Teacher Lunch

Tuesday, December 16th school staff appreciation lunch:   All school staff will be treated to a home-cooked lunch courtesy of our parents and caregivers. This is a great way to say thank you to all of the Lord staff who take such great care of our kids. 

If you have a nut-free dish that you could drop off before the lunch hour on the16th for the staff to enjoy -  please let us know directly by email or help us try out this new volunteer signup program to help us keep track.  You just need to enter your email (you are not signing up for an account) so that we know who you are and can email you a reminder.  You then can enter your name and what dish you will bring (if you know -optional).  Use the following link to access the online signup:   AR Lord volunteer signup

or directly via email to arlordpac@gmail.com

Activities Ahead

Friday Dec 12:   Parent Advisory Council organized Hot Dog Lunch for those who have preordered: Turkey or Veggie Hot Dogs, Fruit, Dessert & Milk

Dr. A.R. Lord Alumni Association special activity and treat Surprise
Cafe Etico Order Forms Due

Monday Dec 15:  1:00-3:00pm Parent Volunteers decorating for Concert

Tuesday Dec 16:   Teacher's Potluck (hosted by parents).  12:00pm
Dress Rehearsal for Holiday Concert:  1:30pm

Wednesday Dec 17:   Holiday Concert Performances:  1:30pm and 6:30pm

East Van T-Shirt Preorders Available for pickup.   We will have a limited amount of extra T-Shirts/Bags on sale for some last minute gift purchases.  Cash only.  

Thursday Dec 18:   Report Cards Go Home

Friday Dec 19:  Last Day for Food Bank Donations and Last Day of School prior to Winter Break!

School Age Children and Youth (SACY) Parent Presentation

Alexandra Wilson works with SACY, which is a partner project of the Vancouver School Board of Education and the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority.

On December 8th, A.R. Lord Elementary hosted a free parent presentation covering the topic of "Technology and Parenting".  The presentation focussed on relationship building activities to help connect parents with their children and to provide tools to support their child's healthy and responsible decision-making with respect to technology.  Group exercises were also carried out to identify what a balanced lifestyle looks like and how technology touches many areas of our lives.

This was a followup to the "Talking to your Child about Drugs and Alcohol" Presentation hosted at the school with youth drug and alcohol worker,  Kristina Spring in November.

Both presentations highlighted building open communication to maintain strong relationships with children as they develop and become more independent.

Check out these great parent resources:
http://www.vsb.bc.ca/sacy
Books by Dr. Dan Siegel:  Parenting Inside and Out, Brainstorm, The Whole-Brain Child
Guidebook about Drugs and Alcohol by Centre for Addictions Research BC

Puzzle of the Week: How Many words can you make from the word DECORATION?

MAKING WORDS: 

Use the letters of the long word to make as many words as you can.

DECORATION

Student Council Organizes Food Bank Drive

Donations of non-perishable food items are being collected in each class and at the entrance of the school.  Remember to bring in your donation for the Annual Food Bank Drive that is being organized by the Dr. A.R. Lord Student Council.  

Most needed items:
Proteins, Meat, Fish, Beans, Whole Wheat Pasta and Rice, Canned Fruits and Vegetables, 100% Juice, Low Sugar Cereal, Infant Formula and Baby Food.

The food drive will run until the Holiday Concert  Event on December 17th!  

Winter Concert and Holiday Activities

Holiday preparations are underway to decorate the school and prepare for the Holiday Concert on Dec 17th.  This year's concert theme is 'Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree 


We will be seeking assistance to help on:
Monday Dec 8 1-3pm - parents to meet in the gym to build and light artificial trees and prepare supplies.

Monday Dec 15 1-3pm - parents to meet in gym to decorate gym and stage and do the final prep before the dress rehearsal.

If you would like to help out please join us.

A final reminder that piano auditions will be held 12:30-1pm on Monday Dec 8th (and Tuesday if necessary) for children to play Christmas Music at the Winter concert.

PAC Donates Magazine Subscriptions to Dr. A.R. Lord Library

$350 was donated by the PAC to the school library for the purchase of new materials.  Educational magazines were selected by Teacher-Librarian, Ms. Macmaster and will help keep the variety of reading materials fresh and current for all students.  The magazines selected include:

Ask - ages 7-10; investigates the world with past and present inventors, artists, and thinkers, and scientists; cartoons, contests, projects, Web experiments, games, and puzzles

Chirp - Issue-themed magazine for primary grades; stories, puzzles, and activities

Highlights - ages 6-12; stories, games, puzzles, riddles, science experiments, craft projects and interactive entertainment

Discovery Girls - For girls, by girls; ages 8-12; real perspectives on friendships and relationships, advice, encouragement and inspiration

Familiy Fun - fun family crafts, recipes, party ideas, travel tips, information on nutrition, health

Kayak: Canada's History Magazine for Kids - ages 7-11; Every issue introduces children to the who, what, when, where, why and how of Canada's fascinating stories, and shows them our history in context with today's world

National Geographic Kids - fact-filled, fast-paced magazine created especially for ages 6+; fantastic photos

OWL - ages 9-13; the science behind how things work, quizzes, contests, and topics on everyday life.

The purchase of the magazines through the current fundraiser, in turn continues to bring additional funds into the school:  link to fundraiser.  Thank you for all of your support!

Cafe Etico - Holiday Order Campaign; Due Dec 12th

Buy once, give twice with Café Ético holiday gift packages.
Festively packaged premium quality coffee and chocolate that makes a difference: a fair price for farmers and profits support AR Lord PAC.    Now that’s a great gift.
Stocking Stuffers 200g coffee + Cocoa Camino Snack Bar $10 ($11 for Cuban and Decaf)
Coffee & Chocolate 400g coffee + 100g Cocoa Camino chocolate bar $19.50 ($21.50 for Cuban; $20.50 for Decaf)
Order Forms located beside the PAC Bulletin Board