Tuesday, 30 September 2014

Signup and Registration Deadlines - Activities and Events

There are many key activities and signup/registration times are abbreviated due to the delay in school start.  Notice has been short and signup deadlines have a quick turn around so we'd like to remind you of some key dates over the next few days.  Don't miss out! 
  
School Cross Country Team:  Due to the late start,  signup is due immediately as first practice is Thursday. Season runs just a few weeks till Oct 21st.  Cross Country is a great way to get your kids out and active!  It is for all levels including beginners.  Practice Tues & Thurs am at 8:20 at the school and a few mini meets.  Get your form into Ms. Burke or O'Neill.  

VSB Hastings East Community Fall Programs:  The Templeton Community Schools Team is again running reasonably price extracurricular activities at our school during after school and at lunch.  Registration deadline is Oct 6th.  Signup early or classes will fill up or get cancelled if there is not enough interest.  Rainbow Loom, Clay works, cooking, Lego, piano, multisport.  Look for the yellow flyer booklet distributed this week.  

Knitting Club:  Signup sheets are at the front desk. This class if free and for both beginners and experienced knitters.  

Family Photo Nights:  Signup is due on Friday Oct 3rd.  The photo nights are scheduled for Nov 3rd and 13th and spaces are still available. Sign up at the front office desk and drop off the $20 payment in the PAC Mail Slot.  

Hastings Park Farmers Market - Oct 5 Sunday


Check out the new Winter Farmer's Market on the PNE Grounds this weekend!

http://eatlocal.org/markets/hastings-park-farmers-market-at-the-pne/

Monday, 29 September 2014

Kindergarten - On Your Mark, Get Set, Go!


Our newest and youngest students - Kindergarten kids are raring to go after the last week of gradual entry.  Everyone has been oriented into the days activities and their first lunch hour was spent at school today.    Now that the classes and teachers have been assigned - these lovely new children are keen to learn and be part of Dr. A.R. Lord Elementary.  Full regular schedule starts tomorrow.

It is hard to believe but they will be future graduating class of 2026!

We welcome all these new learners!

Sunday, 28 September 2014

HCC Children's Toy & Clothes Market


Dr. A.R. Lord PAC will be having a couple of tables and selling items at the upcoming Hastings Community Centre Children's Toy and Clothing Market.  Funds raised will go to the PAC for school events and activities for our children.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:
  • *Donate good condition, clean, gently used children's clothes, toys, gear to sell (required by Oct 14).  (note if you are going to donate larger items such as strollers, big toys etc. it is preferable to bring them on the morning of the event)
  • *Volunteer to help collect/transport donated items
  • *Help setup and sell items on the day of the event
  • *Loan us your plastic hangers, hanging racks, baskets etc. to display items at the sale. 
Please email arlordpac@gmail.com or contact one of the PAC exec members around the school if you can assist. 

Last year's event was a great success and a great way to turn unused items into extra funds for our school.  Thank you in advance for your contributions . They will be greatly appreciated.



Saturday, 27 September 2014

2014 Terry Fox Run

Principal Ms. Car and Students Running
Walk to Rupert Park in the Rain

Dr. A.R. Lord  students, staff and families braved the soggy weather on Friday Sept 26th to participate in the School Terry Fox Run.  Everyone walked from the school to Rupert Park and then ran two laps around the park.  

The Terry Fox run is a school tradition and the rain didn't dampen the spirit of all the participants.  Terry Fox often ran in the most inclement weather day after day during the Marathon of Hope in 1980 which he undertook to raise awareness for Cancer and with the goal to find a cure.

PAC Snacks
Kids in Action
After the run, everyone was treated to a snack of juice and granola bar compliments of the Parent Advisory Council (PAC).



It was such a great opportunity to teach our children about this worthy cause and for all of to remember who Terry Fox was.

Class room lessons, fundraising and posters are also part of this campaign.  Well Done All!



Friday, 26 September 2014

Family Photo Night

The PAC will again be coordinating a Family Photo Night with Mountain West Studios.  What is this you ask?

Last year the PAC (with the assistance of the School) coordinated access to a professional photographer to come in and take family photos. Backdrops, lighting, and props were brought in and photos were taken after school and into the evening in the library.  Some people had photos taken of the whole family, brought grandparents or relatives, did just the kids and even with their family dog.  Overall feedback was that families were very happy with the photos and the convenience of doing it at the school was great!

The cost for the sitting (15 minute block) is $20 and includes a complimentary single 8X10 (of your choice from the proofs provided).  The $20 sitting fee goes towards the PAC as a fundraiser for the school.   Additional prints and packages can be ordered if you like, but there is no obligation.  Cost for additional prints will be paid directly to Mountain West and their packages and prints are at typical rates to that of other photographers.  

Note that this event is completely separate from your child's regular individual school and class photographs. 

November 3rd has been scheduled and a second date of November 13th will be added if there is enough interest. These dates will enable you to get photos prior to Christmas to send out to family and friends.    To participate, we ask that you signup and pay your $20 deposit to reserve a spot (first come first serve).  Signup and give your deposit (into the PAC mail slot in an envelope with your details) near the front office.     Deadline is Friday October 3rd.  

If you have any questions, please email arlordpac@gmail.com




Thursday, 25 September 2014

Letter from PAC Chair - Welcome AR Lord Families!

I just wanted to extend a warm welcome and welcome back to our school community on behalf of the PAC executive. The names of all of the elected executive members and their positions are posted on the PAC bulletin boards near the front office and the downstairs entrance doors. Contact info for the PAC is also posted in these spaces and we can be reached at arlordpac@gmail.com 

We have a lot of new families to the school this year and I'm sure this will mean lots of new friendships between kids and parents alike. It will be great getting to know everyone and hopefully some of our new families will be able to make it out to some PAC meetings this fall. Our first meeting will be Oct 16th followed by Nov 20th and both will begin at 6:30 pm in the Library.

We try to keep meetings as brief and lighthearted as possible while discussing matters that pertain to our great little school. We encourage input from all parents and caregivers and staff. While there is always room for some spontaneous discussions, I would encourage anyone that would like a significant amount of speaking time to be put on the agenda. To do this you can simply email the PAC a week in advance and we can slot you in. And as always, free child minding will be provided at meetings.

Our goal as a PAC is to focus on supporting our students and staff while building a strong school community. We aim to keep fundraising, events and projects all within this framework. As a group of volunteers we have painted murals, planted gardens, provided hot lunches, and funded field trips. Every contribution has an impact and no contribution is ever too small.

One of our more recent accomplishments was working with our neighboring Hastings Community Association in opening a before and after school care program right next door for our students. This is a perfect example of community associations providing services when and where needed. The services they provide to our families are numerous and our relationship with the H.C. Association is something to be cherished.

I will sign off by wishing you all a happy school year and by thanking our dedicated and caring teachers, support staff and administration for all they do to make our school a happy and safe place for our children to learn and grow.

Tracy Spring
PAC Chairperson

Wednesday, 24 September 2014

School Safety - Parking and Driving

A reminder to obey the maximum 30km school zone that is now in effect around Dr. A.R. Lord Elementary from 8:00am to 5:00pm on School Days.  This is especially important as the days get darker, overcast and  rainy.  Slow down and be safe.

Also be mindful of the no stopping zones in front of the school and be respectful of our neighbours and street parking regulations.

In case you were wondering..... current tines for speeding in school zones are:

If speed is between
Total Fine
Driver Penalty Points

31 - 50 km/h$1963
51 - 70 km/h$2533
71 - 90 km/h$3683
greater than 90 km/h$4833

Tuesday, 23 September 2014

First Day Back At School Photos


Heading Back to School
Greeting our Friends

Kindergarten - Meet the Teachers

Monday, 22 September 2014

TERRY FOX RUN - FRIDAY

On Friday, September 26th, Dr. A.R. Lord School will host the annual Terry Fox run.

Millions of children and educators, Thousands of Schools, One dream: A world without Cancer!

Please feel free to donate a toonie to support the Terry Fox Foundation

Sunday, 21 September 2014

A.R. Lord Families at HCA 80th Anniversary


AR Lord Families.... join us at Hastings Community Centre Today.

Calling all lord families.... Let's gather today for the 80th anniversary celebration with our valued community partner:  Hastings Community Association!  The weather is going to be beautiful so let's get a last kick at summer with a free BBQ, live music, fun and games.  3-6pm @ Hastings CC.  Many families will be attending so hope to see you there. (Who really wants to cook dinner anyways?  There will be enough hectic nights with school the next week). 

Thursday, 18 September 2014

Monday - Kids back to School. Agreement Ratified!


Update from VSB - Superintendent Letter

See details in Dr. Steve Cardwell, VSB Superintendent of Schools letter regarding job action update, school opening and professional days:
 Link to VSB Superintendent Letter

More Family Activities

Meaningful Movies - Thurs Sept 18
Community Cleanup - Sat Sept 30
Kiwassa Neighbourhood Open House- Thurs Sept 25
Creekway Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - Tues Sept 30

Meaningful Movies - Free Documentary Showing: Trash Dance Thurs Sept 18th at 7:00pm -2475 Franklin St.   https://www.facebook.com/MeaningfulMoviesVancouver

Community Cleanup  organized by Hastings North Community Partners Group.  Volunteers will pickup litter and note ways to improve our neighbourhood.  Data and feedback will be shared with City of Vancouver.  Stay and enjoy a free BBQ.  Saturday 12:30 Sept 20 -3475 E. Hastings email: tbeasley@telus.net to participate

Kiwassa Neighbourhood Open House: Refreshments, music, dance, children's activities and displays.  Thursday Sept 25th 3:00-6:30pm 2425 Oxford St.  http://www.kiwassa.ca/?p=2038

Creekway Park Ribbon Cutting CeremonyTuesday Sept 30 10:30-12:30.   The first of many new green  spaces on the Hastings PNE grounds and an exciting new addition to our neighbourhood will be celebrated.   For more information on the greenways development plan:  Master Plan - Transforming Hastings Park and PNE

Wednesday, 17 September 2014

What to expect for School ahead at Dr. A.R. Lord

We all continue to be hopeful that our children will be back in school next week.    Though a deal has not been ratified,  here are some reminders of what is to come at our lovely school once a resolution is in place.

Ms. Susie Car, school principal provided an update at the end of June with the following details:

We expect 6 divisions and some new staff will be joining the roster as well as some changes in teaching assignments.
Ms. Mitchell will be a new teaching partner shared by both Ms. Bains and Ms. Watson classes
Ms. Phong Manny will move to a full time role
Ms. MacMaster will be the new Teacher librarian and Resource Teacher
New teacher Ms. Wise will join Ms. O'neill as intermediate teachers

We hope to welcome all teachers back next week.  Stay tuned for any updates on school start and schedules.

Sunday, 14 September 2014

Entertainment Lineup - Hastings Community Association-Sunday Sept 21


Join in on the Hastings Community Association's celebration in Hastings Sunrise on Sunday Sept 21!  They are a great community partner to Dr. A.R. Lord Elementary and PAC and located just next door of the school.  Congratulations on 80 wonderful years of community service in our neighbourhood!

We expect to see many school families and friends at this wonderful free event filled with treats and eats, entertainment, and activities.  3-6pm.


Musical Performers:
No Reply ( 3pm-4-pm)    and    Lindy and the Crows Nest (5pm-6pm)

Program Demonstrations on stage including: (4pm-5pm)
-BBOYs Dancing, Glee Club, Karate

Entertainment:
Face Painters, Gizmo the Ballon Twister
BC TENNIS (4-5pm)--> running mini technique lessons

For more details: 
https://www.facebook.com/HastingsCommunityCentreAndTempletonParkPool

Saturday, 13 September 2014

Educational Resource Acquisition Consortium Provides Free Temporary Access During Strike

An online tool to assist BC Students and Families is temporarily available at no cost during the current teacher's strike.  ERAC has online resources that are normally available to members, public and private schools.

See Link:  Access to ERAC website

Friday, 12 September 2014

Additional Child Care Day Camps during Strike

Kiwassa Strike Camp:
Kiwassa Neighbourhood House is able to offer programming from 9am-3pm during the teacher job action.  Cost is $30 per day and children can be dropped off between 8:30am and 9:00am for an additional $2/day.  Out trips included.  Nutritious breakfast provided.  For more info:  Sophia Montero @ 604-254-5401


September Activities - Hastings Sunrise


Callister AppleGanza:  Sat Sept 13, 2014 - Sun Sept 14, 2014

A community harvest of the two apple trees in Callister Park (Renfrew & Oxford) with some of the harvest to be distributed at the harvesting event and the following Sunday to return with an apple dish to share at a community potluck that includes children’s games and activities. 

For more information contact Tracey at mactavt@hotmail.com


HCC  80 Years Celebration! Sun Sept 21                        Pandora Fall Fair Sun Sept 21st (Pandora and Nanaimo)












Wednesday, 10 September 2014

Inaugural Before and After School Care Program for Dr. A.R. Lord Elementary

The Dr. A.R. Lord Elementary School before and after school care program at the Hastings Community Centre is in it's second week of operation.  The creation of this important program to provide out of school care started four years ago when a gap in affordable and accessible child care was identified by our school's families.  A lot of hard work and determination by parents and community members has gone into making this a reality.    In particular many thanks to the Hastings Community Association that provided support, space and resources to incorporate this much needed program into the Hastings Community Centre that sits right next door to the school. 

Contact Hastings Community centre for more information on this program:
http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/hastings-community-centre.aspx

Cyber Safety Notice for Parents

We'd like to share with parents a recent alert that has come up regarding Child Safety. 

Cybertip.ca Canada's National Tipline for reporting the online sexual exploitation of children has issued an alert.  This is regarding a rise in reports from youth involving sextortion over August/September 2014. These cases have involved offenders (posting as teenagers) secretly recording teenagers exposing themselves on line and then threatening to share the sexual content if they don't pay them money. 

See the full link for details: Cybertip.ca

Advice  on how to talk to youth about online extortion: Tip Sheet for Parents

Monday, 8 September 2014

Resources for Families - Supported Learning at Home


There is no substitute to our children learning in the school class room with qualified teachers and amongst their peers, but here are some links to provide advice and support at home during the current teacher's strike:

BC Education Math
BC Education Reading
BC Education Writing
BC Education Healthy Living

Sunday, 7 September 2014

Patti Bacchus Visits Dr. A.R. Lord Teachers on the Front Line


Vancouver School Board Trustee and Chair, Ms. Patti Bacchus visited picketing teachers at Dr. A.R. Lord Elementary last week.

She discussed academic concerns in the case of a prolonged strike and whether time could be made up with calendar changes.

Thursday, 4 September 2014

UNDER CONSTRUCTION - Community Book Exchange

Sara McGarry and Logan transport the new book box
A new community book exchange is under construction!   For the love of reading and books, a few Dr. A.R. Lord Elementary families are busy working on the construction of a new community book exchange structure.

Funding was provided through a Community Small Grant that Linda and Sara obtained.  This share box was designed and built by Phil Schick and Linda Kemp and is now headed for painting. They will be looking for extra help to install and for some initial books to kick start the share.  It will be located on Turner Street near the school and will serve as an informal way for our families, neighbours, and the community to share books.

"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counsellors; and the most patient of teachers." - Charles W. Eliot




















...... Take a Book, Leave a Book (or two)

Wednesday, 3 September 2014

Register for Temporary Support Payments during the Strike

Parents of Dr. A.R. Lord Elementary School can apply for Temporary Support Payments  to assist in learning and supervision during the current labour dispute.  Please note that Student's Personal Education Number (PEN#) listed on the online website is not required to apply.  Specifically this number can only be obtained at the school and in person. 

For full details on the application and support payments:    http://bcparentinfo.ca/

Monday, 1 September 2014

No School Start on Tuesday Sep 2nd

Please be advised that Dr. A.R. Lord Elementary School will not start on Tuesday September 2nd as originally scheduled due to the ongoing labour dispute.  School administrators ask that parents do not send their children to school as adequate supervision and staffing is not in place.  See the full letter from the Superintendent of the Vancouver School Board at the LINK:  SEPT 1 2014 VSB