Learning through Play! Why is Play Important?

• Children learn more when they are playing.
• Play develops children’s creativity and problem solving skills
• Play prepares children better for school learning.
• Play is healthy. It promotes strength, coordination & brain development.
• Play teaches new skills and builds children’s self-esteem.
• Play teaches children social skills that help them develop friendships.
• Play is the right of children (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child)

"Play is the highest form of research" -Albert Einstein

Yoga Gym Time

Grade 6 and 7 students in Ms. O'Neill's class were doing yoga in a recent Gym Class. Why is Yoga great for kids?  

• It has positive effects with mental, physical and emotional benefits.
• It teaches kids focus and self-regulation which can translate to all aspects including school work, coping, and calming.
• It gets the body moving, is non competitive and inexpensive to do.  
• It builds strength and teaches patience. 
• It is great for combatting and decreasing stress. 
• It's fun!

We're Expecting! (Salmon in the Classroom)

We are proud to announce the arrival of 75 tiny coho salmon eggs to the K-1 Class at Dr. A.R. Lord Elementary. This is part of an educational program that is managed with support from Fisheries & Oceans Canada. It is an opportunity to teach understanding, respect and protection of freshwater,  estuarine and marine ecosystems.  Children will study the incubation and hatching of the eggs and then release of the fry.  For more information:  www.salmonidsintheclassroom.ca

Thank you for the generous support of the  Environmental Manager's Association of BC Concrete Deliverables Grant which funded the purchase of the refrigeration cooling unit for the aquarium.

Stay tuned for more developments as the salmon eggs grow and hatch!

Captain Creative School Performance on Friday Jan 30th

The troupe Something Collective will give 2 performances at 9:30am and 11:00 am of the production CAPTAIN CREATIVE.  This arts advocate fairy talent uses puppetry, music dance and visual arts to demonstrate the value of art in our society.  Families and caregivers, join in on the fun!

Please note that the school notice for the collection of the $25 annual performance fees will be sent home this week.  These fees are normally collected by the school at the beginning of the year in September but were postponed due to the late school start.  These fees help Dr. A.R. Lord Elementary bring board approved, high quality performances to the school. 

Raspberry and Fruit Tree Pruning Demo - Jan 30th

Come and learn the basics of how to prune your fruit trees, twice-bearing raspberries and grape vines with A.R. Lord Parent: Jana Ronne.  

• meet at 2pm on Friday Jan 30th at nearby Garibaldi school garden at 1025 Slocan St.
• Bring a pair of small pruning scissors if you have them to practice
• time permitting, there will also be some discussion on newly arrived berry crop pests and how to protect your berries.
• Bring your questions and enthusiasm!

Dr. A.R. Lord Parents learn about Anaphylaxis and Food Allergies

Stephanie Von Dehn from Anaphylaxis Canada/Metro Van Anaphylaxis Group talked to parents at the recent Jan PAC meeting.  She spoke about food allergies, anaphylaxis, food labelling,  emergency treatments and risk reduction strategies for school children.

Epinephrine Injection Demo

• Anaphylaxis is the most serious type of allergic reaction.  It can progress quickly and may cause death without timely use of epinephrine.  It can involve different body systems, including skin, respiratory, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular. The most dangerous symptoms are trouble breathing and drop in blood pressure.  
• The foods that are usually associated with anaphylaxis include:  Milk (dairy), egg, peanuts, tree nuts, seafood, sesame, wheat, soy, sulphites and mustard.  
• There is a VSB policy entitled "Strategies in the Prevention and Management of Anaphylaxis in the school setting".  Dr. A.R. Lord Teachers have received Anaphylaxis Training

It takes the joint efforts of the parents, children, educators, and the community to respect and ensure the safety of children at risk of anaphylaxis.  Please note that there are no PEANUTS,  PEANUT BUTTER OR TREE NUTS (cashews, hazelnuts, filberts, brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, pine nuts, walnuts and pecans among others) allowed at Dr. A. R. Lord. There are students with severe allergies to these foods. Nuts can be found in Nutella and other chocolate spreads, pesto, granola bars, cookies, trail mix, and many other snack foods. Please read the label before sending these foods to school with your children, and do not send these foods if they contain nuts. Foods that say they "May contain" nuts are permitted. Coconut and seeds such as sesame or sunflower seeds are also allowed.

Resources and info:   Food Allergy Fact Sheet         and        http://www.anaphylaxis.ca

Scouts Canada visits Dr. A.R. Lord School

The 138th East Vancouver Scout Group came to visit the school. They explained what scouts was about, their activities, and events.  Boys and Girls of all ages can join.

They meet regularly on Saturdays from 2:30-4:30pm at Hastings Community Centre.  

For more information:

http://scout138.com

Todd Parr Inspired Self Portraits by Div 5.

Ms. Bains' K-1 class continue on with the Todd Parr author study and painted colourful artwork that showcases the uniqueness of each child.  Todd Parr is a well known children's illustrator and author.  

http://www.toddparr.com

What's that sound? Beats Me.... (Percussion Fun and Light Water Drums)

Dr. A.R. Lord Students are learning percussion instruments and drumming as Ms. Young's son Robin came into the classroom to lend a hand.  All were armed with drumsticks, buckets, pots, tambourines, maracas..... who can resist making noise, having fun and learning about music at the same time!

.... speaking of drums...

The Hastings North Community Partners Group will be hosting the Light Water Drums Festival this Saturday Jan 24th from 5:30-9:30 in Hastings Park.  Many of the children have been making lanterns at school.  Join in on the fun at this family friendly community event!  It's Free to participate.
Light Water Drums Festival Information

After school Clay Class

Kids explore imagination through clay and make all sorts of wonderful creations at the Tuesday after school clay class lead by instructor Norvena. This class is offered as part of the Winter programs and organized by the Templeton Community Schools Team.

Ms. Watson's Class Winter Birds Artwork: Charley Harper

Dr. A.R. Lord's Division 3 class created beautiful Winter Birds artwork that was inspired by modern American Illustrator Charley Parker.

In a style he called "minimal realism", Charley Harper captured the essence of his subjects with the fewest possible visual elements. When asked to describe his unique visual style, Charley responded:  "When I look at a wildlife or nature subject, I don’t see the feathers in the wings, I just count the wings. I see exciting shapes, color combinations, patterns, textures, fascinating behavior and endless possibilities for making interesting pictures. I regard the picture as an ecosystem in which all the elements are interrelated, interdependent, perfectly balanced, without trimming or unutilized parts; and herein lies the lure of painting; in a world of chaos, the picture is one small rectangle in which the artist can create an ordered universe."

Science Teaches A.R. Lord Kids about the World Around Them

Biodiversity, short for biological diversity, is the term used to describe the variety of life found on Earth and all of the natural processes. This includes ecosystem, genetic and cultural diversity, and the connections between these and all species. 

The different aspects of biodiversity all have a very strong influence on each other. We have only just started to understand the relationships between living things and their environments. It is helpful to think of an ecosystem as a woven carpet; if you pull on a loose thread it might only affect the thread and those closest to it or it might unravel the whole carpet.

Students from Dr. A.R. Lord had a chance to explore the biological collections at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum which not only houses collections, specimens and interesting displays, but is also a working research and teaching facility for the University of British Columbia.  Many parent volunteers joined the class on this fascinating field trip.

'

Talent Show Signup - Deadline January 23rd

All kids welcome to sign up for the February 13 Talent Showcase which will be held at 10:00am-Noon in the gym.  

Sing, Dance, Recite a Poem, Magic, Karate, or whatever talent you have that is no more than 3 minutes long.  

If participants require music for their act, be sure to get any music to Ms. Burke/Ms. O'Neill (on a CD or memory stick).

Return your child's permission slips to participate by January 23rd. 

Parents/Caregivers and families are welcome to attend.  Admission will be by donation to the food bank!

K-1 Students head off to UBC (Beaty Biodiversity Museum)

Ms. Young's division 6 class visit the Biodiversity Museum at UBC which  houses a biological collections on Friday January 16th. Key areas of this natural history museum include the entomological collection, tetrapods, marine invertebrates, the herbarium, fish and fossils.

The museum is home to largest blue whale skeleton in all of Canada.
http://www.beatymuseum.ubc.ca


Partial funding was provided by the Dr. A.R. Lord PAC.

PAC Meeting Thursday Jan 22nd

We welcome all parents/caregivers to the upcoming Parent Advisory Council Meeting:
Jan 22nd Thursday at 6:30pm in the library
Childminding will be provided

See link for minutes from the last PAC meeting held Nov 2014:
November 2014 Minutes 

STUDENT COUNCIL PRESENTS: BACKWARDS DAY

!NUF !NUF !NUF

Jan 21st is Backwards day.  
 Wear your clothes backwards, talk backwards, and be backwards! 

Reading Partners for Parent and Child

Linda O'Reilly, an educator in reading and literacy, lead a Reading Partners Workshop for Dr. A.R. Lord parents and K-3 students on Wednesday January 14th.  A wide variety of topics were covered including how parents can support literacy, fluency and ensure that home reading is a joy and not a chore! Tips and strategies were covered to look for signals with punctuation, to stretch out words, not to over-correct your child, and how to encourage and praise positive reading behaviours.

Parents had many questions answered about their challenges and were able to share experiences and ideas with other parents.

One of the great take aways from the night included how to have 'Lively Conversations' by asking your child questions after reading every book.  Reading comprehension is the reason we read -- to understand.  

Give these a try after your next reading session with your child:
What do you think about.....?
What Character in the book changes the most?
Which character is most like you?
Which character would you like to invite to dinner?  Why?
Is there something you didn't understand in the story?
Does the character remind you of anyone in your life?
What surprised you?

Don't forget to register for next week Jan 21st Parent and Child workshop for intermediate (Gr 4-7) students on study secrets and techniques:  "Getting Good Grades is Not a Matter of Luck".  Attend with your child at this interactive session.

BC Training and Education and Savings Plan (BCTESP) Grant of $1200 Announced

The government announced details on the BCTESP Savings Grant for children born 2007 and later and who are residents of BC at the time of application.  This is a grant of $1200 for Registered Education Savings Plans and will be fully implemented later this year.

For more information:

http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2013-2017/2015EDUC0003-000023.htm

Lord Nelson Neuroplasticity Presentation Invite

The PAC from nearby Lord Nelson elementary has extended an invitation to Dr. A.R. Lord parents to register for the  Monday January 26th, 2015 from 6:30pm-8:00pm neuroplasticity presentation. 

 

Highly renowned researcher, neuroscientist, and Lord Nelson Parent Dr. Lara Boyd discusses with parents how children's brains change with learning and development. She will present recent data showing brain plasticity in children and conclude with some practice tips for maximizing learning and brain plasticity.

Reserve your ticket online today at www.thelearningbrain.eventbrite.ca for  $5 dollars. Space is limited!

If tickets remain on the day of the event, they will be available at the door for $7.  All proceeds of the evening be donated to Lord Nelson's technology fund.

 --

On behalf of Lord Nelson's Parents Committee (PAC)

Upcoming Dates in January

Dates to remember:
Jan 12 Mon:  Kindergarten Hearing Screening
Week of Jan 12th: start of Winter Programs
Jan 14 Wed: Linda O'Reilly Parent and Child Reading Workshop (Gr K-3)
Jan 16 Fri:  Div 6 K/1 Field Trip to Beaty Biodiversity Museum
Jan 19 Mon: Professional-Day: no school
Jan 21 Wed: Linda O'Reilly Parent Child Homework and Study Secrets (Gr 4-7)
Jan 22 Thu: PAC Meeting at 6:30pm
Jan 23 Fri:  deadline for talent show signup
Jan 26 Mon:  Lord Nelson Parent Presentation on Neuroplasticity
Jan 30 Fri:  Performances

Winter Programs at Lunch and After school

Winter programs co-ordinated by the Templeton Community Schools Team will be starting next week from Monday January 12th onward.  These activities are fun, education, economical and a great way to keep the kids busy.  They are held right at Dr. A.R. Lord school
Monday:  Multisport K-3
Tuesday: Melty Bead K-7 and Clay K-7
Wednesday: Arts & Crafts K-7 and Homework Club 4-7
Thursday Lego K-7 and Private Piano

For more information 604-713-5898.  Registration and Waiver forms located at the front office.

Supported by Hastings East Community Programs Society, Vancouver School Board, and the United Way

Last month for Kindergarten Registration for 2015

January is the final month to register for kindergarten for September 2015 start in the Vancouver School Board. Children who will be 5 years old as of Dec 31st 2015 are eligible and initial registration must be at your local catchment school. Application to attend out of catchment or choice programs will start mid February. Contact the school office for more information. 

Don't forget to register for January Free Parent and Child Learning Sessions

......join Parent and Child educator, Linda O'Reilly and demystify how you can support your chid in their education!

• 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

READING PARTNERS:  Primary Grades (K-3)
Parent and Child to attend: 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" 

GETTING GOOD GRADES IS NOT A MATTER OF LUCK: Intermediate Grades (4-7)
Parent and Child to attend:  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.  

Note Childminding will be available (by donation) 

Division 5 Author Study: Letter to Todd Parr

Division 5 students completed an author study of Todd Parr with Teacher Ms. Bains and Teacher-Librarian Ms. MacMaster.  Todd Parr is a popular children's book author and illustrator who writes about Love, Kindness and Feeling Good.

An author study gives students the opportunity to look closer at an author's life and body of work.  They evaluate the author's themes, characters, and writing style and make connections between their own experiences and those of the author and his/her characters.

Additional activities will include Todd Parr inspired self portraits which will be on display later in January.