Keeping Smiles Bright for Halloween!

This weekend will no doubt be filled with candy, sweets and treats....but A.R. Lord students also brought home a complimentary mini-bottle of Anti-Cavity Rinse to keep teeth clean!  Thanks for the generous donation from Dr. Michelle Tao, a local dentist located on Commercial Drive. 

Thank You Indigo Adopt a School Supporters!

Yay we are the winner of $1000 in books for our library for our blog post in the Indigo Adopt A School Contest! Thank you Indigo, our sponsor store Coles Indigo Lougheed Mall, Students, Teachers, Staff, Families, and Friends! We also had 175 books from our adopters who clicked away each day!

Thank you Indigo Love of Reading Foundation for this wonderful and generous campaign that has helped us grow our library and literacy to the benefit of all school children at A.R. Lord

https://adoptaschool.indigo.ca/eng/giveaway

AR Lord PAC Representative - Community Advisory Group Hastings Park/PNE

The A.R. Lord Parent Advisory Council is encouraging a representative from our school community to  apply to act as an independent volunteer member on the Community Advisory Group (CAG) for Hastings Park/PNE.  This individual would solicit input from our school community and bring forth our neighbourhood and council's ideas, concerns, and feedback to the PNE staff on matters such as onsite programming, implementation of aspects of Hastings Park/PNE master plan, and operational aspects that impact our community.  For more information on this opportunity: http://www.pne.ca/aboutus/community/community-advisory-group.html

If you are interested in representing the voice of our PAC on the CAG, can serve a 1 year term (that meets 6 times a year) and have experience, knowledge or skills in at least one of the following areas noted below:

• Business and Economic Development
• Sports and Recreation
• Neighbourhood Agencies and Associations
• Culture, Events and Festivals
• Park Stewardship, Sustainability and Environmental Education
• Educational Institutions
• Historical and current knowledge of activities within Hastings Park/PNE

Please email: arlordpac@gmail.com with an expression of interest by no later than Friday November 6th and our goal would be to apply for one of the 8 available positions to meet the deadline to the PNE of Friday November 13th. This is a great opportunity to have input on matters that directly impact our community, neighbourhood, families, and school.

crayola

Dr. A.R. Lord Elementary is participating in a program to recycle used markers (not just Crayola brand, but any felt tip marker pens) which will be collected and then sent to a facility that will turn them into alternative clean fuel.  Teachers will be putting collection bins in their classrooms and they will be emptied into a central repository.  Starting next month, bring your old markers from work and home to the school and add to our program!

To find out more:
http://www.crayola.com/colorcycle.aspx

Cross Country - Lord Lions!

The 2015 Cross Country season came to a close with the final District Cross Country Meet Finals which were held on Thursday October 22nd  at nearby Trout Lake.  This was the East Side Vancouver all school meet and it fell on a beautiful sunny fall day. Students ran in their age and gender categories and many families attended and cheered them on.  

The number of participants on the school team,  both new and returning, continues to be impressive for A.R. Lord Elementary.  Students were diligent in practicing before school several mornings a week throughout the season and also participating in a mini-meet at Clinton Park. Great job  and congratulations to all student runners ! A special mention and great big THANK YOU to parent volunteers and especially to Ms. Burke and Ms. O'Neill,  the coach-teachers who organized this year's team.

No School Friday Oct 23rd

Morning Exercise

Laps around the gravel field were in order for division 4 students on a recent early morning.  Some studies have been carried out and evaluate the effects of early morning physical activity and it's impact on learning.  It's not just good for the body, it is also good for the brain.  Exercise has been shown to improve math problem solving skills, attendance at school, academics and behaviour. 


Check out the article at: http://www.cbc.ca/news/morning-exercise

The Great British Columbia ShakeOut

All Dr. A.R. Lord Elementary students, staff and teachers participated in the province wide ShakeOut Earthquake Drill last week on October 15, 2015.  The drill consisted of a simulation including an announcement of an earthquake, children practicing taking cover under desks and away from windows, waiting for aftershocks and then exiting the building calmly.  Everyone then met on the gravel fields for headcount and reporting of all divisions.


Ensure you develop a family emergency plan at home and practice with your children. 
For more details: http://shakeoutbc.ca

Individual Photo Day Tomorrow

Send them to school looking their best! 
Tuesday October 20th 

Tuesday Oct 20th PAC Meeting This Week

Note that the next PAC Meeting will be held on Tuesday October 20th at 6:30pm in the School Library.  Child minding will be available. We will discuss:

• Upcoming events including Halloween Hot Lunch, Winter Gear Swap
• Grants and Fundraising
• PAC Classroom funds and Teacher's wish list
• Updates from Principal and Teachers
• Marker recycling initiative
• etc.

All parents/guardians of A.R. Lord Elementary students are welcome

See link for September Parent Advisory Council Meeting Minutes: September 22 2015 PAC Meeting Minutes

Vollyball time in Mr. Parungao's Class

Gym time is volleyball time.  Volleyball is a great sport that requires skill, coordination and especially teamwork.

Discount Magazine Subscription Fundraiser

Our magazine fundraiser is now under way and will help the PAC raise funds that will go directly to our wonderful little school library. If you are in the market for a new magazine subscription or need to renew an existing one, please consider this program. We have available to us over 500 different magazines at discounts of up to 85% off the newsstand price.

There is something for every interest and age group and we will receive 37% of the price of the sales for our school - in cash! You simply follow the link below to our schools site, select your magazines to be delivered directly to your home and the school will receive credit.

To order a subscription, click on link:   http://www.magfundraising.ca/GroupPage.aspx?e=1459257
And again, anyone in Canada can use this program to subscribe and our school will receive credit. So share this post and link and let your friends and family know that they too can receive the discounts and help our school.

Giants Hockey Tickets available!

Join in on the fun on Saturday with the Vancouver Giants and in support of local neighbourhood partners. Tickets are only $20 each & are available for purchase at the school office.

Outdoor Lunchtime Fall Fun

During sunny fall days, A.R. Lord students make great use of the outdoor classroom, fields, & play areas. They say the world is a smaller place than when we were young & there are so many things going on in the world, but for these kids, the schoolyard is where it is at. Camaraderie, games, gossip and jokes. Do you remember those days during your youth? Public school is a good thing!

Family Photo Night Signup

The PAC will again be coordinating the super popular Family Photo Night with Mountain West Studios from 4:00pm - 8:00pm on November 9th.  What is this you ask?

The PAC coordinates access to a professional photographer to come in and take family photos. Backdrops, lighting, and props are brought in and photos are taken after school and into the evening in the library.  You can get photos of your children, whole family, bring in your grandparents or relatives, and even the family pet. Having the photos taken at the school is a great convenience and will arrive in time for the holidays. 

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 professional photographers.  

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

Spaces are limited and first come first serve. Please signup online directly using our convenient volunteerspot link which helps us manage bookings and sends you a reminder email. Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:

1) Click this link to see our Sign-Up on VolunteerSpot: http://vols.pt/KnYA1g

2) Review the options listed and choose from the available time slots.

3) Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on VolunteerSpot.

or email: arlordpac@gmail.com with your preferred time slot and we'll sign you up.

Note due to popularity, we require payment of the sitting fee in advance to maintain your reserved spot.  Please pay the $20 deposit (cash or cheque payable to A.R. Lord PAC) and include your details into the PAC Mailbox near the school front office by OCTOBER 30th. Any unpaid reservations will be cancelled.

Thank You DARLAA

Thank you to the Dr. A.R. Lord Alumni Association.  You have been great contributors to our community and a great example of the bright and talented youth that have passed through the halls of Dr. A.R. Lord elementary.

Thank you for your wonderful pumpkin patches, generous thanksgiving hampers to families in need, car washes, holiday crafts, cookie decorating, fund raising, and generosity!
We wish you all well on your future endeavours as you move onto the next exciting new challenges and opportunities.  We are forever grateful!

This Halloween, the A.R. Lord Parent Advisory Council will be hosting a free hotdog (veggie and turkey) lunch + fruit + treat for all students on Friday October 30th!
(If you prefer that your child not participate in the free lunch, please feel free to email the PAC in advance arlordpac@gmail.com and provide your own lunch)

Giving Thanks to Wonderful A.R. Lord Parents!

Visit from Vancouver Coastal Health Nurses

VCH Nurses were on site at A.R. Lord Elementary and teaching students about the importance of hand washing, hygiene and staying healthy.  The grade 1 and 2 students completed subject booklets and practiced washing their hands.

Cold & flu season is upon us, remember to wash your hands. For more information from VCH:  http://www.vch.ca/your-health/health-topics/communicable-diseases/educational-materials/public-education-materials

Winter Gear Swap: REUSE It!

On October 26, 27, 28th we will be holding an informal Free Re-use it Swap of winter clothes and gear.  We all know that to REUSE is even better than Recycling or putting in the trash.
Why not put items that you no longer need into the hands of someone else to use?
Bring good condition/clean kids items for others to put to good use and take items that your child can use!

*Boots
*Winter Coats
*Rain Gear
*Gloves/Mittens
*Winter Sports equipment (skates, helmets, skis etc).

3:00-3:30 under the covered area.
Bring your items to the swap (or drop off on Oct 26th in the morning)
Left over items will be donated to charity.

Election, Voting and Education

The grade 7 students in Ms. O'Neill's class are enrolled in the Student Vote Program. Student Vote is a parallel election for students under voting age and will coincide with the upcoming federal election.  The purpose is to provide young Canadians with an opportunity to experience the voting process firsthand and build the habits of informed and engaged citizenship.
http://studentvote.ca

They are exploring government, democracy and learning about the candidates running in our local Vancouver-East riding.  They are learning about the different political parties, the election process and how the next Prime Minister of Canada will come to power. They will get to simulate voting with real Election Canada materials and will follow the actual election results.

Check out these videos and take the time to discuss the upcoming election with your child and lay the foundation for future Canadian Voters. https://www.youtube.com/user/StudentVote

Mental Health Tools and Resources

The best way to combat the stigma of mental health is to become educated on the issues, open up the dialogue, and most importantly provide support and understanding.  Open Mind BC is a website that provides resources for students, parents, educators, and physicians.  It has additional useful links to a broad range of websites such as Anxiety BC, Dealing with Depression, Confident Parents: Thriving Kids, Family Smart and Vancouver Coastal Health to name a few.

http://openmindbc.ca

Lunch Time: Organic Grapes and Milk

The school lunchroom is portrayed as a battleground on the big screen, but that is just fantasy and fiction. At A.R. Lord Elementary, the lunchroom is full of fun, inclusion, and a place to refuel before heading out to the playground. Often parents or grandparents will drop by and bring a hot lunch to their child while younger preschool siblings are happy to join in with the big kids.
The school's participation in the BC School Fruit and Vegetable Program is a great way to give them an extra dose of the good stuff!  Delicious purple organic concord grapes and milk were provided and sampled by many.  This program is part of the BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation: http://www.aitc.ca/bc/

There is nothing more marvellous than an Apple!

Fall harvest is a great time for the grade 1 & 2 students in Ms. Mitchell's class to learn about apples. Activities included discussing and reading a story about apples. Students then took time to observe their characteristics. They cut them open and drew the different parts, seeds and all. Oh the wonderful apple!

A.R. Lord Families: Join in on the Free Parent Workshop at HCC

School Library: New Librarian, Hours and Resources

Welcome to the 2015-2016 School Year!

"My name is Kasey McCandless, and I will be Lord’s teacher-librarian and resource teacher until Ms. Macmaster returns. Ms. M’s library is an amazing place filled with wonderful resources for students, staff, and families. I will be doing my best to instill and encourage a love of reading in each and every one of the children who come through the library doors. 

You might have already noticed the gigantic calendar in the hallway outside of the library, as well as the bookshelf. This is something I have compiled from various resources, and my goal is to help our students think about the world around them. They will be exposed to a variety of holidays and special dates that will encourage them to think like global citizens. The bookshelf will contain relevant reading material that will change as the year progresses – please explore these resources and chat with your children about the different things we celebrate all over the world.

Another project I will be pursuing with many classes this year is the Chocolate Lily Book Awards. This program showcases BC authors and illustrators at various reading levels. After the students experience each book in the category they’re in, they get to vote to pick their favourites!

Please come and visit me in the library to discover new books, visit me, and chat about the many ongoing projects I am involving our students in. Also, please consider volunteering to help in the library – I have a team of lovely monitors but they (and I!) can only do so much. Thank you!"

Good things to know about the library!

• We are able to offer some extra library hours outside of the bell:

  Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
  Closed	3:00-3:20pm	3:00-3:20pm	8:30-9:00am	8:40-9:00am

• Books can be borrowed for two weeks at a time (Kindergarten for one), and may be renewed or exchanged whenever the student needs.
• Overdue books must be returned before new books can be checked out.
• You can check your own library account! Here’s how:
• Go to http://webcat.vsb.bc.ca and click on “My Account”
• Enter your student number (they should know, but their librarian and teacher do too)
• Click on “item’s out” or “overdue” (click on titles for more details, including pictures)
• WEBCAT is also a great place to access awesome databases!
• Go to http://webcat.vsb.bc.ca and click on the “databases” tab
• Try them out! For most, the username: 39lo, password: library 

     Try…

• Bookflix: picture books in video format, paired with a non-fiction book with related content
• Starfall: interactive learn to read and reading practice 
• CultureGrams: facts and information about countries and provinces
• Global Issues in Context: current events and world issues
• World Book: online encyclopedia with three levels; kids, student, and advanced
• National Geographic Kids: information and visuals on a variety of subjects
• Novelist K-8 Plus: read book reviews, access recommended reading lists, and ‘read-alikes’

Expense Reimbursement from PAC

There is a new expense reimbursement procedure for purchases made on behalf of the PAC to help  streamline efforts, ensure clear documentation/records, and provide correct reimbursement.  Note that all purchases must be authorized by the Parent Advisory Council Executive and/or motioned/approved at a PAC meeting in advance of incurring the expense to be eligible for reimbursement.

General procedures:
1. Complete the attached form with details of the expenditure: downloadable form or obtain a hard copy at the front office.  

2. Submit the form with original receipts attached and drop in the PAC Mail box or scan all documents and receipts and email to arlordpactreasurer@gmail.com

Please try to minimize multiple individual small value reimbursements and instead submit once a month.  This helps us minimize handling, administration, bank fees and cheque costs to the PAC.
If you have any questions, contact Kimberly Richmond, PAC Treasurer via email at: arlordpactreasurer@gmail.com
Thank you for your cooperation

REAL Parents Thursdays 9:30-11:30 am