Back-to-School Picnic: The PSG is organizing a back-to-school picnic!
When: Friday, October 10th
Where: George Wainborn Park
Time: 11:00am -1:00pm
Please bring a blanket to sit on and lunch for your family. If you would like, bring a side or dessert to share. This will be a great way to spend a Pro-D Day and possibly make a few new friends. Come join us!

ANCHOR POINT

Annual Terry Fox Run – Wednesday, September 24th: All adolescent, elementary and extended day students will be participating in the annual Terry Fox Run at 9:30am on Sunset Beach. Please see attached permission form to confirm your child’s participation. Students will meet at the school at regular drop off time. Parents who would like to participate are welcome to meet us directly at Sunset Beach at 9:30am. Please ensure that your child is dressed in running shoes and for the prevailing weather conditions. Donations can be made online at www.terryfox.org/Donate.

Fall Recreation Permission Forms: Soccer classes will began on September 15th. If you haven’t already, please ensure that you have filled out and handed in a Fall Recreation Permission Form for your child to participate. On the day of soccer class, your child must have with proper active wear and shoes for this activity. Proper attire should consist of loose, comfortable clothing or active wear, and running shoes or soccer cleats if you have them.You may either send your child to school with a set of these or ensure your child attends school dressed in active wear that day. Your child is welcome to keep these items at the school for convenience.

Toothbrushes: Oral Hygiene is often overlooked, despite being an important aspect of self-care. To respond to this need, we have decided to implement daily tooth brushing after lunch.  We ask parents to please send a toothbrush and toothpaste for your child to keep and use at school.  You are welcome to provide dental floss and mouthwash as well, though these are optional and must be travel-sized.  Please provide only items that are simple and plain, and free of any logos, decorations, cartoon characters, etc.  Please label all items with your child’s name, and send these in a small, clear reusable bag (such as Ziplock).

Indoor Shoes: All students are required to bring a pair of plain, non-skid, soft-soled shoes (such as pull-on canvas runners) to be left at school for indoor use. You may also wish to provide a pair of running shoes to be kept at the school for use during soccer and other outdoor activities. Please ensure that any clothing items sent to school are labeled with your child’s name.

Hot Lunch: Students may wish to bring an empty container to school on Hot Lunch days, to bring home leftovers.

Band Students: Band Class is held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Please ensure that your child remembers to bring their cleaning kit, book and stand in addition to their instrument to class on these days.

School Photos: Anchor Point’s school photos will be held on Wednesday, October 1st. The photographer will be taking individual photos, a class photo as well as sibling photos. Once the photos are processed, we will be sending order forms. ​

MOLE HILL

​Scholastic: September Scholastic Order was due Thursday, September 18. If you have an order and forgot to submit it on time, please bring it in on Monday, September 22nd – the latest.

Sick Policy Reminder: This is a friendly reminder that there is a Sick Policy to protect both the students and the overall school environment. It is on page 38 in the Parent Handbook.​

Hot Lunch: If your child is in the hot lunch program, please bring an empty container to school for their unfinished food.

Terry Fox Run, Wednesday, September 24th at 9:30am: The extended-day students will join the Anchor Point students at 9:30am at Sunset Beach to participate in the Terry Fox Run. Please be sure your child wears suitable shoes for this outing​ and is prepared for the weather​. A permission form ​IS necessary for the ​extended-day​ students​, so please turn one in if you have not done so already​. Donation​s​ can be made online at www.terryfox.org/Donate.​

Little Fox Run, Wednesday, September 24th: The Mole Hill preschool students will participate in the Little Fox Run on Wednesday, September 24th by exercising in the gym, focusing on activities that emphasize Terry Fox’s commitment to his cause. A permission form is not necessary for the preschool students.

School Photos: Mole Hill’s school photos will be held on Tuesday, September 30th. The photographer will be taking individual photos, a class photo as well as sibling photos. Once the photos are processed, we will be sending order forms.

NORTH CREEK

For Extended-Day Students Only: Please prepare a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss for your child to keep at school and use after lunch.

Terry Fox Run, Wednesday, September 24th at 9:30am: The extended-day students will join the Anchor Point students at 9:30am at Sunset Beach to participate in the Terry Fox Run.
Please be sure your child wears suitable shoes for this outing and is prepared for the weather​. A permission form IS necessary for the extended-day​ students, so please turn one in if you have not done so already​. After the run, we will return to North Creek and meet with all the students to discuss Terry Fox.​ Donation​s​ can be made online at www.terryfox.org/Donate.​

Little Fox Run, Wednesday, September 24th: The North Creek preschool students will participate in the Little Fox Run on Wednesday, September 24th by dedicating their power walk to Terry Fox’s cause. Please be sure your child wears suitable shoes and outerwear for this outing. A permission form is not necessary for the preschool students.

School Photos: North Creek’s school photos will be held on Monday, September 29​th. The photographer will be taking individual photos, a class photo as well as sibling photos. Once the photos are processed, we will be sending order forms.

Cheerful ​back to school welcomes to new and returning families! This first week at school has been filled with novel adventures. New friendships have already taken root​ and old ones, re-ignited. Even the most teary-eyed first-year pre-school students are beginning to settle happily into the routine of school.

Beginning with this first week, our Primary (preschool and kindergarten) teachers will spend much of their time laying the foundation for a harmonious school environment with Grace and Courtesy lessons. These lessons serve to provide our students with the vocabulary, actions, and steps required for them to form an awareness of the Montessori environment and its social structure, helping to facilitate considerate and thoughtful behaviour.

At Anchor Point, the teachers have begun observing and assessing our students’ strengths, interests and challenges through the review of lessons as well as presentations of new ones. The students and teachers have also embarked on a communal dialogue on expectations, guidelines, and goals.

We look forward to extending this first week of excitement and optimism throughout the whole school year!

GENERAL NOTICES  

• Hot Lunch Program: The Hot Lunch Committee consisting of dedicated Anchor Point parents are working with #e Food, a chef-inspired sandwich shop that is located in the Anchor Point complex to bring our students and staff healthy, nutritious and delicious hot lunches. #e Food prides itself on making the best possible products with the freshest ingredients sourced from sustainable and local suppliers.Hot lunches are now available for ordering. Kindly note that orders must be placed at least 24 hours in advance. To order online, please visit https://lionsgate.hotlunch.com/plogin.php. If your child has recently transferred from Mole Hill/North Creek to Anchor Point, please remember to update your profile to ensure that lunch is delivered to the right location. If you have any questions, please contact the Hot Lunch Committee at hotlunchcommittee@gmail.com.
  

• Annual ​Terry Fox Run – Wednesday, September 24th: ​ All adolescent, elementary and extended day students will be participating in the annual Terry Fox Run at 9:30am on Sunset Beach. Students will meet at the school at regular drop off time. Parents who would like to participate are welcome to meet us directly at Sunset Beach at 9:30am. Please ensure that your child is dressed in running shoes and for the prevailing weather conditions. Donation forms are available at the school. If you would prefer to donate online, please click here.

• Little Fox Run – Wednesday, September 24th:  For the first time, our preschool students will also be supporting the Terry Fox Foundation by participating in the Little Fox Run!  The Mole Hill and North Creek staff will be providing details about your child’s participation next week.

• Clothing Reminder for All Schools: Students participate in daily outdoor physical activities.  Kindly check the weather for the day to ensure your child attends school dressed for these outings.
  

Dress Code Reminder: As outlined in the Parent Handbook, our dress code allows children to focus on their work by taking away many distractions in the classroom. Clothing worn to school should be practical, comfortable, and easy for children to manage on their own.

There is no requirement for families to purchase a specific line of clothing. Clothing that abide by our dress code can be purchased at stores such as The Gap, The Bay, Old Navy, Children’s Place, Lands’ End, etc. A full description of the school’s dress code can be found in our Parent Handbook available on the website’s School Information page.

An easy way to comply with our dress code is for your child to wear our School Spirit tee-shirts and/or hooded sweatshirt. It’s also a great way to easily identify your child as a member of the
school community, particularly outside of the classroom, at the park or on field trips while following our dress code. Items are also available for parents. Order forms are available on the website’s School Forms page.

​School Forms Available Online:  Once you are logged in, click on the Community page. You will then see a link to the School Forms page on the right: click on that link for a current list of downloadable school forms. You must be logged in to gain access to the school forms page.

ANCHOR POINT

Friday, September 12th – Fall Activity Permission Form Due: Please see attachment. Soccer classes begin the third week of September. Your child must have with proper active wear and shoes for this activity. You may either send your child to school with a set of these or ensure your child attends school dressed in active wear that day.

Upper Elementary Library Cards: Kindly ensure that your child has an active library card for any library outings during school time. Although advance notice will be given of any outings, if possible, please keep the card in your child’s school backpack.

French and Mandarin Lessons: French and Mandarin lessons are optional for students in grades 1 through 4. Kindly confirm with us by email to teachers@lionsgatemontessori.org that you would like your child to attend one of both these lessons with French/Mandarin Lessons on the subject line.

PICK-UP ​REMINDER: Upper Elementary (Grades 4-6) and Adolescent students, in addition to their siblings, will be available for pick-up along Burrard Street from 3:55 until 4:05. If you would like to pick up your child from the door, please let your child’s teacher know by email (teachers@lionsgatemontessori.org). If you arrive any time before or after the allotted Burrard Street pick-up time, please come to the door.

Lost & Found: Please check the lost and found bin, located in the cloakroom, for any items belonging to your children by Friday, September 12th. After Friday, all items left in the bin will be donated.

Nut-Free Reminder: Mole Hill is a nut-free environment. This includes tree nuts. If you need recommendations on nut-free snacks, please don’t hesitate to ask.

MOLE HILL

Second Set of Clothing: ​If you haven’t done so already, please be sure to send a second set of clothing to school.

For Extended-Day Students Only: Please prepare a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss for your child to keep at school and use after lunch.

For Extended-Day Students Only: Please prepare a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss for your child to keep at school and use after lunch.

Forms: Please return your child’s Emergency Consent card with a recent photo of your child, your child’s immunization records and the Getting to Know Your Child form.

Nut-Free Reminder: Mole Hill is a nut-free environment. This includes tree nuts. If you need recommendations on nut-free snacks, please don’t hesitate to ask.

​Language Lessons Begin Next Week: Please note that language lessons will begin next week, with Mandarin beginning on Monday, September 8th and French beginning on September 9th.

NORTH CREEK

Flowers and Laundry: If you have not signed up for bringing in flowers or taking home laundry, please be sure to do so! The sign-up sheets are at the door.

Nut-Free Reminder: North Creek is a nut-free environment. If you need recommendations on nut-free snacks, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Language Lessons Begin Next Week: Please note that language lessons will begin next week, with French starting on Monday, September 8th and Mandarin starting on Tuesday, September 9th.

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Wondering what to do on weekends with your children? Here are some ideas below:

Coho Festival, Saturday, September 6th: The Coho Festival celebrates the return of the Coho Salmon to the rivers and streams of the North Shore. The festival is a public event with fun for the whole family including organized sporting events, activities for children, live entertainment and interactive learning about the environment, For more information, please visit: http://www.cohosociety.com/coho-festival

Polish Festival in Lynn Valley Village, Saturday, September 6th 1:30pm-6:30pm and Sunday, September 7th 1pm-5pm: This year the Polish Cultural Festival takes place on September 6 & 7 at Lynn Valley Village in North Vancouver. The program features songs performed by Polish-Canadian soloists and musical groups and special guest the Polonez Polish Folk Arts Ensemble from Edmonton. The extensive food menu will include sausages, perogies and Polish pastries. http://vancouversnorthshore.com/whats-happening/polish-culture-festival

Wesbrook Village Festival on Saturday, September 20: The bustling boulevards of Wesbrook Village will be alive with family-friendly activities during the community’s annual community festival. With the sights and sounds of fall, this special event promises fun for students, adults, and young families alike. Buskers will bring their beats to the streets, and musicians will take to the main stage with tunes that will appeal to all music lovers. Performers include Dr. Strangelove, Will Stroet and the UBC Opera. The festival also features free BBQ, sidewalk sales, kids zone with bouncy castle and face-painting.

It’s All Greek to Me! Vancouver’s Original Greek Food Festival from September 26-28: Now in its 37th Year, this family friendly festival will be a three-day outdoor event featuring the same great authentic Greek food, live dance and entertainment, kids activities, Greek language lessons, agora marketplace and more. Come and get your Greek on at the longest running Greek festival in the city. OPA! Hellenic Community Centre, 4492 Arbutus Street.

BACK TO SCHOOL INFORMATION 2014

First Day of School for Returning Students: Tuesday, September 2
First Day of School for New Preschool Students: Wednesday, September 3

Hours for school are shortened on Tuesday, September 2 as follows:

Anchor Point Students:   9 AM to 12 PM

Mole Hill and North Creek Returning Preschool Students
AM Class Session:  8:45 AM to 10:45 AM
PM Class Session: 12:45 PM to 2:45 PM
*Individual Gradual Entry Schedules will be sent out to all new Preschool students.

Mole Hill and North Creek Extended Day Students
Last Year’s Afternoon Preschool Students: 8:45 AM to 11:45 AM
Last Year’s Morning Preschool Students:12:45 PM to 3:45 PM

The regular schedule as well as the after-school club programs for kindergarten students and up will commence the following day on Wednesday, September 3^rd. French, Mandarin and yoga lessons will begin the following week.

Are We Digitizing Ourselves to Death? Problem Video Gaming Exposed
Date: Tuesday September 9, 2014
Time: 7pm – 8:30pm
Location: Richmond Public Library, Brighouse Branch 100-7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond, BC
Details: Join us for a FREE 2-session series on problem video gaming, social media misuse, and the technophilic culture’s impact on child development!

Session 1: Electro-tainment: Problem, Remedy, Recovery.

Session 2: The Mindful Use of Screen Technologies.
Cost: Free
Registration: Info and RSVP: Benjamin Wong at benjamin@richmondaddictions.ca or 604-270-9220 ext. 132

Meet and Greet, Thursday, August 28^th, 4:00pm to 5:00pm – We invite all new and returning families to visit with our teachers prior to the first day of school at the following times for each facility:
Mole Hill: 11 AM to 12 PM
North Creek: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
Anchor Point: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
* Samples of this term’s Hot Lunch items from our caterer, #e Food will be available at the Anchor Point Meet and Greet. 

Upper Elementary & Adolescent 2015 MMUN/Washington DC Reminder: Participation Forms for the 2015 MMUN/Washington DC trip are due Friday, August 15th. If you have not submitted them yet, please do so. Kindly note: Cost for the trip is not guaranteed for those submitting forms past the due date. Cost for the trip is based partially on early airline and transportation bookings. Ms Layla, Ms Lynn and Ms Riza will present our most updated itinerary to you as well as answer your questions on Tuesday, September 2 at 1:00pm. Kindly RSVP us with “MMUN Meeting” on the subject line you plan to attend.

Pertinent Information: Kindly provide updated information for your child(ren) by filling out the attached Emergency Consent/Health and “Getting to Know Your Child” forms. These can also be downloaded from our School Forms page.

An updated version of our school’s Parent Handbook can be found on the School Information ​page. We ask all parents to read it fully before the school year begins as it provides information about our school’s policies and procedures. This term’s School Directory can also be found there. Please review your family’s listing to ensure we have the correct information, and do let us know if you would like us to make changes to your listing.

​Lunch: Extended Day, Elementary, and Adolescent students are required to bring lunch to school starting that day. Hot Lunch service begins Thursday, September 4. Lunches will be catered by #e Food, a local sandwich shop offering chef-inspired cooking with no additives or chemicals. They pride themselves on using the best possible ingredients sourced from sustainable and local suppliers. Please give ​our caterer at least 24 hours notice for a lunch order. For example, for a Monday lunch order please order no later than noon on Sunday. To order September lunches go to https://lionsgate.hotlunch.com/plogin.php . Payments may be made by cheque or credit card. To pay by credit card, please submit the credit card authorization form to school once you have placed your a online order.

Public Health Announcement from Nurse, Anne Carten:

Welcome to Kindergarten! I am the Public Health Nurse with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) that is your primary resource for VCH public health services at the school.

As part of the orientation to Kindergarten, please consider the following:

• School health services available to your child

• Recommended childhood immunizations as per the BC Immunization Schedule and Immunization Clinics available in June, July and August at Three Bridges Community Health Centre and in other areas of the city

• School guidelines for ensuring a safe environment for children with life-threatening food allergies

• A checklist for your growing child to help them be ready to start Kindergarten

Please call me at the contact numbers below if you have any questions regarding immunizations or if your child has a life threatening allergy or medical condition that you would like to discuss with me, your school’s Public Health Nurse, prior to school start in September 2014.
​
– Anne MN, RN (C)​ Public Health Nurse, Child and Youth
Three Bridges Community Health Centre
1292 Hornby St, Vancouver BC V6Z 1W2
Phone: 604-714-3400
Cell: 604-868-2153

Online ordering for Hot Lunches: Hot Lunches are served family-style and are available on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. All meals are balanced with a main entree and vegetable sides. There is always a Vegetarian option and freshly squeezed juices available.  Click here to place your order. Questions/Feedback? Contact Hot Lunch Committee.

Below are businesses that are connected with the Lions Gate Montessori Community. Each of these businesses are owned in whole or in part by parents of our students or are in our local community and want to support Montessori education as it is presented in our schools. We encourage our families support each other, thereby strengthening our whole community.

Amazon Bookstore

Just click on the icon above to go to our bookstore. Any purchases (not just books!) that are made on the Amazon site through that page will generate revenue for our school. Your support is greatly appreciated!

LEONE | Designer Clothing | 757 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC 604 683 1133

MANAGING MINDSPACES | Sensible Life and Career Coaching

AUDIOFORGE LABS INC. – Audioforge Labs Inc. builds apps for the mobile music community, with focus on designing audio tools for the iPhone/iPad/iPod touch. Sound Engineers use our apps Reforge and Remaster to create great sounding albums, Occupational Therapists (OTR/L) use EASe, our listening therapy app as part of treating children on the autism spectrum, runners use AudioStep to learn how to run a higher cadence and reduce injuries.

SALAM BOMBAY RESTAURANT #217-755 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC 604 681 6300

SALSA AGAVE RESTAURANT 1205 Pacific Blvd Vancouver, BC 604 408 4228

INGLENUK 88 West Pender St (International Village Mall), Vancouver, BC Telephone: 604 343 2992

OPENROAD HONDA 6984 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC Telephone: 604 901 4717

NOURISHED: A HEALTH CONSULTING FIRM

VETRINA MODA & QUORUM FASHION | Designer Clothing | 525 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC Telephone: 604 632 0132

STEVE YUNG Personal Injury Lawyer – Simpson Thomas and Associates 1512-808 Nelson Street Vancouver BC V6Z 2H2 Telephone: 604-329-9864

Christine Spreter von Kreudenstein Lecturer, UBC Department of Central Eastern and Northern European Studies Direktorin/Principal, Vancouver Westside German School The Vancouver Westside German School is a non-profit charitable organization founded in 1992, offering 2 hour lessons on Tuesday afternoons (Kindergarten to Grade 6/7) and on Wednesday afternoons (Grade 8/9-11/12) to currently 175 enrolled students, out of Carnarvon Elementary School. The VWGS is accredited to give German High School Credits Grade 11 and 12, and to administer the internationally recognized DSD I and DSD II exams as an pre-requisite for post-secondary studies in German speaking countries. The VWGS is a member of the BC Heritage Language Association (BCHLA), the Canadian Association of German Language Schools (CAGLS) and financially supported by the German Foreign Ministry (ZfA).

Dr. Thomas Spreter von Kreudenstein Senior Scientist, Zymeworks Inc.  Zymeworks Inc. is a privately held biotechnology company based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Zymeworks is committed to developing best-in-class protein therapeutics for the treatment of cancer, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Karla Sleightholme | Saxophonist – Playing at top Vancouver and international venues, Karla Sleightholme is one of those rare female saxophone performers. Karla provides the right vibe, be it innovative jazz and contemporary saxophone sounds over electronic house, soul, jazz, world, Top 40 or lounge music. Her exquisite sound captures the subtleties of a voice and creates beautiful dulcet tones.