Community

Weekly Memo I Friday, May 11, 2018

The students worked hard all week to prepare for our Mother’s Day celebrations. Thank you to everyone who attended! Anchor Point Baked Apple Roses were a big hit once again, so click here for the recipe.

Our amazing Yearbook 2018 with approx. 50+ pages, in colour and with individual photos of great moments of the school year, will soon be off to the printers so we’re taking orders now! All orders are due by May 22nd but please order early (see attached form). Many thanks to our parent volunteers for all their hard work and efforts in putting this together!

If you’re wondering what our students have been up to, check out what our students have been up to on our Facebook page!

Wishing everyone a lovely Mothers Day weekend!The Lions Gate Montessori Staff

UPCOMING DATES AND NOTICES
Monday, May 14 | Upper Elementary In-house Cut-Out Animation Workshop, 12:45 PM
Wednesday, May 16 | Upper Elementary Revue Stage Beauty and the Beast | Southlands Permission Forms Due
Thursday, May 17 | Geering Up UBC Engineering & Science Workshops for Grades 1 & Up
Friday, May 18 | Summer Program Registration due
Monday, May 21 | Victoria Day NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, May 22 | Yearbook Order due
Wednesday, May 23 | Tennis Lessons Begin
Thursday, May 24 | Lower Elementary Outing to Southland Farms
Friday, May 25 | Upper Elementary Outing to Southland Farms
May 28 – June 1 | Bike To School Week
Wednesday, May 30 | Grade 1 & Up Jump Rope for Heart Fundraising Event
Wednesday, May 30 | Preschool & Extended-Day/Kindergarten – Urban Safari Rescue Society visits North Creek
Thursday, June 7 | 5:30 to 8:00 pm | Talent Show & Auction Evening @ Anchor Point

Summer Program Information: The Summer Program is divided into two three-week sessions (form attached). Students will continue to work in the Montessori environment with enriched activities in Arts and Crafts; Music and Drama; and Science and Nature. They will also participate in excursions to places and events that are related to the above themes. We intend to have both a preschool and an elementary program for 2 sessions as follows*:

Session 1 │ July 10th to July 28th

Session 2 │ July 31st to August 18th

*** We are pleased to offer Orton-Gillingham lessons with MsSharmeen during Session 1 of our Elementary Summer Program. This would be a great opportunity for your child to extend their OG learning throughout the summer. The Orton-Gillingham Approach is an intensive, sequential phonics-based system that teaches the basics of word formation before whole meanings. The method accommodates and utilizes the three learning modalities, or pathways, through which people learn—visual, auditory and kinesthetic. Please contact us if you have any questions!***

*Sessions may be canceled if the minimum enrollment numbers are not met for any given session.

Jump Rope for Heart: Students in grade 1 and up recently learned about the importance of heart health and are now inspired to raise funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. We invite all families to join us in making this a success by donating to our fundraiser.

Calling all Parents! It’s that time of year again where we all wonder how quickly time flies for the school year as we all get ready for the summer. The Parents Support Group will be having our AGM next month on Thursday, 14th June and would like to extend the invitation to all to come attend. We would also like to invite parents to come on board the PSG for 2018-2019.

Joining the PSG is a great way to get more involved and connected with the school all around  – teachers, students and other parents to support our children’s Montessori education journey. We look forward to hearing from you and coming on board!

Yours truly,
Sandra Cheng – President, PSG

CASA COMMUNITY (PRE-SCHOOL & EXTENDED-DAY)

Urban Safari Rescue Society | Preschool & Extended-Day/Kindergarten | May 30: Please see attached information and permission form to be completed by May 16th. This is a wonderful and educational presentation by the USRS. They will bring animals of different types to our students and focus the presentation on conservation of animals, animal characteristics, habitat, adaptations, and behaviours, with interesting facts and stories.

Please be on time for Pick-up: This is a friendly reminder that staff members are scheduled to prepare classroom and coordinate meetings outside of the students’ schedule. We understand that special and emergency circumstances may occur, but consistent tardiness is not encouraged. Dismissal for morning Preschool students is 11:45 am and 3:45 pm for afternoon Preschool students and all Extended-day students. Thank you!

Fruits and Vegetables in Lunches: We are encouraging all students to eat healthy with a balanced diet. Please include some fruits and vegetables in your child’s lunches. It’s wonderful if you are already doing so, thank you!

ANAPHYLAXIS ALERT! We have been notified that two children in our Casa community have life-threatening allergy (anaphylaxis) reactions. The triggers are dairy, eggs, tree nuts, kiwis, and hummus. The school is following the VCH guidelines, the families are working with the school, and all AM and PM Preschool and Extended Day are learning about it. Starting in September 2017, North Creek became a nut free environment. Teachers and students will be asked to wash their hands vigilantly and regularly, both at North Creek and in the Extended Day classroom at Anchor Point. Please refrain from sending these foods to school. Instead, this as an opportunity to introduce other foods for snacks and lunches to the school environment as you introduce your child to anaphylaxis awareness. If dairy, eggs, and hummus is not avoidable, please inform the teachers of the items at the door. It will help us coordinate the classroom to protect all the children. For more information, please visit Food Allergy Canada. Thank you very much for your attention and assistance.

ANCHOR POINT COMMUNITY (GRADE 1 & UP

Beauty vs Beast | Upper Elementary | May 16: The UE students will be attending this special performance that is written, directed, and performed by the students of Windsor House School. Beauty vs Beast is an original musical parody of Beauty and the Beast. 

Science Day | May 17: “Crazy Chemistry”, “Phenomenal Forces”, and “Charge Up” will be presented by Geering Up UBC Engineering & Science for Kids! Fees for this will be covered by the Student Enrichment Fund.

Beauty vs Beast | Upper Elementary | May 16: The UE students will be attending this special performance that is written, directed, and performed by the students of Windsor House School. Beauty vs Beast is an original musical parody of Beauty and the Beast. Please complete the attached permission form below and return it to school as soon as possible by Wednesday, May 9th.

NBS Sharing Dance Day | Upper Elementary | May 18: Arts Umbrella is offering our UE students the opportunity to participate in a free, NBS Sharing Dance Day workshop with one of their talented dancers. The dancer will visit our classroom. Students will learn an excerpt of the choreography and explore the theme of environmental stewardship through creative movement.

Spring Tennis Lessons | Lower & Upper Elementary: Please your complete your child’s permission form and return it to school as soon as possible.

Bike To School Week | May 24 – June 1: Wonderfully coordinated by our parent, Jennifer (Felix’s mom), BTSW will begin with a presentation by Cst. Don Johnson with the School Safety Patrol (VPD) at school on May 16th. On Monday, May 28th, there will be a simple breakfast (supported by HUB Cycling, organizers of BTSW) served at the door from 8:30-9:30 am, after the morning cycling trip to school. On Friday, June 1st, Reckless Electric, our neighbour will wrap up the week with a presentation for our students on bicycle maintenance, safety, and general etiquette.

Jump Rope for Heart | May 30: Students will spend a portion of their this afternoon “jumping rope for heart”. For more information, please visit: http://support.heartandstroke.ca/site/PageServer?pagename=jump18_parentscorner

COMMUNITY NOTICES   Wondering what to do with your family this month? Check these out!

Science Rendezvous at UBC | May 12 10:00 AM  Science Rendezvous is an annual festival held across Canada. Several departments on UBC campus will host demos, workshops, and hands-on experiments. Take a ride on a hovercraft, discover micro-organisms in the pond, check out explosive chemical reactions, explore quantum physics, and learn how fire, ash, and magma made the Earth we walk on today…and more!You can also participate in the Science Chase – visit all check points before 2pm to win some awesome prizes!

Gardening Workshop: Creating a Family Garden | May 12 10:00 AM  Bring the family and find out quick and easy ways to involve your kids in growing food. Leave with plans for a pizza garden. This workshop is designed for families with children aged 5-12.

Earthwises’s 5th Annual Bee-Friendly Plant Sale | May 12 10:00 AM Feed the bees and buy plants that will create a stunning garden display at Earthwise Society’s annual Bee-Friendly Plant Sale! “With the global spotlight on bee decline we’re hearing from more and more people who want to help.” says Patricia Fleming, Earthwise’s executive director. “The Bee-Friendly Plant Sale is an opportunity to do just that as part of a fun, community event.” Friendly, trained staff and volunteers will be on-site to assist gardeners of all skill levels to choose the right plant for the right place.The Earthwise Garden is a great place to bring the whole family – this is definitely a kid-friendly event packed full of plants and pollinators!

Tweeting with Songbirds | May 13 1:00 PM Explore the fascinating world of songbirds! A bird expert and others will be on hand to introduce the many different species, their calls that liven up the forest, and natural attractants to bring them into your backyard.

Spring Pop Up Market | May 19 10:00 AM   The market will be open for everyone to drop by and pick up some fabulous farm fresh, pastured, organic eggs every other Saturday morning until the regular summer markets begin. The market features seasonal produce, our seeds, teas, flowers, and herbs. There are also chickens at the Harvest Hut, make sure to point them out to your children and go by to say hello!

Playland | May 5 – Aug 17 Get prepared for a summer of fun at Playland! Admission gives you unlimited access to over 35 rides and attractions, including three new family rides! PLUS Pacific Adventure Mini Golf is now included with admission!

Shipyards Night Market | May 4 – Sept 28  The Shipyards Night Market believes in a local lifestyle, showcasing BC’s artisans, bakers and farmers. Products include; jewelry, clothing, kids wear, bakers, produce, preserves, soaps, organic meats, honey, plants, chocolate and many more must have handmade products Don’t eat dinner before you come to the Night Market, as there are at least 35  food trucks selling unique and delicious locally made food.

Richmond Night Market | May 11 – Oct 8 Reminiscent of the all-night shopping extravaganzas seen across Asia, the Richmond Night Market offers a food and retail experience unmatched anywhere else in Canada. 74% of Richmond’s population claims Asian heritage, so it’s no surprise the Richmond Night Market showcases an impressive cross-section of cultures and cuisine—over 100 food stalls and over 200 retail vendors!

Memo for Friday, May 4, 2018

Dear Families,

Thank you very much for your participation in the Orchids Fundraiser that coincides with our Mother’s Day celebration. Your generosity and partnership in making this an awesome fundraiser is greatly appreciated by everyone in the school community. Orchids will be ready for your pick-up at our Mother’s Day Tea celebrations!

Students in grade 1 and up recently learned about the importance of heart health and are now inspired to raise funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. We invite all families to join us in making this a success by donating to our Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser.

Our amazing Yearbook 2018 with approx. 50+ pages, in colour and with individual photos of great moments of the school year, will soon be off to the printers so we’re taking orders now! All orders are due by May 22nd but please order early. Many thanks to our parent volunteers for all their hard work and efforts in putting this together!

Enjoy the weekend and may the fourth be with you!
The Lions Gate Montessori Staff

UPCOMING DATES AND NOTICES
Saturday, May 5 | Lions Gate Montessori Running Club @ BMO Kids Run (2.5 km) 11 AM in Stanley Park – Ceperley Park – All families are welcome to join!
Friday, May 11 | Mother’s Day Tea: North Creek AM Class 11 AM; PM Class 3 PM | Anchor Point 2:15 PM
Monday, May 14 | Upper Elementary In-house Cut-Out Animation Workshop, 12:45 PM
Wednesday, May 16 | Upper Elementary Revue Stage Beauty and the Beast
Thursday, May 17 | Geering Up UBC Engineering & Science Workshops for Grades 1 & Up
Monday, May 21 | Victoria Day NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, May 22 | Yearbook Order due
Wednesday, May 23 | Tennis Lessons Begin (Permission Slips Attached)
Wednesday, May 30 | Grade 1 & Up Jump Rope for Heart Fundraising Event

Hot Lunch (Elementary and Extended-day Children Only): There’s only one more month left for hot lunch orders so please order by the cut-off date of Thursday, May 24, 3 PM.

CASA COMMUNITY (PRE-SCHOOL & EXTENDED-DAY)

Make-Up Parent/Child Workshop | May 7th @ 4:15 pm: If you missed the earlier workshop, please bring your child to attend this make-up session. RSVP to northcreek@lionsgatemontessori.org

Mother’s Day Celebration | May 11: Invitations have been sent home with your children. The morning class celebration is from 11:00-11:45 am. The afternoon class celebration is from 3:00-3:45 pm. Please RSVP to northcreek@lionsgatemontessori.orgFor parents who have ordered orchids, the plants will be ready for pick up at each celebration.

Please be on time for Pick-up: This is a friendly reminder that staff members are scheduled to prepare classroom and coordinate meetings outside of the students’ schedule. We understand that special and emergency circumstances may occur, but consistent tardiness is not encouraged. Dismissal for morning Preschool students is 11:45 am and 3:45 pm for afternoon Preschool students and all Extended-day students. Thank you!

Fruits and Vegetables in Lunches: We are encouraging all students to eat healthy with a balanced diet. Please include some fruits and vegetables in your child’s lunches. It’s wonderful if you are already doing so, thank you!

ANAPHYLAXIS ALERT! We have been notified that two children in our Casa community have life-threatening allergy (anaphylaxis) reactions. The triggers are dairy, eggs, tree nuts, kiwis, and hummus. The school is following the VCH guidelines, the families are working with the school, and all AM and PM Preschool and Extended Day are learning about it. Starting in September 2017, North Creek became a nut free environment. Teachers and students will be asked to wash their hands vigilantly and regularly, both at North Creek and in the Extended Day classroom at Anchor Point. Please refrain from sending these foods to school. Instead, this as an opportunity to introduce other foods for snacks and lunches to the school environment as you introduce your child to anaphylaxis awareness. If dairy, eggs, and hummus is not avoidable, please inform the teachers of the items at the door. It will help us coordinate the classroom to protect all the children. For more information, please visit Food Allergy Canada. Thank you very much for your attention and assistance.

ANCHOR POINT COMMUNITY (GRADE 1 & UP)

We look forward to seeing all our moms at our upcoming Mother’s Day Tea on Friday, the 11th at 2:15 PM! Please RSVP us with Mother’s Day Tea to confirm your attendance.

BMO Kids Run (2.5 KM) on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 11 AM, Stanley Park – Ceperley Park: We look forward to running tomorrow! There are also loads of activities for children. Students in our Running Club are already at 5KM each week! Please check out the BMO website http://bmovanmarathon.ca/runvan-kids-run/race-details for more information.
Many thanks to our Running Club coach, Alexandra Kutrovits (Neo’s mom) for organizing this!

Beauty vs Beast | Upper Elementary | May 16: The UE students will be attending this special performance that is written, directed, and performed by the students of Windsor House School. Beauty vs Beast is an original musical parody of Beauty and the Beast. Please complete the permission form and return it to school as soon as possible by Wednesday, May 9th.

Science Day | May 17: “Crazy Chemistry”, “Phenomenal Forces”, and “Charge Up” will be presented by Geering Up UBC Engineering & Science for Kids! Fees for this will be covered by the Student Enrichment Fund.

Spring Tennis Lessons | Lower & Upper Elementary: Please see permission form and return it to school as soon as possible by Friday, May 11th.

Jump Rope for Heart | May 30: Students will spend a portion of their this afternoon “jumping rope for heart”. For more information, please visit: http://support.heartandstroke.ca/site/PageServer?pagename=jump18_parentscorner

COMMUNITY NOTICES   Wondering what to do with your family this month? Check these out!

May The 4th Be With You: Family Night | May 4 | 6:30 pm – 9pm Enjoy a space-themed evening together at the first ever Family Night held in the Space Centre. It will be an after-hours far, far away celebration. Parents and kids are encouraged to come dressed as your favorite Rebel or Empire character. Vancouver’s 501st Legion Outer Rim Garrison will also be stopping by to hang out and take pictures!

New Worlds: Discovering New Solar Systems and Habitable Planets | May 6 | 2 pm The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre is hosting a public talk by visiting Columbia University astronomy professor Dr. David Helfand. The talk will run from 2:00-3:00pm on Sunday, May 6th and will include an opportunity for Q&A. Doors open at 1:45pm. We will first orient ourselves by discussing our place in space and time in the Universe, and then explore how we both discover new solar systems and establish the existence of other habitable worlds.

Nature Club Family Days at the Beaty | May 6: Drop in between 10:30 am – 1:00 pm the first Sunday of the month to enjoy a special ecosystem activity for families plus all of our regular museum programming, Raising Big Blue movie, museum tours, and more!

Cheakamus Centre Open House | May 6 | 10:30 am 3:30 pm: A fun, family-friendly day of nature exploration and discovery.  This is an open public event (no reservations necessary), with great picnic friendly food, salmon hatchery, farm, Coast Salish longhouse, archery, canoeing, aquatic lab, forest lab, microscope studies, Artist for Kids art activity, Wedge Rafting river floats, Mountain Skills Academy & Adventures activities. Check out our Silent Auction at the Environmental Learning Centre for some amazing items hosted by the North Vancouver Outdoor School Alumni Society and so much more.

ILLUSIVE – A Circus of Possibilities | May 10 – 13CircusWest’s presents its newest theatrical circus creation inspired by the impossible worlds of MC Escher.This is a show where the world is turned inside out and challenges all inside to create new paths, and solve problems through circus collaboration to escape. Follow the CircusWest citizens as fight laws of physics and gravity employing geometry and logic to journey towards their destiny. Trailblazing youth circus performers will bring optical illusions to life with amazing acts of acrobatics, aerials and circus virtuosity. Dream Big with CircusWest this May