It has been quite a busy week as we spring forward to the rest of the school year. We have several activities scheduled for the coming weeks; please save the dates and arrive in school promptly.
We have been honored to have a couple of parents share their valuable time with our children and talk about what they do in our community!
Wishing you a wonderful weekend,
The Staff at Lions Gate Montessori
GENERAL NOTICES
- Upcoming Dates to Remember
April 5, 12, 19, May 3, 10, 17 | Swimming Lessons
April 10 | LE Nutrition in our Aisles
April 13 | Tenzin Bake Sale
April 14 | Good Friday: NO SCHOOL
April 17 | Easter Monday: NO SCHOOL
April 18 | UE Mock Trial Program at the Courthouse
April 18-21 | Parent Observation Week
April 26 | Museum of Anthropology
April 28 | Covenant House Visit to AP
May 1 | Parent Workshop with Greg McDonald
May 5 | PD Day: NO SCHOOL
May 12 | Mother’s Day Celebration and Quilt Auction
May 31, June 7, 14, 21 | Tennis Lessons
Food Recall: Ottawa, March 9, 2017 – Industry is recalling I.M. Healthy brand SoyNut Butter and Granola products from the marketplace due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below.
Brand Name: I.M. Healthy
Code(s) on Product: All
Common Name:
Creamy SoyNut Butter, size 425 g (15 oz), UPC 6 54989 91010 4Chunky SoyNut Butter, size 425 g (15 oz), UPC 6 54989 92010 3
Unsweetened Creamy SoyNut Butter, size 425 g (15 oz), UPC 6 54989 93010 2
Honey Creamy SoyNut Butter, size 425 g (15 oz), UPC 6 54989 94010 1
Chocolate SoyNut Butter, size 425 g (15 oz), UPC 6 54989 97010 8
Original Granola, size 340 g (12 oz), UPC 6 54989 40035 3
Raisin & Cranberry Granola, size 340 g (12 oz), UPC 6 54989 40036 0
Apple Granola, size 340 g (12 oz), UPC 6 54989 40037 7
Blueberry Granola, size 340 g (12 oz), UPC 6 54989 40038 4
EPI-PEN RECALL WARNING! Please check your First-Aid Kit! A recall of the emergency anti-allergy medicine EpiPen has been expanded to include Canada, the U.S., Europe, Asia and South America because some of the devices administrating the allergy shots may not work. Pfizer Canada issued a statement on March 31st saying it has decided to voluntarily recall two types of the epinephrine injection:
lot (5GU763) of the 0.3 mg strength of EpiPen Auto-Injector expiring in May 2017
lot (5GR765) of the 0.15 mg strength of EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector expiring in March 2017
source: http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/ us-epipen-recall-1.4051059
Summer Program Registration: Forms for our Summer Program Registration are attached below. The Summer Program is divided into two three-week sessions. 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
Hot Lunch: We are now able to accept credit card payments for Hot Lunch orders as well as payments through your personal PayPal accounts! Please log-in as usual follow the prompts at checkout.
For hot lunch orders for April and beyond, online payment will be required. Please email us with any questions! Kindly note our order deadlines below:
May Order Deadline: Wednesday, April 26th, 3pm
June Order Deadline: Thursday, May 25th, 3pm
ELEMENTARY & ADOLESCENT COMMUNITY
Dress for the Weather Reminder: Kindly bring your child to school dressed for both, indoor and outdoor activities every day. Clothes and shoes should be washable, practical, and comfortable. We expect parents to provide children with appropriate clothing for safe and active indoor and outdoor activities during all seasons. As Spring is here, so is the rain; please make sure your child/ren has waterproof rain boots, waterproof jacket with a hood, possibly waterproof rain pants (always a good option to have, depending on the child), hat (for the sunny days) as well as a complete set of extra change of clothes (properly labeled and sealed in a large Ziploc bag) and indoor shoes.
Daily Physical Activity Requirement: The Ministry of Education BC requires Kindergarten to Grade 7 students accumulate at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day. It is our expectation that children will go outside everyday, rain or shine. The school is responsible for physical activity tracking and monitoring to support the health and development of children, as well as assisting in establishing a positive foundation now and the future. Students can request to be exempt from DPA requirements only for the following reasons:
Physical disability
Medical conditions
Personal circumstances
We request that parents send us a written note stating the reason for keeping your child indoors. If you feel your child is too ill to go outside, then the child is likely too sick to be in school. We request that you keep your child at home until he/she is well enough to go outside.
Loblaws Nutrition in our Aisles| April 10: The Lower Elementary students are going to Loblaws Your Independent Grocer at Davie St on April 10th, Monday at 9:30-11:30 AM for a Nutrition Field Trip offered free by the Field Trip Factory. This going-out reinforces lessons on consumer education and overall wellness. Content includes building healthy habits, understanding portion size, making balanced meal choices and the benefits of staying active. Please make sure your child brings a water bottle and snacks with him/her. We will be leaving the school promptly at 9:15 AM.
Birthday Celebrations: A gentle reminder that we celebrate birthdays on the Friday of the child’s birthday week and families are invited to bring some treats for everyone to share. If you plan to bring treats, kindly bring enough for 42 students in the community. This is a special time for us to honour your child’s birth, so please feel free to send some pictures, especially of milestone moments in your child’s life to share with our community!
Swimming Lessons | April 5, 12, 19, May 3, 10, 17: Elementary students will participate in Swimming Lessons on Wednesdays starting on April 5th (except April 26th) at 1:30 – 3:30 PM at the Vancouver Aquatic Centre. Please don’t forget to pack a bathing suit, towel, hairbrush, swimming cap, change of clothes, snacks and water.
NOTE: On Swimming Wednesdays, all the children will be dismissed at the Aquatic Centre between 3:50 and 4:00 (unless your child is picked up earlier or staying for After School Club). We will leave the Aquatic Centre at 4:00 and will be back in school around 4:15. Children who are picked up after 4:00 will be dismissed at Anchor Point.
Tenzin Bake Sale | April 13: We will have a lovely Bake Sale for our Nepali foster child, Tenzin on April 13th at Anchor Point. All families are invited to contribute baked goods. If you are interested in contributing or volunteering, please let us know by email with “Bake Sale” on the subject line. We respectfully request that you drop off your contributions by 8:30am on the day of the Bake Sale. As always, our cheerful students will be manning the table with smiles. A sign-up sheet for your contributions will be posted by the Anchor Point and North Creek doors.
Mock Trial Program | April 18 at 10:15 AM: Grades 4-7 students will be attending a Mock Trial Program at the Justice Education Society. The students can learn the most about our basic justice system by experiencing it themselves in a simulated trial, call a “mock” trial. A mock trial is a definitive, dramatic, experiential learning opportunity. It develops advocacy skills and critical thinking in addition to providing knowledge about the law. Mock trials are good for all ages as they demonstrate how a trial works. Many thanks to Steve Yung (dad to Marie-Claire) and the Law Firm of Simpson Thomas and Associates for all the help and financial support for this going-out.
Parent Observation Week | April 18 – 21: Parents are invited to come observe their child/ren at work in the classroom environment. Sign-up sheets have been posted by the Anchor Point and North Creek doors. Each family’s observation session is 20 minutes. We look forward to your classroom visit!
Museum of Anthropology | April 26: Grades 2-7 students will visit the Museum of Anthropology at UBC on Wednesday at 9:45 AM – 12:15 PM. The students will be archaeologists for a day! Discover the rich 9,000 year history of the First Nations people in southwestern BC by learning their way of life, tools and technologies. This behind-the-scenes program includes an introduction to authentic tools and materials used including the use of cedar bark for rope making. Students have a chance to make a rope bracelet from raffia using these techniques. Warm thanks to the PSG for generously funding this activity for our children.
Covenant House Visit | April 28: Covenant House Vancouver provides food, shelter, clothing and counseling to an estimated 1,400 street youth living in Vancouver at any given time – young people for whom there is often no one else. A representative from Covenant House will visit Anchor Point to talk to the Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary students about social issues that the most vulnerable youth in our community are facing.
May 12 | Mother’s Day Celebration and Quilt Auction: Mothers are incredibly special and they deserve to be celebrated, especially on Mother’s Day. Please save the morning of May 12th, Friday as we celebrate our dear moms, grandmothers, aunts, caregivers and everyone who have undertaken the incredible role of a Mom. Please join us in our annual Mother’s Day Celebration at the Scotiabank Dance Centre. The students have a special Talent Show that they can’t wait to share to the ‘Moms’ in their lives.
There will also be a Silent Auction for two handmade quilts that the children from North Creek and Anchor Point have patiently worked on for the past weeks! Finger foods and refreshments will be served following the performance up until dismissal. We look forward to seeing you all there!
Tennis Lessons |May 31, June 7, 14, 21: Elementary students will participate in Tennis Lessons on Wednesdays starting on May 31st at 1:00 – 3:00 PM at David Lam Park, East Tennis Courts. Please return your child’s permission slip to the school.
Lulu Island and Stanley Park Visits: Grades 4 to 7 students will begin visiting Lulu Island starting Monday, April 10th (weather permitting). Please ensure your child(ren) come to school that day with his/her compass card. In addition, they will also be enjoying excursions to Stanley Park every Friday (weather permitting).
HEALTHY SNACK REMINDER: Active and engaged students do better eating wholesome foods, please refrain from sending sugary or highly processed foods to school.
CASA COMMUNITY (PRE-SCHOOL & EXTENDED-DAY)
Parent Observation in Spring: Sign-up sheets are posted by the doors! Please ask a teacher at the door if you have any questions. During your observation, please note your questions and discoveries. We will be most happy to schedule a follow-up appointment either by email, telephone, or in person to discuss your queries with us!
Mother’s Day Celebration – Friday, May 12th:
AM Preschool Mother’s Day Tea will be served at 11:15am
PM Preschool Mother’s Day Tea will be served at 3:00pm
Extended-day/Kindergarten Mother’s Day Performance/Tea will be held in Faris Family Studio at Scotiabank Dance Centre, from 9:00-11:00am (program details will follow)
Bring a Jacket to School: Although Spring has arrived and some days seem to be warmer than others, please make sure your child(ren) has a jacket when they come to school.
Lost & Found: We have found a rectangular plastic lid for a snack/lunch box on the Extended-day children shelf.
Label Your Children’s Shoes: Please remember to label all your children’s clothing, water bottles and food containers. Thank you!
NEW ADDRESSES : This is a reminder if you have moved recently or since September 2016, please send a quick email to office@lionsgatemontessori.org of your current address and all pertinent information. This is to make sure we have your most updated information on file.
COMMUNITY NOTICES Wondering what to do with your family over the weekend? Check these out!
Easter Egg Hunt at City Square Shopping Centre | Saturday, April 8, 2017: Hippity Hoppity Easter is on its way! Join our annual Easter Egg Hunt for children and families! Rain or Shine. Free admission.
Easter Hops into Wesbrook Village | Saturday, April 8, 2017: As always, we’ll be celebrating Easter in style at Wesbrook Village, with a true egg-stravaganza. Festivities including an Easter egg scavenger hunt*, little bunnies friendly walk and run, and a meet and greet with a life-sized Easter bunny (be sure to bring your camera)! It’s sure to be a hare-raising event, and not something you want to miss. Note: You must be a subscriber to the Wesbrook Newsletter to participate in the scavenger hunt. (Must register on the day of the event.)
Stanley Park Train Easter Preview | Saturday, April 8, 2017 – Sunday, April 9, 2017: Can’t make it to the Stanley Park Train Easter Fair or just want to avoid the crowds? Join us April 8 & 9 for early bunny rides on the Easter Train. Enjoy the sounds of Easter and catch glimpses of bunnies and spring blossoms decorating the landscape. Don’t miss out on this unique all-ages Easter event! Reserve your seats at www.vancouver.ca/Easter-Train. Limited seats available.
Sakura Days Japan Fair | Saturday, April 8, 2017 – Sunday, April 9, 2017: Experience the special ritual of the Japanese tea ceremony, culinary demonstrations, enjoy Japanese festival food, sample premium sake, guided Tree Talks and Walks to the cherry trees, and enjoy haiku readings. Experience Japan with hands-on workshops and try your hand at calligraphy, origami and other Japanese arts and crafts demonstrations. Special Feature: This year we will be holding a Lantern Parade at 6:30pm from Cherry Stage to Plaza so don’t miss out!
Early Years Festival | Saturday, April 8th, 2017: Early Years Festival in Surrey returns for its 15th year. Families and caregivers with children aged 0-6 years are invited to attend this free event. The Early Years Festival brings together community members who are experts in providing children with a healthy and active lifestyle.
FREE Home Depot build | Saturday, April 8th, 2017: On the 2nd Saturday of every month, there are some FREE family fun at your local Home Depot. Kids must be between the ages of 4-12 years, and parents must participate. Each month there is a new wood-working project for the children to create. The kids will use both glue and hammers. Be sure to visit the Home Depot site to find out each month’s project; you need to pre-register your child!
Easter Eggstravaganza | Sunday, April 9, 2017: Join us for Eggciting activities, an indoor egg hunt and the Easter Bunny on April 9th! Event will be held in the Gymansium and is suitable for ages 0 to 8 years. Please pre-register in advance at $5/child. Call our centre for more details or visit our website douglasparkcc.org. We’ re super egg-cited to see you there!
Canuck’s Autism Family Festival | Sunday, April 9, 2017: The Canucks Autism Network (CAN) will host the 6th Annual CAN Family Festival at Jack Poole Plaza, in celebration of Autism Awareness Month. The CAN Family Festival, emceed by Breakfast Television Host Riaz Meghji, will include live entertainment by David Morin and a surprise guest, a local artisan market, food trucks, a skate park, face painting, a ball hockey tournament featuring Vancouver Canucks Alumni, and much more. 10:30 AM – 2:30pm.
Stanley Park Railway Easter Fair | Thursday, April 13, 2017 – Monday, April 17, 2017: Hop on the Stanley Park Train for an egg-citing Easter ride through Stanley Park. After the train ride, purchase carnival strip tickets so your kids can enjoy fun activities including:
Mini golf
Face painting
Hunting for eggs
Meeting the Easter Bunny
Planting a posy
Adults can join in the fun too! Don’t miss out on this unique all ages Easter event. Limited seats available.
Spring Lights | Friday, April 14, 2017 – Saturday, April 15, 2017: This event goes from dusk (8:15pm) to ~10pm. After a long winter, we invite you to experience illuminations, performance, and community; all under a canopy of cherry blossoms. This is a time to appreciate the ephemerality and beauty of nature.
Hfour has been illuminating cherry blossoms in Vancouver for five years. It’s the first event of it’s kind in the world. This year, Hfour will be illuminating a city park in Vancouver with vibrant projections, lighting, and light sculptures creating a unique immersive experience. This year, we’ll be featuring dance performances choreographed by Heather Laura Gray, and a musical soundscape by adham shaikh. Best of all: it’s free!
Easter Market | Saturday, April 15, 2017: Celebrate Easter at the Market! There will be local foods, crafters and artisans from the Lonsdale Artisan Farmers’ Market, as well as local vendors including Funky Air Bear, Lunch Apparel and more! An egg decorating workshop will be offered for a small fee.
VanDusen’s 9th Annual Great A-Maze-ing Egg Hunt | Sunday, April 16, 2017: Bring your kids to experience the 9th Annual Great A-Maze-ing Egg Hunt at VanDusen Botanical Garden on Saturday, April 15 or Sunday, April 16! Enjoy an outdoor egg hunt around the hedge maze, kids crafts and activities, and tasty treats from on-site food trucks. Please note that tickets are required for egg hunt participation and are only available online. This popular event sells out each year so make sure to buy tickets early. Choose between 3 sessions per day – 10am, 11am and 12pm. More info at www.vancouver.ca/VanDusen.
Earth Day at Everett Crowley Park | Saturday, April 22 2017: A fun day for the whole family. All ages, Free. The Everett Crowley Park Committee, with support from the Champlain Heights Community Centre and the Park Board, will host a community Earth Day celebration including educational and environmental groups from across the City. Activities for all ages.
Easter Swim | Wednesday, April 26, 2017: FREE with Easter treats and games.
Kerrisdale Village Carnival Days | Friday, April 28, 2017 – Saturday, April 29, 2017: Free events for the entire family, music, clowns, face painting, rides and amazing sidewalk sales.
2017 Ocean Concrete Open House | Saturday, April 29, 2017: Come down to Ocean’s open house event for plant tours, live music, wildlife presentations by Earth Rangers, a giant sandbox and more.
ArtStarts presents Cut, Paste, Action! Family Arts Workshop with Kate Henderson | Saturday, April 29, 2017: In this lens-based workshop, families will be introduced to art works that investigate human form, movement and gesture. The first half of the workshop will focus on the work of pioneering photographer Eadweard Muybridge and his studies of motion in the human body. The second half of the workshop will focus on Dada artist and her use of found images of faces, eyes and hands. Families will experiment capturing their own bodies in motion and will be cutting and pasting these images along with found photographs from magazines and newspapers into their very own layered collages. This event is part of Vancouver’s Capture Photography Festival. ArtStarts on Saturdays is a monthly series for families, featuring free, fun, 45-minute creative arts workshops with some of the best children’s artists. Sessions at 11am & 1pm. Free!
Haiku Invitational | March 1 – June 1, 2017: Canada celebrates its 150th birthday in 2017. Vancouver will contribute to this anniversary by celebrating the country’s strength, pride, and freedom. Accordingly, the theme for the 2017 VCBF Haiku Invitational will be freedom. Please write your cherry blossom haiku in a context of freedom in all its manifestations. Please submit your 2017 Haiku Invitational entry here.
ELMACON 2017 | Saturday, May 6, 2017: Students from grades 5, 6, and 7 compete in separate divisions. Each division is comprised of three rounds Sprint, Target (both written) and Countdown (a verbal one-on-one competition). The top 25 participants in each grade are acknowledged and the top ten participants from each grade advance to the CountDown Round (oral contest).
Registration for the ELMACON is now open and will close on April 7th, 2017. The registration fee is $25 per student.