Parent BERMUDA
FREE FALL 2019
What Parents are Talking About
HOW TO
HAVE A SUCCESSFUL
School Year
Learning with
Dyslexia
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EDITOR’S Note
Parent BERMUDA
PUBLISHER & EDITOR
Katrina Ball
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Vic Ball
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WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS
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Becky Spencer Photography
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The Queen of the Home
As you prepare your children for going back to school,
I would like to share this quote from a spiritual book I read, which I believe will greatly benefit all who read it. It was written in the 1800’s and is still very applicable today.
The king upon his throne has no higher work than has the mother. The mother is queen of her household. She has in her power the molding of her children’s characters, that they may be fitted for the higher, immortal life. An angel could not ask for a higher mission; for in doing this work she is doing service for God. Let her only realise the high character of her task, and it will inspire her with courage. Let her realise the worth of her work and put on the whole armor of God, that she may resist the temptation to conform to the world’s standard. Her work is for time and for eternity. The mother is the queen of her home, and the children her subjects. She is to rule her household wisely, in the dignity of her motherhood. Her influence in the home is to be paramount; her word, law. If she is a Christian, under God’s control, she will command the respect of her children. The children are to be taught to regard their mother, not as a slave whose work it is to wait on them, but as a queen who is to guide and direct them, teaching them line upon line, precept upon precept. —The Adventist Home, EGW
Publisher & Editor
CONTENTS 8
22
34
6 The Forgotten Art of Family Dinner
10 The Reason Why the Flu Kills Some and Not All
20 Experiences Like No Other
8 Essential Playground Skills
12 5 Long-Term Benefits of Music Lessons
Family LIFE
Parent BERMUDA
FREE FALL 2019
What Parents are Talking About
HOW TO
HAVE A SUCCESSFUL
School Year
Learning with
Dyslexia
ON THE COVER: Spencer Butterfield, Cary Butterfield, Ava Butterfield, Cruz Butterfield, Elle Butterfield Photo By: Becky Spencer Photography
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BERMUDA PARENT MAGAZINE
14 Learning with Dyslexia and Feeling Important 18 Education is the Passport to the Future
In this ISSUE 30 40 44 45
Nursery Schools Fab Family Finds BPM Kids Birthdays
22 Bridging the Gap Between School and Home 24 A Home Away from Home 26 Our Oldest Tradition is Forward Thinking 28 How to Have a Successful School Year 34 Life Insurance for Children: Is it Worth It? 36 Back to School with Asthma 38 Keeping Cool When It’s Back to School
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Family LIFE
The Forgotten Art of
Family Dinner
& the Importance of the Kitchen
T
he shared family meal used to be a given, a standard that unfortunately has been interrupted by the presence of screens and other modern day technologies. The last few decades have shown a shift from families eating together to meal time becoming “me” time. In today’s busy world, family members are dashing from one activity to another, making the evening meal a forgotten tradition. There is a power in food that brings people together, and having the right tools is essential to getting back to the basics that shape our lives. We need to take back the time we can muster
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BERMUDA PARENT MAGAZINE
with our loved ones, and what better place to do it than your own kitchen? In a recent study published by the journal of Physiology and Behavior, scientists have found that people who eat together tend to get along better. The same study noted that when individuals had discussions over meals, they were more likely to feel friendly and make compromises. This shows that fostering discussion with your children is critical in their development as a person. Research also shows that children who frequently ate with their parents had better communication habits than those who did not.
BY BATE’S
Getting together at dinner time also encourages healthier eating habits. It is easy to get caught in the pattern of “take out” as an easy alternative, however as parents, you have much greater control of your child’s nutrition intake when you are preparing meals from home. Research shows that teenagers and young adults who regularly had family dinners are less likely to have anxiety when the time comes to move out and live on their own. You are preparing them for their lives, and showing them that correct eating habits can greatly impact their health in the future.
FEEL THE POWER OF
There is also a financial aspect to consider. Did you know the average American spends $232 per month on take out? Take a second to imagine how that would translate in Bermuda, and how much this would total after a year. We tend to think short term, which can trick us into justifying this habit, but the financial impact on the family strictly from “eating out” more than we have to, can be great. Most importantly, dinner is the most common time slot when everyone in the family can be available. Out of the short 24 hours
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PEOPLE WHO EAT TOGETHER TEND TO GET ALONG BETTER. in the day, it is critical that we make the time to spend it with those who matter without the interruption of daily stresses and technology. It goes without saying that phones and other devices should be left elsewhere during this time so conversation can flourish. Sharing a roast won’t magically transform your parent-child relationships, however, dinner is the one time of the day when a parent and child can share a positive experience, a well-cooked meal, and a daily story. These small moments gain momentum in creating stronger relationships away from the table!
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Family LIFE
Essential Playground Skills! BY JILL DAVIDSON, PEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST, FUNCTION JUNCTION
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D
o you have memories of riding your bike to the park with your friends…then hanging out on the swings or climbing on the equipment? Skills we take for granted. Everyone can do it! Everyone loves it! Have you ever thought about what these activities do for your child’s body, and why they are important for every child to master? Being able to pump a swing independently, swinging across a set of monkey bars and being able to pedal a two wheel bike are essential childhood skills! Actively exploring playground equipment develops motor skills, as well as sensory and emotional self-regulation skills. As a pediatric Occupational Therapist, I breakdown skills into small, achievable components. Let’s take a closer look these playground skills and highlight the key features and how you can help your child master them.
Pumping a Swing Independently
Age norms: 3- 5 years (at 3 yr. may need a push to start)
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BERMUDA PARENT MAGAZINE
•
Hold onto chains with both hands Make sure swing is high enough that feet do not drag on the ground (can still be low enough to touch) When swinging forward, extend arms, lean back and stretch out legs Just before you get to the top of the swing arch to come backwards, pull with your arms, lean forward and bend knees
• •
•
Balanced core muscles (abdominal flexors & back extensors)
Focus more on the upper body leaning back and forth, rather than just the legs coming out and in. Swing with your child on your lap, and over-emphasize the leaning back and pulling your body forward Practice! Get to the playground frequently.
The Next Level: • • •
Underlying skills: •
Comfortable moving with their feet off the ground Feel the rhythm of when to switch from leaning back with legs extended, to leaning forward with bent knees.
Tips to help your child:
Key Components:
Phone: Website:
•
•
Swinging and jumping off the swing when it is in motion. Standing on the swing and making it swing. Twisting the swing around 3-4 times…then lifting feet and letting it spin. Swinging on tummy. Keep arms & legs in the air like Superman!
Monkey Bars Age norms: 4.5-5.5 year olds can hang from a bar for approx. 5 seconds. By 6 years they can move across the monkey bars.
•
•
Key Components: • • • • •
Hang from an overhead bar Hang from an overhead bar, and be able to jump down and land safely Hang from an overhead bar, let go with one hand to reach for the next bar. Rhythm/body swing to propel to next bar **Kids will start leading with the same hand to the next rung with both hands on the same rung. Ideal progression is to alternate hands on each rung, so there is only one hand per rung.
Underlying Skills: • • • • •
•
•
Practice “hanging” from a bar first…then jump safely to the ground Hold child at their waist, taking some of their weight, and help them maneuver from bar to bar. Bring the ground up to the child. If it is a big jump to the ground…place a bench or 2-3 chairs “just” under their feet, so the drop to the ground does not seem so big.
The Next Level: •
• •
Go across the monkey bars holding a beanbag between their knees.
Go through the monkey bars forwards….then backwards. Climb across the top of the monkey bars. Skip a rung completely!
Bike Riding (twowheel….NO training wheels)
The Next Level: •
• •
Age norms: 3-8 years. (average= 5 years) Key Components: • •
• Shoulder stability Hand/grip strength Core strength Visual – depth perception • to determine distance to • next bar Confidence
Tips to help your Child: •
•
• • •
Always wear a helmet that fits properly. Starting with a balance bike is ideal! Ride on toys…tricycles…all great ways to start too. Take off the training wheels. Keep balance while gliding down a very gentle hill Walk bike around obstacles. Strong arms to control handlebars. Keep eyes looking ahead…and keep pedaling.
Underlying Skills: • • •
Balance Bilateral Coordination Maneuver safely through your environment
Tips to help your Child: • •
Start on grass (softer landing!) Utilize gentle hills for momentum when learning.
Hold onto the back of their shirt instead of the bike seat. (Easier to keep child safe if bike tumbles over) Practice – Short, frequent practice sessions are more effective.
•
Try different terrain (grass, asphalt, gravel, dirt road) Draw a path with sidewalk chalk. Set out cones or toys as obstacles to go around. Sign up for one of the local non-competitive bike races!
Kids feel fantastic when they master pumping a swing, going across a set of monkey bars or riding their bicycle ALL BY THEMSELVES! It is motivation and boosts their confidence. The underlying components are essential for all their future sporting and academic achievements. If your child is struggling to accomplish these skills, then reach out to an Occupational or Physical Therapist, who can further breakdown the task so your child has success. These skills are great for kids and adults. Embrace your inner child and head back to the playground!
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FUNCTION JUNCTION
9
Family LIFE
A Doctor’s Story: The Reason WHY FLU KILLS SOME and NOT ALL! BY OCEANROCK WELLNESS
D
uring my senior year of residency, I happened to be rotating through the Medical Respiratory ICU (Intensive Car Unit) at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU - a huge tertiary care center) in the heart of Richmond, Virginia. As part of my responsibilities, I would rotate taking ‘call’ (being responsible for accepting new patients) every four days. Our ‘calls’ would last 24 hours straight with only a slight chance of catching a nap, if we were lucky. I recall coming into work one day bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. I took the on-call pager from my colleague who was more than relieved to hand over the call pager. Not too long after taking the pager, it went off (there went my time for morning tea). The first call came from a fellow resident who was taking care of a patient on the medical ward. He was concerned that his patient, let’s call her Debra, wasn’t looking so well. Debra had been admitted due to difficulty breathing. She had a history of Asthma, and despite the medical teams’ best efforts, she was not responding and was still experiencing breathing difficulties. When I went to see Debra she
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BERMUDA PARENT MAGAZINE
was sitting on her bed; she was sitting upright because laying back was too uncomfortable. Although she was talking to me, her sentences were shortened and her breathing was labored. Other than her breathing she appeared quite normal. She was middle aged and slightly reminded me of my mother with her medium brown complexion and petite build. I convinced Debra that we should monitor her closely, which would mean transferring her to the ICU. She was agreeable but I could tell she was anxious and nervous about the idea. To ease her anxiety, I assured her that I would stay with her while we moved her to the ICU. When we arrived in the ICU, I discussed her case with my attending and we both agreed that she was working too hard to breath and that her increased anxiety would likely tire her out, threatening respiratory failure if we didn’t intervene soon. Debra was informed that she would need to be placed on a ventilator, a machine
that would do the breathing for her, but would also require placing her in a medically-induced coma. I remember her eyes being full of fear as I did my best to reassure her. I explained that it was a standard procedure and most people did fine, and that for some, it had even saved their lives. She agreed. It didn’t take long to sedate her and place her on the breathing machine. At this point, things were going smoothly, just as anticipated. Then bam, the unexpected happened! Within minutes, her blood pressure and heart rate started plummeting. Systematically, I started checking the ventilator, breathing tube, her drips, her heart, and her lungs. Nothing seemed amiss yet her heart rate continued to nose-dive until nothing....no pulse. I looked up on the heart monitor… complete flat line. She was coding. I instructed the nurse to call CODE BLUE. Within seconds, in rushed the rest of my attendings and colleagues who were helping to cover the ICU. I was glad to have the help with orchestrating the chest compression and the medications to restart her heart whilst also trying to figure out why her heart stopped in the first place so we could reverse the cause. Ten minutes of chest compressions
ALTHOUGH SHE WAS TALKING TO ME, HER SENTENCES WERE SHORTENED AND HER BREATHING WAS LABORED.
was no longer the type of doctor I wanted to be. If I was going to maximize my satisfaction in medicine, it was going to mean keeping my patients healthy, and as far away from the hospital as possible. When I returned to Bermuda, I hung my shingle and started an PHOTO SUBMITTED office-based practice for preventative medicine and chronic disease management. As a board-certified Pediatrician and Internist I dedicated my new practice to optimizing the health of all ages from zero to 99 and beyond. I care not only about the quantity of one’s life, or how long you live, but more so the quality of how that life is spent. This is an excerpt from Dr. Peets Talbot’s soon to be released book “ Healing Bermuda: The Real Solution to Your Health Crisis” co-authored with Dr. Sabrina Famous and Beth Hollis. Visit www.healingbermudabook.com, today and learn more.
“
Holistic Pediatrics uses a mind-body spirit approach to wellness. Band-aids are still great for 'Boo-Boos', but Bandaid medicine should be left in the past. Healthy Kids are Happy Kids - I've developed an integrative holistic approach to help you get them there! I want to share with
“
passed.... 20 minutes of lifesaving interventions.....and then 30 long minutes with no success; it seemed like hours. My heart sunk. It was agonizing to call the CODE and have everyone stop the resuscitation. We notified her next of kin, and soon after, her family members were at her bedside. I recall talking to her son, who looked to be no more than 20 years old. As I explained his mother’s passing to him, I remember seeing the devastation on his face; it pierced my heart. It took all of my will power to fight back my own tears. What had just happened? How could this have happened? We had intubated many people before and it had saved their lives. Why God; why couldn’t she be the same; why was she the exception? My attending encouraged the family to get an autopsy as it would help us discover the true cause of death. The family agreed, and within a couple of weeks I was able to review the autopsy report. It was anticlimactic. The autopsy revealed that Debra had the Flu and MRSA pneumonia. Mind you, these two conditions can be life-threatening on their own, however, I had surmised that perhaps a heart attack or a collapsed lung was responsible for Debra’s death, but that wasn’t the case. What I neglected to mention was that Debra was relatively young, in her early 50’s, slightly overweight, and diabetic. At the time I started my ICU rotation, there was a flu epidemic of the H1N1 virus; a serious and potentially fatal flu strain. That year, many people fell ill with the virus, and for some, the virus claimed their lives. The people who were most vulnerable were the very young or old, pregnant women, and those with an existing chronic disease like obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Debra’s previous diagnoses of diabetes and obesity, in addition to asthma, made her particularly vulnerable to this flu virus. After Debra, I received five more calls for consults on patient’s that needed to transfer to the ICU. Of those five patients, two more passed away that night, totaling three out of six for the day; I had lost half the patients I was called on. There was one man that had been struggling with leukemia and died of septic shock (a serious infection). His death was followed by the death of a homeless elderly man who had suffered a massive stroke. I do not remember much about the rest. It was a hard call night to say the least. After my 24 hour shift, I was exhausted. As the days and weeks passed, I reflected on my time in the ICU. I remember thinking that as exciting as hospital-based medicine is; the death rates are high, particularly in the ICU. I knew that if I was going to have the impact that I wanted to have in society, I needed to keep people like Debra out of the hospital. The ‘superwoman’ doctor that rushes in to save the day at the last hour
you my Top 5 Immune Boosting Tips to support your child's immune system.
Visit www.orwkids.com TODAY to get your free copy of my immune boosting tips.
295-5100 oceanrockwellness. com Dr. Peets Talbot, Holistic Pediatrician and Internist
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11
Family LIFE
Giving Your Child
the Keys to a Successful Life: 5 Long-Term Benefits of Music Lessons
BY KATE KAYAIAN
PHOTO SUBMITTED
S
omehow, it’s already the beginning of another new school year. With summer vacation fast becoming a hazy memory, the time has come to buckle up and figure out once and for all which activities your kids are going to take part in. Choosing the right thing for your child can be overwhelming. Sailing? Swimming? Gymnastics? Art? Ballet? Football? Brownies? All of the above? There are certainly pros to all of them, but for all of the wonderful programs Bermuda has to offer its young people, few have proven time and time again to give children such profoundly beneficial keys to long-term success as music lessons. From the cradle to the corner office, people who studied music have had a leg up on the competition. Here are the 5 most life-enhancing benefits that we know of.
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2
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BERMUDA PARENT MAGAZINE
It Boosts Brain Power and Academic Ability From simply having better study habits than most to scoring higher on standardized tests and getting better grades on report cards, study after study has shown a correlation between a child’s level of musical training and their overall academic performance. A recent study published in the National Academy of Sciences just found that music therapy even helped to develop the brains of premature infants at a faster rate! There is a clear transformation in our brain wiring that occurs from studying music. Playing an instrument requires the brain to process multiple senses at once. Your eyes are reading the notes, your fingers are feeling the instrument and forming the correct position to play those notes. You are hearing the sounds that come out and adjusting all of it at a constant rate. Furthermore, researchers have found that learning an instrument helps learning and speech processing in children with dyslexia, and helps to guard against dementia later in life. One fact that all of the research agrees on: the earlier a child begins with music, the more pronounced the brain benefits.
It instills Important Character Traits The self-directed daily practicing that is required teaches discipline, patience, and the setting of high standards. Concerts and recitals give opportunities to set goals and develop a strong work ethic in order to achieve those goals by a certain deadline. As they are learning how to express themselves (and the feelings of the composer) through their music, they are simultaneously discovering the power of empathy,
3
understanding, and compassion. What more could one ask for their children than to be empathetic, compassionate humans with patience, self-discipline and a healthy work ethic?
4
It Builds Social Skills Music programs create a unique and special community amongst its students. The friends your child will make there might likely be from different schools and varied backgrounds, but they will end up being friends for life (the same often happens for the parents!). Participating in orchestras, bands, and choirs all require the musicians to learn their individual parts, but then work with the rest of the group to create the final product. They learn to be on time to a rehearsal, to sit quietly through a concert, to applaud wildly for their friends, how to give (and receive) compliments. Music teaches them how to listen to and communicate with one another, and how to discuss (and disagree with) an idea, all while being respectful and kind.
5
It Allows Them to Explore Different Cultures and New Languages. From the history and traditions of African Drumming and Caribbean Steel Pans to learning about Vivaldi’s life in Italy or Mozart’s antics in Austria, music students get a head-start on their geography and history lessons in a fun and vivid, hands on way. Even their musical terminology is in a foreign language. From day one, music students are learning to communicate in Italian, German and French. The ear-training they receive through studying music helps them when they are studying languages in school. Most musicians find that they have an easier time speaking with a proper accent because they have been trained in the art of listening and mimicking sounds.
It Builds up their Self-Esteem and Makes Them Stronger Leaders The practice of regularly getting up on stage to perform in front of a large audience (nerves and all!) builds incredible confidence. They can
participate more fully in classroom discussions and, later on, to contribute their ideas in a work meeting, give an important presentation, or just generally be an eloquent and poised adult. Music gives kids a sense of identity. It sets them apart, allows them to feel talented and gifted, and that their voices matter. So whether it’s a “mommy and me” class with your toddler, violin lessons for your 4-year-old, or a guitar group for your teenager, music lessons are a sure win no matter what. The benefits they will receive from their music studies will help them throughout the rest of their lives, leading them on with confidence, and putting them on a path to success. Kate Kayaian, B.M., New England Conservatory, is a concert cellist and teaches at the Bermuda School of Music in Hamilton. She also writes Tales From the Lane: A Lifestyle Blog for Classical Musicians.
The Gow School is a college prep boarding and day school for students, grades 6-12, with dyslexia or similar language-based learning disabilities. By combining a structured program and environment with flexibility, individualization, and room for fun, Gow provides a rich school experience. This is precisely what dyslexic students need to learn. 2491 Emery Rd • South Wales, NY 14139 P 716.687.2001 • F 716.687.2003 • gow.org
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13
Family LIFE
Learning with
Dyslexia
and Feeling Important BY BERMUDA CENTRE FOR CREATIVE LEARNING
H
Darkness to Light Stewards of Children Training Contact SCARS for training dates
Email: info@scars.bm Telephone: 297-2277 or go to our website SCARS can bring the training to your organization or home
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BERMUDA PARENT MAGAZINE
ome. That’s is how student Kelsey De Silva describes Bermuda Centre for Creative Learning (BCCL). Since students spend so much of their time in school, creating a safe and comfortable home-like setting is beneficial for learning. For Kelsey, age 15, this learning environment has helped her succeed since she started at the school when it opened three years ago. At the time, she was not interested in school and her self-esteem was extremely low, according to her mum, Tamara De Silva. Throughout primary school, Kelsey struggled and was ultimately diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia. “I knew I was learning differently and I didn’t like that everyone was a lot further ahead than me,” said Kelsey. Kelsey’s mum was also struggling with health issues and was overwhelmed with the challenges her daughter was having at school. “It was a struggle to find anyone that could help us, and I couldn’t believe how sad my daughter was,” she said. Through tutors, the family was introduced to a new school that was opening for children with learning differences. “I was so hopeful,” Ms De Silva said. “The day I met with the team at BCCL was the first time that the roller coaster of Kelsey’s dyslexia diagnosis seemed doable. They listened to my story, shared theirs and their vision for a school to help my daughter and others like her.” Things started to look up for Kelsey during her first year at BCCL. “It was homey,” Kelsey recalled. “It was small and everyone could get the help they needed. Because it isn’t a big school, everyone feels like they are important.” Kelsey has “blossomed” according to her mum. “It has been such a change from then to now. When she started at BCCL she was sad and nervous to have to be with another set of children that may not understand her. She has gone from being unsure and insecure to someone that is willing to try. She has found her voice and loves to be helpful – and right!” Instead of finding an environment where Kelsey’s
PERSONALISED LEARNING
Bermuda Centre for Creative Learning
PHOTO SUBMITTED
BCCL was created for children starting at age 7, who have learning differences and learn best in a non-traditional environment that facilitates each student’s individual learning style.
learning difficulties were misunderstood, she found others similar to her. “The people here, they feel like my family because they take care of me and I take care of them and we all have the same things going on,” said Kelsey. Cindy Corday, BCCL Co-founder, believes that many children who are in educational settings without proper support, learn to survive by developing coping skills; behaviours such as acting out and disrupting the flow of lessons, which disguises their learning challenges. When this cycle continues it impacts a child’s self-esteem and other students within the same class feel it as well. “Kelsey came to BCCL with coping mechanisms to help her avoid doing school work, and most importantly she was anxious that she was not able to read at grade level. With consistent guidance from her teachers and ensuring that she had speech and language therapy built into her personalized learning programme, Kelsey’s personality and overall feelings towards school changed dramatically,” added Ms Corday. Maths is Kelsey’s favourite subject because she “can understand numbers”. Although she’s also found a love for comic books, particularly Marvel Comics. The structure of the school
creates learning programmes to support students in their individualised learning goals. “The children have a safe environment that lets them find their voice and feel comfortable to express themselves,” said Ms De Silva. Kelsey now lists conquering chapter books, having the confidence to speak in front of groups and being more emphatic toward her peers, as her biggest accomplishments since starting at BCCL Outside of school she enjoys playing hockey and volleyball and working on her community service project for the Duke of Edinburgh Award. According to her mum, she has no problem letting people know that she has a learning challenge. “It doesn’t mean she can’t learn, she just learns differently,” she said. BCCL follows the UK National Curriculum, as well as the project-based International Primary and Middle Years Curriculum. Students work at their own academic level in a personalized learning programme. To expand their enrollment, BCCL has moved into a new purpose-built site at Cedar House, on Cedar Avenue in Hamilton. Bursaries are available for families who qualify. Visit their website: www.bccl.bm to learn more.
Prior to enrolling at BCCL, students are required to be assessed on island or away and have been diagnosed with learning differences, such as dyslexia, auditory processing disorder, ADHD and other language-based disorders. BCCL is recognised as a private school by the Bermuda Ministry of Education.
Contact us
Bermuda Centre for Creative Learning 41 Cedar House North Cedar Avenue Hamilton, Bermuda HM 12 Telephone 1.441.824.1111 Email info@bccl.bm Website www.bccl.bm Charity #985
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15
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BERMUDA PARENT MAGAZINE
Love your life And your plan. At BF&M, our goal is to help you live the best life you can with the money you have. Of course we’re focused on making your money work as well as it can. But we don’t just look at your return on investment; we look at your return on life. That means financial planning that works for you now and for the future, so you can go on loving life—the way it should be.
The BF&M difference? Financial planning the way it should be. For more information visit www.bfm.bm or contact financialplanning@bfm.bm AD_financial planning_bermuda parent_4.75x7.25 horiz_june.2019_#1.indd 1
6/5/19 10:13 AM mybermudaparent.com 17
Family LIFE
Education is the
BY JASON COOK, CFP®, RICP®
Passport to the Future
I
“You have to stay in school. You have to. You have to go to college. You have to get your degree. Because that’s the one thing people can’t take away from you is your education. And it is worth the investment.” – Michelle Obama
think we can all say with confidence that we all want our kids to have the best start in life. As parents we all have the best intentions and it goes without saying, this includes a desire and goal for our kids to get a good education to increase their chances of success and happiness later on in life. The expectation is that it will help them land good jobs with higher earning potential. The catch 22 is that our ‘kids’ education’ has always been and still continues to be an expensive goal! As parents we try hard to save for our children’s education, but sometimes we aren’t aware of all of the options available to us. Where and how do you start saving for your child’s education?
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BERMUDA PARENT MAGAZINE
The thing to keep in mind is that there is no ‘one-size fits all‘ saving strategy or education product that does the job for everyone – each family has their own unique circumstances. Start by asking yourself; how much money can I or do I wish to contribute and what is a realistic time frame to begin saving. Time is the most precious resource we have and with most financial goals, the earlier (or the ‘when’) we can start saving towards that financial goal, the less stressful and it allows us time to plan more effectively. However, it is not realistic to assume everyone can start from the same point in their life. The important part is not to let yourself
get discouraged if you have not started saving as early as someone else. Come up with a strategy that works best for you and your personal circumstances. Make a note to review school costs regularly and also remain flexible enough to adjust for any ‘life’ changes – whether that be changes to school fees or changes with your own personal or family circumstances. What is your timeline? How much can you realistically afford to put aside and for how long? Are you
looking to pay for first year school costs or are you saving to be able to pay for your child’s full 4 year university program? How much will costs have gone up by the time your child is ready to go to university? If you are saving over a short period of time and/or you are not comfortable with taking investment risk, consider using a cash savings option. Although, make sure you compare and look around for competitive interest rates. Alternatively, if your timeline is much longer, stocks are likely to give you a better return than cash over the long term and more importantly, give you a fighting chance to keep pace with rising school fees. Sometimes the dream of paying for your child’s education is just not within your reach. Or maybe, like myself, you want your child to pay for part of their own education to learn how to stand on their own feet and become independent. Regardless of your personal preference, there are things you can do to help you be successful in achieving your goal of providing your child with the opportunity to pursue gaining a higher education. Here are some ways to consider saving for your child’s education and tips to help in alternative ways: •
Motivate them in high school. Work hard to encourage them to keep them motivated during high school. The better grades they have, the more likely they will be eligible to receive scholarships. Not only are grades important, but try to encourage them to participate in extracurricular activates to increases their chances of getting scholarships.
•
Help them apply for scholarships. When the time comes encourage and help them to apply for scholarships.
•
Encourage them to work through high school. As soon as they are able to get a job, encourage them to do so. Have a discussion about what percentage of each paycheck should be put toward their education fund.
•
Use the mobile allowance app, ‘Roostermoney’ which provides a fun way to encourage your kids to spend, save and give appropriately. Roostermoney is great way to develop financial discipline and help your child to understand the value of money and that all of their money should not be spent immediately.
•
Split any gift money or allowance your child receives. Putting aside a small percentage of your child’s gift money or allowance towards an education fund over time can add up. Maybe work out a system and agree with your child that half of any money received on the holidays, birthdays, etc. goes towards their education fund.
•
•
•
Open a BF&M education savings account. Instead of giving toys or clothes for birthdays, holidays or other occasions, this is an easy way for you, your family (and friends) to make a gift. Which can make a more lasting impact on a child’s life. Put unexpected money in savings. Apply any bonuses or unexpected money toward a dedicated education savings account. One easy way to put money toward your children’s education savings is to use your end-of-year bonus, since it does not interfere with your budget. Parental Matching. Similar to our pension plans in Bermuda, as parents we can encourage our children to save with an incentive to match whatever funds our child is able to set aside towards their education plan. It has the benefit of your child being able to watch their savings grow much more quickly than if they didn’t have you making matching contributions.
Jason Cook CFP®, RICP® is Vice President, Investments at BF&M. For more information on BF&M’s financial planning approach and services, contact Jason at jcook@bfm.bm or call 295 5566.
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Int’l BOARDING SCHOOL
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Carissa showing her island pride at EF’s Culture Fair
Experiences Like No Other!
EF
Academy is a 21stcentury international boarding school that attracts diverse students from over 75 countries, including Bermuda! The school’s mission is to provide our students with a transformational education, thorough preparation for university, and a future that knows no borders. By adopting some of the best practices of traditional boarding schools, including small class sizes and vibrant community life in co-curricular clubs, and then immersing their students in collaborative multicultural environments in three ideal locations for academic enrichment and personal development, they have built a whole new kind of boarding school. EF helps students become confident, independent global citizens. Their closest US campus is a quick 2 hours’ flight from Bermuda, and
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BY EF ACADEMY their most popular with nearly 700 students in grades 9-12. With a forested campus in suburban Westchester County, New York, they strike the perfect balance between a peaceful study environment and access to exciting activities in New York City less than an hour away by commuter train. Not only can students play soccer in the brand new field complex or shoot basketballs in the remodeled gym, but also they can visit world-famous museums, Broadway shows, and even Saturday courses at Columbia University, NYU or FIT. Eleventh graders follow the IB Diploma Program with the additional option of pursuing the more flexible American Diploma from New York State. EF Academy is thrilled to announce the opening of its brand new campus in Pasadena, California, for September 2020. While it’s a further trip from the island, students
might appreciate the year-round warmth and proximity to UCLA, Silicon Beach, and of course the energy of the world’s entertainment hub, Hollywood. In its opening year, EF Academy Pasadena will accept students entering grades 8-11. Across the pond, note well: EF’s two UK campuses are not proper old British boarding schools with centuries’ tradition and compulsory uniforms. Rather, they are modern global schools hosted in some of the UK’s most attractive destinations. While both their Torquay and Oxford campuses have higher academic requirements, offering both the IB and A-Levels curricula and welcoming diverse students from several dozen countries, their locations and size provide two very different experiences. Their Torquay campus is nestled on the southwest coast in County Devon, perched on a hilltop
overlooking the bay in a touristic town with friendly locals and lots to do— from kayaking excursions and a school swim team to the Duke of Edinburgh Award and a field trip to Tibet! Students are welcome to complete their International GCSE’s before moving up to IB or A-Levels. EF Academy Oxford is a smaller university prep environment, home to just 175 students in 6th form alone. The experience is superbly intellectual, in the academic heart of Britain— cobblestone streets, cafes, and even the occasional lecture at Oxford University. This campus attracts an undeniably mature cohort of students who enjoy relative independence to explore the cities of Oxford and London.
Student Spotlight – Carissa Da Silva Carissa Da Silva, a former Somersfield Academy student discusses why she chose EF Academy. “I’ve attended Somersfield for 6 years. They have the IB Program, but when I was graduating they didn’t offer the final 2 years,”
says Carissa. “I wanted to finish my IB Diploma and looked at schools here before looking abroad.” One of the first schools Carissa considered was EF Academy. She visited the school and fell in love with the campus. “EF Academy is everything I wanted and more.”
The transatlantic dream team: Bermuda and EF Academy
What were you looking forward to, and what have been some highlights your first year at EF Academy New York? “They are one of the only IB boarding schools in New York and I felt it was the best of both worlds. I wanted to experience New York in the winter and walk around Central Park. I’ve recently discovered my love for photography, and it’s amazing being able to photograph New York. I’ve also made new friends from all over the world and have been practicing new languages and learning so much about other cultures.” When asked about highlights from her first year at EF, she smiled and listed off two things: being on the girls’ soccer team and exploring Europe on a spring break field trip with her teacher and fellow classmates.
– World-class programs: IGCSE, IB Diploma, A-Levels, U.S. High School Diploma – Multiple college-level courses, including SAT prep, STEM, Arts and Business – Over 80 countries represented at our four campuses – Wide array of clubs and sports offered from soccer and golf to theater and coding
N E W YO R K
The EF Academy Storm, Girls Soccer Team
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OXFORD
PA S A D E N A T O R B AY
W W W. E F. E D U/AC A D E M Y
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Int’l BOARDING SCHOOL
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The Vanguard School: Bridging the Gap Between School and Home
BY VANGUARD SCHOOL
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estled on a gorgeous 77-acre campus, between Orlando and Tampa, The Vanguard School is a fully accredited (SACS AdvancED, FCIS), co-educational, boarding and day school for students in grades 6-12. Since 1966, The Vanguard School has specialized in educating students with a variety of learning differences; in an environment that acknowledges their differences, celebrates their strengths, and
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supports them in overcoming their challenges. Complementing our academic program is a robust and rewarding campus experience. A safe, structured environment facilitates the physical, social and emotional growth of all residential and day students. Students participate in a variety of diverse cultural and social events in a regulated environment enhanced by
beautiful greenery and warm Florida sunshine. Vanguard students routinely enjoy the benefits of being close to the country’s best theme parks including; Disney World, Universal Studios and LEGOLAND. Our dormitories are a home away from home for our residential students, with staff providing aroundthe-clock supervision in accordance with student age and social maturity.
Our newly remodeled dorms provide an environment unlike any other. Vanguard Students will learn essential life skills to make their transition after Vanguard easier. Our residents participate in weekly life skills activities including financial management, cooking and organization techniques. The Vanguard School offers students a wide range of after-school clubs, trips, sports and activities. Student Leadership and community involvement is offered through a variety of community service clubs and activities. Like with every facet of The Vanguard School, our college and career planning process is individualized and done with the student’s personal needs in mind. We understand that graduation is a momentous time for students. One chapter is closing and the other is just beginning. That is why we ensure when our students
leave Vanguard’s campus, they are prepared with a personal plan in place that will carry them into their futures. Upon entering their senior year (12th grade) at The Vanguard School,
eligible have the opportunity to participate in dual enrollment at Vanguard’s Partner Institutions (Ridge Career Center and Polk State College) as long as the student meets
THE VANGUARD SCHOOL OFFERS STUDENTS A WIDE RANGE OF AFTER-SCHOOL CLUBS, TRIPS, SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES. each student must have a Transition Plan in place. This plan is formed with the principal, College and Career Adviser, the student’s mentor, and parents. Once this Transition Plan is implemented then the student attends their Transition Plan meeting. This is to ensure that each and every student has goal upon graduation, whether it is going to college, technical school, military, a residential program, or the work force. High School students who are
specific criteria. These students will take their core academic classes on the Vanguard Campus and will be transported to one of the partnership institutions for their elective or college credit classes. We understand that each child learns differently, and we provide an individualized educational environment for students to learn. Even if they’ve traveled halfway around the world, their Vanguard Family is here to welcome them home.
THE VANGUARD SCHOOL
Offering Guided Learning through a Personalized Spectrum of Growth!
Individualized Learning Paths
Academic and Residential Mentors
Life Skills, Internships, and Dual Enrollment
WE ARE VANGUARD!
www.vanguardschool.org | info@vanguardschool.org | (863)676-6091 mybermudaparent.com
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Int’l BOARDING SCHOOL
A Home Away from Home
BY ALBERT COLLEGE
F
residency to both male and female students beginning in Grade 7. We believe in a well-rounded education, and with small class sizes, students receive personal individualized attention and the opportunity to develop positive relationships with faculty and staff. At Albert, our students embrace Albert’s 5 ‘A’s – Academics, Arts, Athletics, Active Citizenship and Adventure as part of their university preparation.
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ounded in 1857, Albert College is Canada’s oldest, independent, co-educational, day and boarding school. With 25 acres of campus and 150 years of experience and excellence in education, Albert College provides an enriched and engaging curriculum from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. A ‘home away from home’ to students from Canada and over 20 nations, Albert College offers
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BERMUDA PARENT MAGAZINE
Int’l BOARDING SCHOOL
Our Oldest Tradition Is Forward Thinking
A
mong the oldest girls’ schools in the United States, SEM has designed a constantly innovating culture of achievement, scholarship, creativity, and leadership since 1851. Our school, on the National Register of Historic places, is a cozy
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BERMUDA PARENT MAGAZINE
campus of historic homes renovated for student and faculty residences nestled on a historic parkway, with a real turf field, and regulation squash courts (our squash team is nationally ranked), in a leafy neighborhood of Buffalo, New York. Because Buffalo is situated on Lake Erie, SEM teams
BY BUFFALO SEMINARY
include sailing and crew. Buffalo is a one-hour flight from New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Detroit and Chicago; and a 90-minute drive from Toronto. Niagara Falls is only 15 minutes away! Residential students live groups of 8-12 with faculty house parents. Life in
Our independent high school environment allows girls to challenge themselves, express themselves, and to prepare for success in college and adulthood.
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our neighborhood includes walks to coffee shops (including Starbucks!), a bookstore, art galleries, a huge park, shopping and restaurants. In 2019-20, our residential students will live and learn with girls from around the world including: Argentina, Bahamas, China, France, Germany, Kenya, Korea and Vietnam. At SEM we believe in standards, but not standardization. Non-denominational and non-uniform, our independent high school
environment allows girls to challenge themselves, express themselves, and to prepare for success in college and adulthood. Research provided by National Coalition of Girls Schools (NCGS) is clear on the benefits of girls’ school: developmentally, academically, and in higher education goals and career outcomes, girls’ schools foster extraordinary leadership and scholarship. Perhaps most importantly, they unfetter girls from worrying about how they look and from the fear of trying and failing while boys are watching. At SEM, instead, girls are supported, encouraged, respected, and listened to by their peers and their teachers who understand what girls specifically need and how they learn best. Our STEAM curriculum, classroom integrated technology and laptop program allow girls to explore new possibilities for themselves in the science, technology, engineering, art & design, and mathematics fields. Girls’ school grads are six times more likely to considering majoring in math, science, and technology compared to girls who attend coed schools. Compared to coed peers, girls’ school grads are three times more likely to consider engineering careers. Students who thrive at SEM are motivated to widen their perspectives, contribute to community, and to set goals and learn from the process of reaching for them. peers at coed schools and 80% have held leadership positions since graduating from high school. All-girls learning environments champion the educational needs of girls as a group currently underrepresented in STEM majors and careers.
Our oldest tradition is forward thinking
Among the oldest girls' schools in the U.S., SEM has created a culture of achievement, scholarship and leadership, designed for girls since 1851. Our alumnae network spans the globe and our students hail from 5 continents. Call 716-885-6780 or email admission@buffaloseminary.org to find out about living and learning on our cozy, historic campus in our safe, beautiful American city.
No International Fees
Independent day and boarding school for college-bound girls
BuffaloSeminary.org 205 Bidwell Parkway, Buffalo, NY 14222
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Family LIFE
How to Have a
Successful School Year BY OXFORD LEARNING
It’s back to school time again. In order to head back geared up for learning, it is necessary to get the cognitive wheels turning as soon as possible. Mentally preparing to head back to the classroom is especially important after a summer spent by the pool or at the beach, mornings spent sleeping in, and afternoons spent on the soccer field. The sooner children get ready to learn, the easier the transition to the classroom will be. Summer schedules are greatly different from the structured academic-style schedule that students encounter at school. Transitioning between the two can be difficult for students. Kids can spend up to two months (TWO months!) simply re-adjusting to academic schedules—sitting at a desk, taking notes, listening to the teacher—rather than jumping into learning from day one. The first weeks of school are a critical time. Children who begin a new school year ready to learn from day one have a considerable advantage over students who spend the first month or so reviewing and merely getting back up to speed. There are a few things that can be done during the early days of school (and even in summer) to help make the transition back to the classroom smoother for all students. •
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Reinforce the use of a day planner to record daily homework assignments, deadlines, after-school activities, and upcoming quizzes and tests. Consider using an agenda during the summer to keep track of social activities, chore times, bed times, and team sports—it’s a great habit that benefits students all year round. BERMUDA PARENT MAGAZINE
•
Keep set bedtimes and morning routines. If your child doesn’t have an alarm clock, the summer is a great time to introduce one. Implement wake up times and morning routines so when the first day of school rolls around, your child will be ready to roll out of bed—no rushing required.
•
Start homework, even before it’s assigned. Don’t wait for the teacher to send homework home to get into the habit of hitting the books after school. Begin making it a habit to review the day’s notes, organize the book bag and binder, and prepare for the next day. In the summer, students can write in a journal or read a book.
•
Meet with your child’s teacher and get to know the upcoming grades’ schoolwork and activities. Ask about reading lists or special projects that may be assigned. The early days of the school year may not be homework-intense, so why not use this time to get ahead in some reading?
•
Have a quiet place to study at home that is free from distractions. Keep reference materials, books, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and school supplies such as calculators, pens and pencils nearby.
The earlier families begin to implement solid back-toschool routines, the easier the transition into the classroom will be. Good routines lead to a successful school year. For more information about getting your child ready to have a great school year, contact Alika Smith at Oxford Learning Bermuda 441 296.6060 or Bermuda@ oxfordlearning.com.
BRIGHTER FUTURES BEGIN HERE ®
Ask us about our Beyond Tutoring Program for Grades 1 to 8! All Ages. All Grades. All Subjects.
ENROL TODAY! Pre-K to Grade 12 Reading Writing Math Grammar Study Skills Homework SAT/ACT Prep
Bermuda 441.296.6060
oxfordlearning.com mybermudaparent.com
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Nursery SCHOOLS Adventureland Nursery & Preschool At Tivoli 45 Middle Rd. Warwick 238-8032 or 238-0208
Aerie’s Adventures Nursery & Preschool
Building Blocks Academy
First Fruits
Citadel Bldg., 2nd Fl., 10 North St., Hamilton 295-4222 or 705-4222 mccartney@buildingblocks.bm info@buildingblocks.bm
66 Scotts Hill Rd., Sandys 234-1887
Busy Buddies
121 Middle Rd. Devonshire 799-1504 aeriesadventures@hotmail.com www.aeriesadventures.com
Ebenezer Methodist Church, 7 York St., St. George’s 734-1499
Aneesah’s Nursery & Preschool
37 Cedar Hill, Warwick 232-4542
76 Roberts Avenue, Devonshire 293-2731
Chatter Tots Discovery Zone
Chatterbox Preschool
Bermuda Montessori School
10 Church Rd., Southampton 236-7190
23 Rosemont Ave., Pembroke 292-7209 bermudamontessori@northrock.bm
Cornerstone Day Care & Preschool
Bloomfield School
Flying Start Nursery School #8 Brunswick St., Hamilton 296-9818 flyingstart@logic.bm flyingstartnursery.net
Full Amour Christian Academy Nursery & Preschool 44 Morgan Rd., Warwick 236-3908 kaos@northrock.bm
Happy Moments Nursery & Preschool 69 North Shore Rd., Hamilton Parish 737-8385 happymoments123@yahoo.com
62 Roberts Ave., Devonshire 292-7191 king.cornerstone@gmail.com
Hertiage Nursery & Preschool
11 Manse Rd., Paget 232-4047
Bright Beginnings Nursery & Pre-School
First Church of God Community Nursery & Preschool
Kiddie Academy II
53 South Rd. Smith’s 238-5160
1 First Church Ln., North Shore, East Pembroke 295-6785 or 293-9516
59 Dundonald St. Hamilton 292-4681 7 Laffan St., Hamilton 292-4124 kiddieacademy@transact.bm www.kiddie-academy.com
Little Angels Nursery 115 Morgan’s Rd., Warwick 734-1820 littleangelsnursery1@gmail.com
Little Blessings Nursery
Tel: 296-9818
Email: info@flyingstartnursery.net
New Hours 8:00am to 5:45pm #8 Brunswick St., Hamilton HM10 www.flyingstartnursery.net
93 Spice Hill Rd., Warwick 236-1799 www.littleblessings.bm
Little Learners Nursery & Preschool 18 Woodlands Rd., Pembroke 292-8326 littlelearners@northrock.bm
New Sunbeam Nursery
Tree Tops Preschool Ltd. Tree Tops I Preschool Ltd
Tree Tops II Preschool Ltd
Head Teacher
Head Teacher
Danielle Bassett -
St. Mark’s Parish Hall 53 South Road, Smiths FL 06 Phone: 236-9281 www.TREETOPSBDA.com
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BERMUDA PARENT MAGAZINE
Sarah Oatley -
St. Anne’s Church Hall 26 Church Road, Southampton SN 01 Phone: 238-6025 www.TREETOPSII.com
14 Battery Rd., St. George’s 297-2377 or 737-9374
Nu-Hope Nursery & Day Care 33 Green Acres Rd., Devonshire 236-1625
Once Upon a Time Nursery School Chapter One 41 Church St., Hamilton 295-7713 www.once-upon-a-time.net
16-18 Woodbourne Ave., Pembroke 295-3421
Onion Patch Academy St. Paul AM., 59 Court St., Hamilton 296-6466 info@opacademy.bm www.opacademy.bm
Play With a Purpose Nursery School 1 Ord Rd. Warwick 236-4835
PHOTO BY BECKY SPENCER PHOTOGRAPHY
Once Upon a Time Nursery School Chapter Two
Rising Star Nursery 75 North Shore Rd., Hamilton Parish 238-0378 wrudo@northrock.bm
Registered Dietitians providing Medical Nutrition Therapy
IN ISLAND NUTRITION
Prevent and manage medical issues
IN ISLAND NUTRITION
Paediatrics: including Poor growth, Behavioural issues, Overweight, Constipation, Allergies, Tube feeding, Weaning
School House Nursery
IN ISLAND NUTRITION
14 Brighton Hill Rd., Devonshire 236-2830
Seasons Learning Centre 14 Dundonald St., Hamilton 297-8383 or 332-8383 seasons.learning@gmail.com www.seasonslearningcentre.bm
Adults: including GI, Cardiovascular, Kidney disease, Inflammation, Obesity, Cancer, Wound healing, Pregnancy, Elderly
IN ISLAND NUTRITION
Improving access to High Quality Nutritional Care 4th Floor Dallas Building, 7 Victoria St Tel: 295-4082 Fax: 295-5245 Email: info@islandnutrition.bm www.islandnutrition.bm
Convenient locations including in-office and home visits
IN ISLAND NUTRITION
Ask your healthcare provider for a referral or contact our office
IN ISLAND NUTRITION
Covered in full by insurance - No copays
IN ISLAND NUTRITION
Shining Stars Nursery & Day Care 28 Parsons Rd., Pembroke 747-5353
Stepping Stones Nursery & Preschool 5 Middle Rd., Devonshire 293-8031
Teeter Tots Nursery Astwood Hall, 49 Church St., Hamilton 295-6387 teetertots@northrock.bm
The Learning Zone 88 Somerset Rd., Sandys 234-8591 info@tlz-bda.com www.tlz-bda.com
Tree Tops Preschool 133 South Rd., Paget 236-9281
Tree Tops Preschool II St. Anne’s Church hall, 26 Church Rd., Southampton 238-6025
Woodrose First Step Nursery & Preschool 16-18 Woodbourne Ave., Pembroke 295-3421
Thorburn Hall, Christ Church 1 Ord Road, Warwick Phone: 236 4835 Email: admissions@play.bm Website: www.play.bm
The Onionpatch Academy Ages 3 months – 5 years • Open 7:30AM – 6PM Tel. 441.29-ONION (296-6466) • Fax. 441.236.5912 www.opacademy.bm • info@opacademy.bm mybermudaparent.com
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Invest in the grandkids you haven’t met yet. At Freisenbruch-Meyer we’ve spent 40 years helping people plan ahead for their financial futures. We can do the same for you. So no matter what happens, your family will benefit. Even the ones you haven’t met yet.
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Family LIFE
Life Insurance for Children:
A
Is It Worth It?
s a parent, you want the best for your child and their future. Imagine having the ability to say YES to your child pursuing higher education, starting their own business, or purchasing their own home because you have set their financial plans in motion today. By purchasing whole life insurance for your child, you will give them the opportunity to turn your dreams into their reality. At Freisenbruch-Meyer, our whole life plans combine the benefits of life insurance and investment. The death benefit is the insurance payment beneficiaries will receive only after the insured passes away. Over the duration of a policy, owners can receive dividends which help to grow cash value within the policy. The policy owner can then loan or withdraw these funds at any point throughout their lifetime. Most people procrastinate when it comes to buying life insurance. We’re usually too focused on managing our affairs today to consider the fact that we should also be putting
Where students are challenged to think critically and apply problemsolving solutions. Proudly offering the Canadian Alberta Curriculum.
msa.bm
Get to know us at MSA
things in place to prepare for tomorrow. Two of the biggest impacts of delaying the purchase of life insurance are: 1. The annual cost: With each year that passes, age and health have a more significant impact on your policy premium. 2. The timeline to achieve your goals: The longer it takes you to sign up for whole life insurance, the longer it will take you to generate the cash value needed to fulfill your dreams. The best time to purchase life insurance for your child is while they are young and healthy. Medical exams are not required for children under the age of 18 because their health should be optimal at this stage of life. The healthier a person is, the lower their life insurance premium will be. Lower premiums mean you can afford more coverage for your child and have them leave a larger legacy behind for their loved ones. People often put off buying life insurance because they believe it is a luxury they cannot afford; but our coverage is more affordable than you think. If you can afford to buy a cup of coffee every day, you can afford to purchase the quality life insurance protection you and your family need – AND, signing up early can save you more money in the long run! As your child matures, their life insurance needs may change; and there’s a risk that premiums for their future coverage could be affected by changes in their health, hobbies or even their career. Adding a Guaranteed Insurability Rider to your child’s policy, can protect them against these risks. The ‘guarantee’ is that once your child’s initial policy is issued, they will have several opportunities to purchase additional coverage in the future without having to undergo a medical. When considering the coverage that best suits your vision for your child’s future, there are two main questions you need to ask yourself: 1. How do I want to pay for the coverage? • •
We inspire the innovators. 34
BERMUDA PARENT MAGAZINE
BY DAMIR ARMSTRONG
Pay to 100: With this option, you will pay flat monthly premiums every year, from policy inception until your 100th birthday. Guaranteed 20-Pay: With this option, your monthly premiums will be a bit more expensive, but the policy will be completely paid for in 20 years.
2. How do I want the cash value to grow? •
Wealth Generator: This plan provides the highest rate of growth for your cash value within the first 20 years of coverage – which would be ideal if you intend to offset your child’s college expenses.
HAPPY MOMENTS PHOTO BY BECKY SPENCER PHOTOGRAPHY
Nursery and Preschool Where Your Child Learns for a Brighter Future Located at 69 North Shore Rd, Hamilton Parish. Serving families in the Eastern Parishes and beyond since 1998.
•
Legacy Generator: This plan will give your child more coverage and a greater cash value in the later years of the policy – preparing them for a comfortable retirement.
Parents, or grandparents looking to take advantage of these benefits could purchase a Wealth Generator plan with a guaranteed 20-pay option. With this coverage, your child’s policy will generate a substantial amount of cash value over time. When your child is ready for college, the cash value which has accumulated in their policy could then be used to help pay for their school fees and living expenses. Should your child be fortunate enough to earn a scholarship, you will have the option to continue depositing the dividends into the policy each year to keep growing the cash value while they are in school. Upon graduation, these funds could then help give your child a financial head start in life. Not only will this policy help generate a large amount of capital for your child, the policy will also be completely paid for in 20 years! Once your child reaches 18 years of age, the policy ownership may be transferred to them. If the policy is less than 20 years old at this point, the responsibility of paying the remaining policy
premiums will be transferred to them as well. Even if you currently have no children, now would be the perfect time for you to take advantage of this coverage for yourself! If you were to take out coverage under a Wealth Generator plan today, the cash value could grow in your policy until the day you decide to have a child. At this point, you would have additional funds available to help manage your increased expenses and responsibilities. When it comes to life insurance plans, however, one size does not fit all. At Freisenbruch-Meyer, we can help you find the perfect balance between your budgetary constraints and the benefits our life insurance coverage can provide, to ensure your various goals and objectives can be met. For more information, or to schedule a consultation, contact Damir Armstrong – one of our knowledgeable life insurance advisors – at 294-4616 or darmstrong@ fmgroup.bm. He will conduct a comprehensive analysis of your current financial situation in order to gain an understanding of your dreams and aspirations for the future, and help you choose a plan that best suits your personal needs and your budget.
Your child‘s day is comprised of opportunities to build an excellent foundation for the early years of education. Our approach to teaching provides our children with sound moral principles, exploratory learning, early literary skills, monthly Early Years programs with the Bermuda National Gallery, Bermuda Gymnastics, Music Classes with Simons Music School and Spanish. Teachers Qualified ECE, First Aid & CPR Certification, SCARS Trained and Vetted Staff. Accepting students 18 months to four years of age.
Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Currently accepting applications 2019/20. Contact us at 737-8385 or happymomentsnews@yahoo.com
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Family LIFE
Back to School with Asthma: How to Avoid the September Asthma Spike
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very year about 2 to 3 weeks after school students return to school there is a spike in asthma attacks or flare ups. This results in a dramatic increase in children suffering from increased asthma symptoms (cough, wheeze, shortness of breath) often requiring visits to emergency room or hospital admissions. Children returning to school face increased exposure to viral infections (colds) and allergens such as mould or dust-mites found in the classroom. During the summer vacation our regular routines are changed and many children with asthma forget or do not keep up their daily asthma prevention inhalers (usually brown or orange). This leaves them vulnerable
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BERMUDA PARENT MAGAZINE
BY OPEN AIRWAYS to the triggers they encounter on return to school.
What can you do to prevent the asthma spike? 1. At least 2 weeks before school resumes ensure your child is taking their asthma preventer inhalers daily as prescribed. 2. Have an asthma review with their doctor and update or develop a written asthma action plan. 3. Make sure your child knows what to do if they experience an asthma attack at school, do they know where their relief inhaler (Ventolin) is kept? Do they know how to use their relief inhaler?
4. Ensure they have a relief inhaler with spacer correctly labelled at school, check expiration dates. 5. Speak to the school about your child’s asthma, do the teachers know what to do if your child has an asthma attack? 6. Ask your school if the school staff have taken the Open Airways online supporting children’s health asthma course available at www. openairways.com 7. Teach your child good hand washing techniques. 8. If your child is sick keep them home from school.
c. Maintain a perfume free environment, no air fresheners, strong cleaning chemicals or perfume. d. Open windows every day for good ventilation. e. No classroom pets with fur or feathers. f. No food storage in the classroom, remove all trash at end of day to reduce chance
of rodents, cockroaches and other pests. g. Ensure school follows custodial procedures to maintain optimal indoor air quality. Returning to school is an exciting time, let’s be prepared and reduce the chances of an asthma attack. If you would like to talk to an asthma nurse please contact us on 232 0264 or nurse@openairways.com
9. Ensure your school follows the guidelines for a “healthy classroom” environment. a. Reduce the amount of dust and dust-mites in the classroom, declutter and keep the classroom free of stuffed toys, pillows, rugs and upholstered furniture. b. Clean the classroom with vacuum and damp mop and minimal use of chemicals and sprays.
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Family LIFE
Keeping Cool When It’s Back to School
Tackling Back to School Anxiety
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tarting the new school year is often filled with excitement and opportunity, but it can also be an anxious time for many. Although change is common, it does not make it any easier or less stressful! The key to managing the new school-year stress and anxiety is preparation, especially in situations involving a lot of unknowns. The more familiarity you can create with your child, the more comfortable they will feel transitioning into the new school year. Consider the following recommendations below to help your child successfully prepare for school.
Tips for supporting primary school kids: •
• •
Return to the school-day routine at least a week early – waking up, eating and going to bed at regular times to re-introduce structure. Encourage your child to help plan their lunches and snacks. Walk through a more detailed description of the school day with more anxious children: “And then we hang up our bag in our cubby; we say hi to our friends; we line up and listen to the teacher…etc”.
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BY SOLSTICE
Help your child pack their bag the night before and create a visual checklist for the day. Continue to encourage after-school “playdates” with friends made over the summer. For children starting school for the first time, set up some playdates with children you know will also be starting so they see some familiar faces on the first day. Transitioning back to school can be exhausting – schedule some downtime for your child to rest and recharge.
Tips for supporting teenagers: •
•
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•
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BERMUDA PARENT MAGAZINE
It’s just as important to set a routine whether you’re five, 16 or 60. Empower your teenager to take responsibility for their schedule the week before school starts – this means scaling back the late-night videogame marathons. Collaborate with your teen to create some realistic, measurable, and achievable goals for the school year and consider a reward system to help motivate them. Provide an opportunity to share their feelings and any fears they may have and help them focus on what is controllable rather than uncontrollable. Go over the transportation program, especially if they are starting to use public transport or begin to drive themselves so they feel confident on their own. School can lose its excitement especially at this age – celebrate their first week together as a family.
It can be unsettling to send your child back to school especially if they are exhibiting signs of distress such as crying, yelling, fighting, withdraw, or experience physical sickness. Demonstrating your confidence in their abilities rather than confirming their fears is the most important behaviour you can model. Therefore, it is important to continue encouraging their attendance despite these adverse emotions. If you are concerned that your child or teenager may be demonstrating behaviours that extend beyond the typical anxiety associated with starting school, don’t hesitate to seek additional support. Solstice is excited to present the Children and Adolescent Programme, which offers a variety of groups for children ages 4-17 to improve communication skills, anxiety and stress management, social interactions, language, resilience, and much more! Group therapy such as Lego Club, Arts Express, Game Masters and Supernova are examples of evidence based social skills clinical groups run by a multi-disciplinary team of clinicians at Solstice that teach and empower children in a safe and therapeutic environment. If your child is experiencing difficult emotions and could benefit from additional support, contact Solstice at 292-3456 or visit www.solstice.bm to learn more.
Conscious wellness.
CHILD & ADOLESCENT PROGRAMME INTRODUCES... H E LP IN G CH I LDRE N CO PE WI TH FAM ILY CH A NG E S
SPLIT OR SOLO S EP AR A T ION | D IV O RC E | D EA T H | S IN GLE PA R E NT & B LE ND ED F A M ILIE S
Ages 9-12 | Saturdays | Fall 2019
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Fab
FAMILY FINDS
1. Crayola
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Make your child’s world colourful with the full range of Crayola items available at The Annex Toys. Crayons, Markers, Glitter Glue and more are always in-store.
2. Melissa & Doug Art Supplies Do you have a budding artist on your hands? Spark your little one’s creative expression with the generously sized Melissa & Doug Deluxe Magnetic Standing Easel from The Annex Toys. Both a magnetic chalkboard and a dry-erase board, the easel comes with 39 letter and number magnets, a paper guide, tear bar, locking paper-roll holder and two adjustable art supply trays. And, be sure to grab the Melissa & Doug Easel Accessory Set which boasts 25-pieces including four bottles of poster paint, four paint cups, four brushes, a paper roll, chalk, an eraser and a dry-erase marker.
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3. Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Ink your lips in 16 hours of saturated matte with Maybelline New York’s SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick available at The Phoenix Stores. The highly pigmented, long-lasting formula gives a flawless matte finish in shades ranging from classic red to nude and bold bright hues.
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4. Conair Infinity Pro Rainbow Titanium Flat Iron Create shiny, silky, straight hair in one smooth, effortless pass of the InfinitiPro by Conair Rainbow Titanium Flat Iron. Use it to straighten or flick your wrist and add a flip or wavy curl. Explore the entire collection of Infinity by Conair at The Phoenix Stores today.
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5. Cuisinart Air Fryer
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Enjoy the crunch without the calories with a Cuisinart Air Fryer from The Phoenix Centre. Not only does it bake, broil and toast, but the ultra-hot air created also provides a healthier way to prepare fried favourites from wings to fritters and fries.
6. LEGO Classic
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Let your little one dig into the vast selection of LEGO building blocks available at The Annex Toys. Building possibilities are endless, with classic bricks in 29 colours as well as doors, windows, wheels, eyes and propellers. The Classic Set shown comes with construction ideas, is ideal for budding builders of all ages to get creative and will complement any existing collection of LEGO learning toys.
7. Skip Hop Reusable Sandwich & Snack Bag Set Eco-friendly snacks on the move are always a good idea! And, the Skip Hop Reusable Sandwich & Snack Bag Set from The Annex Toys is ideal for your kiddo’s favourite lunch, without the waste of traditional plastic bags. The snack pouch includes a side handle designed for little hands to tote to the park, preschool, playground and even on the plane.
8. Board Games It’s the time of year when we tend to spend more time indoors enjoying the company of family and friends. Why not make The Annex Toys your first stop in planning a family games night? Choose from a wide selection of the world’s most beloved and trending games such as Candyland, Twister and Guesstures!
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9. My Yoga Set Find everything to get you started at your first yoga class with the My Yoga Set available in The Basement at The Phoenix Centre. The practical and stylish kit includes a lightweight mat, a foam yoga block and a two-in-one belt and sling.
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We carry a large supply of party decorations and supplies for your special occasion
KERIN ORAL CARE General Dentistry & Oral Medicine Practice
Welcome new patients & emergencies! We care for you & the little ones too! Tel: 236-4477 Mon-Thur 8:00am - 5:00pm Fri: 8:00am - 12pm Closed for Lunch: 1:00pm -2:00pm 2 Southcourt Avenue, Paget
www.kerinoralcare.com 42
BERMUDA PARENT MAGAZINE
63 SOUTH ROAD - DEVONSHIRE DV 08 Please Pre-Order Balloons
D E PA R T M E N T O F PA R K S
notice
Dogs, Horses and Bonfires
Notice
Dogs and Horses on Public Beaches
Dogs
The Department of Parks is informing the general public The Regulations and Policies regarding Dogs in that as of the 1st November 2012, the 1988 Bermuda Protected Areas are as follows: National Park Regulations have changed regarding dogs• From April 1st to October 31st dogs are NOT PERMITTED to be on any of the public beaches. and horses on the public beaches, under the jurisdiction • Dogs can be walked either on the trails, in parks or on the dunes, of the 1986 Bermuda National Parks Act. in South Shore Park at anytime.
Horses
Dogs are permitted to be on the public beaches until • the 31st March 2013.
• The dogs must be on a leash atHorses all times. The Regulations and Policies regarding in Protected Areas arethis as period follows: During until the 30th April 2013 horses are • •
NOT onany theyear following beaches at any time: 1st November topermitted 30th April in no person shall take or ride • a horse on 1. Horseshoe Bay beach in the South Shore Park or on the John Smith’s Bay Park beaches in John Smith’s Bay Park and Elbow Beach Park but may Elbow Beach take or ride2.a horse on all otherPark public beaches below the high • water mark3.at any time; Horseshoe Bay Beach ( South Shore Park )
•
From 1 MayThe until 31 October horses areoperators, NOT PERMITTED to be on cooperation of dog kennel and the owners of dogs, any beach in South Shore Park (inclusive of the following beaches: in abiding by the regulations, is greatly appreciated. (Port Royal Cove ) Horseshoe Bay, Peel Bay, Butt’s Beach, Wafer Rocks Beach, Chaplin Bay, Stonehole Bay, Jobson’s Cove and WarBermuda ParkBeach Regulations 1988 wick Long Bay) John National Smith’s Bay, Elbow and Shelly Bay.
•
•
Spec relati
Please carry and use theNational DOGIPOT litter pick-up bags as you 1988 Bermuda Park Regulations travel in the designated areas at all times. 1. (1) Subject to paragraph (2), no person shall, in any Dogs must be onprotected a leash at area ALL times.
Dogs are NOT(a) PERMITTED in the Main Show Ring in take a horse other than on designated roadways or t Botanical Gardens. (b) ride a horse in a manner likely to cause danger to Members of the general public are reminded that Botanical any person therein; Gardens is closed to the public at sundown each day. (c) ride a horse at a speed greater than fifteen kilomete For safety and health reasons dogs are NOT ALLOWED on per hour; National Park playgrounds. (d) being in control of a horse leave the horse unattende it is not properly tied to some suitable object, other th tree or shrub;
Bonfires
(e) mindful lead from of horse-back a riderless horse which is not Patrons must be the appropriately bridled; rules and regulations outlined lunge fires or break Nountil person shall, being the and owner of,or inofcontrol a dog – for recreational(f)open From 16.May 31 October owners handlers horsesof, may as in any horse; take or(a) ride the horses on all other(b), public withunleashed the follow-on to mandated by the (g) ride a horse in excess of a slow walk when passing i Bermuda subject to paragraph bringbeaches such dog ing restrictions: owners and handlers can ONLY take or ride the the vicinity of other any protected area; or National Parks Act 1986 and The members of the public using the horses below the high water mark between the hours or 5:00 a.m. Bermuda National Parks Regulations BERMUDA NATIONAL PARKS AMENDMENT REGULATIONS (b)a.m. bring such dog on to any public beach in a protected area during and 8:00 the period from the 1st April to the 31st October in any year; 1988. or In exercise of the powers conferred upon the Minister by sec See www.bermudalaws.bm.
The cooperation of stable owners, as well as horse owners and 25 of the Bermuda National parks Act 1986, the following reg (c) in subject toby paragraph bring National such dogParks on toRegulaany protected• areaAll bonfires require a special permit which must be obtained handlers, abiding the 1988 (b), Bermuda are hereby made: usingBermuda a leash greater three in appreciated. length, or from the Department of Parks’ Office. tions and 1986 Nationalthan Parks Act,meters is greatly Amendment ofpermit, BR 49/1988 (d) cause, permit or suffer such dog to annoy or disturb any person • Upon obtaining a special patrons will receive all the (2) During the period – conduct within our in any protected area. NOTE: From January 1st to December 31st Horses and Dogs necessary5information on proper bonfire
are not allowed within any Nature Reserve.
national parks. (a) 1st November to 30th April in any year no perso Also by signs and notice: No dogs in the Main Show Ring at Botanical take or ride a horse on Horseshoe Bay, John Sm Gardens and no dogs in Coopers Island Nature Reserve. Bay and Elbow Beach but may take or ride a ho all other public beaches below the high water m any time;
(b) 1st May to 31st October in any year no person s take or ride a horse on Horseshoe Bay, Johns Sm Bay, Elbow Beach and Shelly Bay but may take o
BPM KIDS
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BERMUDA PARENT MAGAZINE
Happy Birthday!
Celebrate your child’s birthday!
Adonis Paynter July 26 Happy 3rd Birthday Adonis! Love Mom, Dad, Quannae & Alaia
Rayleigh Dill July 12 Happy Birthday Ryleigh! From Momma, Daddy, Nana & Papa
Isaac Metschnabel July 24 Happy 4th Birthday Isaac. We love you! Love, Mommy, Daddy, and Ella
Birthdays
Ryu Lima July 4 Happy 7th Birthday Ryu! You are the best big brother and we are so proud of you! May God continue to bless you in every way. Love you always, Your Whole Family!
Santiago July 27 Happy Birthday little bean, Mommy and Daddy love you so much!!
Kenji Lima Sept 9 Happy 5th Birthday Kenji Boy! May God continue to bless you and keep you safe. We love you beyond words. Keep laughing baby boy! Xoxo Your Whole Family!
Jayla Smith Aug 7 Happy 8th Birthday Jayla, love your Mommy & Daddy
Olivia Devery 25 September “Happy, happy 18th birthday to our beautiful, kind, smart, hardworking & determined Olivia - love & hugs Mommy, Daddy, Sadie & Maximus xxxx
Sadie Devery 13 May Happy, happy 11th birthday to our beautiful, sporty, smart, hardworking & determined Sadie - love & hugs Mommy, Daddy, Olivia & Maximus xxxx
BPM KIDS
Send photos/messages to photos@knbmediagroup.com (Please keep at 24 words or less)