February 2013 Island Parent

Island Parent Celebrating

25 Years

The Resource Publication for Vancouver Island Parents

February 2013

Playground Predictions Funding Post-Secondary Education 6 Valentine’s Day Craft Ideas

Education

Schools & educational Services

More Unconsumption…or Live More, Consume Less Super Heroes Dressed in Humility: It’s Okay to ask for help

children’s boutique

WINTER SALE ENDS FEBRUARY 10 • Shoes • Clothing • Toys

Save Up to 50% Storewide

DOWNTOWN

624 Fort St 250 360 2570

BROADMEAD VILLAGE

Newborn to 12 years

777 Royal Oak Dr 250 360 2520

www.scallywags-island.ca

Saanich Preschools

In Saanich Preschools your child can: Be active | Play outdoors | Make friends | Play sports | Build a fort Learn new skills | Make art | Sing songs | Develop social skills Learn about language | Gain physical literacy | Get ready for school Saanich has several options for preschools at Gordon Head Rec Centre, Pearkes Recreation Centre and Saanich Commonwealth Place.

Registration day for September 2013, is February 16, 2013.

Child must turn three or four in 2013. Please call us for more information.

BRITTEN FESTIVAL

Celebrating Benjamin Britten’s 100th Anniversary

Opera for the whole family ALBERT

HERRING

February 7, 9, & 15 at 8 pm | Matinée February 17 at 2:30 pm | The Royal Theatre

A satirical comedy by England’s greatest 20th century composer, about a boy caught up in the daffy expectations of a “Downton Abbey-esque society” The town of Loxford needs a Queen of the May, but is fresh out of virtuous girls. So why not crown a King of the May? Enter Albert Herring, a bashful geek with a squeaky clean reputation. What could possibly go wrong?

Tickets at Pacific Opera Victoria Box Office, 250.385.0222 or order online www.pov.bc.ca February 14 & 16 at 7 pm | Church of St. John the Divine, 1611 Quadra Street A rambunctious opera about Noah’s Ark with an exuberant parade of animals (lions and camels and birds, oh my! and dogs and cats and marmosets …).

Kids and professionals form the funkiest orchestra ever, making rip-roaring storm music, evoking the harmonies of the very first rainbow, and joining the audience in glorious hymns.

A co-production with the Victoria Conservatory of Music, featuring the Victoria Children’s Choir and members of Victoria Symphony.

Set design by students of Victoria High School. Masks by students of Glenlyon Norfolk School Also featuring Britten’s Suite for Solo Harp & The Golden Vanity Tickets - Adults $30

Students $15 (with valid ID)

Children (5 & under with ticket) Free

Tickets at Pacific Opera Victoria Box Office, 250.385.0222 www.pov.bc.ca Or in person at The Conservatory of Music, Box Office 250.386.5311 March 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 | Special school student matinées - March 5, 6, 7 The Belfry Theatre, 1291 Gladstone at Fernwood

A Play and an Opera

What a wonderful adventure!

The play Let’s Make an Opera is a happy adventure in collaboration, as kids and grownups create an opera together. The Little Sweep is the actual opera, the tale of a young sweep who gets stuck up a chimney and is rescued by plucky children who plot to keep him safe from his brutal master.

Don’t miss this story of courage and kindness, leavened with laughter and the thrill of creating a real live opera.

Tickets - Adults $30 - $50

Students $15 (with valid ID)

Tickets available from The Belfry Box Office, 250.385.6815 www.belfry.bc.ca For information call Pacific Opera Victoria, 250.382.1641 www.pov.bc.ca A co-production of POV/Belfry Theatre

www.IslandParent.ca

February 2013 1

Contents: February 2013 Feature

FAMILY THEATRE

FESTIVAL! FOUR DAYS OF DYNAMIC FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

PUENTE THEATRE GRUFF SUDDENLY DANCE THEATRE KIKI URBAN ARTS WILDE KALEIDOSCOPE THEATRE THE DRAGON’S HANDBOOK

Super Heroes Dressed in Humility................................................................. 14

Articles Love Is in the Air............................................................................................. 9 More Unconsumption................................................................................... 10 6 Valentine’s Day Craft Ideas......................................................................... 12 Schools & Educational Services..................................................................... 18 Funding Post-Secondary Education............................................................... 30 Fostering Healthy Active Living.................................................................... 40 Tips on How to Keep Play Alive.................................................................... 42 Playground Predictions.................................................................................. 43

Columns Editor’s Note................................................................................................... 3 Dadspeak...................................................................................................... 44 Healthy Families; Happy Families................................................................. 46 Just Eat It!..................................................................................................... 48 Book Nook................................................................................................... 50 Is There an App for This?.............................................................................. 52 New Parent Pages.......................................................................................... 56 Maternity & Beyond..................................................................................... 60 Nature Notes................................................................................................ 62 Cut It Out..................................................................................................... 64

Departments IPM Notes....................................................................................................... 4 Party Directory........................................................................................ 28, 29 Family Calendar............................................................................................ 32 Around the Island......................................................................................... 39 Family Services Directory........................................................................ 54, 55 Preschool & Child Care Directory........................................................... 58, 59 Business & Professional Directory................................................................. 61 Island Parent Magazine, produced by Island Parent Group Enterprises Ltd., is a monthly publication that honours and supports parents by providing information on resources and businesses for families, and a forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. Letters (max 250 words) should be emailed to the Editor at editor@islandparent.ca. No material herein may be reproduced without the permission of the Editor. Unsolicited manuscripts are welcome and should be emailed to editor@islandparent.ca.

Island Parent Magazine is distributed free in selected areas. Subscriptions can be obtained by sending $28.00 (HST included) with your name and address to the address below. Canada Post: Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement 40051398.

Island Parent Magazine

FEBRUARY 8-11, 2013 BERWICK THEATRE

Suite A-10, 830 Pembroke St, Victoria, BC V8T 1H9 Tel: 250-388-6905 Toll Free: 1-888-372-0862 Websites: www.islandparent.ca, www.kidsinvictoria.com

FOR INFO VISIT:

WWW.KALEIDOSCOPE.BC.CA

2 Island Parent Magazine

On the Cover: Photo by Sarah Booth, www.sarahboothphotography.com, 250-882-0172

President, Publisher: Paul Abra Vice-President: Anna Abra Director, Production Manager: Mada Moilliet Editor: Sue Fast Sales & Marketing: RaeLeigh Buchanan Publisher’s Assistant: Linda Frear Bookkeeping: Elaine Francis Distribution: Anna Abra, Ted Dawe (Mid-Island) Founders: Jim Holland & Selinde Krayenhoff Production: Eacrett Graphic Design Printed at Island Publishers Cover printed at Hillside Printing ISSN 0838-5505

www.kidsinvictoria.com

10 Scientific Tips for Raising Happy Kids

A

sk anyone, random strangers included, and chances are they’ll be able to offer you a word or two of wisdom when it comes to raising kids. And sometimes you don’t even have to ask.

While there are just as many ways to raise happy, well-adjusted kids as there are, well, kids, sometimes it’d be nice to have a few scientifically-tested strategies. From keeping life light to not aiming for perfection, here are 10 research-based tips for making sure kids turn out okay, according to LiveScience (www.livescience.com).

1. LOL! Joking Helps. Lighten up, writes LiveScience contributor Stephanie Pappas.

Joking with your toddler helps set them up for social success, according to research presented at the Economic and Social Research Councils’ Festival of Social Science in 2011. When parents joke and pretend, it gives young kids the tools to think creatively, make friends and manage stress.

2. Be Positive. No surprise here: Parents who express negative emotions toward their infants or handle them roughly are more likely to end up with aggressive kindergartners. So if you find yourself in a cycle of angry parent, angry baby, angrier parent, try to break free, suggests Pappas. It will ease your problems later on.

3. Foster Self-Compassion. Research suggests that self-compassion is an important life skill, helping us stay resilient in the face of challenges. Self-compassion means mindfulness, the ability to manage thoughts and emotions, humanity, empathy, and selfkindness. Parents can model self-compassion when coping with their own struggles.

4. Let Go. When the kids are ready to leave home, research suggests it’s best to let go.

Grown children with hovering “helicopter” parents are more likely to be anxious, selfconscious and less open to new experiences than their counterparts with more relaxed moms and dads, writes Pappas. That doesn’t mean you should give them a push, but try to strike a balance.

5. Nurture Your Marriage/Partnership. If you’re a parent with a significant other, don’t let your relationship with your spouse or partner fall by the wayside when baby is born. Parents who suffer from relationship instability may set their infants up for sleep troubles in toddlerhood, according to research published in May 2011 in the journal Child Development. The study suggested that troubled houses are stressful houses, and that stress is the cause of the sleep problems.

6. Tend to Your Mental Health. If you suspect you might be depressed, get help—for your own sake and your child’s. Research suggests that depressed moms struggle with parenting and can show muted responses to their babies’ cries compared with healthy moms.

Depressed moms with negative parenting styles may also contribute to their children’s stress, according to 2011 research, finding that kids raised by depressed mothers are more easily stressed by the preschool years.

7. Mamas, Be Good to Your Sons. A close relationship with their mothers can help keep boys from acting out, according to a 2010 study. A warm, attached relationship with mom seems important in preventing behavior problems in sons, even more so than in girls, the research found. The findings,

published in the journal Child Development, highlight the need for “secure attachment” between kids and their parents, a style in which kids can go to mom and dad as a comforting “secure base” before venturing into the wider world.

8. Don’t Sweat a Little Sassing. Teens who

Editor’s Note Sue Fast talk back to their parents may be exasperating, writes Pappas, but their argumentativeness is linked to a stronger rejection of peer pressure outside the home. In other words, autonomy at home fosters autonomy among friends. The study doesn’t suggest that kids should have adversarial relationships with their parents, however. In fact, a secure bond between teens and their parents is also linked to less bowing to peer pressure.

9. Don’t Aim for Perfection. Nobody’s perfect, so don’t torture yourself with an impossibly high bar for parenting success, continues Pappas. According to a study published in 2011 in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, new parents who believe society expects perfection from them are more stressed and less confident in their parenting skills. Try to ignore the pressure.

10. Know Your Kids. Kids whose parents tailor their parenting style to the child’s personality have half the anxiety and depression of their peers with more rigid parents, according to a study published in the August 2011 Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology. The key, according to the study, is stepping in with support based on a child’s cues.

Confident learners…

I am so impressed…he really developed his reading skills…

Assessments Remedial classes in mathematics, writing and reading Spring Break Camps (see inside back cover for details) Call 250-388-7225 for information about our services and schedules

www.readsociety.bc.ca www.IslandParent.ca

February 2013 3

IPM Notes children’s boutique

Franchise Opportunity in Nanaimo!

Be your own boss by partnering with a well established business.

For details and information call Upane @ 778-990-6228 or email upane@scallywags-island.com

The Bay Centre, Victoria Broadmead Village, Saanich www.scallywags-island.com

Bigleaf Maple Syrup Festival The sap will soon be flowing from Bigleaf Maple trees on the West Coast, and syrup makers from the area are sharpening their drill bits in anticipation. At the BC Forest Discovery Centre’s annual Bigleaf Maple Syrup Festival on Saturday, February 2 from 10am-4:30pm, visitors are invited to participate in mini-workshops facilitated by experienced maple syrup producers, including tapping demonstrations, presentations, and displays. This year’s event features cooking with local maple syrup, and maple foods will be available. The festival features a maple syrup competition with judging by celebrity chefs from Vancouver Island. The evaporator will be running all day so visitors can savour the warm maple aroma of sap and see how syrup is made.

For more information, visit www.discoveryforest.com.

National Sweater Day On February 7, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) wants you to lower your heat and put on your favourite sweater to take action against climate change and work towards

a sustainable future. Join Canadians across the country fighting climate change by conserving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. If every Canadian lowered the heat by just 2º C this winter, it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 4 Megatons.

So lower the heat, wear that sweater and make the world a better place for your grandchildren.

To make sure you don’t forget, sign up for your very own reminder call, text, or email from a real live granny. For more information, visit www.sweaterday.com.

Swing Fever’ Music & Songs – Swing Era Jazz Swing by Alix Goolden Hall, 907 Pandora Ave, on February 10 at 3pm for a family event jam-packed with singing, rhythms and dance that will have your toes tapping from the very first note. Travel back in time to the Swing Era of the 1930s to 1950s to hear the classic hits of Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, Louis Primo, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, American Bandstand and more. Guest dancers from the Swing Dance Association of Victoria will strut their stuff with high energy and fancy footwork.

Proceeds benefit the BC Cancer Foundation, designated to the Patient Navigation

Play Paves the Way at Carrot Seed Preschool!

Discover a place where children can

Wonder • Discover Imagine • Construct and Learn…through Play! www.carrotseedpreschool.com

4 Island Parent Magazine

813 Claremont Ave, Victoria 250 658 2331

www.kidsinvictoria.com

research program at the new Patient and Family Care Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver Island.

Doors open at 2:30pm. Tickets are $25 and available at the McPherson Box Office, 250-386-6121. The family rate (4 adults, 2 children) is $60. For more information, phone 250-475-7560.

Success by 6 Early Years Awards Success by 6 Victoria is launching its 2013 Early Years Awards Survey which will gather community members’ feedback on what they think are the most child-friendly services, businesses, workplaces, parks and more. The survey and awards ceremony are intended to recognize and provide support to businesses and organizations that are child-/family-friendly. This event also helps gather information about how our community can foster an inclusive attitude for young children.

From February 11, Family Day, until March 30, you are invited to cast your vote at www.earlyyearsawards.com. All respondents will be entered to win prizes, including a two-night stay at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. For more information, visit www.successby6victoria.ca.

Transition to Parenthood The Transition to Parenthood Project was created as a result of a youth engagement strategy to foster participation and dialogue surrounding mental health and parenthood.

The Project was inspired by Candy Chang’s TED Talk “Before I Die,” based on her New Orleans neighbourhood, post Hurricane Katrina. Chang transformed the side of an abandoned building into a large community chalkboard with the phrase “Before I Die, I Want to…” Community members were invited to participate by completing the sentence. This inspired the Transition to Parenthood Project to engage communities in a conversation regarding what is required for a successful transition from youth to parenthood.

This February 11, Family Day in B.C., the Transition to Parenthood Project invites everyone with and without mental health issues to participate by hosting a board in your community with the phrase “As a Parent I Want…” To request a free toolkit and stencil, email Meghan Marr at Meghan@ forcesociety.com. In return, the Transition to Parenthood Team asks that all of those participating by hosting boards document their involvement by taking photos and creating videos. The participation of variwww.IslandParent.ca

& The place online where parents and grandparents get information about their community for their family: Read current and past issues of Island Parent Magazine.

Visit our Marketplace to find businesses, programs and services that cater to the little person in your life.

Looking for that special something you had when you were a kid? Check out our classified ads.

Want to see what’s up today or this weekend?

View our calendar of events.

Whether it’s dance lessons, parenting workshops, fun days and festivals, what’s happening at your local rec centre or community events—Kids In Victoria has it all!

Maybe you are looking for something to engage your mind or perhaps need a little bit of advice. Well we have that too on our community forum.

Receive Island Parent & Kids In Victoria e-newsletter for updates and exclusive contests.

You can also enter our monthly and photo contests.

Come be part of our community at

www.kidsinvictoria.com

February 2013 5

ous communities will be included on the Transition to Parenthood Facebook page.

For more information, visit forcesociety. com or email theforce@forcesociety.com.

The 12th Annual Maple Sugar Festival du Sucre d’Érable The largest bilingual festival on Vancouver Island runs February 15-17 at the Beban Auditorium located at 2300 Bowen Road in Nanaimo.

In February of every year, Nanaimo pulsates with the rhythm of the Maple Sugar Festival du Sucre d’Érable. This bilingual festival is indeed one-of-a-kind—an event inspired by eastern Canada’s sugar shack traditions. Over the course of three days, festivities will include educational presentations, performances by a diverse range of entertainers, and authentic traditional French Canadian food fare, notably the decadently sweet sugar toffy on snow. Come to Nanaimo and discover the Festival’s truly special ambiance, the joie de vivre, and the warm hospitality.

The Festival runs Friday, February 15 from 4-8pm, Saturday, February 16 from 9am-8pm with the official opening ceremony at 12:30pm, and Sunday, February 17 from 9am-4pm. Admission: adult $5, member $4 (with membership card), student $3, children less than 12 years of age are free. For information, visit www. francophonenanaimo.org.

Parenting Speaker Series St. Margaret’s School hosts its annual Early Learning Speaker Series. Everyone is welcome to attend this series of vibrant and interactive presentations that explore how parents, educators, caregivers and community members can participate in children’s early learning.

The Speaker Series features four evening lectures throughout the 2012/13 school year.

The next lecture is on February 21, from 6:15-8:15pm, and the topic is “Friends For Life Program” which focuses on Grade 4/5 age levels. The final lecture in the series, “Fun Friends Program,” focuses on JK-Grade 1 age levels, and is on March 12 from 6:158:15pm. These events are open to the public and there is no cost to attend. Admission is fully sponsored by St. Margaret’s School.

Seating is limited to 100, so please RSVP to reserve your space. Dinner for families is also offered at Alexis Dining Hall from 5:15-6pm, $3/person or $10 per family (cash or charge to school account). For more

6 Island Parent Magazine

information about the lecture series, visit www.stmarg.ca/lectureseries#gamesetting.

Vancouver Island Parenting Conference Spend Saturday February 23 from 9am4:30pm honing your parenting skills at the conference “Setting the Stage: Keys for Successful Learning.”

We know that student success is enhanced when we encourage our children to develop a strong set of values, actively support their learning and constantly improve our teaching practices. This year’s conference features an array of speakers, each with one of the keys needed to ensure successful learning.

Jane Elliott will speak about “Power, Perception and Prejudice,” addressing the numerous social challenges students face in their young lives which may have dramatic effects on their success in learning and in life. The most devastating of these challenges is prejudice, including racism. Elliot will talk about how to take steps to recognize prejudice and eliminate it from our schools.

Dr. Gabor Maté will speak about “Peer Orientation: Why Children Are Stressed, Why Parents and Teachers Are Disempowered, and How To Restore a Healthy Balance in Adult-Child Relationships.” His talk aims at restoring parenting to its natural intuitive basis and the adult-child relationship to its rightful preeminence.

Other workshops will cover how the brain learns best, how to effectively navigate emotional responses in conflict situations, an introduction to The Virtues Project, how to foster resilience in children, how to nurture early reading success at home, and more.

The conference will take place at Spectrum Community School, 957 Burnside Rd West. The cost is $70 for registrations paid by end of day on February 1, or $90 on or after February 2 (breakfast, lunch and snacks included). As space is limited, registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit www.vipc.ca.

Think Pink for Anti-bullying Day Pink Shirt Day, or Anti-Bullying Day, is recognized on the fourth Wednesday in February every year. This year, that will be on February 27.

In just six years, Pink Shirt Day, a public awareness campaign about bullying spearheaded by Boys & Girls Clubs, has grown into a national craze. Last year, over 2,500 official pink shirts were sold on Vancouver

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Island alone, and thousands more people wore pink clothing to show their solidarity for the campaign.

Pink Shirt Day is aimed at uniting people in a movement to change people’s attitudes towards bullying. It teaches young people that we need to be more accepting of differences and that we cannot stand by and watch as bullying occurs around us. Schools, police departments, businesses, politicians and youth groups across Vancouver Island are using this day to raise awareness of the negative effects of bullying and show that any form of bullying will not be tolerated in their organization.

You too can join the sea of pink. Take this opportunity to address the issue of bullying with your children or teens, by wearing pink, planning an event or activity, or just having an intentional conversation.

Boys & Girls Club also sells Pink Shirt Day pins for only $5. These pins let you show your support for anti-bullying in the workplace and all year round. To order your pins, phone 250-384-9133. You can order your shirts or find tips, activity ideas and planned events by contacting your local Boys & Girls Club through www.bgcvic.org.

All proceeds from the sale of shirts will support Boys & Girls Clubs programs that provide safe, supportive places, where every child is listened to, respected and valued in an environment of inclusion and acceptance.

You can also follow our Pink Shirt Day activities at www.facebook.com/bgccvic.

Pacific School of Innovation and Inquiry “The path is made by walking”

learningstorm.org @psiivictoria psii@learningstorm.org

Looking for a Grade 9 to 12 school that fits your teenager and not one that expects your teenager to fit it? One designed on what we now know about adolescent learners and not what we thought we knew over a century ago?

Victoria’s new independent school accepting applications for Sept 2013.

PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSIONS IN FEBRUARY: (check the website for more) th Saturday February 9 – Victoria Library Central Branch - 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm th Saturday February 16 – Victoria Library Emily Carr Branch - 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm

St. Joseph’s Early Learning Centre 785 W. Burnside Rd. 250 479 1237 www.stjosephschool.ca We are pleased to announce that our Early Learning Centre is

St. Josephʼs Early Centre now open!Learning We are offering full time daycare for children who are 3 and 4 years of age.

Applications are available on-line 785 W. Burnside Rd. 250-479-1237

In-School Mentoring Programs

or from the Early Learning Centre office. St. Joseph’s offers

www.stjosephschool.ca an excellent program in a Catholic Christian atmosphere.

We are pleased to announce that our Early Learning Centre is now

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria needs Hours of operation are 7:30am–5:00pm. For additional volunteers.

Do you haveare a busyoffering schedule andfull time open!

We daycareplease for children who are 3 and information contact Susan Clifford at 4250-479-1237. are you trying to juggle a million things at years of age. Applications are available on-line or from the Early once? Do you want to volunteer? Do you like kids and having fun?

Are you responsible Learning Centre office. St. Josephʼs offers an excellent program in a and caring? Does this describe you? If so, Catholic Christian atmosphere.

In-School Mentoring is for you.

Formerly Goosey Gander Kindergarten Volunteers spend hour a weekare play-7:30 AM - 5:00 PM. For additional information Hours of one operation ing games and sports, doing arts and crafts, please contact Susan Clifford at 250-479-1237. baking, reading, talking or hanging out on the playground with a boy or girl at a nearby elementary school. Weekly visits take place Arbutus Grove Children s Centre, a part of the community for over fifty years is on school grounds during school hours having an open house September 1st from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. (normally between 8:30am-3pm Monday • Half day and full day preschool programs to Friday).

We offer full and half time Preschool in a special and professional environment.

Start your application process now so Limited Positions still available Sept. 2011-2012 in the Cadboro Bay –forUVic area that you’re ready to have fun with your • Children’s learning is nurtured and guided through Little in September.

One child. One hour. One big reason to exploration, discovery, play and creative expression go back to school. Phone, email, or stop by 3905 Haro Road, Victoria B.C. to chat about how you could help change V8NChildren’s 4A8 Arbutus Grove Centre the life of a child in our community. For 3905 Haro Road, Victoria BC 250-477-3731 250 477 3731 www.arbutusgrove.ca more information, email main.victoria@

Now Accepting Registrations for September, 2013

www.IslandParent.ca

February 2013 7

bigbrothersbigsisters.ca or phone 250-4751117 ext. 40.

Greater Victoria Public Library Books for Babies Survey Since January 2010, the Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) has distributed Books for Babies kits to new parents in the Greater Victoria area. The kits are distributed by public health nurses at local health units and staff at the GVPL. The kit is in a reusable cloth bag and contains a board book, a music CD, library information and information for parents about the importance of reading to their infants.

Did you receive a GVPL Books for Babies kit? They’d like to hear from you! Your feedback will help GVPL measure the impact of the program on parents and their babies.

Please take a few minutes to fill out the online survey at www.gvpl.ca/booksforbabies until March 27. If you have any questions, please call 250-382-7241, ext. 601.

BC Health Service Locator App The BC Health Service Locator helps you find walk-in clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, immunization locations, after-hours pharmacies, and laboratory services near

K-11 Alternative School

you. You can search for health services by city or keyword.

This App was created by HealthLink BC to enable you to access health service information from your iPhone, iPod or iPad. All the information in the App can also be found on the HealthLink website.

At HealthLink you can speak with a nurse about your symptoms, talk to a pharmacist about your medication questions, get healthy eating advice from a dietitian, and find the health services and resources you need that are close to you.

The BC Health Service Locator App helps you look after those most important to you.

Find the health service locations closest to you while you’re on the go or at home or use the keyword search to find a specific service or location. Filter your results using the Services menu.View a location’s service description, hours of operation, and contact information. Call 8-1-1 to access nonemergency health information and services from anywhere in B.C. or call 7-1-1 for deaf and hearing-impaired assistance. Also, view the latest health alerts posted on HealthLink BC’s site from within the App. For more information, visit www.healthlinkbc.ca.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Celebrates 100 Years of Mentoring in Canada Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is celebrating 100 years of mentoring with the launch of a year-long public awareness campaign to provide Canadians with fresh insights into the societal value of youth mentoring.

Thank you to everyone who helped to make the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria 100 year celebration a success. BBBS is excited about the year ahead and the many opportunities it will have to share “mentoring” with the community. BBBS thanks everyone who has demonstrated their support to the children of the community. When we invest in children through mentoring, we support their social development, we encourage confidence, resiliency and good citizenship.

Many can recall a person in their life who had a lasting impact. BBBS encourages you to honor this person through their Centennial Big Shout Out. Visit www.thebigshoutout. ca, share your story, and let your mentor know that the time they shared with you is not forgotten. With your help, BBBS can inspire more acts of mentoring. For more information about how you can get involved visit the website at www.bbbsvictoria.com or look for BBBS on facebook.

An empowering multi-age learning community: - child-directed learning & choices

The joy of learning - naturally.

http://oakandorca.ca 250 383 6609

8 Island Parent Magazine

- compassionate communication - hands-on/minds-on math & science - prioritized environmental education - regular field trips & nature awareness

www.kidsinvictoria.com

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Helena Prins

Love Is in the Air A

fter six years of marriage, I still believe Valentine’s Day is a day to look at each other and say and show that we don’t take each other for granted, and if we sometimes did or do, we don’t mean to.

Here are a few simple ways I’ve devised to celebrate our love this year—both with my husband, and in turn, with our children.

1. Start with breakfast. It may take some planning, but how about coffee in bed or a special bacon and egg breakfast? Or how about joining forces with the children by planning a picnic breakfast in one of their rooms? When your partner comes out of the shower, call him into their room and surprise him!

2. Place something special in everyone’s lunch bag—it could be a love letter (with a spicy twist, for your spouse), a card, or a sweet treat. Invite the children to make special cards for each other or for dad/mom.

3. No need to go to an overpriced, fancy restaurant to capture an atmosphere of love.

Cook your partner’s favourite meal. Ask the little ones to help decorate the dinner table with red hearts and cards, light a few candles, and voila. During dinner tell each other what you really love about each of them. Buy, bake, or create a special dessert to enjoy with your partner—once the children are all in bed.

4. My husband and I seldom look at our wedding video or album, so this is a perfect reminder of where it all started. Have a few laughs as you go down memory lane together. The kids might get a kick—a laugh, at least!—seeing mom and dad when they looked so young. If you don’t have many wedding photos or videos, how about putting together a slideshow of family favourites?

5. Who doesn’t like a massage? It doesn’t need to be a full body massage. A hand or foot massage, or a mini-spa, could be the easiest way to show you appreciate each other.

Don’t let commercialism stand in your way of showing the special people in your life how you feel about them. And don’t wait for Valentine’s Day to show them either.

 Kindergarten Registration for Fall 2013

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February 4 to February 8, 2013 at your neighbourhood school. All children born in 2008 are eligible to begin Full Day Kindergarten.

Our Kindergarten programs offer:     

Teachers who are knowledgeable in early childhood development.

Play as a way of learning.

Opportunities for parent participation.

French language instruction.

Rich literacy and numeracy experiences.

Register February 4 to 8, 2013 at your neighbourhood school.

Brentwood Elementary Cordova Bay Elementary Deep Cove Elementary

Keating Elementary KELSET Elemenary Lochside Elementary

Prospect Lake Elementary Sidney Elementary

To register at your neighbourhood school please bring:  Proof of your child’s age (birth certificate).  Proof of your address (resident driver’s license, utility bill, etc).  Your child’s BC Care Card.

French Immersion registrations:  Deep Cove Elementary (North Zone)  Keating School (South & Central Zone) After February 8, all K-8 registrations will be done at: Saanich School Board Office 2125 Keating Cross Road, Saanichton 8am to 4pm Kindergarten Information Evening: January 30, 2013, 7pm - 8:30pm (Includes French Immersion Option K-12)

Keating Elementary School Gym 6843 Central Saanich Road

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Every success for every child www.sd63.bc.ca

WE’RE GIVING OUR

Valentine TO LOCAL BUSINESS It’s a Party! Prizes Prizes Prizes Join us at SquirrelCouponBook.com February 14th–16th

Helena Prins is a proud mother of two daughters. She teaches at a community college in Victoria.

www.IslandParent.ca

Publication

Island Parent Magazine

Client Contact

Moms & More Productions: Savvy Squirrel February 2013 thesavvysquirrel@gmail.com

Size

4.75 x 2.125

Colour

BW

Design Contact

Amy Rutherford, Rather Good Design amy@rathergood.ca

Insertion Date

9

Rachel Dunstan Muller

TM

More Unconsumption …or Live More, Consume Less

creative craft kits for developing minds

I

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10 Island Parent Magazine

f the marketing campaigns all around us are to be believed, the quickest way to happiness is to buy something. It’s certainly what our children are taught every time they watch TV, go online, or travel through any store. But the marketing messages are hollow. Yes, new stuff is fun, but the high wears off quickly. And the more stuff a child (or grown-up) already has, the faster the new-toy-pleasure evaporates. Which means a parent either needs to head back to the store for the next pick-me-up, or figure out how to break the cycle.

And why might you as a parent wish to break this cycle? Because A: Your closets are overflowing and you rarely see your floors.

B: You’re still reeling from Christmas’s credit card statements. C: It concerns you that we’ve consumed a full third of the planet’s natural resources in the last 50 years. Or D: All of the above.

The answer to excessive consumption is “unconsumption,” a philosophy I first wrote about a year ago (see February 2012’s issue online at kidsinvictoria.com). Unconsumption isn’t about adopting a minimalist lifestyle or giving up consumption entirely.

It’s about getting the most pleasure and use from the possessions we already have. It’s about buying quality instead of quantity.

Borrowing or swapping instead of buying.

Refurbishing, refashioning and regifting.

Using things up, and wearing them out.

Finding joy beyond the mall.

The concept is easy, but the practice can be difficult—especially if it involves breaking old habits and learning new ones. If you’re on a quest to live more and consume less, the following strategies may be helpful: Minimize temptations: Depending on where you go and how much media you consume, you may be exposed to a thousand plus ads a day. But you do have some control over how much marketing enters your life.

Know your consumption triggers, and avoid them. Take a break from glossy consumer magazines. Turn off the TV, and rent or borrow DVDs instead. Avoid consumptiondriven websites. If your children are allowed screen time, let them watch ad-free shows on Netflix or movies from the library. Stay

clear of the mall. I know families who are homeschooling their children, in part to shield them from consumer-culture peer pressure.

Strengthen your resolve: Make friends with like-minded people. Join a community group working towards a common goal.

Read books or blogs that motivate you and give you the tools you need to keep on track. When it comes to the subject of unconsumption, I particularly recommend the new edition of Your Money or Your Life by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin.

The Complete Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyzyn is a little dated, but still very useful.

Both titles are available through the library.

Spend time with your children instead of spending money on them: Make a blanket fort together. Bake a batch of cookies or a few loaves of bread, and share some with a neighbour. Make playdough from scratch.

Construct toys from upcycled materials or things you already have around the house. www.kidsinvictoria.com

(Search “kids DIY toys” on Pinterest for some very cool inspiration.) Attend a familyfriendly community event. Visit the library to stock up on books, CDs and DVDs. Explore a new park or beach. Take a soccer ball or Frisbee to the nearest field. Go for a family hike or bike ride. Host a multi-family games night. Make cards from paper in your recycling box for long-distance friends or family. Visit an animal shelter. Pet-sit a friend or neighbour’s animal (especially popular if you don’t have a pet of your own). Sort through your children’s toys together, and let them choose some to give away.

Unconsumption for parents: You can reduce your consumption significantly without living a life of deprivation. And when your kids see that your happiness isn’t dependent on a visit to the mall, they’ll be at least partially inoculated against the ads that bombard them every day.

What can you do when you’ve got the urge to consume but want to save your money and/or the planet? Organize a clothing swap.

Mend or alter clothing you already have.

Try a new recipe that calls for ingredients in your cupboard or that you can source locally.

(My own culinary adventures are currently being inspired by a wonderful book called Peter Reinhart’s Artisan Breads Every Day.) Take up a productive new hobby: gardening, beekeeping, knitting, sewing, cooking, or woodworking. If you’re a crafter or seamstress, commit to working through your existing stash of materials before acquiring more. Make a gift for a friend.

Organize and deep clean a drawer, closet, or room. Redecorate an area of your house by asking someone with a good eye to help you rearrange it. Take a detailed inventory of your finances. Start a gratitude list. Write a thank you letter to someone who made an impact on your day or life. Pre-make and freeze meals for nights you’re too busy or too tired to cook. Compile a cookbook with family favourites. Complete a project that’s been gathering dust.

Scratch that shopping itch: If you still get the urge for recreational shopping, minimize your footprint by going secondhand. Start at a consignment boutique or antique shop if the idea makes you squeamish. Before you know it, you’ll be treasure hunting in church basements, flea markets, garage sales and thrift stores. The hunt is half the fun!

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Rachel Dunstan Muller is the mother of five, and a children’s author. Her previous articles can be found at www.kidsinvictoria.com.

COMPREHENSIVE FAMILY DENTISTRY

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February 2013

11

6

Kimberly Lund

Valentine’s Day Craft Ideas

V Victoria & Vancouver Island 1-866-518-7287 Nanaimo 250-756-9794 Or online at: www.welcomewagon.ca

Send Us Your Stories!

Island Parent is looking for articles for upcoming issues. Some of our best content comes from people just like you—Vancouver Island parents who are passionate about their families and are dealing with the day to day issues of raising children in our community. Share your experiences, your thoughts on a particular issue, your ideas on places to see or projects to do—anything related to parenting.

Check our Writer’s Guidelines at www.islandparent.ca for specific information on submissions. We’d love to hear from you. Please email submissions to editor@islandparent.ca.

12 Island Parent Magazine

alentine’s Day is the perfect time to make gifts from the heart and create loving memories with your child. These Valentine’s Day craft ideas will help inspire creativity in the little loves of your life. With just a few supplies and recyclable items, the following Valentine’s Day crafts will create sweet decorations for your home or lovely gifts your child will be proud to share.

1

Heart-shaped Lantern

Supplies: metal can (soup cans and coffee cans work well) large nail paper to wrap around the can pencil scissors tape towel work glove or mitten craft wire small candle, such as a tea light Directions: Cut the paper so it wraps around the can.

Use your pencil to draw a heart-shaped design—made up of dots—on the paper.

Space the dots about a finger’s width apart.

Fill the can with water and put it in the freezer. Freezing the water will allow you to hammer the pattern into the metal without denting the can. Once the water is frozen, take the can out of the freezer. Tape your design around the can. Wear a glove to keep your hand warm. Lay a towel on your work surface to protect it and to keep the can from rolling around. Tap a hole on either side of the can near the top to thread the craft wire through, forming a handle. Tap a large nail into each dot on your pattern. When your pattern is all tapped, let the ice melt out of the can. Light a small candle or use a battery powered tealight, and put it in the can. If you want to get fancy, you can change the colour of the can with spray paint. Make lots and let the love shine through! Beautiful!

Valentine Luminaries

2

Supplies: recycled glass jars such as baby food and spaghetti jars white, pink and red tissue paper Mod Podge or school glue paint brush scissors newspaper to protect work surface Apply glue to a section of the glass. Tear pieces of white tissue paper and place on top of the glue. Continue until the entire outside of the glass is covered with white tissue. Cut heart shapes from the pink and red tissue paper. Glue random tissue hearts on top of the white tissue. Wait until dry and then seal again with one more coat of glue. When dry, place the candle inside.

Enjoy the glow!

Toilet Paper Roll Heart Stamps

3

Supplies: 2 toilet paper rolls red and pink poster paint, poured onto plates paper tape

Press down on the toilet paper roll to flatten it. Push in one side to create a heart shape. Use a strip of tape across the top to retain the heart shape. Dip the end into the paint and then press onto paper to make lots of hearts. Pretty enough to frame, or when the paint is dry, fold in half for a LOVEly Valentine’s Day card!

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Toilet Paper Roll Valentine’s Garland

Supplies: 3 toilet paper rolls 3 straws large beads hole punch scissors red or pink paint string or ribbon Cut toilet paper rolls into 1/2" sections and form into heart shapes (see previous craft). Punch holes in the tops and bottoms with the hole punch. Paint hearts and wait until dry. Cut the straws into 1" sections.

String the hearts, beads and straws in an alternating pattern. Hang in a window and share the love!

4

5

Coffee Filter Stained Glass Hearts

Supplies: white coffee filters washable markers spray bottle filled with water scissors tape cookie sheet Cut the coffee filters to large heart shapes. Have your child colour the whole heart shape with the markers. Place the

coloured coffee filter heart on a plate. Using the spray bottle, mist water all over the heart shape and watch the colors bleed into each other. Transfer the hearts onto a cookie sheet to dry. When the hearts are dry, tape to a window and watch as the light shines through.

Salt Dough Valentine Fridge Magnet

Supplies: 1 cup salt 2 cups flour 1 cup water rolling pin cookie sheet heart-shaped cookie cutter acrylic paint Mod Podge or acrylic paint sealer magnets strong glue such as Krazy Glue Mix ingredients together. Roll out dough with rolling pin. Cut out heart shapes and place on cookie sheet. Bake for 1-2 hours at 200˚F until dried out. Once cool, paint hearts, then let dry and seal with a coat of Mod Podge or acrylic paint sealer. Glue magnets on the back.

6

Kimberly Lund is a busy mom who loves crafting with her nine-year-old daughter.

We offer Classes, Audition Workshops, Spring Break & Summer Camps for kids ages 7-15.

Please visit our website for contact information, registration and dates: www.vadarts.com info@vadarts.com 250.580.2588

Vote for those that care about family and children.

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2013 Your Support. Their Success.

www.IslandParent.ca

February 2013 13

Janine Fernandes-Hayden

Super

Heroes

...dressed in humility It’s Okay to Ask for Help

I

lie on the couch powerless against the bone-crushing fatigue of my first trimester of pregnancy compounded by the pressure in my throbbing sinuses, the heaviness of my congested chest and my aching body. I visualize taking a concoction of cold and flu medication to relieve my symptoms, but the forbidden mirage soon dissolves with the sounds of my three children screaming and yelling while they run circles around me. I panic and tell myself, “I don’t think I can take care of my children.” I grapple for the phone in desperation and dial my mother’s number in Calgary. I want to complain, to whine, to cry. I crave some motherly reassurance and sympathy.

To my dismay, an earful of pragmatism is all I get. “For Heaven’s sake, call your mother-inlaw and just ask for help.”

14 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Why is it so difficult to ask for help?

Why can’t we receive help with the same appreciation and thoughtfulness that we give it? Wouldn’t we want life to be a little easier if possible?

At the dinner table, a lively discussion erupts among my children. My three-yearold daughter finally yells, “Super Girl is real.” Then they all turn to me, and ask, “Is it true?” I don’t know how to respond.

Sometimes I try to convince myself that it is true. “I am Super Girl, knee-high red boots, super powers, taking on the world with superhuman strength, stamina and agility.” In truth, it is all just an illusion, fueled by my insecurities that fight hard to maintain an image of togetherness and

Why is it so difficult to ask for help? Why can’t we receive help with the same appreciation and thoughtfulness that we give it? Wouldn’t we want life to be a little easier if it could?

“My kid could paint that.”

Great, bring them down. Spring sessions in the Children’s Art Studio are starting soon.

Registration begins February 16 at 10am in person or by calling 250.384.4171 ext. 0. aggv.ca | Love your art gallery.

competence, not wanting to admit helplessness and imperfection, ever fearful of being exposed to judgment and criticism. The reality, however, is as John Donne writes: “No man is an island.” I can’t think of a single person who can do everything on his or her own. The “Super Woman Syndrome” is a myth, and the cape that defines it a burden that weighs us down and prevents us from living more graceful lives. It is a construct that has led us to believe that our self-worth should be based on what and how much we do, rather than who we are. At the end of the day, I am nothing more than human, with strengths and weaknesses. Yes, I am capable of many things, but I do not soar above needing help. My Achilles heel is my ego and the only antidote is a good dose of humility.

And it’s not all about me. “How can I be of service?” These are the words used by a friend of mine to offer her support with the impending birth of our fourth child.

Her choice of language, particularly the

www.IslandParent.ca

February 2013 15

The Lighthouse Parent An innovative program for parents who want to learn how their child’s brain develops from the womb to 18 years.

Find out what the latest research says about attachment theory, brain plasticity and how you can joyfully connect with your child at every age and stage.

For information on our wide range of courses visit www.1-up.ca 250 385 1114 info@1-up.ca 602 Gorge Rd East, Victoria BC V8T 2W6 Generously funded by

16 Island Parent Magazine

use of the virtue “service,” struck a chord with me, bringing clarity to the fact that the concept of “help” is embedded within relationship—it reflects the needs of the receiver but, equally important, it reflects the needs of the giver to give of their gifts.

One morning, my eldest daughter, almost six at the time, noticed me changing the sheets of my bed and asked if she could help. As we smoothed the surface and mitered the edges of the sheet, I heard her sigh. “I’m going to be doing a lot of work around here when the new baby comes,” she said, “changing the sheets, doing laundry, loading and unloading the dishwasher, taking out the garbage. You’re going to have to teach me how to use a knife so that I can do some chopping and dicing too.” My daughter’s words were endearing but beyond this, through this opportunity for her to show and feel compassion, I realized that I could still give by letting myself be “unwrapped.”

When we graciously allow ourselves to be helped, the gift is twice blessed; it brings joy to both the giver and the receiver. We receive what we need and to the giver we, in return, offer a gift as well—a sense of meaning and purpose that comes through being of service to others.

Though treasures lie in store for all, unwrapping helpfulness can be sticky. It calls for discernment to recognize the difference between need versus want—both for the giver and the receiver. Assertiveness is essential in establishing boundaries to ensure a sense of trust and safety as well as a means of rationing our time and energy. Finally, from both sides, it is important that we honour the dignity, abilities and independence of others as well as ourselves, giving and receiving in ways that enable them/us to discover teachable moments and live up to true potential.

Author Jean Vanier writes, “Weakness that is recognized, accepted, offered is at the heart of belonging.” This is especially important for us as parents to remember, particularly in an era where our “village” is no longer made up of our family and relatives who are close at hand to help. A village can only raise a child if we are willing to offer help to others and if we are willing to be helped. The relief that we receive for ourselves can be physically and psychologically liberating and help us to battle fatigue, overwhelm and guilt. It can also provide us with the time and space in our lives to be more mindful and present to our families.

As for our children, they are able to develop

www.kidsinvictoria.com

a sense of community in relationship with other people whom we let into our lives to help. We provide them with the opportunity to foster important connections beyond us that nurture their social, emotional, cognitive and spiritual needs.

It has taken four children for me to, out of necessity, truly open myself up to the abundance and bounty that community has to offer. My life lessons have been countless as I chisel away at my growth virtues. I am working at embracing humility by seeking and receiving help. When my fourth was born, I graciously accepted meals that people offered to prepare for us. I garnered the assertiveness to ask friends to pick up and drop off my two oldest children to and from school/preschool. I have become more open and flexible by allowing others to step up to the plate and hit a few home runs, even though their slide into victory may be a little dustier than mine. For example, I try to ignore the crumbs left on the table and to appreciate my husband’s seven (sometimes eight!) out of 10 efforts with kitchen clean up. I have tempered my unrealistic expectations of friends and family and, through greater acceptance, I am allowing people to give whatever gifts they have to offer, however and whenever they can. I am relinquishing the guilt I feel over not being able to fully attend to all my children and, while they may not always be getting what they “want” from me, I try to feel a sense of contentment in knowing that friends, aunts, grandmothers and “other mothers” can help to give them what they “need.”

For me, life with four children under the age of seven is, for the most part, peaceful and “underwhelming.” My community, my village, has afforded me the space and the pace to be reverent and to savour the joys of family life. I am confident and strong as a mother and while I honour my own gifts and virtues that I bring to my family, the virtue of helpfulness has shown me that “I am who I am because of who we all are.”

As for Super Girl—maybe she’s a costume just for Halloween.

Preschool to Grade 5…and beyond.

Imagine a School…where music, dance, theatre and visual arts are infused into all aspects of an outstanding curriculum. v Junior K and Half/Full-day Kindergarten options also available v Comprehensive K–5 program consistently exceeds BC Curriculum v Excellent facilities, convenient Cedar Hill and Oak Bay locations v Highly qualified, dedicated staff and low student/teacher ratios

Visit our website, come to one of our Open Houses, or call us! www.ArtsCalibre.ca info@ArtsCalibre.ca 250.382.3533

Janine Fernandes-Hayden is an educator, trained Virtues Project facilitator, and Salt Spring Island mum of four children. She hosts a parent and kids radio show called “The Beanstalk” on Salt Spring Island airwaves at CFSI 107.9 FM.

www.IslandParent.ca

February 2013 17

Schools & Educational Services In the following pages you will find a range of educational resources from preschool to post-secondary. For more information about these programs, please refer to the advertising in this issue.

Preschools

Arbutus Grove Children’s Centre has a long history of providing outstanding Early Learning programs to the Victoria community. We previously operated as Goosey Gander Kindergarten before moving to our new purpose-built centre with large natural playground in the Cadboro Bay/UVIC area.

We offer half-day and full-day preschool programs and a small OSC program for kindergarten-Grade 1 students attending Frank Hobbs School. Children’s curiousity, sense of wonder and innate desire to learn is nurtured and supported through inquiry, exploration, play and creative expression.

250-477-3731, www.arbutusgrove.ca.

ArtsCalibre Academy. There’s a reason why the first years of a child’s life are considered “formative”—they truly form the person and profoundly influence the path and quality of the rest of their life. We believe that fine arts are the perfect vehicle for this formative process. Through our structured but fun program of music, dance, theatre and visual arts, children not only absorb these and all academic subjects with enthusiasm and ease, but they also develop the creativity, confidence and social skills to successfully apply them throughout their future. It’s this philosophy and comprehensive program that sets us apart from every other preschool.

It’s the Art of Preschool. 250-382-3533, www.ArtsCalibre.ca.

Carrot Seed Preschool. We provide a wonderfully rich, inclusive environment for children to play, explore and “live in the moment,” so they can grow into independent and self-directed individuals. We have a large

and natural play space which gives them the room needed to engage both big-muscle and fine-motor skill exploration. There are lots of opportunities for imaginative play, and we love to change our materials to expand that play. We encourage curiosity in children. We help guide them as they seek out answers and encourage them to “ask why” as much as they like. Our teachers pay close attention to the interests of the children, and provide the environment and materials needed to support their curiosity.

250-658-2331.

Christ Church Cathedral Childcare. ECE and specialist teachers provide an outstanding all-day licensed program specialized for 3- and 4-year-olds in our spacious and welcoming facility, where children begin to learn for the adventure of life. 250-3835132, www.cathedralschool.ca.

Emmanuel Preschool is a welcoming and inclusive Christian preschool, where students with special needs have the support of two additional teachers. Our morning classes are offered either two or three days per week. Both programs are for 3- and 4-year-olds and include stories, games, singing, arts and crafts, science activities, free play (indoors and outdoors) and some field trips. Each class is licensed for a maximum

Our focus is on her.

We provide a personalized learning experience in an environment where girls can be daring, gain confidence and discover their passions.

Learn why girls thrive here:

OPEN HOUSE

Friday, February 15 9-11am & 1-3pm 1080 Lucas Avenue

ST. M ARGARET’S SCHOOL

Day Grades Preschool-12 | Boarding Grades 7-12 Discover why girls thrive here at stmarg.ca

18 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

of 20 children and has two licensed and experienced Early Childhood Educators.

Our staff strives to teach and model Christian attitudes and values, and to maintain a warm, caring and safe environment. For more information, call 250-598-0573, email preschool@emmanuelvictoria.ca, or visit www.emmanuelpreschool.ca.

Full o’ Beans Preschool, at Saanich Neighbourhood Place, is a licensed Early Learning and Care program for your preschoolers aged 3-4. Believing that play is an essential tool for learning, qualified Early Childhood Educators offer play-based programming designed to stimulate your child’s natural curiosity and imagination. Children enjoy many classroom activities in addition to having access to our playground, nearby parks and the amenities of the Pearkes Recreation Centre where we are located.

Field trips, community visitors and special activities round out our calendar, providing opportunities for learning through play and exploration. Call 250-360-1148 for information.

Lansdowne Preschool. Our program is defined by our image of children as being whole, capable and worthy of respect. We believe that the most meaningful learning happens when children are free to explore and discover in thier own ways and at their own pace. To inspire and support play we consult with the children, families and we observe and reflect on what we see in our classrooms. We foster an envronment that nurtures their ideas, and we define our teacher-role as one of a facilitator in their learning through play. Co-op is a time commitment but as a parent, you will not only learn about child developement and guidance practices, you may even pick up a few tricks to make your family-life a little easier. For more information visit www. lansdownepreschool.com.

Miles of Smiles Nature Junior Kindergarten.

Come see why learning in nature rocks! For ages 3-5. Reggio influenced philosophy child led learning. Register now for limited spaces.

An amazing opportunity for children to fall in love with nature in nature. “Tell me and I’ll forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I’ll understand” Chinese Proverb. www.naturejuniorkindergarten. com.

Oak and Orca Pre-primary School is a licensed facility offering bioregional programming for 3- to 5-year-olds. Founded on 12 years of experience in quality instruction for children, the pre-primary offers an early

www.IslandParent.ca

The Victoria School for Ideal Education OPEN HOUSE

Sat Feb 23, 10am–3pm • Daily meditation • Connecting children with nature • Individualized instruction • BC curriculum K – Gr. 7

2820 Belmont ave

vsie@shaw.ca

250-383-6654 vsie.ca OUR BUILDInG HaS GROWn – neW SPaceS aVaILaBLe!

Accepting Enrollment for Sept. 2013 Book now for a tour!

5575 West Saanich Rd (across from Red Barn Market) 250 592 4411 imhs@telus.net www.islandmontessori.com

•

preschool to grade 2

•

before and after school care

•

small class sizes

•

supportive and caring staff

•

excellent academic foundation

•

Kodaly music program

•

lovely rural location connecting children to nature

A

responsive and engaging school experience that fosters a love of learning in a vibrant community. Our creative, collaborative environment enables students to embrace their passions and develop the building blocks needed for

To learn more, contact us at: (250) 598-5012 1625 Bank Street www.sd61.bc.ca/school/sundance

“

”

small school, big heart.

February 2013

19

DISCOVER SMUS At SMUS, we provide a safe, nurturing environment that supports discovery and learning.

Together, we can help your child thrive and go on to achieve great things.

G R A D E S K-12 F I N A N C I A L A S S I S TA N C E AVA I L A B L E

smus.ca

SPRING BREAK PROGRAMS For all kids ages 5-15 Visit our website for information on these and other programs: >> Passion Sports Easter Classic 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament >> Kids in the Kitchen >> Broadway Bound

www.smus.ca/spring

# S120-14236 20 Island JOB Parent Magazine INSERTION: FEBRUARY ISSUE PUBLICATION: ISLAND PARENT

learning curriculum based on child-directed learning, individual awareness and choice.

Natural learning is supported through investigation, experience and play. Relationships take priority for teaching time, where a focus on needs helps create harmony and self awareness. Regular out-trips connect youngsters with the natural world, while at the school they enjoy experiences in science, math, language and more. Located in the Hillside area, the program is run by an ECE and certified teachers. 250-383-6609, oakandorca.ca.

Saanich Recreation offers reasonably priced preschools from September to June at Gordon Head, Pearkes, and Commonwealth recreation centres. Activities include arts & crafts, songs, games, circle time, stories and gym time as well as activity centres that encourage social interaction and creative development. While your child is in preschool, you can work out in the fitness centre, take a class and register other children in programs at the same time. Call the centre of your choice for more information.

Gordon Head Recreation 250-475-7100, Pearkes Recreation 250-475-5400, Commonwealth Place 250-475-7600. Registration is Saturday February 16 starting at 8am at the centre you plan to attend preschool.

Co-operative preschools are special and unique. Early Childhood Educators and parents work together on education programs that emphasize “Learning through Play.” Visit one of 15 cooperative preschools located on Vancouver Island and the surrounding Islands this month during their open house to discover how these schools strengthen families and communities.

Members of the Vancouver Island Cooperative Preschool Association (VICPA) are listed at www.vicpa.org. Cooperative preschools provide educational and creative play activities in half-day programs to children aged 3-5 plus orientation and education programs for parents/caregivers. Classes are small, warm, and nurturing, providing children with considerable individual attention and time to learn through play.

Schools

ArtsCalibre Academy. Imagine a school… where music, dance, theatre and visual arts are infused into all aspects of an outstanding curriculum. The result is a learning process in which students experience, explore, exercise, and express themselves in order to truly understand and remember. Our structured but dynamic program consistently exceeds the B.C. Ministry of Education’s Curricula

for Kindergarten to Grade 5. Dedicated, highly qualified educators, excellent facilities and central Oak Bay location, which is also home to our Junior Kindergarten. We also offer preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds in the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre’s beautiful new Fine Arts wing. 250-382-3533, www.

ArtsCalibre.ca.

Christ Church Cathedral School (CCCS) is Victoria’s Anglican preschool, elementary and middle school, welcoming students from all backgrounds. CCCS offers before and after school care, a wide range of extra-curricular programs, small class sizes, high-calibre learning in math, science and technology, a strong focus on fine arts, and progressive athletics programs. Weekly chapel service and seasonal performances are held in beautiful Christ Church Cathedral just a few steps away. Through focused encouragement of personal responsibility, self-discipline, community service, and engaging learning opportunities with dedicated teachers, the school helps children realize their true potential. 250-383-5125, www.cathedralschool.ca.

The Conseil scolair francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (CSF), also known as B.C.’s Francophone School District (SD #93) was created in 1995 to serve Francophones across the province. Since its creation in 1995, the CSF has offered educational programs and services geared towards the growth and cultural promotion of the province’s Francophone learners. An active partner in the development of B.C.’s Francophone community, the Conseil has presently in its system, and distributed across 78 communities in the province, over 4,350 students and 38 schools, which includes 21 homogeneous schools. 604-214-2600 or 1-888-715-2200, info@csf.bc.ca, www. csf.bc.ca.

Is your child struggling in school? Does your child require an individual program with adaptations/modifications, and deserve it to be presented by a trained, qualified teacher in a low student ratio classroom? Are you looking for a school with a quiet, nurturing, Christian atmosphere that encourages academic development, perseverance, responsibility, and organizational skills?

Look no further! For 36 years Discovery School has been providing these services for struggling students. The school offers Grades 1-12, follows B.C. curriculum, is Ministry inspected, and is the only school on the Island providing this special education.

250-595-7765, www.discoveryschool.ca.

Eaton Arrowsmith School is the only school www.kidsinvictoria.com

in Victoria where students with learning disabilities and attention difficulties can rewire the weaker parts of their brain that are actually causing their academic and/ or social struggles. Students spend three to four years at our school, working out in their cognitive gym, and then transition back to local public and private schools requiring little to no further accommodations or special assistance in order to learn.

Eaton Arrowsmith—strengthening learning capacities rather than accommodating for learning weaknesses. 250-370-0046, www. eatonarrowsmithschool.com.

Each child holds our attention at Glenlyon Norfolk School (GNS), an independent day school that is a humble, caring, and thriving community. As one of only eight IB World schools in Canada offering all three IB programs, GNS is proud of its unique “IB Advantage”: a 21st century education that educates the whole child and creates global thinkers. Our strength lies in meeting students where they are and in providing them with the skills and opportunities to explore who they will become. GNS is now accepting applications for September 2013.

Financial assistance is available. 250-3706801, www.mygns.ca.

Island Catholic Schools. Whether in Victoria, the Cowichan Valley or Port Alberni, you will find an Island Catholic School family ready to greet and support you and your child. Our seven schools offer dynamic, supportive and challenging learning opportunities, ranging from preschool to Grade 12. Our dedicated B.C. certified teachers and professional staff are indeed specialists.

P.E., I.T., or French language instruction?

We’ve got it. Activities for environmental stewardship or student athletics? You bet.

Opportunities for system-wide activities or fine arts? No problem. Greater involvement with the local community? Of course.

Lifelong and lasting friendships? Yes! Visit www.cisdv.bc.ca, or drop by one of our Open Houses. You’ll be glad you did.

The Institute for Global Solutions (IGS) is the first academic institute in the Saanich School District. It is an interdisciplinary, project-based approach that implements 21st century learning initiatives to the school day. It is an 8-credit course in either Grade 11 or 12 where students spend the afternoon together learning about solutions to the global challenges of our time. The program offers guest speakers, field studies, a media lab, and a project-based learning approach to students. For more information about registering for this exciting new program: www.IslandParent.ca

phone Claremont Secondary at 250-6585221; check the website at claremontigs. org; come to Claremont’s Open House on February 7.

Island Montessori House School. Montessori education understands that each child has a natural desire and ability to learn.

Island Montessori staff is committed to providing a rich, safe, developmentally appropriate, caring environment that establishes rapport with every child. Our child-centred program of individual and group activities promotes a sense of wellbeing, confidence and independence which fosters growth in all areas of development.

We have children from a variety of economic, ethnic and religious backgrounds with a whole range of abilities and special needs.

Our beautiful rural location is at 5575 West Saanich Road. 250-592-4411, www. islandmontessori.com.

Maria Montessori Academy—preschool to senior school. Maria Montessori Academy enables students to learn at their own pace through self-directed, hands-on learning while meeting the standards set by the BC Ministry of Education. Montessori education encourages students to reach their full potential, develop a solid sense of personal responsibility and it fosters a love of learning. Our Montessori middle school program (Grades 7 & 8) is specifically designed to meet the distinctive needs of the adolescent.

Maria Montessori Academy High School will now offer up to Grade 11 in September 2013 in our newly renovated Senior Wing.

1841 Fairburn Drive. Contact us at 250479-4746 for a tour or visit us online at www.montessori.bc.ca.

Oak and Orca Bioregional School is an affordable option for kindergarten to Grade 11 in the Hillside area. The B.C. curriculum is offered in an individualized format through practical, engaging, childdirected learning. The ungraded program uses independent learning logs, conferences and workshop choices to provide children with the structure they need to learn at their own pace. Regular field trips encourage connections with the natural and cultural heritage of our home place. As part of a community of learners, children are able to communicate effectively, think and act creatively, and develop into responsible ecological citizens. Join a unique learning community! Call if you are curious about child-directed learning and bioregional education. 250-383-6609 or 1-888-383-6619 outside of Victoria, oakandorca.ca.

Pacific Christian School nurtures students

If children are struggling at school, they’ve missed some basics, some foundational ideas. It’s no good to keep adding more and more complex information for them to learn on top of what they already don’t understand. It doesn’t work.

Karen helps them learn the basics they have somehow missed. She also focuses on review, review, review. Her students get a little bit of practice over a long period of time until it’s well established in the long term memory. She doesn’t drop things like they do at school. Her students achieve mastery.

Therapeutic tutoring is very much like children learning a sport. If a child is in grade 4 and he’s learning soccer, we don’t put him on a team of kids who are already good at soccer. We put him on a team of children, close to his age, who are learning how to play soccer and they start at the beginning. Once they have mastered the basics, they catch up with the other children their age very quickly.

The beauty of therapeutic tutoring is that one-on-one, Karen can create an experience for each child that works for them, just them. For many students, that means a multi-sensory learning experience. Children who struggle at school have different learning needs than the school is able to address. Karen is able to help them learn precisely the way they learn best.

If your child is struggling at school, call Karen for a complimentary assessment lesson to determine if she is the right tutor for your child.

Karen Murdoch Therapeutic Tutor Parenting Coach

Phone 778-430-3183 Email info@karenmurdoch.ca Web www.karenmurdoch.ca

February 2013 21

The Institute for Global Solutions (IGS) is the 1st academic institute in the Saanich School District.

Join us for an empowering educational experience that takes learning outside of the boundaries of the traditional classroom and into the real world. The IGS is a solutionbased program that brings awareness to the defining challenges of our time. This innovative learning model gives students an opportunity to earn 16 senior level credits (SS11, Sustainability 11 & Geography 12, Global Studies 12). The program offers guest speakers, field studies, a media lab, and focuses on project based learning.

For more information about registering for this exciting new program: 1. Check the website at claremontigs.org 2. Phone Claremont Secondary at 250-658-5221 3. Come to Claremont’s Open House on February 7 from 6:30 to 8:30pm

Eaton Arrowsmith Victoria Eaton Arrowsmith School is the only school in Victoria that focuses on the potential of children with learning disabilities to benefit from the brain’s ability to change itself in order to improve cognitive functioning for life.

Strengthening learning capacities instead of accommodating for learning weaknesses

Please join us at the school for our next information session:

Wednesday February 6, 2013 4-6 pm Eaton Arrowsmith School Victoria #200-3200 Shelbourne Street, Victoria, BC RSVP to 250-370-0046 or victoria@eatonarrowsmithschool.com

www.eatonarrowsmithschool.com

St. Josephʼs Catholic School Daycare/Preschool to Grade Seven

Please join us for our OPEN HOUSE On Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013 5:30 - 7:30 PM We are accepting applications now for the 2013/2014 School Year A Catholic, respectful learning environment where children learn to love and love to learn!

Outstanding academic preparation.

For additional information please contact: St. Josephʼs School 757 W. Burnside Road 250-479-1232 22 Island Parent Magazine

Registration forms are available at www.stjosephschool.ca

in Christ-like living, critical thinking and joyful service to become effective members of the Christian community in God’s world.

PCS is committed to a Christian program of instruction helping children gain a true Biblical perspective of who they are, and prepares them for a life of dedication and service to God. By developing a sense of goal-directedness, coupled with skills of selfdiscipline and self-evaluation, children will be equipped to develop their talents and gifts to their fullest God-given potential. Quality academics, athletics and more. Accepting registrations for preschool to Grade 12.

250-479-4532, PacificChristian.ca.

Each of us is born to learn. It is a natural process that we all love. At Pacific School of Innovation and Inquiry, your child will be engaged in learning the way people—specifically adolescents in Grades 9-12—are meant to. Learning is about more than product and pre-determined outcomes and tests.

Each day is shaped by inquiry and projects driven by natural curiosity and guided by professional teachers. Interdisciplinary learning experiences help your child understand the power of the interconnectedness of knowledge. Finally, a high school that nourishes the mind, the heart and the spirit. learningstorm.org.

Royal Oak Middle School (ROMS) is a dynamic and vibrant learning community that meets the needs of students throughout the city. Royal Oak is a 21st century school that provides students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 unique opportunities to engage in their learning and promotes the development of each student’s potential. Academics, athletics, fine arts and applied skills, French and extra-curricular activities are the foundation curriculum that builds confidence and promotes personal and global responsibility. We value all parents/guardians and the larger school community and the role they play in the lives of our students as lifelong learners. royaloak.sd63.bc.ca.

St. Joseph’s Elementary School is a Catholic school where children learn to love, and love to learn. We are building strong foundations for a bright future, with an expansion of our facilities that will double the size of the school, offering two sections for each grade, thus increasing the opportunities for children to experience full-spectrum education, including music, band, and French. Religious education is central to the school, where children learn in a Catholic, Christian atmosphere where the teachings of Christ are paramount. Come learn with us—space available in preschool, day care, www.kidsinvictoria.com

and kindergarten through Grade 7. 757 W. Burnside Road. 250-479-1232.

St. Margaret’s School. Nestled in a quiet neighbourhood minutes from downtown Victoria, SMS is an all girl, day and boarding school where learning is a highly personalized experience. Teachers draw on the strengths and interests of girls to create a learning environment where they can be themselves, take risks and explore. Our academic program is supported by a variety of experiential programs designed to engage students in learning beyond the classroom.

Students benefit from meaningful, hands-on experiences that allow for trial and error and empower them to tackle new challenges with confidence. www.stmarg.ca.

At St. Michaels University School, we are as proud of our students’ academic accomplishments as we are of their courage, compassion, honesty, and their desire to make the world a better place. From kindergarten to Grade 12, our students flourish in a welcoming, interactive and resource-rich curriculum, where they can continuously challenge themselves with the support of dedicated teachers and the encouragement of their peers. Music, physical education, art, and second language instruction are not extras—they are integral to the program. At the end of their time here, SMUS grads are exceptionally prepared to find their place as engaged citizens of the world. www. smus.bc.ca.

Sundance Elementary School offers a responsive and engaging school experience that fosters a love of learning in a vibrant community. The staff, students and parents work together to create an energetic school spirit and a rich, inclusive learning environment. This collaboration generates high academic standards, engaged learners who reflect and think critically, and students who are socially responsible. The Sundance community believes that these are lifelong skills that enable our students to embrace their passions and build a fulfilling future. Anecdotal student progress reports, self-evaluations, goal setting, student-led conferences and ongoing opportunities to demonstrate different ways of learning are all a part of life at Sundance. 250-598-5012, www.sd61.bc.ca/school/sundance.

The Victoria School for Ideal Education (VSIE). Open house, Saturday, February 23, 10am-3pm. Come and see us in our beautiful new building. At this affordable little school, individual personalities blossom in a peaceful, nurturing environment.

With a maximum class size of 12, VSIE www.IslandParent.ca

provides quality individual attention to each child from kindergarten to Grade 7. Daily meditation develops clearer thinking, creativity, happier relationships and improved self-esteem. Our enriched B.C. curriculum includes French as a second language, outdoor education, culinary skills and an emphasis on fine arts. In this school, “there is an atmosphere of calm respectfulness underlying a richly child-centered approach to learning.” (B.C. Ministry of Education Inspection Report). vsie.ca, 250-383-6654, email vsie@shaw.ca.

Distributed Learning

Hands-On Home-Learning For a Sustainable World is a K-9 distributed learning opportunity offered by Oak and Orca School. This certified program weaves local and global perspectives into a supportive foundation to help your child discover her/his own learning path while satisfying the B.C. curriculum.

Through regular communication, certified teachers are accessible to support families in creating their own educational programming. Hands-on, child-centered activities are available to supplement and enrich what you naturally offer and to cover the basics.

Parents are provided with the guidance they need, without pressure. The program is free and includes an expense budget to help meet educational needs. 250-383-6619 or 1-888-383-6619, oakandorca.ca.

SelfDesign Learning Community is a K-12 Ministry certified distributed learning program for learners ages 5-19. In the K-9 program, parents and learners design a learning plan together with a learning consultant (B.C. certified teacher), then interact on-line weekly with the LC about the learning. SelfDesign High’s online program takes a similar learner-centered, inquiry-based approach, encompassing the Grade 10-12 graduation program, including independent studies and community initiatives. Our Homelearner’s Network registers learners under Section 13 of the School Act. The parent provides the educational program; there is no LC or reporting. All of our programs offer various services. www.selfdesign.org.

Mid-Island Schools/ Education Services

Dwight School Canada (DSC) is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for students in Grades 6-12. DSC is one of four Dwight schools with additional campuses in New York, London, and Seoul. Each school is committed to developing students’ potential by igniting their “spark of genius.”

Vancouver Island Cooperative Preschool Association

Open House Dates Cordova Bay

Feb 9, 10am–1pm

Countryside Every Wed 9–11am Errington

please call

Gabriola Island Goldstream

please call

Feb 16, 10am–12:30pm

Gonzales Lakehill

Feb 2, 10am–12noon Feb 23, 10am–12:30pm

Lambrick Park

Feb 2, 10am–12noon

Lansdowne

Feb 2, 12noon–3pm

Nanaimo

please call

Oak Bay

Feb 2, 9am–12noon

Saltspring Island

please call

Sidney

Feb 16, 10am–12noon

Sooke

Feb 8, 9am–12noon

Strawberry Vale

Feb 23, 10am–2pm

Come discover our parent-operated cooperative preschools where children (and parents) learn through play.

Further information and links to each preschool are available at

www.vicpa.org vicpa@shaw.ca

February 2013 23

DSC accomplishes this through a strategic approach, which draws from our three pillars: personalized learning, community, and global vision. Dedicated teachers, who know each student personally, challenge and support students to reach their potential and rediscover a love for learning. DSC also hosts a prestigious summer leadership academy that teaches students social entrepreneurship. www.dwightcanada.org.

Evergreen offers small class sizes (15 max) and is committed to a philosophy that endeavours to develop the full potential of each child. We believe that children develop in unique ways, at different rates, and in different directions, and that development is best accomplished in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. We strive to instruct children in ways that best fit their individual learning styles. Our goals are to develop a love of learning and self-confidence and respect, to create skillful problem solvers, to foster creativity, encourage community involvement and seek academic excellence. www.evergreenbc.net.

Island Oak Waldorf High School, Duncan B.C. Think for yourself. We encourage clarity, conviction, and freedom of thought.

At IOHS, you’ll develop strength, new thinking, and responsible leadership, es-

sential qualities for all local and global change-makers. Our 10-1 student-teacher ratio means maximum agility in responding to students’ needs in the context of a quickly changing world. Waldorf education is dynamic and evolves to meet contemporary issues. It is based on Rudolf Steiner’s profound understanding of the human spirit and human development. Students at IOHS earn the Dogwood Diploma with more credits than required by the Ministry.

250-701-0400, islandoak.org.

Morning Glory School, minutes from Qualicum Beach in a beautiful natural setting, offers quality education preschool to Class 8. MGS blends Waldorf Education practices with the B.C. curriculum as an affordable, established independent school. We provide students with individualized attention and encouragement in small combined classes.

Our balanced school life prepares students to be well-rounded adults; academics integrated with art, music, and practical skills (such as knitting, woodwork and gardening) with plenty of outdoor activities. Students are given the opportunity to develop their personalities freely while being supported by a close-knit community. Special activities and events create a warm and inspiring school community for both students and

K-9 Distributed Learning

parents. 250-752-2722, www.morninggloryschool.ca.

Navigate offers a blended learning model which allows students to forge relationships with their teachers and the broader community while offering all the flexibility of traditional distributed learning, distance learning, and homeschool models. Though we are located in the Comox Valley, we serve more than 4,000 learners throughout B.C. in our K-9, high school and adult learning programs. Many parents considering homeschool for their children find we offer a rich educational approach that provides the flexibility of traditional homeschooling.

A navigate education meets all provincially mandated learning outcomes and is instructed by a B.C. certified teacher. 250-337-5300, www.navigatenides.com.

At Queen Margaret’s School, we offer a university-preparatory education to 315 students in our co-ed Early Childhood Education Program, co-ed Junior School (kindergarten-Grade 6, Grade 7 & 8 single gender) and all girls Senior School (8-12, boarding and day). Our picturesque 27acre campus in the Cowichan Valley is also home to Canada’s only fully integrated school equestrian program. The school’s comprehensive scholastic and extra-cur-

Hands-On Home-Learning for a Sustainable World - expense budget provided - unique hands-on learning activities

The joy of learning - naturally.

- support from a certified teacher

http://oakandorca.ca http://oakandorca.ca 250 383 6619 888 383 6619) 250 383(1 6609

250-480-4887 24 Island Parent Magazine

- constructive feedback without grading - children can learn at their natural pace

•

imaxvictoria.com www.kidsinvictoria.com

ricular programs provide opportunities for achievement and personal growth through academics, sports, visual and performing arts, riding and community service. Discover at QMS. 250-746-4185, www.qms.bc.ca.

At Sunrise Waldorf School we develop analytical, imaginative minds capable of prolific, life-changing ideas. Our students will shape the future, by redefining society’s concepts of intelligence, acumen and originality. For 90+ years Waldorf schools have created an educational experience that inspires students to evolve into confident, creative thinkers who are socially responsible and environmentally conscious. SWS is nestled on 7 idyllic acres in the Cowichan Valley. A beautiful setting where your children will be allowed to develop naturally, supported by the wisdom of experienced teachers who are truly interested. Visit us to learn why 94 per cent of North American Waldorf graduates attend university and 50 per cent attain a master’s or PhD. Parents from over 2500 schools and kindergartens in 70 countries have made Waldorf the world’s fastest growing educational movement. Parent & child programs, Pre-K to Grade 8. 250-743-7253, www.sunrisewaldorfschool.org.

Le français au CSF, c’est bien plus qu’une langue !

PARENT EDUCATION Courses covering a range of personal and parenting topics begin again this year at 1Up, Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre.

Courses include The Lighthouse Parent; The New Nutrition: Take Charge of Your Health; Anatomy of Anger; The Rainbow Bridge: Unlock Your Past and Cross Over To a Better Future; and the fathers’ support group Dads With Dads. Courses are open to all in the community. 250-385-1114, www.1-up.ca.

Karen Swift Murdoch, Life Coach for Parents. Are you perfectly satisfied and content with your family? Are you happy with yourself as a parent? If the answer is no, perhaps Karen can help. She is a therapeutic tutor and Certified Erickson Coach with more than 25 years experience working with children and parents. Unlike counseling, where the answers are given to you, Karen’s sessions are designed to help you find your own solutions. Coaching is about helping you be the parent you want to be. To find out if Karen can help you achieve your goals, call 778-430-3183 for a complimentary coaching session. www. karenmurdoch.ca.

www.IslandParent.ca

Depuis sa création en 1995, le Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique offre des programmes et des services éducatifs valorisant le plein épanouissement et l’identité culturelle des apprenantes et apprenants francophones de la province.

Le conseil compte aujourd’hui plus de 4 600 élèves, 36 écoles publiques et dessert plus d’une centaine de communautés réparties dans l’ensemble de la province.

Inscrivez votre enfant dans une école du CSF !

Nos écoles publiques daNs l’île de VaNcouVer Campbell River École Mer-et-montagne École secondaire Phoenix École secondaire Carihi

250-923-3359 1102 South Alder 250-923-3359 400, 7th Ave. 250-923-3359 350 Dogwood St.

M-6 7-9 10 - 12

Comox Valley

École au Cœur-de-l'île

250-339-1848 566 Linshart Rd.

M - 12

Nanaimo

École Océane 250-714-0761 1951 Estevan Rd. M - 7 École secondaire de Nanaimo 250-714-0761 355 Wakesiah Ave. 8 - 12

Port Alberni

École des Grands-cèdres

250-723-5614 4645 Helen St.

M-6

Victoria

École Victor-Brodeur

250-220-6010 637 Head St.

M - 12

csf.bc.ca

February 2013

25

Emmanuel Preschool over 35 years of nurturing children in our community

Open House!

Saturday, Feb. 23, 9:30-11:00am

 Two licensed, experienced Early Childhood Educators

 Learning through creative play  Warm, fun, non-denominational Christian learning environment 2121 Cedar Hill Cross Road 250.598.0573

www.emmanuelpreschool.ca preschool@emmanuelvictoria.ca

26 Island Parent Magazine

Educational Services & Programs Diverse are the programs offered at Capernwray Harbour Bible Centre on Thetis Island. We offer a one-year Bible School course for anyone post high school, outdoor education packages for school groups as well as summer retreats and conferences for special interest groups and individuals.

Each guest or student receives attentive and friendly service to make their time away a memorable event. The Holiday Bible Weeks during July and August provide families with solid practical Bible teaching amidst a holiday setting. Call 1-888-224-5681 for more information or see www.capernwray. ca for all the details.

Karen Swift Murdoch, Therapeutic Tutor. Is your child struggling at school? Is it affecting their self-esteem? The problem may be that the school system is just not accommodating their learning style effectively. Since we all learn in different ways, your child needs to be taught in a way that works best for them. Karen’s focus is to use their strengths to help them learn what they’re struggling with. Don’t let your child fall through the cracks. Call Karen for a complimentary assessment lesson and discover whether therapeutic tutoring is what your child needs. Call 778-430-3183 or check out her website at www.karenmurdoch.ca.

Mad Science® Vancouver Island brings to you an exciting time filled with hands-on science in a variety of after-school programs, Spring Break and summer camps, parties and shows. Mad Science offers a chance to see how cool science is. Mixing outdoor activities with scientific exploration, children can experiment, observe, question, and have fun. They build take-home toys to share what they’ve learned with their parents and friends. 250-391-1814 or 1-888-954-6237, or check our website, vancouverisland. madscience.org, for more information.

Book on-line any time.

Monarch House—always here and making it easier. Monarch House offers an interdisciplinary approach to treating individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, from infancy to adulthood. Providing individual and group treatment, transition planning for the different life phases, and recreational drop-in programs, our coordinated care and streamlined services ensure individuals reach their full potential. All our clinicians are under one roof which means no wait lists and faster access to services and available funding. No waiting for diagnostic assess-

ments—Monarch House provides timely access to professionals who are qualified to diagnose ASD and other developmental disabilities. For more information, please contact 250-220-8999 or visit monarchhousevictoria@cbi.ca.

For nearly 30 years, Oxford Learning Centre has been helping hundreds of thousands of students to reach their learning potential—not for one grade or one year, but for a lifetime. Ours is a proven approach that generates results by breaking bad habits and getting kids excited about learning.

We work with students aged 3-18 to build strong academic skills in all subject areas, including: reading, writing, spelling, math, French Immersion, ESL, and study skills. We also offer curriculum support and remedial programming specific to individual students.

Furthermore, our Little Readers program prepares children aged 3-5 for kindergarten, teaching them how to read, write, and work with numbers. Call 250-477-5550 or visit oxfordlearning.com.

The READ Society provides extra help in reading, writing, mathematics and study skills for children and youth. Professional teachers conduct recognized assessments and develop individual plans to address specific skills gaps. We use diverse teaching approaches to capture student interest, increase confidence, and build skills. When you choose READ, you are supporting your child and you are contributing to literacy initiatives across our community. As a local non-profit, we offer tuition support for low-income households. We have classes Monday-Thursday afternoons in three locations: Victoria, Colwood and Sidney, and on Tuesday and Thursday in Sooke. Call us to book assessments and classes: 250-3887225. Learn more at www.readsociety.bc.ca.

Sylvan. Learning should be personal. As the leading provider of supplemental education services in North America, we have been serving the Island for 27 years. Our exciting new system Sylvan Sync combines 21st century technology with our established individualized learning programs and the expertise and professionalism of our certified staff to provide each student with a unique personalized learning program to meet his or her specific needs. When your child just isn’t getting enough out of the classroom, you need someone knowledgeable whom you can trust to help guide and engage your child—someone with insight and experience. You can count on Sylvan. www.sylvanlearning.com.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Other

The Education Extension Department at St. Michaels University School offers a wide variety of programs that are open to all children in Victoria ages 5 to 15. During Spring Break and Winter Holiday periods, choose between full-day and half-day programs that offer a range of activities such as cooking, sports, photography, and much more. The Summer Music Academies offer youth the chance to spend a week of intensive, hands-on learning with expert instructors exploring and enhancing their skills in a specific area of the performing arts. Program areas include: voice (youth opera and vocal variety), jazz band, switch band, and musical theatre. For information on any of these exciting programs, visit our website at www.smus.ca/spring or call (250) 370-6120.

StageCoach Theatre Arts nurtures and embraces the unique creativity within each child, providing a safe setting and supportive programming. Structured within a performing arts framework, students gain confidence in themselves and trust amongst peers while exploring singing, dancing and acting exercises and performance opportunities. Our teachers and principals are trained professionals in their fields and share a kindred enthusiasm for facilitating their crafts with young people.

A popular Saturday morning program for homeschooled children providing arts credits and social bonding, we confidently provide an exciting, nurturing, creative program for young people of all abilities. www.stagecoachschools.ca/langford. email: langford@stagecoachschools.ca.

The Victoria Francophone Society is proud to present two special workshops for its 16th annual Victoria French Fest from March 7-10, 2013. First, Traditional FrenchCanadian music workshops with le Bal à l’huile (www.balalhuile.com) will be held from March 5-8 in schools from districts #61, #62 and #63. Please contact your teacher, school or us (Marylene Demers, 250-388-7350, marylenesd@francocentre. com) to learn more about it. Second, free Drum Session workshops with Jordan Hanson will be offered on Sunday, March 10 at Centennial Square. The entire family is welcome to join us! For more details visit www.francocentre.wordpress.com.•

Training kids to be the best that they can be Bring in this ad for a Free Introductory Week of Class!

We are a school that teaches Bruce Lee’s JKD, Kali, Silat, Kickboxing, Grappling & MMA

Contact us at info@ekeacademy.com 250-216-2801 www.EkeAcademy.com www.IslandParent.ca

February 2013 27

Party Directory

musical

birthday parties Book a 45 minute interactive party in your own home for up to ten young guests from ages 3-8. Choose from three different fun themes! Visit vcm.bc.ca/departments/childrens-music/ for more information, or call 250-386-5311.

Hassle Free Parties for kids & families You provide the space and food…

We’ll provide an hour of fun with puppet shows and play

250 472 3546 www.puppetbooth.homestead.com

Birthday Parties!

You’ll Flip Over Our Birthday Parties * Greater Victoria’s newest, largest and cleanest facility with hassle free parking for you and your guests * * Large private party rooms * * Experienced Qualified Fun Coaches * * 3 Trampolines & 40ft Tumble Trac * * Awesome Foam Pit *

250-383-FLIP

www.lionspridegymnastics.com Located in Langford

TM

Faoriry

Organise wonderful parties conveniently delivered to your door!

Party Supplies for all occasions, themes and ages

1·866·503·4397

ip@greatlittlecelebration.com www.greatlittlecelebration.com

Gym & Bouncy Castle, themed parties: creative kids, girl power and preschool parties from Princesses to Pirates!

pirate

KNIGHT

::

or

party

Monetty Georgia par

Party

party

at Henderson Recreation Centre!

adult corporate party

Call 250-370-7200

Pool, Skate, or Soccer parties at Oak Bay Recreation Centre!

Call 250-595-SWIM (7946)

www.recreation.oakbay.ca

4Cats Duncan 4cats.com/duncan•250-709-2286 4Cats Langford 4cats.com/langford•778-430-5422 4Cats Oak Bay 4cats.com/oakbay•250-598-0300 4Cats Royal Oak 4cats.com/royaloak •250-590-7233

Enter Our Online Contests Every month at Island Parent and Kids In Victoria you can enter to win some great prizes!

February Contest: 1st Prize is one of two Family Vouchers to Phoenix Theatre’s You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, March 14 to 23 (value $96 each). 2nd Prize is 6 passes for National Geographic/IMAX Theatre. An additional three winners will receive their choice of of an item from our prize table or 2 Cinecenta Tickets. Deadline is February 28th at noon.

Check out the prizes and enter the contests by visiting

www.IslandParent.ca or www.kidsinvictoria.com 28 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Party Directory Funtime Inflatables #1 choice for party inflatables

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ctoria Gymnastics Birthday Parties

Your child and 9 of his or her friends will have an absolute blast at one of our action packed gymnastics parties.

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We will match any competitor’s price; we will beat any competitors service!

Trust your next party or special event to the experts, Funtime Inflatables—the original bouncy castle company.

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Book one of these parties in February and receive 10% discount in celebration of our 10th Anniversary!

Crafts Offered: 1. Tote Bag 2. Sock Pets 3. Tee-Shirt Dolls & Monsters 4. Sock Puppets 5. Fashion Accessories 6. Needle Felt Creatures 7. Art (various options)

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It’s about skills, not scores.

Go to www.sportball.ca for schedules & information Call us: 250 590 4625 Email: van.island@sportball.ca

February 2013 29

Keith Guinchard

Funding PostSecondary Education F

$

or parents, one important challenge is trying to visualize the future and plan for their children’s possible post-secondary education costs. This is normally hard to determine until your children are in high school and close to making their career decision. To wait until they are older, however, might mean foregoing several years of savings potential in preparing for the education costs. Those costs, although they may be years down the road, can be daunting. What options are available to parents and students in planning for education costs?

The easiest situation is if your child opts to attend a local educational institution. Expenses, in this case, will be mostly tuition fees, books and student fees. If they decide to seek educational opportunities away from home, then the cost of living will add substantially to the expenditure. Statistics Canada has calculated that the average 2012-2013 tuition cost for an undergraduate degree is approximately $5,300. Books and student fees are extra. The cost of living away from home can add an additional $8,000 plus per year. Costs will vary by region of the province and country. The normal undergraduate degree requires four years of study. If your children are young, then the quoted numbers, due to inflation and steadily increasing education costs, will be much higher in the future. It is easy to see that post-secondary education will cost many thousands of dollars. How does one prepare for these costs? This is especially important when a new family never seems to have enough money to go around.

The first step is to start early. The sooner you start saving, the more you will have down the road. Start small if you have to and increase the savings over time. An excellent way to save is through a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). An RESP is a federal government savings plan that

30 Island Parent Magazine

allows education savings to grow tax-free.

This is also a great way for the grandparents to help because they can open an RESP in their grandchild’s name. With the RESP, you can take advantage of the Canadian Education Savings Grant (CESG). The federal government will annually add 20 per cent of your contribution up to pre-defined limits into the RESP. There are specific rules and conditions for both the RESP and the CESG. To learn more visit www.canlearn.ca.

Other avenues of covering educational costs are scholarships, bursaries and grants. The best part of these options is that they are money that does not have to be repaid. Both the federal and provincial governments offer grants and bursaries. Scholarships, available from many sources, are awarded based on various criteria. Some examples are sports and academic achievement. A number of employers, unions and other private agencies also offer scholarships. There are thousands of scholarships and cash grants available. Often overlooked, they can offer important cash contributions when the time comes to pay for education. To learn more, visit your child’s school counselling team or www. studentawards.com.

If the previous options do not generate enough funding, then the Canada Student Loan program might be a possibility. In September 2012, British Columbia joined other provinces in adopting the Integrated Student Loan process. This replaces the previous separate federal and provincial loan application procedure. Now there is one-stop shopping to obtain a loan, with the ability to check loan status and balances.

The first time the student applies, they will complete a Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement. If the student opts to study outside of B.C., five other provinces follow the same process: Nova Scotia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and

Labrador and Manitoba. The remaining provinces still follow the old process of separate federal and provincial loans. The canlearn.ca website has everything you need to know about the student loan process.

If funding is still a problem, several banks offer another alternative, the student line of credit. The basic mechanics of the line of credit process is similar with all participating banks. There are differences between them in some of the terms such as interest rates, repayment options and interest payment.

There are pros and cons to this funding option. One major difference between a student line of credit and a government student loan is the interest on a student line of credit is not tax-deductible while it is on a student loan. A co-signer might also be required, which might affect their credit. If there are concerns about the student’s ability to stick to a budget and use the line of credit for only educational purposes, then this option could be a problem. You need to do your homework before going this route and ensure you have a good understanding of what you are taking on.

Sometimes parents will fund the education themselves by using a home equity loan, line of credit or establishing a savings vehicle such as a mutual fund of a Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA). These options can be complex and the tax implications must be understood. Before selecting this option, talk to your financial institution or a Certified Financial Planner.

Finally, students can work and earn their own money. This could be a combination of part-time work during the school year and full-time work in the summer. It will lessen the amount to be borrowed and later paid back with interest. As an added bonus, the student gains valuable job experience that could lead to employment at graduation.

The experience will also look good on job resumes.

As you look ahead and consider your children’s education there are two main points to consider. The key: start saving early with whatever you can comfortably handle.

The more time the money has to grow, the more you will have when you need it. The other point is there are many options for funding education. Just like your child in school, you also have to do your homework.

Keith Guinchard is a former Financial Planner and Non-Profit Debt Counsellor who maintains a keen interest in financial issues and their effect on families. To contact: keith@keithguinchard.com. www.kidsinvictoria.com

You can count on Sylvan When your child just isn’t getting enough out of the classroom, you need someone knowledgeable you can trust to help guide and engage your child – someone with insight and experience.

For more than 30 years, Sylvan has understood that learning should be personal. We understand that your child is unique, that your child has the promise and potential to go places and do things, and that in today’s world education is essential to their future.

Our proven approach to learning, Sylvan Insight™, is founded on the idea that truly personal instruction must be designed to integrate with each child’s unique skills, abilities and academic needs.

And now, with Sylvan’s new instructional system, Sylvan Sync™ the power of technology – the iPad®, is coupled with

the expertise of our Sylvan certified instructors, to deliver personalized learning that allows students to engage in “hands-on” learning with a familiar and engaging technology.

Sylvan, Learning Should be Personal We like the fact that the children are given opportunities to be successful on a regular basis. Kids who have struggled with a subject never feel like they are good at it, and they put up barriers to learning that subject. When they see themselves doing well, they start to feel better about themselves. It is so wonderful when your child says, “Mom, I did a math test today, and it was easy!”

It means so much to me that my son doesn’t feel like he is stupid any more. To us, this is worth every penny!

Mona & Rob

For more information on Sylvan Sync or Sylvan Insight, call us today or to try it first hand, visit us at:

Sylvan Victoria (& Sidney) 1623 McKenzie Ave 250-477-3212

www.IslandParent.ca

Sylvan Westshore 3145 Jacklin Road 250-590-6211

Sylvan Nanaimo 3260 Norwell Ave 250-758-1526

February 2013 31

February 2013

Generously Sponsored by and

Family Calendar For calendar updates throughout the month visit www.kidsinvictoria.com FRI 1 Family Literacy Week: ABC Fun at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library. Choose your own A-B-C’s. Enjoy alphabet stories and then create your very own collage alphabet book. Supplies provided. For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. 10:30-11:30am. Register at www. gvpl.ca or call 250-727-0104 for more info.

SAT 2 Family Literacy Week: ABC Fun at Central Branch Library. See FRI 1 for details. For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult.

10:30-11:30am. Register online at www.gvpl. ca or call 250-382-7241, ext. 601 for more info.

Tree-mendous Trees at Mill Hill Regional Park.

They’re everywhere and they’re tremendous.

Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist on this informative walk to discover more about our local tree species. Meet at info kiosk in parking lot off Atkins Ave at 1pm. All ages.

BC Transit #50 or #53. 250-478-3344. www. crd.bc.ca/parks.

SUN 3 What’s That Evergreen? at Matheson Lake Regional Park. Come take a closer look at the survival strategies of our local evergreen plants. With a CRD Regional Parks naturalist, you’ll learn common species, what keeps these plants green year-round, and sip some

32 Island Parent Magazine

evergreen tea. Meet in parking lot at the end of Matheson Lake Rd at 1pm. 8+ years. 250478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

A Harmonious Celebration at Victoria Conservatory of Music. What do a snake, good food and great entertainment have in common? Come find out and celebrate Chinese New Year (and the Year of the Snake). Enjoy a traditional lion dance, exquisite Chinese costume fashion show, Chinese dancing and music. Free. 2:30pm. 900 Johnson St. 250386-5311. vcm.bc.ca.

MON 4 Baby Signs with Layla: A Sign Language Program at Nellie McClung Branch Library.

Program participants will learn the basics of using nonverbal signs with children aged 0-24 months old. Benefits of signing with your baby or toddler may include fewer tantrums, greater cognitive and language development, and improved communication with your baby.

For parents, educators and children ages 0-24 months. 10:30-11:30am. Register at www. gvpl.ca or call 250-477-7111 for more info.

TUES 5 Mandarin Preschool Storytime at Nellie McClung Branch Library. Preschoolers with Mandarin-speaking families are invited to a fun and interactive storytime in Mandarin.

We’ll share enriching stories, sing songs, learn rhymes and have fun playing with language.

For ages 3-5. Parents and caregivers are wel-

come to participate. 10:30-11am. Register at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-477-7111.

THURS 7 Open House at Pacific Christian School. KGrade 12 tours 9-11am. Preschool/K Open House from 3:30-5:30pm, including “ReadySet-Learn Literacy Initiative.” PCS looks forward to hosting you and welcoming you to the PCS community. 654 Agnes St. www. pacificchristian.ca/openhouse.

Open House Orientation at Royal Oak Middle School. Open to families with children who will be attending middle school (Grades 6-8) in the 2013/14 school year. Everyone welcome to meet the administration, join a guided tour of classrooms, fine arts and applied skills rooms, plus learn about the unique programs and services of Royal Oak Middle School. 7-8:15pm.

Info, visit royaloak.sd63.bc.ca.

SAT 9 Black History Month: Short Film Showcase at Central Branch Library. Enjoy two acclaimed short films “Obara and the Merchants” and “Wormhead.” “Obara and the Merchants” is an African folktale, and “Wormhead” is the tale of a young school child who stands up for a new classmate with dreadlocks. For ages 6 and up. No registration required. 10:30-11am.

250-382-7241, ext. 601.

For the Birds at Emily Carr Branch Library.

Flock to the library for a “tweet” storytime filled with stories, songs and rhymes about

www.kidsinvictoria.com

birds. Make your own birdfeeder and learn some bird-feeding tips too. For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. 10:30-11:30am.

Register at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-652-2013.

Chinese New Year Lantern Making at Central Branch Library. In celebration of Chinese New Year, you’re invited to drop by the rotunda at the library and try your hand at making a simple paper lantern. Everyone welcome. No registration required. 11am-1pm. 250-382-7241.

Knit Wits for Kids and Parents at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library. Learn how to knit a simple neckwarmer and help others by donating your finished project to a local shelter. Join local teen and knitter extraordinaire Nicole Bottles for coaching and inspiration. We will supply the instructions and yarn. Bring your own 8mm knitting needles or borrow them from the library. A great project for beginner knitters! For ages 10-12 and their parents or grandparents, etc. 1:30-3pm. Register at www. gvpl.ca or call 250-727-0104 for more info.

Celebrate Chinese New Year: Puppet Plays for the Year of the Snake at Tillicum Mall (in front of The Source). Join library puppeteers for stories and laughter to celebrate the Year of the Snake. For families with young children. 1-1:45pm. No registration required.

250-477-9030.

Giant Paper Flowers at Oak Bay Branch Library. Learn how to make gigantic paper flowers to keep your room in bloom all year. For ages 12-15. 2:30-4pm. Register online at www. gvpl.ca or call 250-592-2489 for more info.

Owl Prowl at Mill Hill Regional Park. Owls are amazing birds! Join CRD Regional Parks guest naturalist David Allinson for this exciting adventure into the dark woods to look for and call owls. 7-9pm. $7/person + HST. Pre-registration required before Feb 8. Space is limited. 8+ years. BC Transit #50 or #53.

250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

SUN 10 By the Bird Tree at Francis/King Regional Park.

Birds are fun for little ones, especially when

they are by the winter feeder! With a CRD Regional Parks naturalist, watch the feeders with bird identification cards, explore the nature centre, make binoculars and a birdseed craft, and enjoy a short exploration in the woods.

Meet at Francis/King Nature Centre off Munn Rd at 1pm. 7 years and under. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

MON 11 B.C.’s First Family Day at Cedar Hill Rec Centre. Come celebrate B.C.’s first Family Day with Par-T-Perfect. 3 inflatables, face painting, balloon animals, glitter tattoos and crafts.

Door prizes including the grand prize for a deluxe birthday party package. 1-3pm. For more info, email service@par-t-perfect.com.

Sidney Family Day in Sidney. Includes a live LEGO build at the Sidney Pier Hotel from 10am-4pm. Free. You can also visit “Sidneyland” at the Mary Winspear Centre from 11am-2pm. Enjoy the bouncy castle, lots of fun activities and a visit with all your favourite characters. By donation. 2243 Beacon Ave. www.marywinspear.ca.

TUES 12 Winter Mittens at Nellie McClung Branch Library. Warm up with some fun stories, songs and rhymes about animals in winter. Create your very own mitten story craft. For ages 3-5.

10:30-11:30am. Register at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-477-7111 for more info.

WED 13 Be My Valentine at Juan de Fuca Branch Library. This program will make your Valentine’s Day fantastic. Wear Valentine’s Day colours and join us to enjoy stories, rhymes, songs and a fancy Valentine craft. For ages 3-5.

10:30-11:30am. Register at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-391-0653 for more info.

TM

introduction to colour, shape and form with paint and paper. Be sure to wear your painting clothes! For ages 3-5 years. 10:30-11:30am.

Supplies generously provided by the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. Register at www. gvpl.ca or call 250-727-0104 for more info.

Which Zodiac Animal Are You? at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. Celebrate Chinese New Year with stories about the animals of the Chinese zodiac. Wear red clothing and be sure to bring your date of birth so you can make a craft based on your Chinese Zodiac animal. For ages 5-12. 10:30-11:30am. Register at www. gvpl.ca or call 250-477-9030 for more info.

Puppets with Tim: I Wish I Could Fly at Nellie McClung Branch Library. Be spellbound by a tale told with many of legendary puppeteer Tim Gosley’s own puppets. You’ll also decorate a butterfly puppet to take home. Tim Gosley is a Gemini Award winner who worked on The Muppet’s Fraggle Rock and played Basil the Bear on Canadian Sesame Street for nine years.

For ages 6-9. 10:30-11:30am. Register at www. gvpl.ca or call 250-477-7111 for more info.

FRI 15

Wild Arc Pro-D Day Fun at Sidney/North Saanich Branch Library. Wild Arc is the only Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre on Southern Vancouver Island. Bring your kids to learn about the work they do. All ages welcome.

1-2pm. To register, call 250-656-0944.

Art Explorers with Andrea Soos at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library. Art Gallery of Greater Victoria art instructor Andrea Soos will delight young children with a hands-on

Lego at the Library at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library. Like stories and Lego? Then this is the program for you. We’ll supply the Lego and you will use your imagination to construct your

Delicious & Juicy...

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Ask for an on – the spot sample, and enjoy a delicious Buck Brand Certified Organic Orange today!

thriftyfoods.com Customer Service 1.800.667.8280 • www.thriftyfoods.com www.IslandParent.ca

February 2013 33

own crazy creation to display at the library. For a project to take home, bring your own Lego.

For ages 6-10. 2:30-3:30pm. Register at www. gvpl.ca or call 250-727-0104 for more info.

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Year of the Snake at Central, Emily Carr and Esquimalt Branch Libraries. Gung Hay Fat Choy! Wear red and welcome Chinese New Year at the library with the story of the Chinese Zodiac and stories and crafts about snakes. For ages 5-12. Register online or call the hosting branch for more info. 2:30-3:30pm. Central, 250-382-7241, ext. 601; Emily Carr, 250-4756100; Esquimalt, 250-414-7198.

SAT 16 Kids Mega Sale at Pearkes Arena. Gently used baby and children’s clothing, toys, equipment and maternity. 9:30am-12:30pm. 3100 Tillicum Rd. kidsmegasale@gmail.com.

Seedy Saturday at the Victoria Conference Centre. For gardeners of any ability. NonGMO vegetable and flower seeds, plants, fruit  trees, bee boxes, potatoes and more. Children’s  educational and play activities presented by  Lifecycles. Lots of sharing, networking and a variety of speaker topics to learn how to grow  your own food and garden more productively.

Hosted by James Bay Market Society. 10am 4pm. $7, children under 12 free. 720 Douglas  St. 250-381-5323, www.jamesbaymarket. com/seedysaturday.

Who’s Hooting? at Mill Hill Regional Park.

The owls are hooting. Join a CRD Regional Parks naturalist to learn some owl calls, find out about these excellent night hunters, and get to know our BC owls. Meet at info kiosk in parking lot off Atkins Ave at 10:30am. All ages. BC Transit #50 or #53. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Knit Wits for Kids and Parents at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library. See SAT 9 for details For ages 10-12 and their parents or grandparents, etc. 1:30-3pm. Register at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-727-0104 for more info.

SUN 17 Bear Hill Ramble at Bear Hill Regional Park.

It’s time to head for the hills. Follow a CRD Regional Parks naturalist up Bear Hill looking for birds and flowers and other early signs of spring. Meet at the boat launch parking lot off Brookleigh Rd at 1pm. 8+ years. BC Transit #70 or #72. 250-478-3344. www.crd. bc.ca/parks.

MON 18 For the Birds at Oak Bay Branch Library. See SAT 9 for details. For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. 10:30-11:30am. Register at www. gvpl.ca or call 250-592-2489 for more info.

34 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

THURS 21 Parenting: Baby and Toddler Basics at Bruce Hutchison Branch Library. Parents and babies are invited to a visit from a Peninsula Health Unit nurse. The nurse will answer all your questions, measure and weigh your baby and discuss topics such as immunization, growth and development and successful nursing. Join us half an hour before Baby and Toddler Basics for songs and rhymes at Drop-in Baby Time.

No registration required. 11:30am-12:30pm.

250-727-0104.

FRI 22 Story Club at Central and Bruce Hutchison Branch Libraries. Listen to stories, talk about your favourite books and enjoy fun activities.

Snacks included. This club is for kids who love stories regardless of reading ability.

For ages 5-8. 3:30-4:30pm. Register online or call the hosting branch for info. Central, 250-382-7241, ext. 601; Bruce Hutchison, 250-727-0104.

SAT 23 Open House at Lakehill Preschool. Come by for some fun and check out what Lakehill Preschool has to offer. 10am-12:30pm. 3821 Cedar Hill Cross Rd. 250-477-4141. www. lakehillpreschool.org.

A Great Place to Learn and Be...

Open House Thursday, February 7th, 2013

Our Open House is your opportunity to learn about our school. Administrators, teachers, staff and student guides will be on hand to answer your questions, give you a tour and share their perspectives on the school.

Can’t Attend Open House?

If you are unable to attend, email: royaloak_mid@sd63.bc.ca or call us at 250-479-7128 local 459 to arrange a tour.

Please Note: Feeder School Visits (Prospect Lake, Lochside and Cordova Bay) will visit Royal Oak in early May and tour the campus when it’s full of students and classes are in session. Students from other schools are welcome to join these visits.

SUN 24 Family Orienteering at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park. Orienteering is a great way to be active with the whole family. CRD Regional Parks naturalists will have maps and compasses on hand, and a beginner level orienteering course set up at Beaver Lake. Get active today!

Meet at information kiosk in Beaver Lake parking lot at 11am. All ages. BC Transit #70 or #72. 250-478-3344. www.crd.bc.ca/parks.

Who Gives a Hoot? at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary. Who glides silently, can turn their head almost completely around and can cough up a wicked hairball—who-whowho? Drop in any time as we explore the wonderful world of owls through games, stories, crafts and hands-on exploration. Noon-3pm.

Admission by donation. Owl pellet dissection activity $5. For more info, 250-479-0211 or visit www.swanlake.bc.ca.

ROYAL OAK MIDDLE SCHOOL

4564 West Saanich Rd, Victoria BC. V8Z 3G4 http://royaloak.sd63.bc.ca

MON 25 Victoria Children’s Literature Roundtable at Nellie McClung Branch Library. Debut author Caitlyn Vernon, winner of the 2012 Bolen Book Prize, will tell us about her uplifting ecology book Nowhere Else on Earth: Standing Tall for the Great Bear Rainforest and how she got started as a writer. Doors open at 7pm.

Browse the Cadboro Bay Books table before the meeting at 7:30pm. Open to the public. New members and drop-ins welcome. Members free; $5/drop-in; $4/student. 250-598-3694.

www.IslandParent.ca

February 2013

35

TUES 26 Story Club at Nellie McClung Branch Library.

See FRI 22 for details. For ages 5-8. 3:304:30pm. Register online or call 250-477-7111 for more info.

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MORE INFO • POUR INFORMATIONS: www.francocentre.com www.wordpress.francocentre.com

Anti-Bullying Cut-a-thon at Lizzy Lee & Me. We will be sporting pink and doing haircuts by donation (minimum suggested donations are $5 for a bang trim and $10 per haircut). All contributions will go toward Pink Shirt Day 2013, whose proceeds benefit the CKNW Orphan’s Fund and Boys and Girls Clubs. Come on in and help us support this great cause that is close to our hearts! 10am-8pm. More info, 250-590-5568 or www.lizzyleeandme.com Guys’ Night Out: A Bedtime Storytime at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. Calling dads, stepdads, granddads, uncles… bring the kids you love to a special storytime before they go to bed. Join us for stories, puppets, fingerplays and songs. Pajamas and a favourite stuffy or blanket are welcome, but optional. For children newborn to 5 years. 6:30-7pm. Register online at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-477-9030.

THURS 28 Grumpy Bird and Friends at Central Branch Library. Do you sometimes feel grumpy, like Grumpy Bird? Cheer up at the library while

Lemony Snicket’s The Composer is Dead

you listen to fun stories about feelings. Make your own “feelings” stick puppets, too. For young children and their families; children under 3 must be accompanied by an adult.

10:30-11:30am. Register at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-382-7241, ext. 601 for more info.

ONGOING BABIES, TODDLERS & PRESCHOOL Drop-in Storytimes for Babies, Toddlers and Families at Greater Victoria Public Library.

Caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate. Storytimes are free and drop-in.

Please come early to find a space. For a complete schedule of our drop-in programs, visit www. gvpl.ca or call your local branch.

Greater Victoria Public Books for Babies Survey at the Greater Victoria Public Library.

Since January 2010, the GVPL has distributed Books for Babies kits to new parents in the Greater Victoria area. The kits are distributed by public health nurses at local health units, and by staff at the Greater Victoria Public Library. The kit is in a reusable cloth bag and contains a board book, a music CD, library info, and info for parents about the importance of reading to their infants. Did you receive a GVPL Books for Babies kit? We’d like to hear from you! Your feedback will help us measure the impact of the program on parents and their

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24 2:30 PM, ROYAL THEATRE Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart are dead.

Were they drowned out by the drums?

Did the clarinets sneak up on them?

Help solve this perplexing mystery and learn about each section of the orchestra with our intrepid detective! Featuring special guests from Kaleidoscope Theatre and a performance of Prokofiev’s beloved Peter and the Wolf, this is a musical adventure for the whole family!

Come early for the VS Instrument Petting Zoo and other activities in the lobby.

victoriasymphony.ca or 250.385.6515 36 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

babies. Please take a few minutes to fill out our survey at www.gvpl.ca/booksforbabies until March 27, 2013. Info, 250-382-7241, ext. 601.

Parent/Tot Drop-in at Gordon Head United Church. A safe place where young children can play while parents in the community connect with each other. Lots of space and toys. Tea or coffee is available for caregivers, and a healthy snack for the children. Parents are responsible for the care of their own children. Mondays 10am-noon. More info, call the church office at 250-477-4142, or Maisie at 250-477-0388.

Kindergym at Burnside Campus Gymnasium.

Ride-on toys, climbers, slides, balls, hoops and various sports equipment. The program includes free play, organized games and circle time. Best suited for ages 2-4 years, but all children under 5 years are welcome. Parent participation required. Tuesdays 9:30-10:45am.

Free. 3130 Jutland Rd. 250-388-5251. www. burnsidegorge.ca.

Preschool Storytime at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. Preschoolers are invited to fun and interactive storytimes that will help foster early literacy development. We’ll share enriching stories, sing songs, learn rhymes and have fun playing with language. Parents and caregivers are welcome to participate. For ages 3-5. Tuesdays Feb 5-26, 10:30-11am. Register at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-477-9030.

Toddler Art at Burnside Gorge Community Centre. Explore your creative side. Smocks and soap provided, but please dress children in clothing that they can get messy and be creative in. Parent participation required. $2/drop-in.

Wednesdays, 9:30am-10:30am. 471 Cecelia Rd. 250-388-5251. www.burnsidegorge.ca.

Drop-in Play at Lakehill Preschool. Come join our awesome ECE for a free drop-in play every Wednesday 3-4:30pm. All children 0-4 welcome. 3821 Cedar Hill Cross Rd. 250-4774141. www.lakehillpreschool.org.

Good Morning Rhyme Time at the Sidney/ North Saanich Branch Library. Bring your littlest ones to the library for stories, songs, rhymes and movement. Stay for a social time and refreshments. Ages 0-5. Thursdays until Feb 14, 10:15-10:45am. To register, please call 250-656-0944.

Drop-in Toddler Time at Lansdowne Preschool. A great place to play and discover.

For children ages 0-5. Fridays 9:30-11am, in the Maple Room at Carnarvon Centre, 3802 Henderson Rd. 250-370-5392. www. lansdownepreschool.com.

Mother Goose Drop-In at Burnside Gorge Community Centre. Enjoy music, stories and fun with your little one. Mother Goose encourages child development through music, stories, movement and attachment parenting.

For birth to 5 years. This program is offered in partnership with Success by 6 South Vancouver Island. Saturdays 10-11am. Free.

www.IslandParent.ca

Sooke School District

invites 3 & 4 year-olds & families to

Ready, Set, Learn!

• Play & learn with hands-on activities!

•Receive goody bag full of fun!

• Find out how to support your child’s learning & development.

Wednesday, February 6 Westshore Town Centre (12–4pm) SEAPARC, Sooke (10am–1pm)

Falcon

Swing Into Spring Gymnastics Camp

Gymnastics Centre

Mornings/Afternoons Full Days/Half Days

March 18–22

For more information call 250-479-6424

Falcon Gymnastics presents:

Swing Into Spring Gymnastics Camp 2013 Ages 51⁄2–14 years ~ 9am–4pm, 9am–12pm or 1–4pm We also have: Best Birthday Parties in town!

Best gymnastics and most affordable classes!

208 – 721 Vanalman Ave, Victoria, BC V8Z 3B6 250-479-6424 www.falcongymnastics.com info@falcongymnastics.com February 2013 37

Children

YOUTH

Reading Buddies: Little Buddies at the Greater Victoria Public Library. Does your child need a little help with reading? Reading Buddies provides reading practice, literacy-based activities and fun with volunteer teen Big Buddies. For children in Grades 1-4. Please notify us in advance if your child is unable to attend a session. Register online at www.gvpl. ca or call the hosting branch for more info.

Program runs Saturdays March 2 to April 20, 2-3pm or 3:30-4:30pm at the following branches: Emily Carr Branch, 250-475-6100; Juan de Fuca Branch, 250-391-0653; Central Branch, 250-382-7241, ext. 601 (the 3:30-4:30 program is French Reading Buddies).

Tech Buddies: Teen Volunteers at Saanich Centennial Branch Library. Volunteer with adults, use your skills with computers and other new technologies, and connect with someone in your community. Teens earn volunteer hours and help adults with their questions about computers and gadgets. If you are new to Tech Buddies, please also register online for the Teen Tech Buddy Training Session and bring your completed Teen Volunteer Referral Form, available online. For ages 13-18.

Register at www.gvpl.ca or email teens@gvpl. ca. Fridays Feb 15 to March 8, 3:15-4:45pm.

250-477-9030.

The Lego Exhibit at the Sidney Museum.

Featuring over 250 Lego sets which range from everything from castles to cars, technic to towers and from planes to pirates. The Lego exhibit fills the museum to the brim until March 31. 250-655-6355. www.sidneymuseum.ca.

Sea-Shirt Sundays at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre. On the first Sunday of each month, create your own fish fashion. Be sure to bring a pillow case, cloth bag or t-shirt (or purchase a t-shirt from the centre) and your creativity. $2 donation for fabric paint. 1-4pm.

250-665-7511.

Reading Buddies: Teen Volunteers at the Greater Victoria Public Library. If you like working with children, enjoy reading, are a fluent English speaker and want to help emerging readers, the GVPL needs you! Reading Buddies teen volunteers mentor children in Grades 1-4 with reading practice, literacy-based activities and fun. The GVPL provides training and, upon completion, a reference letter outlining your volunteer hours. First-time volunteers, please also register for a Reading Buddies Training Session and complete the Teen Volunteer Referral Form, available online.

For ages 13-18. Register online at www.gvpl. ca or call the hosting branch for more info.

Program runs Saturdays, March 2-April 20,

1:45-3pm or 3:15-4:30pm at the following branches: Emily Carr Branch, 250-475-6100; Juan de Fuca Branch, 250-391-0653; Central Branch, 250-382-7241, ext. 601 (the 3:15-4:30 program is French Reading Buddies).

French Reading Buddies: Teen Volunteers at Central Branch Library. Si vous aimez lire, travailler avec les enfants et aider, on a besoin de vous! French Reading Buddies teen volunteers mentor French Immersion students in Grades 1-4 with reading practice, literacy-based activities and fun. We provide training and, upon completion, a reference letter outlining your volunteer hours. First-time volunteers, please complete the Big Buddy Referral Form online.

For ages 13-18. Register at www.gvpl.ca or call 250-382-7241, ext. 601. Session runs on Saturdays, March 2-April 20, 3:15-4:30 pm.

FAMILIES Ready to Rent BC offers a free course to help find and keep a rental home. Six-week courses run at different times, days and locations. We help renters identify and deal with any barriers they may have to housing. Includes bus tickets, child minding and a healthy snack. To sign up, call 250-388-7171. readytorentbc.net.

Parent Sports Drop-in at James Bay Community School Centre. Parents need time to have fun and get back in touch with their inner child.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7-9pm. $3.50/person. www.jamesbaycentre.ca.

The Victoria Good News Choir, directed by Louise Rose, welcomes you and your family to sing with us for the joy of singing. We are a non-audition community choir for all ages in which friendship and support are present in abundance. For more info, 250-658-1946 or www.victoriagoodnewschoir.com.

Weekly Bird Walk at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary (meet in the parking lot). Every Wednesday and Sunday noon-3pm.

Metchosin School Museum is open Saturdays 1:30-4:30pm and Sundays 11am-4:30pm.

An original, one-room school house built in 1871, it is set up as a classroom with old wooden desks. Families can enjoy perusing the hundreds of artifacts on display. Free. 4475 Happy Valley Rd. Wonder Sunday at the Royal BC Museum.

Bring your family on the last Sunday of each month for activities and explorations inspired by different parts of the museum. Make crafts, join special tours, and let your imagination wander away with you. Suitable for children ages 3-12 years old and is included with admission or free with membership. www. royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.•

Pick up your copy of Island Parent at any of one our 25 Serious Coffee locations.

38  Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Around the Island

Visit www.IslandParent.ca for these and other events and resources for families from Cowichan Valley north to Campbell River and west to Tofino FRI 1 Pro-D Day Skate at Oceanside Place Arena, Parksville. School is out, but skating is in.

Everyone welcome. Regular admission and skate rental rates. 1:30-3pm. 250-248-3252. www.rdn.bc.ca.

Open House Re-Launch Party at South Side Teen Centre, Nanaimo. Live band, games and prizes for all ages. On-site food truck with yummy munchies, as well as a bake sale with scrumptious goodies. 5-8pm. 20 Fifth St. 250-754-3215.

Tots Movie Night Out at Bowen Complex, Nanaimo. Do you want to take your child out for a movie but worry about disrupting the audience? Bring your little one out for a movie and get them used to sitting in a theatre-like environment. Popcorn and drink included. $5/ child; parents free. 6-7:45pm. 250-756-5200.

SAT 2 Bigleaf Maple Syrup Festival at BC Forest Discovery Museum. Presentations, workshops, displays and tapping demos. This year’s event features cooking with local maple syrup, and maple foods will be available. The evaporator will run all day, so visitors can savor the warm maple aroma of sap and see how syrup is made. Train rides available every half hour from 10:30am-3:30pm. 10am-4pm. 2892 Drinkwater Rd, Duncan. 250-715-1113. www.bcforestmuseum.com.

Winter Water Safety Extravaganza at Beban Pool, Nanaimo. Come play and learn a bit about winter water safety. Enjoy icy games, crafts and goodies. 2-4pm. 250-756-5200.

Minute to Win It Skate at Oceanside Place Arena. Try out a wacky contest based on the popular TV show. In one minute, can you win it? Prizes for best times on each event.

2-3:30pm. Regular admission. 250-248-3252. www.rdn.bc.ca.

TUES 5 Dad’s and Kid’s Skate Night at The Pond, Parksville. This free skate activity for dads and kids is sponsored by Building Learning Together. 6:30-7:30pm. 250-248-3252. www. rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

WED 6 Wallpepper Sign Shops Sponsored Skate at Oceanside Place Arena. Join your friends for a free skate. Regular skate rental fees apply.

3:45-5:15pm. 250-248-3252. www.rdn.bc.ca.

www.IslandParent.ca

Glow in the Dark Skate at Frank Crane Arena.

Skate in an atmosphere of dimmed lighting and special effects. Glow necklaces $2. Regular admission. Also on WED 20. 6:30-8pm.

250-756-5200.

SAT 9 Wild West Family Fun Swim at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. 10am-2pm. 250-752-5014. www.rdn.bc.ca.

Lunar New Year at the Nanaimo Museum. Features a Lion Dance and cultural performance from China, Korea and Thailand. 1-3pm.

250-753-1821. www.nanaimomuseum.ca.

MON 11 Family Day Swim at Frank Jameson Community Centre. Celebrate Family Day with an Everyone Welcome Swim. Noon-3:30pm.

Regular admission rates. 250-245-6424.

Family Day Celebration at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. Enjoy games and activities with the aquatic leaders. Noon-5pm. 250-756-5200.

FRI 15 Pizza Movie Teen Night at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Just what the teens ordered. The facility will be transformed into a drive-in movie theatre with inflatable seating for you to view the movie. For 13-18 year-olds. 7-9pm. Regular admission. 250-752-5014. www.rdn.bc.ca.

SAT 16 Teen Glow in the Dark Skate at Oceanside Place Arena. Break out your glow goodies and come to the rink for a colourful hour of skating.

Everyone will receive a free glow bracelet. For 13-18 year-olds. 6:45-8:15pm. Free. 250-2483252. www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation.

SAT 23 Disco Glow Skate at Oceanside Place Arena.

Groove on down at the arena with some retro music and special effects. Everyone gets a free glow bracelet to start. Bring your own glow ropes to add to the effects. 2-3:30pm. Regular admission rates. 250-248-3252. www.rdn. bc.ca/recreation.

Lazer Tag at Oceanside Place Arena. An exciting time as you zip around on your skates playing lazer tag with your friends. Lazer tag equipment provided, but bring your own helmet and skates (some will be available at the arena if required). 6:45-8:15pm. $5. Preregister at 250-248-3252. www.rdn.bc.ca.

ONGOING PRESCHOOL LaFF at the Aggie. A safe play-based learning environment for families and caregivers with children newborn to age 6. Reading centre, craft area, Brio train station, and snack table.

Indoor car and toy riding area. Monday to Friday, 9:30am-noon and Thursdays 12:151:45pm. $2 suggested donation per family.

250-210-0870, www.familyandfriends.ca.

Children Parent & Child Hockey at Nanaimo Ice Centre.

A fun, non-competitive hockey time for children where their parents can play too. Please bring your own gloves, stick, and helmet with face cage. Pre-registration required. Sundays 5:15-6pm. $5. 250-756-5200.

YOUTH Spare Blox Youth Drop-in in Nanaimo. The ultimate place to be. This is a supervised space to hang out and chill. Open to those 12-17, it offers regular gym activities, video games, movies, foosball, air hockey and much more.

Free, but you must register. 7-9pm until May 1. Mondays, NDSS; Tuesdays, Oliver Woods Community Centre; Wednesdays, John Barsby Community School. 250-756-5200.

The Youth Zone in Ladysmith. A fun and safe place to hang, meet new friends and enjoy games tables, internet kiosk, TV, movies, board games, karaoke and more. Play sports in the gym, do homework, Energized leaders will challenge you to try new activities. Tuesdays, 3-6pm in the Rec Room; Wednesdays, 3-5pm in the gym; Fridays 6-10pm in the Rec Room or gym. 250-245-6424. www.ladysmith.ca.

The Zone Youth Hang-Out at Beban Park Complex, Nanaimo. Come and hang out with your friends and participate in a different activity each week. Movie nights, dodge ball, soccer, or electronic night. For 11-13 year olds. $6/drop-in. Fridays, 7-9pm. 250-756-5200.

FAMILY Family Frolics at the Community Centre, Ladysmith. Bring your parent or caregiver for open gym fun. Burn off some energy with soft toys (balls and nerf-type games), mini-trampoline, ride-on toys, hula hoops and more. Tuesdays, 5:45-6:45pm. $2 suggested donation/family.

250-245-6424. www.ladysmith.ca.

Lion’s and Save-On-Foods Family Skate at Oceanside Place Arena. Free admission and skate rentals. Children under 19 years must be accompanied by an adult. Pond hockey not available. Feb 3, 10, 17 and 24. Free. 250-2483252. www.rdn.bc.ca/recreation.•

February 2013 39

Seasonal Camps KOSC

- Field Trips - Onsite Activities - Wide Games - Awesome Staff!

Upcoming Camp Dates: March 11-22 Youth Adventure Program • Hiking/Fishing • UVic • Bike Trips • Public Transit • Downtown

www.keatingoutofschoolcare.com

250-652-5546

Register by February 18th, 2013

Now Open!

sew make create Kids’ Sewing Workshops Sundays, Feb 3, 10, 17 & 24 and March 3, 10, 17 & 24 1–3pm • $120/4 workshops Only six students in these four-part workshops. While making cotton skirts or pj bottoms, kids age 9–12 learn to sew straight and zig zag seams, elastic casings, and hems.

108, 1841 Oak Bay Avenue 250.590.4254 avenuefabricstudio@shaw.ca 40 Island Parent Magazine

Lee Richardson

Fostering Healthy Active Living Creating Connections

T

he adults in children’s lives can foster a healthy active beginning by creating situations that connect to a child’s interests.

Creating opportunities for children to make connections between the physical things they do and their day-to-day lives creates familiarity and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Once you start helping your child build a web of connections in their lives, their world becomes more concrete. When parents purposely help their children make connections between physical activity and children’s interests, it starts to make physical activity more cemented in their daily lives.

This creates the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. There are many ways to do this, but some of the most important ways are to play games that are related to the child’s interest, to use the child’s interests in creating their physical surrounding, and to choose experiences that will build on the child’s interest.

Often, the best way to spark a child’s interest in an activity is to relate it to something you know the children will enjoy. Once you establish what the child is interested in, with a little creativity you can modify any game to resemble the child’s interest. You can begin to teach the concepts in many sports this way. An example of this is if a boy loves superheroes, a simple touch tag game can become superhero tag just by making him a super hero and the person who is “it” an evil villain who has to touch the superheroes with the freeze ball. This is the beginning of the concept of an “out” in baseball. Any traditional game can have a concept or theme applied to it that reflects the child’s interests.

Creating the connection to an interest like superheroes will create a sound relationship between the activity and his interest. This way the boy will learn the initial concept behind an “out” in baseball in a comfortable enjoyable environment.

Baseball is one of my two boys’ favourite sports. The problem in our household is that baseball season conflicts with lacrosse season.

In the past couple of years, we have chosen

lacrosse and to play baseball for fun. Since there was such an interest in baseball, we made a mini, three-base baseball field in the backyard. When the boys were young, it was a perfect fit; they could play baseball using the edge of the slide as first, the patio stone by the fire pit as second and a mat for home base.

Our backyard was transformed into Rogers Centre—home of the Blue Jays—every chance they got. Originally, the boys did not create this on their own as they needed a little help to get them started, but once we discovered a couple of bases they added much more, including the pitcher’s mound and a wood pile for a back stop. I’m sure the neighbours enjoyed the collection of tennis balls in their yard over the years as the boys—we blame it on children, but really it was the adults—hit them over the fence. Now as I am making changes to our yard, the boys’ baseball field will always be taken into account. This is a great example of finding activities that your child enjoys and transforming their environment to facilitate those interests. It creates a connection between their home and every baseball field they see.

My boys were so interested in baseball that I took them to a baseball game. Taking them to a game at a real baseball field is exciting for them, but they last about three pitches, then they are ready to play baseball or raid the concession. It does create a solid connection to a sport they love, but you do not have to link their interest directly to sport to support your children in building connections.

My oldest son is interested in the Titanic.

Although it is not related to physical activity, the concepts of the games we play can be related to Titanic. For example there is a game called “Pickle” that we play that can have a Titanic theme by making the ball the iceberg and the runner the ship. If the iceberg touches the ship the ship sinks and you are out. The ship has to get from port to port, the bases, without getting touched by the iceberg. Every time the ship gets from one port to another, the captain (the runner)

www.kidsinvictoria.com

of the ship gets a point. Now to build that further we read books, do puzzles, crafts and watch movies all related to the Titanic, and the activities that we choose become related to the Titanic experience. We have gone to the museum to see the Titanic exhibit and have seen the Imax Titanic movie. All of these activities are related but include literature, art, math (keeping score in the game) and physical activity. You would think, after all that, my son would have exhausted his interest in the Titanic, but the opposite is true. His interest grows even further as he

Often, the best way to spark a child’s interest in an activity is to relate it to something you know the child will enjoy.

Once you establish what the child is interested in, with a little creativity you can modify any game to resemble the child’s interest. explores the Titanic concept in so many different ways. These experiences build on the child’s interest and now he makes up games of his own that relate to that theme. The Titanic theme often keeps him engaged in physical activities that he enjoys.

From my two boys’ perspective, their interests are woven into the game of baseball, and baseball is connected to their backyard and part of the experiences they have in their lives. Needless to say, they are comfortable with that sport though they do not play organized baseball—so many of their experiences are related, so now they understand the game and are in the process of developing their knowledge of the rules. I’m sure that eventually they will begin to consider the strategy involved and will, at some point in their lives, play on a baseball team.

These same concepts can be applied to any sport or just physical activity in general.

By incorporating children’s interests into physical activity, they start off with physical activity as a concrete part of their lives and because of this, they will have a better chance of living a healthy active lifestyle.

Lee Richardson is a parent and Sportball franchise owner with a BEd from York University and a BSc from Royal Roads.

He can be contacted at leer@sportball.ca or 250-590-4625.

www.IslandParent.ca

Free Playgroup, 9:30–11:00 Fridays Please check our website for more information we are currently located in the Maple Room at Carnarvon Park

Lansdowne Preschool is a progressive fully co-operative preschool with deep roots in Victoria's Oaklands Community. For more than 50 years families have worked side by side with Early Childhood Educators to create a unique and extraordinary preschool.

At Lansdowne we value children as contributing members of society and it is this image of children that makes our learning through play program so much fun!

2801 Henderson Rd 250-370-5392 www.lansdownepreschool.com

Dance French Art

Annemarie Cabri

Register Now for MARCH BREAK Programs Info at www.CabriCreativeDance.com February 2013 41

Tips on How to Keep Play Alive Make “free-time” a fun, regular time for active play

been shown to decrease pedestrian-vehicle accidents.

Be smart about screen time • For kids five and up, set a maximum of two hours of screen time (computer, smart phone, TV and gaming) per day.

• Turn screen time into active time by encouraging outdoor play, rather than turning on the TV. • Remove TVs and computers from your child’s bedroom.

Lead by example!

• Make sure you live an active life. It’s important for your kids to see you being active and spending time outdoors, doing things such as running, walking, gardening or lawn work.

• Encourage active play as part of every after-school period. If you aren’t available after school, have a caregiver, babysitter or neighbour take the lead and get your kids playing outdoors, doing things such as bike riding, jumping rope, throwing a ball around or playing hopscotch.

• Set aside designated family playtime on the weekend.

fers periods where kids can play actively throughout the day.

• Try different play spaces, like fields or nature areas, to help facilitate active play.

A new play environment can keep your child engaged.

• Give children the opportunity to play freely and spontaneously after school and on the weekends by letting them decide what they like to do. They can connect with other children at the playground, play a game of hide and seek, dance or explore nature.

• Create a safe, open area at home—either indoors or outdoors—with balls and toys that encourage active play.

• Create an environment that helps foster imagination and spontaneity, with access to items to build a fort, create a costume trunk and music.

• Accept that teens and ’tweens need free time to play without direct supervision, and without the assumption they are “up to no good.”

• Ensure your childcare provider of-

Make active play safe play • Consider hosting a “street-proofing course” with your children to teach them basic safety precautions while they are playing outdoors.

• Parents or caregivers can take turns supervising children at play in the park or on the street.

• Encourage your kids to play with a buddy.

• To increase neighbourhood safety, advocate for traffic-calming measures such as speed bumps and roundabouts, which have

3-5 yrs Pre-primary School

From Active Healthy Kids Canada, www. activehealthykids.ca.

A gentle learning opportunity for young children: - learning naturally through play - nature awareness and respect

The joy of learning - naturally.

- compassionate communication - experience with math and science

http://oakandorca.ca 250 383 6609

- exposure to books and language arts

Looking to Buy or Sell a Home?

Visit my Parent to Parent webpage at www.BriarHillGroup.com Let me find you the home that best suits your family!

As a mother with two small children, I understand your family housing needs

Give me a call at 250-744-0775

Jane Johnston,* M.Ed. *Personal Real Estate Corporation

42 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Playground Predictions E

ven on the playground, it seems our friends know us better than we know ourselves. New research has revealed that your childhood peers from grade school may be able to best predict your success as an adult.

A 20-year study conducted at Concordia University found that childhood peer evaluation of classmate personalities can more accurately predict adulthood success than self-evaluation at that age.

The study, known as the Concordia Longitudinal Risk Project, was started in 1976 and is based on peer evaluation by students in Grades 1, 4 and 7 of their classmates, rating them in terms of aggression, likeability and social withdrawal. The students also did self-evaluations.

Over the next 20 years, these children were followed as researchers used the longitudinal study to track their progress into adulthood. A follow-up survey was conducted between 1999 and 2003 with nearly 700 of the participants from the initial study. The survey included measurement of adult personality traits, such as levels of neuroticism, extroversion, openness, agreeableness and conscientiousness.

“We were able to compare peer and selfperceptions of the childhood behaviours to these adult personality factors,” says Alexa Martin-Storey, research chair. “We found the evaluations from the group of peers were much more closely associated with eventual adult outcomes than were their own personality perceptions from childhood. This makes sense, since children are around their peers all day and behaviours like aggressiveness and likeability are extremely relevant in the school environment.”

For example, children who perceived themselves as socially withdrawn exhibited less conscientiousness as adults. On the other hand, kids whose peers perceived them as socially withdrawn grew up to exhibit lower levels of extroversion. The latter was a more accurate association.

Peer-perceived likeability also predicted a more accurate outcome, associating the personality trait with higher levels of www.IslandParent.ca

agreeableness and conscientiousness, and lower levels of neuroticism than those who thought of themselves as likeable. Overall, the findings supported the use of peer rather than self-ratings of childhood personalities

in the prediction of adulthood success.

“Adult personality traits are associated with a lot of important life factors, such as health, mental health and occupational satisfaction,” says Lisa Serbin, research co-chair. “The information from our study could be used to promote better longitudinal outcomes for children by helping kids and parents develop effective mechanisms for addressing aggressive or socially withdrawn behaviours and promoting more pro-social behaviour.”

For more information, visit www.concordia.ca.

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February 2013 43

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44 Island Parent Magazine

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I

llusions: parenting is full of them. Dads, being men, don’t often get together and talk about our feelings, so these illusions can just quietly eat away at us as we wonder what’s amiss. Sometimes it’s hard to put your finger on what it is. I recently realized one of the great parenting illusions dads don’t discuss is that having kids brings back the magic of being a kid. It doesn’t.

Well, it does, in glimpses. Like tonight, when my daughter suddenly stopped brushing her teeth and asked, seriously, if I was going to the beach party in her room that was going down in about 30 seconds. I was unbearably excited and said of course I’d be there. For a split second, I saw the world through her eyes: there was sand on the floor, and we were going to have a party.

The illusion shattered, though, when out of the corner of my eye I caught sight of some paint peeling on the wall. My thought process then went to the gutters that needed to be cleaned, the plastic insulation that I needed to put on the windows, and the rats that call our crawlspace home these days.

One of them died in the wall recently, and the smell is…

“Daddy? Are you coming to the beach party?”

There’s a fine balance between harnessing and embracing the magic and dealing with life. As a child, I never thought about finances or careers. Of course I never thought about those things—I was a kid. But having a kid does not wipe those worries away (if we’re being honest, it only adds a hundred new worries to the day). I think somewhere deep down we assume that having a kid will suddenly bring back a life filled with Hulk Hogan toys and Duran Duran records. It doesn’t, and when that realization hits, it’s a drag. But find the balance and you can still experience the joys of being an adult with the joys of being a kid.

Being an adult can be tough, but being a www.kidsinvictoria.com

kid can be brutal. When I told my youngest to not draw on the couch with a marker the other day, his bones disappeared and his entire body crumpled, face coiled up in complete agony, the shriek putting Child Protection Services agents all over town on high alert. He fell face first on the hardwood floor and screamed as loud as he possibly could, the incredible pain of life unbearable, and made even worse by the fact that he had just smashed his face into hardwood while his own father looked on with a bewildered, exhausted stare. (And I might have snickered a bit, but that’s between me and you.)

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GREG PRATT So, yeah: brutal. I don’t really want to relive that.

But a pretend beach party? For sure, count me in. I can suspend reality for moments here and there. To be able to step outside of the world of leaky gutters and dead rats (seriously man, the smell is unbearable, the exterminator can’t locate the thing and I’m having nightmares about it) for a few moments while my daughter takes me on a pretend surfing picnic with teddy bear princesses? Absolutely.

But then it’s back to reality. That’s what’s so hard at first, but that’s what’s so great once it’s accepted. There was a brilliant episode of The Twilight Zone where a man travelled back in time to his favourite childhood summer, only to have his father tell him he had to go back to where he came from. “We only get one chance,” the father told him, in one of the most powerful and devastating moments of television history. “There’s only one summer to every customer.”

And this isn’t our youth. It’s our kids’ youth. We need to deal with the rats, the gutters, the careers. We can stop now and again to join them in a pretend beach party after teeth have been brushed and before we get to the pile of dishes. It’ll do everyone some good. But we can’t stay there. We only get one chance. One summer to every customer.

Ours was yesterday; our kids get today.

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Greg Pratt is the father of two children and a local journalist and editor. His writing has appeared, among other places, in Today’s Parent, Wired, Revolver and Douglas. www.IslandParent.ca

February 2013 45

Avoiding Challenging Parenting Situations Child, Youth & Family Community Health South Island Health Units Esquimalt 250-519-5311 Gulf Islands 250-539-3099 (toll-free number for office in Saanichton)

Peninsula 250-544-2400 Saanich 250-519-5100 Saltspring Island 250-538-4880 Sooke 250-642-5464 Victoria 250-388-2200 West Shore 250-519-3490

Central Island Health Units Duncan 250-709-3050 Ladysmith 250-755-3342 Lake Cowichan 250-749-6878 Nanaimo 250-755-3342 Nanaimo Princess Royal 250-755-3342 Parksville/Qualicum 250-947-8242 Port Alberni 250-731-1315 Tofino 250-725-4020

North Island Health Units Campbell River 250-850-2110 Courtenay 250-331-8520 Kyuquot Health Ctr 250-332-5289 ‘Namgis Health Ctr 250-974-5522 Port Hardy 250-902-6071

www.viha.ca/prevention_services/

46 Island Parent Magazine

A

ll parents can identify situations or settings where their children are more difficult to manage. In fact most parents can even identify the common elements in these settings (like being hungry or tired). We’ve all experienced a child having a temper tantrum in the grocery store or when we’re out in a restaurant. Our children might be difficult to manage while we are busy doing household chores. We know that when children are bored it’s more likely they will be disruptive.

Triple P—the Positive Parenting Program suggests that disruptive behaviours can be avoided by planning ahead and following these six steps: 1. Prepare and organize in advance. Make sure you have everything ready so you’re not in a rush. Prepare your child ahead of time by explaining where you’re going and what you will be doing. Try to avoid times when your child might be tired or hungry, and have an activity bag easily accessible.

2. Set and discuss a few simple rules before the event. Your child needs to know what you expect. For example: stay beside the shopping cart, use your inside voice, ask before you touch. Remember, rules should be stated positively and be easily enforced.

Don’t wait until the problem starts; take time beforehand to talk about the rules and why they are important.

3. Have engaging activities available for your child and encourage their participation.

Take along a shopping list of items your child can help load into the shopping cart, bring a colouring book and crayons to the restaurant or play “I spy” to spot different shapes, colours and sizes of things in the room. Bring a snack if you are going to be waiting for a while. Books to read, puzzles, handheld activities to play with can also be distracting. Be aware of when your child is getting bored and try a change of activity.

4. Identify appropriate and practical rewards to use in the particular setting. For example, give praise and attention for following rules; offer an activity later in the day such as picking an extra story at bedtime or

a play in the park. If an immediate reward works best, try using stars on their shopping list or a stamp on their hand.

5. Identify appropriate consequences. For example, if your child wanders away from the cart in the grocery store, have them hold

Healthy Families; Happy Families C hild Y ou th & Family C ommu nity Health

CINDY KNOTT

onto the cart for a short time. Consequences should be directly related to the behaviour and if it involves the withdrawal of something, a brief period is more effective than a long one. You can also try using “planned ignoring” for minor behaviour problems like whining or complaining.

6. Have a follow-up discussion. Praise successes, briefly and calmly describe any rules that your child forgot to follow. Set a goal for next time, for example: “Next time we’ll remember our rule about touching and only touch things that are on your shopping list.”

Even if there was more than one problem, only choose one to review with your child and set a goal for next time. It’s important to acknowledge what your child did well.

Many problems can be avoided by planning ahead and making sure both you and your child are prepared. Make sure your child has something to do that will keep them busy in a situation where they may otherwise be bored and disruptive. After all, prevention is better than cure.

For more Triple P tips and ideas for all ages and stages of development or to find Triple P services in your community, visit www.triplepvip.ca or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TriplepVIP. Cindy Knott has worked for almost 25 years supporting children and families in Manitoba and now in B.C. She is currently the Vancouver Island Triple P Coordinator. www.kidsinvictoria.com

www.IslandParent.ca

February 2013 47

Love Actually Is the Answer

L

ike an empty stomach, an empty heart reminds us, by spasms, twinges and occasional growls, to take action and fill the void. We have as strong a need for nourishment of the heart and soul as of the body. Answering the internal call for affection and caring in our lives is similar to taking in nutrients in practical ways, as well as theoretical ones. Love warms us, like a big bowl of soup. Love makes us feel alive and connected to the world around us, which a good meal certainly has the power to do, too.

Neither mealtimes nor love are always conveniently timed, and both can be difficult to plan for, or plan around. Loved ones, as well as hungry ones, often make their demands at the most inopportune times, as my brother-in-law can attest, after I phoned my sister and him in the wee hours of New Year’s Day, to tell them how much they mean to me, forgetting in the heat of the moment about the one hour time difference.

Being the best that we can be, as basic human beings, before we don our parentpartner-sibling-friend-worker hats, means honouring the needs of our bodies, and our hearts. We must provide fuel for the mechanism that moves us, with such reliable beauty, strength and grace, from A to B, day after day. At the same time, we have to be careful not to neglect the inside of that gorgeous contraption that is our body: not the visceral insides, but the ephemeral parts—the parts that smile at a double rainbow, overflow with pride at our child’s performance in the school concert, or glow with love for our families. We must model what we hope to see our children practice—you give a little love and it all comes back to you: love really is the answer!

Sausage & Tomato Sauce 375 g mild Italian sausages (about 4) 1 Tbsp olive oil

1⁄2 onion, chopped 1 sweet red pepper, seeded and diced 1⁄4 tsp hot pepper flakes 1 can (796 ml) tomatoes salt and pepper, to taste fresh parsley, if desired prepared pasta

Just Eat It! Kathy Humphrey Remove casings from sausages; crumble meat. In large skillet, heat oil over mediumhigh heat. Cook sausage meat, onion, red pepper and hot pepper flakes, stirring, for 5 minutes or until sausage is no longer pink.

Drain and chop tomatoes. Add tomatoes, salt and pepper to skillet, then bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Stir in parsley, if using. Taste, adjust seasoning, serve over hot, prepared penne or other short pasta.

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www.kidsinvictoria.com

Pasta with Basic Carbonara 1 package (500 ml) penne pasta (or any variety you desire) 2–3 Tbsp olive oil 1 cup lardons (or about 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut into chunks) 1 red pepper, seeded and sliced 1 cup mushrooms, finely sliced 4 large egg yolks 1⁄2 cup half-and-half cream 3⁄4 cup grated Parmesan cheese salt and pepper, to taste Bring large pot of salted water to a boil.

Mix egg yolks with cream and half of the Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Set aside.

Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over a medium flame, adding the olive oil, and then the bacon. Cook until crisp, then stir in red pepper and mushrooms. The water will be boiling, so you can cook the penne now, according to the package directions. When the pasta is cooked, drain it quickly, reserving about a cup of the cooking liquid. Toss the pasta into the skillet containing the bacon, and stir well. Ensuring that the flame is off, stir the egg mixture into the hot pasta and bacon. Stir well, coating everything with the creamy, cheesy mixture. If it looks too dry, add a splash or two of the reserved cooking liquid. Serve immediately, with the rest of the Parmesan.

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Pasta con Vongola 500 g linguine 1 Tbsp olive oil 1⁄2 medium onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1 can (796 ml) crushed tomatoes 1 bay leaf 1 Tbsp dried basil 1 tsp dried oregano 1 can (142 g) clams, undrained 1⁄2 tsp granulated sugar 1⁄2 cup chopped fresh parsley pinch hot pepper flakes, optional Bring large pot of salted water to boil.

Cook linguine according to package directions. Meanwhile, heat saucepan over medium heat. Add oil. When heated, add onion, and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until tender. Add garlic, tomatoes, bay leaf, basil, oregano, hot pepper flakes and clams.

Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes, or until flavours are blended. Taste and add sugar.

Stir in parsley. Serve hot, over pasta.

Kathy Humphrey lives in Victoria with her husband and two children. She tries to see cooking for a family not as a chore but as a creative outlet.

www.IslandParent.ca

Come See Why Learning in Nature Rocks!

Opening Spring 2013 for Ages 3–5 "Tell me and I'll forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I'll understand" Chinese Proverb Reggio Influenced Philosophy Child Led Learning Registrations Now Being Taken for Limited Spaces mosnjk@hotmail.com www.naturejuniorkindergarten.com February 2013 49

Armchair Adventuring

A

h, February. Filled with chilly mornings that blossom reluctantly into damp days, not to mention our annual “cold snap,” February feels like the perfect month to take a holiday—the ideal time to get away from it all and lose yourself in a beautiful or exotic landscape. Of course, whisking off for a month is far easier said than done. Far better, then, to take a trip in the comfort of our homes. As Emily Dickinson so elegantly puts it, “there is no frigate like a book” for a voyage of the imagination—and who better to captain such a voyage than Arthur Ransome? After all, Ransome was himself a world traveller, renowned journalist (and incidentally, an international spy), as well as an acclaimed author of over a dozen novels for children, the most famous of which is undoubtedly the marvellous Swallows and Amazons series, which shares its title with the first book in the series, and which has held children and adults alike in thrall for over 70 years.

To understand why, all you need to do is read the first few pages of Swallows and Amazons (Vintage Children’s Classics, 2012). In these opening lines, we are introduced to Roger, the youngest of the four Walker children, and like all of them, an eager sailor. What hits you about this opening passage, however, is its effortless vividness, its clear, easy vitality. In smooth, comfortable prose, Ransome transports us from a dull February day on Vancouver Island to a brilliant summer’s afternoon in northern England, where the sun beats down upon the golden grass, and the young boy sailing through it, in the ship of his own imagination. But this is only the beginning.

Soon the Walker children (Captain John, First Mate Susan, Able-Seaman Titty, and Ship’s Boy Roger) are setting out on their first independent voyage, in a ship that is anything but imaginary, crewed by the four children alone, on a course for Wild Cat Island. However, their camping trip gains an extra dimension when they spot another vessel moored on the island: a boat flying the Jolly Roger and crewed by a pair of daring, bloodthirsty Amazons (Peggy, alias Margaret, and Nancy, whose real name is Ruth but who staunchly denies this, owing to a pirate’s naturally Ruthless nature). A daring battle of wits and sails ensues, but all is not what it seems. A greater foe lurks on the horizon, one that will take the combined might of both Swallows and Amazons to vanquish.

We meet the two crews again in the next two books in this sparkling series, Swallowdale and Peter Duck (Vintage Children’s Classics, 2012), where they encounter secret valleys, retired (or perhaps not-quite-soretired) pirates, buried treasure, and—but that really would be telling. Suffice it to say that fans will not be disappointed in the further adventures of the Swallows and the Amazons, nor will they be let down by the spectacular cast of characters introduced as the series progresses, with delectable reads such as Coot Club, The Big Six, and the perilous We Didn’t Mean to Go to Sea. From the “incorrigible” twins Port and Starboard, who race sailboats and refer to their father as “aged parent,” to “the D’s,” Dick and Dorothea, fresh from town and eager to learn, to Tom Dudgeon and the “Death and Glory boys,” Joe, Bill, and Pete, who’ve grown up on the river and will

put their lives on the line to protect the rare birds that nest along its banks, the Swallows and Amazons books are filled with some of the most remarkable children it will ever be

Book Nook maDDY SmIth your privilege to meet.

Ransome realizes that the true power of a journey comes, not in the sights you see, but in those discoveries you make within yourself when you are truly put to the test.

Honourable, courageous, and clever, Ransome’s protagonists are gifted not only with a sense of adventure, but an understanding of what true independence means: whether facing down a typhoon or facing up to the threat of imprisonment, they never shirk, never shy, from the challenges integral to their choices, and they are steadfast in their understanding and acceptance of the responsibilities inherent to a life on the water, and thus, to life everywhere.

In an age of iPads and Angry Birds, of constant digital stimulus, over-structured days and endless noise, you couldn’t ask for a better escape than Ransome’s brilliant, timeless novels, or a stronger affirmation of what The Wind in the Willows’ Ratty told the world: “There is nothing—absolutely nothing—half so much worth doing, as simply messing about in boats.” Except, perhaps, reading about them.

Maddy Smith is a children’s bookseller and an Islander born and bred; she reads, writes, and believes in the magic of a great book.

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February 2013

51

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www.sunrisewaldorfschool.org Tel. 250-743-7253 52 Island Parent Magazine

…with a little help from autism

I

t’s a running joke in my house that the first time our youngest son is rude, we’ll say “GOOD WORDS, HENRY!” Before you recoil in righteous horror, let me explain: this probably won’t actually happen, but I do think that having a firstborn child with special needs has changed our perspective.

And although we won’t be handing out gold stars to an f-bombing preteen any time soon, I can say with real certainty that in this household, we no longer sweat the myriad of typical toddler challenges.

I have heard friends fret over nail biting, thumb sucking, early waking, picky eating, and food throwing. I have sympathized over tales of car-seat haters, non-sharers, potty resistors, daredevils, clingers, whiners, biters and screamers. While I acknowledge that many of those behaviours are highly undesirable/truly annoying, I will say that when I see those behaviours in my typically developing child, I don’t run to Google. I don’t agonize over them to my friends. I might be frustrated at times, but it’s a pretty rare occasion when I get angry over those kinds of behaviours.

Surprisingly, I have autism to thank.

I know some people are naturally saintlike and don’t require an epiphany provided by their child with special needs. But I did.

A few years ago, my firstborn was exhibiting most of the behaviours noted above (albeit to a particularly intense degree), so I researched, agonized, and lost my temper, to little avail. Around his second birthday, I started to realize, with a sinking fear, that there was something else going on. Callum was loving, spirited, and absurdly handsome, but he still wasn’t imitating me. He had no real words. He would scream for me from his crib but never think to call my name. He never waved, pointed, or brought me a toy he was proud of. He would run ahead of me for blocks without stopping to see if I was still behind him. He obsessed over the same musical toys he’d obsessed over as a baby, pressing the same buttons repeatedly. Just before his third birthday, he was diagnosed with autism and a motor speech disorder.

Suddenly I realized that I would give

anything for a kid who “just” bit, who “just” had tantrums, or who “just” woke up every day at five a.m. to ask four thousand questions about the meaning of the universe.

My kid couldn’t even say his own name, for Pete’s sake! When people complained about the problems they were having with their typical children, anger would well up in me.

Is There an App for This?

Carly SUTHERLAND That was a while ago. Now, every once in a while, I’ll have a really challenging day with Callum, perhaps due to yet another sleepless night and a day of specialist appointments and meltdowns, and I’ll have to suppress an eye roll when I walk into an indignant conversation about someone’s six-year-old not getting enough ice time at hockey. But for the most part, that anger is gone, and in its place is something a whole lot better: perspective, mindfulness, and appreciation. (I’ve got a ways to go before I reach total spiritual enlightenment, but I’m working on it.)

I genuinely fist-pump my children’s accomplishments. I honestly do not take a single milestone for granted, because I have a child who struggles to meet a lot of his. I answer EVERY SINGLE “whassat?” from Henry, because I never got that from Callum. And most importantly, I don’t get too fussed about the little things any more. I just wipe that pee off the couch and remind my husband that once potty training is over, we are having a neighbourhood bonfire.

I wonder if I would have this attitude without Callum’s diagnosis. Maybe. Maybe not. But I’m grateful to be in this mental and spiritual place, nonetheless. Just get back to me when they’re teenagers.

Carly Sutherland can now say with confidence that she can listen sympathetically to (most of) your parenting problems. www.kidsinvictoria.com

Early development is child’s play!

It’s obvious that play time is fun.

What’s not so obvious is how important it is.

Play time in a child’s first six years encourages creative, cognitive, language and motor development, and builds social and emotional skills, including self-confidence. In short, play time is an important step for healthy growth and development and is great preparation for school.

To find out more about children’s early years and how you can encourage their healthy growth and development, please visit

e m i t Play

www.successby6victoria.ca

www.successby6victoria.ca www.IslandParent.ca

February 2013 53

Family Services Directory This directory, sponsored by Thrifty Foods, features not for profit agencies and organizations serving children, youth and families.

BC Families in Transition (formerly the Separation and Divorce Resource Centre) is one of three non-profit agencies in North America that offers professional counselling, legal support and education for people who are having problems in their relationships. Each year we help 10,000 adults, children and youth through family changes, separations and divorces, remarriages, and complex family situations.

Whether you wish to separate or remain together, call us at 250-386-4331 or visit www.bcfit.org to see how we can help. Some evening and weekend appointments available.

Beacon Community Services, a community-based, non-profit social, employment and health services agency, serving Greater Victoria, Saanich Peninsula and the Southern Gulf Islands. Providing these services: child, youth and family services; a drop-in family resource centre; counselling; employment services for adults, youth and people with disabilities; home support; volunteer services and opportunities; community events; affordable, assisted living for seniors; referrals, information and resources; thrift shops. For Home Support information call 250-658-6407, for all other inquiries call 250-656-0134 or visit www. beaconcs.ca.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria provides mentoring programs to children in schools and communities. Adult ‘Bigs’, and child ‘Littles’, build a friendship based on shared interests, respect, trust, and the magic of everyday moments shared with a friend.

Everyone needs someone to laugh with, to share a dream with, and just to hang out. No special skills, money, or experience are needed to be a mentor to a child, just a willingness to spend time together, to

TM

listen, and to be a friend and advocate—in as little as one hour a week! The positive impact of mentorship lasts for a lifetime. Contact us at 250-475-1117, email main@bbbsvictoria.com, or at our website www.bbbsvictoria.com Boys & Girls Club Services offer after-school and evening social, educational and recreational programming for youth at four locations. We also offer support to parents of teens (Parents Together) and run Adventure Based Learning programs at our Camp in Metchosin. For more information on all our programs visit our website at www.bgcvic.org. For general information on after-school and evening programs at our 4 Community Clubs please call 250-384-9133.

The Child Abuse Prevention & Counselling Society/Mary Manning Centre is the primary provider of therapy and victim support services for children and youth in Greater Victoria who experience sexual abuse, physical abuse, and other serious trauma, or who may be at risk for sexual abuse. Therapy services include individual and group sessions for children and youth and group sessions for parents. Victim services include intake and referral, accompaniment and support for children and youth being interviewed by police, and court preparation and support for those testifying as victims or witnesses in criminal cases. No charge for clients. Contact: 250-385-6111 or admin@ marymanning.com.

Community Living Victoria supports people with developmental disabilities and their families by providing residential services, day and community supports (supported employment, parent support and

independent living). Our Host agency provides direct supports for those with Individualized Funding and Home Share service. We also provide Autism Services for youth between 13 and 19. Our family support program offers advocacy, conflict resolution, education, newsletters, workshops, support groups and a resource library. Please call 250-477-7231 ext 233.

Esquimalt Neighbourhood House Society. Our Family Services offer family resource programs with a focus on early childhood development and learning, parenting education and pre and post-natal services.

Our Counselling Services are free to adults and youth (12-18 years); adult and short term clinical counselling is offered for acute mental health problems. For more information call 250-385-2635 or visit 511 Constance Ave. in Esquimalt.

Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) is a service agency for immigrants and refugees.

Programs offered include cross-cultural counseling, parenting programs (child care available), family violence programs, employment services, interpretation and translation, diversity workshops and training, ESL instruction, volunteering, youth programs and tutoring, as well as intercultural arts programming and the Diversity Health Fair. 930 Balmoral Rd, 250388-4728, info@icavictoria.org, www.icavictoria.org.

Learning Disabilities Association of BC, SVI Chapter, educates, supports and advocates for children and youth with learning disabilities and related conditions.

Services include a public lending library, individual/ group support for parents and children, professional/ educational workshops for parents and professionals.

Child and youth programs include: reading/writing, academic skills, social/emotional skill development and Fast ForWord. 1524 Fort St. 250-370-9513. www.ldasvi.bc.ca.

Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) provides programs and services to the military family community. Services include: 24 Hour Information Line, Deployment Information and Workshops, Short Term

Maxine Fisher M.Ed., RCC, MTA

Counselling & Music Therapy for Children, Families & Adults

Over 18 Years Experience Stress & Trauma (Acting Out) • Parenting • Family Transitions Physical & Learning Disabilities • Relationships • Individuals M.Ed. Developmental Psychology (UVic) | Registered Clinical Counsellor | Accredited Music Therapist

Call 250-686-7582 maxinefisher@shaw.ca victoriamusictherapy.com 54 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Intervention/Crisis Support, Welcome/Relocation Services, services for families with special needs and responsabilities and childcare services and support to parents. Exciting Volunteer opportunities available!

Call the MFRC: 250-363-2640 (1-800-353-3329) for information. www.esquimaltmfrc.com.

always here and making it easier Monarch House offers an interdisciplinary approach to treating children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. Our team of highly qualified professionals provide services based on best practices, with treatment geared specifically to the needs of your child and family.

Parent Support Services Society (www. parentsupportbc.ca) provides support circles, parenting resources and referrals to all in a parenting role including grandparents raising grandchildren.

Our training in peer group facilitation is open to the community. Support circles are free with child minding and transportation assistance available.

Volunteers are always needed. Call 250-384-8042; email parent-support@shaw.ca.

1Up: Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre (www.1-up.ca) provides support, education and resources for parents in the Greater Victoria area through free counselling, volunteer training for reception and peer helper positions, a mentoring program for single moms, and a support group for dads. The Centre also offers over 20 integrated life skills and parenting courses which are open to the whole community (fees are by donation). Child care assistance is available based on financial need. The Centre provides a bread pantry and free clothing for single parents. Donations of gently-used clothing, small household items, books, and toys are very welcome every Monday and Wednesday. Centre hours are 9–4 weekdays. 602 Gorge Rd. East; call 250-3851114 or info@1-up.ca.

South Island Centre for Counselling & Training is an affordable, non-profit, counselling agency serving individuals and families from all social, ethnic, and financial backgrounds. We help people with a wide range of issues including low self-esteem, depression, grief, marital and family conflict, abuse and spiritual direction. We also offer helpful “life” courses.

For more information contact us at 250-472-2851; info@southislandcentre.ca.

Victoria Epilepsy & Parkinson’s Centre supports families living with epilepsy by providing tutoring and one on one professional consultations to help your child to live up to their full potential.

We offer epilepsy education workshops in private and public schools, and keep you up to date on the latest research about medications, lifestyle and safety for your child. Visit us at www.vepc.bc.ca to find out more, and to explore our bursaries for Camosun College. Calls are also welcome at 250475-6677.

no waiting for assessments Our diagnostic services provide timely access to professionals who are qualified to diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities. for more information please contact: Monarch House - Victoria 611 Discovery Street

250.220.8999

monarchhousevictoria@cbi.ca

Matinees for KIDS!

Saturdays & Sundays at 1pm All Seats $4.75

FEB 2 & 3 Microcosmos FEB 9 & 10 The Gold Rush FEB 16 & 17 Willy Wonka &

The Chocolate Factory

FEB 23 & 24

Rise of the Guardians

cinecenta

.com

Student Union Building, UVIC | 721-8365

Transforming disability into ability.

At Discovery School, learning disabilities are transformed into valuable skills and abilities. Students work at their own pace in small classes, with focused, individualized instruction.

• Experienced, highly-qualified teachers • Ongoing assessment, evaluation & feedback • Improves organizational & study skills • Boost confidence, independence & responsibility • Nurturing environment based on Christian values • For students aged 7 – 17 in grades 1 – 12 • Individual Education Plans • Low student/teacher ratio

Enrolment is limited. For more information or to arrange a tour, visit www.discoveryschool.ca, call Sherri Ko at 250-595-7765 or email principal@discoveryschool.ca

www.IslandParent.ca

February 2013 55

Pregnant?

Pregnancy is a state of health.

Midwives recognize what an extraordinary time this is in your life and we are available to support you through your childbearing year.

Covered by Your BC Health Care BC’s Medical Services Plan pays for midwifery care, including in-home check-ups in labour and after you’ve had your baby.

You can self-refer to a midwife.

Quality Care Studies show that midwifery clients have lower rates of episiotomies, infection, Caesarean sections, forceps and vacuum deliveries and newborns that require resuscitation.

Choice of Hospital or Home Birth Continuity of Care Comprehensive Care Breastfeeding Education & Support

Registered Midwives in Victoria: Colleen Rode 250-386-4116 Angela Schaerer 250-384-9062 Beth Smit 250-384-5940 Ilana Stanger-Ross 250-590-7605 Julia Stolk 250-590-7605 Misty Wasyluk 250-380-6329 Deanna Wildeman 250-592-5407 Heather Wood 250-380-6329 Amy Brownhill 250-386-4116 Michele Buchmann 250-590-7770 Chloe Dayman 250-380-6329 Uta Herold (Sooke) 778-425-0780 Deborah Little 250-592-0099 Luba Lyons Richardson 250-381-1977 Lorna J. McRae 250-380-6329 Jody Medernach 250-590-7605 Kim Millar Lewis 250-384-5940 Heather Nelson 250-380-6329 Jill Pearman 250-590-7605 We would be pleased to schedule an appointment to answer your questions about midwifery care.

56 Island Parent Magazine

Sleep 101 for Parents

E

ach age and stage of parenting brings a unique set of joys and challenges, but the most physically demanding for most parents are those first couple of months.

Recovering from delivery, postpartum hormones, lack of sleep and overall lifestyle adjustment can understandably be a period of complete overwhelm. At the heart of it all is the sheer exhaustion of taking care of a newborn that doesn’t sleep more than two or three hours at best.

The tips below are not aimed at getting your baby to sleep through the night. These ideas are for those of you who, like me, have surrendered to the fact that you will not be getting much sleep for a while. Given the reality of a prolonged lack of sleep, these are a few things to help you—and me—cope those first few months.

1. Take care of yourself When we are exhausted, one of the first things we often neglect is self-care, but one of the best ways to offset the effects of sleep deprivation is to make it a priority. Write yourself a little daily checklist if you must, but do not skip the basics: • Pre-plan high-nutrient/low-sugar foods for meals and snacks—800 extra calories if you are breastfeeding • Drink enough water—minimum eight cups/day, more for breastfeeding mamas • Incorporate some kind of daily physical activity, even if it is a walk around the block • Maintain basic hygiene routines that make you feel good (I know that having a shower can seem like a luxury, but put it on the list and get out of that robe!)

• Have some alone time away from babe once a day to do something just for you.

2. Plan out baby-free time We all know the advice “sleep when baby sleeps,” but for some people it may be difficult to nap or rest on someone else’s schedule (ready, set, SLEEP!). When given a few minutes of quiet time, it can be hard to know what to do first. Shower? Clean up? Rest? It helps to plan ahead and choose one thing (which means letting other things go) that will restore and reenergize you. Try to choose activities that are relaxing to you and something that you cannot do while your baby is up—maybe a phone call to a friend, a bath, a nap, or losing yourself on

Facebook or Pinterest. In the early days of parenting my first baby, I would try to do a few household chores first before doing something restful but it didn’t take me long before I figured out that my baby’s nap always ended just as I was about to take the

New Parent Pages Diana Hurschler, BScN break. Whatever one thing that you choose, do not pick jobs like cleaning the house or meal prep unless you truly have the extra energy. Allow yourself to ask for and accept help in these areas while you are in the fog of sleep deprivation.

3. Share night time parenting Once you have established a feeding relationship/routine with babe, it helps to figure out a system that works for your family and go into each night with a plan. You might have to try a few different strategies to find one that works for your household, each of your natural body clocks and work/ life schedules.

One strategy that works for our family is to split up the evening responsibility so that both my partner and I are maximizing our sleep as much as possible. I aim to go to bed mid-evening and my night-owl partner stays with baby for a few hours, regardless of whether baby is asleep or awake. This allows me to fall asleep on my own and get a head start on some uninterrupted sleep, even if it’s only two or three hours. He will give me as long as he can, either until baby is hungry or until he is really tired himself.

Then I take the baby for the rest of the night, allowing him to sleep until early morning. If I have had a particularly rough night I might get him to take babe again so I can grab one more hour of sleep before the day begins.

4. Avoid screens before bedtime (and during the night) According to sleep experts, the light from TV, computer and tablet screens can actually inhibit your brain’s ability to tell night from www.kidsinvictoria.com

day and can result in difficulty falling asleep, even when you’re exhausted. As tempting as it is to turn to a glowing screen when you are up anyway, it may be much more helpful to read an actual paperback instead of an eBook, or to avoid middle-of-the-night status updates. The sacrifice is worth it because there is nothing worse than insomnia when you are already short on sleep!

According to sleep experts, the light from TV, computer and tablet screens can actually inhibit your brain’s ability to tell night from day and can result in difficulty falling asleep, even when you’re exhausted.

5. Pace yourself with your natural rhythm Understanding your natural energy highs and lows can help you get through those days that follow the really rough nights.

Pay attention to how you feel throughout a typical day and then you can plan your time in a way that makes the most out of your energy supply. Designate your most energetic time of day to take care of things like meal prep and other household tasks.

Plan to take five to 10 minutes of down time at your lowest energy point if possible. A word of caution: you only have a certain amount of energy so be aware of doing too much first thing in the morning and don’t stay up too late trying to finish everything.

Again, don’t forget to ask for and accept help if you need it. Pace yourself!

I promise you these sleepless nights will not last forever, but they can seem like an eternity when you are in the thick of sleeplessness. I am trying to take my own advice day by day as I am knee deep in the reality of newborn parenting and all that comes with it—sleep deprivation, recovery, beautiful baby smell and all.

Diana Hurschler, RN BscN, childbirth educator, and certified breastfeeding counselor has been helping families in their childbearing years and beyond since 1998. Diana is the proud mama of four little ones. She can be reached at diana@hurschler.com. www.IslandParent.ca

LIFE Seminars presents

Sidestepping LIFE the Power Seminars Struggle presents

For parents with children of any age – this course Sidestepping takes the guesswork out of the Power parenting and creates long lasting positive changes.

Struggle

Wednesday Evenings The Eight Week Course

April 28 –Evenings June 2 Wednesday February 2010 13 to April 3 7:00 to 9:30 Spectrum School The LIFE7:00 team – will support 9:30 you to work with the material and create positive and meaningful shifts in your family.

For more information on other courses or counselling go to lifeseminars.com 250-595-2649or call:

with Dr. Dr. Allison Rees with Rees

lifeseminars.com 250-595-2649

SPRING BREAK CAMPS 2013 Monarch House is pleased to offer Spring Break Camps for children ages 7 to 11 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or other developmental disabilities.

Because social skills have been directly linked to academic and relationship success, fun and therapeutic elements focused on social skills development will be incorporated into each day.

program dates & times March 18 to 22, 2013 Monday to Friday 9:00am to 12:30pm Monday to Friday 1:00pm to 4:30pm space is limited! for more information or to register, please contact: Monarch House - Victoria 611 Discovery Street

250.220.8999 monarchhousevictoria@cbi.ca February 2013 57

Preschool & Child Care Directory CENTRAL SAANICH

Victoria Conservatory of Music. Part-time spaces available. www.islandkids.ca.

Chrysalis Child Care..........................250-652-0815 A nurturing and stimulating environment for a small group of 3–5 year olds. Qualified ECE promotes learning through play.

Colwood/LANGFORD Almosthome Childcare/Preschool...250-590-7666 Quality childcare with a preschool curriculum/kindergarten readiness program. Experienced Early Childhood Educators. Nurturing environment for ages 10 months to 5 years old. www.almosthomecare.com.

Caring Touch Daycare.......................250-478-4886 A warm, loving, fun family daycare in a safe, nurturing environment. Infant/toddler care for ages 1–5 years.

Jenn’s Little Bears.............................250-478-8999 A safe nurturing environment for children from infancy to kindergarten. Our Infant and Toddler Program enriches each child’s development while our 3-5 Program prepares children for kindergarten. Two separate buildings allow each age group space to grow!

Miles of Smiles Licensed Child Care..........................250-298-7374 Dedicated to offering quality care where caring, learning, diversity, guidance and fun are the priority. www. milesofsmileschildcare.com Music Makers Child Care Centre.....250-294-3916 Offering an innovative environment that develops musical abilities and encourages a love of music while following a preschool curriculum/kindergarten readiness program. Group care for children 2 to 6 and infant/toddler care for ages 12 to 36 months. www.musicmakerschildcare.com

CORDOVA BAY Carrot Seed Preschool......................250-652-2311 Where children can discover, imagine, construct and learn through play. Wondrous natural playground. www.carrotseedpreschool.com.

Cordova Bay Preschool....................250-658-3441 A bright and cheerful parent-participation preschool with a philosophy of “learning through play.” www. cordovabaypreschool.org.

Lakeview Christian Preschool..........250-658-5082 Nurturing environment for 30 month to 5 year olds in a rural setting. Christian values emphasized. Licensed Cordova Bay facility with ECE teacher.

ESQUIMALT CIARA Early Childhood Centre.........250-386-7369 Education and fun hand in hand. Exceptional care for little ones ages 12 month-5yrs in an inclusive centre with Christian values.

Island Kids Academy Esquimalt.......250-381-2929 High quality child care (ages 1-5). Preschool curriculum offered within a warm, caring all-day program. Character development using the Virtues Project. Access to community programs including swimming, skating,

La Pre-Maternelle Appletree Preschool..........................250-479-0292 French immersion preschool program. Small groups 30 months to school age. Licensed Christian centre/ECE. Simply Fun Childcare Centre............250-881-3958 A warm, loving, fun and nurturing place for children to grow and learn. We have spaces available for registration ages 2.5 to 12 in our Licensed Group Facility. We offer extraordinary childcare, before and after school programs and a preschool. Our teachers are extremely qualified with ECE training and have lots of experience.

Call Brenda to set up a tour. Let your child’s light shine bright with us!

Highlands Lexie’s Little Bears’ Child Care Inc....................................250-590-3603 A 2 acre outdoor playground! A “Learning Naturally” interpretation. Our children explore, grow and learn from nature. Beside Bear Mountain. 12 months to 5 years. www.lexieslittlebears.com.

METCHOSIN

Oak Bay Co-op Preschool..................250-592-1922 Children Learn Through Play in this parent participation school. Our bright facility is allergy-free with a large outdoor playground. www.oakbaypreschool.com.

Recreation Oak Bay..........................250-370-7200 Fully licensed, qualified ECE Daycare and Preschool with play based learning. After school care also available.

SAANICH Arbutus Grove Children’s Centre.....250-477-3731 (Formerly known as Goosey Gander Kindergarten) Play-based, creative, active-learning programs: half/ full day Preschool. www.arbutusgrove.ca.

Cloverdale Child Care.......................... 250-995-1766 Openings available for 3 and 4 year olds for September 2012. cloverdalechildcare@shawbiz.ca, www.cloverdalechildcare.com.

Island Montessori House..................250-592-4411 Inclusive, integrated and nurturing preschool, kindergarten, Grade 1/2 program. Located in a lovely rural setting. Extended day available. www. islandmontessori.com.

A Growing Place................................250-391-1133 Half day program (AM or PM) for 2.5-5 yrs. ECE educator, small class size. Our own petting farm. Summer program for July.

Lakehill Preschool.............................250-477-4141 Nurturing, warm environment for children to learn through play, with qualified, experienced ECEs. Different levels of participation available. www.lakehillpreschool.org.

Metchosin Co-op Preschool.............250-478-9241 Come and visit our stunning natural outdoor playspace, warm, nurturing, play-based,inclusive program allowing parents to grow and learn alongside their child.

Exceptional ECE Staff provide an enriching experience for 2.5 - 5 year olds. Come grow with us! Est.1960.

Reg. begins Mar.1 @ 9am.

Lambrick Park Preschool & Childcare............................................250-477-8131 Gordon Head’s only parent-participation preschool and childcare centre celebrating 40 years. Offering morning, afternoon and all-day preschool options, flexible participation model, and allergy protocol. www. lambrickparkpreschool.ca

North SAANICH

Little Readers Academy....................250-477-5550 An enriched learn-to-read program for your 3-6 yearold! Reading, Writing and Math. Half-day, weekend and evening sessions available. www.oxfordlearning.com.

In The Garden Childcare Centre.......250-654-0306 A GREAT PLACE TO GROW. Offering preschool, full day care, before and after school care for children aged 2.5 to 12 years old. Open all year.

OAK BAY Emmanuel Preschool........................250-598-0573 Children learn through play in our non-denominational Christian preschool near UVic. Bright attractive setting. www.emmanuelpreschool.ca.

Gonzales Co-op Preschool...............250-727-1003 Children explore their imaginations through our varied learning through play environments and large natural playground. Our Reggio-Emilia inspired program focuses on art, nature and music. Join us! www.gonzalespreschool.com.

Kindred Spirits Children’s House........250-590-6966 Now accepting registration for a small group of 2.5–5 year olds in a purpose built Montessori classroom.

The prepared environment stimulates and engages the children at their own pace with hands on, size, age and developmentally appropriate materials. www.kindredspiritschildrenshouse.com

Montessori Educare..........................250-881-8666 Beautiful learning environments in Broadmead and Saanichton. 30 months – 5 years. Summer program available. www.montessorieducare.com.

My Little Folk......................................250-380-7197 Licensed In Home Multi Age Daycare in a very central location! Caregiver is Montessori and ECE Certified and has a fun and nurturing approach. Part time or full time. 7:30am-5:00pm. mylittlefolk@shaw.ca.

Neighbourhood Junior Kindergarten..250-479-4410 Offering an early literacy program 4 mornings/wk.

(T-F) for 4 yr. olds: play and group activities focus on developing positive social skills and kindergarten preparation. Operating in Lake Hill school in two fully equipped, bright classrooms/outdoor playground.

Oakcrest Preschool...........................250-472-0668 • Two fully qualified teachers, AM classes • No duty days, wide variety of parent jobs • www.oakcrestpreschool.org

Looking for child care? Taking care of children?

Call your local Child Care Resource & Referral for free referrals and resources.

Child Care

Resource & Referral Your community’s best source of child care information and resources.

58 Island Parent Magazine

Victoria & Gulf Islands: 250-382-7000 or 1-800-750-1868 Sooke: 250-642-5152 Westshore: 250-391-4324 Cowichan Valley: 250-746-4135 local 231 PacificCare (Ladysmith north): 250-756-2022 or 1-888-480-2273 Funded by the Province of BC

www.islandfamilyinfo.ca www.ccrr.bc.ca www.kidsinvictoria.com

Preschool & Child Care Directory Playtime Preschool...........................250-383-3101 AM or PM preschool classes up to 20 hrs/wk. Tillicum.

Spacious facility, qualified ECEs. Let’s Talk About Touching Program. www.playtimepreschool.com.

Puddles & Paints Playschool............250-658-6573 Introduce your children to Nature with our outdoor nature-lovers program. Our centre backs up to 15 acres of our “secret-garden” parkland where we can learn and explore! Strong environmental awareness with a “Naturalplay-based” philosophy. ECE staff, and a strong Reggio Emilia Influence! Celebrating and supporting your child’s world and successes! Like us on Facebook!

Ready Set Grow Preschool...............250-472-1530 A warm, caring, quality Learning Through Play environment. Gordon Head area with a highly qualified ECE. heosc@pacificcoast.net.

Rogers Child Care Centre.................250-744-2643 High Quality Care and Educational Programs. Licensed for children 30 month to Grade 5. rogerschildcare@ shaw.ca or www.rogerschildcare.com St. Joseph’s Catholic Preschool..............................250-479-1232 ext 120 • A Christian child centre for 3–5 year olds.

• A warm nurturing and challenging program • Offered by St. Joseph’s Catholic School.

St. Margaret’s Preschool & Junior Kindergarten..........................250-479-7171 Our programme for 3 and 4 year old girls offers a nurturing and educationally stimulating curriculum provided by experienced ECE staff and specialist teachers. Our state of the art facility is located in beautiful environmental surroundings. www.stmarg.ca.

Strawberry Vale Preschool...............250-479-4213 Children learn through play at our parent participation preschool. Programs for 3 and 4 year olds at “The Little Red Schoolhouse.”

www.strawberryvalepreschool.org.

SIDNEY Positive Path Early Learning............250-655-7244 A “New” child care centre has opened at 2269 Mills Road. Exciting and enriching program offering learning opportunities for children 3-5 within a culture of Christian values and virtues. Centrally located near Sidney Elementary and VIR Library. Now accepting enrollment for full and part-time registration. positivepath@shaw.ca

VICTORIA ArtsCalibre Academy........................250-382-3533 Comprehensive programs for Preschool through Grade 5, delivering academic excellence through music, dance, drama and visual arts. Outstanding educators, locations and facilities. www.ArtsCalibre.ca Babies to Big Kids Childcare............... 250-590-5540 949 Fullerton Ave. Daycare owner, 250-818-9225 Licenced group childcare for children 6 months to 12 years old. Three programs offered: Infant toddler program, Three to Five Program and Before and After School Care Program. Open 6:30am-5:30pm. Weekly music and movement classes. www.babiestobigkids. com, info@babiestobigkids.com.

Butterfly Corner.................................... 250-381-4845 Licensed family day care in James Bay. Since 1998.

ECE. Ages 1–5. Full time. Fun & Educational. http:// ButterflyCornerCreativeLearningCentre.com Castleview Child Care.......................250-595-5355 Learning Through Play & Experience. Licensed nonprofit, qual. ECE staff. Since 1958. Preschool and full-time care. www.castleview.ca Cedar Daycare...................................250-479-2032 Community oriented, NFP Child Care facility. Wide variety of activities offered including the use of a private outdoor pool during the summer months. Licensed

www.IslandParent.ca

ECE educators devoted to nurturing children aged 30 months – 5 years.

your child for a lifetime of learning! OSC also available. www.viewroyalosc.com.

Centennial Daycare...........................250-386-6832 Providing quality childcare in the Burnside/ Gorge area for 30+ years. Snacks, lunches, Sportball and Music programs included. www. centennialdaycare.ca.

View Royal Preschool........................250-479-8067 An exciting inclusive program in an exceptional care environment. Licensed 3–5 year olds. Outside play and themes enrich this program. viewroyalps@ uniserve.com.

Christ Church Cathedral Childcare.. 250-383-5132 ECE and specialist teachers provide an outstanding all day licensed program for 3 and 4 year olds in our spacious and welcoming facility in James Bay. www. cathedralschool.ca.

Mill Bay / Cobble Hill

Downtown Y Child Care Centre.......250-413-8869 Enriched program, for children ages 3-5 years, supporting healthy child development and future school success. www.victoriay.com.

Lansdowne Co-op Preschool...........250-595-5223 An extraordinary learning environment for families with young children. Parent participation. wwwlansdownepreschool.com.

Nightingale Preschool and Junior Kindergarten...................250-595-7544 – Taking children’s learning forward – One of Victoria’s leading preschools and Junior Kindergartens. Balanced approach to play and education.

Programme supports literacy, numeracy. Visit www. nightingalepreschool.com. Fernwood.

Parkdale Early Childhood Centre.....250-382-0512 We offer quality care and positive experiences for children in our diverse daycare and preschool programs. Our rich curriculum includes music classes from the Victoria Conservatory of Music. parkdalechildcare@shaw.ca.

Rainbow Express Daycare................250-382-2314 Enriched preschool style program in a daycare setting. Visit our website at www.rainbow-express.bc.ca.

Ross Bay Preschool..........................250-383-7445 Positive/supportive program motivating children to learn and discover. Curriculum builds on interests of the children. www.rossbaypreschool.com St. Andrew’s Catholic Preschool......250-382-3815 A place where children learn to love and love to learn.

A warm and nurturing environment. A stimulating curriculum.

Starchild Centre..................................250-929-3240 Unique infant/toddler daycare, combines the best of Montessori and Waldorf. Our 9 acre hobby farm enables each child to have a garden plot, participate in planting trees, picking fruit, feeding animals, and other outside adventures. www.starchildcentre.ca.

DUNCAN Angel Care Christian Preschool.........250-746-5919 A quality, enriched program for preschool children.

Located in Queen of Angels Catholic School.

Maple Tree Play House Licensed Family Childcare...............250-746-5060 A daycare program that provides enriched outdoor play time and activities that build on a child’s intrinsic love of nature. Healthy meals and snacks are provided. mapletreekids@telus.net..

Parkside Academy Early Learning Centre.........................250-746-1711 Offering quality, literacy focused childcare for children aged 6 mos – 12 yrs; infant/toddler; 3–5, preschool, and after school programs at Alexander, Khowhemun and Tansor Elementary schools.

Queen Margaret’s Preschool/ Junior Kindergarten..........................250-746-4185 Offering a co-ed enriched curriculum in a friendly atmosphere. Morning ECE/afternoon daycare. www.qms.bc.ca.

Sunrise Waldorf School, Kindercottage Preschool Nursery......250-743-7253 A morning program for 3 and 4 yr olds in a warm natural atmosphere where wonder is nurtured and outdoor play is abundant. Details at www.sunrisewaldorfschool.org.

Parent & Child programs also available!

Chemainus

The Sir James Douglas Playschool.250-389-0500 Fun, creative and educational ECE program for 3-5 year olds to grow and develop life long skills. Come play and learn in our bright and modern centre in Fairfield.

Cherry Tree Child Care Centre.........250-246-9195 Preschool program nurturing creative play and engaging learning activity. 30 months to age five. Qualified and experienced Early Childhood Educator.

Victoria Montessori...........................250-380-0534 Unique, innovative learning environment combining the best of Montessori and Learning Through Play. Open yr. round. 30mths–grade 1. www.victoriamontessori.com.

St. Joseph’s Preschool.....................250-246-3191 A Christian learning environment for 3–5 year olds.

Active participation in the life of the school. Parental involvement.

VIEW ROYAL

Qualicum Beach

A Secret Garden Preschool..............250-380-8293 Program built on Christian values. Monthly themes, weekly topics and daily activities. asecretgardenpreschool@shaw.ca.

Children’s Discovery Centre.............250-752-4343 Our program recognizes the uniqueness of each child and provides a nurturing, safe and creative learning environment. Preschool, Groupcare, Out of School care. ECE qualified staff. childrensdiscoverycentre@ hotmail.com.

Island Kids Academy View Royal.....250-727-2929 High quality child care (ages 1-5). Preschool curriculum offered within a warm, caring child care environment.

Character development using the Virtues Project.

Access to community programs including swimming, skating, Victoria Conservatory of Music. Part-time spaces available. www.islandkids.ca.

Little Friends Childcare.....................250-479-8423 “Learn through play” group childcare centre. Infants/ Toddlers/30mth–5yrs daycare and morning preschool near Knockan Hill park.

Little Wonders Preschool (VROSCS)...........................................250-744-2718 A creative and suuportive program that will prepare

Little Star Children’s Centre.............250-752-4554 Earth friendly preschool education inspired by nature.

Kinder-Prep classes. Licensed group care. ECE instructors. www.littlestardaycare.ca. littlestar@shaw.ca.

Nanaimo Nanaimo Parent Participation Preschool...........................................250-753-1939 Experienced, caring and energetic ECE using learning through play in an enriched environment. www.nanaimopreschool.com.

February 2013 59

Ad Directory 1Up: Single Parent........16 Arbutus Grove.................7 Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.....................15 ArtsCalibre Academy.....17 Avenue Fabric Studio....40 Cabri Creative Dance....41 Capernwray Harbour.....64 Carrot Seed Preschool.....4 Cathedral School...........45 Cinecenta.....................55 Claremont Secondary....22 Conseil Scolaire............25 Discovery School..........55 Dwight School..............51 Early Years Awards........13 Eaton Arrowsmith..........22 Eco Village....................16 EKE Academy...............27 Emmanuel Preschool....26 Evergreen School..........51 Falcon Gymnastics........37 Glenlyon Norfolk...........49 Gulf Island Film & Television School.......48 IMAX............................24 Island Catholic Schools................... BC Island Farms.................32 Island Montessori..........19 Island Oak....................51 JamTots.......................17 Kaleidoscope..................2 Keating Out of School Care..............40 KIV.................................5 La Societe Francophone.............36 Lansdowne Preschool...41 LIFE Seminars...............57 Lifestyle Markets.............8 Lighthouse Academy of Dance...................10 Mad Science..................6 Making Tomorrow Conference...............34 Maria Montessori..........34 Maxine Fisher...............54 Miles of Smiles.............49 Monarch House......55, 57 Morning Glory...............63 Mothering Touch....IFC, 44 Karen Murdoch.............21 North Island Distance Education.................63 Oak & Orca.........8, 24, 42 The OCEAN 98.5..........47 Ocean Sands................63

Oxford Learning............45 Pacific Christian School.....................IBC Pacific Opera Victoria......1 Pacific School of Innovation...................7 Pemberton Holmes.......42 Phoenix Theatre............43 Pizzeria Prima Strada....15 Queen Margaret’s School......................51 READ Society...........IBC, 3 Restart Computers........35 Royal BC Museum........62 Royal Oak Middle School......................35 Saanich Dental.............11 Saanich Neighbourhood Place.......................IBC Saanich Recreation......IFC Sarah Booth Photography.............37 Savvy Squirrel.................9 Scallywags..............IFC, 4 School District #62.......37 School District #63.........9 School for Ideal Education.................19 SelfDesign....................26 Serious Coffee..............38 Sparked Kids................10 St. Joseph’s School...7, 22 St. Margaret’s School....18 St. Michaels University School......................20 StageCoach....................6 Success by Six..............53 Sundance Elementary...19 Sunrise Waldorf............52 Sylvan..........................31 Theatre One.................63 Theatre SKAM..............27 Thrifty Foods.................33 Tillicum Centre.............IBC TJs..............................11 Tom Lee Music.............16 Van Isl Co-operative Preschool Assoc........23 Victoria Academy of Dramatic Arts............13 Vic Children’s Choir.......41 Victoria Midwives..........56 Victoria Symphony........36 VIHA.............................46 Vitamin Shop..................4 Wee Woolies.................44 Welcome Wagon...........12 Westside Stables..........44

60 Island Parent Magazine

The Mother Olympics

O

ne day, while searching online for more inside activities for Angus, something to add spice to his continual rotation of blocks, books and dancing, I came across the website of a superhero. This mother has three children under five, and every weekday she creates a day of adventures for them.

Themed adventures. They wake and run to the living room to their baskets. In these baskets are their costumes—sparkling fairy wings or teddy bear ears or pirate hats. Once dressed, the children are shepherded from one activity to the next, all organized and installed the night before. Cue the smiles and laughter of delighted toddlers.

This woman is not the only superhero in cyberspace. There is also the mother who documents daily the lunches she packs for her son to eat at daycare. With razor-thin slices of vegetables and the fine motor skills of a watchmaker, this woman transforms hardboiled eggs into bunny rabbits, sandwiches into puppies, salad into a bowl of multi-coloured stars. She cuts pieces of cheese into letters, and I’m not talking about I’s or L’s. As a result of her exceptional creativity and hard work, her child—unlike my own­—doesn’t consider peas to be the only edible vegetable.

These women are inspiring, but I don’t feel inspired by them. Instead, I feel inadequate.

I have absolutely no desire to spend my evenings organizing the house for tomorrow’s themed fun. Is something wrong with me?

There has to be, because isn’t it true that I have given Angus blueberries, yogurt and peanut butter toast every lunch for a week straight? Toast cut into the only shapes I ever cut Angus’s food into—rectangles or squares. I will clearly not be making the podium at the Mother Olympics.

As deficient as these strangers make me feel, it’s my friends who really get me questioning my mothering skills. I’m talking about friends of the Facebook variety.

The pictures posted of birthday parties with coordinating table centerpieces, party hats and loot-bags—all constructed by hand.

The three batches of gluten-free, sugarfree, vegan muffins baked during a single naptime. The toddler Christmas sweater slaved over for months. And the nurseries, oh the nurseries, each one more elaborate than the last. Nurseries that flood me with

guilt, remembering the stack of unpacked boxes left in Angus’s room for six months after we moved. Angus so used to the chaos of a bedroom he wasn’t even allowed to play in that once we made it box-free and livable, he spent the first night standing in

Maternity & Beyond Laura TRUNKEY his crib and screaming at the newly hung art on his wall.

Real mothers, in-person mothers, they’re more like me. Sure, they can be amazing, but they also only slept for four hours last night.

And when morning came and their precious little teether was yelling up, up, up through the baby monitor, they pressed their pillow to their ears and pretended to hear nothing.

Or they burnt dinner, the house is a disaster and yesterday, they locked themselves in the bathroom during their daughter’s temper tantrum. They’re well rounded.

For the new year, I wanted to make a parenting resolution. Angus’s room was done, but there were other things to tackle.

Like devising fabulous ways to make vegetables edible. Or hand-stitching him some keepsake toy he could pull out for his grandchildren and say, my mother made this…

But I didn’t make one of those resolutions.

Instead, I de-friended everyone on Facebook and logged off for good. I resolved to go to real mothers for answers to child-related questions, instead of trolling for advice from the cyber super moms. Because contrary to all the evidence, there are no Mother Olympics. And also, I’m pretty sure that Angus would be able to tell that a baby tomato with a beak and wings was not, in fact, an edible bird but was just an inedible baby tomato.

Laura Trunkey, mother of the amazing Angus, is a writer, and a children’s writing instructor at Story Studio. She can be reached at laurajtrunkey@gmail.com.

www.kidsinvictoria.com

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New Pics at

www.lexieslittlebears.com February 2013 61

Winter Epiphanies

W YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHER CONTEST

YPC2012 Winner, Andrew, behind the camera in the Royal BC Museum Photo Studio.

Win a truly unique Photography Gift Pack that includes roundtrip ferry transportation and hotel stay in Victoria. Submit your best photos that represent BC wildlife though our Facebook page and have fans vote for their favourites.

Submissions begin Feb 4 – Mar 25.

Facebook.com/royalbcmuseum Partners

Exhibition Produced by

See Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

Closes Apr 1, 2013. © Jami Tarris (USA) The glance

62 Island Parent Magazine

hether it was the bare Garry oaks that first shaped the thought, or the brambles of hardhack and Nootka rose at the edge of the bog, or perhaps the great expanse of the sky itself, I do not know.

When you have lived long and intimately with a beloved presence—place or person— thoughts and insights transpire back and forth through the thinnest of membranes, with no discernible parentage. Clothed in human words, the thought that arose was this: “To love the land is to tenderly mark and savour its beauty through every season and change of weather.” If we are truly at home on our patch of land, we know and cherish its sights and sounds, its moods and atmospheres, as they shift with the turning of the Earth.

When the green frenzy is spent and the chlorophyll feast consumed, when all that is vulnerable and ephemeral has died back into the soil, the deeps of winter reveal the essential beauty of enduring structure.

Consider the shapely stature of an arbutus tree, or a big-leafed maple, how the sky weaves through the tracery of branches and twigs lightly balanced on the solid

trunk. Mark the prominence, suddenly, of bark: furrowed fir, stringy cedar, smooth aspen. And the light! The ever-changing skies are surely one of the great beauties of southern Vancouver Island, more glorious in January and February than in any other season. The low-angled sunlight is diffused and refracted through banks of cloud and wisps of vapour, bathing the landscape in luminous opalescence.

Yet culturally, winter is the most maligned of seasons. By the end of January, a strange restlessness seems to possess us. Distrusting slower bodily rhythms and lower energy levels, we anxiously diagnose “winter blues.”

We complain of “dreary” weather and dream of “getaways” to tropical climes.

Bedazzled by an assault of advertising im-

ages extolling far-away places, by and by we become oblivious to the beauty around us, as we were perhaps intended to: there is no profit in praising pleasures in our own neck of the woods that can be had for the price of a pair of sturdy boots.

But the land says otherwise, and provides in season. To the summer belongs the exhilaration of strenuous climbs to alpine

Nature Notes ANA SIMEON meadows; winter’s slower rhythms and quieter moods are more than fulfilled by a noontide stroll in the lowlands of Broadmead, absorbing the play of light and the restfulness of home.

The hike: For an easy low-carbon outing for the whole family, take the Quadra bus (No. 6) northbound to just below McKenzie, where the Lochside trail crosses Quadra.

(If you are cycling you can, of course, start anywhere along the Lochside trail, or even on the Galloping Goose). The trail passes briefly through an industrial area, enlivened by graceful pine trees gleaming red among the thickets of Himalayan blackberry. Continue to Blenkinsop Trestle; spend some time in the bird blind, watching the activity on the lake. At this time of year, it is a good place to observe migratory Hooded and Common Mergansers, Ring-necked Ducks, and the odd Scaup. You may be rewarded by the sight of a rare Night Heron, or the Pie-billed Grebe. About 1.5 kms past the lake turn left onto a signed trail to Donwood Drive, and follow it through a suburban neighbourhood to Emily Carr Drive, and the trailhead to Rolston Trail that loops around Rithet’s Bog—one of the few remaining wetlands in the Victoria area. If you walk briskly, the loop takes about an hour; but taking it slower yields many pleasures. When you have had enough, there is no need to retrace your steps: take Chatterton Drive to the bus stop on Quadra.

Ana Simeon is a writer and activist in Victoria. She divides her time between working for Sierra Club BC, hiking and birdwatching. www.kidsinvictoria.com

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Just Kidding! presents Erewhon Theatre of Participation

The Velveteen Rabbit

Sat. March 23, 2013 1pm

Malaspina Theatre at VIU Featuring TEN children from the audience who play the parts of toys!

Single Tickets: $14 (incl. HST)

Ph: 250-754-7587 or order online:

www.theatreone.org Just Kidding is generously sponsored by

www.IslandParent.ca

February 2013 63

Cut It Out!

Tips from Parent Educator Allison Rees of LIFE Seminars

The Genuine Encounter

M

any parents think that demonstrating love is done with physical affection and spending large amounts of time with their children. Other demonstrations of love can be giving children material things and treating them as if they are superior by bending over backwards for them. When a parent does this they end up feeling resentful and it shows in their body language or with angry outbursts. If you are being a martyr, CUT IT OUT! This doesn’t feel loving to anyone and your child needs much more than this to feel cherished.

While warm affection and closeness foster physical, mental and emotional growth, they do not guarantee that a child will feel loved. What a child needs is a genuine encounter. A state of “all-here-ness.” Children know when they have that, they feel it. They can tell when their parent is with them physically but thinking about other things like work or paying the bills. Even infants know when a parent is present for

them in that special way. This doesn’t require tons of time, money or more knowledge. It’s free for the taking and is the most valuable treasure you can give.

Practice your focus by being fully present.

Let go of every thought and pull yourself into the moment. See your child with fresh eyes and open up to being curious. Who is he? Open up to the wonder of your child rather than having a busy head full of tasks and responsibilities. You may only be able to do this for a few moments, but this skill can become a habit. This doesn’t require constant attention

but doing this periodically builds tolerance in your child for times when you are busy.

Most importantly, this will help your child relax—he’ll know that he is understood, he will feel supported and loved. So check in with yourself daily to see if you are giving that focused attention, especially when times are stressful.

LIFE Seminars has two books available, Sidestepping the Power Struggle and The Parent Child Connection. See www.lifeseminars.com.

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64 Island Parent Magazine

www.kidsinvictoria.com

Capernwray URL

Please join us to explore Christian Education in Victoria We look forward to hosting you!

Thursday, February 7, 2013

OPEN HOUSE Kindergarten through Grade 12 tours: 9 - 11 am Pre-School/K Open House: 3:30 - 5:30 pm Including ‘Ready-Set-Learn Literacy Initiative’

PACIFIC CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Pacific Christian School 654 Agnes St. Victoria BC V8Z-2E6 250-479-4532 PacificChristian.ca/OpenHouse

MANIA

Opening September 2013 Early Care and Learning Programs for Preschoolers

Our mission: to provide high quality, accessible early care and learning experiences in a

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Nurturing Playful Environment Located at Saanich Neighbourhood Place, in Pearkes Recreation Centre, Full o’ Beans Preschool offers • Licensed programs for 3 and 4 year olds • Part – time, flexible scheduling • 2.5 – 4 hour programs • Competitive rates, subsidy available • Qualified Early Childhood Educators For more information contact Saanich Neighbourhood Place 250-360-1148 ext 101 Corinne@snplace.org Saanichneighbourhoodplace.com

Meet LEGO Certified Professional, Robin Sather, and watch him build a giant LEGO sculpture!

Spring Break Camp: MARCH 15–17, 2013 Register online at www.tillicumkids.com to be entered into the

SPONSORED BY

Tillicum LEGO Mania competition. As a contestant, you’ll have the opportunity to bring in your LEGO masterpiece featuring this year’s theme - Water. Visit us online for more details.

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Create a Language Arts Learning Toolkit

Grades 1/2/3 and Grades 4/5/6 Groups of six students: March 11–15, 9:00–11:00am Call 250-388-7225 www.readsociety.bc.ca

island catholic schools Open Wide the Door of Faith John Paul ii (Pre-School to Grade 8) Tues, Feb 5, 9am–3pm 4006 8th Ave, Port Alberni 250-723-0637 st. Joseph’s chemainus (Pre-School to Grade 7) Thurs, Feb 7, 10am–4pm 9736 Elm St, Chemainus 250-246-3191 Queen of angels (Pre-School to Grade 8) Thurs, Feb 7, 4:30–6:30pm 2065 Maple Bay Rd, Duncan 250-746-5919 st. Joseph’s victoria (Pre-School to Grade 8) Tues, Feb 5, 5:30–7:30pm 757 W Burnside Ave, Victoria 250-479-1232 st andrew’s (Pre-School to Grade 8) Thurs, Feb 7, 9am–1pm 1008 Pandora Ave, Victoria 250-382-3815 st. Patrick’s (Kindergarten to Grade 7) Tues, Feb 5, 6–8pm 2366 Trent St, Victoria 250-592-6713 st. andrew’s regional high (Grade 8–12) Thurs, Feb 7, 6–8:30pm 880 McKenzie Ave, Victoria 250-479-1414

Celebrating Catholic Schools Week, February 4 to 8, 2013

visit our open houses 250-727-6893 or visit www.cisdv.bc.ca