Helping Your Child Understand Themselves
FALL 2017 MYBERMUDAPARENT.COM
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What Parents are Talking About
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TIPS FOR EVERY PARENT
Students Taking the Lead to STOP
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Cyberbullying
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editor’s note
PUBLISHER & EDITOR
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Carla Seely, SCARS, Cathy Sousa, Niall Browne, BELCO, Bill Newman, Sarah Lyons, Department of ICT and Policy, Chrissie Kempe, Maren Schmidt, Gretchen Tucker, Jason Kirschner CO N T RIBUTING PHOTOGR APHERS
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It’s back-to-school time
Parents, kids and even Bermuda Parent are taking a look at starting the school year off right. In this issue we have many great articles like: Off to Kindergarten: Getting Moms Ready; A Parents’ Guide to Asthma, The Best Brains require Good Nutrition; as well as ensuring the rights of your
PHOTO BY JESSII TERRA
What Parents are Talking About
kids are adequately protected. Find out how you can get your kids involved in the Stop Cyber-Bullying summit coming up or ensuring if they like to make things that you join them in Bermuda’s Maker Movement. We also have our special Boarding School section and Carla Seely provided an article for parents on what they should know when sending their child to university. The article, which had the most impact on me this issue was Cathy Sousa’s, ‘Mindful Parenting and Teaching’. Our world has become so fast paced, we constantly need reminders to slow down, be present and build strong lasting relationships with those right in front of us. As parents when we can focus on our kids feelings, for example, ‘why are they having a temper tantrum right now?’, ‘how will my reaction affect them’ or ‘how am I feeling right now and can I manage my own behavior successfully?’. When we can train our minds to think like this, it is easier to model empathy and caring, so that, p. children can follow suite and practice it themselves. Parenting is a lot of fun. Yes, there are ups and downs; but there can be tremendous growth for us - if we are willing to accept it. My hope for each of you this school year is that as your children grow academically, you too will see growth emotionally, socially, mentally and intellectually. Never stop learning and being an example to your children! Here’s to a great new 2017/18 school year! Thanks for reading!
p. 12
50
Publisher & Editor
www.mybermudaparent.com
3
Contents Departments
LITTLE ONES 6 Off to Kindergarten
It’s hard letting go but here are some ways to stay involved.
10
A Parents’ Guide to Asthma
Open Airways discuss ways to control asthma.
BIG KIDS 12 Mindful Parenting and Teaching Cathy Sousa shares ways to become more aware of how we react when parenting.
14
How to Strengthen the Rights of Your Children Are you aware of this new legislation that may affect your child?
18
The Best Brains Require Good Nutrition
Health is truly wealth and is a great way to keep our brains working at optimum performance.
TWEENS & TEENS 22 University Tips for Every Parent Carla Seely offers tips that every parent should know.
26
Are You a Maker?
Does your child enjoy tinkering? Then you should be getting them into Bermuda’s Maker Movement.
On the Cover Name: Carina Bortoli
Location: Warwick Playground Photo by: Zeudi Hinds Photography
28
Helping Your Child to Understand Themselves SCARS provides great tips for talking to older children about sex and abuse.
32
Students Taking the Lead to Stop Cyberbullying Find out how you can get your child into The Stop Cyberbullying Programme and upcoming summit.
34
The Value of a Junior Boarding School Experience Read about what opportunities your middle school age child can gain from boarding school.
36
What to Consider When Choosing a Boarding School 6 tips for what you should be thinking about.
38
Boarding Schools Aren’t Academic Factories BVS bursts the myth that boarding schools are strictly about academics read on.
41
The Transatlantic Dream Team
EF Academy discusses how Bermuda schools are a perfect match when it comes to academics and lifestyle.
48
Thoughts on Freedom
How do you think about freedom? How do you reflect freedom to your children?
FAMILY LIFE 50 Hidden Abilities
Windreach’s programmes are geared to all abilities.
54
Hurricane Season
Belco provides tips to get prepared.
In This Issue 44 PARENT DIRECTORY 56 BIRTHDAYS 58 BPM KIDS
Their growth. Your planning.
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Select Funds—Seven Portfolios, One Education Objective: Yours. For more information, please contact us at 299 3817, stop by our Investment Centre, or visit our website.
www.butterfieldgroup.com Butterfield Asset Management Limited is licensed to conduct Investment business by the Bermuda Monetary Authority. Address: 65 Front Street, Hamilton HM12, Bermuda.
little ones
BY SARAH LYONS
Off to Kindergarten:
Getting Mom Ready
6
Happy Days
T
he pencils are sharpened, the backpack has been chosen, and you have done everything you can think of to prepare your child for the first day of kindergarten and then it hits you. Your baby is going to kindergarten! There are plenty of materials parents can use to prepare their child for that first day, but no one tells mom what to do when she lets go of the child that has been by her side for five years. From a mom who has sent three kids to kindergarten, so far, here are some tips to get yourself ready for that monumental day.
Get social
You will feel more comfortable sending your child off to school if you are familiar with their classmates and their parents. Set up a play date at a park and invite everyone to come. Get to know the children’s names, as well as their parents, so that you feel more connected to the students your child will spend his days with. Also consider starting a kindergarten play group a year or two prior to sending your child to kindergarten so you and your child have time to make friends before they even begin school.
Volunteer
Just because your child is away at school doesn’t mean you have to be far. Consider joining the PTA, becoming a Scout leader, serving as a class parent, or ask where you can be most hopeful in your child’s school. Serving at your
are every day at
HAPPY MOMENTS Nursery & Preschool
child’s school helps you become familiar with the staff, students, and families. Plus, you will feel more comfortable and connected as your child continues their education.
Use reinforcements
It can be hard, especially the first day of school, to let go. Try to keep your fears, nerves, and sadness under wraps as you drop your child off. Kids can sense your feelings and may feed off of them, making drop off even more stressful. Ask dad, an aunt, uncle, or grandparent to tag along that first day to help you stay positive and keep your fears at bay. Sometimes a voice of reason and later a shoulder to cry on is just what you need.
Since 1998 Bermuda’s premier faith-based early learners’ program “where happy children learn for a brighter future”. We care about every aspect of your child’s school day within a safe social environment. Happy Moments Nursery & Preschool is keen on providing our students with lots of fun-filled explorative learning experiences. We believe in our students, assist in fulfilling each parent’s dream for their child and inspire each child in reaching their fullest potential. Curriculum encourages academic excellence, creative teaching methods for each child’s unique learning style. We offer Spanish, computer, music & EYP with BNG, BUEI and more. Teachers certified in ECE, CPR, First Aid and SCARS.
Make the best of it
I miss my kids terribly when they are at school but I also make the best of it. When your child is away use the time wisely to clean, work out, shower, cook, run errands or take time to recharge your own battery. In no time, you will settle into a new normal and after seeing the growth and maturity in your child as they thrive in kindergarten, sending them off to first grade should be a little easier...maybe.
Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. happymomentsnews@yahoo.com or 737-8385.
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little ones
BY NURSE TRACY NASH – OPEN AIRWAYS – DIRECTOR OF ASTHMA EDUCATION
A Parent’s Guide to
Asthma,
G
The Goal is Control.
oing back to school in September is an exciting and busy time for both students and parents, however if you are the parent of a child with asthma it is important to be prepared. The start of the school year is known to bring a sharp rise in the number of asthma attacks and emergency room visits. As classrooms are opened after the summer and students return with a variety of different virus and cold infections, the first few weeks can be challenging for a student with asthma.
been well and not using their preventer inhalers but now is the time to ensure they are using their preventer inhalers daily as prescribed, prevention needs to be built up in the body and can take up to two weeks before the full protection is felt.
Back to school asthma to do list:
Make sure your child has an annual review with their pediatrician Your child should have a written “Asthma Action Plan” now is the time to review that plan with your doctor or health care professional, a copy of the asthma action plan should be given to your child’s school. Asthma Action
Preparation for back to school should start at least two weeks before school resumes. Ensure your child uses their preventer inhaler every day to keep their asthma away Over the summer your child may have 10
Ensure your child has a reliever inhaler and a spacer for use at school Make sure your child’s medications are in date and correctly labelled, and that your child knows how and when to take the medications. Each child should have a relief inhaler such as Ventolin or Airomir and a spacer available at all times, either in the school bag or held by the teacher for younger children.
Plans are available from the Department of Health clinic or ask your doctor for one. Make sure your child understands their asthma Talk to your child about their asthma and answer any questions they may have about managing their asthma at school. Do they know where to go to access their relief inhalers? Do they understand when they need to take their relief inhalers?
Make sure your child is on the school asthma register Make sure your child is on the school asthma register and that your child’s teacher knows the nature and severity of your child’s asthma. The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for all children with asthma Fight germs and infections by washing hands often, teach your child and every-
one in the family about the importance of good hand hygiene, washing hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer. Make sure you and your child get the flu shot as soon as it is available. Encourage your child to eat a healthy diet and get plenty of fresh air and exercise. Let’s be prepared in Bermuda and make sure we do not see large numbers of children visiting KEMH emergency room just after school starts.
N E W !
Make sure you and your child knows their asthma triggers Discuss with your child their asthma triggers and how to avoid them when possible. Common classroom triggers include, dust, mould, and strong smells such as perfume or chemicals.
For more information on managing your child’s asthma or for a personal consultation, please contact; Open Airways, www.openairways.com or 232 0264
should be comfortable. If you are experiencing discomfort or you have concerns about , contact us. mothers We’ve been for almost three decades. Email islandgirl@northrock.bm or check us out on Facebook at La Leche League of Bermuda.
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11
big kids
A
BY CATHY SOUSA
Mindful Parenting and Teaching:
ccording to Professor Mark Williams (2011), of Oxford University, “Mindfulness is a translation of a word that simply means awareness; it’s a direct, intuitive knowing of what you are doing while you are doing it; it’s knowing what’s going on inside your mind and body, and what’s going on in the outside world as well.” So what does this mean for parenting or teaching? Well, when we’re dealing with children we are often just reacting to them, rather than consciously responding. For example, how often do you ask yourself: What am I feeling in this moment? What is this child experiencing right now? Those questions are the key to mindful parenting and 12
Responding vs. Reacting
teaching. Answering these questions, allows us to choose the response that fits the situation. When we approach our interactions with children in this way, we are able to see children in a more holistic way, viewing the child as their own person, with their own thoughts and feelings, and separate from what-
ever is going on with us. That requires a level of awareness of ourselves first and foremost. As adults, we generally treat children according to one of two patterns – we most often repeat the experience of how we were treated as children, and sometimes, we go very much in the op-
use addictive behaviors to try to take the place of their deep need for love, nurturance, and for feeling as if they’re a part of something.” Personally, I think gangs, cliques, and other undesirable behaviors can serve the same purpose. It is clear that to become competent adults who are capable of authentic, empathic relationships, kids need to grow up confident about their worth to the people around them. They need to know who they are. Demonstrating that we not only care about them, but we really see them, hear them, and value them, can make a world of difference.
Sources & Further Reading: •
Mindfulness for Beginners: Reclaiming the Present Moment—and Your Life. Jon Kabat-Zinn (2012)
•
The Mindful Child: How to Help Your Kid Manage Stress and Become Happier, Kinder, and More Compassionate. Susan Kaiser Greenland (2010)
•
Everyday Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting. Myla Kabat-Zinn and Jon Kabat-Zinn (2009)
•
The Way of Mindful Education: Cultivating Well-Being in Teachers and Students (Norton Books in Education) Daniel Rechtschaffen and Jon Kabat-Zinn PhD (2014)
posite direction. Either way, we seldom consciously, look at or question our basic philosophy regarding how we respond to children, and if we did, we might find that our day-today interactions don’t reflect what we think they do. That’s where the “conscious” or “mindful” part comes in. Being mindful, means being aware of ourselves and what’s around us. It means consciously choosing our behaviors, rather than acting impulsively or automatically, refraining from recreating the past or projecting into the future. As a mindful parent/teacher, we must be in touch with what we’re seeing, thinking, and feeling in the present moment. We then want to consider what the child is experiencing. Let’s face it, how often do we make assumptions about a child’s motives without really knowing? And if we do ask them about what they’re thinking or feeling, how often do we actually listen to their response? More often than not, we tell children what they’re thinking and feeling. Clearly, we’re getting it backwards! Ideally, we want to be aware of what’s going on with us, consider what is going on with the child, then mindfully, consciously, choose how we wish to respond to the child and the situation. According to the renowned mindfulness teacher, author, and practitioner, Jon Kabat-Zinn, “Many young people www.mybermudaparent.com
13
big kids
BY GRETCHEN TUCKER, BEESMONT LAW LIMITED
Strengthening the Rights of Children in Bermuda:
What You Should Know About
The Personal Information Protection Act he Personal Information Protection Act 2016 (PIPA) is due to come fully into force in late summer 2018 and is intended to establish a bespoke privacy framework for the protection of personal information in Bermuda. While PIPA will be applicable to all organisations using personal information, special care will need to be afforded to the collection, processing and disclosure of personal information relating to children. PIPA makes a distinction between personal information (which is any information about an identified or identifiable individual) and sensitive personal information (which is any personal information relating to place of origin, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, sexual life, marital status, physical or mental disability, physical or mental health, family status, religious beliefs, political opinions, biometric information or genetic information and typically requires a higher standard of protection). Although PIPA does not provide any specific proce14
dures to be undertaken by school authorities, supervisory authorities or teachers, there are significant penalties that can be issued by the Privacy Commissioner for non-compliance with the framework. In particular, a fine of up to $250,000 for organisations and, in the case of an individual on summary conviction, a fine not exceeding $25,000 or to imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or both. For these reasons, PIPA will likely serve to strengthen the fundamental rights of children to personal information protection and the Bermuda education community, along with any other organisations providing services to children, should start reviewing their current procedures and policies against the new statutory framework in order to provide adequate time for their organisations to become fully compliant.
International Rights Afforded to Children Children, having not achieved physical or psychological maturity, need more protection than other individuals. This concept has long been acknowledged in both general instruments relating to human rights, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and in specific instruments directly related to the rights of children,
such as the Geneva Declaration on the Rights of the Children, 1923 and more recently the European Convention on the Exercise of Children’s Rights, 1996. As school activity comprises a significant part of children’s daily lives and educational institutions process much of children’s sensitive personal information, it is imperative that educators, parents and community advocates for children familiarise themselves with PIPA’s substantive provisions now.
•
Retention, Updating and Deletion of Student Information Procedures: Children’s personal information held by an organisation should be adequate, relevant and not excessive in relation to the purposes for which it is used. It should be accurate and kept up to date in light of the child’s constant development.
•
Biometric Information: PIPA defines ‘biometric information’ as any information relating to the physical, physiological or behavioural characteristics of an individual that allows for unique identification. In the context of education providers, processes relating to student ID cards, CCTV surveillance, student intranet usage and the publication of student photographs for marketing and other purposes should be reviewed.
•
Training of Educators and HR Departments: Current training and on-boarding processes for education facilitators and human resource staff should be reviewed in light of the need to become compliant with PIPA.
•
Privacy Officer: PIPA requires all organisations using personal information to appoint a privacy officer and consideration should be given to this appointment along with the necessary resources, professional qualifications and autonomy that is needed for the individual to carry out their tasks effectively.
Checklist for Reviewing Current Policies and Procedures Organisations providing services to children should consider their current policies and procedures against the new legislative framework and the protection that is currently afforded by their processes to all aspects of student life from enrolment to graduation. A general review by education institutions should include a consideration of: •
Enrolment Processes: PIPA requires issuing privacy notices prior or at the time of obtaining personal information.
•
Access to Student Files Procedures: Access to children’s sensitive personal information or any information that could become a source of discrimination (for example, information on the wealth and income of a child’s family, disciplinary proceedings, medical treatment in school etc) should be subject to a higher standard of security measures such as storage in a separate file in comparison with personal information and access should be limited only to designated individuals.
GRETCHEN TUCKER, BEESMONT LAW LIMITED
www.mybermudaparent.com
15
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17
big kids
BY MAREN SCHMIDT, KIDS TALK
The Best Brains Require
Good Nutrition
Are our children getting the right kinds of food for maximum brain development and health? Most parents believe their children are getting adequate nutrition but data shows otherwise. Peeking into a few lunch boxes gives some indications and insight into the issue. Recent research is showing that high levels of fructose contribute to obesity and Type 2 diabetes in children. High blood sugar levels adversely affect the function of the hippocampus, the part of the brain that helps organize memory. Children need a diet of complex carbohydrates versus a diet of sugar and foods that have a high glycemic index such as potatoes, white rice, white flour, and white sugar. Data shows that 25 percent of children under the age of six eat French fried potatoes 18
every day. One nutritionist recommends avoiding any food that’s white because those foods act like sugar to the brain. Current research is showing that certain diseases and conditions have their roots in poor childhood nutrition. For example, the low intake of calcium rich foods—milk, cheese, broccoli, spinach and other green leafy vegetables—during the first eighteen years of life may predispose women to osteoporosis. Fresh fruit and vegetables, and whole grains take
longer to digest but offer important nutrition that may not be found in the empty calories from the refined carbohydrates in soda and processed foods. For the young child under age six, certain foods should be avoided, and perhaps we all should avoid them. Two big two no-no seem to be sodas and foods that list sugar in the first five ingredients. For sodas, their sugar content is too high and the active ingredients in soda work against bone development. Soda drink consumption has risen to over sixty gallons per person annually in the United States. In a study of teenage boys, ages 13 to 18, about 60 percent reported drinking two sodas or more per day, with over 95 percent reported that they drank soda regularly. In teenagers, over 25 percent of daily calories may be from sodas. The teenage habits begin before the age of six. Water is the best liquid for our children to drink as effective brain growth and functioning is dependent on the brain being well hydrated, since the brain is over 90 percent water. The second no-no: foods that list sugar as one of the first five ingredients include breakfast cereals, breakfast toaster pastries, and more. High sugar consumption is linked to tooth decay, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other ailments. Serve fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains to satisfy a sweet tooth. Make sure that a child’s diet provides adequate protein. Too much protein can be as bad as too little but inadequate protein affects brain development and overall health. Children from one to three years need about 1300 calories per day with 16 grams of protein. Four to six year olds need about 1800 calories per day with 24 grams of protein. Seven to ten year olds require around 2000 calories with 28 grams of protein.
The second no-no: foods that list sugar as one of the first five ingredients include breakfast cereals, breakfast toaster pastries, and more. Common protein rich foods include milk, soy milk, eggs, cheese, yogurt, peanut butter, lean meats, fish, poultry, beans, tofu, lentils, grains, nuts and seeds. Another nutritionist recommends only shopping the perimeter of your grocery store, as all the nutritious and fresh food is there, and you won’t be tempted by all the fancy packaged processed food in the center aisles.
As my Granddad used to say, pay the grocer or pay the doctor. Yes, I’d much rather spend my money on blueberries than meeting my medical insurance deductible. It tastes so much better, and my brain loves it. Kids Talk TM is a column dealing with childhood development issues written by Maren Stark Schmidt. Ms. Schmidt founded a Montessori school and holds a Masters of Education from Loyola College in Maryland. She has over thirty years experience working with children and holds teaching credentials from the Association Montessori Internationale. Contact her at maren@marenschmidt.com. Visit MarenSchmidt.com. Copyright 2017.
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19
Fab
FAMILY FINDS 4
2 5
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1 | Hasbro Board Games It’s the time of year when we tend to spend more time indoors enjoying the company of family and friends. Why not make The Annex Toys your first stop in planning a family games night? Choose from a wide selection of the world’s most beloved games such as Monopoly, Twister and The Game of Life. Or, find trending games like Speak Out Kids Vs Parents and let the games begin!
2 | Little Tykes 3-in-1 Activity Walker Get baby moving with the Little Tykes 3-in-1 Activity Walker from at The Annex Toys. Designed to inspire movement with lights, the walker can also be used as a floor play toy or converted to a standing
activity table. Your baby will play and learn for hours.
3 | iLEGO Technics Porche Experience the iconic Porsche 911 GT3 RS with the authentic LEGO Technic replica available at The Annex Toys. The 1:8 scale model was designed to provide an immersive, rewarding building experience and features detailed, orange bodywork, red suspension springs, detailed headlights, taillights, brake calipers and rims with low-profile tires.
4 | Omron 10 Series Stay on top of your numbers at home with an Omron 10 Series Blood Pressure Monitor from The Phoenix Stores.
With a simple touch of a button, Omron’s Advanced Accuracy feature helps ensure consistent, precise readings while its expandable cuff fits medium to large arms comfortably.
5 | Lenovo Tab 10 Should you opt to go with a tablet for your child’s senior school needs, the Lenovo Tab available at P-Tech is an Android 6 [Marshmallow] option featuring a 10.1” touchscreen, 16GB of storage memory, webcams, WiFi and Bluetooth. You’ll also find wireless keyboard options in-store.
6 | Lenovo Ideapad 110 Laptop A laptop or tablet (with keyboard) is
a senior school must have and the Lenovo Ideapad 110 laptop is a one of the best value for money laptops available at P-Tech. With a vibrant display, quality integrated graphics a built in CD/DVD player, the multimedia machine runs Windows 10 and boasts a generous 1TB hard drive.
7 | Basan Cord P-Tech has the best cords in the market for both Android and Apple products – Basan Cord! Three full metres long and ruggedly made with an aluminium outer skin, the Basan Cord is virtually indestructible. Choose from a variety of colours and charge your devices at lightning speed today.
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8 | Cuisinart EasyPop Popcorn Maker
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Plan your next movie night with a Cuisinart EasyPop Popcorn Maker from The Phoenix Centre. Make up to 16 cups of crunchy, homemade popcorn then serve it from the dual-purpose popping bowl. And, clean-up is easy as all removable parts are dishwasher safe.
9
9 | Luma Brush If you’re looking for an easier way to flat press your hair, try the Luma Brush available at The Phoenix Stores. The Luma Brush does the job of a flat iron faster, gentler and more efficiently. Say goodbye to sectioning your hair, going over the same parts again and again, hair clips and burning your scalp with this one.
10 | Get Emojinal Express your mood with the fun selection of Get Emojinal items available in the Hallmark Department at Brown & Co. Visit their Reid Street entrance to choose from slippers, stationery, pillows and more.
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11 | Stanley Insulated Beverage Holders Find the legendary classic Stanley Vacuum Bottle at Brown & Co. and experience its nostalgic, thermal performance with your next favourite beverage.
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12 | LOQI Bags & Pouches If you’re looking for unique accessories, we’ve found them at Brown & Co.! LOQI bags not only let you keep personal items and cosmetics neatly tucked away or carry your reusable shopping tote in your handbag, but the collection combines dynamic shapes with bursts of electric colours for any style.
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13 | On-The-Go Necessities Stay organised and stylish with cute and trendy accessories from Brown & Co. Pop by to experience the unexpected today.
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tweens & teens
BY CARLY SEELY
University Tips for Every Parent O
ur child is a now a young adult, ready to start down their own path. For many parents, the thought of a son or daughter heading off to university is both exciting and emotional. For a soon-to-be student, the focus becomes primarily about classes and exams, but also the excitement of student life and being away from home.
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Everyone has heard this scenario at least once. A parents pays for their son or daughter to head to university abroad and the student comes home barely graduating or not graduating at all – not to mention coming back with an overdrawn bank account and a large credit card balance. Whether they are going away to college for the first time or returning for another year, an area which needs to be addressed is their financial responsibilities in terms of managing money and credit while they are away studying. It is important as a parent to set financial ground rules with them before they head off, and it is equally as important to stick to those rules despite the outcome. The last thing any parent wants to deal with is a bad decision made by their dependents which affects their own financial stability and longterm goals. At the end of the day, it all comes down to communication and expectations. Here are some great pointers before they head off:
1. Scholarship applications
Once they have been accepted, find out whether they can apply for any scholarships. If your son or daughter is lucky enough to be granted a scholarship, make sure they know what grades they need in order to maintain the scholarship.
2. Lay ground rules
a. Determine what you are going to pay for and what you will not be responsible for. b. If shortfalls occur in the student finances, whether accidental or deliberate, determine who will ultimately pick up the tab. c. Determine how to fund your student – monthly deposits into the student account, credit card access? d. If they are able to work aboard, how are those extra funds going to be allocated? e. If there are annual study trips, do you support them financially?
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f. What are your expectations regarding term breaks and summer holidays? Are they expected to come home and get a part-time job?
3. Create a budget
a. Factor in everything. Tuition fees and, most likely, student housing is covered prior to their arrival. This is everything else: i. Course materials ii. Transport iii Food iv. Entertainment v. Utilities (if not on student campus) vi. Internet vii. Insurance (to cover electronic items) viii. Clothes ix. Extra study expenses (photo copying, printing, binders, etc.) b. Determine who is going to monitor the budget monthly. c. Educate your son or daughter on how to pay bills and how to stick to the plan.
4. Trust them
There is nothing worse than the overbearing ‘GPS tracking’ parent. Your son or
daughter will only ask for help if you are approachable – FACT. If you fly off the deep end every time they say something you don’t like, then you will hear less and less from them. You have to trust them, and you have to trust the way you raised them. No one is perfect and everyone learns from mistakes. During their time abroad they will likely face some challenges, but that is what life delivers: an opportunity for them to develop important life skills, from problem-solving to independent thought and action. The important thing to remember is you have laid the foundation, you have set the appropriate ground rules and you have made clear what your expectations are of them. Now it is time for them to spread their wings, learn about themselves and figure out how to navigate through their university years. You never know, you might be surprised at just how well they do. Carla Seely is the Vice President of Pension and Investments at Freisenbruch-Meyer. If you would like any further details, please contact her at cseely@fmgroup.bm or call +1 441 297 8686.
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T• 441.296.3600
F• 441.295.6209 INFO@FMGROUP.BM
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MSA’s approach to learning promotes critical thinking and problem-solving, which is applicable to all aspects of a student’s life. As an Alberta Accredited International School, MSA teaches from an inquiry-based method of learning which engages students in a collaborative and interactive approach to figuring out the desired end result. This continuous curriculum, from pre-K to senior year, is an essential component of what fosters whole-child development and sense of belonging.
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Our high school program prepares students for success in post-secondary education and life as an adult. The rigorous curriculum offers opportunities to explore subjects in depth in preparation for success in universities, colleges, and the world of work. A strong emphasis is placed on critical thinking and developing the ability to appropriately question established norms while developing and questioning our own positions as well.
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19 Dundonald Street West, Hamilton | Telephone: 292-4134 Email: admissions@msa.bm | Website: www.msa.bm
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tweens & teens
BY DEPARTMENT OF ICT POLICY AND INNOVATION
Are you a Maker? Join Bermuda’s
Maker Movement! T
he Maker Movement is an overarching term that includes independent inventors, designers and tinkerers. It is a global campaign that includes anyone who makes things: technology enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, engineers, science clubs, authors, and artists. Makers combine self-reliance with open-source learning, contemporary design and personal technology like 3-D printers.
Makers in the United States communicate through the Make magazine. Globally, makers host hands-on Maker Faires that appeal to do-it-yourselfers, turning them from consumers to creators and “bringing techies and non-techies alike into the world of being creators1.” Says Tim Bajarin, leading industry consultant and analyst in the field of personal computers and consumer technology. “As someone who has seen firsthand what can happen if the right tools, inspiration and opportunity are available to people, I see the Maker Movement and these types of Maker Faires as being important for fostering innovation.”
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The Maker Faires being held worldwide, and now for the first time in Bermuda, aim to “be forward-looking, showcasing makers who are exploring new forms and new technologies.” But again, these Faires are for the techies and non-techies alike: the Maker Faires show off “innovation and experimentation across the spectrum of science, engineering, art, performance and craft2.” In Bermuda, what has been known locally as “Bermy Makers” infuses the Maker Movement with a technology focus. One of the short term objectives of the Bermy Makers is to identify and outfit a Maker Space which would facilitate the many needs of the Maker community including workshops, meeting rooms and space where various demonstrations might be held. Recently, Bermy Makers joined efforts with the Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative and the Department of ICT Policy and Innovation and held Bermuda’s very first Youth Maker Faire on April 21 and 22. During the Faire, which focused on Bermuda’s youth, the innovative and creatively-minded people of Bermuda had the opportunity to shine on the local stage. Participants included individual makers, members of after-school clubs and other youth programmes. The Faire aimed to showcase the Island’s youth makers and was designed to attract parents looking for the latest in do-it-yourself learning opportunities for their children. It also encouraged youth to participate in Maker activities, and created an arena for the gathering of Bermuda Makers. Are you a Maker? Do you enjoy tinkering with technology, taking things apart, building your own kite, or making your own loquat jam? You too can join Bermuda’s Maker Movement! Go on www.youthmakerfaire.com and sign up to get updates and register to take part in our next Youth Maker Faire. You can also request to join the Bermy Makers Group on Facebook, https://www.facebook. com/groups/405291606346506/?ref=bookmarks 1 2
Get ready to eliminate Cyberbullying. Take part in Bermuda’s first
Stop Cyberbullying Summit
2017
http://time.com/104210/maker-faire-maker-movement/ http://makerfaire.com/makerfairehistory/ www.mybermudaparent.com Cyber Bulling Ad_Parenting Magazine 1/4 page.indd 1
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4/25/17 12:09 PM
tweens & teens
BY SCARS.BM
Helping Your Child Understand Themselves
Ages 13 Years – 18 Years
“Sexual abuse has a deleterious impact on a child’s sense of self. SCARS have provided us with a guide to facilitate conversations about self-worth and sexual abuse. Such discussions are paramount in promoting awareness and prevention of child sexual abuse.”
A
— Dr. Tina J. Arorash, Ph.D, Registered Bermuda Psychologist
s parents and caregivers it’s important to help our children feel save and protected. In this final section of our three part series, we share conversation suggestions compiled by SCARS for parents and caregivers. Some 28
topics may be difficult but, it’s our responsibility to protect our children and prevent child sexual abuse. As our children mature and become their own person, parents and caregivers can continue to help shape their paths using the suggested discussion topics. Despite the fact that they
seem grown up, teens still need to know there is someone who cares and listens.
Discussion Points: 1. Discovering who you are. How are you wired? What are your gifts and talents? Children are talented in many ways and passionate about different things.
2. You are special. What do you think your purpose is? 3. Are you having any relationship or friendship difficulties? Let them know that it’s normal for them to dislike you sometimes, and that they will not always agree with parental decisions. Reinforce that despite this, they can always talk to you. 4. How do you fit in with your peers? Do you try to please others? 5. How do you deal with rejection, abuse, and abandonment? Reinforce positive coping skills; especially how to release anger, shame, hurt, and frustration in healthy ways. 6. Respecting others’ differences, opinions, and choices. 7. Choices they make have consequences (sex, drugs, crime, social media posts). 8. Cyber Safety – How to protect yourself on the Internet (www. cybertips.bm ). 9. Abuse is when one exerts power over another. Exerting power over others is never okay. Why do you think people do it? Discuss bullying tactics and what it means to hurt others with our words. Why do we do this? Discuss self-preservation. 10. Dealing with shame. Shame can be a form of self-protection. Shame can be the voice of perfectionism. Nothing silences us more than
shame. We all struggle with feelings of not being good enough, not having enough, and not belonging enough. Discuss how to handle and overcome feelings of inadequacy. It takes courage to speak from the heart. Create a safe place for your teen to share without repercussions or feeling judged. 11. Respecting others privacy, except when it involves getting hurt or hurting others. 12. Empathy. Understanding what someone is experiencing. Reinforce that developing empathy enriches our relationships. Empathy’s the ability to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes. How would you feel? It’s not what we say it’s how we say it. Is it constructive? Is it respectful? Is it kind or hurtful? 13. Help daughters understand that being a good person and treating others with respect is what makes them beautiful. Discuss peer pressure. How they feel about it?
sibilities of adults versus children. Children are not meant to be abandoned, rejected or abused by any anyone – child or adult. If they have experienced any form of abuse or bullying, encourage them to discuss this experience. Emphasize that this abuse doesn’t identify or define them. 16. Reiterate that they are loved, special, worthy and have their own unique purpose.
If your child discloses that they were abused it’s important to remain calm. Reinforce the following: 1. I believe you. 2. What happened wasn’t your fault and it shouldn’t have happened. 3. Thank you for telling me. 4. I will keep you safe (this is a priority for parents/guardians). 5. I love you and am here for you.
14. Discuss masculinity with your sons. Explore any fears they may have about not feeling as masculine as other boys. Ask how they express their feelings? How they deal with possible harassment/bullying from other boys? How they manage their relationships? Peer pressure?
6. I will help you and support you.
15. All children need to feel valued and respected by their parents and caregivers. Talk about the respon-
9. I’m sorry that I couldn’t protect you. I love you and we will get through this together.
7. What happened to you is against the law. Laws are like rules, only more serious. There are consequences when people break rules. 8. We can talk about this as much or as little as you like.
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Make Meals Memorable with Riviana Foods
CAROLINA® CURRIED COCONUT CHICKEN AND RICE 1 cup Carolina® Basmati Rice, uncooked 1 can (14 oz.) coconut milk, divided ½ teaspoon salt, divided (optional) 2 teaspoon vegetable oil, divided 1 cup onion, chopped 2 cups fresh basil leaves
1 each garlic clove, chopped 2 teaspoon curry powder 1 ⁄8 teaspoon ground red pepper ½lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 inch cubes
Using 1 cup coconut milk and 1 cup water, ½ teaspoon salt (if desired) prepare rice according to package directions. While cooking, stir rice after 10 minutes. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add onion and sauté 3 minutes. Add basil and stir-fry 2 minutes. Remove from pan and keep warm. Heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and stir-fry 30 seconds. Add curry powder, remaining salt (if desired) and red pepper; stir-fry 10 seconds. Add chicken and stir-fry 3 minutes. Stir in remaining coconut milk and reduce heat to medium. Cook 2 minutes or until chicken is done. Stir in basil mixture and toss well. Serve over rice.
RICESELECT® QUINOA MEATBALL SLIDERS ½ cup RiceSelect® Red Quinoa, uncooked 1 beef bouillon cube non-stick cooking spray 1 pound extra lean ground beef* 1 ⁄4 cup finely chopped onion 1 ⁄4 cup grated carrot 2 tablespoons ketchup 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 tablespoon soy sauce
½ teaspoon pepper ½ teaspoon salt 1 ⁄4 teaspoon dried oregano 1 ⁄4 teaspoon dried thyme 1 egg 1½ cups marinara sauce ½ cup freshly shredded Italian blend or Mozzarella cheese 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add bouillon cube and stir to dissolve. Stir in quinoa. Reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a large baking dish with cooking spray; set aside. In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients except the marinara sauce, cheese and parsley. Form into walnut-sized balls and arrange on baking dish. Roast in oven for approximately 20 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown. Spoon sauce on top, then sprinkle with cheese; bake an additional 5 minutes or until sauce is hot and cheese is melted. Remove from oven and sprinkle with parsley. Make sliders by slicing a dinner roll in half and placing meatball on top, sprinkle with fresh parmesan cheese for extra flavor. *Note: ground turkey or pork can be substituted.
RICESELECT® COUSCOUS AVOCADO BOATS 1 cup RiceSelect® Original Couscous, uncooked 1 cup chicken broth 1 ⁄4 teaspoon salt 1 ⁄8 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon white vinegar 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon red onion, chopped 1 ⁄4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped ½ cup orange sections, chopped ½ cup cucumber, chopped 3 avocados, cut in half
Combine chicken broth and salt in saucepan; bring to a boil. Add couscous, cover and remove from heat. Allow to stand 5 minutes. In a large bowl, combine couscous and the rest of the ingredients (except for avocados), mixing until well combined. Scoop out half of each avocado half and fill with couscous mixture. Serves 6.
RICESELECT® JASMATI FRIED RICE 3 cups cooked, cooled RiceSelect® Jasmati® Rice 3 tablespoons peanut oil, divided 2 eggs 1 ⁄4 teaspoon salt 3 green onions, sliced
1 cup chopped shrimp, chicken, or pork 1 cup snow peas, cut diagonally ½ cup cashews, roasted 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Beat eggs with salt, heat 1 tablespoon oil in large skillet or wok. Add onions and eggs. Stir-fry until set. Remove from pan. Heat another tablespoon of oil. Add shrimp, chicken or pork; stir fry 5 to 10 minutes are until cooked through. Add snow peas and cashews; stir fry an additional 2 minutes, then remove from pan. Add last tablespoon of oil and heat. Add rice, stirring to heat. Stir in soy sauce, shrimp mixture, and eggs. Stir mixture gently to combine all ingredients and heat through.
MINUTE® RICE WITH BLACK BEANS 1 tablespoon oil 1 onion, chopped 2 each minced garlic 1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14½oz.) stewed tomatoes 2 ⁄3 cup water ½ teaspoon oregano leaves 1½ cups Minute® Brown Rice, uncooked
Heat oil in large skillet. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until tender but not browned. Stir in beans, tomatoes, water and oregano. Bring to boil. Stir in rice. Return to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes.
SUCCESS VEGETARIAN CURRY WITH SPINACH, TOMATO AND CHICK PEAS 2 bags Success® Basmati Rice 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 each garlic clove, chopped 1 onion, finely chopped 1 tablespoon fresh ginger root, peeled and finely chopped 1 tablespoon curry powder
1 can (14½ oz.) diced tomatoes 1 can (16 oz.) garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves Salt and ground black pepper, to taste ½ cup plain yogurt Fresh cilantro leaves, optional
Prepare rice according to package directions. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan and cook the garlic, onion and ginger 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the curry powder and cook for 1 minute. Add tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the chick peas. Simmer 5 minutes. Fold in spinach. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over rice topped with yogurt and cilantro, if desired.
Carolina® Basmati Rice, RiceSelect® Arborio Rice, RiceSelect® Original Couscous, RiceSelect® Jasmati® Rice, RiceSelect® Red Quinoa, Minute® Brown Rice and Success® Basmati Rice are all available at your favourite supermarket. Carolina®, RiceSelect®, Minute® and Success® are registered trademarks of Riviana Foods Inc.
www.bv.bm
tweens & teens
BY DEPARTMENT OF ICT POLICY AND INNOVATION
Students take the Lead in Bermuda’s Efforts to STOP
Cyberbullying Starting September 2017, Bermuda’s digital natives1 will be at the forefront of the Island’s efforts to root out cyberbullying!
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On the Island, middle- and high-school students are a prominent portion of that group. Computer games, the Internet, smartphones, and instant messaging are a considerable part of their lives. As a result, not only has how they learn shifted dramatically, but their interactions and the way they communicate with each other and with others have also seen a significant change. This consistent use of technology leaves them exposed to the worldwide epidemic of cyberbullying.
What are they doing about it?
Who are they?
The Stop Cyberbullying Programme
Digital natives are people who have grown up in the digital age. Not only are they familiar with the Internet, wireless technology, and the diverse devices that harness them both, they actually grew up using them from a very young age. “Digital natives” is a phrase coined by Marc Prensky, an internationally acclaimed writer and consultant in the field of education. Prensky explains that today’s students are the first generation to grow up being so familiar with those technologies. “They have spent their entire lives surrounded by and using computers, videogames, digital music players, video cams, cell phones, and all the other toys and tools of the digital age.”
With the guidance of industry professionals and leaders, middle- and high-school students will be trained as change agents who will work towards addressing the social, emotional, physical and legal effects of cyberbullying. Guided by the Cybertips.bm team in partnership with WiredTrust LLC, the 2017 Stop Cyberbullying Programme will be launched in September 2017. It will offer training specifically designed for Bermuda’s students. There will be additional content for parents and guardians, school administrators and teachers, health professionals, law enforcement agents and legislators to provide a level of understanding and to be of support to the students. Students from the different schools will conduct research regarding cyberbullying and its impact on the local population. They will also design and implement different anti-cyberbullying projects that have been selected by them, according to the preferences of their respective schools. The Stop Cyberbullying Programme will also include a student-driven public awareness campaign and a review of Bermuda’s current legislation governing cyber-related crimes from the youth perspective. Participants will also be drawn from a wide variety of local community and industry-related groups that deal with one or more aspects of cyberbullying, such as sporting organizations, youth leadership organizations and local law enforcement agencies.
The Stop Cyberbullying Summit The Stop Cyberbullying Programme will culminate in the Stop Cyberbullying Summit, which will also be led by Bermuda’s middle-and high-school students. The activities and projects completed during the Programme will be integrated into the Stop Cyberbullying Summit in December 2017. There, the students will have the opportunity to discuss their ideas with other likeminded students, facilitate discussions and present their research findings to industry leaders, educators, opinion leaders and legislators. The information presented and the discussions held during the Stop Cyberbullying Summit will inform the drafting of Bermuda’s first National Cyberwellness Plan. This plan will help to establish a sustainable framework that will help to combat the issue of cyberbullying within the community in a sustainable way for the benefit of current students as well as the next generation.
Why Support the Stop Cyberbullying Programme? The Cybertips.bm initiative routinely visits numerous schools, youth organizations and public events. Every year, the Cybertips team speaks to hundreds of students, seniors, parents, educators and youth groups. As a result of these consistent interactions with Bermuda’s digital natives and those closest to them, the Cybertips.bm team has seen the increasing need for an Island-wide campaign to not only inform, but to also train the students to transform their school culture, combat cyberbullying at their own level, and be up-standers, not mere bystanders. Thanks to the Stop Cyberbullying Programme, the students that will be trained and mentored will be ready to address cyberbullying -and other relevant online issues that are causing increasing concern Island-wide- in a way that will respond to their needs the best: by being actively involved in developing the Island-wide effort to root it
out completely. By conducting independent research, completing their school projects, in addition to creating and managing public awareness campaigns and offering customized student-led training sessions for students and adults alike, Bermuda’s young people will make an impact. By supporting this initiative, you will: • Demonstrate your commitment to young people and the safety of Bermuda’s youth both on and offline. • Build relationships with similarlyaligned organizations and individuals and position yourself as a community leader in this field. • Create a high profile among the leaders, influencers and decisionmakers of tomorrow. • Align yourself and your organisation with a powerful transformational experience to demonstrate your commitment to the next generation. • Last but not least, promote and increase your brand awareness on an international scale.
2017 STOP
CYBERBULLYING
SUMMIT
SAVE THE DATE for the Island’s first ever youth-led Stop Cyberbullying Summit! Bermuda’s students will lead their peers, educators, and supporters as they delve into the best ways to enhance child digital safety and security among the “wired generation”
MONDAY
4
TH
DECEMBER
For more information on how your organization can get involved, call 294-2774 or email: ictpolicy@gov.bm www.mybermudaparent.com
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tweens & teens
BY BILL NEWMAN
The Value of
A Junior Boarding School Experience any families today do not realize that independent boarding schools in the United States are devoid of the politics that often plague public education. Independent boarding schools are just that, independent. There is no mandate to administer extensive standardized tests, which not only influences curriculum (teaching to the test) but funding as well. The majority of independent schools are not subsidized by state or federal funding which gives them the power to design and create their own curriculum and pedagogical approach; an approach designed to meet the needs of the individual student. Amongst the hundreds of boarding schools in the United States, the vast majority of whom are accredited, there is a wonderful consortium of 10, Junior Boarding Schools (JBS) located in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. These are middle schools that serve 9 to 15 year old students, from around the world, in grades 5 through 9. Imagine your son or daughter sitting at a Harkness* table with only 10 other students from California, Ger34
many, Florida, and Afghanistan where they are learning new perspectives and where schools are truly preparing them for the 21st century. Imagine a curriculum that embraces innovation technology and is teaching your sons and daughters’ iterative design and the Stanford Design model, skills that will be required to advance their future careers. JBS understands the importance of staying relevant and it is reflected throughout its curriculum, extracurricular activities, and residential life. Junior Boarding Schools also understand that no student will arrive a “finished product”. They are renown for identifying the needs of individual students, be it to challenge or provide academic support, so that they can realize their full potential. The overarching goal: to graduate confident and independent students who can now navigate a larger and less structured secondary school (high school) environment. Students who have attended Junior Boarding Schools are extremely well prepared for the challenges of secondary schools – academically, athletically, and socially. They know how to advocate for themselves and have acquired the independence and academic foundation needed to succeed at the secondary school and college level. Many JBS parents have discovered that college may be too late to invest in their child’s education and what is needed is an earlier start in an alternative setting. Most of
the Junior Boarding Schools are well endowed, with campuses and facilities that rival those of secondary schools, and who offer financial assistance to those families showing need. There are also many schools who are flexible in their payment schedule and who want to work with parents to make this opportunity available to their children. This fall, Bermudian families have an extraordinary opportunity to meet with representatives from all 10, Junior Boarding Schools. This special event will be held at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club on November 2, 3, and 4 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. The following Schools will be in attendance: The Bement School, Cardigan Mountain School, Eaglebrook School, Fay School, The Fessenden School, Hillside School, Indian Mountain School, North Country School, Rectory School, and Rumsey Hall School. It will be well worth your time to learn more about these amazing schools and what can be a transformative experience for your sons and daughters. “Our son has had a wonderful experience at a junior boarding school. He has grown academically and personally. The small class size, focused tutorials, and the caring commitment of the staff and faculty have supported and nurtured him. I have seen him develop close friendships and leadership roles with his peers, and find self-confidence through the athletic program. Thank you for creating and sustaining this great environment.” - Current Seventh Grade Parent “I chose a junior boarding school for our daughters because of the great experience my stepson had there years before. The faculty are clearly invested in guiding students to become
the best they can be. It is a caring community that I feel comfortable sending my daughters into every day.” Current parent of a 6th grader and a 9th grader Bill Newman is the Assistant Headmaster for Enrollment and Secondary School Placement at the Hillside School. *The Harkness table, Harkness method, or Harkness discussion is a teaching
and learning method involving students seated in a large, oval configuration to discuss ideas in an encouraging, openminded environment with only occasional or minimal teacher intervention. The method is in use at many American boarding schools and colleges and encourages classes to be held in a discursive manner. The style is related to the Socratic method. -Wikipedia
JBSA
JUNIOR BOARDING SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION
The Top 10 US Junior Boarding Schools are coming to Bermuda... Please join us for a school fair at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club. November 2 & 3, 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. November 4, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. We are an association of independent boarding schools for middle school age children (grades 4 through 9). We provide a small and structured academic environment designed to prepare middle school students for a larger and less structured secondary school environment. The Bement School bement.org
Cardigan Mountain School
Eaglebrook School
Fay School
eaglebrook.org
fayschool.org
The Fessenden School
Hillside School
fessenden.org
hillsideschool.net
Indian Mountain School
North Country School
indianmountain.org
northcountryschool.org
Rectory School
Rumsey Hall School
rectoryschool.org
rumseyhall.org
cardigan.org
Visit our websites and learn more about our schools. For more information, please contact Matt Greene at mgreene@fayschool.org
www.mybermudaparent.com
35
BOARDING SCHOOL SPECIAL The Gow School
What to Consider When Choosing a
Boarding School
BY BVS EDUCATION
There is no doubt that the image of boarding schools has changed immeasurably; the transformation from the brutality and coldness of Dickens’ Dotheboys Hall to the spellbinding excitement of Hogwarts has been both evolutionary and revolutionary. However, the changes in perception and the reality are not works of fiction; boarding schools in Britain and North America are flourishing and should be a real consideration for families thinking about the future schooling of their children. But what makes a boarding school education special?
1. FIRST RATE EDUCATION
The reputation of leading schools in the UK and USA is not just a label of prestige from the past; the academic, sporting and social success of these schools is in the present and the future. Academic excellence, their successes in international exams and their students winning places at Ivy League and Russell Group universities speak for themselves. Teenagers are given the structured independence they need to thrive. 36
2. ALL-ROUND EDUCATION
Boarding schools are concerned with much more than academic prowess; pupils exceeding their potential in the classroom is paramount, of course, but the ability to be involved in whichever sporting, creative or intellectual pursuit that stimulates a child, is of huge importance too. All these things are on the student’s doorstep; schools are extremely busy places where children are seldom bored or lonely and, rather charmingly, it is still seen to be cool to do something rather than nothing. As the young actor, Henry Cavill, recalled, ‘At boarding school there wasn’t much time for much of anything except education’ – education in the widest sense.
3. SUPPORT
Success is achieved through sound teaching and individual care and attention. Staff at boarding schools are with their students twenty-four hours a day and are there to ensure that every child is happy and performing well at all times, and can address problems swiftly. Boarding schools are wellequipped and qualified to support most learning requirements and a wide range of schools offer specialist Additional Support for learning and emotional needs.
4. FACILITIES
Boarding schools have some outstanding facilities and offer beautiful spaces in which youngsters can grow and develop. Academic and sporting facilities can be state of the art, and boarding houses are often not far shy of a reasonable hotel, as befits the place where our children live and learn.
5. FRIENDS
Whilst boarding school pupils can no longer rely on the ‘old school tie’ to garner success in later life, a boarding education exposes youngsters to a huge array of people – some they will become life-long friends with, others they will get to know well, but they will probably know these people better than they know anyone else in their lives. The ability to live and work with such a huge number of people is what gives boarding school students the confidence and maturity to excel in their future worlds. Exposure to the wider world and internationalism also helps prepare students for the 21st Century world of business.
What boarding school students say: ‘A lot of people seem fearful of the idea of boarding but I definitely wouldn’t say that at all; it’s a great experience for everybody and everyone is willing you to do well.’
What their parents say: ‘Just go to the school, meet the staff, meet the pupils and I think they’ll make up your mind for you.’
The International Schools Fair will take place toward the end of September offering Bermuda parents the opportunity to meet schools from the UK and USA.
Our Oldest Tradition is forward thinking
6. FINANCE
Boarding school fees can seem eye-wateringly expensive – fees can be as high as £32,000 or $59,000 a year. However, boarding schools are working increasingly hard to ensure that they are not ‘elitist’ and seek to attract the students who will most benefit from all the school has to offer. It is always worth asking about Bursary and Scholarship assistance.
DISCOVER THE POWER OF ALL-GIRLS AT SEM Among the oldest girls' schools in New York State, SEM has been dedicated to creating a culture of achievement, scholarship, and leadership tailored for girls since 1851. Call 716-885-6780 or email admission@buffaloseminary.org to find out about 5- and 7-day residential opportunities on our cozy, historic campus.
Independent day and boarding school for college-bound girls
205 Bidwell Parkway, Buffalo, NY 14222
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BOARDING SCHOOL SPECIAL
Boarding Schools Aren’t Academic Factories BY NIALL BROWNE, BVS Education
AT WILLISTON, OUR MISSION IS YOU! Come experience our unique signature programs and rich campus life.
I
ndependent boarding schools are renowned for producing well-qualified, highly successful and well-rounded young men and women. However, a German banker wrote recently that top boarding schools provided an unspectacular education and cocoon pupils from the real world, and chided that ‘the great strength of the schools and students is the selfpresentation…but appearances are deceptive.’ He also concluded that boarding school pupils learned less than in his native Germany. However, this rather contentious verdict on boarding schools completely missed the point that the great strength of boarding schools is that they are so much more than academic factories.
1 Diversity 9th Grade CORE Program builds confidence, community, and academic success
Authentic, close-knit boarding community features formal dinners, weekend social events, and all-school assemblies
Cutting-edge Curricular Technology Program fuels creativity and academic inquiry
25 AP classes and college-model Williston Scholars Program incorporate 5 College resources
SCHEDULE A TOUR THIS FALL! Visit us online at www.williston.com or call 413.529.3241
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There are independent boarding schools of all different sizes and shapes; many of them offer specialist teaching in those areas which few government systems would be able to provide. Independent schools are able to teach ‘minority’ subjects (such as Economics and Latin, for example), or to be centres of excellence for the full range of learning support and emotional needs; few governments would be able to provide this huge range of opportunity.
2 Opportunities
Independent schools offer a plethora of opportunities to students both inside and outside the classroom.
A Private Co-Ed High School on the Coast of Maine, USA Celebrating 225 Years of Excellence in Education
The quality of teaching at independent schools is renowned, supported by an extensive range of intellectual pursuits after lessons have finished – but the often spectacular standards achieved in sport, adventure and the performing arts are also why parents choose to spend so much of their hard-earned money on their children’s education. Of course any child can find these things without going to boarding school, but the fact that all these things are available around the clock and on their doorstep is crucial to creating well-rounded involved young adults.
3 Independence
Our progression through childhood and the teenage years is a journey of gaining greater independence. Boarding schools, at whatever age, allow our youngsters the ability to learn to be independent and responsible learners and thinkers, through structured independence. This can offer a valuable edge for university and life beyond.
4 Presentation
There is no doubt that being involved in such a wide range of activities, being exposed to a high standard of teaching and living and working with contemporaries and adults, means that boarding school pupils often become confident adults who are ease with themselves and those around them. In a world where we often decry how teenagers spend too long playing with vacuous computer games and
not interacting properly with the real world, surely this is something to be applauded?
5 Success
There is no doubt that students from independent boarding schools have a huge success rate in achieving places at top universities including Oxbridge, Russell Group and Ivy League institutions. Similarly, many of the top professions, large international companies and world governments are led by former boarding school students. In an increasingly competitive and meritocratic world, it would be quite naïve to suggest that this is purely the result of the ‘old school tie’; rather it is a reflection of the culmination of the things outlined above. So, when the German banker suggested that independent schools were more style than substance, he was quite wrong: of course there are excellent government schools throughout the world – and Bermuda is blessed with having some excellent schools – both government and private – but independent boarding schools do offer something different, something special – and something that many parents will try to give their children if they can. A visit to a modern boarding school should easily disabuse any notion that an independent school education is not money not well spent. Niall Browne is a Director at BvS Education.
Offering EARLY COLLEGE
through Thomas College, Husson University and the University of Maine.
How Far Would You Go for an Education?
Three hours by Air.. Bermuda-NYC-Maine! Call for more information +1 (207) 255-8301, x. 207 Email us at admissions@washingtonacademy.org Visit our website at
www.washingtonacademy.org www.mybermudaparent.com
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Eagle Hill School is a co-educational college preparatory boarding school that provides an individualized education for students identified with language based learning (dis)abilities including Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and ADHD (inattentive type). Eagle Hill believes in learning diversity, not disability, discarding notions of boxes and limits and empowering students with self-knowledge, self-confidence, and self-advocacy skills. Eagle Hill School is an authorized IB World School offering the IB Diploma Programme.
Dr. Peter Perinchief
Dr. Sylvanus Nawab
ALL PHYSICIANS ARE ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
Dr. Richard Fulton
For Appointments Call 295 8000
Nurse Bernie Wilson www.facebook.com/EdgewoodPediatricsBDA @EdgewoodPedsBDA
13 Richmond Road • Hamilton HM08 • Tel 441 295 8000
w w w. e d g e w o o d p e d i a t r i c s . c o m
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EAGLE HILL SCHOOL www.eaglehill.school
413-477-6000
Hardwick, Massachusetts
BOARDING SCHOOL SPECIAL
The Transatlantic Dream Team Bermuda and EF Academy (New York)—When Bermuda Parents Magazine approached me to write an editorial about our school, I was honored to have the opportunity to express my gratitude for all the amazing Bermudians and ex-pats living in Bermuda whom I’ve met and gotten to know in this past year since my first visit to the island. I’d especially like to thank the administration of Somersfield Academy, who welcomed us to their school and opened the door to a future full of possibilities among our IB programs. Your wahoo fritters and rum swizzles charmed me. Your exuberant tree frogs and pink sand beaches delighted me. Your enthusiasm for international education and the desire for your children to experience a bigger world inspired me. Before coming to Bermuda, I did not grasp the extent to which my school would be a dream match for so many Bermuda students. But when I spoke to parents and
| By Jason M. Kirschner
educators, and when I learned more about Bermuda’s rich history and academic traditions, I suddenly realized how fortunate I am to represent a boarding school that uniquely compliments education on the island in the ideal international environment for young people to prepare for university and pursue their passions on another level. The curricula at EF Academy align beautifully with those espoused in Bermuda. For grades 9 and 10, EF Academy offers the iGCSE curriculum, which is not only an excellent preparation for the UK A-Levels, but also for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, for students in grades 11 and 12. Both the iGCSE and IB deal much less in rote memorization and multiple choice tests, preferring
www.mybermudaparent.com
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BOARDING SCHOOL SPECIAL
to focus on more significant student-driven research, discussion, debate, and written explanation of more in-depth themes and concepts. They cover all subject areas from liberal arts to hard sciences and fine arts to social sciences. The A-Levels track, on the contrary, is designed specifically for students aiming to enter a professional track in a UK university right after high school/college. One would take just 4 subjects that focus on particular pre-professional categories including
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medicine, law, and business. Because the A-Levels are so specialized for entry to UK universities, the track is offered specifically at our two UK campuses (Oxford and Torquay), while the IB is offered in the UK and also at our US campus. EF Academy’s largest campus is only a short 2-hours flight from Bermuda. The campus has an enrollment of 800 students and boasts 98 acres of forested grounds just 50 minutes north of Manhattan by accessible commuter train. Thornwood, New York, also happens to be the perfect launchpad for students to explore their independence in a neighborhood that strikes the balance between overwhelming urban center and “middle of nowhere.” As long as they return for nighttime curfew, our upperclassmen have the liberty to visit New York City on weekends, where they enjoy all the educational and cultural opportunities impossible to find on the island on the same scale—Broadway shows and ballet, art and science museums, and restaurants. Our UK campuses offer a smaller alternative, with only 200 students each. Torquay is a quaint seaside town on the southwest coast of England, not far from Plymouth and Exeter. It’s particularly suited for students who enjoy the outdoor activities like rockclimbing or sailing. Our school in Oxford is a 10-minutes bike ride to the city center, where students stroll along the cobblestone streets, patronize bookstores and coffee shops, and occasionally take the bus to
London to enjoy cosmopolitan adventure after a week of classes. Intercampus exchanges open up additional cross-cultural opportunities and club offerings from Model United Nations and Coding clubs in the US to Oxfam and Duke of Edinburgh in the UK. Beyond the academic experience, Bermudians and ex-pats become part of an internationally-diverse student body and faculty. EF Academy students hail from 80 countries, and unlike traditional American or British boarding schools, EF is not dominated by domestic majorities. Bermudians can represent their background as a student ambassador at what feels like a United Nations in a high school. You as parents recognize the value of making lifelong connections to future political and industry leaders in many different countries. The return on investment of a modern global education and an international alumni network goes well beyond the years spent in high school. Our mission at EF Academy is to provide a superior education, thorough preparation for university, and a future that knows no borders. Not only do we aim to break down borders on a global scale, but also to break down the internal barriers that keep young people from realizing their full passions and potential and discovering their place in the world.
NEW YORK CAMPUS ONLY A 2 HOUR FLIGHT +1 914 495 6028
THE TRANSATLANTIC DREAM TEAM BERMUDA AND EF ACADEMY
> World-class programs: iGCSE, IB Diploma, A-Levels, U.S. High School Diploma > 73% of our students attend their first choice university > Multiple college-level courses, including SAT prep, STEM and Business > Over 80 countries represented at our three campuses > Wide array of clubs and sports offered from soccer and golf to theater and coding
NEW YORK, U.S. | OXFORD, U.K. | TORBAY, U.K. WWW.EF.EDU/ACADEMY
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DIRECTORY
ABC Speech-Language-Pathology &Educational Therapy Services
Aerie’s Adventures Nursery & Preschool
“If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn” Ignacio Estrada.
Aerie’s Adventures has been in existence since September 2005. We accept children between the ages of 2 and 5 years old. It is jointly owned by Michelle Caesar and Lynn Ball. Ms. Caesar is our Head- Teacher and Mrs. Ball is the Administrator/Accountant. Our Mission Statement: To create an environment which fosters unconditional Love and inspires children to; learn about the world around them, to have self-esteem, to love one another and to know that God loves them. Our motto is “It takes a village to raise a child”. Hence involve our children’s family, friends and community into their educational process. This objective is accomplished by encouraging parents, family members and friends to participate in theme topics such as music and Career days. In addition to our academic curriculum, students are encouraged to be kind, respectful and to make the “right choices in life”. This decision making process is encouraged through our ‘Al-Pals’ discussions, bible stories and scripture memorization. A few of our highlights are; - Ms. Caesar was selected as teacher of the year by Heritage International Scholarship Trust Foundation in February 2008; the majority of our graduating students do exceptionally well in primary school (private and public) as they are well prepared for school socially, academically and spiritually and our children know, that no matter what happens to them in life, God loves them! Our fun filled program includes field trips, music, drama, gym and language because we recognize that children have different learning styles. We will also tailor our program to suit their abilities. All our teachers are qualified and are CPR and first aid certified. Ms. Caesar has also supervised students from Bermuda College for their teaching practicum.
Advancing Better Communication and Education is the motto of ABC Speech-Language-Pathology & Educational Therapy Services. Located in Paget, they are committed to assisting children and adults with developmental speech-language issues. Opened 14 years ago by Mrs. Sally Ann Topley, ABC Services specialises in assisting people with articulation, oral motor skills, stuttering, hearing impairment, autism spectrum, head injuries, strokes, dementia, auditory processing and language based learning disabilities. Executive Director and Speech-Language Pathologist, Mrs. Topley explains that the profession of Speech-Language Therapy is devoted to the assessment, rehabilitation, counselling and prevention services for individuals, from birth to old age. At ABC Services, Mrs. Topley works with any type of speech, voice, language, cognitive-communicative or neurological disorder. Intervention is a combination of educational practices with therapeutic approaches. ABC Services acts as a “bridge” between a child’s home and school, helping them acquire the skills needed to overcome their speechlanguage challenges. Who can benefit? Anyone with a learning disability, those with school or test anxiety, speech/articulation delays, language delays, attention deficit disorder, social, emotional and/or behaviour issues, poor organizational skills and reading and/or writing disabilities. ABC Services’ intervention offers an individualized program of instruction that’s designed for your child – to help them overcome their particular speech-language need and to assist in their reaching their full potential. For further information call 296-8255. Email: abcservices@logic.bm. Located: #2 Lover’s Lane, Paget (2nd floor, in the Paget Dry Cleaner’s Building).
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121 Middle Road, Devonshire, FL 03 Telephone 441-232-3743/735-9690 Website: www.aeriesadventures.com
Atlantic Cleaning & Maintenance Ltd. Atlantic Cleaning & Maintenance Ltd. have over 30 years of experience in the industry & strive to satisfy all client’s cleaning needs. No job is too big or small, we offer complete quality cleaning that’s tailored to your job. We specialize in: • • • • • • • • •
Commercial Cleaning Residential Cleaning Maid Service Floor Care Steam Cleaning Windows & High Rise Custodial Services Power Washing Emergency Call Outs – Floods / Fire Damage • Mold Treatment We’re proud to announce that we’re members of: 1. ICRA (International Cleaning & Restoration Associates) 2. CRI (The Carpet & Rug Institute) 3. CRA (Cleaning & Restoration Association) 4. ISSA (The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association)
Contact us today at 333-4050 or allen@atlanticcleaning.bm Committed, Efficient, & Dedicated! We look forward to working with you. Schedule your appointment today! Mention this ad & receive 10% off for a one-time cleaning.
The Bermuda Cookie Company
Happy Moments Nursery and Preschool
The Bermuda Cookie Company makes ready to bake scoops of frozen, homemade cookie dough. Offered in 9 flavours, our dough is perfect for busy parents, nonbakers, “last minute” guests or bake sales. We’ve done the work for you! Just place the scoops on your baking sheet, bake and enjoy freshly baked cookies in 15 minutes! Available in the frozen food section at Lindo’s in Warwick and Devonshire, Harrington Hundreds, Miles, the Supermart on Front Street and the Garden Mart on Serpentine Road. We also make cupcakes, cakes, cookies, brownies and cookie squares. Everything’s from scratch with no additives or fillers. Contact us for your next special event. We offer cookie platters, party favours, cookies for birthday parties, weddings, party “treat bags” or just to indulge yourself! Surprise someone with a basket filled with cookies. At your next event, treat guests to a ‘Cookie Bar’!
Happy Moments Nursery and Preschool “Where Your Child Learns for a Brighter Future” is located at 69 North Shore Rd, Hamilton Parish (Below Telecom ) nestled at Radnor Road Fellowship Church. Our children enjoy two vast grassy play areas as well as ample parking for drop off and pick up. We have been serving families in the Eastern Parishes and beyond since 1998. We accept students 18 months to five years of age. Our hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. We are open all school year with the exception of Government holidays. We are a Christian school with an emphasis upon the individual learning styles of our students. Our approach to teaching provides our children with sound moral principles, exploratory learning, early literary skills, monthly field trips to the Bermuda Youth Library, Bermuda Gymnastics (and more) as well music classes with Maniacal Musical Movements and Spanish. Our educational program is affordable at a monthly rate below $1000.00 per month. At Happy Moments Nursery and Preschool we value our parental involvement in our monthly PTA meetings as we work handin- hand to provide a high-level early childhood education for those students entrusted in our care and all school events and activities. Indeed at Happy Moments your child‘s day is comprised of opportunities to build an excellent foundation for the important early years of YOUR child’s education.
Gluten-Free? No problem! We make chocolate chip gluten-free cookies. All of our cookie doughs are homemade. NO preservatives, NO additives and NO fillers. Contact: 236-9218 or 238-1148 Facebook: Bermuda Cookie Company Website: www.bermudacookieco.com Instagram: bermuda cookie company e-mail: bermudacookiecompany@gmail.com
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Professionally Trained Teachers in Early Childhood Education
•
Instructors are First Aid & CPR Certified and SCARS
We also provide holiday and summer camp through foundation program – The GEEK Squad - God’s Extraordinarily Empowered Kids Ages:5-9 years of age. Contact us TODAY at 737-8385 or happymomentsnews@yahoo.com Enrollment for 2017-2018 is NOW for both full and part time.
www.mybermudaparent.com
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DIRECTORY
Educate Individuals and Their Families: To take control of their asthma. We provide home visit/assessments – learn how to manage your asthma.
The In Motion School of Dance
Amanda Temple
The In Motion School of Dance has dedicated the last 20 years to providing the Islands highest level of dance and performance training. With fully trained and qualified teachers, and a studio space that is custom built for the arts, In Motion ensures that your student gets the quality dance education they deserve. Over the last 20 years we have seen students perform on the stages of Broadway, London, Shanghai, and more. In Motion has proven that our commitment to dance excellence can get the most out of your budding star. With classes in Pre-Ballet, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Street Style, Modern, and more, we provide a complete dance education in a fun and nurturing environment. We also offer excellent value, with a premium dance education at comparable price to other local dance schools. In Motion also prides itself in being first in dance, and leading the way with exciting dance and performance opportunities such as the Nutcracker, Spirit Week, Student performances, and many more! Drop in to our 71 Reid Street location and see why In Motion is known throughout the dance world for bringing dancers potential to the forefront. Visit us online at www.inmotionbda.com or email us at info@inmotionbda.com. You can also check us out on facebook @inmotionbda.
Open Airways www.openairways.com Our Mission Open Airways is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of approximately 8,000 people in Bermuda whose lives are affected by asthma and other long-term breathing difficulties. In Bermuda: 1 in 5 children suffer from Asthma 1 in 10 adults suffer from Asthma GOOD NEWS: Since we began our island wide asthma education, hospital asthma admissions have been reduced by 76%. BAD NEWS: The number of visits to Emergency due to asthma remains high, at almost 5 visits per day. Every visit to Emergency means that asthma management has failed. Our Strategy
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Amanda Temple
Amanda Temple
Educate Health Care Professionals: Offering expert training for effective care.
Educate Teachers, Students and Parents: Establishing a model of excellence in all schools. If we can educate the children of this generation we can have a major impact on the next generation. Educate the Community: To raise awareness and understanding of best practice asthma care; to be an advocate in the community for good air quality. Provide Equipment: To ensure optimal equipment is available to everyone with respiratory diseases. We provide free spacers and pillows as part of our “Pillows for Prevention” program For Asthma and other breathing difficulties, call: Open Airways, 232 0264 nurse@openairways.com
Saltus Grammar School By Jon Beard, Deputy Head (Advancement) Saltus is a co-ed school with approximately 890 students from Foundation Year (ages 4-5) to grade 13 in the UK (or Senior Year in North America). We are justifiably proud of our students: 98% of our graduates go straight to university, including top universities in North America and the UK. Our aim is to develop the “whole child” -- to help each child become the best person they can be. Our Mission Statement speaks to that: to inspire a passion for learning and independent thinking through a commitment to academic excellence, personal integrity and service to others. We are dedicated to equipping our students with the skills needed for the 21st century to enable them to thrive in today’s modern world. This can be seen in the breadth of our curriculum, the community work our students are involved in, the incredible music and drama programme, the successes of our many sports teams as well as debate and public speaking teams. Coupled with this is a great relationship between faculty and students. The well-qualified faculty simply want the best for our students and do all they can to achieve this. We are proud of our cultural diversity as well and last year had students representing 27 nation-
alities. We have paid particular attention to our gender balance: 56% of the Class of 2017 were female, and our Foundation Year for 2017-18 is fully subscribed with 43% being girls. Relative to the island, our facilities are excellent with Science labs, Design and Technology workshops, an iPad and laptop programme, music practice rooms, a “black box” theatre, and libraries plus a large playing field on our St John’s Rd campus, gymnasium and a swimming pool. We have installed solar panels to reduce our carbon footprint. Saltus has a tradition of excellence and our alumni can be found in high-profile positions throughout Bermuda, and indeed throughout the world Contact info: www.saltus.bm PO Box HM 2224, Hamilton HM JX 441-292-6177
Smash Table Tennis Club Smash Table Tennis Club, located in Suite 101, The Commerce Building, 54 Reid Street, Hamilton, is Bermuda’s only full time recreational & high performance table tennis facility, with 8 high level tables and a video games room! We cater to adults and children alike. Offering coaching, competitive league play, parties and corporate events. Coming in September, we look forward to providing a homework assistance after school program geared towards ages 8-14 Contact us at 296-4141 or smashtabletennisclub@gmail.com for further info.
Zumbini Zumbini is an early childhood education program for children ages 0 -4. Created by Zumba and BabyFirst, our program uses music and movement to promote cognitive, social, emotional, and motor skill development for the children in class, all while creating the ultimate bonding experience for them and their caregivers.
www.mybermudaparent.com
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tweens & teens
BY MAREN SCHMIDT, KIDS TALK
Freedom
Thoughts on
Freedom is a difficult word to define. Ask ten people what freedom is and you will get at least ten different answers. There are at least that many definitions in the dictionary. The first five usages given in The American Heritage Dictionary for freedom follow: 1. The condition of being free from restraints; 2. Liberty of the person from slavery, oppression, or incarceration; 3. Political independence; 4. Exemption from unpleasant or onerous conditions; 5. The capacity to exercise choice; free will.
This idea of freedom is a little mind-boggling. Do we have it? How do we keep it? Do we want it? Can we give it? Can we take it way? On purpose or accidentally? Here are a few thoughts on freedom. “Freedom is the oxygen of the soul.”—Moshe Dyan. In this statement, I believe Dyan uses this definition of freedom, “the capacity to exercise free choice”, as being the fuel of our deepest being. This freedom to choose feeds the flame of human existence, and it must be protected from the very beginning of our lives. “We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it.” —William Faulkner Faulkner, I think, is referring again to the definition of free will when he writes of freedom. We can’t sit around and say we are free or that we live in a free country. We must practice freedom. We must use our capacity to choose or lose this thing called freedom. Faulkner places a lot of responsibility on our exercising this ability to choose. “Freedom is not worth having if it does not connote freedom to err.” —Mahatma Gandhi With freedom, Gandhi is talking about our capacity to choose. Our fear of failure creates personal prisons, sentences us to a form of slavery or oppression, and exiles us to unpleasant or onerous conditions. We are human. We err. Humans are the problem creators, as well as the problem solvers. Dyan’s pure 48
oxygen of the soul allows us to make mistakes, and dissolves the bonds of fear, granting us the power to fail and to learn. “There are two freedoms—the false, where a man is free to do what he likes; the true, where he is free to do what he ought.”—Charles Kingsley Kingsley’s version of freedom uses the definition of free will and our ability to choose. Gandhi and Kingsley understood that in exercising our ability to choose, we will err. Selecting false freedom is easy because it beckons us with pleasantries. The true choice lies in creating a life based on universal principles of truth, justice, courage, humanity, compassion, forgiveness and understanding. Kids Talk TM is a column dealing with childhood development issues written by Maren Stark Schmidt. Ms. Schmidt founded a Montessori school and holds a Masters of Education from Loyola College in Maryland. She has over thirty years experience working with children and holds teaching credentials from the Association Montessori Internationale. Contact her at maren@marenschmidt.com. Visit MarenSchmidt.com.
Get their hats before they head
BACK TO SCHOOL
Bring in this ad and Receive 10% discount off your purchase.
www.soltrino.bm
Baby Gear & Accessories, Clothes for Newborn - Size 7
Baby Boutique 109 Mullet Bay Road, St. Georges Opposite the playground Telephone: 297-0997 / 335-8935 STORE HOURS
Tues, Thurs, Fri: 5:30pm – 7:30pm Sat: 11:30am – 7:00pm
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family life
BY CHRISSIE KEMPE, DIRECTOR OF WINDREACH PHOTOS PROVIDED BY WINDREACH
Hidden
bilities A D
o you think someone with a disability is someone who lives their life in a wheelchair? Think again. Disabilities can fall under many categories, some of which are not immediately obvious. Invisible disabilities can be equally as challenging as disabilities that are commonly recognized in the community. Affording individuals who are living with an invisible disability the opportunity to learn, enjoy activities and thrive is essential to their overall wellbeing and quality of life. An invisible disability is a physical or mental impairment that affects a person’s ability to perform normal daily activities. It’s not immediately obvious even though the individual may encounter significant challenges while trying to learn at school, perform at work or socialize. A few common diagnoses that fall under this umbrella are learning differences, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Asperger’s Syndrome and being Deaf. WindReach believes in celebrating all abilities and is excited to share Tranell Nisbett’s story. Much of Tranell’s success can be attributed to his loving mother Jennifer Nisbett and his supportive family. Ms. Nisbett brought Tranell (now 13 years old) to WindReach’s Therapeutic Riding Programme five years ago under the recommendation of an Occupational Therapist. Tranell was born prematurely. His
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diagnosis includes a processing disability and a form of ADHD. The goal was to improve Tranell’s balance through horse riding. Not only should Tranell be applauded for achieving this goal, he has much more to celebrate. Ms. Nisbett shares “Not only has Tranell improved his balance through riding, his self-confidence has increased and this can be seen in all areas of his life.” She says that the environment at WindReach has provided a therapeutic and recreational opportunity for Tranell. “The WindReach instructors have been excellent working with him. They are patient and encourage him to keep going. Not just sitting behind a desk has stretched his abilities outside of traditional academics and has greatly benefited Tranell - I’m thankful. I believe the goals WindReach sets, and helps their clients achieve, increases their confidence to try harder in all areas of their life.”
If you were to ask Tranell about his favourite part of WindReach he’d say “It’s tacking up the horses and then trotting over the poles. All these things are leading up to my goal of jumping someday. I want to be an equestrian show jumper like my Uncle Patrick (Nisbett).” Tranell continues in his program and says “WindReach has helped me focus better and I feel very comfortable there.” Tranell is one of many adolescents living with an invisible disability. Supporting his individual needs in an activity based setting, and being with animals, is helping him learn tools he can utilize for the rest of his life to navigate the world in a meaningful and successful way. WindReach’s programmes are structured to benefit all abilities, whether visible or not so visible. No matter what a person’s ability, the animals at WindReach in our Therapeutic Riding Programme, in the Petting Zoo or in our Life Skill’s Programme, use research based evidence to improve social, emotional and mental function. Animals, especially horses, lift spirits, encourage communication, provide motivation and increase self-confidence. Setting and achieving goals in these areas is what propels individuals to thrive in life. Through WindReach’s Therapeutic Riding, Life Skills and Adaptive Sports Programmes, there is something for everyone. Activities are offered throughout the day and afterschool for students and individuals of all ages. Join us to find out how you will celebrate your abilities! WindReach’s programmes are structured to benefit all abilities, whether visible or not so visible. No matter what a person’s ability, the animals at WindReach in our Therapeutic Riding Programme, in the Petting Zoo or in our Life Skill’s Programme, use research based evidence to improve social, emotional and mental function. Animals, especially horses, lift spirits, encourage communication, provide motivation and increase self-confidence. Setting and achieving goals in these areas is what propels individuals to thrive in life. Through WindReach’s Therapeutic Riding, Life Skills and Adaptive Sports Programmes, there is something for everyone. Activities are offered throughout the day and afterschool for students and individuals of all ages. Join us to find out how you will celebrate your abilities! www.mybermudaparent.com
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WindReach offers therapeutic activities for all abilities for individuals of all ages. Therapeutic Riding • Adaptive Sports • Life Skills • Senior Day Activities Celebrate at WindReach with event rentals, children birthday parties & petting zoo tours.
www.windreach.bm • 238-2469 • windreach@windreach.bm
Have a time out… Your kids will love it!
www.theplaytriumbda.com fun@theplaytriumbda.com
Gift Cards Available 52
The Playtrium is the perfect indoor recreational, social environment and physical outlet for your kids. It’s a great place for adults to socialize or relax, grab a coffee or tea and enjoy watching your kids having fun! We have the perfect venue for parties! You supply the food, drink, decorations and we’ll handle the rest! We’ll set up, monitor the kids, serve them, clean up and pack away for you, while you entertain your guests. Our staff are CPR certified, friendly and happy to help!
232-PLAY (7529) • 8A South Rd, Smiths
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SWITCH TO SAVE this Fall
Lint can build up in your dryer’s hose and in the pipes running to the dryer’s external vent, increasing your dryer’s energy use by up to 30%.
Ceiling fans use no more electricity than a standard light bulb. Run at a low speed and set to rotate clockwise during cooler months for redistribution of warm air.
Using lids while cooking decreases your energy consumption by up to 14%.
SAVE MONEY THIS FALL BY FOLLOWING THESE ENERGY TIPS!
Consider a laptop the next time you buy a computer – they use less energy than a desktop computer and can save you hundreds of dollars on your electricity bills over the lifetime of the computer.
Switch to an Energy Star® certified dehumidifier. They use up to 20% less energy than other models.
www.belco.bm @BELCOBERMUDA
family life
H
BY BELCO
Hurricane Season: Are You Prepared?
urricane season is upon us again and reports suggest a more active season than usual. BELCO’s proactive approach to hurricane preparedness ensures that we are always ready in the event that a hurricane hits our shores. As an organization, we are dedicated to the safety of both the members of our community and our own employees. And we recognize that keeping your family safe is a priority for you.
This year’s Hurricane Preparedness campaign focuses on the seriousness of tree trimming because the top storm-related reason for outages is tree branches coming into contact with overhead power lines. This is both an inconvenience to the impacted customers and a safety issue overall. In many cases, the resulting outages are easily preventable by property owners taking the initiative to cut back their trees and vegetation from nearby BELCO power lines. It is critical, however, that the appropriate procedures are followed
to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Although BELCO maintains tree trimming for its overhead main line system and major branch lines, tree trimming on private property is the responsibility of the property owner. If you plan to trim trees in close proximity to power lines, contact BELCO in advance at 299-2800 or at treetrimming@ belco.bm so that an outage can be scheduled to ensure safety. Refer to BELCO’s Tree Trimming Policy, which can be found on our website, www.belco.bm Take advantage of good weather to trim trees, so that you can focus on the more immediate tasks in the lead-up to a storm. This will make repairs easier in the event that power is lost. Other ways you can help: • Survey your property and trim back the trees and vegetation no less than 10 feet from overhead power lines. Ensure they are maintained throughout the year.
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Encourage others to survey their properties and trim any trees that could come into contact with overhead wires. Look out for properties whose trees are in close proximity to BELCO power lines. If you see a property that has overgrown vegetation on major BELCO overhead lines, report addresses by sending informa-
tion to treetrimming@belco.bm or by calling 296-3408. Here are some other safety tips for you. Before the hurricane or storm: • Unplug appliances and electronic equipment, and detach cable television to protect sensitive equipment; • Shut off valves on propane gas tanks and cylinders; • Fill bathtubs, sinks and extra containers with water and have household bleach on hand to purify water (one drop per litre or four drops per gallon); • Fill car and motorbike with gas; • Secure shutters and movable outdoor items; and • Make sure pets are indoors. Have essential supplies ready, including: • Candles, matches; flashlights and batteries; • Battery operated radio (Emergency Broadcast station, FM 100.1 MZ); • Portable gas stove and fuel; • Fire extinguisher and sand bucket;
• •
First aid kit with fresh supplies; and Non-perishable foods, including powdered milk, manual can opener; prescription medicines; special items for infants, elderly or disabled household members, and for pets.
Following the storm: • NEVER go near downed power lines or piles of debris that may hide downed lines. • If you see downed lines, call 955 immediately. If you cannot get through, call 911. Stay connected with us before, during and after by “liking” our Facebook page or following us on Twitter (@BELCOBERMUDA) and Instagram (BELCOBERMUDA).
n ce e ll e c x E g in ir p s n I a n d Lea de rship Girls are naturally interested in how things work and in the process of learning and problem solving. BHS is leading the way in STEAM education in Bermuda, and will give your daughter every opportunity to learn, explore, discover and innovate. To learn how the all-girls’ environment at BHS will help your daughter reach her full potential, come and see us!
To arrange a tour, please contact:
Mrs. Kurte Loescher Director of Admissions and Inclusion Tel: (441) 278-3047 Email: kloescher@bhs.bm www.bhs.bm www.mybermudaparent.com
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Celebrate Your Child’s Birthday!
Happy Birthday! Annon Smith August 22
You are such an amazingly charming, handsome, loving boy. You make us proud everyday. Happy 1st birthday Annon Deon. Love forever and always Daddy and Mommy and Lajé
A’Mani DeRosa
A’Maya DeRosa
Happy 8th Birthday A’Mani!! Mommy and Daddy love you and hope you have a great day!
Happy 11th Birthday A’Maya!! OurDancingPrincess We love you and hope you have a great day!
September 1
August 30
Carter Simons-Crane
Cherrae Franklin
James Thomas Masters
Happy 4th birthday to this cool kid. Love you stinka bum!!! Mommy, Daddy and Ashley. Xoxo
Happy 13th Birthday Onion!! - From Dad, Joslynn & James
Happy first birthday to our sweet, sweet boy! Love, Mommy and Daddy
September 3
September 23
October 26
Kasci & Suede
August 5, August 4
Kaleb Camara
August 20 Happy 3rd birthday to the sweetest, funniest little boy. You light our lives. Mommy and daddy love you Kaleb. Xoxo Mommy and Daddy
Gi’Unah Hypolite October 28
Torenne Liles
Happy birthday Princess love Mommy, Daddy, brother, sister and family.
August 22 Wishing you a happy 6th birthday. Love, mommy & rayshawn
Layla Lambert September 15 Happy 5th Birthday Layla! All the best in BIG school!!!! From Your Family
Dylan Hill July 13 Happy 3rd Birthday! Love Mommy, Nana, Papa and Abuela.
Maiiz Empress Mable Gibbons
Zoe Symons October 7
Happy 1st birthday to Zoe Symons, with lots of love from Mommy, Dada, & family.
Cree Simmons
August 22 ,2015 Passed: September 15 ,2015
August 21st
Happy 2nd birthday Cree! Love mommy, daddy, Deshun, Shaela, and Paige
Submit photos to photos@knbmediagroup.com
BPM
kids
Got a great picture of your child? Send it and it may appear in our next issue. Send it in by email to photos@knbmediagroup.com 58
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TOY STORE
TEL: 441.292.TOYS (8697)
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