November/December Mini Gryphon

Happy Holidays

Merry Christmas Volume 4 Issue 3

November/December 2012

GALA

IN THIS ISSUE: ANNUAL GIVING

From the Headmaster

2

Annual Giving Donors

4

When Service Runs Deep

6

Gala Thank You

8

Grade 11/12 Play: Teatros

10

Gryphon Council Update

11

Library Update

12

Traffic Notice

13

Gryphons’ Athletics Update

14

Parent Guild Update

17

Student Achievements

18

Around Meadowridge

20

COATS FOR KIDS & CAN DRIVE

The Season of Giving

The season of giving has begun at Meadowridge with the hearts and minds of our families considering the needs of others. The Growing Home Gala was a great start as our school community came together to support our children and the growth of Meadowridge.

Through Annual Giving, the generosity of our parents provides our children and teachers with additional tools and resources, which help to enhance various education programmes.

The thoughtful efforts of our students is also prevalent at this time with the Coats For Kids programme accepting used clothing and household goods that are donated to those in need. As this time of year reminds us that there are also those in need of food, our Gryphon Council has organized another successful Can Drive, with all proceeds benefiting the local food bank.

MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL 12224-240th Street Maple Ridge, BC V4R 1N1 www.meadowridge.bc.ca t: 604.467.4444 | f: 604.467.4989 The Meadowridge Mini Gryphon is printed in-house to reduce costs.

Meadowridge School is proud to be an accredited International Baccalaureate Continuum World School.

Meadowr idge Schoo l

Page 2 | November/December 2012

From the Headmaster On learning, challenging and supporting our children Imagine this: In just a few years, your child has graduated and gone to university. After a few weeks, you get a phone call, and your child tells you that this university is hard, so hard, with difficult assignments and a huge reading list… and that their roommate does not know how to clean up, and that it is really difficult to see a Professor…

I got that phone call just a few years ago. I remember when my daughter called after about three weeks of university. The courses were very challenging at McGill. The workload was horrendous. Her roommate had grown up doing nothing, with her parents (and a maid) who did everything – laundry, cooking, cleaning. My daughter could not even get in to see her teachers, due to their large student load. Feeling a bit helpless, I asked her what she wanted me to do…

“Nothing, Daddy”, she said. Surprised, I asked her what she intended. Her reply surprised and touched me: “Do you remember grade five and six and seven?

When it was so hard, and I sometimes even

cried about the work? Well, this is just the same! I have to organize, and work harder. I can do it. I remember how”.

I do remember those grades. She had come to Meadowridge from French Immersion, and could not read or write in English.

Her math was really behind. And so she had to work and work and work to catch up, to barely pass. Sometimes, she was in tears. At the time, she really seemed to be suffering. But that suffering is what some psychologists call “meaningful suffering”.

That is, it is the suffering that comes from challenge and development. It is the hard lessons that prepare us for more challenges ahead. It is developing our ability to make mistakes, to keep on going, with determination and intelligence. It is ensuring that we have some grit.

We know from a lot of research that it is not talent or intelligence that leads to real success in life, although some of both may be a help. What really makes a difference is determination and practice. And more practice, and more practice. To be really

“We need to work together to support our children, not to forgive them or to excuse them, but to help them do better and to become capable and independent.“

good at something, it takes about ten thousand hours of practice. But just to be reasonably good at anything takes practice.

And practice involves mistakes and learning and determination.

A huge part of schooling, then, is to have our children practice those things that they will need as they grow. They need to practice self-regulation, to be able to be responsible for their own assignments, their own clothing, their own materials. They need to experience developmentally appropriate challenge and failure, and practice the ways to overcome those things. They need to practice hard work, and responsibility for their actions. When parents or teachers do these things for them, they become – like my daughter’s roommate – helpless. Sometimes, parents do not realize how helpless children have become until university, when the kids are really on their own, and have to look after themselves, sometimes for the first time. We need to let them practice independence early, when they can learn before the stakes are too high (50% of all

Page 3 | November/December 2012

first-year university students drop out).

And when they make mistakes, as everyone does, or when they initially fail at something, as everyone does, then we need to help them to find the resources within themselves in order to recover, to succeed. To do that, we need to work together to support our children, not to forgive them or to excuse them, but to help them do better and to become capable and independent. The amount of support depends, of course, upon the age of the child.

I believe that our children are capable of being independent, or meeting challenge, or undergoing some “meaningful suffering”, of learning some grit, and of developing into capable young adults. Our children will live up to our expectations, and they can all learn how to become independent, if we thoughtfully consider the future. What kind of adult do we want them to become? What are we doing now to prepare them for that?

My daughter made it through first year, in spite of the challenges. She made a deal with her roommate that she would clean up if the roommate paid for all the supplies for cleaning. She got to know her teachers.

She is now completing her degree. McGill is a good school, but the foundation for her success is not in the university. It lies with the teachers in our school who challenged her, who supported her even when she failed, who believed that she could do it, who did not vary their standards, but did give a bit more help, and who allowed her to practice those abilities, skills, and dispositions that gave her some grit: the confidence to face a challenging time, and know what to do in order to overcome.

As a parent, what I learned is fairly simple, but hard to do: I have to believe what my children said when they were very young, and I wanted to make something easier.

Each of them, in their turn, would look at me and say, “Please Daddy! I can do it myself!”.

And they can.

- Mr. Hugh Burke, Headmaster

This year, please help us

Grow our home.

Meadowr idge Schoo l

Page 4 | November/December 2012

ANNUAL GIVING DONORS Thank You For Contributing!

Our Newest Contributors

Prof. Nicholas Blomley & Ms. Jessie Hill

Mrs. Hallie Fraser

Mr. Patrick Barber & Mrs. Sonia Nieto Bustos

Mr. Rhys Clarke & Mrs. Julie Bournival

The Gandesha Charitable Trust

Mr. Jun Chen & Mrs. Zhe Zhou

Mr. & Mrs. Robert & Shirley Brunetta

Mr. & Mrs. Sam & Yamini Gandesha

Mr. Jie Cheng & Mrs. Lan Na Wu

Mr. Hugh Burke & Ms. Eva Boyd

Drs. Deepu & Reena George

Mr. & Mrs. David & Tania Choat

Canadian Tire Store - Abbotsford (Mr. and Mrs. Brad & Heather Elliott)

Drs. Joe & Diana Germain

Mr. Steven Jang & Mrs. Veronika Lee Dr. Seoung joon Kim & Mrs. Inhwa Sung

Mr. Bob Gill & Mrs. Diana Carwithen

Drs. Dan & Anca Catona

Mr. Kenneth Go & Mrs. Connie Chow-Go

Ms. Samantha Coates Mr. Xiang Jing Chen & Mrs. Xiao Ming Yang

Dr. & Mrs. Daniel Gouws & Kimberley Buchanan-Gouws

Mr. Victor Chen & Mrs. Wendy Tan

Mr. & Mrs. Alan & Marlene Graveson

Mr. & Mrs. Mahmud & Rishma Sunderji

Mr. Richard Choi & Mrs. Angie Lee

Mr. & Mrs. Warwick & Carolyn Green

Truc Truck Finder Inc. (The Vine Family)

Mr. Roy Choi & Mrs. Jeong-Mi Ryu

Mr. & Mrs. Amar & Kal Grewal

Mr. Fu Qing Xu & Mrs. Hui Wang

Mr. & Mrs. Jeff & Katherine Crawford

Mr. & Mrs. Craig & Natalie Gunning

Dr. Malcolm Crozier & Mrs. Alicia Osorio Bustos

Dr. & Mrs. Amin & Fawzia Hasham

Ongoing Donors

Dr. & Mrs. Anton & Elna de Klerk

Dr. & Mrs. Michael & Daphne Herberts

Mr. & Mrs. Rafael & Lisa Acosta

Mr. & Mrs. Ninderjit & Lakhvir Dhaliwal

Mr. & Mrs. Don & Linda Hincks

Mr. & Mrs. Ron & Cathy Antalek

Ms. Zahra Dhanani

Ms. Cindy Hops

Dr. Ravindran & Mrs. Chandramohan

Mrs. Amrita Dhanji

Mr. John Hwang & Mrs. Catherine Kim

Mr. Ke Bai & Mrs. Ye Hu

Mr. Avio Diniz & Ms. Patricia Lapointe

Mr. & Mrs. Ty & Jadina Irving

The Barker/Robertson Family

Mr. & Mrs. Matthew & Wendy Dockerty

Ms. Lynelle Johns

Mrs. Kristal Bereza

Mr. Terry Donaldson

Mr. & Mrs. Bruce & Judy Johnston

Mr. Chris Bertoia

Mr. & Mrs. Bill & Barbara Durno

Mr. Terry Jung & Ms. Audrey Lum

Dr. Michael Orser & Ms. Christine Bickle

Mr. Jay Fraser

Mr. Kevin Kennedy

Ms. Nicole LeBrun Dr. Bheemdev Meetarbhan & Ms. Diane Holenski

Thank you for your gift.

Our Year of

Growth.

Growing our children’s future.

Page 5 | November/December 2012

This year, please help us

Every contribution counts!

Growing

Grow our home.

e ren's futur

2012-2013

our child

inG AnnuAl Giv

and ishment ing ing nour tree, offer value of ongo are to a d the as the roots you understanunity. school like people ral to our to our comm is as integ g grows when of stability . we need your l Giving al Givin its offer owth Annual Annua and land on and lity. Annu Year of Gr students er a gift to our contributi sustainabi This is our our community,. Please consid

Look for your Annual Giving Form included in this mailing or give online at www.meadowridge.bc.ca.

give: n to grow Giving donatio ways to Annual In order through There are many erly or yearly support ign. ly, semest Campa ly, quarter Giving rring month impact! for reoccu a bigger school ution 1) Sign up gift has the e contrib MEID (Your is donated to a one-tim of your gift 2) Make portion matching all or a MEID a 3) Donate donate your

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funds go? with the wridge s, Annual Giving Where do l Giving provide Meadomme enhancement s for Annua offer progra bursary option through activities, increase Funds raisedto improve core s. technology, ional facilitie opportunity equipment and our except new purchase and expand students existing

ouses green houses Two greenh ent for equipm Tools & containers player r and DVD Recycling Room TV including steppe Fitness ent equipm for DP Science Fitness clickers patio 30 touch for senior gallery Patio tables for art plinths Display racks Test tube table kits kits r Stream weathe Acid rain balances Electronic Hot plates ids for gym Foam trapezofor gym mats Incline

es DP resourc resources DP ge ent for Langua equipm Chemistry cupboards es PYP storage reading resourc home French ball hoops area e basket Portabl for lounge tables room Library PYP music 2 Piano for for Grade Chart standsfor library 30 laptops e furnitur ECE water tablesfor ECE Sand & blocks events Tree branch for special s system planter Sound garden Wood for

Annual

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to allow us that in a way

like donation projects to use your -2013: t, and fundraising is allows us in 2012 ’s budge mme that Choice the school master’s Studareents rt a progra beyond to the to suppo to Head le Gift arise that opportunity ricted gift Library a flexib tunities This is an an unrest values. : Makingeducat ional oppor s. Making tunitie s your own gifts include Athletics At times, of such oppor . matche -restricted closely . Donor make use rts the school area that on to an like to see flourish best suppo a donati Technology you would also make You can to you and that ase important Land Purch

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dowrid lyn.tyler@mea 5-21-27 7.4444 or Tyler at 604.46 e Registration #071919 contact lyn le. Charitabl Giving please $25.00 are tax deductib s above about Annual ion. Donation rofit organizat

a not-for-p

Drs. Murthy & Anu Korada

Ms. Sherrie Metz

Chantal Vazquez

Mr. Hyeok-Sang Kwon & Mrs. Ji-Yeon Ahn

Mr. & Mrs. Philip & Nicola Pitzey

Mr. Oh Hyon Kwon & Mrs. JiSoo Jeon

Mike Huber Real Estate Services (Huber Family)

Mr. & Mrs. Al-Karim & Zain Lalji

Mr. & Mrs. Harrison & Christy Mooney

Drs. Ockie Lampen & Kathy Robson

Mr. & Mrs. Vassen & Lovana Moothoo

Mr. & Mrs. Tom & Rhonda Laurie

Mr. Michael Nice & Ms. Danielle Noël

Mr. Daniel Le Page

Mr. & Mrs. Patrick & Barbara Niwa

Mr. Gye Ju Lee & Mrs. Whal Ran Park

Mr. David Noble

Mr. & Mrs. Darrell & Kim Lester

Dr. & Mrs. Godwin & Ezinne Obioha

Mr. Jinsong Liu and Ms. Xiaoxue Sun

Mr. & Mrs. Stephen & Margot Olah

Mr. Tao Lu & Ms. Bing Li

Ms. Angela Pallister

Drs. Samir & Sangita Malhotra

Mr. Steven Parewyck & Ms. Anita Bonnarens

Mr. & Mrs. Riaz & Fairous Mapara

Mr. & Mrs. Scott & Lisa Park

Mr. James Marriott

Drs. Gurdev & Karen Parmar

Mr. Gareth Mason & Ms. Carolyn Treger

Mr. & Mrs. Terrance & Moira Passley

Ms. Jennifer Maynes

Dr. Manuel Peraza Zarate & Mrs. Marie

Mr. & Mrs. Igor & Katerina Pogrebinsky Mr. & Mrs. Shahir & Reeshma Premji Mr. George Read & Ms. Fay Kingwill Dr. John Reynolds & Dr. Isabelle Cote Ms. Carolyn Sapach Mrs. Jada Sawatzky Mr. Alan Sharda, Ms. Zebeen Panju & Azynah Mr. & Mrs. Justin & Jennifer Simpson Mr. & Mrs. Rajindar & Sheila Singh Mr. Troy Sobotka & Ms. Andrea Frisby Mr. & Mrs. Dennis & Norma-Jean Spika Mr. Scott Spurgeon Mr. Kevin Sun & Ms. Feng Li Mr. & Ms. Peter & Alison Thompson Mr. & Mrs. Julian & Marilyn Turner

Thank you to the Mackenzie Family for their donation of robotics classroom and competition kits!

Mr. & Mrs. David & Lyn Tyler Dr. & Mrs. Hanif & Sophie Ukani Ms. Michelle Vally Ms. Tamara Warner Mr. & Mrs. Rick & Susan Waugh Dr. & Mrs. Lawrence & Tracey Welsh Mr. & Mrs. Paul & Kalie Whitaker Mr. William Wong & Ms. Tina Lee Mr. Feng Xu & Mrs. Shuo Chen Mr. Xiaoping Yuan & Ms. Hongli Gong

Our Grade 7 Design and Technology Class built a tool storage unit with the tools and equipment donated by the Canadian Tire Abbotsford Store (The Elliott Family) to house the new tools!

Mr. Kyle Jeans & Ms. Krista Zambolin Mr. Jie Zhao and Mrs. Yan Peng Ms. Xiao Hong Zhou Mr. Hai Tao Zhu & Ms. Li Ling Li

Meadowridge is a not-for-profit organization. Donations above $25.00 are tax deductible. Charitable Registration #0719195-21-27

Meadowr idge Schoo l

Page 6 | November/December 2012

When Service Runs Deep This is Meadowridge at its best”, Roy Choi says to me, as he peers out over the theatre railing.

He is referring to the students who below us are coming on stage, grade by grade, to rehearse for the MYP Music Showcase. “More parents should come in to the school during the day; in fact I should spend more time here during the day,” he laughs, “Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces, all this learning being demonstrated and the friendly interactions, (as two students run past us playing tag) all this really energizes me and makes me so proud to be part of this.”

We sit down to discuss what he values about the school and why he has chosen to serve as an elected member of the Board of Governors. We are sitting upstairs in the Becker Student Lounge, as the Boardroom is occupied with applicants, who hoping to join us in January, are busily writing their entrance tests, while the teachers are meeting with parents regarding extended fieldtrips in the meeting rooms, “There is so much going on, it must be the time of year”, “No, this is quite typical” I reply.

People’s stories are touching. The reason I love doing these Appreciative Inquiry Interviews is because when we reframe our questions to focus on the positive, when we take the time to really listen, when we allow ourselves to dream of an ideal future, to reflect on the best of what has been, what is, and what can be, it really gives us the opportunity to understand and showcase our community at its very best.

“Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces, all this learning being demonstrated and the friendly interactions... all this really energizes me and makes me so proud to be part of this.”

“Where does your drive to serve come from?” I ask. Roy struggles a little with the question, “Well I believe in giving back, it’s important to contribute to your community, and it’s a privilege to serve.” I have known Roy since he joined our community three years ago and having worked here for ten years I know that people like this don’t just crawl out of the woodwork, they are usually shaped by extraordinary parents, teachers or experiences. I reframe my question and ask him to tell me a story or two about his past.

I already know that he spent ten years working as a teacher in Korea, where he met his wife Jeong-Mi who at the time was a stage actress and starred in musicals like “Nun-sense” and “Guys and Dolls” on the Korean theatre stage. I already know that he worked as a full-time volunteer for the United Way of the Lower Mainland for five months on his return from Korea and that he also did a lot of campaign work for “Success by 6”, a made-in-B.C. programme that helps parents and children by offering early learning and literacy, nutrition, parenting skills development, and cultural programmes. So I ask him to tell me about another highpoint in his life, something else he is very proud of.”

“My parents came here in the late 60’s,” making them one of the first Korean immigrants to British Columbia. “They spoke almost no English, there was no Korean newspaper, no Korean store to purchase something even a little familiar, no community to welcome them,” and of course no Skype or email, as I think of my own family in South Africa. “My dad was a pharmacist; he passed the Canadian exam the first time he wrote it” he says proudly of his father. “He was the first Korean pharmacist here in BC, in fact. We moved to Prince George shortly after, where he found full time employment. I don’t remember much about those days, but I knew my parents had to find ways to connect with people, to help shape their community and to fit in.”

“My parents became a “Big Brother” to a young Canadian boy who needed a mentor. I was only about two or three at the time, but I remember the fishing trips especially well. My parents never taught me how to serve my community, they just lived a particular way. They had strong Christian values and it was just the way things were. I never really thought much about it until I became a father. Now I too try to lead a good life. I try to serve my community in the best way I can, and I try to be as involved in my children’s lives as possible. The highpoint of my day is when I come here to pick-up my daughters at the end of the school day, to chat to their teachers and to the friends we have made here. Spending time with your kids is so important...”

“My father was 11 years old when Korea was separated into what is now North and South Korea. It really was like someone simply decided to draw a line in the sand without any concern that their action would shatter people’s lives forever. My father happened to be on a medical call with his father and his sister and while driving down a military road the barricades went up behind them, separating them from his mother and siblings in the North forever. He grew up with no contact with them, not even knowing if they were alive. In his twenties he went to university, he married and chose to immigrate to Canada in part because it was a place

Page 7 | November/December 2012

where a better life could be earned through hard work and sheer determination. Canada was also more liberal in terms of foreign policy and in the late 1980’s, through tireless efforts, he was able to reconnect with his mother and siblings and visit them on two occasions. On the first trip he went alone and on the second, my mother went as well. It was at a time before the fall of the Iron Curtain and nobody knew for sure if they would be able to get out and return.” The experiences have obviously shaped Roy into the family and community man he has become.

“This place is my family’s home now, it is my community, it is the place my children, live, learn and play. As a member of the Board it is a privilege to know that the work I do will help create our future together. I am pleased that we have been able to secure adjacent land. Our kids need space to grow, learn, and the freedom to range.

Mr. Burke says like free-range chickens as opposed to battery hens”, he laughs. “More importantly, it will also ensure that we have the opportunity to expand in the future.”

“Everybody here wants the best for their kids and understands that in the long term, the right decisions today will mitigate cost increases moving forward. Meadowridge will be part of our students’ lives long after they graduate and move on to new challenges. A strong Meadowridge in 2035 will be just as important to our children as alumni, as it will be for the students attending here at that time. This school is not just a building, it is home to our kids and their teachers who do so much for them and who we entrust to help shape them into the best people they can be. We want them all to be able to be proud of their school, and for it to grow from strength to strength.”

This year, please help us

Grow our home.

way you are treated, the fact that an administrator greets my girls at the door every morning, that people know our names, the fact that my girls are not fearful of the older children. I love the Buddy programme; this is just a very warm and welcoming place. I went to school with Rebecca Awram and Richard Hui, two other parents here at Meadowridge, and we sometimes reflect upon the differences between our children’s school experiences and the ones we had at school and we really couldn’t ask for anything better in our children’s lives. Raising children in this day and age is not easy, but this place makes it as safe and good as it can be.”

So I ask him how we can inspire more parents to join us in such a strong partnership. “Wanting to be part of a community is innate in all of us. Parents want to help; you see it in the classrooms where there are often so many volunteers. Sometimes serving on committees may seem a little more challenging, but I encourage parents to give it a try. They will learn so much and feel so valued for the skills they bring to the table and they will really begin to understand what makes this school work. Being part of it all is an amazing experience. If you live close by, I encourage you to come to school regularly, help out wherever you can. If you live far away, make the effort to come to the concerts and events like the Welcome Back Fair, Gala and the Golf Tournament as you will make life-long friends like we have; and Lyn, simply ask them, because sometimes that is all people want, to know that they are needed.” He laughs, “and you know what they say, if you don’t ask, the answer will probably be no.

- Mrs. Lyn Tyler, Director of Development

Roy obviously has a drive to build community in his very core and he values this most about Meadowridge. “I love the warmth, the

No Man's Land near the concrete wall at the North/South Korean border

Meadowr idge Schoo l

Page 8 | November/December 2012

Growing Home

Do we know how to throw a party or what? Meadowridge School hosted its Growing Home Gala on Saturday, November 17th and the gymnasium was transformed into a lush, magical old growth forest complete with twinkling lights and chandeliers. Three hundred guests were treated to an outstanding dinner prepared by Big Feast and were serenaded by the Meadowridge and BC Girls Choirs, Tiffany Desrossiers and Cody Karey. The Live Auction led again by our own auctioneer extraordinaire, Mr. Hugh Burke, earned almost $70,000 for our children. Congratulations to all our winners. Those that stayed to dance into the wee hours enjoyed the musical stylings of Ten Souljers.

Who knew that our parents even knew what Gangnam Style was, let alone the dance moves!

Thank you to all of our friends and families who attended this fabulous evening. A round of applause is well deserved by all that contributed to our class baskets, wine, silent and live auctions as well as our wonderful financial sponsors for the event. Friend-raising events like the Gala go a long way in bringing our community together in harmony for a common purpose – the betterment of our school – for our children.

Sincerely, The 2012 Gala Committee: Lisa Acosta, Christine Bickle, Eva Boyd ,Wendy Galati, Daniel Le Page, Christy Mooney, Danielle Noël, Angela Pallister, Carolyn Sapach, Lyn Tyler and Kalie Whitaker

Thank you to our generous sponsors Dinner Sponsor

Integrated Health Clinic (The Parmar Family)

Entertainment, DecÓr, Live Auction & Reception Mr. Jinsong Liu

Bar Sponsor

Lordco Auto Parts Ltd. (The Coates Family)

Band Sponsor

Mr. Ron Le Boutillier

Door Prize Sponsor

The Johnston Meier Insurance Agents

Multimedia Sponsor The Kang Family

Children’s Choir Lynch Bus Line

Photography Sponsor

Ramada Inn & Samz Pub (The Sunderji Family)

Safe Ride Home Sponsor

Student Ceramics Sponsor

The Chamorro Family

Medora Dental Care (The Soufi Family)

Dessert, Local Cheese Tray, Organic Coffee & Tea Sponsor:

Reception Champagne Sponsor

Valet Sponsor:

Ms. Amanda Casanova

The Nice Family

Meyers Norris Penny LLP

Silent Auction Sponsor: Michael & Young Fly Shop (The Tsuyuki Family)

Gallery Sponsor

Angelo D. Venetsanos Inc. Freedom 55 Fincanical

Expert Electric (The Brunetta Family)

ProgramMe Sponsor Limousine Sponsor

Meadowridge Korean Families

Alumni Sponsor

Mr. Oh Hyon Kwon & Mrs. JiSoo Jeon

Grandfather Tree Sponsors

Auction Sponsor

Mrs. Hwa Youn Cho (The Yoo Family) Four Season Lawn & Garden Care Mike Huber Real Estate Services Mr. & Mrs. Steve & Margot Olah Mr. & Mrs. Dave & Lyn Tyler Dr. Michael Orser & Ms. Christine Bickle

Volunteer Ticket Sponsor

Dr. & Mrs. Michael & Daphne Herberts

Student Ceramics Sponsor

Medora Dental Care (The Soufi Family) The Mattiazzo Family BMO Bank of Montreal

Coat Check Sponsors

Page 9 | November/December 2012

Auction & Other Sponsorships

Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre Abbotsford Heat The ACT Maple Ridge A.G. Creative Design Alouette Animal Hospital Alpha Imaging Ltd. The Batty Family BC Lions Ms. Christine Bickle & Dr. Michael Orser Bikram Yoga The Bitte Family Ms. Fiona Blackburn Brown’s Social House – Langley Mr. Hugh Burke & Mrs. Eva Boyd Can-Am Infrastructure Cap’s Westwood Cycle Chameleon Cafe Mr. Rhys Clarke & Mrs. Julie Bournival CMH Automotive Color Me Mine Core Benefit Consulting Mr. & Mrs. Jeff & Katherine Crawford Mr. Marc Dalton, MLA Mr. & Mrs. Matthew & Wendy Dockerty Dr. Bee (The Lin Family) Empire Equestrian Expert Electric (The Brunetta Family) Mr. & Mrs. Peter & Deanna Farnworth Friesens The Yearbook Company Ms. Wendy Galati (Highstreet Accommodations) Genumark The Germain Family The Glowbal Collection Restaurants Goodies by Thelma The Grewal Family Dr. & Mrs. Daniel Gouws & Kimberley Buchanan-Gouws Mr. & Mrs. Alan & Marlene Graveson Mr. Yanchuan Guo & Ms. Yun Wei Halpern’s Harley Cross Photography Harris Road Dental (Dr. Steven Sangha) Herbalife Dr. & Mrs. Michael & Daphne Herberts Heritage Dental Centre (The Germain Family) The Hwang/Kim Family

This year, please help us

The Huber Family Johnson Fu Insurance Agents The Johnson Family Mr. Young Cheol Kang & Ms. Elina Ji Dr. & Mrs. Al-Karim & Eileen Karmali Ms. Wendy Ko Mr. & Mrs. Ketan & Kiran Ladva Mr. Gye Ju Lee & Mrs. Whal Ran Park Mr. Hai Qing Liu & Mrs. Lie Jing Gu Mr. & Mrs. Manuel & Virna Lau Mr. Ron Le Boutillier The Le Page/Hodgkinson Family The Lee Family Love Those Loot Bags Mr. & Mrs. Stephan & Nancy Mackenzie Maple Ridge Eye Care (Dr. Murray Hurlbert) Master’s Touch Photography The Mattiazzo Family Meadowridge Parent Guild Meadows Golf Centre (The Park Family) Mr. John McLaughlin Michael & Young Fly Shop (The Tsuyuki Family) MW Creative Design & Consultancy Mr. & Mrs. Bertrum & Katie Neibergall The Nice Family Dr. and Mrs. Guillermo & Lucy Pareja Payworks Pinnacle Pursuits The Pitzey Family Play Abby The Pogrebinsky Family Purdy’s Chocolate Mr. Marc Prefontaine Quantum Gymnastics Centre Mr. Ivan Rados Ramada Hotel & Samz Pub (The Sunderji Family) Red Robin Refine Orthodontics (Dr. Julia Ng) Ms. Sylvie Roussel-Janssens SaundersRodgers Performance Golf Academy Semperviva Yoga The Cloete-Senner Family The Sidhu Family Skin Health Laser and Medi Spa The Smyth Family Specimen Trees

Grow our home.

Speedpro Signs Plus Mr. Scott Spurgeon Subway (240th & Dewdney Trunk Road) The Sun Family The Teimouri Family Tiffany & Co. The Times Newspaper The Turner Family Tuscany Hair Salon Mr. & Mrs. David & Lyn Tyler Dr. & Mrs. Hanif & Sophie Ukani (Dr. H. Ukani Plastic Surgery Inc.) Vancouver Giants Vancouver Whitecaps The Vaughan Family Velocity Cycles Miss Tamara Warner Mr. & Mrs. Rick & Susan Waugh Dr. & Mrs. Lawrence & Tracey Welsh Mr. & Mrs. Steve & Annette Woloshyn The Xu Family Ms. Xiao Hong Zhou

Meadowr idge Schoo l

Page 10 | November/December 2012

Teatros: The Seeing Place Performed by the Theatre Performance 12 and DP 11 Theatre Class

Western theatre is believed to have begun in Greece, with the religious rituals surrounding the celebration of Dionysus, god of regeneration, wine, and passion. Gradually the choral dancing and singing of these celebrations began to include a single speaker, and then two, and three, and drama as we recognize it took shape. In our explorations in theatre class this term we have considered these origins, and the nature of theatre itself: what human impulses it expresses and satisfies. So, as we have prepared a production to reflect the nature of theatre, we decided to include a short, contemporary adaptation of Shakespeare’ A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a 20th century American classic, Our Town, and the Greek tragedy, Antigone. The result of our work is an evening of theatre in three parts, linked by certain common elements: a chorus, music, and characters who act as narrators and guides to the stories.

The first ‘act’ is called Hippolyta and the Lovers and imagines the story of A Midsummer Night’s Dream from the perspective of Hippolyta, the kidnapped Queen of the Amazons, who has been brought to Athens by its duke, Theseus, to become his bride. She retells the original story with a focus on the love tangle at the heart of the play. The script combines contemporary language with sections of text drawn directly from Shakespeare. Hippolyta takes on the role of narrator, chorus, supernatural agent, and director. Only Puck, the agent of her ministrations, remains of the original cast of fairies. Our play ends with the manic mayhem of the workmen’s attempt to enact the mythic tragedy of Pyramus and Thisbe. All of this has been compressed into a brisk half hour.

The second ‘act’ brings the people of small town everywhere to life. Our Town’s fictitious setting is “Grover’s Corner” in the first decade of the 20th century, but it is a universal place and time in which the affairs of ‘daily living, marrying, and dying’ take place. While Antigone dramatizes human experience at its most heightened and impassioned, Our Town tells the human story we all experience around us every day, but it also reminds us that life is more vivid and more precious than we can realize. It is a beautiful evocation of the human comedy -- funny, sad, and true.

The final ‘act’, Antigone, tells the story of a young girl’s act of courage and defiance as she aims to express her own individuality, to redeem her family’s lost honour, and to do homage to the gods.

Standing against her is her uncle, Creon, the ruler of the worn-torn city of Thebes. He is a politician, a man of expediency, who is no match for the ideals and principles of the impassioned Antigone. The conflict of the play is both timely and timeless, the universal struggle between what is right and what is pragmatic. We have edited the Jean Anouilh version (written in 1942 during the Nazi occupation of France) of the original Sophocles play down to an intense 40’. . And thus our three acts of theatre cycle through theatre history, and illuminate the same place: “the seeing place” that is theatre, where we can find ourselves and all those who have gone before us involved in the same mystery of human experience.

- Mrs. Jan Elsted, Director & Teacher

Page 11 | November/December 2012

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Gryphon Council Update Students participated in various events during the month of November. On November 8th the Remembrance Day Assembly was held and was organized by Mr. Bertoia’s Social Studies 11 class as well as the Senior Gryphon Council. Thank you to all of the volunteers who gave their time to be a part of the ceremony, set up and clean the gymnasium for the assembly.

Kiss the Monster, Partner Limbo and DDR (Dance Dance Revolution) were among the Gryphon Council’s Friday events at lunch in the cafeteria. During all three of these Friday events students in grades 9 to 12 participated in fun and spiriting competitions for house points.

Basketball Intramurals also started this past month, and are still ongoing. Join us every Wednesday at lunchtime in the gym if you want to play. Blackout, our first dance of the year, also took place on November 23rd. It was a great success with a large turnout. A special thank you goes out to our Activities Gryphons; Sydnie S. and Alice K. for all of the hard work they put in prior to the dance to make sure that it was fun and enjoyable for all the students.

The Can Drive began in November. Students are encouraged to bring in non-perishable food items to support our local food bank and earn some house points. At the time of printing, the Can Drive was still ongoing, so keep an eye out for the results in an upcoming eGryphon.

- Omar V., Media Gryphon

The Cast of Teatros: The Seeing Place

Meadowr idge Schoo l

Page 1 2 | November/December 2012

Library update Oh The Places Gryph Will Go...

We are excited to launch our “Bring A Book Back From Your Trip” programme. In this edition of the Mini Gryphon you will find a postcard with Gryph on it. Take this with you on a trip, buy a book to donate to the library, take a picture of you and Gryph and send it to librarians@meadowridge.bc.ca. Your book will be given a personalized book plate with that picture in it and sit proudly on our library shelf waiting to be checked out. Happy Travels!

Learning to live well, with others and for others , in a just community.

Take me on an adven ture with you Find a book all shiny and new Send a photo of you and I Now I bet you’re wond ering why

Donate your book To the Library and you’ll see The picture you took of you and me.

Happy Travels,

P.S. Send your photos to librarians@

meadowridge.bc.ca

Pictured on the Front: GryPh enjoyinG a book in the MeadowridG e School library Meadowridge School 12224-240t h Street, Maple Ridge, BC V4R 1N1

To My Meadowrid ge Friends,

Meadowridge Studen t wherever you may travel in the world

Look for your postcard from Gryph included in the Mini Gryphon mailing.

Visit the Meadowridge Library online at

www.meadowridge.bc.ca/library

Give the Gift of Reading Since the launch of our “Give the Gift of Reading” programme, in October, there have been many families who have given generously to our library. Their gift of a book has been given a personalized dedication plate and the lucky recipient gets to sign it out first. Thank you to the following families:

Donated by: The Premji Family Dedicated to: Alinah Premji

Donated by: The Crawford Family Dedicated to: Ian Crawford

Donated by: The Choat Family Dedicated to: Emma Choat

Donated by: The Brooks Family Dedicated to: Amanda and Stephen Brooks

If you are interested in taking part in this programme please drop by the library to pick up a brochure or access it on our library website at: www.meadowridge.bc.ca/library

Page 13 | November/December 2012

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Grow our home.

TRAFFIC NOTICE

It has come to our attention that some drivers are not following traffic instructions to safely drop off or pick up children. A moment of distraction or careless act with your car could have severe and lasting consequences for a child, as well as the driver.

1. Drivers must only load or unload passengers in designated areas, which are at the front of the school, along the curb or in the southwest parking lot.

2. When students are entering or exiting cars at the curb, they should only do so on the passenger side; the driver side is too dangerous as this exposes the child to moving traffic.

3. Picking up your child in other areas is dangerous since there are no crosswalks or expectation of pedestrians.

We remind you, any time you are in a vehicle – but especially on school property, rid yourself of every distraction and give your total attention to driving. The life of a child may depend upon your ability to react and avoid a dangerous situation.

Designated Drop-off & Pick-up Areas Front of school along the curb.

Southwest Parking Lot Park here if leaving your vehicle

Donated by: The Le Boutillier Family Dedicated to: Veronica Wyatt Le Boutillier

Donated by: Alex Smith’s Family Dedicated to: Alex Smith

Donated by: The Hutchinson/Charney Family Dedicated to: Mackenzie Hutchinson

All book covers copyright www.amazon.ca

Meadowr idge Schoo l

Page 14 | November/December 2012

Gryphons’ Athletics Update Senior Girls’ Volleyball Team 2012 "Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress and working together is success” Henry Ford The Senior Girls Volleyball team had started training and practicing together in August at the Summer Volleyball Camp. The girls have spent timeless hours together practicing and developing their skills and bonding as a team. From day 1, the girls set their goals to playing in the GVISAA finals but fell short by a few points to the defending champions Carver and second in the seed, Southpointe Academy. Their dedication and perseverance, however, led this team to end in 4th place in the GVISAA Senior Girls division. What pushed these girls to such a great achievement was the commitment put forth by the coaches, Mrs. Brookshaw and Mr. Clarke. The coaches pushed us to become better athletes and led us to finish with a successful season.

As a senior, I enjoyed playing every minute with this unique group of girls. This team is the greatest family I could ever ask for. Thank you so much ladies; this team means the world to me and I couldn't have asked for better teammates.

- Alice K., Grade 12 Setters: Aidan W. (Captain), Kaitlyn R.; Middle Hitters: Jessica J., Layne L., Adriana M., Marlena O.; Outside Hitters: Mehar K., Emily H., Davina G., Victoria H.; Offside Hitter: Alice K. Coaches: Mr. Rhys Clarke, Mrs. Michelle Brookshaw

Page 15 | November/December 2012

This year, please help us

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Meadowridge Fencing Club at the Canada Cup Thirteen of our Meadowridge fencers competed at the Richmond Olympic Oval in a national level competition in fencing November 16th to 18th, 2012. This tournament had over 750 fencers from across Canada.

Meadowridge had great standings, especially for those who were competing in their first major tournament. The following fencers are to be congratulated for their outstanding participation:

Y12 Sabre

Cadet Men’s Epee (Age 16 and under)

Timothy L.: Gold Medal

Evan Z.: 37th Colin G.: 38th

Y12 Epee Emily M.: Bronze Medal

Y14 Men’s Foil

Nathan G.: 6th

Nathan H.: 14th

Preston P.: 8th Sebastian M.: 10th

Y14 Men’s Epee Thomas B.: 16th

Y12 Foil

Derek S.: 18th

Nicole S.: Top 8

Y14 Men’s Sabre

Cadet Men’s Sabre (Age 16 and Under) Matheson G.: 20th

Matheson G.: 6th

Y14 Women’s Foil

Veteran Mixed Epee Mr. Gareth M.: 5th

Eleanor M.: 9th

Y14 Women’s Epee Emily M.: 11th Special thanks go to Mr. Gareth Mason who helped prepare, coach and support our team of fencers tirelessly the entire weekend. Also, thanks to Coach Theodora Runtova and Coach Igor Gantsevich for their coaching of our athletes. En garde, prêt, aller!

Timothy L. accepting his Gold Medal.

- Mrs. Connie Chow-Go, Coach

Thomas B. and Matheson G. at the Richmond Oval during the Canada Cup.

Emily M. accepting her Bronze Medal.

Meadowr idge Schoo l

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IB Learner Profile Feature Why is the IB Learner Profile so important?

“The beliefs and values of the PYP are represented in the form of the IB learner profile. This profile lists, as attributes, the learning outcomes of the curriculum and focuses attention on the fact that student learning is the purpose of schools. The IB learner profile also represents a synthesis of the essential elements of the PYP. Throughout the primary years, the students engage in structured inquiry that synthesizes knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes and action. In doing so, they develop the attributes described in the learner profile. This profile provides powerful goals that serve learning across all areas of the curriculum.” (From Making PYP Happen)

We will be featuring two IB Learner Profiles in each Mini Gryphon with a description of each Learner Profile and how you can role model the profile at home.

Communicators

Students who are COMMUNICATORS are able to think and communicate in more than one language. They can express their ideas by speaking, drawing and writing. They can also communicate using mathematical language and symbols. How can parents help to develop students who are Communicators at home?

• Encourage your child to stay in touch with relatives and friends who live in other countries by writing letters, using the phone or sending email.

• When working on mathematics homework, encourage your child to explain his/her answer to you orally or by drawing a picture.

• Ask your child thought provoking questions and encourage them to discuss them with you. For example: • What would you do if you were upset at someone at school?

• Is there anything you cannot buy with money?

• Should you get an allowance? Why or why not?

• Work with your child to improve his/her listening skills. Being a good listener is an important part of communicating with others.

Reflective

Students who are REFLECTIVE know what they are good at and what they’re not. They try to think about these things, and they make changes where they can. They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and consider their personal strengths and weaknesses in a constructive manner. How can parents help to develop students who are Reflective at home?

• Spend some time reviewing your child’s report card with them. They should have the opportunity to look at this document and consider it as well. Discuss it with them and truly consider their thoughts on their strengths and areas for improvement.

• Consider the goals that your child could set for the next term. Make a list not only of the goals, but of specific actions that can be taken to achieve these goals. You might want to list actions that your child will take independently as well as actions parents will take to support them. For example, if one of the goals your child sets for themselves is to improve their writing, their action might be to keep a journal and write in it for at least 10 minutes each night. As a parent, you might decide that the two of you will participate in shared writing, for 30 minutes each week and produce a book of narratives together.

• Consider your child’s Student Profile Self-Assessment that came home as part of the report card. This is a significant section of the formal report card that is often overlooked. Ask your child to clarify this part of the report card for you and explain why they rated their performance the way they did. Can they give an example of an area in which they are particularly strong? How does she know that this is a strong point? Can she set specific goals for improvement in other areas?

- Mr. Terry Donaldson, PYP Director of Academics

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Parent Guild UPDATE Happy Holidays to all the families of Meadowridge School Winter break is only a few weeks away! This is traditionally a gift giving season for many cultures. It is a time to celebrate with our families and friends and show our love and appreciation.

Supporting Our Teachers and Saying Thanks!

This time of year can be very stressful with personal and professional responsibilities and I know the teachers have all been working so hard to get the report cards prepared for this term. On behalf of all the parents at Meadowridge the Parent Guild presented a small token of our immense gratitude to all the teachers at Meadowridge. Each teacher was given a “break” in the form of a Kit Kat with a note to say how much we appreciate their efforts. In addition, the Parent Guild provided snacks and treats for the December 3rd full Staff Meeting. These treats were prepared by a fellow parent and Parent Guild council members with help from students in the Cooking Club.

This year, please help us

Grow our home.

Happy Holidays

Thank You For Your Support!

Thank you to everyone that purchased the Note Pads and Mabel’s Labels. These and other fundraisers are how the Parent Guild continues to support community building events and equipment that enhances the educational experience of all our students. Please note that Note Pad orders available for pick up on December 12th in the house from 2:30pm to 4:00pm.

Purchases Put to Use | Microphones and Stands

At the last Parent Guild AGM the parents voted to use a portion of the funds to purchase microphones and stands and I am happy to report that they have arrived and have already be put to use at the MYP Musical Showcase and Senior Gryphon Council Café Night.

Parent Guild IB Team

The Parent Guild IB team has been in communication with the Academic Directors and will be sending out a survey through the Grade Reps.

Please take a moment to complete this survey as your feedback is very important.

Mr. Banack and Mrs. Bereza will be hosting a MYP/DP Report Card Information Session December 5th from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. Whether or not you are new to Meadowridge or new to MYP or DP, this session will have valuable information - just in time for the release of the report cards. Please make every effort to attend. If you are planning on attending please RSVP to shelley.lewis@meadowridge.bc.ca by December 4th.

Parent Guild Meeting | December 5th

Parent Guild meeting dates are on the Meadowridge website. All parents are welcome to attend as an observer. Please RSVP to the parentguild@meadowridge.bc.ca if you wish to attend. Our next meeting is immediately following the IB information session on Wednesday, December 5th.

I wish each family the joy of the season and may we all cherish the memories and the smiles that last long after the food and gifts are gone.

Remember the three R’s - Rest, Rejuvenate and Rejoice.

Best Wishes Eileen Karmali Chair, Meadowridge Parent Guild

The Parent Guild Mabel’s Labels fundraiser operates all year round! For the holiday season they are offering return address labels for sale.

Order online at: www.meadowridge.mabelslabels.com to order and support the Parent Guild.

Gryphon’s Emporium (Used Uniform Shop) The Gryphon’s Emporium is one of the largest fundraising ventures of the Parent Guild. Through the sales of donated used uniforms, the Parent Guild is able to support school events.

Please support use by donating your used uniforms!

HOURS Open the first Wednesday of every month (if school is in session) from 3:00pm to 4:00pm.

To book an appointment outside of that time, email gryphonsemporium@meadowridge. bc.ca.

Meadowr idge Schoo l

Page 18 | November/December 2012

Student Achievements Vienna K., Grade 9 (Dance) Grade 9 student Vienna was able to experience Germany in October thanks to her success in dance.

For seven days Vienna competed in the International Dance Organization (IDO) World Championships for Jazz, Modern Dance and Ballet as part of Team Canada with over 1200 dancers from over 21 different countries.

Before saying auf wiedersehen to Frankfurt she was able to take part in Team Canada winning 32 medals at the event including Vienna’s ballet group (large and small) who won gold and her jazz group who won silver. All together Team Canada had the highest number of medals with Poland.

Congratulations Vienna!

Cameron H., Grade 12 (Music) Meadowridge’s own music expert has achieved the highest mark in BC in the Conservatory Canada programme for his last two music exams. Cameron was welcomed, with a partial sponsorship, to fly to Toronto on November 24th to accept the Gold Medal in each grade level. Back at home Cameron was awarded a trophy locally in Maple Ridge in an afternoon concert celebrating outstanding local music students.

Cameron has been playing piano for 12 years and performed his own compositions at a Canadian Composer’s Festival. His goal is to complete the Canada Conservatory Programme for the piano by the end of his grade 12 year.

This is one of many musical accomplishments that Cameron has achieved and it will be a pleasure to see what his dedication to his love of piano will bring to his future.

Congratulations Cameron!

Congratulations

to Meadowridge teacher, Mrs. Carolyn Green on her selection to attend the IB Americas MYP Academy Mrs. Green will be trained as an IB MYP Math workshop leader and consultant.

Her expertise will be used during site visits to help schools in their implementation of the MYP Math programmes.

Page 19 | November/December 2012

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Chisom O., Grade 5 (BC Top Ten Athlete) Congratulations to Grade 5 student Chisom for being named a BC Top Ten Athlete for her age group!

On October 28th she was presented with her award at a ceremony in Vancouver. Chisom earned her spot based on her amazing times of 9.03 in 60m sprint.

As well, she made the BC Athletics Meet standard on 100m (14.39) and high jump (1.28). Chisom isn’t new to this accomplishment and made the Top Ten last year in her age group.

Way to go Chisom!

David N., Grade 12 (Rowing at Canada National Rowing Championships) Over the November long weekend while we were all probably sitting in front of the fire bundled up drinking hot chocolate, grade 12 student David was out rowing in the cold. David has been working very hard at his rowing and that weekend stepped out on the national stage for the first time and ended in a very respectable position. There were about 200 rowers representing nine provinces. The youngest were the Juniors (18 and under) and there were 18 Junior Men including David.

After 2 days of competition, David established a ranking of 9th place overall for Junior Men; his goal was to be in the top 10 and he can truly be proud of his accomplishment.

Some background on qualifying - David had to achieve specific times on ERG testing and time trials during late August in order to qualify to represent BC at the Championships.

The following pictures of David are from the Rowing Canada Facebook page and were taken by Kevin Light the official photographer at the event. Both are at the start of David’s first event Saturday morning, light fog on the water and very cold. The one picture is of the pontoon and a young man (bundled up in a blanket) holding the bow of David’s boat in position as David is preparing for the start. The second photo is David’s first stroke off the mark.

Congratulations David and good luck in your next competition!

- Mrs. Carolyn Green, MYP Teacher

Meadowr idge Schoo l

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AROUND MEADOWRIDGE Junior Kindergarten Let’s Celebrate!

The Junior Kindergarten class have started a new Unit of Inquiry: “Let’s Celebrate!” and there is such excitement in the classroom that we just had to share!

We are learning about celebrations that families recognize, different things that people celebrate, and some of the wonderful ways that we celebrate special occasions. This past month marked Diwali, the Festival of Light, and what a great opportunity to do some celebrating!

We have made Diyas (lights), decorated rangolis, and dressed up with scarves and ankle bells to dance to some Bangara music. There is definitely an air of festivity and celebration here while our young Inquirers experience some fantastic and exciting cultural occasions!

- Mrs. Tricia Liversidge, PYP Teacher

Pictured from left to right: Tessa R. and Zachary S. dancing to traditional Bangra music; Emily D., Chloe W. and Dylan C. decorating a Rangoli; Emiko S. painting a diya for Diwali.

Kindergarten & Grade 12 Day of the Dead Celebration On Monday, November 5th, the Kindergarten students were invited to the Spanish 12 class to learn about the celebrations of Día de los Muertos. It is a celebration that combines Remembrance Day and Halloween, to honour family who has passed and celebrate them with happy festivities. After listening to a story about el Dia de los Muertos, the Kindergarden and Spanish 12 students played games to learn vocabulary in Spanish. Then, they decorated cupcakes with candies to follow the tradition of decorating “calaveras de azucar”. We had a great time!

- Mrs. Joyce Villadiego, MYP Teacher

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Kindergarten Playing Dress-Up Our Kindergarten class loves to dress up as different people and jobs in their Drama Centre.

One of their favourites is our Facilities staff, Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Conaghan. Last month while they were playing dress up they got a visit from Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Conaghan and took some pictures with them and some fun “props” like Mr. Hamilton’s coffee mug and tools.

- Miss Tamara Warner, PYP Teacher

Grade 4 Diwali Celebration On Tuesday, November 13th Grade 5 students Tejas G. and Vivek M. shared their knowledge of the Hindu cultural celebration, Diwali with the Grade 4 students.

Diwali is known as the “Festival of Lights” and is an important five day festival for the Hindu community. Little clay lamps called diyas are placed and lit outside the homes to symbolize the inner light that protects us from spiritual darkness.

- Mrs. Connie Chow-Go, PYP Teacher

This year, please help us

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Meadowr idge Schoo l

Page 22 | November/December 2012

Grade 4 Visit to ARMS Reflections In November our class went to ARMS. ARMS stands for Alouette River Management Society. At ARMS, we mostly learned about salmon. Salmon come in 6 different types. On the trip it was spawning time so tons of fish were in the river. We also got to dissect a fish. It was really cool!

My favourite thing on the trip was seeing the salmon in their different stages of life. The thing that I didn’t like was that it was raining the whole day! Other than that the trip was great. In conclusion, the field trip was great. I learned lots of different stuff. I hope one day I go again.

- Brianna, Grade 4

On our field trip to ARMS, we learned how to dissect a salmon. We also learned about how there is a life cycle and how they grow. We learned about bugs, trees, and plants in the forest. Then we learned about water bugs and the different kinds and sizes there are. I liked it when we went to the forest and answered questions about everything we learned. I didn’t like how they had to show how to dissect a salmon.

- Sasha, Grade 4

Grade 5 Gurpurab - First Sikh Master, Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Birthday On Wednesday, November 28th the Sikh community celebrated a Gurpurab in honour of Guru Nanek Dev Ji’s birthday, the first Sikh Master.

The Dhillon and Sodhi family were kind enough to help the class celebrate this special day with a presentation on the Sikh religion and a delicious vegetarian lunch. Thank you Dhillon and Sodhi family for your generosity and for sharing this important day. Happy Gurpurab!

Page 23 | November/December 2012

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Grade 5 Immigrating to a New Classroom In November the Grade 5 class experienced immigrating to a new classroom and that included the excitement of a new class, but also the uncertainty and fear of being in a different environment. They left their comfort in Grade 5 and ventured into various MYP and DP classrooms. Spending time in the classroom with the older grades created some great responses and discussions among the Grade 5 learners.

How did it feel immigrating to a new classroom?

• Strange, different, a new environment • It was like “we were not even there” • Confusing... I did not understand • Embarrassed - they were staring at us • The lab smelt like rotten eggs • I did not understand the language • I felt like a stranger - Who are you?

• Why is everyone staring at me?

• Someone helped me • New classroom was cool! (comfortable & special) • I felt many emotions, small like a mouse • We were immigrating to another classroom to see how we would react

Grade 6 Day of the Dead Celebration The Grade 6 students experienced the cultural “Day of the Dead” celebration where family members and close friends that have, unfortunately, passed away are remembered in a very respectful and traditional way.

- Ms. Gilda Zivec, MYP Teacher

Grade 12 Math Arts & Crafts Grade 12 Math students enjoyed a ‘math-style’ arts and crafts lesson, where they created a trigonometric unit circle from a paper plate, stickers and coloured paper.

- Mrs. Carolyn Green, MYP Teacher

Meadowridge School is now accepting sibling applications for September 2013.

Apply Early | Space is Limited With the anticipation of waitlists for most grades, it is recommended to apply as soon as possible.

Our Kindergarten to Grade 12 Assessment Day will be held on Saturday, February 16th, 2013.

To apply, please visit our website at: www.meadowridge.bc.ca or call 604.467.4444.

OPEN HOUSE | Every Friday school is in session from 9:00am to 11:00am International Baccalaureate Continuum World School | Coeducational | Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 | University Preparatory