Celebrating
Years of Service education to BC Families 2017 bcparent.ca
Bullying Prevention 2018 Starts at Independent Home School Guide MONAT JUNIOR LINE Gentle Shampoo Gentle Conditioner Gentle Detangler
BENEFITS Developed for children’s naturally finer and more fragile hair.
Highly concentrated formulas to allow you to use less product to get the job done.
Phthalates Parabens WE SAY PEG Harsh salt systems NO TO DEA/MEA Harmful colours Sulfates Harmful fragrances
ThinHairNeeds.mymonat.com
2 BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION Celebrating Letter from the Editor Years of Service to BC Families
he school year is in full swing. Kids are busy learning, and we’re busy helping them the best we can. One way to Inside T potentially help is by getting a psychological educational assessment, but what is that? Unsure what it is, or if your 5 Bullying Prevention child needs one, read Demystifying Psychological Educational Starts at Home Assessments to learn more about them. Looking for new schools? Refer to our preschool guide and indepen- 8 Preschool Guide dent school guides to help plan 2018. Carlie Parkinson 10 Independent School Finally, it is time to brace ourselves for the cold weather approaching Guide and the upcoming holidays. Enjoy our holiday event guide and gift guide to inspire you in December. We have also highlighted some 16 Tutoring Guide great camps for Winter Break and activities to ring in the New Year. Thanks for reading and see you in Spring 2018 with our 17 Demystifying Family Resource Guide! Psychological Educational Assessments
20 Inclusion is Happening When We Don’t Even Notice It
22 Holiday Event Guide
24 Gift Ideas for the Ones You Love
27 Winter Activities and Camps
30 Benefits of Extracurricular Activities for Students
Follow us on
http://twitter.com/bcparentmag BC Parent Newsmagazine
Mailing Address: Publisher/Executive Editor: Contributors: Tara Bianca, Nic Enright-Morin, P.O.Box 30020, Carlie Parkinson The Cerebral Palsy Association of BC, Susan North Vancouver, BC Editor: Geoffrey Legh Cumberland V7H 2Y8 Advertising Design & Layout: BC Parent is published 4 times per year. The email: [email protected] Julie Cochrane Education 2017 Publisher reserves the right to omit advertising www.bcparent.ca Editorial Design & Layout: Canadian Publications Mail which is judged to be in poor taste or which does Volume 26, Number 5 www.retrometrodesign.ca Registration No.251836 not conform to the concept of this publication. Advertising Sales: [email protected]
BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION 3 YOUR CHILD’S CONFIDENCE CENTRE STAGETAGE
Winter Registration Now Open!
At Lights Up Schools, we teach Musical Theatre fundamentals to help students shine on stage and in all aspects of their lives. F Whether your child randomly bursts into song and dance, or is finding their voice, Lights Up is the perfect extra-curricular activity. Singing, Dancing & Acting classes for 3-18yrs, Spring and Summer Camps, Birthday Parties.
LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE LOWER MAINLAND ights Up Lightsuptheatre.ca L musical theatre schools 1-888-502-5253
West Point Grey Licensed Preschool at Aberthau (30 Months—5 Years)
^ƉŽƚƐƐƟůůĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞĨŽƌƚŚĞϮϬϭϳ-ϮϬϭϴ^ĐŚŽŽůzĞĂƌ ǁǁǁ͘ǁĞƐƚƉŽŝŶƚŐƌĞLJ͘ŽƌŐϲϬϰ͘Ϯϱϳ͘ϴϭϰϬ ϰϯϵϳtĞƐƚϮŶĚǀĞ͘sĂŶĐŽƵǀĞƌ͕
Busy life? Like us on Facebook for parenting tips, tricks, and events! Facebook.com/bcparent
4 BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION Bullying Prevention Starts at Home
By Tara Bianca
Cultivate a positive self-image in your child to prevent bullying behaviour in later life.
reventing bullying begins at home Develop healthy self-esteem. The good boy for putting your toys away.” It may in- when children are young, long before news is that your child’s subconscious mind troduce the idea that if they don’t do or say P they go to school. Under the age of can be imprinted with positive, affirming things “right,” that they are “bad” in some eight, a child’s mind is like a sponge because ideas. Make positive thinking and beliefs way. Instead, comment with phrases such they don’t have the critical mind filter that familiar to your child by telling your child as, “Thank you for putting the toys away, adults have developed to determine what that s/he is lovable just as s/he is. That no it feels so relaxing to be in a clean space.” beliefs are acceptable or not. What they see, matter what they say or do, they are loved. Or “I’m proud of you for sharing your toys hear and feel goes straight into their subcon- Be your child’s greatest cheerleader. with the other children. It shows how kind scious mind without analysis, as though it is Remind your child you believe in them, you are.” a fact. As a parent, you have the opportunity even after they have accomplished some- Never ignore your own negative behav- to influence the messages that are being im- thing new by saying, “I knew you could do iour. Instead, demonstrate how to take printed in your child’s subconscious, mes- responsibility and teach your child what sages that can go a long way to safeguarding is acceptable behaviour. If you behave in against bullying behaviour in the future. a hurtful or dismissive way to your child, Experiences children have from the past Never threaten to leave make sure you apologize immediately. Tell and present do not affect them as much as your child behind. your child that your behaviour was unac- the meaning they attach to an experience. ceptable and that you will do better. Ask Those interpretations imprint the mind him or her if you can have a hug. This along with the experience. Because children teaches your child that no one has any right have very little life experience, and they are it.” And whenever they have done anything to speak to them in hurtful ways and that at the center of their universe, they often you internally disapprove of, say, “even other people’s negativity, anger or emotions perceive that they are to blame for others though you did XYZ, I love you.” is that person’s responsibility. It also has suffering, or abusive behaviour. “Mommy Eliminate the concept of “good” boy or the benefit of teaching them how to take must be yelling at me because I am a bad girl. If your child does something that you responsibility, apologize and make things boy,” or “I’m a burden because I am making are proud of, or behaves in a way that is ac- right when they are mean to someone else. mommy stressed.” ceptable, never say, “You’re such a good girl/ Avoid harmful nicknames. Phrases such as
BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION 5 Never refuse to comfort a child who is upset.
his mind of himself returning soon, allowed him to be comfortable to leave. Never dismiss their feelings. When a child feels scared, never tell them they are being silly, or they shouldn’t feel that way. Instead, acknowledge their feelings and introduce a transition of feeling into the mind, such as, “Even though you’re feeling scared, let’s sing a song together.” Never refuse to comfort a child who is up- set. Some parents think they have to punish an upset child. When it comes to temper tantrums that seem to be for no reason, remember your young child has growth hormones raging through their body all the “Kenny is such a little monster,” or “I love Eliminate sarcasm. Let your home be time. I remember when my son was about my little pork chop,” triggers your child’s a safe haven from sarcasm. The subcon- two years old and he had his first temper mind to identify with those pictures. I knew scious mind does not understand humour tantrum. It came with no warning, he one father who called his teenage daughter and certainly doesn’t understand sarcasm. screamed for 20 minutes and the tantrum “princess beluga.” He said it with sweetness, Children are deeply affected by harsh ended just as abruptly. but the daughter said that it made her feel words, even if they are used in a joking way, During the process, even though my first sad because she perceived him critical of her and sarcasm only nurtures beliefs of self- urge was to put him in his bedroom to cry weight. rejection. it out alone, I knew he was not doing this Avoid using absolutes when describing to manipulate or control me. Instead, I took REMEMBER: your child. Since the subconscious mind him to his room, he stood up on the bed takes everything as truth, phrases such as and screamed. I asked, s "E YOUR CHILDS GREATEST CHEERLEADER “My son always wakes up in the night,” or “Do you want me to hug you?” s %LIMINATE THE CONCEPT OF THE hGOODv “You never pick up your toys,” can program “No!” CHILD a child’s mind to believe this is how they “Do you want me to sing to you?” s 4AKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR BEHAVIOUR are to be. Absolutes make it challenging for “No!” s !LLOW YOUR CHILD TO CORRECT YOUR children to break out and free themselves “Do you want me to leave?” NEGATIVE BEHAVIOUR of their parents’ expectations, how their “No!” parents see them. Instead, consider speak- So I laid down on his bed and said, I’m s +EEP THOSE NICKNAMES POSITIVE ing as though all your child’s behaviour is here for you when you need me. And I laid - s 'UARD YOUR CHILDS MIND FROM SAR temporary: “My son is learning how to sleep there until he was done. I was lucky enough CASM through the night,” or “After you pick up to get some nearby earplugs, to help with s 2EFRAIN FROM USING ABSOLUTES your toys, we can go to the park.” the noise! s #ULTIVATE CONNECTION AND HEALTHY Never threaten to leave your child behind. After, he stood looking at me and asked, ATTACHMENT A child’s attachment to a parent is their con- “Mommy, what happened?” “I don’t know,” s !CKNOWLEDGE YOUR CHILDS FEELINGS cept of safety and security. The idea of be- I replied, “what do you think happened?” s #OMFORT A CHILD WHO IS UPSET ing left behind is frightening to a child and He clearly had no idea why or what had s 3EE ACTS OF AGGRESSION AS A PLEA FOR opens up the possibility of permanent sepa- transpired. He ran to cuddle in my arms CONNECTION ration. Instead, give your child a few min- and felt no betrayal or rejection whatsoever. s -ODEL PEACEFUL AND RESPECTFUL utes notice before you need to leave a pleas- He felt supported and accepted even though COMMUNICATION ant situation. My son always had trouble he was having a rough time. leaving a park. When it was time to go, I’d Never send your child away as a form of s "E GENTLE AND LOVING TO YOUR CHILD punishment at any age. AND YOURSELF say, “Say, see you later park.” And he’d echo, At the root of all “See you later park.” Creating a picture in emotional conflicts is the fear of rejection or
6 BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION the belief one is rejectable. When you send I had been feeling hormonally agitated all pectation of themselves. Your child is a your child away when s/he has misbehaved, day and wanted to be in my own space. A great teacher that reveals your behavioural you tap into his or her primal fear of not be- couple of times, I firmly warned him not to patterns, expectations and emotional trig- ing accepted by his or her community. It is poke me, as I was becoming even more agi- gers. They offer an opportunity for you to a type of banishment. tated. Then I realized he was trying to con- change yourself, to access and demonstrate Instead, share in a calm, firm, loving way nect, to break through whatever wall I had peaceful parenting, at the same time they to help your child see their responsibility. created that day. I asked, “Do you need a are learning, too. Tell them how their actions affected their cuddle?” He immediately jumped up on my 4ARA "IANCA is a clinical hypnotherapist, leader in transforma- own life without blame or shame. Just con- lap so delighted and calm. tion and author of Stress Free Pregnancy: 108 Essential Tips for vey what occurred with the consequences: Model peaceful and respectful commu- Enjoying a Peaceful Pregnancy. For over 20 years, she has helped “When you break your toy, we have to nication with your child and your spouse. people explore and improve their personal or professional lives with the latest in neuroscience, positive psychology, nutrition and high throw it out because it is not fixable. I’m Handle issues between siblings with fairness performance. She lives in North Van with her 4-year-old. Please sorry you chose to break your toy, and you and resolve to address what is at the root of connect or book a session with her at www.tarabianca.com. chose to have it thrown out.” hurt between them. Create an environment Also, when kids act out, it is often due of unconditional love and acceptance be- Give your child a head start to something unresolved within themselves. tween all family members. Develop quality in French Immersion They need help to address the internal con- of your presence, taking time to fully focus ECE cert flict peacefully and connect in a way where on your child’s needs for attention every day. LÀHGWHDFKHUV )UHQFKLPPHUVLRQSURJUDP they feel lovable no matter what agitation Always resort to the most basic truth of )RUFKLOGUHQDJHVWR your child. they’re feeling. Ask them what they are feel- Children thrive when they are WHDFKHUVSHUFODVV ing and what they need. Offer connection connected with a parent and when they 6PDOOFODVVVL]H PD[LPXP as a solution to their agitation. In doing are accepted just as they are with uncondi- 7HDFKHUVÁXHQWLQ)UHQFK (QJOLVK so, you are teaching them emotional intel- tional love. It isn’t always an easy practice ligence and are giving their brain a pathway to remember this when we are triggered by for peaceful resolution. frustration and anger. We often expect chil- Recently, my four-year-old started poking dren to remember and learn lessons quickly, (604) 432-1323 my hand with his fork at the dinner table. but parents often don’t have the same ex- www.bflp.org
Montessori Preschool in Dunbar IN-HOME TUTORING By Certified Teachers We help preschoolers develop themselves to K-12 (all subjects) their full potential and to develop a life-long love of learning in a safe, Education for life. stimulating, creative, and positive social Providing the highest quality environment. Montessori education to families since 1980.
Visit us in Point Grey or False Winner Marketplace Excellence Award 2015 Creek to learn how your preschool- 2nd Place People’s Pick kindergarten aged child can begin Award 2015 their “education for life.”
JERICHO HILL SITKA SQUARE 1-877-ITS-EASY (487-3279) 4196 W 4th Ave. 1099 Sitka Square Vancouver, BC Vancouver, BC
CONTACT THE OFFICE AT: ® 778-371-4659 (Laurie) 604-224-2643 www.monkeyseemonkeydo.ca [email protected] www.schooliseasy.comwww.schooliseasy.com
BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION 7 Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley Preschool Guide Vancouver Island
Burnaby French Language Playschool OLPLWHGWRVWXGHQWVDQGLVWDXJKWE\RQH Vancouver Bilingual Preschool Burnaby, 604/432-1323 (QJOLVKWHDFKHUDQGRQH)UHQFKWHDFKHU 9DQFRXYHU EÁSRUJ :HRIIHU3UHVFKRRO-XQLRU.LQGHUJDUWHQDQG YDQFRXYHUELOLQJXDOFRP 7KH%XUQDE\)UHQFK/DQJXDJH3UHVFKRRO .LQGHUJDUWHQFODVVHV 7KURXJKFRQYHUVDWLRQVWRULHVVRQJVDQG UHFRJQL]HVWKHLPPHQVHYDOXHRISOD\LQ SOD\DFWLYLWLHVWKHFKLOGUHQDUHH[SRVHGWRWKH IRVWHULQJD\RXQJFKLOGҋVGHYHORSPHQWDQG Monkey See Monkey Do Montessori )UHQFKODQJXDJHDWDOHYHOVXLWDEOHWRWKHLUDJH WKHEHQHÀWVRIOHDUQLQJWKURXJKSOD\,WDOVR 9DQFRXYHU DQGDELOLW\3UHUHDGLQJZULWLQJDQGPDWKVNLOOV VWURQJO\HQFRXUDJHVWKHLQYROYHPHQWRISDUHQWV PRQNH\VHHPRQNH\GRFD HQKDQFHWKHFKLOGҋVIDFLOLW\ZLWKODQJXDJHDQG LQWKHLUFKLOGUHQҋVSUHVFKRROH[SHULHQFHV :HKDYHRIIHUHGKLJKTXDOLW\SURJUDPVIRU QXPEHUV2XUDUWVDQGFUDIWVDQGUHFUHDWLRQDO FKLOGUHQDJHV²VLQFH&KLOGUHQ SURJUDPVGHYHORSÀQHDQGJURVVPRWRUVNLOOV CEFA Educational Systems OHDUQODQJXDJHDUWVPDWKJHRJUDSK\PXVLF 9DQFRXYHU J\PDQGKDYHDFFHVVWRDEHDXWLIXORXWGRRU West Point Grey Preschool FHIDFD SOD\DUHD([SHULHQFHGDQGZDUPWHDFKHUV 9DQFRXYHU /RFDWLRQV %XUQDE\&RTXLWODP.HORZQD *UDGXDWHVKDYHDVROLGDFDGHPLFIRXQGDWLRQ ZHVWSRLQWJUH\RUJSURJUDPVOLFHQVHGSUHVFKRRO /DQJOH\1RUWK9DQFRXYHU1HZ:HVWPLQVWHU JRRGSUREOHPVROYLQJVNLOOVSURVRFLDO :HVW3RLQW*UH\/LFHQVHG3UHVFKRRODW 5LFKPRQG6XUUH\9DQFRXYHU EHKDYLRXUDQGDORYHRIVFKRRO $EHUWKDXRIIHUVFDUHIRUFKLOGUHQPRQWKV &()$(DUO\/HDUQLQJ6FKRROVLVDOHDGHULQ WR\HDUVROGLQDOHDUQLQJWKURXJKSOD\ VFKRROLQJIRUFKLOGUHQDJHV²RIIHULQJD North Star Montessori HQYLURQPHQW8QLTXHO\ORFDWHGLQDPDQVLRQ UHVHDUFKEDVHGHQULFKHGFXUULFXOXPIRFXVLQJ 1RUWK9DQFRXYHU ZLWKODUJHRXWGRRUVSDFHWKLV3UHVFKRROLVD RQOLWHUDF\QXPHUDF\ÀQHDUWVDQGPRUHZKLOH QRUWKVWDUPRQWHVVRULFD KLGGHQJHPRQWKH:HVW6LGHRI9DQFRXYHU SURYLGLQJFKLOGUHQZLWKWKHIUHHGRPWROHDUQ 1RUWK6WDURIIHUVDQDXWKHQWLF0RQWHVVRUL WKURXJKSOD\LQDMXQLRUNLQGHUJDUWHQGD\FDUH SURJUDPIURP,QIDQF\*UDGH&RPPLWWHG Westside Montessori Academy (WMA) IRUPDW WRPHHWLQJWKHGHYHORSPHQWDOQHHGVRI 9DQFRXYHU HDFKFKLOGZHIRVWHUDORYHRIOHDUQLQJ ZHVWVLGHPRQWHVVRULDFDGHP\FD Family Montessori School LQGHSHQGHQFHDQGUHVSHFW3UDFWLFDO :0$ҋVPLVVLRQLVWRSURYLGHDVDIHVXSSRUWLYH 9DQFRXYHU H[SHULHQFHVEXLOGFRQÀGHQFHDQGLQVSLUH HGXFDWLRQDOHQYLURQPHQWWKDWQXUWXUHVHYHU\ IDPLO\PRQWHVVRULFRP DQLQWULQVLFPRWLYDWLRQWRҊOHDUQҋDQGҊGRҋWKDW FKLOGҋVQDWXUDOFXULRVLW\IRUOHDUQLQJ:HDUH 6LQFH )066LVSURXGWRKDYHSURYLGHG VWXGHQWVFDUU\ZLWKWKHPWKURXJKRXWWKHLU FRPPLWWHGWRSURYLGLQJWKHWRROVWKHJXLGHV WKHKLJKHVWTXDOLW\RI0RQWHVVRULSURJUDPPLQJ OLYHV DQGWKHSUHSDUHGHQYLURQPHQWWRDOORZHDFK IRUSUHVFKRRODQGNLQGHUJDUWHQDJHGFKLOGUHQ FKLOGWRUHDFKWKHLUSRWHQWLDOERWKVRFLDOO\DQG )ROORZLQJ$0,0RQWHVVRULSULQFLSOHVDQG Selkirk Montessori School DFDGHPLFDOO\ VWDQGDUGVRXU*XLGHVSURYLGHHQULFKLQJ 9LFWRULD HQJDJLQJDQGLQVSLULQJOHDUQLQJHQYLURQPHQWV VHONLUNPRQWHVVRULFD WOLO Wonders of Learning QXUWXULQJDQ´HGXFDWLRQIRUOLIHµ &RHGJUDGHV36 9DQFRXYHU 0RQWHVVRULREVHUYHGLWPRGHUQUHVHDUFK ZRQGHURÁHDUQLQJFD Marpole Bilingual Montessori School SURYHVLWDQGZHFRQWLQXHWRHYROYH :2/2ҋV5HJJLRLQVSLUHGÁH[LEOH´'URS,Qµ 9DQFRXYHU WKHSUDFWLFHRILW&RPHOHDUQDW6HONLUN &KLOGFDUH&HQWUHLQFOXGHVSUHVFKRRODQG PDUSROHELOLQJXDOPRQWHVVRULFRP 0RQWHVVRULZKHUHHYHUHYROYLQJHGXFDWLRQ NLQGHUJDUWHQSUHSDUDWLRQFKLOGOHGDFWLYLWLHV 2XUVFKRROWHDFKHVZLWKDSKLORVRSK\RI LVDULFKDQGH[FLWLQJH[SHULHQFH“Free the DUWVWRU\WLPHVLQJLQJGDQFLQJDQGPXVLF2XU 0RQWHVVRULDQGWUDGLWLRQDOHGXFDWLRQ child’s potential, and you will transform him YLVLRQLVWRLQVWLOOFXULRVLW\DQGWRLQVSLUHFKLOGUHQ ZLWKHQULFKPHQWDFWLYLWLHV(DFKFODVVLV into the world.”³0DULD0RQWHVVRUL WKURXJKKDQGVRQLQWHUHVWEDVHGOHDUQLQJ
8 BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION Marpole Bilingual Montessori (Est. 1985) IS AN INVESTMENT IN YOUR CHILDS FUTURE
curriculum is based on the latest research in child & brain development.
We educate children as individuals academically, socially and physically through games & play. 18 Locations in BC Pre-School, Junior Kindergarten & Kindergarten Celebrating Over 25 years of Montessori Teaching in the Community CELEBRATING OVER 50 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE OUR ENRICHED MONTESSORI CURRICULUM INCLUDES: The Phonetic approach to Reading & Writing, Mathematics, Geography, Science, Music, Art, French, Yoga and a variety of Cultural subjects. Children are required to wear school uniforms. E G G We offer 2-1/2 hour and 3-1/2 hour programs IV UA E Y G OU AN for 2-1/2 to 5 year olds as well as an R C D L HIL CON Extended day program for 5 year olds. D THE GIFT OF A SE Private English Tutoring, Phonics & Conversational The ability to learn languages is highest between birth and age 6. Tutoring and French Tutoring are also offered. Our French-English preschool program maximizes a child’s natural curiosity and ability to learn a second language during this 1296 W 67TH AVENUE important window of opportunity. s %STABLISHED IN s #ARING EXPERIENCED HIGHLY QUALIlED BILINGUAL VANCOUVER, BC V6P 2T2 TEACHERS s "RIGHT EXTRA SPACIOUS CLASSROOMS s 0RIVATE INDOOR OUTDOOR FOR AN APPOINTMENT PLEASE CALL PLAY AREAS s )NTRODUCTION TO &RENCH READING MATH SCIENCE AND NATURE MUSIC CRAFTS s %DUCATIONAL lELD TRIPS Accepting Wait List Applications for SY 2018 TEL: 604-266-1091 AND BEYOND s LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE VANCOUVER BILINGUAL PRESCHOOL EMAIL: [email protected] 949 West 49th Avenue (at Oak St.) Vancouver, BC V5Z 2T1 www.marpolebilingualmontessori.com Phone/Fax: 604.261.1221 VANCOUVERBILINGUAL YAHOOCA s WWWVANCOUVERBILINGUALCOM
BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION 9 Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley Okanagan Vancouver Island Independent School Guide
School Name Gender Grades Class Size Enrollment
Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School &RHG 36² 16-22 $FDGHP\:D\.HORZQD%&99$ DEHUGHHQKDOOFRP Alexander Academy &RHG ² 16-20 141 :HVW+DVWLQJV8QLW9DQFRXYHU%&9%3 DOH[DQGHUDFDGHP\FD Avante School &RHG ² *UDQGYLHZ+LJKZD\9DQFRXYHU%&90& DYDQWHVFKRROFD British Columbia Christian Academy &RHG .² ² 320 )HUQZRRG$YHQXH3RUW&RTXLWODP%&9%$ EFFKULVWLDQDFDGHP\FD Bodwell High School and Bodwell Academy &RHG ² 'D\ +DUERXUVLGH'ULYH1RUWK9DQFRXYHU%&936 %RDUGLQJ ERGZHOOHGXKLJKVFKRRO 7RWDO Brockton School &RHG -.² 20 210 'XYDO5G1RUWK9DQFRXYHU%&9-( EURFNWRQVFKRROFRP Brentwood College School &RHG ² 'D\ 0W%DNHU5RDG0LOO%D\%&953 %RDUGLQJ EUHQWZRRGEFFD 7RWDO Century High School &RHG ² 140 :HVW%URDGZD\9DQFRXYHU%&9-< FHQWXU\KLJKVFKRROFD
10 BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION independent school guide
Love of learning starts here
By ensuring that each child’s unique and diverse learning styles are recognized, our students are able to explore their natural curiosity and develop at their own pace.
Join us at these upcoming events to learn how Westside Montessori Academy can help you achieve the education goals you have for your child.
Our Kids Private School Expo Sunday, November 19th 12pm - 4pm The Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre
WMA Elementary Open House Thursday, November 30th 7pm - 9pm
Preschool Open House Preschool to Grade 7 Saturday, January 27th 10:30am - 1:30pm
4MPDBO4USFFU BUUIF*UBMJBO$VMUVSBM$FOUSF Ù westsidemontessoriacademy.ca
BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION 11 independent school guide Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley Okanagan Vancouver Island
School Name Gender Grades Class Size Enrollment
Children’s Hearing & Speech Centre of BC &RHG 36² ² .DVOR6W9DQFRXYHU%&90+ FKLOGUHQVKHDULQJFD Choice School &RHG .² 16 :HVWPLQVWHU+Z\5LFKPRQG%&90+ FKRLFHVFKRRORUJ Collingwood School &RHG -.² ² 0RUYHQ'ULYH:HVW9DQFRXYHU%&96% FROOLQJZRRGRUJ Crofton House *LUOV -.² ² :HVWVW$YH9DQFRXYHU%&91( FURIWRQKRXVHFD Eaton Arrowsmith &RHG 100 9DQFRXYHU $JURQRP\5RDGDW8%&9DQFRXYHU%& :KLWH5RFN ²)RVWHU6WUHHWUG)OU:KLWH5RFN%& HDWRQDUURZVPLWKFRP The French International Cousteau School of Vancouver &RHG 36² )URPPH5G1RUWK9DQFRXYHU%& FRXVWHDXVFKRRORUJ Fraser Academy &RHG ² PD[ 220 :WK$YHQXH9DQFRXYHU%& IUDVHUDFDGHP\FD Fraser Valley Elementary School &RHG .² $YH/DQJOH\%& IYHVEFFD ,VODQG3DFLÀF6FKRRO &RHG ² &DUWHU5RDG%RZHQ,VODQG%& LVODQGSDFLÀFRUJ James Cameron School &RHG 'HZGQH\7UXQN5G0DSOH5LGJH%&9;& RU MFVEFFD Kelowna Montessori Preschool and Elementary School in BC &RHG 36 (DVW.HORZQD (DVW.HORZQD5G.HORZQD%&9:+ RNDQDJDQPRQWHVVRULFD Kelowna Waldorf School &RHG 36 &ROOHWW5RDG.HORZQD%&9:. NHORZQDZDOGRUIRUJ Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School &RHG ² ² 6H\PRXU5LYHU3ODFH1RUWK9DQFRXYHU%& NJPVFD Little Flower Academy *LUOV $OH[DQGUD6WUHHW9DQFRXYHU%&9-& OIDEFRUJ Madrona School Society &RHG .² ² :HVWWK$YHQXH9DQFRXYHU%&9-% PDGURQDVFKRROFRP Magnussen Vancouver &RHG . YDULHV 40 6XLWH $JURQRP\5RDGDW8%&9DQFRXYHU%&97= HDWRQDUURZVPLWKFRP Meadow Montessori Elementary & Preschool &RHG 36² ² 60 'DUWIRUG6WUHHW0DSOH5LGJH%& PHDGRZPRQWHVVRULFD
12 BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION independent school guide Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley Okanagan Vancouver Island
School Name Gender Grades Class Size Enrollment
Meadowridge School &RHG -.² 20 WK6WUHHW0DSOH5LGJH%& PHDGRZULGJHEFFD Mulgrave School &RHG 36² 20 &\SUHVV%RZO/DQH:HVW9DQFRXYHU%& PXOJUDYHFRP North Star Montessori &RHG 36² YDULHV (DVW.HLWK5RDG1RUWK9DQFRXYHU%& QRUWKVWDUPRQWHVVRULFD 1RUWK6WDURIIHUVDQDXWKHQWLF0RQWHVVRULSURJUDPIURP,QIDQF\*UDGH &RPPLWWHGWRPHHWLQJWKHGHYHORSPHQWDOQHHGVRIHDFKFKLOGZHIRVWHUD ORYHRIOHDUQLQJLQGHSHQGHQFHDQGUHVSHFW3UDFWLFDOH[SHULHQFHVEXLOG FRQÀGHQFHDQGLQVSLUHDQLQWULQVLFPRWLYDWLRQWRҊOHDUQҋDQGҊGRҋWKDWVWXGHQWV FDUU\ZLWKWKHPWKURXJKRXWWKHLUOLYHV 3DFLÀF5LP0RQWHVVRUL$FDGHP\ &RHG 36² 20 9DQFRXYHUDQG5LFKPRQG%& SDFLÀFULPPRQWHVVRULFRP 3DFLÀF6SLULW6FKRRO &RHG .² 14 :WK$YH9DQFRXYHU%& SDFLÀFVSLULWVFKRRORUJ Pattison High School &RHG ² 160 1HOVRQ6WUHHW9DQFRXYHU%&9=% SDWWLVRQKLJKVFKRROFD
Providing an education as unique as your child. Register Now – Preschool to Grade 7 604 980 1205
northstarmontessori.ca
BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION 13 independent school guide Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley Okanagan Vancouver Island
School Name Gender Grades Class Size Enrollment
Pythagoras Academy &RHG -. 16 2GOLQ&UHVFHQW5LFKPRQG%&9;* S\WKDJRUDVDFDGHP\FD 5RRWVDQG:LQJV0RQWHVVRUL6FKRRO &RHG 36² 120 $YHQXH/DQJOH\%&9=: 6XOOLYDQ&HQWUH +Z\6XUUH\%&96; URRWVDQGZLQJVEFFRP 5HOHYDQW+LJK6FKRRO &RHG .² +LJKZD\6XUUH\%&96* UHOHYDQWVFKRROVVRFLHW\FD 5LFKPRQG-HZLVK'D\6FKRRO &RHG .² 1R5G5LFKPRQG%& UMGVFD 5R\DO&DQDGLDQ&ROOHJH &RHG ² 9DQFRXYHU%&930 UR\DOFDQDGLDQFROOHJHFRP St Alcuin College &RHG .² 20 6W*HRUJHV$YH1RUWK9DQFRXYHU%&9/+ VWDOFXLQFROOHJHFRP St. George’s School %R\V ² 20 'D\ :HVW WK$YH9DQFRXYHU%& %RDUGLQJ VWJHRUJHVEFFD 7RWDO St. John’s School &RHG -.² ² :WK$YH9DQFRXYHU%&9.- RU VWMRKQVEFFD St. John’s International School &RHG ² 100 :%URDGZD\9DQFRXYHU%& ZLWK(6/ VWMRKQVLVFRP SURJUDP SelfDesign Learning Community – Distributed Learning School &RHG .² n/a ² 32%R[.LWVLODQR5329DQFRXYHU%& VHOIGHVLJQRUJ Shawnigan Lake School &RHG ² 'D\ 5HQIUHZ5G6KDZQLJDQ/DNH%& %RDUGLQJ VKDZQLJDQFD 7RWDO Southpointe Academy &RHG .² ² 460 WK6WUHHW7VDZZDVVHQ%& VRXWKSRLQWHFD 6RXWKSRLQWHFXOWLYDWHVHQJDJHGZHOOURXQGHGFLWL]HQVSRLVHGWRWKULYHLQWKHLU SXUVXLWRISRVWVHFRQGDU\HGXFDWLRQDQGSULPHGWRDFKLHYHWKHLUIXOOSRWHQWLDO2XU FRPSUHKHQVLYHSURJUDPEOHQGVDULJRURXVDFDGHPLFFXUULFXOXPZLWKH[WHQVLYH H[WUDFXUULFXODURSSRUWXQLWLHVLQWKHDUWVDWKOHWLFVDQGFRPPXQLW\VHUYLFH Southridge School &RHG .² WK6WUHHW6RXWK6XUUH\%&96% VRXWKULGJHEFFD St. Margaret’s School *LUOV -.² ² 'D\ /XFDV$YH9LFWRULD%& %RDUGLQJ VWPDUJFD 7RWDO St. Michaels University School &RHG .² 'D\ 5LFKPRQG5RDG9LFWRULD%& GD\ %RDUGLQJ VPXVEFFD ² 7RWDO ERDUGLQJ Stratford Hall &RHG .² ² &RPPHUFLDO'ULYH9DQFRXYHU%& VWUDWIRUGKDOOFD
14 BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION independent school guide Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley Okanagan Vancouver Island
School Name Gender Grades Class Size Enrollment
Summerland Montessori School &RHG 36² 3UDLULH9DOOH\5G%R[6XPPHUODQG%&9+= VXPPHUODQGPRQWHVVRULFRP Traditional Learning Academy &RHG .² 5RFKHVWHU$YHQXH&RTXLWODP%&9.; WUDGLWLRQDOOHDUQLQJFRP Urban Academy &RHG -.² ² 7KLUG6WUHHW1HZ:HVWPLQVWHU%& XUEDQDFDGHP\FD 8UEDQ$FDGHP\RIIHUVDWUXO\HQJDJLQJOHDUQLQJH[SHULHQFHIRUVWXGHQWV IURP-.WR*UDGH%\EULQJLQJFRUHDFDGHPLFVWROLIHWKURXJK WHFKQRORJ\WKHDUWVDQGRXWGRRUHGXFDWLRQVWXGHQWVDFKLHYHKLJK DFDGHPLFVWDQGDUGVDQGWKULYHLQWKHLUSHUVRQDOGHYHORSPHQW Vancouver College %R\V .² ² &DUWLHU6WUHHW9DQFRXYHU%& YFEFFD Vancouver Formosa Academy &RHG ² .LOODUQH\6WUHHW9DQFRXYHU%&95: YIDEFFD Vancouver Hebrew Academy &RHG 36² 12 :QG$YH9DQFRXYHU%& YKHEUHZDFDGHP\FRP Vancouver Montessori School &RHG 36² 20 %DUQDUG6WUHHW9DQFRXYHU%& YDQFRXYHUPRQWHVVRULVFKRROFRP Vancouver Talmud Torah &RHG 36² ² :HVWWK$YH9DQFRXYHU%& WDOPXGWRUDKFRP Vancouver Waldorf School &RHG 36² ² 300 6W&KULVWRSKHUV5RDG19DQFRXYHU%& YZVFD Venture Academy Troubled Teens Program (BC) %R\V ² -RH5LFKH5RDG.HORZQD%&93* *LUOV ² +RPHVWD\VFKRRO YHQWXUHDFDGHP\FD West Point Grey Academy &RHG -.² 22 :HVWWK$YHQXH9DQFRXYHU%& ZSJDFD Westside Montessori Academy (WMA) &RHG 36² 36 6ORFDQ6W9DQFRXYHU%& .² ZHVWVLGHPRQWHVVRULDFDGHP\FD PD[ :0$ҋVPLVVLRQLVWRSURYLGHDVDIHVXSSRUWLYHHGXFDWLRQDOHQYLURQPHQW WKDWQXUWXUHVHYHU\FKLOGҋVQDWXUDOFXULRVLW\IRUOHDUQLQJ:HDUHFRPPLWWHG WRSURYLGLQJWKHWRROVWKHJXLGHVDQGWKHSUHSDUHGHQYLURQPHQWWRDOORZ HDFKFKLOGWRUHDFKWKHLUSRWHQWLDOERWKVRFLDOO\DQGDFDGHPLFDOO\ Westside Montessori School (WMS) &RHG 36². 20 2DN6WUHHW9DQFRXYHU%&9+1 ZHVWVLGHPRQWHVVRULFD York House School *LUOV -.² ² $OH[DQGUD6W9DQFRXYHU%& (DVW%RXOHYDUG9DQFRXYHU%& \RUNKRXVHFD
BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION 15 Tutoring Guide
VROYLQJDQGFULWLFDOWKLQNLQJPDWKDELOLWLHV WOLO (Wonders of Learning) Tutoring ZKLOHGHYHORSLQJVHOIFRQÀGHQFHDQG 9DQFRXYHU LQGHSHQGHQFHLQOHDUQLQJ7KH-(/,& ZRQGHURÁHDUQLQJFD SURJUDPIRUDJHV²\HDUVROGLV $JHV XS GHGLFDWHGIRUSUHVFKRROHUVWRVROYHSUREOHPV :2/2ҋV5HJJLRLQVSLUHGWXWRULQJLVWDXJKWE\ LQGHSHQGHQWO\WKURXJKVSHFLDOO\GHVLJQHG FHUWLÀHG%&DQGH[SHULHQFHGWHDFKHUVZKR ORJLFSX]]OHVXQGHUWKHVXSHUYLVLRQRID ORYHWHDFKLQJ2XUWXWRULQJLVSHUVRQDOL]HGWR TXDOLÀHGLQVWUXFWRU \RXUFKLOGҋVQHHGV:HRIIHUSOD\EDVHGWXWRULQJ IRFXVLQJRQSUHSIRUSULYDWHVFKRRODFDGHPLF OHDUQLQJVXSSRUWIRUPDWK(QJOLVKDQGVRFLR School Is Easy Tutoring HPRWLRQDOQHHGVDQGVSHFLDOQHHGV Aspire Math Academy /RZHU0DLQODQG)UDVHU9DOOH\ :HVW9DQFRXYHU 9DQFRXYHU,VODQG DVSLUHPDWKDFDGHP\FRP .DPORRSV9HUQRQ.HORZQD3HQWLFWRQDQG *UDGHV-.²*U 2VR\RRV $VSLUH0DWK$FDGHP\LVDQ(GXFDWLRQDO ,76($6< /HDUQLQJ&HQWUHDQGFRQVXOWLQJÀUPVSHFLDOL]- VFKRROLVHDV\FRP LQJLQWKHGHYHORSPHQWRIH[FHSWLRQDOWHDFKLQJ +RPHWXWRULQJ:HDUHRQHRIWKHODUJHVW SURJUDPV:HH[FHODWSURYLGLQJRXUVWXGHQWV DQGPRVWUHVSHFWHGWXWRULQJDJHQFLHVLQWKH ZLWKÁH[LEOHPDWKHPDWLFDOWKLQNLQJDQGUHDVRQ- /RZHU0DLQODQG)UDVHU9DOOH\:HSURYLGH LQJQHHGHGWRPDVWHUFXUULFXOXPFRQFHSWV FDUHIXOO\VFUHHQHGFHUWLÀHGWHDFKHUVLQDOO VXEMHFWV *UDGHV²(6/ DOOOHYHOV MPM Math VSHFLDOHGVWXG\VNLOOVJLIWHGSURJUDPVDQG )UHQFKLPPHUVLRQ:HDUHHDV\WRZRUNZLWK PSPPDWKFRP 5HDVRQDEOHUDWHV1RXSIURQWIHHV:LQQHURI ,QWKH0300DWK(GXFDWLRQSURJUDP %%%0DUNHWSODFH([FHOOHQFHDQGQGSODFH HOHPHQWDU\VFKRROVWXGHQWVEXLOGSUREOHP 3HRSOHҋV3LFNDZDUG
200 - 1497 Marine Drive West Vancouver, B.C.
Math Group Lessons Private In-Home Tutoring Boost Confidence and Math All Math Lessons are Literacy Prepared in Accordance with Remedial and Accelerated the B.C. Math Curriculum Programs for Grades JK - 8 Flexible and Convenient Schedule A Comprehensive Academic Assessment Today www.aspiremathacademy.com [email protected] Certified Singapore Math® Learning Centre
16 BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION DEMYSTIFYING Psychological Educational Assessments By Nic Enright-Morin
ll parents want their children to psychologists agree that this testing is not often academic based, especially in the early thrive. From the minute they’re something to be feared. Instead, it should grades. Early signs include children having A born, we guide them through a mil- be seen as empowering, as it helps provide problems keeping up with their peers, or lion milestones—and then we send them answers and strategies of how to deal with perhaps trying really hard at school but still off to school. Most kids just get it—they problems a child has been facing. finding it a struggle, particularly regarding breeze through the A-B-C’s, math equa- Dr. Eamonn Gill, a registered psycholo- reading, writing, or early math skills. tions and general school structure without a gist in Vancouver, says, “A psych ed assess- Other things to watch for include: difficul- backward glance. ment is really just designed to give us an un- ty remembering things; difficulty absorbing But every so often, there’s a child who derstanding of a young person’s abilities and instructions or responding to instructions; finds school a challenge and that’s stress- skills. The assessment can include a broad difficulty paying attention; and challenges ful—not only for the child, but also his or array of measures to capture information with coordination (grasping pencils for ex- her parents, teachers, and caregivers. about various components of cognitive abil- ample). Additional red flags to pay attention However, with a little help and research, ity, memory, attention, behavior, social and to are difficulty in grasping concepts related it’s possible to discover the reasons behind emotional functioning, academic function- to time, or problems staying organized. the challenges that are weighing the child ing and other executive functions.” down. Learning is a complex process and What happens during a psych ed assess- some children need different learning styles At what age do children get tested? Any ment? Each assessment will be slightly dif- in order to succeed. And with a Psychologi- child from the age of four to 18 years old ferent, depending on the things the child is cal Educational Assessment, it’s possible to can get tested and this can be for a variety being tested for. pinpoint exactly what is going on, so that of reasons. Dr. Carla Fry, a registered psy- The assessment is a very interactive pro- teachers and families can implement strate- chologist with the Vancouver Psychology cess, where kids are presented with visual gies and techniques to help the child. Centre, said, “Young children might be as- and hands-on problem-solving tasks and But for many parents, an assessment can sessed to see if they have learning or devel- verbally presented questions. The length of sound daunting. So, to relieve the pressure opmental disabilities. Older teens might be the testing will vary, depending on whether and answer some of your questions, BC Par- assessed to help them determine what they a child gets the testing through the school or ent has spoken to some local psychologists might want to study in university or trade independently. to get the low-down on what the process school, and whether they need any accom- In a private practice, the testing for the entails. modations—such as extra time or a separate child is often around six hours. Many psy- room to complete exams—to help them chologists will break that up into two or What exactly is a psycho educational demonstrate what they have learned.” three testing sessions, so that the young per- (psych ed) assessment? A psych ed assess- son doesn’t get exhausted or burnt out, or ment is a psychological test that analyses How do you know if your child needs a psych so that their performance doesn’t get nega- a child’s mental processes, which underlie ed assessment? Experts agree that the ini- tively affected by having to sit for too long. his or her educational performance. Most tial signs that testing might be necessary are Some of the main areas that are looked at
PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT Success in School Ī Learning Disabilities A Psychoeducational We can provide you with Ī ADHD Assessment from Dr. Cohen specific suggestions and Ī Giftedness & Dr. Gill can identify which recommendations designed Ī Depression factors are affecting your child’s to enhance your child’s Ī Anxiety ´ school performance and identify enjoyment of school and " % " Ī Self-esteem changes that will help them facilitate improved "#$" #' #$# Ī Social/Emotional Capacities put their best foot forward. educational performance.
HQ: Suite 704, 318 Homer Street, Vancouver, B.C., V6B 2V2 ț Satellite offices in Richmond and South Surrey Tel. 604-767-1325 ț Fax. 604-210-4694 ț www.gillcohen.com ț [email protected]
BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION 17 7KDLVV3V\FKRORJLFDO6HUYLFHV
Education is not The rapid psychological and physical the fi lling of a pail, changes that children and teenagers but the lighting experience as they age can leave parents of a fi re. and families wondering what is best for their ~William Butler Yeats children. Dr. Firer is equipped to answer your questions and determine a psychological assessment approach and treatment plan Providing that is right for your child and your family. Psychoeducational, Emotional / Behavioural & Neuropsychological Assessments for Children and Adolescents. 601 W. BROADWAY UNIT 301 To help you understand your child’s VANCOUVER, BC V5Z 4C2 developmental needs and support their success. 604-338-5757 Laila Thaiss, Ph.D 250.590.3600 Registered Psychologist www.thaiss.ca drantaninafirer.com (CPBC #1583) 209-2186 Oak Bay Ave. Victoria
Effective Solutions for Living Struggling with stress? Feeling down, anxious, or disconnected? Relationships not working? Not sure where to turn for help? VPC’s team uses the science of psychology We can help you live a better life. to help individuals and families with their goals of positive emotion, success, life fulfilment and At the North Shore Stress & Anxiety Clinic, improvement of interpersonal connections. we offer effective interventions for adults, parents, children, teens, couples, and families. Our diverse team of psychologists have the compassion, training, and expertise to provide high-quality assessments
and therapy that works. VANCOUVER OFFICE: NORTH SHORE OFFICE: 1529 West 6th Ave, 1718 Marine Drive, Suite #1, Suite 330 – 145 Chadwick Court, North Vancouver, BC V7M 3K1 Suite #204, Vancouver West Vancouver 604-733-7709 604-912-0264 Tel: 604-985-3939 ½ www.nssac.ca www.vancouverpsychologycentre.com
18 BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION during the tests are: social functioning; pro- ‘you need to get your kid tested’, but the mean if a child is in dire need of help, wait- cessing emotions; ability to reason, perform tests are only one part of it. Kids can score ing can have an impact on their progress. mathematical calculations, sustain focus or different results on these tests for a whole If you think your child needs an assess- attention; reading and writing skills; and bunch of reasons and that’s why it’s not just ment, make an appointment with your how well they’ve developed expression of the test—it’s the history, observing the child, child’s teacher, school counselor or princi- ideas and facets of memory. talking to the adults who know the child— pal to see what options are available. that information is very rich and very impor- You can also call a psychologist yourself— How can it help? There are numerous ways tant and the test scores should be taken into most of them are willing to make the time to in which a psych ed assessment can be of context with everything else.” answer a couple of questions to see if a psych value to a child’s development—both at Whatever the assessment results show, it ed assessment is a good choice for your child. school and at home. Dr. Gill says, “One of is important to discuss the results with the the hidden benefits is that sometimes par- child in a supportive and non-judgmental How to find a good psychologist ents can be aware of things that are going manner. for your child wrong, but they’re sometimes not so aware Finding the right psychologist is crucial to of the hidden strengths that their children How much does it cost? Psych ed assess- making the whole process go smoothly. have. Going through a psych ed evaluation ments range in price from $2400–$3000 for Dr. Burrows said, “You want to find a psy- might make parents aware of significant a private assessment. chologist who you feel is approachable and strengths or abilities that their child has that However, if the cost of a private assess- straightforward because it’s really important they didn’t appreciate.” ment is prohibitive, children can get assessed for parents to be a part of this process. All through the public school system. Often, registered psychologist have to be registered What happens after the assessment? Once students will get flagged by the teachers or members of the BC College of Psycholo- a child has gone through the assessment pro- the learning support team as needing as- gists, so make sure you check their creden- cess, and the psychologist has gone through sessment. Parents can also request a meet- tials and when you’re shopping around, you the materials and calculated the results, they ing with their child’s school-based team to want them to have specific experience and will also talk to the child’s teacher (with discuss whether their child is a potential training doing psych ed assessments.” the family’s permission) to get information candidate for an assessment from the school The BC Psychological Association offers from the educational environment. The ob- psychologist. free access to a referral service listing Reg- jective is to get information from multiple The downside of testing through the istered Psychologists in your area, but an- environments. school is that wait times can be lengthy, (de- other way to find someone suitable is to ask Dr. Arthur Burrows, a registered psychol- pending on the resources available at your members of your school community for a ogist in Nanaimo said, “We say things like, school and in your district) and this can referral.
Registered Psychologists
North Shore Stress and Anxiety Clinic WITH LEARNING AND MAXIMIZE THEIR ACADEMIC 4HE 6ANCOUVER 0SYCHOLOGY #ENTRE IS A 3UITE #HADWICK #OURT .ORTH SUCCESS TEAM OF LIKE MINDED 0SYCHOLOGISTS #OUN- 6ANCOUVER SELLORS !RT 4HERAPISTS AND 9OUTH #ARE Thaiss Psychological Services 7ORKERS THAT HAVE UNITED TO PROVIDE PSYCHOEDCA $R ,AILA 4HAISS 20SYCH #0"# EVIDENCE BASED ASSESSMENT CONSULTATION !T THE .33!# 0SYCHOEDUCATIONAL !S- /AK "AY !VE 6ICTORIA AND TREATMENT TO INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES SESSMENT #ENTRE OUR TEAM OF SKILLED AND WHO SEEK GREATER HAPPINESS AND MEANING EXPERIENCED PSYCHOLOGISTS SPECIALIZE IN THAISSCA IN THEIR LIVES PROVIDING HIGH QUALITY EVIDENCE BASED $R 4HAISS OFFERS PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL AND PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENTS 7E ARE DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENTS FOR CHILDREN AND Dr. Antanina Firer COMMITTED TO HELPING CHILDREN TEENS AND ADOLESCENTS 4HESE ASSESSMENTS CAN HELP 7 "ROADWAY 6ANCOUVER ADULTS BETTER UNDERSTAND THEIR STRENGTHS YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR CHILDS LEARNING AND AND CHALLENGES AND REACH THEIR POTENTIAL EMOTIONAL STRENGTHS AS WELL AS THEIR DEVEL- THREESTORYCLINICCOM OPMENTAL NEEDS 0RACTICAL RECOMMENDA- DRANTANINAlRERCOM Gill, Cohen & Associates TIONS ARE PROVIDED TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILDS $R !NTANINA &IRER IS A 2EGISTERED 0SYCHOLO- 3UITE n (OMER 3TREET 6ANCOUVER SUCCESS AND WELLBEING GIST WHO SPECIALIZES IN CHILD AND ADOLES- CENT PSYCHOLOGY $R &IRER SERVES 6ANCOUVER GILLCOHENCOM Vancouver Psychology Centre AND THE ,OWER -AINLAND 3HE PROVIDES $R 'ILL AND $R #OHEN HAVE DECADES OF 7EST TH !VE 3UITE 6ANCOUVER COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS EXPERIENCE AS PSYCHOLOGISTS WORKING WITH FOR CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS WHO PRESENT CHILDREN AND YOUTH /UR MISSION IS TO HELP -ARINE $R 3UITE 7EST 6ANCOUVER WITH COGNITIVE EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIOURAL YOUR CHILD REGAIN A POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP CHALLENGES
BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION 19
chool can be an overwhelming expe- physical barriers and providing support for Lore Chappell, whose daughter Brynn rience for some students, especially students with disabilities. From the perspec- lives with cerebral palsy, says her daugh- when faced with obstacles not just in tive of students who have surmounted ob- ter has access to an adapted playground at the classroom but within the school envi- stacles, schools can be made more accessible school, but still struggles to find activities to ronment. with classroom adaption, technology, aware- interact with her peers at recess and lunch. Many classrooms today are making strides ness, and understanding. Social inclusion is Otherwise, Lore says, the school’s physical in bridging diversity and creating an in- crucial, along with peer relationships and accessibility is commendable, including clusive place of learning, through reducing greater independence. automatic door buttons, classrooms on a single level to avoid stairs or elevator, and a walkway kept cleared of overgrown trees. High school years are formative, and sev- eral students we spoke to identified that their world opened up in high school. Increased independence, accepting friends and non- intrusive adaptations made the difference between segregation and acceptance. Surrey resident Nathan Dewitt, who lives with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy, didn’t feel included with his peers when it came to activities like gym, as teachers would make him sit out the class. However, “that changed towards the end of my high school years because there was a teacher willing to adapt activities for me to participate.” Successful adaptation can bridge the gap between inclusion and being left on the sidelines. Nathan’s interest in sport fuelled his participation in wheelchair racing—he went on to take part in the Canadian Para- National Team and was a team member of the 2012 Canadian Paralympic team. Conan Winkelmeyer went to school in Fort Nelson and said he was able to inte- grate more with his peers in high school be- cause he no longer needed an Educational Assistant. “I had my first girlfriend in grade 12, and I was able to relate more with my peers by being free of a helper. The social
Nathan didn’t feel included with his peers when it came to activities like gym, as teachers would make him sit out the class.
20 BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION wall was the hardest part of my disability for son why everybody’s there.” Forge a way stigma of disability and open up discussion. I wasn’t able to show my full personality un- through the education system and let pro- CPABC tells a story from the perspective of til high school.” viders know the most effective ways of teach- students with disabilities and what people Conan also prospered academically in ing your child. should understand about them. Speakers high school through supports including ex- A booklet written by the Cerebral Palsy share the highs and lows of growing up with tended test times, a recorder, and computer Association of British Columbia outlines cerebral palsy, academically and socially. software that helped him improve his grades more specific tools such as the BC School First-hand accounts highlight lived experi- and stay on par with school friends. As a re- Act, which explains responsibilities of teach- ence and provide teachers and students the sult, he felt that students and teachers gave ers and principals; Special Needs Students opportunity to ask questions they wouldn’t him credit for his hard work and progress. ask otherwise. After an awareness presenta- Conan says, “students respected me because tion, “we created an information board in they saw I could assist in team projects and A presentation from the our classroom dedicated to [cerebral palsy] general assignments.” and the CP Association of BC,” says Jenni- Cerebral Palsy Association Growing up in Mission, Sam Collett felt fer Fritzsche, a Skills Development Teacher/ of BC can help to remove accepted by classmates who grew with her Case Manager at Port Moody Secondary. through elementary school and high school. the stigma of disability and In short, school can be a challenging By the time she got to secondary school, she open up discussion. time, especially for those with disabilities. had a network of trustworthy friends and Students with disabilities are adept at over- arranged her class schedule to be near them. coming adversity since that’s what they’ve To avoid falling, “I would hang on to my Order M150/89 describes obligation of had to do their whole life. Promoting access friend while they would push through the boards of education to consult with parents; and inclusion requires a range of tools and hall. I still use this technique when in large and recent case law Moore v. British Colum- resources, but it’s important not to overlook crowded areas,” she says. bia (Education)1, a 2012 Supreme Court of the importance of parents, peers and advo- Sam also benefitted from a teacher who Canada case that lays out clear obligations cates to make sure no one is left behind. advocated for her needs. “High school was a for schools to accommodate disabilities. 4HE #EREBRAL 0ALSY !SSOCIATION OF "# PROVIDES SUP- good experience for me. I was lucky to have A presentation from the Cerebral Palsy PORT EDUCATION AND INFORMATION THROUGHOUT "# a great support teacher who let me specify Association of BC can help to remove the what I needed and then made the support happen. I got the technology I needed and the note-taker I needed for some classes,” she says. Parents play the role of advocate as well. LEARN T0 SKATE! Cindy Frostad, a parent and advocate, says WITH CANADA’S NATIONAL CANSKATE PROGRAM AT accessing and navigating supports for your GRANDVIEW SKATING CLUB school-aged child involves being informed and aware of their rights and entitlements, FALL REGISTRATION and achieving a collaborative team-based NOW OPEN approach to services. “When fighting for the rights of my child, January 8 - March 17, 2018 I learned to apologize, and I learned to con- trol my knee-jerk reactions. We’re all part of CanSkate humanity and have human frailty. I couldn’t MON: 5:15pm - 6:00pm be more passionate about the idea of edu- WED: 3:30pm - 4:15pm cation for all. I’m avoiding the word inclu- SAT: 9:00am - 9:45am sion because inclusion is happening when CanPowerSkate we don’t even notice it. If we have to use MON: 4:00pm - 4:45pm the word ‘inclusive education’, then it’s not Ages 3 + up happening.” Trout Lake Community Centre
Cindy’s tips for advocating within the ed- Register online at www.grandviewskatingclubcom ucation system include: choosing your bat- Dates + times subject to change, check web site for details tles; using open-ended and non-judgement- al questions such as, “how can we make this “ONLY THE BEST CAN BRING happen?”; being specific about your child’s OUT THEIR BEST” needs; being gracious and acknowledging effort; and offering suggestions for learning WWW.GRANDVIEWSKATINGCLUB.COM and collaboration. “You are part of a team,” EMAIL: [email protected] she says. “Your son or daughter is the rea-
BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION 21 under) must be accompanied by an adult or guardian (14 years or older). FlyOver Canada will transform into a magical win- ter wonderland this Christmas season. Join Santa on a magical flight across Canada and then end with a sneak peak of Santa’s magical North Pole! *Dec 24 10 am–6 pm *Closed Dec 25
Hi-Light Festival Nov 25–Dec 31 Park and Tilford, North Vancouver parkandtilford.com
Festival of Trees Nov 30–Jan 1 Vancouver, Four Seasons Hotel bcchf.ca/fot All ages welcome. Come browse through the holiday display and cast a ballot for your favourite tree.
Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain Nov 24–Jan 7 grousemountain.com/Christmas All ages welcome! Dress for the weather Snow White & the Seven Dwarves: An conditions. Lower Mainland/ East Van Panto–presented by The Cultch Fraser Valley Nov 29–Jan 6 Polar Express – West Coast Railway York Theatre, 639 Commercial Drive, Nov 25–Dec 17 Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Vancouver Heritage Park, Squamish Museum thecultch.com wcra.org Nov 25–Jan 5 burnabyvillagemuseum.ca Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Vancouver Christmas Market Festive lighting and decorations greet you Bridge Park Nov 22–Dec 24 at the entrance of the Village to give you a Nov 23–Jan 8 Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Place small glimpse of the spectacular display of capbridge.com/explore/canyon-lights vancouverchristmasmarket.com history and lights awaiting inside. Special All welcome, children under 6 are free. Christmas at FlyOver Canada entertainment is scheduled throughout Nov 23–Jan 7 the season including theatre performances, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe 10 am–9 pm daily* community choirs, street characters and presented by Carousel Theatre for Young flyovercanada.com People musicians. Enjoy family favourite activities 604-620-8455 Nov 25–Dec 31 including a craft for children, baking in Children must be at least 102 cm (40”) tall The Waterfront Theatre on Granville Island, the Farmhouse and, of course, visits with to enter FlyOver Canada. Children (12 and tickets.carouseltheatre.ca or 604/685-6217 Father Christmas!
22 BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION Bright Nights in Stanley Park, Vancouver Hyatt Gingerbread Lane Vancouver Island Nov 30–Jan 6 Dec 1–29 vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/ Hyatt Regency Vancouver Festival of Trees bright-nights-train vancouver.hyatt.com Nov 15–Jan 2 Fun for all ages. Victoria, The Bay Centre and The Fair- Festival of Trees in Steveston mont Empress Dec 1–31 Ballet BC presents Alberta Ballet Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Dec 28–30 Little Gems 2017: Holiday and Site, Steveston Village balletbc.com/performance/nutcracker-2017 Art Craft Fair exploresteveston.com Nov 23–Dec 20 A Traditional Christmas – The Bay Centre, Victoria VanDusen Garden Festival of Lights Vancouver Symphony Orchestra cacgv.ca Dec 1–31 Dec 8–17 Vancouver Various venues throughout the Festive Christmas High Tea at vandusengarden.org Lower Mainland. Abkhazi Garden vancouversymphony.ca/concert/17SPEC04 Nov 24–Jan 7 Christmas Finds at Kids Market, Granville Victoria Island Popovich Pet Circus Dec 2–24 Dec 10, 3 pm & 7 pm Inner Harbour Marina Light Up kidsmarket.ca The ACT Arts Centre, Maple Ridge Nov 26–Dec 31 Find unique gifts, get everything gift- theactmapleridge.org Victoria wrapped and visit Santa! Or come on Sun- Featuring a unique blend of physical Be delighted by the many colourful boats day December 18th to visit Santa’s helpers comedy, award-winning juggling and the in the Inner Harbour lit in a vibrant dis- Jack and Rusty. extraordinary talents of more than thirty play of Christmas lights. rescued performing pets, this family- The Music of Junk and A Christmas friendly show features Gregory Popovich, a Milner’s Christmas Magic Tradition former juggler and clown with the Moscow Dec 1–3, 8–10 & 15–20; 5–8:30 pm Dec 2, 2 pm–5 pm (Show at 3:30 pm) Circus and Ringling Bros Circus. Qualicum Beach The ACT Arts Centre, Maple Ridge www2.viu.ca/milnergardens/ theactmapleridge.org Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker 250/752-6153 The Music of Junk is a light-hearted, feel- Dec 14–19 An outdoor Christmas light show for the good family concert experience with singers gohnutcracker.com whole family to enjoy! Over half a kilome- and musicians performing music on imagi- All ages welcome. tre of lit and decorated trails. native, invented instruments built from junk and recycled materials. Come see The Heritage Holiday – Fort Langley Pancakes with Mr. & Mrs. Claus Music of Junk and hear how wonderful Historic Site Saturday, Dec 2 junk can sound. Dec 22–23, 27–30 Victoria parkscanada.gc.ca/fortlangley 250/361-5662 Roger’s Santa Claus Parade Escape the holiday bustle and make vista18.com/event/pancakes-with-mr-mrs- Sunday, Dec 3 memories with your family and friends claus/ Downtown Vancouver at the fort! Enjoy a traditional holiday at- Experience the true Christmas spirit at the rogerssantaclausparade.com mosphere, crafts, and children’s activities. annual Pancakes with Mr. & Mrs. Claus in Vista 18. For a small donation, guests en- Christmas in Steveston Village 23rd Annual Winter Solstice Lantern joy a delicious pancake breakfast and a visit Festival at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Sunday, Dec 3 with Santa. exploresteveston.com Chinese Garden Santa arrives off the boat on Steveston Pub- Dec 21, 6–10 pm Festival of Trees vancouverchinesegarden.com lic Wharf at 1 pm. Free Santa hats. Bring Dec 3–Jan 5 Ages 3 and up. your camera and take a photo with Santa SEAPARC Leisure Complex, Sooke inside the Gulf of Georgia Cannery from All ages welcome. Come browse through 2–4 pm. the holiday display and cast a ballot for your favourite tree.
BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION 23 1. Collages For Little Ones: 2. The Barbie® DreamHorse 3. LEGO® Juniors Friends Mia’s Farm Little Animals Age: 3+ Suitcase Age: 3+ For little girls that love Barbie and horses, Ages 4–7 These large corrugated cardboard pieces and this gift truly is a dream! The Barbie® Contained in an easy-to-carry suitcase play fun accessories are perfect for tiny hands DreamHorseTM is the most interactive horse set, this LEGO® Friends farm provides a to create simple paintings full of affection. yet as it reacts to touch and sounds and fea- great opportunity to help children learn Includes 4 pictures, 4 envelopes containing tures more than 30 realistic reactions. This to care for and feed the animals. The set many pieces to stick on, 1 tube of white glue amazing animal can walk forward, turn 360 features a stable with opening gate, pen, and 1 booklet. degrees and neigh when you play. It can also wheelbarrow, hay bales and assorted food Available at: Granville Toys (Main Street), play three songs and show off with three elements and farmyard tools. Includes a Vancouver Kidsbooks, Milkchild Richmond, different dances. This is a gift that will keep Mia mini-doll figure, plus foal and lamb Pumpkin Pie Kids Nanaimo your little one entertained for hours! figures. $24.99 Available at: Amazon.ca, Toys“R”Us, and $24.99 Walmart $139.99
13
2
24 BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION 4. LEGO® City High-speed Chase 5. VEX Robotics Explorers Rescue 6. GRANDMA SPECIAL! Ages 5–12 Division by HEXBUG Thrill Grandma this year with a real framed Be part of the action with the LEGO® Ages 6+ print (9”x9”) of a favourite piece of your City police as they call in Chase McCain Unleash your child’s creativity and interest child’s artwork to hang in her living room. to help stop the crook escaping with the in STEM concepts. Using a build-it-your- Available at: [email protected] or loot in the stolen sports car. This set fea- self construction kit, children meld the sci- by texting 604/367-0809 tures a police helicopter with spinning ence behind space exploration with the fun $150.00 plus shipping. rorotorsottoorss aandndd a lloweringowerinng wiwinchnch wiwwithtth hhook,ook, of building simple snap-together pieces. ppopolicelice ppursuituurssuuit ccar,ar, ststolenolene ssportspoports car anandd a Available at HEXBUG.com, Amazon, and babarrier.rriieer.r IIncludesnnclluded s fofoururu mminifigures:inifiguru ess: a pippilot,lol t, mass and specialty retailers. popolicelil ce oofficer,fficerr, crcrookooook anandnd anan eexclusivexcxclulusive fforor $19.99 sspspringpriinng 220170017 CChasehase McMMcCain.Caain. $4$44.994.99
5 6 Artwork by Hudson, age 3
4
BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION 25 A Christmas The Music Tradition Free Activities of Junk The ACT Lobby • 2–5pm
Saturday December 2, 2017 3:30pm
Popovichpovich The colorful drawings your child creates are unique and Pet Circus precious. They are meaningful expressions of their growing individuality and are gone all too soon.
Sunday Celebrate and immortalize your child's early creativity with December 10, 2017 sophistication as part of the Little Picasso Series. 3pm & 77pm Original gallery-quality artwork is created in collaboration with acclaimed artist, Joyce Ozier and will be a cherished work of art in your family's home for years to come. theactmapleridge.org Visit LittlePicassoSeries.com to learn more. mapleridgeact @mapleridgeact mapleridgeact Joyce Ozier Studio 1888 Main Street | Studio C Vancouver, BC V5T 3B7 The ACT A s Centre • 11944 Haney Place ph: +1 604. 367.0809 eml: [email protected] Maple Ridge, BC V2X 6G1 • 604.476.2787
Coming March 1st
17th Annual Family Resource Guide
Have your business listed in BC’s favourite resource for parents LISTINGS INCLUDE: ½ EDUCATION ½ CLASSES AND PROGRAMS FAMILY FUN ½ RETAIL ½ SUMMER CAMPS ½ BIRTHDAYS HOME ½ FAMILY HEALTH AND SUPPORT SERVICES Don’t miss your opportunity to have your company included in this year’s guide.
Celebrating
YearsYears of Service For advertising and listing information: to BC Families To view current www.bcparent.ca issue visit FamilyFamilyy EMAIL: [email protected] Resourcee Gi GuiGuideded www.bcparent.ca The survival guide for busy families 778-855-2024 OR VISIT: www.bcparent.ca On the stands March 1, 2017 (Advertising deadline Feb. 1)
26 BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION Winter Activities and Camps
Winter Activities
Arts Umbrella bricks4kidz.com/vancouver sic on 8th Avenue, children 3 months Jump Gymnastics programming gives Vancouver, 604/681-5268 Ages 5–12 to 6 years are taken on imaginary ad- your child the strongest foundation artsumbrella.com Bricks 4 Kidz® provides programs that ventures where they experience, explore for success in all sports and an active Ages 2–19 inspire kids to learn about architecture, and develop their sense of pitch, beat life. Classes, camps, birthday parties, DANCE: Arts Umbrella Dance is a engineering and design concepts while and rhythm, through playful singing date nights and more for kids from 6 vanguard of developing dance that is having fun building with LEGO® based activities, which takes them months through their 7th year. Jump relevant and wide-reaching. Our unique bricks. Now offering After School En- seamlessly into instrumental or choir into the fun! ballet-based approach nurture dancers richment Classes, Camps and Birthday lessons at the school. 2–19 to achieve their full potential. Our Parties. Lights Up Musical Theatre Schools graduates go on to perform with some of Daedalos Enrichment Programs Locations throughout the Lower the world’s most prestigious companies. Canlan Icesports Greater Vancouver, 604-345-8603 Mainland THEATRE & MUSIC: From tickle Langley, 604/532-8946 Daedalos.ca 1-888/502-5253 trunks to improv, singing to touring www.icesports.com/langleytwin Ages 6–13 lightsuptheatre.ca performances—Arts Umbrella’s Theatre Ages 2+ At Daedalos After School Robotics Ages 3–18 & Music instructors bring out the The Canlan Skate Academy introduces Programs, kids create, build, program At Lights Up Schools, we teach Musi- creativity in kids. Actors aged 2–19 participants of all ages to learn the and operate robotic animals, machines cal Theatre fundamentals that help ® experience a wide range of performance basics of skating skills. Skaters will and vehicles using LEGO Education students shine on-stage and in all as- styles, stretching from Shakespeare to advance through a progression system WeDo and Mindstorms Robotics with pects of their lives. Whether your child on-camera acting. Be curious, be bold, by completing selected skill sets to help Computer Programming. On the way randomly bursts into song and dance, be yourself. them get more comfortable on the ice. they learn computational and critical or is finding their voice, Lights Up is VISUAL ARTS: Arts Umbrella’s Visual As skating becomes more natural, par- thinking, problem-solving, teamwork the perfect extra-curricular activity. Are Art classes give young artists a way to ticipants can advance into hockey, rin- skills and more. Advanced students you ready to shine? Join our weekend develop ideas and reflect the world gette, figure skating or continue skating move on to Provincial Robotics Com- SINGING, DANCING & ACTING around them. The artwork takes many recreationally. petitions such as FIRST LEGO League theatre classes. Weekend Classes, Spring forms: sculptures, animation, paintings, and Gearbots Coding Challenge. and Summer Camps, Birthday Parties. Colourstrings Music & Movement photographs and more. Explore your Group Classes Jump! Gymnastics WOLO (Wonder of Learning potential through fine arts. Vancouver, 778/846-0127 North Vancouver: 604/971-0513 and Organization) Bricks 4 Kidz® colourstringsvan.com Yaletown: 604/568-9690 Vancouver, 604/829-1346 Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby Ages 3 mths to 6 years jumpgymnastics.ca wonderoflearning.ca 604/250-6665 At Colourstrings Conservatory of Mu- Ages 6 mths–7 yrs WOLO’s Reggio-inspired School of
BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION 27 Give your kids a strong foundation for an active life & success in all sports!
JUMP into our great programming for kids from 6 months to 7 years old.
Registration Ongoing!
Yaletown North Vancouver 604.568.9690 604.971.0513 JumpGymnastics.ca 101-837 Beatty St 120-2270 Dollarton Hwy
SEASON 2017/2018 Ī PRESCHOOL LEARN TO SKATE Ī PARENT & TOT LEARN TO SKATE Ī STANDARD LEARN TO SKATE Ī ADULT LEARN TO SKATE Ī BASIC FIGURE SKATING Ī PRIVATE LESSONS ICESPORTS.COM/LANGLEY 604-532-8946
28 BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION Winter Activities & Camps
Arts specializes in fun and engaging Learn to Skate Camp: Ages 4–12 piano lessons, starting from preschool Hockey Camps: Ages 6–14 age to adults. In addition, WOLO of- Break away from boredom and unleash fers private and group lessons in guitar, your child’s inner athlete by adding voice, band, acting, dance, art, tutor- some excitement to their holiday with ing, fashion, yoga, therapy, and more! a Canlan Hockey Camp. Our camps We are always looking to collaborate offer an action-packed week of hockey with our community in what we have conditioning, skill development and to offer. off-ice games for children of all ages and skill levels.
Winter Camps Daedalos Enrichment Programs Robotics Winter Camp Bricks4Kidz® University Chapel, UBC Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby Jan 2–5, 9 am-3 pm December 27, 28, 29 kids to love being active and moving 604/250-6665 robocamps.ca January 2, 3, 4, 5 their bodies. bricks4kidz.com/vancouver Ages 6–13 Make your holiday season easy and fun Ages 5–12 At Robotics Camp, kids engage in cre- with Jump’s winter camps! Not only WOLO (Wonder of Learning Offered in week-long formats, students’ ative play, building and programming will our low ratio camps give your child Organization) Winter Camps access expensive, specialized and hard ® with LEGO Education Mindstorms a strong foundation for an active life Vancouver, 604/829-1346 to find LEGO® products and software wonderoflearning.ca and WeDo kits. They learn valuable and success in all sports, but they’re they might not otherwise be exposed Ages 5–12 21st century skills on the way like super fun too! to. Guided by experienced teach- WOLO’s Reggio-inspired camps focus computational thinking, problem solv- HALF DAY CHALLENGE CLASSES ers and built around exciting themes ing and teamwork. Teams compete in on creativity, collaboration, compas- Morning: 9:15–11:45, flexi-drop off like Amusement Parks, Space and robotics games and fun LEGO® robot- sion, and confidence. Children explore available Robotics, children will enjoy using ics adventures. Advanced students work their senses through interest-based NEW! Afternoon: 12:30–3:00 LEGO® Bricks to build specially- on FIRST LEGO League competition activities including art, music, dance, flexi-pick up available designed Bricks 4 Kidz models, play tournament practice. 1 hour lunch time group piano, singing, baking, and sci- December 27, 28, 29 LEGO®games and explore the world of involves outdoor games and sports. Free ence in a team-building environment engineering, architecture and animated parking at UBC University Chapel. January 2, 3, 4, 5 with an emphasis on wellness. Experi- movie-making. Our Challenge Program is for kids 3–7 ence fun challenges, character building Jump Gymnastics years old who want to build their skills and cooperative play! Canlan Icesports FULL DAY WINTER CAMPS and develop their physical literacy. This Langley, 604/532-8946 9:00–3:00, flexi-drop off and pick up program focuses on developing the www.icesports.com/langleytwin available motivation, confidence and skills for
F ...... AM VISUAL ARTS | MUSIC | DANCE | THEATRE ILY DA Rick Scco Y! Monday February 12, 20118 ART 1pm STARTS FREE Family WITH Activities & Cra s 11am–3pm ARTS Vitaly UMBRELLA An Evening Art Immersion of Wonders Programs for Kids aged 2-6 Sunday Five-Day Mornininngga andn IInIndndn iividuduadual March 11, 2018 Half-Day Options Avaiaiilablable
7:30pm REGISTRATION OPEN Recommended for ages 7+ Classes start -DQXDU\September 18, 2017
theactmapleridge.org artara sumbrella.cocom/im/iimmemmm rsionon
mapleridgeact @mapleridgeact mapleridgeact
The ACT A s Centre • 11944 Haney Place Maple Ridge, BC V2X 6G1 • 604.476.2787
BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION 29 Benefits of extracurricular activities for students By Susan Cumberland, Owner of School is Easy
here are seemingly endless options Kids can strengthen interpersonal and You may be able to find an introductory pro- for after-school activities that your work skills outside their familiar ‘zones’ gram to a unique sport or activity you never T children can get involved in, from Extracurricular activities for children not would have encountered otherwise. Here are soccer to swimming to piano lessons. But only allow them to experience new and fun some ideas of activities to get you started: what do your children really get out of these things, they also help them build important UÊ,VÊVL} activities? Here are some reasons why your life skills. For example, the relationships they UÊ, ÞÌ VÊ}Þ>ÃÌVÃ kids should participate in extracurricular ac- build during these activities will teach them UÊ,LÌVÃÊVÕL tivities, beyond the standard ‘it looks good how to work with new people and how to UÊÀÃ Ê`>V}ÊÀÊÌ iÀÊVÕÌÕÀ>Ê`>V}® on a resume.’ work in a team. Eduflow also mentions time UÊ iÊiÃÃÃ management, self-esteem, and organization UÊ7>ÌiÀÊ« Extracurricular activities can foster an as skills fostered in extracurricular activities UÊ6ÕÌiiÀ}Ê>ÌÊ>ÊV>Ê>>ÊÃ iÌiÀ open mind that will be beneficial to kids in school and Extracurriculars will give your children a later in life in the workforce. Extracurricular activities are a great way to chance to explore environments they may bring balance to your child’s academic life not encounter in school or at home. This Outside-school activities teach kids to and teach them many important skills dur- may expose them to new ideas, interests, stay committed ing their formative years. Just make sure to and opportunities, which is a great way to Another important part of extracurricular not overdo it; one or two extracurriculars is encourage their curiosity. Goodsschools. activities for children and teens is the ability plenty! com specifically suggests volunteering and to keep a long-term commitment. If your 3USAN #UMBERLAND is the owner of School Is Easy Tutoring community service opportunities for stu- 12-year-old is on a field hockey or rugby Franchise system (founded in 2002). She has her B.Ed. and dents to “broaden their perspective of the team, they will quickly learn that the rest of M.A.Ed. in Educational Leadership. Winner of several awards world.” the team is depending on them to be there including Better Business Bureau People’s Pick and Marketplace Excellence. for practices and games throughout the sea- The benefits of extracurricular activities son. As More 4 Kids says, “They commit include building relationships and themselves to that activity for a period of connections for their future time. If they don’t hold up to their end of After-school activities provide an opportu- the deal, no doubt they’ll hear about it from nity for children and teens to spend time in their peers and perhaps even teachers.” An a non-academic environment with people activity that requires this type of commit- in their age group. This will allow them ment will provide kids with a great learning to build positive relationships in a fun and experience to be responsible for the activi- safe space with others who share a common ties they have signed up for. interest. Some extracurricular activities for teens may even open the door later on to an Need ideas for extracurricular activities? employment opportunity, if they form posi- Here is a list to start you off! tive connections and relationships with the If you need something new and exciting for organization. your children to participate in, try looking into programs at your local recreation centre.
30 BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION 31 TRUSTED BY PARENTS SINCE 1998
PROFILES & REVIEWS OF 650+ PRIVATE SCHOOLS, CAMPS AND PROGRAMS.
OurKids.net is your source for information, You’re invited stats and reviews of the best day and boarding schools, kids programs and summer camps. VANCOUVER
SEARCH & COMPARE top-ranked schools & programs SUNDAY, NOV 19 ACCESS INFORMATION Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre q not found on any other website
Whether you’re 99% sure QUICKLY & EASILY REQUEST INFO of your school choice, or just starting out, parents schedule a tour or save your favorites agree attending the Expo saved them time and provided the answers they were looking for.
Our Kids - The Trusted Source Please RSVP at www.ourkids.net www.ourkids.net/expo
32 BCPARENTCA s EDUCATION