Energyplex Drop-In

Hello all

There are only two homeschool drop-ins left this month at Energyplex - the 6th and 13th (12.30 - 2.30). The owner was talking to us last week and said that from January there won't be a dedicated homeschool time. It's all changing and I'm sure that the changes will be listed on their website. However it looks like the best day to visit will be Fridays, as they will be open all day, and there will be a single entrance fee for all activities of $9.50. No time limit.

Hope to see some of you there this week and next.

Nicola

(I won't be there this week but hopefully the next - Kathy)

Citizens for Safe Technology Smart Meters Petition

http://cstorg.wufoo.com/forms/smart-meters-in-british-columbia/

Tickets for this Saturday

Hello everyone,

I have 3 extra tickets left over from my dance class for $10 each for this Saturday's performance of the Kelowna Ballet at the Performing Arts Centre here in Vernon.  The performance is from 8 - 10pm.  Last year's was excellent and I am looking forward to this one.  Its called "Breaking Boundaries" and it looks good.  You can see the write up about it here.  Contact me (Andrea) as soon as possible if you are interested at agordon-smith@shaw.ca or 250-503-5416.

Coldstream Winter Farmer's Market

I am posting this for Anita:

Hear ye Hear Ye

This is a reminder about the Weekly Winter Farmers Market starting this Wednesday October 19 and continuing till April 2012.

Every Wednesday between 2:00 and 6:00pm a Farmer's Market will be held in the Women's Institute Hall across from Coldstream Elementary school.

The Vendors will include certified Organic and natural products ... Cheese, meat, vegetables, fruit, grains, baked goods, coffee, honey, jams and jellies and samosas.

Please Pass this message on to your friends and family and thank you for your support.

Plant Walk at Ellison Park

Thursday, October 20th
11-12:30

Marcie is organizing a plant walk with Mikaela, who we met at the Allen Brooks Nature Centre field trip. She is very passionate and knowledgeable about plants and trees and has given some information about what she will be offering: "A 1-1.5 hour plant walk at Ellison Park . We will look at a few select trees (Douglas Fir, Ponderosa Pine, Cottonwood, Rocky Mountain Maple and Birch) We will learn to identify them, talk about their uses and for those who want, they can try some Douglas fir chewing gum. Make sure no one is allergic to resin....quite a few people are. We will identify some shrubbery such as Oregon grape and snow berries and talk about uses and cautions. I will bring with me some frozen berries and some roots for the kids to try if they want and are allowed to. However most of the talk will be about the lichen and the moss that is just glorious right now. We will compare moss to lichen and also compare the species to each other. I will bring some magnifying glasses to look closer at them. If any of the children have their own it would be fantastic if they could bring that. We will learn about historic uses for some lichen and moss and I will show some yarn that has been dyed with lichen. I want to talk a little about how mosses and lichen grow and show the kids this miniature wonderland. I also intend to speak shortly about the animals at the park with special focus on Pileated Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, chipmunks and White tailed deer. At the end we will have a question and answer session. Of course they can ask questions at any time during the hike but I like having that time at the end to round the talk off. My fee will be $5 per child (This year the prices that I charge are less than I will in the future) The max amount of children in one group is 15. With 15 children I require minimum 2 adults to tag along. These adults will not have to pay the fee. If there are 8 or less children 1 adult is sufficient. I prefer if the ages of the children are sort of close together as it is easier to know at what level to talk, however if the group is mixed that is fine too. I want to stress that if the parents are uncomfortable with their children tasting Douglas fir resin and Oregon grape berries and root then they should perhaps not let their child along for the hike. I will not resume any responsibility for any allergic reactions. I have used these plants for a long while and I have not had any ill effects but I made a salve for my sister with resin in it and she flared up and had to treat it with antibiotic, we found out that she is super allergic to resin. So I just want to make it extra super clear that I will not take responsibility for the children. I will be very cautious as to what I let them try and what I teach them. I currently don't have liability insurance so I will need waiver forms to be signed by the parents. I hope that this stipulation is ok."

You can reply at the Vernon meetup group
http://www.meetup.com/North-Okanagan-Homeschoolers-Vernon/events/37347342/

Armstrong Museum and Art Gallery

Friday, October 28 at 10:00AM we're doing a tour of the Armstrong Museum and Art
Gallery. The tour will be three fold: 1. Museum (very cool artifacts from the
Armstrong area), 2. Art Gallery (currently featuring the art work of Roxi Sim
Hermsen), 3. Archives (hands-on, including old Sears catalogues). The children
will be split into three groups and will accompany Museum and Art Gallery
volunteers to each of the three parts of the tour. Fee is by donation and
length will be one to one and a half hours.

They have room for around 25 learners and you can sign up at the Vernon Meetup group:
http://www.meetup.com/North-Okanagan-Homeschoolers-Vernon/events/37342112/

The link to the Armstrong Museum and Art Gallery is http://www.asmas.ca/.

Gortz Gouda tour

Marcie has booked a Gortz Gouda tour for next Thursday, October 13 at 11:00AM.
Please arrive by 10:50.

We have room for 30 people so let us know right away if you would like to join us. Please email Marcie at marcie.crozier@gmail.com

Here is the summary:

There will be a tour of the cheese plant showing how gouda is made. Then, there is butter making and a visit to the calf barn. To finish, we will sample the cheese and butter. The tour takes one to one and a half hours, depending on how many questions there are, and the tour is free. (For those who haven't been to Gortz, their organic products, including cheese, milk, yogurt, quark, and beef can all be purchased at their on-site store.)

DeMilles farm is close by, so especially those with younger children might be interested in visiting as they have miniature goats, a giant pig, llamas, cows, horses, rabbits, ducks, geese, chickens, turkeys and peacocks.

Meeting this Thursday?

Wow, 3 posts in one day! I obviously miss you all!!!

I was hoping that we could get together this Thursday night for a meeting/coffee night. Maybe at Bean to Cup?

Let me know who will be able to come and I will reserve the room.
Thanks

Energyplex Homeschool Drop-In program starting soon

Hi,

I just wanted to remind everyone of the Energyplex drop-in starting this Tuesday the 27th. It is from 12:30- 2:30 and I believe it is $12 for non-members and $9 for members. We will be there.

Organic Apples

Hi everyone

I am posting this for Anita, who has an organic apple orchard on Coldstream Creek road. She currently has some certified organic Honey Crisp apples ready and she is selling them for 1$/pound. You can contact her at 250-542-8302 if you would like some.

Dance Classes at the Inner World School

Hello Everyone,

I don't know about you but we have had a very busy summer. And now that we are finally having the weather we should have had in July, its hard to remember that summer is over and it is time to be doing all those fall things. I hope you had a great summer and are ready to start dancing again! I am sorry about this late notice.

Creative Movement and Creative Ballet will be on Thursdays as usual starting Sept 22 and taught by me, Andrea. There is a possibility of adding another advanced class if there is enough interest and enough returning students.

My daughter Eryn will be offering Jazz and Tap again but these won't start until later. Right now she is in Europe on her honeymoon. Her classes will start the week of October 16. To make up for her later start date, there will be (probably) two longer workshop style classes on the weekend as well. Details on Eryn's classes will follow at a later date once we have all the exact details worked out. Here are the details for the Creative Movement and Ballet:

Creative Movement (ages 3 - 5)

Dates: Thursdays Sept 22 - Dec 8, 2011

Time: 2pm - 2:55pm

Place: Coldstream Women's Institute

Cost: $120.00 ($10 per class)

Beginning Creative Ballet (ages 6 - 8)

Dates: Thursdays Setp 22 - Dec 8, 2011

Time: 3pm - 3:55pm

Place: Coldstream Women's Institute

Cost: $120.00 ($10 per class)

Intermediate Creative Ballet (ages 8 - 12)

Dates: Thursdays Sept 22 - Dec 8, 2011

Time: 4pm - 5pm

Place: Coldstream Women's Institute

Cost: $120.00 ($10 per class)

To register call Andrea at 250-503-5416 or e-mail innerworldschool@shaw.ca

Andrea Clarke

Inner World School

Lincoln Lanes Bowling coupon

Hi guys,
I just wanted to let everyone know about a great Twongo Coupon deal on right now for Lincoln Lanes. They currently cost $15($30 value)for either 5 games for you and shoe rentals or 1 game for you and four friends and shoe rentals for all. You can purchase up to three coupons to be used at different times. They don't expire for one year and then the coupon is still honoured for the purchase price. Since my kids love to go bowling with the homeschoolers and it is a great cool weather activity to do as a group, I have purchased some.
Just thought others may be interested!

http://www.twongo.com/deals/15-for-5-awesome-games-of-bowling-shoes-at-lincoln-lanes-br-30-value

Energyplex Homeschool Drop-In program starting soon

I copied this from the Kelowna blog and thought others may be interested. We attended all of the drop-in days in the Spring and my kids loved it. We will be doing this again.

Hi all

I emailed Bruce at the Energyplex to see if they were restarting the drop-
in days, and they are. Tuesday September 27th is the first day, 12.30
- 2.30pm. If it's well attended, they will extend it to 3pm like before.
I can't remember what the price was exactly. I think it was about $12
for non-members and $9 for members. If you go to energyplex.ca you
can find out the cost of annual membership.

Nicola

Falkland Home learners

There are getting to be more and more families that are home learning in Falkland so I thought it would be nice if we had a place to chat as well. If there is anyone on here from Falkland or other areas that would be interested in chatting we have a group on Facebook called Falkland Home learners. Please join. It would be a nice place to be able to share experience and possible get togethers.

Discounted Michael's Gift Cards for Sale

Hi, I am copying this from the Kelowna Learner's unlimited site, in case anyone is interested:

Hello! Any Michaels frequent shoppers out there?

My son and his business partners had made a large purchase at Michaels which turned out to not be quite as they expected and were only entitled to an in store credit.

The card is worth $714.00 and they would very much like to sell it for $700 or really close to.

UPDATE:

Hi All,

If you got my message about the Michaels gift card for sale, we have now broken them down into $100 cards.

My boys have TWINN Clothing, they were in the newspaper a few times winning the Kelowna and Regional Young Entrepreneur's Dragons Den contests.

They bought a silk screen machine to make more t-shirts but weren't happy with the quality and have returned it but Michaels would only issue in store credit.

So..... if you or anyone you know could make use of one or more $100 gift card(s) the boys are selling them for $90 each.

Thanks so much!! Chriss Janko
chriss.janko@yahoo.ca

With the Michaels gift cards.......
Sorry! I meant to add I would meet you at the store to make the 'transaction' and you could be assured by the clerk that the card is valid. =)

Meeting at Bean To Cup 7pm

Hi everyone,
I called and booked the downstairs room at Bean to Cup for 7pm, this Thursday June 30th. The guy on the phone said we could have it from 7-9 because they like to have an hour to clean up. I explained that we usually have it until 10 and they have not had a problem with that, so we will see! We could always move upstairs if we need to at the end.


Hi Sabrina! I look forward to meeting you!

Meeting this Thursday?

Hi guys,

Anyone up for a meeting this Thursday? It is the last day of the month after all.

Let me know!

I was asked to post this but I don't have time to arrange anything. Perhaps someone else does.
Karen

I was asked if homeschoolers might be interested in helping to plant the wetland for the Allan Brooks Nature Centre.
Here is the contact person to arrange for a trip. They want to get the planting done in the next few weeks. Last week Harwood school had a class. I believe he has Roseanne Van Ee, a professional interpretor booked for one of the days. I also believe there is no charge provided the group can get to the site.

William Adams B.B.A. Project Coordinator
BX Creek Wetlands Enhancement & Interpretation Project
Allan Brooks Nature Centre SocietyPO Box 20038Vernon. BC, V1N 9L4
Tel. 250-260-4227
E-mail: projectcoordinator@mail.com
www.abnc.ca

Meeting Next Thursday?

Hi everyone,

Would you like to do a meeting next Thursday, May 5th, 7PM at Bean to Cup?

Thanks, Kathy

Fieldtrip to Planet Bee

Hi Everyone,
Fieldtrip to Planet Bee 5011 Bella Vista Road on Tuesday, May 17th at 1:00 p.m.
Tour, demonstrations and lessons on beekeeping and bees. Approximately one hour.
Cost is $3.00 per child (pay at time of fieldtrip to Planet Bee).
Minimum is 12. Maximum is 30. Please e-mail Delia at bdmajor@shaw.ca

North Okanagan Meet-up Group formed

I have recently been trying to get on the list to receive emails about Noche's activities and then I received this from Lina. Thought some of you might be interested in signing up for this North Okanagan meet-up group too. (Very similar name to our group)

Hi Everyone.

The leadership team has decided to try to streamline the way we communicate. We have set up a "Meetup" group. This is a web based program where you go to find out what is happening in our area for homeschooling. It is also the new way to post an event, field trip, etc. that you have organized. We will not be using the email list anymore (although I will keep it just in case). If you want to continue to receive notices of upcoming events, then you will have to register on the Meetup. Please go to www.meetup.com/north-okanagan-homeschoolers to sign up. I would recommend placing it on your "favourites" for easy access. There is a calender on this site which you can bring up to see what is happening in the month at a glance. Also, there are several forums that you can participate in.

We are running this web site independenly of NOCHE. Therefore it is not a NOCHE website. We have created this so that all homeschooling families in the North Okanagan can unite and get to know each other. We hope that many new friendships will be formed through this Meetup

We will run NOCHE independently so that we still have our monthly meetings for prayer and support. NOCHE will post those meetings on the Meetup so you will continue to know when and where they are.

As with anything new, there might be glitches at first but if you experience anything, please let us know.

Regards,

Lina Rogers

Atlantis Waterslide Pass Sale

I just noticed that Atlantis Waterslides has their Pre-Season Hourly Pass sale on now. They don't mention how long it is on for though.

They are on sale for 40% off of the regular price

50 hours regular price $160 Sale Price $96
100 hours regular price $280 Sale Price $160
200 hours regular price $410 Sale Price $246

add HST to those.
You can go to their website and print off the application form and mail it or fax it in or you can go to their office Monday to Thursday 11am - 4pm

Free Energyplex Open House for Homeschoolers

WOW, the response to the Home School Drop In has been awesome! Thank You

Because of the amount of people who have expressed interest, we at the EnergyPlex would like to create an opportunity to allow you to have your first experience of our facility ON US!

So what we would like to do is invite you to an �Open House� on Tuesday the 19^th from 2pm to 3.30pm. During this complimentary period your kids will be able to use all the facilities as I described in my previous email. Unfortunately because of an existing commitment we cannot include the swim during the open house. Of course the swim will be available during the regular Home School Drop In sessions.

During this Open House you will have an opportunity to discuss any suggestions or issues with the EnergyPlex Management. Also as an extra bonus, if you sign up for a ten punch pass we will give you a �Friday Night Family Pass� for free. This free pass may be given to a friend if you feel that they should come a check us out, or used for yourselves!

The Friday Night free pass offer will only be available during the Open House period; however you may purchase the ten punch pass cards without the free pass at any other time.

There have been a number of questions asked and I would like to take this opportunity to answer these.

Please note that some of the following information has been tailored for the Home School Drop In Sessions and the information may not be accurate for other periods.

Q � What are the age restrictions?

A- First off, under two will be free! And yes they will be allowed to use all of the facility as long as you are supervising them. Second, as there is no formal structure to the drop in sessions kids aged from 2 � 17 will be allowed to mix. The facilitator on the day will use his discretion and, as an example, at times may announce that for the next half an hour only kids under six can be in the gym or vice verse, he may equally decide that only kids 12 � 17 can be in there.

Q � Can my kids stay longer if we turn up late?

A- As a rule No, we don�t mind a few extra minutes but the time period that we have provided is an off �peak� period. The period immediately after is a time that kids are out of school and we consider this to be a �peak� period.

Q � If we arrive late, after 12pm, can my kids still participate in all the activities?

A � Yes, all activities will be running simultaneously, there are no formal lessons or teaching, the emphasis is on natural undirected play. Your kid can go from the gym to the rock wall then to the cube, whatever he wishes to do. There may be some restrictions on time in some areas but this will be coordinated by the facilitator on the day and will only be done to allow for fairness and safety.

Q � Will the sessions be weekly?

A- Yes, we plan to run a regular Home School Drop In session every Tuesday 12pm � 3pm

Q � Can the School that I am registered with, I.E. Heritage, Self Design pay for the activities?

A � Yes, however some of these organizations have different methods of doing this, I believe Wonder Tree (Self Design) have Visa cards available, Heritage I believe would prefer it if you bulk purchased and gave them a receipt, but I am unsure how the other organizations prefer to do it.

To make life easier we have made available a ten session punch pass. As mention above if you purchase one of these during our open house we will give you a free �Friday Night Family Pass�

Please come to the open house and make suggestions on this subject.

Q- Can we bring our own drinks, snacks and food?

A � With the exception of water No, we have a well stocked Caf�/Snack bar that is reasonable priced.

So these are probably just the tip of the iceberg for questions, I am sure there will be many more. The Home School Drop In is a new feature for us and we will have a lot of things to learn ourselves. So please allow us the chance to naturally mature, develop and get things right.

I hope I have provided enough information for you right now, if I haven�t and you need to know before the open house please feel free to ask. You may also call the EnergyPlex. If you call the EnergyPlex please ask for me - Derek if unavailable Bruce or Tracy can help.

I look forward to meeting you

Thanks

Derek Deans
www.energyplex.ca

Energyplex Homeschool Drop-In

I am forwarding this from the Kelowna blog:

I have just started as a Supervisor at the EnergyPlex Recreation Center in Kelowna.

The owner is a former home school parent, and has given permission for me to organize a regular home-school drop in session.

The Center is very unique and offers some pretty cool activities, we have a 30ft indoor rock wall with qualified facilitators that are available to belay climbers as they climb and to offer coaching points if needed. We have what we call the Energy Cube which is a huge indoor play ground similar to Jungle Mania in Salmon Arm, a small teaching/fun pool with qualified Red Cross Swim Instructors, a well supplied Cafe/Snack bar and most popular of all is our Gymnastics Gym. The gym is exceptional, and is fully equipped to meet all levels of gymnast and of course we have qualified instructors available. In the gym you will find sunken trampolines, balance beams, a foam dive pit, bars, tons of mats, spring boards and a fully sprung floor.

What I am proposing is a regular three hour drop in session per week. There will be NO lessons however staff will offer "FREE" advice and coaching in swimming, rock climbing and gymnastics but only if asked for and wanted by the kid! There will no formal structure to this session as the main emphasis will be UN-DIRECTED PLAY! All of the facilities will be available for your kids to go nuts on! There may be some time restrictions on certain activities to allow for fairness.

We offer an almost identical session on a Friday night to the general public however as this is a very good deal this session is very busy, also we do not offer the free advice and coaching during these Friday night session. The home school drop in session will be a lot less busy and way less noisy!

So here it is, please accept my invitation to attend the EnergyPlex's Home School Drop In Sessions

Tuesdays from 12 - 3pm
Starting from Tue Apr 19
Cost $9 for discount members
$12 for non members

Please no outside food brought in
Parents are free, up to two parents per kid so yea if there is two kids four adults may enter the facility.

Discount members are entitled to $3 off per person, per drop in visit, on all drop in activities. It also gives you a discount on all other services which if I am honest I can not remember at the moment. The cost of this discount membership is extremely reasonable - it is just $45per family per year! You do the math on this one!

I am genuinely eager to organize and offer quality home school activities for you, I am a parent of three young girls and can assure you my girls are excited. I am also very keen to hear your suggestions for other activities that we may be able to organize and would welcome your suggestions.

To better help me with the launch of this session I would appreciate it if you could show me your interest, no commitment obviously, by sending a reply simply saying you are interested. This is so that I can accurately forecast staffing requirements. Also please direct any initial inquiries to myself via email.

Please forward this email to any one you may feel would be interested
Thanks
Derek Deans

Great Local Teacher

Devon teaches flute, saxophone, and guitar at Caetani Cultural Centre, and native flute at a Westside immersion school. That school bestowed on her a new moniker: Ms. Music. She also holds a diploma as a Certified Music Practitioner (CMP) where music is used as a healing agent. Private lesson days are Tuesdays and Thursdays. Devon may add a Songwriting course if there is enough interest. Music meditations are also one of her offerings to develop the imagination and achieve internal balance. Instrumental lessons are $75/month and group lessons are $45/month. Devon believes in creating a positive space for kids to enjoy the life-long, health-enhancing benefits of music. Playing an instrument contributes to finger dexterity, to lung development, and it helps students with their studies, including math, through brain patterning. It also develops new skills and self-confidence. A recital at Caetani is planned for early June.

FREE BOWLING program Capri Valley Lanes

This was posted on the Kelowna blog but I thought some of you may be interested:

Just wanted to let you know that Capri Valley Lanes will be running the Kids Bowl Free Program again this year.

To get the free bowling, families just sign up at the website on the attached card.

Coupons for 2 FREE Games are emailed to them every Sunday for the whole week.

Kids Bowl Free site is TOTALLY SAFE as we ran this program last year and there were no issues with personal information.



Please click on the website www.kidsbowlfree.com/caprivalley to sign up your family for FREE Bowling. Please feel free to forward this to anyone you know with children, grandkids 15 and younger so they can enjoy the Free Bowling. Let your friends and co-workers know. They just need to go to the website and sign up. Very simple.

Thanks

Ruby

Meeting this week?

Just thought I would see if anyone is into a meeting this Thursday, or another day if that works better.

Tap Classes at the Inner World School

Hello, just thought I would let you all know that tap classes are set to start at Coldstream Women's Institute on Wednesday, April 6 from 5 - 6pm. They will be taught by my daughter, Eryn. The jazz class she is teaching on Fridays are very popular and the kids love her and are having a blast doing jazz in this creative way. Tap is Eryn's all-time favourite dance form so this class is sure to be a lot of fun. We already have enough kids to run this class so it will be going for sure. There is room for a few more. Here are the details:

Date: April 6 - May 25 (8 weeks)
Time: 5pm - 6pm
Place: Coldstream Women's Institute (across from Coldstream Elm.)
Cost: $80.00

If you are interested, contact me, Andrea Clarke at 250-503-5416 or innerworldschool@shaw.ca.

Acrylic Painting class

Marcie asked me to post this for her. Her friend, Jamie Frazier http://www.jamiefrazer.com/home.htm
is an amazing artist in Enderby and she would be interested in doing some acrylic painting classes with our kids. I know some of us did not have a very good experience at the Vernon Art Centre and mentioned that they would be interested in finding an artist to do some classes with our kids. This is a great opportunity to do that! Marcie says she is amazing with kids and would be incredible.

Jamie says that the classes would be 2 hours each and she will supply everything they would need. She will charge $20/hour, so $40 per class. Marcie was thinking that 5 classes would be good but I know she was going to talk to Jamie and see what she thought. Currently, Jamie teaches out of the space at the United church in Enderby, but if we find a space for the class closer she could probably do it here.

Right now we are just seeing how many people would be interested in doing this, as we would like to start fairly soon. Please comment or email me at klmackay@shaw.ca to let me know if you would like to do this and I guess also what day, time, and length you wold be looking for.
Thanks!

Vancouver Aquarium Sleepover

Hi everyone,

I am interested in doing the Vancouver Aquarium sleepover program and Marcie was kind enough to give me the information to post here. She has been to it twice and her kids loved it!! I believe last year they did a standard school program which focused on the life in the oceans in the Pacific Northwest. This year they did a customized program which included info on the plight of Sea Turtles and included info about our local painted Turtles. For this next one, Marcie would like to do one that involves more info on endangered species. I am happy to do this as well.

We would like to organize this as soon as possible but do our visit in Mid-September. We would love to hear from anyone who is interested and can commit to this time frame. It is very reasonably priced and SelfDesign will cover the cost. In the past they made cheques payable to the parent organizer and then she paid the Aquarium with one cheque. Please contact me at klmackay@shaw.ca if you are serious about wanting to do this so we can see if we have the 25 people needed for this to go ahead. I have pasted some of the pertinent info here:


Program Includes
Aquarium Admission.
Evening snack & morning breakfast.
12.0 hours Sleepover Program.

Participants
Minimum age: 6 years old
Group Size: Minimum of 25 participants
Cost: $77 per participant plus HST
Off Season Rate
January 01 – March 31 and July 1 – December 31: $66.00 per person plus HST
All prices are in Canadian funds.
Coupons, passes & other discounts are not valid.


Sleeping Area
Participants sleep on carpet floors within one of our galleries: Wild Coast, Pacific Canada, Arctic Canada, and the Tropic Zone.
Sleeping areas are booked based on availability. Bed time is at 12:15.
Washrooms are available, no showers facilities available.

Gear
Gear cannot be stored before/after your program.(It can be stored during our program) Please pack lightly.
Each Participant should be able to carry his or her own gear.
Sleeping Bag Pillow Warm clothes Sleeping Pad Toiletries Camera
Flashlights are not necessary.

Leaders
Aquarium staff members are both male & female. All staff is First Aid Certified and have Criminal Records checked. Supervising adults are responsible for group management and disciplinary action if necessary.

Aquarium Policies
Please inform us of any special concerns (Disabilities/medical conditions/behavior problems)
Food & Drink may not be brought into the Aquarium. Smoking is not permitted in Stanley Park as of Sept. 01st, 2010.
Facility re-entry is not permitted during the program. Parking passes are valid only during the program.

Aquarium Galleries
The Aquarium & Gift Shop open at 9:30am. Please have your hand stamped by the coordinator to re-enter through the main doors.

Eco-system Expedition for School Groups and Community Groups

A unique overnight adventure for all students!

After the Aquarium has closed its’ doors for the evening, bring your sleeping bag for a special night of discovery and learning. Our Sleepover guides will lead your class on an exciting 12 hour voyage to 3 corners of the world focusing on various ways animals, plants and humans interact within each ecosystem.

Invertebrate Lab: Study seashore ecology and British Columbia’s four major marine invertebrate phyla more deeply in this live, hands-on intertidal marine biology lab. Based on the education curriculum we will be focusing on animals from the Cnydria, Mollusca, Arthropoda and Echinodermata. Such invertebrates you’ll meet are sea anemones, swimming scallops, various crabs, sea stars and much more!

Before continuing on the second half of your adventure, enjoy a light snack. We will have meat and cheese platter, buns and crackers, veggie platter with dip, and fruit trays with dip. Also we will have fruit juice for the kids and lots of tea/coffee for the adults.

Eco-system Guided Tour

Dive into three different eco-systems as you travel all around the world under one roof at the Vancouver Aquarium. Learn about various animals, habitats, and how everything fits together.

Choose 3 of the 4 options:

Northwest Pacific: Dive into the temperate coastal waters of the Pacific Northwest, as you discover the diverse but threatened marine life in British Columbia’s Georgia Straight.

Arctic: Travel to Lancaster Sound, Canada’s cold & icy Arctic, learn how these inhabitants adapt and survive in this harsh and frigate environment.

Amazon: Climb the canopy layers of the Brazilian Rainforests, to uncover the obscure relationship between rainforest animals and their lush jungle home.

Tropical: Snorkel the warm clear waters of the Indo-Pacific, exploring the abundant life in a coral reef community and how every niche on reefs provides food, shelter and survival for the teeming multitudes of colourful marine life.

At 12:30 am lull to sleep in front of Pacific Canada’s story-high underwater realm or dream with majestic whales. After a light morning breakfast, tour the Marine Mammal Deck and Amazon Free Flight Gallery as the Aquarium awakens for a new day. Your journey concludes at 9:00 am as you gather your gear and head for home.

Cheap Dental Work

Hi everyone, I just received this info from our neighbour's daughter and I thought I would pass it along in case it interested anyone. I'm still in Mexico and having a great time! See you all soon, Kathy


I wanted to drop you guys a line about the cheap dental work my dental assisting class is offering.
We are putting on a patient clinic may 12th to may 26th. It takes place at my school at the KLO campus in Kelowna. We have a few dentists and hygienists come in for this week.
I am in need of at least three children that i can do sealants on in order for me to pass this portion of the course. I thought of you guys right away..

Patient fees for services we offer:

x rays 1-$2.50
2-$5.00
3-$7.50
4-$10.00
18-$20.00

Polish adult-$15.00
child-$12.00

Topical fluoride $4.00

Fissure Sealants $7.50
each additional tooth $2.50

Desensitizing $5.00

Denture Cleaning $2.00

scaling $10.00 (not necessary for children)

Each patient gets oral health instruction and a check up by the dentist. If you wish to book the kids in call the clinic line 250-862-5633 and just ask to book in with Kelsey Strangward.

Outdoor Rink Now Closed

Hi Everyone,
Skating for March 7th is cancelled as the Outdoor Rink is now closed.
Have a great day!
Delia

Job Opportunity

Kay Wells from the Marble Slab Creamery phoned me (Jill) tonight to see if anyone knows a strong homeschooling boy or girl who might be able to work for them- holding their mascot out to traffic. She would like to hire a homeschooler because she would like someone with a good work ethic. The job would be two hours a day, from 3:30 until 5:30 and the pay will be the starter wage which is just below minimum wage. The job is for anyone 15 or older. Her phone number is 778-475-5750.

Fun Opportunity!

Hi Angela
Just thought I would send you a quick note to see if you might be aware of some families with children who would enjoy being extras in a film. My daughter is filming a short film called Breathing Lessons at the Vernon Community Arts Centre on March 18th from 9-12 and possibly another date during the week of March 27-April 1. She is looking for extras to be part of the classroom and will hopefully have the film ready to go to the Life is Good conference in May. If you wanted to pass along my phone number 250-572-3446 or email address donnavanderlip@hotmail.com or give me a call for more information that would be great too.
Donna Vanderlip

Cross Country Skiing at Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre

Hi Everyone,
I've organized four Cross-Country Skiing sessions with lessons at Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre for Homeschoolers.

- Monday, March 21

- Thursday, March 24

- Monday, March 28

- Wednesday, March 30


Minimum is 10 Students and Maximum is 50 Students

Payment will be on arrival to the Nordic Centre.

Lessons will be at 9:30 a.m. Please arrive at 8:45 a.m. to leave time for payment and getting equipment ready.

Please e-mail Delia Major bdmajor@shaw.ca if your family is interested in participating. Please give me the number of students participating.

BOWLING on Friday Feb. 18th

Hi everyone, I have booked two lanes at Lincoln Lanes for Friday in case anyone wants to join us for bowling. They have 11:45 - 12:45 open. Arrive earlier to get your shoes and pay so that the kids can start right at 11:45.

Hope to see lots of people there!

Art Classes with Shannon Marsh for kids and adults

I'm passing on this information. I know that alot of us are engaged in the art classes at VCAC but in case there is anyone interested, I thought I would let you know about Shannon, if you don't already. Rhiannon did one of her classes before Christmas on mosaics and it was really awesome. Along with some fun shorter projects teaching the concepts of mosaics, they made a really gorgeous mosaic on a square ikea mirror - beautiful enough to be a family treasure. I highly recommend Shannon and her classes. She is a working artist and a great teacher who has a real way with kids. Although it was in a school setting after school, Rhiannon and Liam McCready felt welcome and comfortable. She is also offering one for adults on felting in the evening - info after the kids one.

Creative Connections For Kids presents

AFTER SCHOOL ART

“Mushy Madness”

In this 4 week program, we will create papier mache creatures… Come prepared to get madly mushy and explore this tactile art form.

BX – Tuesdays - Feb.22 to Mar.15
BEAIRSTO – Wednesdays – Feb. 23 to Mar.16
SILVERSTAR - Thursdays Feb.24 to Mar.17
3:00 – 5:00 pm

Home Schoolers & Kids from other schools welcome!

COST: $65

Registration on a first come, first served basis

Class size limited to 10

To Register Call:
Shannon Marsh @ 250-503-1965
OR
Email: violet.shannon@gmail.com
Method of Payment: Cash or Cheque

Creative Connections For Adults presents

AFTER WORK ART for ADULTS
“Fabulous Felt”

Come and enjoy an evening in Shannon’s Studio learning the ancient art of Felting. Produce unique works of functional art that can be enjoyed for years to come. Create a table piece, a small bag and a vessel.

Tuesdays: March 1st,8 and 15
7:00 until 9:00pm
Cost: $75
Includes all materials
Class Size – 4

Shannon’s Studio, Caetani Cultural Centre
3401 PV Road – Vernon

To Register
Telephone: Shannon Marsh
250-503-1965
or email:
violet.shannon@gmail.com

More Homeschool Skating Times at the Outdoor Rink

Hi Everyone,
I've booked some more skating times at the Rec. Centre Outdoor Skating Rink.

-Thursday, Feb. 10th at 10:30

-Friday, Feb. 11th at 1:30

-Tuesday, Feb. 15th at 1:30

-Thursday, Feb. 17th at 1:30

-Monday, Feb. 21st at 10:30

-Thursday, Feb. 24th at 1:30

-Monday, Feb. 28th at 10:30

-Monday, March 7th at 1:30

Hope to see you there!
Delia Major

OKANAGAN SYMPHONY FAMILY MATINEE CONCERT

OKANAGAN SYMPHONY FAMILY MATINEE CONCERT
FEBRUARY 19-20, 2011.

The special family 4-pack for $50 has been extended, and will be available right through to the day of the show.

"How the Gimquat Found Her Song" is a one-hour show aimed at kids between the ages of 2 and 12 and their families. The show was created and developed by Platypus Theatre, an Ottawa-based acting company.

The show is a musical play involving two actors and orchestra. One actor,
(Peter Duschenes, the principal of Platypus Theatre and co-creator of the
show) portrays a magician and the other (Emmanuelle Zeesman) is in fact a
puppeteer in all-black animating a large big-bird like puppet aka the
Gimquat. Much of the story is told in rhyming couplets by the Magician, who also serves a narrative function.

The Gimquat is in search of a song - a personal voice - at present she is
ashamed of hers. The magician helps her in this quest by taking the two of
them back in time to investigate music of different times to find a voice
for her. They visit a cathedral, where the monks are intoning a Gregorian
Chant (in fact sung by the musicians of the orchestra). They visit a lively
renaissance marketplace and hear a tordion played by flute and drum. They
visit the times and music of Bach, Mozart and Berlioz, then on to Offenbach
and so on through to a rap song.

In one sentence, the show is a music history lesson encapsulated in a
journey of self-discovery for the bird, a sassy, spirited character to whom
children relate unreservedly.

Sunday 20 February at the Vernon Performing ArtsCentre, Vernon, 1:30 pm
Early bird family special - if purchased by Wednesday 9 February - 4tickets for $50 Ticket price after 9 February - Adults $30, Senior $21Youth $17. Family pack of four: $69.Look forward to seeing you there!

Skating Time Tomorrow

Hi Everyone,
I've booked some skating times in February at the Outdoor Rec Centre Skating Rink. Thursday, February 3 at 9:30 a.m. There are more to come just waiting for approval.
Home to see you there.
Delia

Drumming Workshop with Angela Roy

I thought I would pass this on. Rhiannon is planning on participating. If you are interested in drumming, this sounds like an excellent way to try it out. Angela Roy regularly teaches children drumming and runs creativity workshops for children.

This kids drumming circle will get to perform and the fundraiser for Komasket Music Festival on Feb 12 - a family Valentine's dance.

Greetings

How are you? Life is good.

We are looking forward to the Kids Drumming workshops leading them to perform at the Valentine dance!

Komasket is all about family is when this idea was presented to me, I felt so connected.

I am very excited jam it up and share the rhythms!

Drums & percussion instruments will be provided for all the children!

Here are the up dates on…

KIDS DRUMMING WORKSHOPS:

LOCATION: Center for positive Living

2913 29^th avenue

DATE: Saturday February 5^th

TIME: 3:00 to 4:30 (note time change)

DATE: Friday February 11^th

TIME: 3:30 to 5:00pm

Recommended Fee/ Donation:

10.00$ all funds go the KMF kids zone program

PERFORMANCE EVENT:

KMF Valentine Dance with OKA

Date: Saturday February 12^th 2011

Locations: Paddle Wheel Hall

Performance Time: To be announced and confirmed (around 7pm)

Please let us know if your child is able to attend! That would be great!

Contact Angela Roy

Phone: 250-212-7594

Email: angela@expression.bc.ca

PEACE GRATITUDE

Angela

Meeting Thursday February 3

Bean to Cup booked 7 - 10. See you there.

New Skating Time

Monday, Jan. 31st, 10:30 am
outdoor Rec Centre rink

Meeting this week?

I am actually feeling like a human being again and would love an excuse to get out of the house if anyone is up for it.

Dance Classes at the Inner World School - *New* Jazz and Tap

Hello everyone,

I just realized I hadn't posted this here. This semester my daughter Eryn is also offering Creative Tap and Creative Jazz for ages 5 – 14. Should be a lot of fun. All classes are now at the Coldstream Women's Institute. Classes start next week. All the info is listed below. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact me by phone 250-503-5416 or e-mail innerworldschool@shaw.ca .

Creative Dance Program at the Inner World School

At the Inner World School our dance classes have been developed out of a love of dance and a belief in the innate ability of children. We teach children to use the medium of dance to express their feelings, ideas and creativity. Their ideas and creative direction become an integral part of the class. Each performance is unique and has an original story created just for the dancers using their ideas. Come and join the fun in our next classes!

 

For Our Youngest Dancers

(and a parent)

 

Creative Movement for ages 18 months – 2.5 years and a parent or caregiver

You are never too young (or too old) to move to the music and express yourself through dance. Parents and their toddlers will wiggle, jump, somersault and dance in this fun class. With developmentally appropriate activities we will work on coordination, rhythm and muscle development, experience lots of different kinds of music and have a lot of fun! Come and join us!

 

6 sessions for $40.00

Thursdays, March 3 – April 21

11am – 11:45

 

For Our Young Dancers

Come have fun! We play games, explore different styles of dance and different kinds of music in this class for children aged 3 – 5. We will work on coordination, gracefulness and self-esteem.  The emphasis will be on creativity and supporting the young dancers in discovering and connecting
to their own inner expression.  Our 12 week session (see below) culminates in a magical performance choreographed by the teacher and the dancers

Creative Movement for ages 3 – 5

 

6 sessions for $60.00

Thursdays, January 27 – March 3

2 – 2:55pm

 

For Our Young Ballerinas

These creative ballet classes are about connecting children with the real beauty and art of ballet and encouraging the creativity and natural talent of the dancers.  We go on a journey deeper into the passion, the discipline, the beauty and the art of ballet. We use the technique of this dance form to explore self-expression and learn more about dance in general.  This class will culminate in a performance that the students will choreograph together and with the teacher.

Beginning Creative Ballet

for ages 5 – 8 (no experience necessary)

 

18 sessions for $180.00

Thursdays, January 27 – May 26

3:00 – 3:55pm

 

Intermediate Creative Ballet

for ages 8 – 12 (must have 1 semester of ballet, jazz or modern dance)

 

18 sessions for $180.00

Thursdays, January 27 – May 26

4:00 – 5:00

 

For Our Young Jazz Dancers

These creative jazz classes are about exploring the fun and energy of jazz dancing. The creativity and natural talent of the dancers will be supported in the medium of modern jazz. These classes will culminate in a performance that the students and teacher will choreograph together.

 

Beginning Creative Jazz

for ages 5 – 8 (no experience necessary)

18 sessions for $180.00

Fridays, January 28 – May 27

3:00 – 3:55pm

Intermediate Creative Jazz

for ages 9 – 14 (no experience necessary)

18 sessions for $180.00

Fridays, January 28 – May 27

4:00 – 5:00pm

 

For Our Young Tap Dancers

These creative tap classes will be loud and so much fun! Come learn the basics of tap and clatter around on the wood floors. Brush and shuffle your way into this quintessential North American dance style.

Beginning Creative Tap

for ages 5 – 8 (tap shoes necessary)

18 sessions for $180

Mondays, January 24 – May 23

3:00 – 3:55pm

 

Intermediate Creative Tap

for ages 9 – 14 (tap shoes necessary)

18 sessions for $180

Mondays, January 24 – May 23

4:00 – 5:00pm

art classes at Vernon Community Art Centre

Just a note to let you know that a second homeschool Art class will be running on Thursday afternoons, and it is already half full. The rotation of the classes will be different to allow for both groups on the same afternoon.

This class schedule will be:
Week one/two Drawing
Week three/four Clay
Week five Mixed Media
Week six Clay finishing
Week seven/eight Printmaking
Week nine/ten Painting

Also, we have scheduled a Friday night “Art Express” for 13-17 yrs with a variety of classes to choose from including:
Stencils and Spray-alternative painting
Movement Drawing-drawing the figure
Claymation: Create characters and animate them
Whodunnit! A live version of Clue
Build-a-Play Create your own play
Recycled Art-Sculpture from the recycling bin