Saturday, December 18, 2010
Outdoor Rec Centre Homeleaner Skate Times
Hello all,
I have organized a few skating times on the outdoor rink (by the Rec. Centre).
M. January 10, 10:30pm
F. January 14, 1:30pm
W. January 19, 1:30pm
There will be some opportunity to pick up some last minute spots as well, so I will email those out when I am able to get those.
Please note that there is not a supervisor, so make sure that either you stay with your children or that they are old enough to be on their own.
Sometimes the rink will set up nets and hockey to one side of the ice is a possibility.
Let me know if you have any further questions: sharibootsma@telus.net
Shari Bootsma
Friday, December 3, 2010
Weekly Home School Art Classes
Winter: Jan- March 2011
Homeschool Classes: Thursdays, Jan 13- March 17, 1:00-3:00 pm (10 classes)
Price: 120.00 per student, 25.00 materials, plus applicable taxes for a total $148 per student.. This program is designed for ages 7 to 12 yrs of age to optimize learning. Registration for this program is a maximum of 10 students.
Week one: Clay creation
Week two: Clay creation
These first two weeks will be an introduction to the world of clay using the handbuilding technique to create clay works. These will then be fired to the bisque stage.
Week three: Drawing
Week four: Drawing
These two weeks will explore the world of drawing, focusing on contour, line, value and texture.
Week five: Clay-finishing
This class will be an opportunity to finish the bisqued clay works created in the first two classes.
Week six: Painting
Week seven: Painting
Week eight: Painting
Acrylic paints are very versatile and easy to use. Through a series of projects you will explore colour , paint mixing, and various painting techniques.
Week nine: Printmaking
Week ten: Printmaking
Explore the world of monoprinting as a way to combine the skills developed in the drawing and painting classes. You will learn how to create a plate, use a printing press and develop imagery that is unique to you.
If you have any questions please call Christine at 250-542-6243.
In order to complete registrations for the students the parent needs to call or come in to the Vernon Community Arts Centre to make payment and to complete additional required information. Due to the holidays full payment must be received before the class begins on January 13, our usual policy is that payment must be made at least a week prior to class start.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Meeting This Thursday Anyone?
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Artisans Guild Show and Sale Invitation
Christmas Faire Invitation
Come and celebrate the magic and wonder of the winter season with the entire family!
Marketplace offering natural toys and handcrafted gifts for all ages.
With:
Creative activites for children
Delicious food and baking
Puppet shows
Live music
Where: Cedar Bridge School
730 Whitevale Rd. Lumby
When: Saturday Dec 4th 11am - 3pm
Sincerely,
Cedar Bridge School Community
Downhill Skiing Invitation
First of all thank you all for the welcoming emails. I will hope to be able to offer you the same service that Holly Mitchell provided so efficiently. I will try to make the transition as smooth as possible. Since the group is already known as SOHE by all participants in the skiing as well as the resort, we will continue to identify ourselves as such.
I have booked the following dates for the 2010-11 season. Prices are the same as last year but you have the option to a two hour lesson for $18.00. Please make sure to mention wether you wish to book your children for the usual one hour for $10.00 or for the two hour.
Be sure to let me know which dates you are interested in and for how many skiers.
Date Lesson time
December 7 @ 10 AM
December 15 @ 10 AM
December 21 @ 10 AM
December 29 @ 10 AM
January 4 @ 10AM
January 11 @ 10AM
February 9 @ 10 AM
February 23 @ 10 AM
March 1 @ 10 AM
March 16 @ 10 AM
I will email you more information about the forms that need to be filled out as soon as I get them from Silver Star.
Warm regards,
Miracle of Peace Cripps
250 547-8829
Silver Star Downhill Skiing Invitation
Well, I have taken your feedback, and along with our family schedule have complied a list of a few alternative ski/boarding dates for Silver Star this year.
Seems the end of the week works well, so we've requested most dates on Fridays. Here they are........
Jan 14th (Fri)
Jan 26th (Wed)
Feb 4th (Fri)
Feb 11th (Fri)
Mar 4th (Fri)
Mar 25th (Fri)
Prices are as follows, and lesson times will be firmed up when we've got all our registrations done. Earlier morning sessions seem to work best for having all the students together at relatively the same time. It worked fairly well when Holly scheduled them at 10am, but we have the option to go at 9:00 am, 11:00 am and noon as well. If you have any input, it's welcome...
Also, as Miracle of Peace stated in her previous e-mails, 2 hour lessons are an option, but it kinda works like this....... either "everyone" from our group is doing a 2 hr lesson on a given day, or a 1hr lesson. But the hill doesn't want it broken up between student in the group. It's kind of a 'hard-stop' administratively speaking, so to make it easy (chances of everyone wanting to pay for the extra hour are slim), for these alternative dates, we'll keep it to 1 hr lessons.
Pricing - per Student
$10.00 1 hr lesson
$ 5.00 lift ticket
$ 7.00 equipment rental (skiing or boarding)
Calculation - total for those with their own equipment = $15.00, and for those who need equipment = $22.00 per day
Pricing - Adults
No Lessons for Adults (we must follow incongnito)
$25.00 lift ticket
$10.00 equipment rental (same)
Pricing - Children under 5
Free lift ticket (but must still obtain a special lift ticket at the hill)
No lessons available (under the school pricing options - but at the hill as a separate offer - lessons are available for younger children)
I will forward the necessary paperwork to fill out when you respond, and can process everything from there.
Email me at kelliemast@... or call 833 5466 with any questions
Have a wonderful week........
Kellie Mast
Bowling Invitation
Friday, December 17: 11:30-1:00. So, we've changed the date to Friday, December 10th: 11:30-1:00.
The next two bowling dates are as follows:
Friday, November 19: 11:30-1:00 @ Lincoln Lanes
Friday, December 10: 11:30-1:00 @ Lincoln Lanes (Edit: New Date)
The cost is $4.00/person. I think rather than people signing up with me, I'll make it a drop-in event. If you are coming on that day, please be there by 11:30 and we can form the groups based on who comes each time (first come first serve). If you come late, I can't guarantee who you'll be bowling with...and I think the whole idea is that we mix up the groups so it's not just families bowling with their siblings.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks.
Kerry Gilbert
ktrevelyan@hotmail.com
Christmas Craft Day Invitation
Please RSVP to me at lina-r@shaw.ca and let me know if your children will be attending. We need to get a good idea of numbers to make sure we have purchased enough picture frames and made enough cookies.
Kind regards,
Lina Rogers
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Last Thursday of November -- Meeting?
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Just a reminder about this Friday's Hike
November 26th - Cousins Bay Hike
- Friday November 26th, 2010.
- Meet in the parking lot. Bring loonies, twoonies and quarters in case you have to pay for parking.
- Meet in parking lot at 12:00pm! Hike will begin at 12:15pm :0)
Email me gilbank@gmail.com for any questions.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Update on Previous Post
There is a new board of directors. They are holding their first meeting right now.
All is well.
Thank you to everyone who helped by sharing the news and sending in your memberships (and please don't forget to send in your fees!).
We can certainly celebrate this wonderful extended home learning community we have in BC.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
BCHLA is in peril
The BCHLA Is in Peril
Home
learners in BC have recently learned that the Board of the BC Home Learners’ Association (BCHLA) has called an Annual General Meeting (AGM) for Tuesday, November 16, to pass a special resolution to dissolve the BCHLA.
Home Learners' Association 2010 Annual General Meeting
No explanation of why this dissolution resolution was initiated has been made public, but there is correspondence suggesting that the BC Home School Association (BCHSA - see below) is moving to take over the lead role as BC's "voice of homeschoolers" to the BC Ministry of Education.
According to the BCHSA spokesperson, Grace Jorgenson, BCHSA, BCHLA, and Home School Legal Defense Organization (HSLDA - see below) have been in meetings about this for the past eight months. The BCHSA spokesperson is organizing a meeting on November 27 with mainland homeschool "leaders" to discuss policies, insurance issues, events, political considerations and a provincial vision.
Home learning families in BC were unaware that any discussion along this line was taking place. Many of us are very concerned that this change was not publicized to the main stakeholders, the actively home learning families in BC who are affected by provincial laws and policy. Instead, the dissolution of the BCHLA was settled behind closed doors by these three groups.
BC home learning families need an active, informed, and independent home learning advocacy group, which:
- has the support of BC homeschooling families
- is run by actively homeschooling parent volunteers chosen by its membership
- is based solely in BC
- is united regardless of religious or philosophical beliefs
- can speak to the government with authority and confidence on our behalf if and when the need arises.
We need the BCHLA.
BC Home Learners’ Association
Why We All Should Care
Many home learners who are currently enrolled in DL programs are wondering why they should care about all of this:
IF REGISTRATION WERE NO LONGER AN OPTION IN BC, AND YOU WERE FORCED TO ENROLL (rather than choosing to), HOW WOULD THIS AFFECT YOUR HOMESCHOOLING EXPERIENCE?
* We are complacent in BC, enjoying the luxury of the best homeschooling laws in Canada (thanks to the BCHLA), and possibly all of North America! But what if all that changed?
* Section 12/13 (the Registration option) allows parents to take complete responsibility for their children's learning and opt out of state-mandated education.
* Annually in BC, fewer than 3,000 children take advantage of Registration under Section 12/13, but the freedom this option guarantees every homelearning family is paramount!
* Currently DL programs have to compete with the option of Section 12/13 homeschooling: if parents are unhappy with the program requirements, they are free to leave DLs altogether and Register under Section 12/13. This gives DLs an incentive to make sure that their programs are attractive to home learning families.
* Who speaks to the government in a united voice, irrespective of religious or philosophical beliefs, to advocate and remind them that Section 12/13 affects hundreds more than the 3,000 currently using it?
The BCHLA is the *only* grassroots, volunteer, parent-run advocacy group lobbying the government for homelearning freedom in BC regardless of religious or philosophical beliefs - it was created for the people, by the people!
Since 1987, before Sections 12 and 13 even existed, before educating your children at home was legally recognized, BCHLA (then CHEA BC) has been advocating for and protecting our right as parents to take sole responsibility for our children's educations if we so choose - the founders created the 1988 Royal Commission on Education submission that led to legal status for home learners in BC - something we all celebrate and take for granted 20 years later!
BC-wide, parents are saying that resurrecting BCHLA may give homelearners in BC the most consistent, respected, continuous, and inclusive voice with government agencies so we can continue to protect what we are all lucky enough to enjoy today.
History of Homeschooling in British Columbia
What We All Can Do
Step 1: Pledge to join the BCHLA today.
Let’s show the current board that homeschoolers in BC are not apathetic and that we do care what happens to us in the political arena. Let’s inform them that we want to be able to choose our own representation to the Ministry of Education in matters relating to homeschooling legislation and that we choose BCHLA to be our voice. If you haven’t joined or have let your membership lapse, pledge to join today.
If you can attend the meeting on Tuesday night, bring your membership form and $25 fee with you.
If not:
- You can fax your membership form to 1-866-228-2398 and we will print it and take it to the meeting on Tuesday for you.
- You can also scan your form and email it to Melissa Hodges and she will print it off and ensure it gets to the meeting.
- You can then mail in your membership fees on Wednesday, November 17 to the address shown on the form.
Membership Form
Step 2: Attend the AGM on November 16th if you can.
7:00 - 9:00pm
Holiday Inn Express Meeting Room
8750 204th St., Langley, BC
Anyone can become a member of the BCHLA. Only members actively home educating (registered or enrolled) their children can vote at an AGM.
Step 3: Please volunteer for the board or to help with administration.
Any home educating parent (registered or enrolled) can be a BCHLA board member at this time.
have home educated their child(ren) for a minimum of five (5) years.
Both short-term “stop-gap” people are needed as well as long-term “dig-in” people. Feel free to put your name forward for either. Even if you are not voted onto the board at this time, it’s so important to know who is willing for future years or who can offer other ways to help at this time. Please indicate your interest on your membership application form.
Step 4: Wait to hear back. Then act.
If the BCHLA is saved and a new board is formed, then we all need to give it our
full support as our spokes-organization.
If the resolution to dissolve the BCHLA is carried and BCHSA assumes it can step
into the role of advocacy (in a relationship with the HSLDA), people are poised
to move forward to create a relationship with the Ministry as part of a new
advocacy group that is inclusive of all homeschooling styles and religious or
non-religious beliefs.
Step 5: Spread the Word. Become involved.
Whether advocacy continues through the BCHLA or a new group is formed, let’s inform all support groups in BC about what's happening and encourage people to join the continuing BCHLA or new organization. We need a strong and connected group that will be able to communicate with many British Columbian home learning families about the political climate in BC as it relates to our home education freedoms. We need this grassroots group to be our representative voice in times of crisis
or change.
Step 6: Know that you matter
You really do. Each of us does. We all need to step forward in whatever way we can to show our support for this organization that has paved the way for the home learning freedoms we enjoy in the province of British Columbia.
BC Home School Association (BCHSA)
BCHSA was formed to support the running of a homeschooling conference that was initiated by the Traditional Learning Academy (an independent religious school). There is, however, no opportunity for membership in the BCHSA mentioned on their website. There is no mention of the board (and criteria for board members), the constitution and bylaws, or the mandate of the organization beyond:
We are not certain if their spokesperson, Grace Jorgenson, is a paid employee and under the direction of their board of directors or a homeschooling parent volunteer acting as a board member.
Grace Jorgenson of BCHSA is a lovely person with her heart in the right place. She has done a great job with the BCHSA convention for years and her contributions in that arena are appreciated. She is, however, likely quite unaware of the how very important the BCHLA, a grassroots and parent-run organization, is to home learning families in BC. She also probably does not realize how many homeschoolers in BC do not wish the HSLDA to have any role in speaking to or influencing the provincial government on our behalf.
BC Home School Association
Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
The Homeschool Legal Defense Association is an organization that many homeschoolers appreciate and many do not. Each individual homeschooling family can look at the information provided by both the HSLDA and its critics and make their own decision.
Some facts:
- HSLDA has been in Canada since 1994 (seven years after the BCHLA began its effective advocacy work on our behalf). It was invited to intervene in Alberta, which now has the most restrictive and complicated homeschooling laws in Canada (1999, 2006). Alberta Home Education Regulation
- HSLDA joined with groups such as REAL Women and Focus on the Family to oppose Bill S-209. The bill called for the elimination of Section 43 of Canada's Criminal Code, which permits parents, teachers and caregivers to use “reasonable force” when disciplining a child.
- The HSLDA board is comprised of six men, one of whom is American. It does not appear that any of them live in British Columbia.
- HSLDA states that it does not support families with children enrolled in a school program. In the US, it’s clear on their website that this includes home-based school programs with the same role as BC’s Distributed Learning programs.
- HSLDA states that it only supports families who provide their children with a clear program of study. This policy excludes many relaxed, eclectic and unschooling homeschooling families from their support.
- Critics of the HSLDA in both Canada and the US have noted that when they are involved in creating homeschooling laws, the laws are more restrictive and difficult to navigate, suited only to the most school-like homeschooling methodologies.
Many home learning families in BC are uncomfortable aligning with the HSLDA. Two years ago, the BCHLA membership insisted that there be no formal association between the two groups.
It’s also important to note that the two provinces with the best homeschooling laws are British Columbia and Ontario, where parents took the helm and negotiated directly with the government through their own grass-roots, parent-run organizations and without assistance from the HSLDA.
Monday, November 8, 2010
November 26th - Cousins Bay Hike
- Friday November 26th, 2010.
- Meet in the parking lot. Bring loonies, twoonies and quarters in case you have to pay for parking.
- Meet in parking lot at 12:00pm! Hike will begin at 12:15pm :0)
Email me gilbank@gmail.com for any questions.
Puppet show by Runaway Moon Theatre
I was asked to post the following:
Runaway Moon Theatre is doing another Vernon performance at Vernon
Secondary school, this coming wednesday 10th november at 7pm. It is a highly recommended show, it's very appropriate for young kids and
is very engaging, beautiful and also teaches us something about how
water is used and understood in the small Kenyan village of Akonjo.
$5 for kids $12 adults, $30 families
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Support Meeting - Thursday, Nov. 4th at 7pm
See you there!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
No Meeting tonight -- how about next week?
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Friday, Oct 29th-Mt. Rose and Mt. Swanson in Armstrong
Directions: - Follow Salmon Valley Road to Hallam Rd
- then left onto Chamberlain Rd for 2km,
- through 2 deep bends and to a fork in the road.
- Turn left, watch for the trailhead sign about 500m to the left. 3.5 hours round trip.
We'll meet at 11am and begin the hike at 11:15am sharp!
Bring water and a lunch!!!
You may also like to bring ideas for a personal scavenger hunt? (optional)
If you have any questions, email me at gilbank@gmail.com.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Some information about This Friday's Hike
So....bring some loonies and twoonies and maybe even quarters and hopefully that'll be enough!
See you in the parking lot at Ellison on Friday October 15th!
Friday, October 8, 2010
Two More Hikes this month
Friday, Oct 15th -Ellison Park - Nature Trail Loop - 2-3 hours.
I havn't been to Ellison, so I'm guessing we'll meet in the parking lot?
Meet at 11:00am.
Hike will begin at 11:15am
Bring water and a lunch.
You may also like to bring ideas for a personal scavenger hunt? (optional)
Friday, Oct 29th-Mt. Rose and Mt. Swanson in Armstrong - more difficult hike - Follow Salmon Valley Road to Hallam Rd, then left onto Chamberlain Rd for 2km, through 2 deep bends and to a fork in the road. Turn left, watch for the trailhead sign about 500m to the left. 3.5 hours round trip.
If you have any questions email me gilbank@gmail.com
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Meeting tonight AT TALKIN' DONKEY!!!
I just got a call back from the manager at Talkin' Donkey and the marriage group that had the room upstairs booked did cancel. there was some confusion about that, and we've had some times before where we've booked the room and somehow didn't get it. So! We DO have the Talkin Donkey Room upstairs booked for tonight from 7 until 10pm. Looks like there'll be a good show of people.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Next meeting tomorrow
Meeting this week? September 30th.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Horseback Riding Opportunities
You can contact her at KirbyKozek@hotmail.com
Homeschool Classes at the Arts Centre
The Vernon Community Arts Centre:
The Vernon Community Arts Centre offers a wide range of classes for youth and adults. We can also design custom classes for a group of 4 or more homeschoolers. I would be happy to talk with you or any of your homeschoolers about the art making possiblities we offer.
We also have a small gallery space where we have an ongoing display of our members work. It is free of charge and open to the public during our regular business hours. We will be having an Open House Reception on Sept 24 from 2-4pm and you are all welcome to attend.
Christine Kashuba
Program Director
250-542-6243
Vernon Community Arts Centre
in the heart of Polson Park
Hike This Friday October 1st, 2010!
Friday, Oct 1st - Mckergow Meadows (Middleton Mountain)
Meet at 11am--HIKE BEGINS AT 11:15 sharp!
-shorter, steeper hike - take Kalamalka Lake Rd to
Husband Road, parking is at the end of the cul-de-sac.
Mud Lake, a small pond within the park is
home to ducks, geese, toads and salamanders.
Beware the prickly pear cacti on the slopes!
Bring water and a lunch, just in case we're longer
with visiting/playing (after or during the hike)
than planned.
email Caroline at gilbank@gmail.com for any
questions ;0)
Friday, September 24, 2010
Youth Recreational Hockey
For boys and girls ages 10 and up, this program was designed to allow for a non- contact, stress-free, fun environment for kids (and parents) to come out and enjoy the game they love, all the while developing them as sportsmanlike players, good citizens and team mates. Ice times will include some skating skills training, puck/stick handling (hockey drills) and 45-60 minutes each week of scrimmage (lines will be set up to match skill levels).
The only pre-requisite is that players are able to skate unassisted. All other skills can be gained, so don't let lack of experience hinder you from coming out and having fun in a welcoming and non-judgemental environment.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Hike Friday September 24th, 2010
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 24th, 2010
-Bring water and a lunch.
-Meet at the entrance off Silver Star Road at 10:30am
Hike begins at 11am sharp! It'll probably be around 1-2 hours.
Optional:
Bring ideas for your children to take part in an individual Nature Scavenger Hunt!
For more information email Caroline: gilbank@gmail.com
Cerified organic apples for Sale
Phone Anita at: 250-542-8302 for more information.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Dance Classes at the Inner World School
It seems that fall is suddenly upon us. I hope you all had a great summer. I know ours whizzed by in no time! Here at the Inner World School we are gearing up for lots of fun this fall.
This fall we will be having 3 dance classes - a Creative Movement Class, and two Creative Ballet Classes - a beginner one and an intermediate one. All classes will be on Thursdays at the Coldstream Women's Institute across from Coldstream Elementary. (see below for all the details) As usual the Creative Ballet classes will be expected to attend dance performances at the Performing Arts Centre.
Dance brochures are now available at the library, People Place, the Bean Scene, Shambhala and around town. Scholarships and payment plans are available.
If you are interested in trading some woodworking services for fees, we need a portable barre and wooden frames put around two 3x3 mirrors and then mounted on wheels somehow so that we can easily roll them in and out of the room at the Hall.
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
12 sessions for $120.00
Thursdays, Sept 23 – Dec 16
11am – 12noon
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)
12 sessions for $120.00
Thursdays, Sept 23 – Dec 16
3:00 – 3:55pm
Intermediate Creative Ballet
for ages 8 – 12 (must have 1 semester of ballet, jazz or modern dance)
12 sessions for $120.00
Thursdays, Sept 23 – Dec 16
4:00 – 4:55
All classes facilitated by
Andrea Clarke
All dance classes are held at the Coldstream Women’s Institute
9909 Kalamalka Lake Rd
(across from Coldstream Elementary)
To Register call or e-mail Andrea at:
250-503-5416
innerworldschool@gmail.com