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SPRING 2015-16

►ConnectEDA Magazine for the Families of Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools

After years of planning and construction, Wellington Secondary’s seismic upgrades are wrapping up with substantial comple-

tion set for the end of April.

Construction began in the summer of 2013, but portions of Wellington that were built beginning in 1967 were initially investigated by Engineering Consultants in 1993, on behalf of the district.

In 2012, an expedited Seismic Project Definition Report was completed which also ensured the school could function through the multiple phases of required structural and non-structural construc-tion.

“Wellington was rated as an H1 facility which is defined as ‘Most vulnerable structure; at highest risk of widespread damage or structural failure; not reparable after a seismic event’,” said District Facilities Energy Manager Emil Bock.

Wellington consists of six blocks – one central block that houses the school library and five outer blocks that hold classrooms, shops, a gym and administrative spaces.

Five of the blocks required seismic upgrading, including demolition and replacement of one class-room block. The roof over the central block was also replaced with a lightweight alternative.

“Upgrades will provide students and staff with a seismically safe and renewed facility including amenities that will foster a successful learning en-vironment,” Bock said. “The project also included an Earthquake Early Warning System in partner-ship with the University of British Columbia.” The system includes early warning detection as well as building motion detection through the use of two sensors in the field and eight on the building structure.

…amenities that will foster a successful learning environment.”

In addition to the structural renovations, there have been many interior, stylistic, and amenity upgrades in order to create “21st Century Learning Features,” said Wellington Principal Chad Lintott.

One such upgrade is the super lab concept which serves as a collaborative lab space. It features one large lab with all of the amenities connected to separate regular classrooms for course work and lectures. This way, multiple science classes can collaborate in the lab space.

Wow Wellington!by Natalie Gates

Read more…

SPRING 2015-16

In partnership with Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools, the Nanaimo Lions Club is launching a program called Your

Vision is our Vision. Uplands Park Elemen-tary utilized the project for the first time ever, in February.

This project is designed to help identify children in Grades 4 to 7 who have vision problems by using fast, portable devices in the schools. This free vision test indicates if further assessment should be investigated.

The process is quick and easy; students line up and take turns sitting in front of a Lions member holding a device that resembles a large Polaroid camera.

The students then look into the lens and after a few flashing lights that pick up sensors in the eyes, the scan is complete in

seconds. It then provides a simple report on its screen that has been shown to be 98 percent accurate. “We can test people from 6 months to 100 years old,” said Lions Club member Robert Dalton.

After developing the project for 15 months, the Lions Club has raised $50,000 for the devices with the help of their corporate sponsor, Lions International.

The first device of this kind in Canada arrived in October 2014. There are currently four of these $10,000 devices, with one each in Port Alberni, the Gulf Islands, Victoria, and Nanaimo.

So far, Uplands Park Elementary is the only school to take part in the assessments, but the Lions Club is working on getting ap-proval from others. “We started with one in

Port Alberni as a Lions project, which be-came a zone project, and then it came to the district,” said Dalton.

…this is the first time it has been brought to children

of this age.

While there are public health eye checks in Kindergarten, this is the first time it has been brought to children of this age. “Studies show that eyes are most likely to change in Grades 4 to 7,” Dalton said. “So we encourage people to get checked early.”

This project aims to save both optometrist and patients’ time as it indicates whether or not further inspection of the eyes is suggested.

The devices can also be used on people who already have vision prescriptions while they are wearing their glasses or contacts to indicate if their prescription is no longer accurate for them.

The plan is to check students in this age range yearly, as vision issues have been proven to contribute to behavioural issues.

“If a student is continuously acting up, the first thing we check for is hearing and vision issues,” said Uplands Park Teacher Sarah Anderson.

“I’ve never heard of a project like this be-fore, we’re the first school in all of Canada,” said Uplands Park Principal Lisa Robinson. “When the Lions Club reached out to the district, we immediately said yes. We’re excited to be a part of it.” •

Your vision is our visionBy Natalie Gates

Cedar Family of Community SchoolsYogaLocation: Woodbank Primary Room 126Monday, March 21: 7 to 8:15 p.m. Ages: Grade 7 to adultNo CostUkelele CampLearn some tunes on the ukulele and join in some music games. Instrument provided.Location: Woodbank PrimaryTuesday, March 22: 10 a.m. to 12 noonAges: Grades 3 to 5Cost: $5

Art Explorer’s Drawing AdventureThis workshop works with still life, photographs, images, themes and ideas. Students will be introduced to specific drawing fundamentals and techniques including line draw-ing, sketching, value, shape, pattern, texture and shading. Location: Woodbank Primary Multi-purpose RoomWednesday, March 23 - Grades 1 to 4: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. - Grades 5 to 7: 12 noon to 2 p.m.Cost: $15; supplies includedPainters Brush into SpringThe focus of this class is to explore the use of colour and painting techniques. Students will create vibrant and imagi-native paintings that incorporate themes and techniques. Location: Woodbank Primary School Thursday March 24 - Grades 1 to 4: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. - Grades 5 to 7: 12 noon to 2 p.m.Cost: $20; supplies includedYou must pre-register; call Community School Coordinator Karen at 250 722-3665 or email kstcyr@sd68.bc.ca. Payment must be made by Monday, March 14.

Harewood Family of Community SchoolsRed Cross Babysitter’s CourseLocation: Fairview Community School

Saturday, March 12: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ages: 11 to 13 yearsCost: $25/studentLet’s PaintLocation: Fairview Community SchoolMonday, March 14 to Wednesday, March 16: 9:30 a.m. to 12 noonAges: 5 to 8 years Cost: $10/studentStudio ClassLocation: Fairview Community SchoolMonday, March 14 to Wednesday, March 16: 12:30 to 3 p.m.Ages: 8 to 11 yearsCost: $10/studentBeginner’s SewingLocation: Fairview Community SchoolMonday, March 14 to Thursday, March 17: 9:30 a.m. to 12 noonAges: 10 to 13 yearsCost: $10/studentContact: Linda Manarin, 250-741-1250 for more informa-tion and to register.

Nanaimo MuseumNight at the Museum Night at the Museum includes lantern tours through the coal mine in the dark, and other hands-on activities. Tuesdays, March 15 and 22: 5:30 to 7 p.m.Self-Guided Family Discovery Tours Monday, March 14, Friday, March 18 and Monday March 21. These tours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Drop-in heritage programs Each afternoon has a different theme with related activities. Wednesdays and Thursdays: 1 to 4 p.m.

March 16 - Chinatown; March 17 - Coal Miner; March 23 - Space; March 24 - Vikings

Programs are included in the cost of admission. Activities are aimed at children 5 to 12 years of age. Parents/caregivers must be present throughout the activity.

Crimson Coast Dance SocietyBody Talk Spring Break WorkshopMake Moves with Crimson Coast Dance Society’s Body Talk Teen Cru this spring break. This year’s participants are working with TedxTalk Speaker and award-winning BC Arts Champion, Dianna David. Location: Vibe Studio, NanaimoAges: Teen workshops are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; All ages workshops are 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $100Register for these workshops from March 14 to 20. Visit www.crimsoncoastdance.org /dance@crimsoncoast.org to find out more information or to register.

Pacific Sport Vancouver IslandXplorerSportZLocation: Fairview Community SchoolMonday, March 14 until Friday, March 18 and Monday, March 21 to Thursday, March 24: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Ages: 7 to 12 years Cost: $35/day; $30/day for 4 or more daysFor more information, email Catherine Edwards at CEdwards@pacificsport.com or call 250 740-6572.

Nanaimo Arts CouncilIslands Short Fiction ContestThe contest has three categories: Adult (19 and over); Youth (13 to 18); and Junior (12 and under) for up to 2,000 words. There are no entry fees; submission deadline is March 21. The 2016 Festival of BannersTheme: What a Wonderful WorldFor the past 28 years, professional artists and amateur paint-ers have created, beautiful, one-of-a-kind works of art in the form of street banners. Entry forms are now available at the Nanaimo Arts Council, #4 Commercial Street. Submission deadline is April 15, 2016.For more information visit www.nanaimoartscouncil.ca.

Spring break activities & events

SPRING 2015-16

SPRING 2015-16

City of Nanaimo

SPRING BREAK

Take aM ment

www.nanaimo.ca • ireg.nanaimo.ca

250-756-5200

Programs

Tree Frog Camp3 to 5 YearsThis is a daycamp for little people! The week will include games, music, arts and crafts. Instructor: Julie Miller, ECEM-F, Mar 14-18 9:30-11:30 am $68/5 137402M-Th, Mar 21-24 9:30-11:30 am $54/4 137404Oliver Woods Community Centre

Mud Pies3 to 6 YearsProjects include name plates, handprints, animals and simple bowls and plates. Parent participation is required. Instructor: Maranne IvesMon-Wed, Mar 14-16 10-11 am $74/4 142932Glazing on Wed, Mar 23, 10-11 amBowen Pottery Studio

Camp Firefly6 to 11 YearsMarch break means it’s time to play! Join us for sports, games, arts and crafts and much more. Participants must be currently in Grade 1 in order to register (sorry, no Kindergarten students).Mon, Mar 14 8:30 am-5 pm $38/1 143665Tue, Mar 15 8:30 am-5 pm $38/1 143666Wed, Mar 16 8:30 am-5 pm $38/1 143667Thu, Mar 17 8:30 am-5 pm $38/1 143668Fri, Mar 18 8:30 am-5 pm $38/1 143669Mon, Mar 21 8:30 am-5 pm $38/1 143670Tue, Mar 22 8:30 am-5 pm $38/1 143671Wed, Mar 23 8:30 am-5 pm $38/1 143672Thu, Mar 24 8:30 am-5 pm $38/1 143673Beban Park Social Centre

Art Attack!6 to 11 YearsExperience a variety of arts and crafts such as painting, drawing and clay and take home a masterpiece each day.Mon, Mar 14 1-4 pm $20/1 143788Tue, Mar 15 1-4 pm $20/1 143789Wed, Mar 16 1-4 pm $20/1 143790Thu, Mar 17 1-4 pm $20/1 143791Fri, Mar 18 1-4 pm $20/1 143792Oliver Woods Community Centre

Camp Action 8 to 12 YearsFor children who love to be active! Play games, activities and sports in this full day camp. We also have super fun out trips planned. Register for the whole week or only the days you need.Mon, Mar 14 8:30 am-5 pm $38/1 143769Tue, Mar 15 8:30 am-5 pm $38/1 143370Wed, Mar 16 8:30 am-5 pm $38/1 143771Thu, Mar 17 8:30 am-5 pm $38/1 143772Fri, Mar 18 8:30 am-5 pm $38/1 143773Mon, Mar 21 8:30 am-5 pm $38/1 143784Tue, Mar 22 8:30 am-5 pm $38/1 143785Wed, Mar 23 8:30 am-5 pm $38/1 143786Thu, Mar 24 8:30 am-5 pm $38/1 143787Oliver Woods Community Centre

RecSkate Spring Break Camp6 to 11 YearsThis recreational skating camp includes times for lessons, stations, games and free time. There is something for everyone! Camp also includes a pizza lunch, a movie and a swim. We recommend that skaters have passed a minimum of RecSkate 1. Pre-camp care is available from 8:30-9 am for $3. Mon, Mar 14 9 am-5 pm $38/1 144525Tue, Mar 15 9 am-5 pm $38/1 144526Wed, Mar 16 9 am-5 pm $38/1 144527Thu, Mar 17 9 am-5 pm $38/1 144528Nanaimo Ice Centre

RecHockey Spring Break Camp6 to 11 YearsThis recreational ice hockey camp is for participants of varying abilities. Emphasis is on the FUNdamentals of hockey with three ice times for skills, scrimmage and stations. Camp also includes a pizza lunch, a movie and a swim. We recommend that skaters have passed a minimum of RecSkate 2. Pre-camp care is available from 8:30-9 am for $3. Mon, Mar 14 9 am-5 pm $38/1 144529Tue, Mar 15 9 am-5 pm $38/1 144530Wed, Mar 16 9 am-5 pm $38/1 144531Thu, Mar 17 9 am-5 pm $38/1 144532Nanaimo Ice Centre

Spend Spring Break with Us!No homework given and extraordinary experiences guaranteed!

PinkShirt Promise - showing our support for anti-bullying

SPRING 2015-16

A new artistic project at Nanaimo District Sec-ondary (NDSS), known as “My Bowl is Half Full,” aims to represent the unity and unique-

ness of its students, as well as the significance of the Snuneymuxw people to the area.

The project, a 24-foot long, 10-foot high piece will take the form of an Aboriginal Button Blanket made of clay, and will be constructed out of individual tiles created by students from all seven schools within the Connect ND at NDSS and Learning Alternatives.

“It is illustrating our ability to bring ourselves togeth-er,” Vice-Principal Bob Brooks said. This school im-provement project is supported by a grant from Artists in the Classroom (AIC), the Parent Advisory Council (PAC), and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools.

Fine arts teacher Beverly Long says its timeliness is clear in several ways. “I have always felt this piece has its own purpose, that it’s destined to be,” she said. “There are so many things that have happened over time that make it right.”

…one community woven together while still recognizing each

individual’s values.

For one, the Button Blanket will represent NDSS as be-ing one community woven together while still recog-nizing each individual’s values, Long explained. Each tile will have a unique design but they will all be red, black, and white to symbolize everyone being unified. “The tiles show students’ personal interest, the designs are meaningful to them,” said Long. There will also be imbedded screens which will play videos showcasing all sorts of student success.

Since students from Woodlands Secondary will soon be transferring to NDSS, Long would also like to ask

them to create some tiles. “I think it would really help connect us,” she said. The project is also creating con-nections to Woodlands by using an eagle as the centre piece, which is Woodlands’ symbol.

The AIC artists, Jackson Robertson, Noel Brown, Scott Leaf, Holly Olsen, and Graham Sheehan, have had a huge role in the project, from inspiring students and ensuring the Aboriginal pieces are accurate, to pro-viding technical support. The Aboriginal artists have connected with VAST students about how they get their artistic inspiration and how they have found their place in the bigger picture, Long explained.

Such connections registered with students of all pro-grams. For example, “One mother from the Ravens program said she wanted to leave something behind at the school, and she cried after making her tile,” Long said. “It shows that everybody has a place.”

The Button Blanket will feature traditional Aboriginal designs in its corner tiles, the eagle carving centre piece, a dugout canoe in front of it, the totem poles that will border it, and its underlying theme of water, earth, and sky. “It’s important to be authentic and cul-turally correct,” she said. “It’s substantial for honouring the nation’s land we are teaching and learning on.”

Recently-hired Coast Salish Elder Penny Seward adds to the timeliness of the project, Long said. Her input has been vital, as she has explained the importance of the canoe, which symbolizes the journey, and the Eagle which is known as the guardian of knowledge, and is symbolized by a pearl.

There will also be beach-like pebbles at the bottom, a cedar bark fringe, and reaching roots, which is said to symbolize the ancestors’ support. “It’s hard for a non-native person to realize the significance of all the different parts, so having Penny and the artists’ input has been amazing,” Long said. With the project’s June 15 deadline fast approaching, Long was once worried

NDSS Button BlanketBy Natalie Gates

Read more next page...

that it would not be completed in time, but now she feels certain it has a way of working out. Finding multiple meanings in each part of the piece shows that each element holds important significance.

“At first I didn’t know what it was go-ing to look like, but I wanted it to be big enough to have an impact, and be a sort of environmental piece,” Long said. “I wanted an art piece to integrate the cultural views and honor the kids. The bowl metaphor represents them bringing things to their learning that they already have, and allows them to show something of themselves. It feels spiritual when you have a piece of art with a presence. It’s like it’s meant to be.”

For more information and photos of the project, go to the Facebook page, My Bowl is Half Full. •

SPRING 2015-16

...button blanket Welcome new Syrian families

Welcome to beautiful Vancouver Island! Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools would like to welcome you and your family to your new country, new city.

As a community, we hope that the city and schools will provide you with comfort and safety and give your family a place to heal. As the days and weeks go by, we look forward to making you part of our community. Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools will be a great place for your family to flourish in its new surroundings.

Welcome to your new home! We look forward to meeting you. •

Homestay families neededNanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools is currently seeking caring and sup-portive homestay families who would welcome the opportunity to share their home with an international student. The students are generally 15 to 18 years of age and would attend the high school in your neighbour-hood. The district pays a stipend to homestay families.

If your family is interested in this rewarding experience to share our Canadian culture, and offer support and guidance to young international students, please contact the International Student Education office at ISE@sd68.bc.ca.

SPRING 2015-16

Send us your story ideas and comments to communications@sd68.bc.ca. We’d love to hear from you!

This past fall, a number of Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools participated in the Chapters-Indigo Adopt a School Challenge. For a period of about three weeks, families, friends and staff

were encouraged to “vote” for their elementary school. The top three schools in each province won prizes of $10,000, $7,500 or $5,000.

Fairview finished 8th place in B.C. and Seaview finished 9th place in B.C.. Though not one of the top prize winners, there were great rewards for participating. Seaview was the officially adopted school for Nanaimo, so they raised about $6,500 in online and in-store donations.

The Indigo Love of Reading Foundation surprised all participating schools with a gift of $1,000 at the end of the campaign and Seaview was given a gift of $5,000 as they were the officially adopted school for Nanaimo.

Park Avenue, Woodbank and Forest Park also participated and were each given gifts of $1,000. The result is more great books in the hands of our students.

Students were ecstatic to see so many great new books hitting the shelves! The libraries have all benefited from an influx of new books and students are excited about the new titles! •

Adopt a School programby Heather Lyons