Volume 7, Edition 2

In 2008, Surrey

was the firs

t school

district in

B.C. to

offer the innova-

tive Fast ForWord

program.

MUSIC ENRICHES SURREY SCHOOLS- Envision Jazz

Fest Highlights

- Bramwell Tovey visits Johnston Heights

May 2011

PAGE 11

Surrey School Rebranding - Punjabi Translation

Fast ForWord Program

Bell Centre Events

PAGE 6

District unveils new brandDistrict unveils new brandInitiative coincides with move to new education centre

Also available online at www.sd36.bc.ca/general/edcom

Did you

know?

PAGE 4

PAGE 14

As the Surrey school district moves into its new District Education Centre building, the district is taking the opportunity to revise and renew its logo and branding.

Surrey Connect students and district departments from seven separate buildings dispersed around the City of Surrey have begun moving

into the new facility with the move to be largely complete by September. As a

result, district stationery, business cards, signs and more need to be replaced.

“Ourdistrict identity,

representedby our logo and

motto, was defined more than a decade

ago and, as with other enterprises, a brand identity should be

revisited and refreshed to incorporate changes in our operation and direction, as well as

changes in the community,” says Surrey Board of

Education chair Laurae McNally.

“Our district has grown dramatically, we offer many new and different educational services, we are more diverse in many ways, technology has evolved, the board’s vision and goals have been updated over the last 10 years and it is time to reflect these changes in our public identity.”

The brand renewal process involved stakeholders, including district staff, teachers, parents and students. Surrey-based creative agency, thornleyHAYNE Creative Communications was chosen to lead the process. The agency has extensive experience with rebranding projects including for the City of Surrey.

The logo will be phased-in to save costs by exhaustingexistingstationery and other brandeditems as practical.A new website

design is expected to be launched in coming months. Over the longer term, there will also be efficiencies and savings by establishing uniform and consistent standards for district printed materials, advertising and other communications tools.

PAGE 4• Forzani Donation• DREAM CampsPAGE 5• Love of Reading GrantPAGE 8• Walk to School!PAGE 9• Surrey Appreciates ME• RBC Takes P-ArtPAGE 14• Volunteers

Honoured• Guildford

Park Sabres wrestle in newportable

EC02/ May 2011 EdCom now

CampsDayCCWeek July 4 - 81

Week July 18 - 223

Week July 11 - 152

Week July 25 - 294

everyone welcome!

REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.SOUTHRIDGE.BC.CA | 2656 160 ST., SURREY, BC | INFO LINE 604.542.5385

0511

ED

C

Laurae McNally, Chairperson

#102 - 1381 Martin StreetWhite Rock, BC V4B 3W6Home: (604) 531-1091Fax: (604) 542-2613Email: (604) 531-1091mcnally_laurae@sd36.bc.ca

Shawn Wilson, Vice Chairperson

11520 Bailey CrescentSurrey, BC V3V 6J7Home: (604) 583-0637Fax: (604) 583-0833Email: wilson_shawn@sd36.bc.ca

Terry Allen

14581 - 91A AvenueSurrey, BC V3R 7K6Home: (604) 580-0340Fax: (604) 580-0341Email: allen_terry@sd36.bc.ca

2008-2011 Surrey School District Board of Education

LAURAE MCNALLY PAM GLASS

IJAZ CHATHASHAWN WILSON

EdCom Now: The Educate and Communicate Newspaper is published by the Business Development Department of the Surrey school district in accordance with Policy 10805 – Promotion of External Agencies through Schools.

EdCom Now is intended for the parents of Surrey school district students and includes information on upcoming events, district projects, school-based activities and important district dates.

EdCom Now is produced at no cost to the Surrey school district and generates supplemental revenue

for district schools and programs that enhances, but does not replace public funding.

Commercial advertising in this publication does not imply endorsement by the Surrey school district.

For more information, or to provide feedback or article suggestions, contact Corry Anderson-Fennell at the Surrey school district at 604-507-5776; Email: anderson_corry@sd36.bc.ca

For information on advertising, please contactthe Now at 604-572-0064.

Pam Glass

959 - 163 StreetSurrey, BC V4A 9T8Home: (604) 536-1518Fax: (604) 536-1305 Email: glass_pam@sd36.bc.ca

Ijaz Chatha

8025 – 124 StreetSurrey, BC V3W 3X8Home: (604) 597-9207Fax: (604) 597-9619 Email: chatha_ijaz@sd36.bc.ca

RENI MASI

LAURIE LARSEN

TERRY ALLEN

Laurie Larsen

8760 – 143 StreetSurrey, BC V3W 4G4Home: (604) 599-0966Fax: (778) 578-5973Email: larsen_laurie@sd36.bc.ca

Reni Masi

14225 - 56 Avenue Surrey, BC V3X 3A3Home: (604) 599-5944 Fax: (604) 599-5944Email: masi_reni@sd36.bc.ca

EdCom now May 2011 /EC03

Clear way to straighten teeth without braces

Or Metal Braces

FREE CONSULTATION FOR INVISALIGN & ORTHODONTICS

AND BOTOX COSMETIC

✓ New & Emergency Patients Welcome ✓ Evening Appointments Available

✓ General & Cosmetic Dentistry including: Periografting • Periosurgery • Oral Surgery • Botox • Wisdom Teeth Extraction • Crown, Bridge, Veneers

• White Fillings • Root Canal Treatment • Tooth Whitening • Snoring and Night Guards

604-594-8233 #303 - 8035 120th St, Delta

FREE Teeth Whitening or FREE Electric Toothbrush(with complete patient exam, hygiene & X-rays)

0511

ED

C

All Subjects All Levels

778.549.0750see back page for our full ad!

FREECONSULTATION

0511

ED

C

Students from Georges Vanier Elementary have fun with Run Jump Throw equipment purchased with a donation from the Forzani Group Ltd.

DREAMS come true in the Surrey school district

Forzani Group donates to Run Jump Throw

srIH skUl ifstirkt E`pxy nvyN icMn d` AdG`tn s~J` kr rhI hYiesdy n`l hI nvIN iem`rq iv@c prvyS krn dI sUcn`

Surrey students are jumping up and down for joy throughout the Surrey school district, thanks to the Forzani Group Ltd.

Forzani Group, which includes SportChek, Athletes World and others, donated $7,200 to the district through the company’s Power of Sport 4 Kids program.

The generous donation will be used to purchase “Run Jump Throw” equipment for 23 elementary schools. Run Jump Throw is a program of Athletics Canada that teaches the fundamental skills of running, jumping and throwing through a series of age-appropriate progressions using a variety of hands-on, interactive activities and adapted, specialized equipment. With the skills learned through Run Jump Throw, children will develop a foundation to participate in any future sport.

The Run Jump Throw equipment, which includes agility blocks and ladders, hurdle sticks, soft discuses, high-jump elastic cords, a variety of balls, bean bags and skipping ropes, will be used both during school hours and in district-run after-school programs.

Spring break was a dream for some lucky Surrey students.

The district’s second annual DREAMS (Drama, Rec, Extra-curricular, Arts, Mentorship and Science) spring break programs took place March 21 to April 1. More than 30 partner community groups, businesses and individuals came together to volunteer their time, expertise and instruction to operate the camps. Partner groups included a great diversity of subjects and focuses. The array of activities kept students constantly engaged and interested and allowed them to try many things they might not otherwise experience.

Partner groups included:•Academy of Music and Dance

•Athelite Basketball•Aussie X Cricket•BEST (Better Environmentally Sound Transportation) – Clean Air Champions

•Burnaby Art Gallery•Cartwheels Gymnastics•Excel Soccer•Game Ready Fitness•Gateways Learning Centre•Glee Camp•Greater Vancouver Zoo•High Touch, High Tech•Kidproof•Learn by Dancing•Marble Gymnastics

•Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society

•Pathfi nder Youth Centre Society

•Pickleball BC•Red Tiger Martial Arts•Science Alive•Seung-Ri Blackbelt Academy

•SFU Faculty of Education•Speedminton•Sportball•Stanley Park Ecology Centre

•Surrey Gymnastics Society•Surrey Nature Centre•Tennis XL•VCMA Music

The programs ran at 14 inner-city elementary schools (Lena Shaw, Mary Jane Shannon, Bridgeview, Holly, Hjorth Road, Strawberry Hill, Betty Huff, Forsyth, K.B. Woodward, Bear Creek, Prince Charles, Peace Arch and Georges Vanier) with each site including 20 students in kindergarten to Grade 3 and 20 students in grades 4 to 7.

Partner groups provided 60- to 90-minute sessions in the morning and afternoon, with children enjoying free play and lunch/snack breaks throughout the day. Two district staff coordinated the DREAMS programs at each site.

The goals of the spring break DREAMS Camps are to provide a safe, secure and nurturing environment for students while enriching and extending their learning opportunities and giving children who may not have the same opportunities as their peers the chance to try a wide variety of interesting and exciting extra-curricular activities. DREAMS camps also keep children connected to and engaged with the school and re-ignite their passion for learning.

Students at the district’s second annual DREAMS spring break camp took part in a variety of activities and programs

ijvyN srIH skUl ifstirkt d` mu@K dPqr Eqy mu@K dPqr d` st`P, nvIN iem`rq ijs nMU ifstirkt EYjUkySn sYNtr, kih ik puk`irE` j`vyg`, iv@c prvyS kr rhy hn, iesdy n`l n`l skUl dy nvyN AlIky hoey icMn b`ry s`irE~ nMU j`xk`rI dyx` c`hMudy hn |

srIH kunYkt dy ividE`rQI Eqy ifstirkt dy v@K v@K ivB`g jo hux s@q iem`rq~ iv@c sQ`ipq hn, ah ies nvIN iem`rq iv@c sqbMr q@k prvyS kr lYxgy | ies qbdIlI dy k`rx ifstirkt dy ibzins k`rf, inS`nIE~ Eqy ilKx pVHn sbMDI keI qr~ dIE~ qbdILIE~ d` E`Ax` suB`ivk hI hY |

ies qbdILI sbMDI bolidE~, skUl borf dy mu@K tr@stI, loryE mknYlI ny ikh`, “s`fy skUl ifstirkt dI pC`x, ijs iv@c s`f` icMn Eqy AdyS S`iml hn, E@j qoN 10 s`l pihl~ hoNd iv@c E`ieE` sI | ikANik hux s`fy B`eIc`ry iv@c bhuq ku@J bdilE` hY, s`fy keI AdyS bdl cu@ky hn, ieh zrUrI hY ik EsIN nvIN pC`x dI j`c krIey |” Ahn~ ies qbdIlI apr hor ikh` ik, “s`fI skUl ifstirkt bhuq v@fI ho cu@kI hY, EsIN hux keI nvIE~ syv`v~ pyS krdy h~, s`fy iv@c k`PI iBMnq` E` geI hY, tYknolojI ny bhuq qr@kI kIqI hY, skUl borf dy tIky Eqy AdyS bdl gey hn Eqy iehn~ k`rn~ krky ieh zrUrI hY ik EsIN E`pxI nvIN pC`x Apr ivc`r krIey |”

ies nvI pihc`n leI skUl ifstirkt dy s`ry mYNbr~ dI ivc`r nMU suixE~ ijs iv@c S`iml sn borf dy mu@K EiDk`rI, skUl~ dy EiDE`pk, m`py Eqy ividE`rQI | ies nvIN pihc`n dy icMn nUM As`rn leI ie@k kMpnI dI mdd leI ijs d` n`m hY QornlI hyEn krIeyitv kimAUnIkySnz | ies kMpnI dI ies Kyqr iv@c k`PI j`xk`rI hY |

ieh nv~ icMn holI hOlI hONd iv@c E`eyg`, AdoN q@k pur`xy bcy hoey pypr Eqy hor vsqUE~ vrq ho skxgy | E` rhy ku@J mhIinE~ iv@c ie@k nvIN vYb@ s`eIt vI As`rI j`eygI | ies qr~, E` rhy Eqy lMby smyN dy q@k, ies qbdIlI dy bgOrkeI qr~ dI b@cq~ Eqy skUl ifstirkt dI syv` iv@c hor vI qr@kI hoeygI Eqy n`l n`l skUl ifstirkt d` b`kI B`eIc`ry n`l qlk`q~ iv@c suD`r vI E`eyg` |

EC04/ May 2011 EdCom now

Students at Lena Shaw Elementary have rediscovered their love of reading with the addition of thousands of new books at their school. In 2008, the school was awarded a $162,000 Indigo Love of Reading grant, which was dispensed in equal annual instalments over the past three years. Prior to the program, the library, classroom and preschool reading selections at Lena Shaw numbered 9,515 with an average publishing date of 1995.

Today, the school boasts 12,874 books with an average publishing date of 2003. The Indigo Love of Reading Foundation is a registered charitable organization established in 2004 to help provide new books and learning materials to Canadian elementary schools in need. Pictured absorbed in their books are Lena Shaw’s Mahima Chauhan, Wendy Pan, Reuben Mung and Usman Chohan and teacher-librarian Lisa Baker.

EdCom now May 2011 /EC05

©2011 Kumon Canada Inc.

Call to schedule your

FREEPlacement

Test!

Kumon Math & Reading Centres of Surrey

Whalley604-345-4635

Strawberry Hill604-575-8626

Newton Crossing604-595-1468

Guildford604-588-5808

Fleetwood604-588-5808

Cloverdale778-574-7715

Imagine…how you could shine this summer.Kumon Math and Reading keeps your child’s mind active through the summer break, so he can hit the ground running when he goes back to school. Start Kumon this summer, so the school year ahead can be truly amazing.

0511

ED

C

It seems like only yesterday he was building sand castles.

Now he’s old enough to drive! I know he has a lot to learn even if he thinks he doesn’t.

That’s why I have enrolled my son in Young Drivers of Canada. With the proven

Collisionfree! ™Approach, I know he will learn life-saving defensive driving techniques,

emergency maneuvers, head-on collision and rear crash avoidance, and more.

Of course I’ll still worry… just a lot less.

“ I CAN’T BELIEVE HE’S OLD ENOUGHTO DRIVE!”

Prepare for the road ahead.For more details or to enroll online, please visit www.yd.com or call 604.872.1266surrey@youngdrivers.com

PLACEHOLDER FOR MTO OR ICBCSTATEMENT OR REMOVE

ISO 9001:2000Registered

ICBC GLPAPPROVED PROGRAM

Become a Facebook Fan- Young Driver Vancouver

0511

ED

C

Thank you for voting us #1 Driving School

13785 - 104th Avenue, Surrey, 604.588.9423

WHY CHOOSE LONG & McQUADE?Music lessons for all ages, stages and styles

Professional instructors make learning fun • No registration feesConvenient lesson times for busy families • Instrument rentals

RENT YOUR SCHOOL BAND INSTRUMENT FROM LONG & McQUADE. COMPETITIVE RATES,FREE REPAIRS AND CONVENIENT PAYMENT OPTIONS - CALL FOR INFORMATION.

Begins

Where The

Register formusic lessons today!

Guitar, Bass, Piano, Drums, Voice, Brass, Woodwinds, Strings and more

WM

Professional

Ask about our SUMMER LESSONS and ROCK SKOOL programs!

0511

ED

C

PARTY M NKEYTM

your online party store

TTHHEE

We carry a large and unique selection of themes including:

Kids Birthdays • Adult Birthdays Baby Showers • Wedding Showers Special Occasions • Themes and Seasonal

Over 100 themes with new ones being added regularly!

Check us out online and see why we areWestern Canada’s fastest growing

online Party Store!

0511

ED

C

SPECIAL OFFER!Use the discount code PARTY20at check out. Offer expires July 31, 2011.Cannot be combined with any other offer.

20% OFFYOUR FIRST ORDER

Justin Doan quietly picks at his computer keyboard and watches as the score on his monitor climbs in unison with his correct answers.

A faint smile lifts the corners of his mouth as he experiences the sense of accomplishment that until now had mostly eluded him in his Grade 3 class at Coast Meridian Elementary.

“Suddenly, kids in this program are taking home their work with big gold stars on it that their parents have never seen before,” enthuses speech-language pathologist Sandra Collins.

Collins is referring to Fast ForWord, a software program available to children in the Surrey school district who struggle with language and literacy. Collins is the district’s Fast ForWord co-ordinator and oversees the program in 21 elementary and secondary schools.

Developed by the Scientifi c Learning Corporation of California, Fast ForWord is based on mounting research into “neuroplasticity,” the discovery that the brain is “plastic” and that its structure and function can change from infancy through to old age.

Disguised as a computer game,

Fast ForWord guides students through a series of increasingly diffi cult brain exercises for one hour a day, fi ve days a week. The students wear earphones and complete drills that have them distinguish sounds that are so precise and have such a prescribed intensity and frequency that only a computer could deliver them.

With every correct answer, students are rewarded by a sound or action from the animated on-screen characters. The positive feedback of the reward causes the brain to secrete neuromodulators, which help consolidate the changes in the brain.

“The release of neuromodulators triggered by the exercise is critical to the plastic changes in the brain,” says Collins.

Within days of using Fast ForWord, Surrey students show remarkable progress in their ability to process phonologic information. Collins says typical results show students advancing 18 months in just 40 days.

“Their whole demeanour changes after just a couple of days. Some students agree to go to school because of Fast ForWord.”

In 2008, Surrey was the fi rst school district in B.C. with Fast ForWord and is still one of only a handful of districts to offer it. Collins credits district Supt. Mike McKay’s faith in the science of neuroplasticity and both his and the school board’s support of innovation in education for its prominence here.

“Simply put, we would be unable to achieve the results we have without this program,” says Collins.

At Coast Meridian Elementary, the district built a dedicated room adjacent to the offi ce to accommodate two computer workstations for Fast ForWord. Marilyn Edwards, the speech-language pathologist at Coast Meridian, applauds the renovation and notes that how Fast ForWord is delivered is almost as important as the program itself.

“It can’t be done at the back of

a classroom that’s in session or in a multipurpose room that’s only available Tuesdays and Thursdays,” says Edwards. “It requires a specifi c commitment of time, intensity and frequency to be effective.”

More than 1,400 Surrey students have gone through the program, which Dr. Michael Merzenich, the neuroscientist who co-created it, dubs “glasses for the ears.” For more information about Fast ForWord, email Collins at collins_s@sd.36.bc.ca.

Fast ForWord accelerates student learning

Speech-language pathologist Sandra Collins works with Justin Doan on Fast ForWord at Coast Meridian Elementary

EC06/ May 2011 EdCom now

AUGUST 12, 13 & 14 • 2011Abbotsford, British Columbia • Canada

WWW.ABBOTSFORDAIRSHOW.COM

Fax Your Entryto 604-572-6438for your chance to win a

CARLOAD FAMILY PASS to this year’s Abbotsford International Airshow

Valid either August 12, 13, or 14, 20112 passes available for 2 lucky winners

to be contacted by phone by June 7, 2011.Presented by:

for School District #36 EdCom Readers

NAME:

PHONE:

SCHOOL:

Prizes Accepted as awarded. No monies in lieu of prize will be given.

Winner when contacted can pick up prize at: The Now Newspaper offi ce Suite #201 7889-132 Street, Surrey8:30am - 5:00pm Monday to Friday

WWW.ABBOTSFORDAIRSHOW.COM

ENTER TO WIN!

0511

ED

C

EdCom now May 2011 /EC07

11333

www.daycamps.surrey.ca

S U M M E R F U N I N YO U R C I T Y

REGISTER NOW!

For a full listing of day camps visit us online or pick up a

day camp brochure at any City of Surrey Recreation facility.

EARLY YEARS 3-5yrsAction-packed days for your

preschooler. Camps include:

Theme camps (Junior Explorers, Knights, dragons and princesses, bug detectives)

Sports (soccer, sportball)

Performing Arts (dance, music)

Visual Arts

CHILDREN 6-12yrsA variety of camps including:

Theme camps (cook and play, Lego robotics, fun zone, preteen extreme)

Sports (badminton, basketball, skateboarding, soccer, volleyball)

Performing Arts (dance,drama, music)

Visual Arts (art ventures,clay works)

YOUTH 13-18yrsBrush up on your skills:

Theme camps (Cooking, road trip, outdoor adventure)

Sports (badminton, basketball, skateboarding, kayak, volleyball, wakeboarding)

Performing Arts (musical theatre)

Visual Arts (drawing, painting)

Weekly or Daily camps available – locations throughout

the City for your convenience. We offer a safe environment

for learning, laughing and exploring. Loads of camps to

choose from – here are some examples:

0511

ED

C

It’s just after 8 a.m. on a misty spring morning and the streets around Berkshire Park Elementary in Fleetwood are quiet and peaceful.

Suddenly, the silence gives way to clamorous crooning as Charlotte Diamond’s catchy Walking School Bus Song resounds from the school’s public address system to usher in the start of another Tuesday.

“It can stay in your head all day,” says Grade 6 teacher Lorna Meynert, the song playing repeatedly over the PA to welcome students.

Meynert has been assigned to the back of Berkshire Park’s walking school bus, a weekly procession of pedestrian pupils who are “picked up” at various points along a designated route to school by a human-powered walking school bus.

Today, 80 per cent of the school’s 462 students rode the walking school bus, which is just one aspect of Berkshire Park’s overall health and fi tness programming. The school has a health and fi tness committee comprising principal Angelo Morelli and teachers who set the school’s goals, organize

events and keep track of student progress.

“A lot of other schools might be doing some of the things we’re doing, but no one is doing it all like we are,” boasts Morelli. And he has a point.

The fi tness level of every student is assessed at the beginning of the school year - students are asked to demonstrate yoga’s plank and stork poses, and their results are diligently recorded. Throughout the year, health and fi tness goals

are set and students work toward them in several ways.

There is a Kilometre Club at the school and students distinguish themselves into levels by completing the equivalent of 100 kilometres, 200 kilometres or 300 kilometres in laps around the school. Completions go toward their gym marks.

Students are also encouraged to bike to school, and Morelli generously hands out colourful pencils and erasers to students who report their accomplishments to him personally.

The school’s efforts toward healthy living don’t stop at exercise. Students also learn about Canada’s Food Guide in class, which has paid off in fewer fast-food lunches. The school hosts a milk program three times a week, and the B.C. Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation regularly delivers fresh and local fruit and vegetable snacks to classrooms for free.

Other initiatives include PAC-funded introductions to swimming, skating, tennis and other sports; encouraging student registration in the annual Vancouver Sun Run in April and the ChildRun for the B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation in June.

“Our programs aren’t just about running or biking to school – they’re

about overall active living,” explains kindergarten teacher Gillian Eaket.

Role models for students, teachers have also committed to healthier lifestyles. Teacher Brent Davy, who chairs the school’s health and fi tness committee, leads a group of fi ve to 14 staff members through an after-school fi tness boot camp twice a week in the gym.

The benefi ts of an active lifestyle and proper nutrition are well-documented; another reason Berkshire Park places a high emphasis on activities like walking and biking to school is to reduce the before- and after-school traffi c congestion that is problematic in many school zones in the district. By rewarding students for using their own steam to get to and from school, banning cars from idling on school property and handing out fl uorescent-coloured notices to any parent spotted snoozing in their cars waiting to pick up their children from school, Berkshire Park has managed to put a big dent in vehicular traffi c around the school.

“We believe we are changing attitudes about walking to school in our community, and ‘winning back the street’ for our children,” says Morelli.

Berkshire Park school community sets high bar on health

Grade 6 student Jas Hunjan sends a strong message at Berkshire Park’s Walk to School

EC08/ May 2011 EdCom now

0511

ED

C

teacher@tutor.bc.ca • www.tutor.bc.ca

Come have an adventure

this summer at Camp Squeah!

CAMP SQUEAHRegistrar@squeah.com | 604-869-5353#4 - 27915 Trans Canda Hwy, Hope BC, V0X 1L3

0511

ED

C

0511

ED

C

RReeNNtt--aa--PPooNNyyWe make memories that last a lifetime! o

4610-190th Street, Surrey BC 604-928-7148email:rentapony@shaw.ca www.rentapony.ca

At Rent-A-Pony you can choose to have a pony party

at your place or ours!

Whether you are planning a birthday,

wedding, anniversary, school fi eld trip or fundraiser....we can

make your day special!

Pony parties can be booked all year long.

Ask about Summer Camps!

Mention this ad & receive $25 OFF!

Summer Art CampsSummer Art Camps& Art Classes& Art Classes

0511

ED

C

Kids, Teens, AdultsKids, Teens, AdultsArt Angels 4-7 yrs. • Junior Artists 8-12 yrs. • Teens 13+ yrs.

Portfolio Preparation Program for Teens

NOW INTRODUCING

After School Care!After School Care!

NEIGHBORHOOD ART STUDIOSNEIGHBORHOOD ART STUDIOSSurrey Location • 2318 156th Street, Surrey

604.536.7900www.neighborhoodartstudios.com

Student-driven SAME project fosters respectWANTED: Surrey secondary students who want to make a positive impact on their community.

Surrey Appreciates ME (SAME), a federally funded undertaking to promote diversity in local schools, is looking for between 50 and 75 secondary students from participating secondary schools to become mentor/leaders for elementary students. “These secondary students are particularly integral to the design,” says Lynn Robertson, who is leading the project for the district. “It’s the students guiding, designing and leading the program.”

Funded by the Ministry of Canadian Immigration and Citizenship and supported by several departments in the Surrey School District, SAME is a three-year, youth-driven project designed to foster respect and acceptance among all Surrey citizens.

Starting this year, grade 10 and 11 student mentor/leaders from Guildford Park, Tamanawis, Lord Tweedsmuir and Semiahmoo secondaries will be identifi ed as mentor/leaders and trained to work with grade 6 and 7 students in associate elementary schools.

Following their training sessions, secondary students will spend approximately two months conducting weekly sessions in the elementary schools. They will also be equipped

with intervention strategies to manage attitudes and behaviours that run counter to those of respect and acceptance.

At the end of the sessions, elementary students will be tasked with designing a community initiative or project such as a play or exhibit that incorporates what they have learned.

Over the project’s three years, every secondary and elementary school and their surrounding community in Surrey will be invited to take part, potentially reaching tens of thousands of people with the message that there is unity in diversity.

“It’s not an easy topic, but it’s such a worthwhile and valuable project with the potential to make a real difference in the schools and the larger school community,” says Robertson, a former assistant superintendent for the district.

Robertson anticipates real results from the project – mostly because it’s student-driven, but also because there is signifi cant community support for its success. Community partners include the City of Surrey, YMCA, RCMP, SFU Surrey and the Community-Schools Partnership.

Ideally, SAME will be embedded in the curriculum, and its objective ultimately a community philosophy.

Surrey students with a passion for the arts can bank on RBC to help them nurture it.

The RBC Foundation announced funding of $40,000 toward the Surrey school district’s RBC Take P-Art program in February as hundreds of elementary students cheered from their seats at the Bell Performing Arts Centre.

RBC’s Harbans Grewall, who presented the cheque to Surrey school board chair Laurae McNally, said RBC is proud to support an initiative that sparks the imagination and creativity of students.

“Education and helping students succeed in school is our top priority. It’s an honour to play a small part in supporting this important program and the individuals who bring it to life.”

Since 2005, the RBC Foundation has contributed $330,000 to Take P-Art, which provides 6,000 inner-city students in the district the opportunity to participate in artistic creation, event planning, back stage operations and the experience of watching and performing in a top-

level theatrical event.Take P-Art kicked off with a

performance by local hip hop group Metaphor at tthe Bell theatre. Metaphor artists visited 10 schools, providing hands-on workshops to help students create their own music.

So you think you can dance? RBC’s support of Take P-Art can help you dance and more

Hip hop group Metaphor performs for students at the Bell theatre

EdCom now May 2011 /EC09

✁

✁

• 13 slides• hot tubs• volleyball• HUGE grassy picnic areaBIRTHDAY PARTIES OUR SPECIALTY!

(604) 943-2251www.splashdownpark.ca

beside the ferry terminal in sunny Tsawwassen

$2 offregular paidadmission.Not valid withother offers.Expires: July 20/11

NOWF2

$2 off!*wetyourpants!

0511

ED

C05

11E

DC

15905 Fraser Highway, Unit 101 Surrey, BCPhone: 604-593-5150 • Fax: 604-593-3516

Email: surrey@fi ntasticscutsforkids.com

± Salon services includes balloon & temporary tattoo for boys & balloon and mini-cure for girls

± Full service hair salon including organic certifi ed lines of children hair products

± Boutique style toy & gift shop

± Activity & Glamour room also available to rent for private functions

0511

ED

C

At ‘Fin’tastic’s, your birthday girl(and her friends) will enjoy an extra special

Glamour Day!

The all inclusive party takes place in our special private Glamour Girl dressing room, where the birthday girl and her guests are treated like stars!

Glamour Girl Birthday parties$15.00 off with this coupon

15905 Fraser Highway, Unit 101Surrey, BC V4N 0Y3

Phone: 604-593-5150 • Fax: 604-593-3516Email Surrey@fi ntasticscutsforkids.com

(Offer valid at any ‘Fin’tastic’s location. Offer not valid with any other offers.)

GlamourGirl Parties

Book your Glamour Party by May 31st

and save an extra

5% OFF

15905 Fraser Highway, Unit 101, Surrey, BC V4N 0Y3

Phone: 604-593-5150 • Fax: 604-593-3516 • Email Surrey@fi ntasticscutsforkids.com

(Not valid with any other promotions. One coupon per child.)

Haircuts for Kids $300 OFFWith this coupon. (Offer good till May 31, 2011)

OPENSUNDAYS

Additional

$2 OFFby June 10th

EC10/ May 2011 EdCom now

Ready, Set, Summer Camp!

AlexandraFOUNDATION

AlexandraNeighbourhood House

0511

ED

C

Affordable Tutoring for struggling learners

One to one Literacy and Math Tutoring Orton Gillingham Tutoring for dyslexia Fast ForWord® Language, Literacy and Reading series software Kurzweil® Reading and Writing software training Steps to Success—self-advocacy training and preparation for secondary school

ldafs Learning Disabilities Association Fraser Southt. 604.591.5156 email . info@ldafs.org www.ldafs.org

Register now for summer programs starting in July

The Learning Disabilities Association Fraser South is a not-for-profit organization centrally located in Newton offering affordable summer programs for children with learning and attention difficulties aged 6 to 14.

0511

ED

C

Make this your child’s most memorable summer ever...

at Camp Potlatch, BC’s premiere wilderness camp!

Sea Kayaking · Canoeing · Hiking Archery · Rock Climbing · Rapelling Out Trips · Campfires · Family Camps

Camp Potlatch 2011

Generously supported by

0511

ED

C

0511

ED

C

YMCA CampsWhere kids discover life lessons in

the middle of sailing lessons!

Financial assistance availableCall now to register 604.939.9622

www.vanymca.org/camps

0511

ED

C

LIFE LIKE NO OTHER!

SUMMER CAMPS FOR ALL AGES!

www.qwanoes.ca1-888-99-QWANOES

Jump into the adventure and let friendship fi ll each day. Experience a world of discovery, all with an amazing staff.

ENJOY THE BEST OF A CANADIAN WEST-COAST SUMMER!

0511

ED

C

MeMemmoriesoriesto last to last

a lia liffetimeetime

RIDGE STUDIO #309, 14640 64th Avenue, Surrey 604-599-9351FLEETWOOD STUDIO #105, 8484 162nd Street, Surrey 604-599-4011

www.panoramadance.com

BRING INTHIS COUPON

TO TRY A

FREE FREE CLASSCLASS!!

dancedanceSTYLESSTYLESLeap N’ Learn

Pre-school Program

RAD Ballet

Contemporary

Tap

Stage

Pilates

Adult Hip Hop& Ballet

Boys Only Hip Hop

DANCER’S CLOSET: All your dancer’s clothing,

shoes, tights & hair.

Life LessonsLife Lessonsthat will last long after the that will last long after the

dance classes are over!dance classes are over!

Registration is now Registration is now

available for theavailable for the

2011/2012 Dance Year2011/2012 Dance Year

2011PRODUCTION

Alice in Alice in WonderlandAT THE BELL CENTRESaturday, May 21

1:30pm & 6:00pmSunday, May 22

5:30pm

Don’t miss outon our exciting

Mini DanceMini DanceCampCamp

for our little dancers ages 3-6July 19 - 23

from 9:30am - 12:30

allow yourallow your

child tochild toexperienceexperiencethe art of dancethe art of dance

0511

ED

C

The best student jazz performers in the province converged in Surrey on Feb. 10 to 12 for the 29th annual Envision Jazz Festival, presented by the Surrey school district.

The festival, which is one of Canada’s largest, featured daytime competition among some 50 secondary school performing groups from the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and Washington State. Students competed in three jazz categories (vocal jazz, junior and senior bands, and junior and senior combos) at the Sheraton Guildford Hotel.

Each school group was given a 20-minute performance slot, which was professionally adjudicated, along with a CD of their performance and a 30-minute clinic with one of the adjudicators.

A concert at the Sheraton hotel was a highlight each day, and performers included Capilano University NiteCap, Capilano University A-Band and the Vancouver Community College Jazz Orchestra.

During each of the three evenings of the festival, jazz greats The Good Noise, Vancouver Gospel Choir, Christ Gestrin’s Night Crawlers and the Campbell Ryga Quintet headlined shows at the Bell Performing Arts Centre. The best student groups

joined these professional jazz players to put on some amazing jazz concerts for the public, parents and students.

The Envision Jazz Festival is one of the only school district-organized jazz festivals in Canada. The festival proudly combines the celebration of student performances, success and learning with some of the best jazz performances in Canada.

Envision Financial has been a committed supporter of the festival. In addition, Tom Lee Music, Long & McQuade Musical Instruments, R&R Music Centre, Matterhorn Music and Northwest Musical Services team up in a unique combined effort to provide the instruments, sound and equipment necessary for the festival and are integral to the event’s success. Many other associated partners work with the district, giving time, money and resources that are essential to the event’s success.

This year’s student winners included: Most Outstanding Senior Band – Kwalikum SecondaryMost outstanding Senior Musician – Nebyu Kohannes, New Westminster SecondaryBest Senior Combo – Joshin’ Around, Wellington SecondaryMost Outstanding Junior Band – Semiahmoo Secondary, Grade 10Most Outstanding Junior Musician – Josh Rey, Wellington SecondaryBest Junior Combo – Kwanlikum SecondaryBest Senior Vocal Jazz Soloist – Jesse Decoste, New WestminsterBest Senior Vocal Jazz Ensemble – New Westminster Senior SecondaryBest Junior Soloist – Alex Smiciklas, Seycove SecondaryBest Junior Ensemble – Seycove Junior

Envision Jazz Fest hits high noteJohnston Heights secondary is

home to the best school choir in the entire Lower Mainland.

Bramwell Tovey said so – and he ought to know.

“We have a good word in England to describe how I feel right now, and that is gobsmacked,” said Tovey following a performance by the Johnston Heights choir recently.

Music director and artistic head of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Tovey was invited to the school for “Meet the Maestro,” a component of the VSO Connects musical enrichment program. After listening to the unmatched musical stylings of the Johnston Heights senior band and choir students, Tovey was “tremendously and sincerely impressed.”

“I haven’t heard anything that even approaches the calibre of what Surrey is doing,” said Tovey. “Surrey leads the

way, that’s for sure.”The objective of VSO Connects is

to nurture and develop young musical talent. VSO musicians work directly with students to improve their skills and to increase their understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a professional musician.

Tovey’s visit to Johnston Heights and other participating schools is a highlight of VSO Connects. Students are generally thrilled to sing and play their instruments for the world-renowned conductor, and are equally appreciative when he takes to the stage and performs himself.

“We are a school and a community that celebrates excellence in the arts,” said Johnston Heights principal Sheila Hammond. “This is shown by the fact that we currently have about 300 students enrolled in our band and choir programs.”

On Tuesday, Tovey performed some of Beethoven’s music and lamented the tragedy that Beethoven, who was deaf, never experienced the joy of hearing the beauty he created.

Surrey school board chair Laurae McNally thanked Tovey for being “a good friend to the Surrey school district,” and urged students to understand the value of their musical education.

“Musical education is vital to our schools.”

Maestro Tovey ‘gobsmacked’ by calibre of Johnston Heights choir

The VSO’s Bramwell Tovey gives a performance during a Meet the Maestro concert at Johnston Heights

EdCom now May 2011 /EC11

0511

ED

C

Prom Style 2011Rock the Walk

Fashions provided by Champagne & Lace, Abbotsford

Venus Prom

AlyceProm

Tony Bowls Prom

AlyceProm

Tony Bowls Prom

A Message from your DPAC District 36 PAC informationThe District 36 Parent Advisory Council, known as the Surrey DPAC, is a registered non-profit society formed in 1978 to represent the interests of Surrey parents in the public education system. The Surrey DPAC is about parents helping parents learn more about our education system and how they can contribute to it. Learn more at www.surreydpac.ca.

It is hard to believe that the year is drawing to a close so soon. The District Parent Advisory Council has most defi nitely had a busy year. In the fall our new website was launched. Visit www.surreydpac.ca to keep informed about news in Surrey education.

The DPAC Executive have attended the BCCPAC Extraordinary Meeting as well as the Annual General Meeting and carried many of our members’ proxies into these meetings. It is great to see the voice of Surrey parents being heard at the provincial level. Parents and students also had an opportunity to express themselves at the rally for new schools in March, calling for more capital funding to build classrooms in Surrey.

We have been lobbying on behalf of parents to assure that the needs of Surrey students are being heard. Following the rally we initiated a letter-writing campaign. Parents are encouraged to contact your local MLAs and the premier to demand more capital funds to build the classrooms needed to accommodate our students. Our Co-President Bob Holmes has been a repeat guest of Bill Good on CKNW, asked to speak on Surrey issues. As an invited guest of Mayor Watts, along with representatives from the Surrey Board of Trade and Surrey

Teachers’ Association, Bob also met with Education Minister Abbott on April 18, again calling for capital funding to ease the overcrowding issue in Surrey schools.

Several speakers have attended our general meetings to share their knowledge on a variety of programs and services offered in our district. We thank all our guests, as well as the representatives who have taken their time to come and gather information and then returned to share this information with their schools.

The DPAC had planned to host a gala in conjunction with the Surrey Board of Trade in May of this year. Unfortunately due to the current excess in political activity we have had to postpone the event until the fall. Watch for more details in September.

Our Executive has also sat on many district committees. You will fi nd a report on these meetings in our Annual Report, which will be presented at our upcoming AGM. The Annual General Meeting will be held on May 25 at 7 p.m. in the new District Education Centre, located at 140th Street and 92nd Avenue. Elections for next year’s executive will also occur at this time. We are always looking for new members to become involved at the district level. Plan to be there.

Co-PresidentPatricia Enair604-588-7299sdenair@telus.netCo-PresidentBob Holmes604-541-8439b-holmes@telus.netVice-President (Way) Hue Truong604-581-5505fireball@telus.netTreasurer Vicki Huynh604-951-6402vicki91st@shaw.caSecretary Tammy Karoway604-581-2276tkaroway@shaw.ca

DirectorGlen Dierkerglen.dierker@telus.netDirectorApril Hamaprilrain_puppers@hotmail.comDirectorStephanie Hotchkisss.hotchkiss@shaw.caDirectorAnne Van Ryhnavanmom@shaw.caDirectorRuby Bhandalrubybhandal@gmail.com

DPAC’s Board of Directors 2010-2011

BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils (BCCPAC)Suite 350, 5172 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 2E8 • 604-687-4433 604-687-4488 • info@bccpac.bc.ca • www.bccpac.bc.ca

EC12/ May 2011 EdCom now

0511

ED

C

For program information:

604.530.4678104-5735 203 St | Langleywww.maacademy.cainfo@maacademy.ca

Experience the Beauty in Education MA Academy has to offer.

M AMark Anthony Academy of Cosmetology

hairdressing | nail technology | esthetics

Go horseback riding

Indoor Arena

• Summer Camps

• Pre School Camps

• Weekly Lessons

• Birthday Parties

• Fund Raisers

• School Field Trips

Call for Information (604) 574-3211

4615 190th St., Surrey BC

atequestrian@shaw.ca • aandtequestrian.com

0511

ED

C

EdCom now May 2011 /EC13

0511

ED

C

More than 100 parents representing schools across the district attended the Board of Education’s Volunteer Recognition event.

When arriving, guests received from trustees a personal thank-you, as well as a recognition pin and a chocolate imprinted with the district’s new logo.

The Semiahmoo Secondary jazz band “Semi Combo 11” provided top-notch music for the event.

Board chair Laurae McNally, superintendent Mike McKay, Surrey Principals and Vice Principals’

Association president Ray Prosser spoke briefl y to express their appreciation for the volunteers’ time and efforts, as well as the difference they make for students.

However, the highlight was the humourous, though sincere speeches of thanks from the student representatives, Grade 5 Erma Stephenson students Samuel Enchelmaier and Joel Alexander, as well as the touching and thoughtful remarks of gratitude from Fraser Heights Secondary Grade 10 student Taylor Hui.

Trustees honour school volunteers Guildford Park Sabres at home in new wrestling portable

The Coast Capital Savings Box Office is open Monday to Friday except holidays: 8:30 am to 4:00 pmA general seating chart is as close as your phone book! The Cityscene magazine at the front of your phone book shows you what theBell Performing Arts Centre looks like! Detailed seating charts are available on the ticketmaster website: www.ticketmaster.ca and enter "Bell Performing Arts Centre" and of course on the Bell Performing Arts Centre website at www.bellperformingartscentre.com

FOR ALL THESE EVENTS CONTACT:6250 – 144th Street Surrey, BC V3X 1A1 • www.bellperformingartscentre.com

604-507-6355 • 604-507-6351

0511

ED

C

JUNE 2011 continued

DATE: Sunday, June 12thEVENT: MI-CHER DANCE ACADEMY

– Alice’s AdventureTIME: 3:00 pmTICKETS: Adult - $15.00; Sr/Student/Child - $12.00;

Children under 5 are free (tickets on sale May 18, 2011)

DATE: Friday, June 17thEVENT: XBa DanceCoTIME: 7:00 pmTICKETS: Adult - $30.00; Senior - $20.00; Student

- $15.00 (tickets on sale May 9, 2011)

AUGUST 2011DATE: Friday, August 26thEVENT: TRIBUTE TO ELVIS starring Darren Lee

featuring special guest artist Bob Marlowe Partial proceeds donated to Mercy MinistriesTIME: 8:00 pmTICKETS: $39.00

SEPTEMBER 2011DATE: Thursday, September 8thEVENT: RED GREEN’S LIVE WIT & WISDOM TOURTIME: 7:00 pmTICKETS: $56.00

MAY 2011

DATE: Wednesday, May 11thEVENT: BUDDY HOLLY STORY in Concert

Featuring Zachary StevensonTIME: 7:30 pmTICKETS: $35.00

DATE: Friday, May 13thEVENT: ABREAST IN A BOAT –

“Boob Tour” Comedy Night FundraiserTIME: 8:00 pmTICKETS: $35.30

DATE: Sunday, May 15thEVENT: ESSENCE OF DANCE – Poetry in MotionTIME: 1:00 pm and 6:00 pmTICKETS: Adult - $22.00; Child - $12.00

DATE: Monday, May 16thEVENT: Essence of Dance – Poetry in MotionTIME: 6:00 pmTICKETS: Adult - $22.00; Child - $12.00

JUNE 2011DATE: Tuesday, June 7th Wednesday, June 8th Thursday, June 9th Friday, June 10thEVENT: SPIRAL DANCETIME: 7:00 pmTICKETS: Adult - $18.00; Senior/Student - $15.00 (tickets on sale May 17, 2011)

The Guildford Park Sabres are lords of their own wrestling ring.One of the top school wrestling teams in the country, the Sabres now have their own wrestling facility - a refurbished and customized portable gym outfi tted with mats and other equipment where the elite team’s members can hone their skills.

“We now have a facility where we can focus on what we like to do best: wrestle,” said Joy Lee, who won a gold medal at the Fraser Valley high school wrestling championships earlier this year.

The Sabres have won multiple provincial wrestling championships, as well as a national team title and the fl agship wrestling program at Guildford Park is a source of pride for both the school and the community. Principal Carolyn Oram lauded the district and the hard work of the team’s volunteer coaches, parents, teachers and other key supporters for securing the fi rst and only school wrestling facility of its kind in Surrey.

“I’m just so grateful and so thrilled that we have been able to do this,” said Oram.

Sabres head coach Mark McRae worked with the district’s business development department and the Community Schools Partnership to secure an $18,000 grant from the True Sport Community Fund to assist with the purchase of specialized

wrestling mats. Additional support was also given by the Guildford Park Community Society, the school’s PAC and the Surrey Firefi ghters Charitable Foundation.

The Surrey Firefi ghters Charitable Foundation also supplied the team with funds to purchase wrestling shoes and singlets and sponsors the annual Surrey Firefi ghters SlamFest wrestling competition involving 130 athletes from across the district.

“We have been building this program for 10 years now and moving forward we want to see this grow into a greater far-reaching program that will make a difference in our community,” said McRae.

A former Guildford Park student, McRae was a member of the original Sabres wrestling team prior to the group disbanding in the mid-’90s. A Surrey fi refi ghter, McRae and other fi refi ghters were approached by the school 10 years ago to resurrect the team, and today the Sabres are completely run by community-based volunteers, coaches, managers and assistants. Volunteer assistant coaches Bryan Stretch and Chris Szostak are also fi refi ghters and former Sabres wrestlers.

“The wrestling program is embedded within the school culture,” said McRae. “As the sport of wrestling continues to evolve in our community, the new facility will be a point of connection to vulnerable youth in Surrey, linking them to a safe, positive, supportive and supervised environment.”

Trustees (facing, left to right) Laurie Larsen, Reni Masi, Ijaz Chatha and Shawn Wilson greet parents at the board’s Volunteer Recognition event.

The Guildford Park Sabres have a new practise facil-ity where they can hone their skills for competitive events such as Slamfest

EC14/ May 2011 EdCom now

EdCom now May 2011 /EC15

0511

ED

C

• Passports • Prints from Digital

• Enlargements • Picture to Picture

• Scanning • Posters

• Scrapbook Supplies

• Frames • Albums

• Inkjet Printers & Supplies

7D 18-135 IS kit

$1899

SCOTTSDALE CENTRESCOTTSDALE CENTRE72nd72nd Ave.Ave. && 120th Street,120th Street, North DeltaNorth Delta

Tel:Tel: 5 59911-8833-8833e-mail: info@photoexpert.come-mail: info@photoexpert.com

www.photoexpert.comwww.photoexpert.com

B E S T ♦ I N D E P E N D E N T C A M E R A S T O R E & I N D E P E N D E N T P H O T O F I N I S H I N G

ATCANON DAYSCANON DAYS

Use a Canon printer just like... US!We produce some of the best canvas and large print work you will ever see.For our large prints, we chose a Canon production printer and the colours and detail are simply phenomenal. Our prints must please the critical eyes of our professional and corporate clients and do they ever! If you want to produce stunning prints at home, we suggest the Canon 9000 or 9500 printers. Print like a pro and choose a Canon.

Canon Pro 9000 Mark II$479Canon Pro 9500 Mark II $799

EdCom Price

Edcom bonus - premium UV filter worth $69.99!

“The fastest runner in the class.” An exceptional sports and action camera with blazing fast frame rate and ultra fast focusing.

T3i 18-55IS kit

$948EdCom Price

Edcom bonus - 180EX camera bag worth $69.99!

“The T3i is the kid that does everything well - math, track and band.” The T3i provides amazingly detailed still images, a nifty swivel screen and high definition movies.

T2i 18-55IS kit

$788EdCom Price

Edcom bonus - 16GB Class 10 SD card worth $39.99!

“The T2i sit quietly and gets straight A’s” The T2i is modestly priced but provides stellar image quality and ease of use. It’s lightweight and easy to carry all day.

G12

$488EdCom Price

Edcom bonus - Classified 30 camera pouch worth $19.99!

“Wins the Science Fair every year”. The G12 provides SLR style performance in a compact camera. It’s bigger, brilliant sensor gives it the edge.

ELPH 100HS

$229EdCom Price

“The small, elegant little lady that dances better than everyone else.” 4X zoom, 1080P movies, Slow Motion mode... cool!

SX130IS

$219EdCom Price

“The kid that carries binoculars so she doesn’t miss a thing.” The SX130IS has a powerful 12X zoom lens to capture images other cameras can’t.

55-250 ISzoom lens

$288EdCom Price

580EX II flash

$488EdCom Price

A serious flash for seriously better pictures!

F4-5.6L USM IS

$1588EdCom Price

L-series: Premium glass for those who want the best.

Sharp, stabilized, value priced!

Try our NEWTry our NEW Creative PosterCreative Poster software forsoftware for FREE!FREE!• Go to www.photoexpert.com• Click on the “Creative Poster”

banner.• Upload your photos• Create your free 8x10 collage

print!• Add text, graphics and produce

exactly what you want! Use the promotion code “student” when ordering your print.

• Pick it up at Photo Expert at your convenience!

Limit 1 free print per customer.Limit 100 prints available for the promotion.

We sharpened our pencils and

threw in some valuable extras.

Thanks very much for your

business.

Take advantage of specialTake advantage of special Edcom only pricing untilEdcom only pricing until May 21st, 2011.May 21st, 2011.

EC16/ May 2011 EdCom now

Sign Me Up!call 778.549.0750www.smarterstudents.ca

FREECONSULTATION

Don't Let your Student Fall Behind this Summer!When the school year ends, many students are occupied during the long summer months with day camps, swimming, play dates and vacation. When summer ends, kids go back to school and realize they have forgotten much of what they learned in school the previous year. They are experiencing a phenomenon called "summer learning loss".In fact, studies have shown that over the summer, kids lose more than 2.6 months of math skills learned in the prior school year. As learning occurs, connections strengthen in the areas of learning. When students stop exercising their brains in those areas, those synaptic connections start to loosen. That is why teachers have to spend the first couple months of the school year, just getting their students caught up! In contrast, if your child works their language and/or math skills over the summer s/he can actually make progress. When school starts in September there will be a marked improvement in comparison to the rest of the class.What a confidence boost!

Summer Catch-Up Program:

High School

Many high school students take

distance education or summer school

courses to get extra classes or

complete classes with a better grade.

Completing a full year of curriculum

in a short period of time can be a real

challenge. Our tutors can provide

the needed support to get through

material in a short period of time and

understand course content that is

going at a fast pace.

Summer Jump Start Program:A tutor will come to your home and work with your child on the academic skills targeted at the Free Educational Consultation.Your child still gets a summer break as sessions are typically 2 or 4 times a week for 1 hour depending on family choice and goals established at the consult.Give your child a jump start this summer so in September s/he can start school with confidence!

0511

ED

C