Volume 4 Issue 4
January 2013
IN THIS ISSUE: Annual Giving Donors
2
Annual Giving Purchases
4
Upcoming Events
5
Gryphon on the Go
6
Justice High
7
Library Update
8
Around Meadowridge
10
Les Misérables
13
Parent Guild Update
14
Gryphon Council Update
15
Staff Update
15
IB Learner Profile
16
Student Achievements
17
Grade 9 Book Trailers
18
A Colourful Canada in the Art Gallery Stop by the E. Boyd & H. Burke Gallery to take in the dynamic display of Grade 5 work, titled “Our Canada”. This colourful mixed media display gives life to the students’ interpretations of their Unit of Inquiry, “Where we are in Place and Time” and will be showing until February 28th. This Unit was “an inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; the discoveries, explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationship between and the inter-connectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.” To show what immigration and Canada mean to them, the students created stunning acrylic on canvas paintings, sketched landscapes, and put their thoughts on paper in various poetic forms. This large display includes student reflection and artists’ statements detailing their inspirations, as well as books from the Library that complement their investigations. It is only appropriate that the “Our Canada” installation is as diverse and colourful as our school, and, of course, our country. - Ms. Carolyn Sapach, Advancement
MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL 12224-240th Street Maple Ridge, BC V4R 1N1 www.meadowridge.bc.ca t: 604.467.4444 | f: 604.467.4989 The Meadowridge Mini Gryphon is printed in-house to reduce costs. Meadowridge School is proud to be an accredited International Baccalaureate Continuum World School.
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ANNUAL GIVING DONORS Thank You For Contributing! Our Newest Contributors
Dr. Michael Orser & Ms. Christine Bickle
Mr. Terry Donaldson
Anonymous
Prof. Nicholas Blomley & Ms. Jessie Hill
Mr. & Mrs. Bill & Barbara Durno
Mr. & Mrs. Randy & Leslie Bargen
Mr. Rhys Clarke & Mrs. Julie Bournival
Mr. Jay Fraser
Mr. Chen Wei Sun & Ms. Hong Chang
Mr. & Mrs. Robert & Shirley Brunetta
Mrs. Hallie Fraser
Mr. & Mrs. Matthew & Brenda Eichhorst
Mr. Hugh Burke & Ms. Eva Boyd
The Gandesha Charitable Trust
Ms. Sarah Hamilton
Canadian Tire Store - Abbotsford (Mr. and Mrs. Brad & Heather Elliott)
Mr. & Mrs. Sam & Yamini Gandesha
Mr. & Mrs. Amrit & Kam Kahlon Mr. Lance Leger & Ms. Sarah Ward Mr. Luis Marin & Ms. Patricia Restrepo Mr. & Mrs. Shaun & Leah McPhail Mrs. Patricia Merry Mr. Quan Ren & Mrs. Lin Wu Drs. Qasim & Tehima Wasti Mr. & Mrs. Matthew & Jennifer Watt Mr. Wen Yong Yang & Mrs. Jie Luan
Ongoing Donors Mr. & Mrs. Rafael & Lisa Acosta Mr. & Mrs. Ron & Cathy Antalek Mr. Ke Bai & Mrs. Ye Hu Mr. Patrick Barber & Mrs. Sonia Nieto Bustos The Barker/Robertson Family Mrs. Kristal Bereza Mr. Chris Bertoia
Drs. Dan & Anca Catona Mr. & Mrs. David & Tania Choat Ms. Samantha Coates Mr. Xiang Jing Chen & Mrs. Xiao Ming Yang
Drs. Deepu & Reena George Drs. Joe & Diana Germain Mr. Bob Gill & Mrs. Diana Carwithen Mr. Kenneth Go & Mrs. Connie Chow-Go
Mr. Jun Chen & Mrs. Zhe Zhou
Dr. & Mrs. Daniel Gouws & Kimberley Buchanan-Gouws
Mr. Victor Chen & Mrs. Wendy Tan
Mr. & Mrs. Alan & Marlene Graveson
Mr. Jie Cheng & Mrs. Lan Na Wu
Mr. & Mrs. Warwick & Carolyn Green
Mr. Richard Choi & Mrs. Angie Lee
Mr. & Mrs. Amar & Kal Grewal
Mr. Roy Choi & Mrs. Jeong-Mi Ryu
Mr. & Mrs. Craig & Natalie Gunning
Mr. & Mrs. Jeff & Katherine Crawford
Dr. & Mrs. Amin & Fawzia Hasham
Dr. Malcolm Crozier & Mrs. Alicia Osorio Bustos
Dr. & Mrs. Michael & Daphne Herberts
Dr. & Mrs. Anton & Elna de Klerk
Mr. & Mrs. Don & Linda Hincks
Mr. & Mrs. Ninderjit & Lakhvir Dhaliwal
Ms. Cindy Hops
Ms. Zahra Dhanani
Mr. John Hwang & Mrs. Catherine Kim
Mrs. Amrita Dhanji
Mr. & Mrs. Ty & Jadina Irving
Mr. Avio Diniz & Ms. Patricia Lapointe
Mr. Steven Jang & Mrs. Veronika Lee
Mr. & Mrs. Matthew & Wendy Dockerty
Ms. Lynelle Johns
Thank you to the families that gave to the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 Annual Giving Campaigns during their re-registration! Mr. & Mrs. Osama & Shannon Aziz
Mr. & Mrs. Ty & Jadina Irving
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald & Roya Sizer
Mr. & Mrs. Steven & Jacqueline Bentley
Drs. Sriram & Mahalaxmi Iyer
Mr. Sobotka & Ms. Frisby
Mrs. Amrita Dhanji
Mr. & Mrs. Tom & Rhonda Laurie
Mr. Troy Sobotka & Ms. Andrea Frisby
Dr. Geoffrey Hutchinson & Dr. Sarah Charney
Mr. Hai Qing Liu & Mrs. Lie Jing Gu
Mr. & Mrs. Julian & Marilyn Turner
Mr. & Mrs. Alan & Marlene Graveson
Mr. & Mrs. Liu
Dr. & Mrs. Hanif & Sophie Ukani
Mr. & Mrs. Peter & Kirsti Hardie
Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Lisa Mirfatahi
Mr. Xiaoping Yuan & Ms. Hongli Gong
Dr. & Mrs. Amin & Fawzia Hasham
Ms. Toni Perretta
Mr. Feng Xu & Mrs. Shuo Chen
Mr. & Mrs. William & Leona Healy
Mr. & Mrs. Igor & Katerina Pogrebinsky
Ms. Xiao Hong Zhou
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This year, please help us
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Mr. & Mrs. Bruce & Judy Johnston
Mr. & Mrs. Harrison & Christy Mooney
Mr. & Mrs. Rajindar & Sheila Singh
Mr. Terry Jung & Ms. Audrey Lum
Mr. & Mrs. Vassen & Lovana Moothoo
Mr. Troy Sobotka & Ms. Andrea Frisby
Mr. Kevin Kennedy
Mr. Michael Nice & Ms. Danielle Noël
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis & Norma-Jean Spika
Dr. Seoung joon Kim & Mrs. Inhwa Sung
Mr. & Mrs. Patrick & Barbara Niwa
Mr. Scott Spurgeon
Drs. Murthy & Anu Korada
Mr. David Noble
Mr. Kevin Sun & Ms. Feng Li
Mr. Hyeok-Sang Kwon & Mrs. Ji-Yeon Ahn
Dr. & Mrs. Godwin & Ezinne Obioha
Mr. & Mrs. Mahmud & Rishma Sunderji
Mr. Oh Hyon Kwon & Mrs. JiSoo Jeon
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen & Margot Olah
Mr. & Ms. Peter & Alison Thompson
Mr. & Mrs. Al-Karim & Zain Lalji
Ms. Angela Pallister
Truc Truck Finder Inc. (The Vine Family)
Drs. Ockie Lampen & Kathy Robson
Mr. Steven Parewyck & Ms. Anita Bonnarens
Mr. & Mrs. Julian & Marilyn Turner
Mr. & Mrs. Tom & Rhonda Laurie
Mr. & Mrs. Scott & Lisa Park
Mr. & Mrs. David & Lyn Tyler
Mr. Daniel Le Page
Drs. Gurdev & Karen Parmar
Dr. & Mrs. Hanif & Sophie Ukani
Ms. Nicole LeBrun
Mr. & Mrs. Terrance & Moira Passley
Ms. Michelle Vally
Mr. Gye Ju Lee & Mrs. Whal Ran Park
Dr. Manuel Peraza Zarate & Mrs. Marie Chantal Vazquez
Ms. Tamara Warner
Mr. & Mrs. Darrell & Kim Lester Mr. Jinsong Liu and Ms. Xiaoxue Sun Mr. Tao Lu & Ms. Bing Li Drs. Samir & Sangita Malhotra Mr. & Mrs. Riaz & Fairous Mapara Mr. James Marriott Mr. Gareth Mason & Ms. Carolyn Treger Ms. Jennifer Maynes Dr. Bheemdev Meetarbhan & Ms. Diane Holenski Ms. Sherrie Metz
Mr. & Mrs. Rick & Susan Waugh
Mr. & Mrs. Philip & Nicola Pitzey
Dr. & Mrs. Lawrence & Tracey Welsh
Mr. & Mrs. Igor & Katerina Pogrebinsky
Mr. & Mrs. Paul & Kalie Whitaker
Mr. & Mrs. Shahir & Reeshma Premji
Mr. William Wong & Ms. Tina Lee
Dr. Ravindran & Mrs. Chandramohan
Mr. Feng Xu & Mrs. Shuo Chen
Mr. George Read & Ms. Fay Kingwill
Mr. Fu Qing Xu & Mrs. Hui Wang
Dr. John Reynolds & Dr. Isabelle Cote
Mr. Xiaoping Yuan & Ms. Hongli Gong
Ms. Carolyn Sapach
Mr. Kyle Jeans & Ms. Krista Zambolin
Mrs. Jada Sawatzky
Mr. Jie Zhao and Mrs. Yan Peng
Mr. Alan Sharda, Ms. Zebeen Panju & Azynah Mr. & Mrs. Justin & Jennifer Simpson
Ms. Xiao Hong Zhou Mr. Hai Tao Zhu & Ms. Li Ling Li
Mike Huber Real Estate Services (Huber Family)
Thank you for your gift. Our Year of
Growth. Growing our children’s future.
Meadowridge is a not-for-profit organization. Donations above $25.00 are tax deductible. Charitable Registration #0719195-21-27
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Annual Giving Purchases We’d like to thank the many families who have made a pledge to Annual Giving through the re-registration process. Each year we allocate approximately $250,000 of these funds to the library, the sciences, the arts, athletics, clubs, design and technology, general classroom resources and outdoor education. By pledging a gift to the Annual Giving Campaign, families safeguard the programmes that support our school’s vision and provide enhancements to each child’s education that are not covered by tuition. A gift to Headmaster's Choice provides funding to the areas of highest priority, or at times, to spontaneous needs inside and outside of the classroom. All donations to the Annual Giving Campaign have the added advantage of being tax-deductible. Parents, thank you for allowing our students to thrive! Here are a few items we have purchased with your donation this month. - Mrs. Lyn Tyler, Advancement
Do We Have “Chemistry”? Our Annul Giving donors do – they have assisted our chemistry department to purchase polarimeters, melt stations, verniers, balances, and chromatography kits to allow our students access to a greater range of experiments which in turn more fully prepares them for university.
“Tanks” to Annual Giving Our Grade Four students have welcomed some new little friends to their classroom. Thanks to our Annual Giving donors, our students will be raising salmon alevin from eggs in tanks in their classrooms. We have also purchased water testing kits for them and if we find the water in our stream (Latimer Creek) to be adequate they could be released there as young salmon just after Spring Break. Our students also took a watershed educational tour to learn about the salmon life cycle and forest and stream ecology to help prepare them for this special experience. We wish them well.
Mechano on Steroids!
Lighting the Way Annual Giving donors have supported the purchase of portable LED light panels which are being used to help students explore design concepts through rotations, mirror imaging and patterns.
The VEX Robotics Design System has arrived at Meadowridge thanks to a very special parent donor. This fantastic new system offers students an exciting platform for learning about areas rich with career opportunities spanning design, science, technology, engineering and math. Beyond science and engineering principles, a VEX Robotics project encourages teamwork, leadership and problem solving and is a wonderful tool for students as they learn the design cycle. It also allows our teachers to easily customize projects to meet the level of students’ abilities. The VEX platform is expanding rapidly and is now found in Meadowridge and other schools and university labs around the globe.
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This year, please help us
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Career Panel Volunteer opportunity Dear School Community, As part of the ongoing career education at Meadowridge School, we are hosting a Career Panel in which representatives of various professions can share their experience with our senior students. This type of event provides insight for our students as they begin to make post-secondary education and career decisions. Hearing from employees in various workplace sectors gives students an inside look at the careers that they may be considering.
We are currently searching for volunteers to sit on this panel in the following sectors: Law, Engineering, Medicine, Business, The Arts, Education We are asking panelists to prepare a short, 5 to 10 minute introduction including, but not limited to, their education and training, a typical day, future prospects of the sector, and related careers. Following the introductions, panelists would take questions from the students and the moderator. This event is taking place Friday, March 8 from 1:30pm to 3:30pm. We would value your contribution to this important learning experience for our students. If you are available to be a panelist or if you have further questions, please contact Mr. Alan Graveson at 604.467.4444 ext. 205 or alan.graveson@meadowridge.bc.ca. Thank you. - Mr. Alan Graveson, MYP Teacher
Gwynne Dyer Lecture Parents Welcome!
We are happy to announce that Gwynne Dyer, journalist, broadcaster and lecturer on international affairs, will be back at Meadowridge to present another lecture. He will be here on February 15th from 1:30pm to 3:30pm to speak to our Grade 9 to 12 students. This is a great opportunity for our students to expand their knowledge of international events from a world-renowned expert. Parents are welcome to attend this lecture!
The Triumph of Non-Violence This lecture will be about the revolutions of the Arab Spring and what they mean for the region and the world, but it also sets them in a broader context. Non-violent revolution is both more common and more successful in the modern world than the old and bloody version, but few people really understand it. This is an attempt to explain how and why it works.
About Gwynne Dyer: GWYNNE DYER has worked as a freelance journalist, columnist, broadcaster and lecturer on international affairs for more than 20 years, but he was originally trained as an historian. Born in Newfoundland, he received degrees from Canadian, American and British universities, finishing with a Ph.D. in Military and Middle Eastern History from the University of London. He served in three navies and held academic appointments at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and Oxford University before launching his twice-weekly column on international affairs, which is published by over 175 papers in some 45 countries. His most recent book, “Crawling from the Wreckage”, traces the world’s halting emergence from the dark tunnel of the past decade, a time marked by exaggerated fears of terrorism, futile and unnecessary wars in the Middle East, neglect of climate change, and financial nearcollapse. In the Spring of 2012, Gwynne Dyer was made an officer of the Order of Canada.
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Gryphon Grads on the Go Gryph has been busy reconnecting with his Alumni friends to see what they have been up to since they left Meadowridge. From right here in Vancouver, to as far away as Rwanda, he has already been to university, met the President of the United States of America (in spirit), and been up close and personal with an octopus. The large world map at front reception is filling up with pictures of Meadowridge Grads and Gryph on their adventures around the world. Stop by and see where they are working and what they have been exploring since Graduation. This inspiring display reminds us that once you are a Gryphon, you are always a Gryphon, and that our Alumni are living their dreams every day. - Ms. Carolyn Sapach, Advancement
Do you know a Grad who wants to take a picture with Gryph?
To get them their very own Gryph to pose with, please share their contact information with the Advancement Department, or have them contact us directly. Gryph can be reached through Daniel Le Page, Director of Alumni Relations, at daniel.lepage@meadowwridge.bc.ca.
Washing
ton Mo nument
Rwanda
South A f Mossel Brica ay
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Grades 7 to 9 Attend Justice High she took away new fundraising ideas and was inspired to become a stronger leader to educate her peers. It also validated the ongoing charity work her family does, as she learned that volunteering or ongoing giving reaches further and has a bigger impact than just one-time gifts do. The Service Group has volunteered at the Salvation Army in the past, but in a sporadic fashion. After attending this conference, they are now determined to find a way to schedule regular visits, so their gifts of time can help people in a bigger way.
Grade 7 and 9 students representing Meadowridge at the Justice High conference. Pictured from left to right: Nicole K. (Grade 7), Shivani G. (Grade 7), Brandon J. (Grade 9), Khushbash D. (Grade 9) and Nicholas J. (Grade 7). Not pictured: Nathan S. (Grade 7).
On Saturday, January 26th, a handful of Meadowridge Students travelled to West Vancouver to participate in the Capilano University organized “Justice High.” This full day conference included workshops and speakers on social issues that are affecting our world, both locally and globally. Poverty, Anti-Bullying and Environmental Issues are not new topics to our wellrounded students, but the students learned about these subjects to a new depth that left them informed and inspired. I sat down with three attendees, Shivani, Nicholas and Nicole, to hear about their experiences. All three of them originally wanted to go to the conference to learn about being better leaders in their community, but what they got out of it was so much more. When asked if the conference will impact their every day lives, all were quick to agree that it would. As members of the Junior Gryphon Council Service Group, they
immediately began to brainstorm ideas that they could implement here in the school. Nicholas was awed by the fact that over half the world lives in poverty, and even so, women are paid much less than men to do even the hardest jobs such as picking coffee beans. Some schools that participated in Justice High only sell Fair Trade coffees and chocolate, which has spurred a discussion of doing an audit of Meadowridge, and our ability to make small changes to contribute to a greater good. Nicole was especially moved by the fact that even the smallest changes in our lives can make a big difference. “I definitely am going to become better at recycling,” she said. “The recycling bins are always close to the garbage cans, and yet people often just throw recyclables away because it is easier. If we all just took two extra steps to the recycling bins, the effect would be huge.” Shivani and her family are heavily involved in a charity in India, where she travelled in Grade 5 to help build a shelter. Even with this family background of philanthropy,
“We often think that we can’t do anything, because we are too young, or we are just one person, but that isn’t the case. Even the small things make a difference.” - Nicole K. These students impressed me. Not in their knowledge, nor their enthusiasm, because I expect that from our students. What struck me most was their determination to take it upon themselves to make a difference in their world. Nicole said “we often think that we can’t do anything, because we are too young, or we are just one person, but that isn’t the case. Even the small things make a difference.” I agree - especially when those “small things” are our children. - Ms. Carolyn Sapach, Advancement
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Library update Thank you for the new books! The Meadowridge Library has new books thanks to you! Some students brought back books from their vacations and some have been donated as all-time favourite reads. A book plate with the donor’s picture or dedication has been placed in the front cover of the donated book as a thank you for thinking of our Library. Come in to check out these new treasures and souvenirs. - Mrs. Jaime-Lyn Hugh, Teacher Librarian
Will You Fill My Bucket? Donated by: Alina C. (Grade 2) & Hannah C. (Grade 1) Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel
The Allergies Series: Sports-Tastic Birthday Party, Peanut-Free Tea for Three, Dairy-Free Dino-Licious Dig, Trade-or-Treat Halloween
Donated by: Evan N. (Grade 4) & Wyatt N. (Grade 1)
Donated by: Alex S. (Grade 1)
Extreme Planet Donated by: Ty B. (Grade 2)
Berenstein Bears’ Class Trip, The Halloween Party from the Black Lagoon, Cam Jensen and the First Day of School Mystery, The Mio and Jazz Mysteries Donated by: Miss Tamara Warner
The Village That Vanished Donated by: Milas S. (Junior Kindergarten )
Where’s the Pirate Donated by: Joshua L. (Kindergarten)
Made By Me
A Clash of Kings
Donated by: Madisyn M. (Grade 1)
Donated by: Mr. Rhys Clark & Zoe C. (Grade 5)
All book covers © Amazon.ca (www.amazon.ca) except Trade-or-Treat Halloween, Peanut-Free Tea for Three, Sports-Tastic Birthday and Dairy-Free Dino-Licious are all © nobiggiebunch.com; Guanacaste: Life & Culture © zonatropical.net.
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Learning to live well, with others and for others, in a just community.
Take me on an adventur e with you Find a book all shiny and new Send a photo of you and I Now I bet you’re wonderi ng why
Donate your book To the Library and you’ll see The picture you took of you and me. Happy Travels,
P.S. Send your photos to librarians@mead
owridge.bc.ca
Pictured on the Front: GryPh enjoyinG a book in the MeadowridGe School library Meadowridge School 12224-240th Street, Maple Ridge, BC V4R 1N1
To My Meadowridge Friends,
Grow our home.
Thank you to the students that took our Gryph Postcard along on their holidays and brought back some books for the Library!
Meadowridge Student wherever you may travel in the world
San Diego, California
Visit the Meadowridge Library online at
www.meadowridge.bc.ca/library
South Africa
Penguins and Antarctica
Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, 11 South African Folk Tales
Donated by: Noah W. (Grade 4)
Donated by: Tara T. (Grade 7)
Costa Rica
Egypt Look What Came From Egypt Donated by: Aaqeel K. (Grade 1)
Costa Rica Zari & Marinita
Donated by: Elliot R. (Grade 2)
Jamaica
When the Sun and Moon Ran Away Donated by: Anika F. (Grade 2)
Tahiti
Te Haakakai, Tohor Baleines Donated by: David N. (Grade 12)
Guancaste: Life and Culture Donated by: Aiden R. (Grade 4)
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AROUND MEADOWRIDGE Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5 Dance and Karate! For the month of January, PYP has been fortunate to have the expertise of Karate, Hip Hop and Ballet teachers coming in to teach the students important skills such as discipline, rhythm and self-control. Junior Kindergarten was taught by Master Fraser of Karate For Kids twice a week for a total of 6 classes. Here they learned an oath which encourages friendship and respect for all people. As well, students received an introduction to safe movement of their bodies and how to protect themselves in case of stranger danger.
Kindergarten and Grade 1 were introduced to Line Dancing (taught by Miss McKay), Ballet (taught by parent volunteer Mrs. Su) and Hip Hop (taught by Ms. Tara Watson of Fabulous Feet). With a total of four classes for each dance type, students experienced proper body positions, strong muscle movements and were encouraged to move to the beat of the music.
Grades 2 to 5 were also introduced to Line Dance, taught by Mrs. Brookshaw and treated to four Hip Hop lessons taught by Ms. Tara Watson. These energetic and fun classes focussed on strong, bold movements performed to pop music. Each grade learned a short routine leaving students with the satisfaction of learning fun moves that flowed into a short dance they can be proud of and teach to their friends and family. - Miss Kathleen McKay, PYP Teacher
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Science 10 Chemical Reactions In Science 10 the students are learning about acids, bases and salts by examining their chemical reactions. In this investigation, the students are investigating the acid-base properties of four solutions using indicators like litmus paper, bromothymol blue, indigo carmine and methyl orange solution. - Ms. Deepti Rajeev, MYP Teacher
Physics 12 Trying Not to Make a Splash! The Physics 12 class was examining the forces on a bucket of water being swung in a vertical circle. The aim was to go as slow as possible without the water dropping on your head. Ben D. placed a camera in the water to take this picture of Raheem E. as he successfully rotated the bucket and remained dry! - Mr. Kevin Wells, MYP Teacher
Image from www.education.com
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French 6 Experiencing a French Buffet On Friday January 25th, the Grade 6 French classes celebrated the art of French cuisine by feasting on an assortment of French specialties. Each student brought a French-inspired dish, including cheeses, desserts, quiches, pâtés, chocolates, croissants, pastries and more. Participants presented their dishes to the class (in French, of course) and also listened to French music. We finished with the movie Ratatouille. Food is very important to French people and their culture. Students are encouraged to use their new skills when ordering at a French restaurant or preparing a French dish. Thank you to parents for helping their children prepare their dishes. Also, special thanks to Mme. Lebrun, Sra. Villadiego, Srita. Zivec and Mr. Ng for helping with the event. - Mme. Nicole LeBrun, MYP Teacher
Grade 6 and 8 Post Apocalyptic Party! Grade 6 and 8 students rejoiced at our post-apocalyptic party! We celebrated the fact that the end of the Mayan Calendar marked the beginning of a new cycle, rather than the stultifying end to an old one, as was originally thought. Students took the opportunity to savour the fact that mankind has been afforded an extension by recording a host of new aspirations in their “Dream Books”. Wishing all of you great happiness and a host of new possibilities in this post-apocalyptic era! - Ms. Cindy Hops, MYP Teacher
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Meadowridge Presents
For several weeks, many MYP and DP students have been busy practicing lines and staging in anticipation of presenting Broadway’s legendary and author-approved school edition musical of Les Misérables. Please save the date on your calendar as the show opens on Wednesday, February 27th for a four night run with the final performance on Saturday, March 2nd. Originally adapted from Victor Hugo’s timeless novel, Les Misérables School Edition introduces a new generation to the grand and inspirational story that has touched the hearts of millions. This is a student adaptation of the beloved global stage sensation, with libretto by Alain Boublil and lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer. Over the past 27 years, the stage version has been seen by more than 60 million people in 42 countries in 21 languages and is still breaking box-office records everywhere. This epic story recounts the struggle against adversity in 19th century France. Imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread, petty thief Jean Valjean is released from his 19-year term and not only becomes an honest man, but the mayor of a prosperous town and a loving adoptive father - violating his parole in the process. The relentless Inspector Javert, who makes a decent life for Valjean impossible, consequently pursues him. Only years later does the ex-convict finally feel redeemed, after he proves his mettle during a bloody student uprising and saves the life of a young man hopelessly in love with Valjean’s adopted daughter. Tickets will be released on February 12th, and will be available for purchase at the school or through email (details TBA). Although this version is a specific ‘School Edition’ tailored for performances by older students, please note that it has been rated PG due to some mature themes. - Miss Tamara Warner, PYP Teacher
Cast list for Les Misérables: Jean Valjean: Jerry Y. (Grade 12) Eponine: Maddison E. (Grade 12) Fantine: Sarah D. (Grade 12) Cosette: Nicole D. (Grade 11) Javert: Shaquille D. (Grade 11) Marius: Richard L. (Grade 11) Enjolras: Ashwin S. (Grade 12) Thenardier: Nicholas L. (Grade 11) Madame Thenardier: Emma G. (Grade 11) Young Cosette: Kaitlin H. (Grade 9) Gavroche: Emma H. (Grade 7)
Ensemble: Hannah W. (Grade 9), Nicholas H. (Grade 11), Jayden J. (Grade 11), Isaiah H. (Grade 11), Liam W. (Grade 11), Adriana M. (Grade 11), Katrina K. (Grade 12), Shermaine L. (Grade 12), Kalvin K. (Grade 10), Kelsey P. (Grade 11), Janine D. (Grade 12), Melody S. (Grade 12), Amanda H. (Grade 12), Alice K. (Grade 12),
Tickets on sale February 12th!
Kavya S. (Grade 12), Victoria H. (Grade 11), Davina G. (Grade 11), Kimberly D. (Grade 11), Kai R. (Grade 10), Jessica B. (Grade 9), Poppy W. (Grade 9), Emma C. (Grade 8), Jennifer X. (Grade 7)
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Parent Guild UPDATE Now that the holiday decorations are down and we are all back to our busy schedules, the Parent Guild is back in the swing of things making plans for this and the next school year.
New Parent Guild Event - The Family Fall Fair
The Meadowridge Parent Guild is excited to announce a new event that will take place in September 2013: Our first “Family Fall Fair”. The Welcome Back Fair and the Grandparent Luncheon have become much-loved Meadowridge Traditions. However, as our school grows, our events need to change with us. The Grandparent Luncheon has become so popular that we can barely accommodate all of our loved ones. Also, the children who didn’t have a special guest to invite often felt left out. The new Family Fall Fair will incorporate the fun we love from the Welcome Back Fair, like the delicious multicultural food, and incorporate an Afternoon Tea Event where all Grandparents, Grand-Friends, and of course, the whole family can come together to enjoy being part of the Meadowridge Community. We are planning on some new attractions as well, including a bazaar for this special day.
The planning has just begun for The Family Fall Fair! If there are parents who would like to get involved, please let us know by emailing parentguild@meadowridge.bc.ca.
Please watch for more detailed announcements towards the end of this school year, and as the new school year approaches in September 2013. We look forward to welcoming all of our families to the Family Fall Fair and to starting new traditions.
Safety & Training Courses - Babysitting, First Aid & FOODSAFE
The Parent Guild offered a Babysitting course on Saturday, January 26th. We were thrilled at the registration, as the course was immediately full, so we have begun a waitlist to potentially run the class again. If you have a child between 11 to 15 years old that would like to take this course, please let us know so we can plan future courses accordingly. Please contact us through email: Parentguild@meadowridge.bc.ca. In addition, we will be running a FOODSAFE course and an Emergency First Aid course. These courses will be available to students, parents and staff. Please email us to register for one of those programmes, to be held on Sunday, April 7th, from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Lunch will be provided and students attending any of the three courses will be able to earn 2 service hours towards their Gryphon Pin. The Parent Guild hopes to offer these programmes on an ongoing basis each year. So if your child missed out this year due to schedule conflicts or age restrictions - there will be another opportunity in the future. Please watch for further updated information in the Mini Gryphon, Hot Sheets and in your Grade Rep’s emails. Best wishes, Eileen Karmali Chair, Meadowridge Parent Guild
Gryphon’s Emporium (Used Uniform Shop) The Gryphon’s Emporium is one of the largest fundraising ventures of the Parent Guild. Through the sales of donated used uniforms, the Parent Guild is able to support school events. Please support us by donating your used uniforms!
HOURS Open the first Wednesday of every month (if school is in session) from 3:00pm to 4:00pm. To book an appointment outside of that time, email gryphonsemporium@meadowridge.bc.ca.
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This year, please help us
Grow our home.
Gryphon Council Update Our first Friday event of the New Year took place on January 11th and it was Mario Kart Wii! Students put their driving skills to the test, and competed against each other for house points. It was a great way to spend the lunch hour! As you all may be wondering, the Can Drive that took place up until the last week of school before Winter Break was a huge success. Thank you to everyone who brought in donations for the Food Bank; we collected hundreds of non-perishable food items that added up to 2,598 pounds of food! Our local Food Bank was extremely grateful for our donation! Food wasn’t the only item collected during the Can Drive. Congratulations to Fraser House for bringing in the most items, and collecting the most house points! Unfortunately the Senior Gryphon Council Games Night planned for January was cancelled. We are hoping to reschedule this event so Grades 9 to 12 can get together, play sports and play Dance Dance Revolution on the Wii!
Above: Some of the food collected during the Can Drive, which totalled 2,598 pounds! Right: Ms. Payne playing DDR with students during a Friday event in December.
- Omar V., Media Gryphon
STAFF UPDATE Miss Cori Barker, Front Reception
On December 27th Cori Barker (pictured top left), her fiancé Stewart and excited older brother Jake welcomed Alec Ronan Robertson to the world. Miss Barker has visited the school a number of times to let everyone meet the newest addition to their family. What an amazing late Christmas present for the Barker-Robertsons. Congratulations to the whole family.
Mr. Scott Rinn, MYP Teacher
Congratulations to Scott Rinn and his wife Liane, who welcomed their baby boy Sawyer Wyet Rinn (pictured right) on January 14th at nearly midnight. The new addition to the family is doing well and Mr. Rinn was nice enough to share some pictures of his little man. For the sake of Mom and Dad, let’s hope Sawyer doesn’t prefer those late nights! Miss Barker, her fiance and Alec during a visit at the school.
Mrs. Jaime-Lyn Hugh, Teacher Librarian
Mrs. Jaime-Lyn Hugh has returned from maternity leave to work parttime in the Library alongside Mrs. Christal Storgaard and Mrs. Heather Nicholson. She will be working in the Library part time on Monday and Tuesday and alternate Wednesdays, while Mrs. Storgaard will be here Wednesday to Friday. Together they will team up to support the MYP/DP students and staff. Her return is very timely, as the Library will now be managing and building Meadowridge’s Archive Collection.
Mrs. Stacey Banack, MYP Teacher
Mrs. Stacey Banack has returned from her maternity leave to job share with Mrs. Jada Sawatzky. Together they will teach MYP Physical Education. We are glad to have Mrs. Banack back!
Mr. Rinn’s baby, Sawyer, showing his Wyoming State pride!
Meadowr idge Schoo l
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IB Learner Profile Feature Why is the IB Learner Profile so important? “The beliefs and values of the PYP are represented in the form of the IB learner profile. This profile lists, as attributes, the learning outcomes of the curriculum and focuses attention on the fact that student learning is the purpose of schools. The IB learner profile also represents a synthesis of the essential elements of the PYP. Throughout the primary years, the students engage in structured inquiry that synthesizes knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes and action. In doing so, they develop the attributes described in the learner profile. This profile provides powerful goals that serve learning across all areas of the curriculum.” (From Making PYP Happen)
We will be featuring two IB Learner Profiles in each Mini Gryphon with a description of each Learner Profile and how you can role model the profile at home.
Inquirer
Students who are INQUIRERS are curious about the world. They can conduct research independently. They love learning and discovering new things and will carry this love of learning with them throughout life. How can parents help to develop students who are Inquirers at home? • Encourage areas of your child’s interest by visiting the library to borrow books that explore these topics. • Develop an understanding of the Internet. Work with your son or daughter when the Internet is being used and try to instill the understanding that some Internet sites are not reputable. • Model being an Inquirer. Admit when you don’t know the answer to a problem or a question and seek out answers in front of your child.
open-minded
An OPEN-MINDED student knows that all people are different. They listen to the points of view of others and consider many possibilities before making a decision. They celebrate the differences that make all people unique. How can parents help to develop this Open-Minded trait at home? • Encourage your child to try new things – new foods, new games and new activities. • Expose your child to different festivals, celebrations and traditions and be sure to present them in a non-judgmental way. • Encourage your child to really listen to others when they speak. • Introduce literature about many different cultures into your home library. Be sure that it is appropriate and reflects the culture in an appropriate way. • Reflect on their experiences from UN Week. How were they Open-Minded during the week? What did they learn about other countries or cultures that they didn’t know before? • When you observe your child being Open-Minded, reinforce this positive behaviour and use the PYP student profile terminology.
- Mr. Terry Donaldson, PYP Director of Academics
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This year, please help us
Grow our home.
Student Achievements 2012 Canadian Open Mathematics Contest In November of last year a number of our students wrote the Canadian Open Mathematics Contests, organized by the University of Waterloo. This is a very prestigious contest in Canada and attracts entrants of a very high calibre. Certificates of Distinction are awarded for those students who finish in the top 25% of the country, and a medal for the student who finishes top within the school, provided they score over a set level. I am pleased to report that our participants did very well in both the Intermediate contest (up to Grade 10) and the Senior contest (up to Grade 12). - Mr. Kevin Wells, MYP Teacher
2012 Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest Senior Medal Winner and Certificate of Distinction: Adrian S. (Grade 12) Senior Honourable Mentions: Emily H. (Grade 11) Mehar K. (Grade 11) Ming H. (Grade 12) *Ming was only 1 point away from attaining a level of distinction! Kavya S. (Grade 12) Left: Adrian S. with his Certificate of Distinction and Medal. Right: Jennifer A. with her Certificate of Distinction and Medal.
Intermediate Medal Winner and Certificate of Distinction: Jennifer A. (Grade 10) Intermediate Certificate of Distinction: Douglas Z. (Grade 10) Intermediate Honourable Mention: Benjamin C. (Grade 10)
DELF French Exam More Meadowridge students have received their Bilingual status with the French DELF examination. Congratulations to all 25 students that attempted the B1 and B2 DELF exams in November 2012 as every student passed!
Congratulations to the following students: B1: Jo-Raul F. (Grade 8)
B2: Janine D. (Grade 12)
B1: So Yeon A. (Grade 10)
B2: Sarah D. (Grade 12)
B1: Benjamin C. (Grade 10)
B2: Katrina K. (Grade 12)
B1: Morgan W. (Grade 10)
B2: Chai Won K. (Grade 12)
13 French 12 students took this exam and passed it successfully. These people have achieved level B2 (Utilisateur IndĂŠpendant). We also had 12 students from Grade 8, 10 and 11 who passed their B1, which is the first step before achieving their full B2 level.
B1: Douglas Z. (Grade 10)
B2: Shermaine L. (Grade 12)
B1: Christopher A. (Grade 11)
B2: David N. (Grade 12)
B1: Davina G. (Grade 11)
B2: Marlena O. (Grade 12)
Meadowridge students are the only French second language students in the Province who have successfully taken their DELF examinations for three years in a row. Normally, only French Immersion students take this exam due to its very high level of difficulty.
B1: Victoria H. (Grade 11)
B2: Kavya S. (Grade 12)
B1: Nicholas L. (Grade 11)
B2: Melody S. (Grade 12)
B1: Kelsey P. (Grade 11)
B2: Adrian S. (Grade 12)
B1: Genevieve R. (Grade 11)
B2: Ismail T. (Grade 12)
B1: Geneva W. (Grade 11)
B2: Omar V. (Grade 12)
Well done everyone! - Mme. Pogrebinsky, MYP Teacher
FĂŠlicitations!
B2: Caja B. (Grade 12)
Meadowr idge Schoo l
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Grade 9 Book Trailers
The Making Of
Over the winter break the Grade 9 HLA (Humanities, Language and Arts) students were required to read a novel. When they returned to class they either worked alone or selected groups to work with and prepare an original book trailer for their novel.
Don’t think boring book report . . . think exciting, original BOOK TRAILER! What is a book trailer? The main difference between a movie trailer and a book trailer is that a movie trailer already has visual images to work with - clips from the film. With a book trailer, the maker has to convert the written words into visual images. The trick is to convey a sense of what the book is about without giving anything away. The Grade 9s included information that reveals their understanding of the novel’s characters, plot (but doesn’t “give away” the climax), setting, theme and the tone and/or mood.
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This year, please help us
Grow our home.
During the brainstorming and storyboard planning sessions students are asked to consider the following: • How do you want your trailer to look? Nostalgic and old or bold and futuristic? • Will it be a video compiled of still images or a mixture of stills and video? • Will you shoot any footage yourself?
e9 Grad ailers Tr Book ke 1 Ta 13 0 2 1
• Do you want a musical background to add interest and/or emotion? • What method of changing from one scene to the next do you want to employ? Do you want to fade to black? Or use some kind of manipulation that gives the impression of a page turning? After a week or so of planning, discussing, storyboarding, researching and/or filming, discussing, re-filming, editing, discussing, editing and finally a little more editing the trailers were ready for viewing! - Mrs. Michelle Flintermann, MYP Teacher
See some of the Grade 9 Book Trailers online in the eGryphon picture Gallery!
Attention Parents:
Re-registration for the 2013-2014 school year is open until Friday, February 8th. Please ensure your child is re-registered by this date in order to secure their seat for the upcoming school year. Visit the Parent Portal for information on how to re-register or contact Ms. Christine Bickle at christine.bickle@meadowridge.bc.ca or 604.467.4444.