Volume 4 Issue 8
May 2013
IN THIS ISSUE:
Meadowridge Well Represented at the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award His Royal Highness, The Duke of York was in Victoria on Saturday, May 18th to meet with a group of young men and women, including six Meadowridge Grade 12 students and two Meadowridge Alumni. As the second largest organization represented, Meadowridge students and alumni accepted the Gold Duke of Edinburgh (DOE) Award with pride as a representation of their service to community, personal growth, self-reliance, perseverance and responsibility. These are traits that are to be encouraged while attempting to obtain the highest level of the DOE Award. Congratulations to the following Grade 12 students Janine de K., Cameron H., Marlena O., Tom L., Eric T., Kavya S. and Alumni Allan Read (‘12) and Kathleen Read (‘11).
Annual Giving Donors
2
Enhancing Our Environment
5
Destination Imagination
6
Admissions Update
7
Camp Sasamat
8
Badminton Season
10
Golf Club
11
Cross Country
12
Around Meadowridge
14
Library Update
16
Student Achievements
17
Gryphon Council Update
18
Social Media Presentation
20
ALS Dance-a-Thon
20
GP/DP Art
21
Salmon Release
22
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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Mea d ow r idge Sch o o l
ANNUAL GIVING DONORS Thank You For Contributing! Our Newest Contributors
Mr. & Mrs. Sam & Manjinder Thuraisamy
Mr. & Mrs. Scott & Stacey Banack
Mr. James Yang & Ms. Mandy Qi
Mr. & Ms. Ronald & Janet Batty
Mrs. Hwa Youn Cho
Mr. & Mrs. Steven & Jacqueline Bentley
Mrs. Leah Zeballos
Mr. & Mrs. Bill & Haj Brar
Mrs. You Ying Zeng
Mr. Antonio de Oliveira Jr. & Ms. Amanda Casanova
Mr. Shanhai Zhao & Mrs. Li Wan Ms. Gilda Zivec
Mr. Bradley Senner & Ms. Tanya Cloete Mr. & Mrs. Clinton & Michelle Denesiuk
Ongoing Donors
Mr. & Mrs. Paul & Christine Holtved
Anonymous
Drs. Nirmal & Arvind Kang
Mr. & Mrs. Rafael & Lisa Acosta
Mr. & Mrs. Dan & Shelley Larsen
Mr. & Mrs. Ron & Cathy Antalek
Mr. & Mrs. Stephan & Nancy Mackenzie
Mr. Ke Bai & Mrs. Ye Hu
Dr. & Mrs. Stephen & Folashade Ogunremi
Mr. Patrick Barber & Mrs. Sonia Nieto Bustos
Dr. & Mrs. Parin & Bhavna Patel
Mr. & Mrs. Randy & Leslie Bargen
Miss Marie Payne
The Barker/Robertson Family
Ms. Toni Perretta
Mr. & Mrs. John & Terry Becker
Mr. Rad Petkovic
Mrs. Kristal Bereza
Mr. & Mrs. Ivan & Lana Rados
Mr. Chris Bertoia
Mr. & Mrs. Sawatzky
Dr. Michael Orser & Ms. Christine Bickle
Mr. & Mrs. Aaron & Pamela Schultz-Lessing
Prof. Nicholas Blomley & Ms. Jessie Hill
Dr. & Mrs. Allen & Rosie Shen
Mr. Rhys Clarke & Mrs. Julie Bournival
Dr. Mathew & Mrs. Masumi Smith
Mr. & Mrs. Robert & Shirley Brunetta
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis & Norma-Jean Spika
Experiential Education
Mr. Hugh Burke & Ms. Eva Boyd
Canadian Tire Store - Abbotsford (Mr. and Mrs. Brad & Heather Elliott) Drs. Dan & Anca Catona Mr. & Mrs. David & Tania Choat Ms. Samantha Coates Mr. Xiang Jing Chen & Mrs. Xiao Ming Yang Mr. Jun Chen & Mrs. Zhe Zhou Mr. Victor Chen & Mrs. Wendy Tan Mr. Jie Cheng & Mrs. Lan Na Wu Mr. Richard Choi & Mrs. Angie Lee Mr. Roy Choi & Mrs. Jeong-Mi Ryu Mr. & Mrs. Jeff & Katherine Crawford Dr. Malcolm Crozier & Mrs. Alicia Osorio Bustos Dr. & Mrs. Anton & Elna de Klerk Mr. & Mrs. Ninderjit & Lakhvir Dhaliwal Ms. Zahra Dhanani Mrs. Amrita Dhanji Mr. Avio Diniz & Ms. Patricia Lapointe Mr. & Mrs. Matthew & Wendy Dockerty Mr. Terry Donaldson Mr. & Mrs. Bill & Barbara Durno Mr. & Mrs. Matthew & Brenda Eichhorst Mr. Jay Fraser Mrs. Hallie Fraser Mr. & Mrs. Peter & Kelly Fry
We’d like to thank the many families who have made a pledge to Annual Giving this past year. Each year we allocate these funds to library resources, the sciences, the arts, athletics, clubs, general classroom resources and experiential education.
Recycling
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The Gandesha Charitable Trust
Mr. & Mrs. Amrit & Kam Kahlon
Ms. Jennifer Maynes
Mr. & Mrs. Sam & Yamini Gandesha
Mr. Xiu Kang & Mrs. Baowei Yue Guo
Mr. & Mrs. Shaun & Leah McPhail
Drs. Deepu & Reena George
Dr. & Mrs. Al Karim & Eileen Karmali
Drs. Joe & Diana Germain
Mr. Kevin Kennedy
Dr. Bheemdev Meetarbhan & Ms. Diane Holenski
Mr. Bob Gill & Mrs. Diana Carwithen
Dr. Seoung Joon Kim & Mrs. Inhwa Sung
Mrs. Patricia Merry
Mr. Kenneth Go & Mrs. Connie Chow-Go
Drs. Murthy & Anu Korada
Ms. Sherrie Metz
Dr. & Mrs. Daniel Gouws & Kimberley Buchanan-Gouws
Mr. Hyeok-Sang Kwon & Mrs. Ji-Yeon Ahn
Mike Huber Real Estate Services (Huber Family)
Mr. & Mrs. Alan & Marlene Graveson
Mr. & Mrs. Al-Karim & Zain Lalji
Mr. & Mrs. Warwick & Carolyn Green
Mr. & Mrs. Kulraj & Kalvinder Tiwana
Mr. & Mrs. Amar & Kal Grewal
Drs. Ockie Lampen & Kathy Robson
Mr. & Mrs. Craig & Natalie Gunning
Mr. & Mrs. Tom & Rhonda Laurie
Ms. Sarah Hamilton
Mr. Ron Le Boutillier
Mr. & Mrs. Peter & Kirsti Hardie
Mr. Daniel Le Page
Dr. & Mrs. Amin & Fawzia Hasham
Ms. Nicole LeBrun
Mr. & Mrs. Carl & Shirley He
Mr. Luke Lee & Mrs. Joanne Bang
Dr. & Mrs. Michael & Daphne Herberts
Mr. Gye Ju Lee & Mrs. Whal Ran Park
Mr. & Mrs. Don & Linda Hincks
Mr. Lance Leger & Ms. Sarah Ward
Ms. Cindy Hops
Mr. & Mrs. Darrell & Kim Lester
Dr. Geoffrey Hutchinson & Dr. Sarah Charney
Mr. Tao Lu & Ms. Bing Li
Mr. John Hwang & Mrs. Catherine Kim
Mr. Daofeng Liu & Mrs. Quming Chen
Mr. & Mrs. Ty & Jadina Irving
Mr. Jinsong Liu and Ms. Xiaoxue Sun
Drs. Sriram & Mahalaxmi Iyer
Mr. Tao Lu & Ms. Bing Li
Mr. Steven Jang & Mrs. Veronika Lee
Dr. Manuel Peraza Zarate & Mrs. Marie Chantal Vazquez
Drs. Samir & Sangita Malhotra
Mr. Kyle Jeans & Ms. Krista Zambolin
Mr. & Mrs. Philip & Nicola Pitzey
Mr. & Mrs. Riaz & Fairous Mapara
Ms. Lynelle Johns
Mr. & Mrs. Igor & Katerina Pogrebinsky
Mr. Luis Marin & Ms. Patricia Restrepo
Mr. & Mrs. Bruce & Judy Johnston
Mr. & Mrs. Shahir & Reeshma Premji
Mr. James Marriott
Mr. Terry Jung & Ms. Audrey Lum
Dr. Ravindran & Mrs. Chandramohan
Mr. Gareth Mason & Ms. Carolyn Treger
Continued on Next Page...
Mr. Oh Hyon Kwon & Mrs. JiSoo Jeon
Mr. & Mrs. Harrison & Christy Mooney Mr. & Mrs. Vassen & Lovana Moothoo Mr. Michael Nice & Ms. Danielle NoĂŤl Mr. & Mrs. Patrick & Barbara Niwa Mr. David Noble Dr. & Mrs. Godwin & Ezinne Obioha Mr. & Mrs. Stephen & Margot Olah Ms. Angela Pallister Mr. Steven Parewyck & Mrs. Anita Bonnarens Mr. & Mrs. Angelo & Kelsey Paris Mr. & Mrs. Scott & Lisa Park Drs. Gurdev & Karen Parmar Mr. & Mrs. Parmjit & Malkit Parmar Mr. & Mrs. Terrance & Moira Passley
Design & Technology
Gardening
Salmon & Stream REhabilitation
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Mea d ow r idge Sch o o l
Annual Giving Contributors Continued...
Mr. George Read & Ms. Fay Kingwill Mr. Quan Ren & Mrs. Lin Wu Dr. John Reynolds & Dr. Isabelle Cote Ms. Carolyn Sapach Mrs. Jada Sawatzky Mr. Alan Sharda, Ms. Zebeen Panju & Azynah Mr. & Mrs. Gurjit & Parneet Sidhu Mr. & Mrs. Justin & Jennifer Simpson Mr. & Mrs. Rajindar & Sheila Singh
Thank you to our friends and families that have donated a minimum of $100 towards the purchase of a new gym floor!
Mr. Troy Sobotka & Ms. Andrea Frisby
Want to donate? Forms are available at the front office.
Mr. & Mrs. Scott & Yoshimi Spurgeon
Atthari Family Banack Family Barber Nieto Family Batty Family Bentley Family Blomley Family Bournival Clarke Family Brar Family Brunetta Family Casanova Family Chamorro Family Chen Family Cheng Family Choat Family Choi Family Chow-Go Family Cloete-Senner Family Conaghan Family Crawford Family Denesiuk Family Diniz Family Dockerty Family Donaldson Family Eichhorst Family Ge Family George Family Gunning Family Herberts Family Heywood Family
Hincks Family Holtved Family Hops Family Hutchinson Family Johnston Family Kang Family Karmali Family Kotylak Family Larsen Family Laurie Family Le Page Family Leger Family Lewis Family Liu Family Lu Family Mackenzie Family Marin Family McPhail Family Nice Family Noel Family Parewyck Family Parmar Family Parmar Household Patel Family Payne Household Peng Family Petkovic Household Rados Family Sawatzky Family
Schultz Williams Family Schultz-Lessing Family Sekhon Family Shen Family Singh Family Skeeles Family Spika Family Spurgeon Family Sun Family Sunderji Family Thompson Family Thuraisamy Family Turner Family Tyler Family Ukani Family Vroom Family Watt Family Waugh Family Weselowski Family Wieland Family Wong Family Xu Family Yang Family Ye Family Zeballos Family Zhai Family Zhai Family Zhao Family Zhu Family
Please note: Names as they appear here are for recognition purposes. The names to appear on the gym will reflect what was indicated on the donation form.
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis & Norma-Jean Spika Mr. & Mrs. Larry & Serena Su Mr. Chen Wei Sun & Ms. Hong Chang Mr. Kevin Sun & Ms. Feng Li Mr. & Mrs. Mahmud & Rishma Sunderji Mr. Kefei Tan & Mrs. May Guo Tan Family Mr. & Ms. Peter & Alison Thompson Truc Truck Finder Inc. (The Vine Family) Mr. & Mrs. Julian & Marilyn Turner Mr. & Mrs. David & Lyn Tyler Dr. & Mrs. Hanif & Sophie Ukani Ms. Michelle Vally Ms. Tamara Warner Drs. Qasim & Tehima Wasti Mr. & Mrs. Matthew & Jennifer Watt Mr. & Mrs. Rick & Susan Waugh Dr. & Mrs. Lawrence & Tracey Welsh Mr. & Mrs. Paul & Kalie Whitaker Mr. William Wong & Ms. Tina Lee Mr. Feng Xu & Mrs. Shuo Chen Mr. Fu Qing Xu & Mrs. Hui Wang Mr. Wen Yong Yang & Mrs. Jie Luan Mr. & Mrs. Yang & Xiaoping Liu Miss Maggie Yang Mr. Xiaoping Yuan & Ms. Hongli Gong Mr. Jie Zhao and Mrs. Yan Peng Ms. Xiao Hong Zhou Mr. Hai Tao Zhu & Ms. Li Ling Li
Meadowridge is a not-for-profit organization. Donations above $25.00 are tax deductible. Charitable Registration #0719195-21-27
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Enhancing our Environment Event The sun came out for one special day at Meadowridge last week. Students from a variety of grades participated in an Annual Giving celebration, showcasing how they have benefited from this fundraising programme’s focus on experiential and environmental education this past year. Special tributes were also made to the Alouette River Management Society (ARMS), Eco-system Restoration Associates (ERA), RBC’s Bluewater Project, and the Vancity Community Fund for their significant assistance with the restoration work our students have been busy with at Latimer Creek this past Spring.
In the afternoon students had the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities. They included a reading by author Carol ReedJones from her books Salmon Stream and The Tree in the Ancient Forest, visits by BC Hydro’s Power Smart Team, Loretta Jackson, from Hives for Humanity who showed students how bees benefit our environment, and Pamela Zivit from The South Coast Conservation Program, who shared her organization’s environmental book, The Lonely Frog, and interesting facts about species-at-risk with our students.
Our PYP students also had the opportunity to show-off their growing vegetable gardens and even harvested some radishes, which needed a little thinning out. The mix of rain and sun over the last few weeks allowed their little garden to grow rapidly. They are all set to make a delicious garden salad harvested from their garden during the last week of school.
Special thank yous went to Canadian Tire (the Elliott Family) for their gifts of tools and equipment to the Design & Technology Programme and the Mackenzie Family for their gifts of Vex robotics equipment to the Robotics Club. The Parent Guild was thanked, who from their gaming grant and fundraising efforts from the past year, were able to support the purchase of outdoor speakers to help keep our students safe while outdoors, gardening equipment, Design & Technology tools and additional camping equipment for our WWOW trips and Duke of Edinburgh excursions. Mr. Terry Jung, who has led the school’s staff and student Green Teams over the last few years, also received a special thank you from the students. We would like to thank Mrs. Sheila Lamond, a very special parent volunteer, who was responsible for preparing the delicious BBQ lunch and desserts served to the many guests, staff and students. We also are very grateful for the assistance provided by Ms. Alison Thompson, Mrs. Tracey Welsh, Mr. Frank Grosspietch, Ms. Shelley Lewis, and Ms. Ashley Becker.
The highlight of the day was definitely the release of salmon fry into Latimer Creek, led by staff and volunteers from ARMS. As the stream was a little lower than we had hoped, volunteers had to come up with an ingenious way of dropping the salmon into the stream without stunning them. Volunteer Cliff Olsen utilized a gutter he found on the property to give the fish a “water slide” ride into their new home. The salmon fry should stay in Latimer Creek for the next year, after which they will migrate down to the Alouette River and finally into the Pacific Ocean. We’d like to thank the many friends, parents and grandparents who shared this special day with us. - Mrs. Lyn Tyler, Advancement
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Mea d ow r idge Sch o o l
Destination Imagination Club Takes Over Tennessee!
T
Two teams of enthusiastic and creative teenage boys headed off to the University of Tennessee last Tuesday, May 21st to compete at Destination Imagination Global Finals.
E
Every participant began with a collection of 20 pins from their local BC affiliate. After spending countless hours trading with others from across Canada, USA and the world, they came home with unique collections.
N
New friends were made from near and far. A spontaneous improv games moment was a great way to bond with another team and drew a crowd.
N
Never a dull moment with this group! The boys kept their fearless leaders in stitches the whole time. A good joke or pun was always in the making.
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Enjoying the beautiful weather was a daily affair. Sunshine was ever present and we had much time to roam the University of Tennessee from walking through the campus, playing on their sports field to swimming in the pool.
S S E E
Screams and laughter were plenty on the rides at Dollywood…mostly Mr. Olah of course! While some enjoyed the amusement rides, others tried their hands at the fair games. Snakes, eagles, crayons and mushrooms… oh my!
Sudden thunderstorms caused a moment to hide while others were fearless and danced in the rain!
Extremely challenging competitions kept our creative geniuses on their toes. Despite the complexity of the challenges the boys did their best and we were proud of their teamwork and creativity!
Evening at Market Square was the perfect way to celebrate the boys’ achievement at Global Finals and relax with the locals. We enjoyed listening to a singing banjo trio, meeting a police blood hound, watching a dancing hula hooper, and having our annual plank off with a fireman… of course our boys won!
We would like to thank the families of these children for supporting them in attending Global Finals. Without your generosity the trip would not have been possible. Thank you! Ms. Pallister, Ms. Vally and Mr. Olah
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Another Outstanding Year in Admissions Graduation plans, flower baskets, the Spring Showcase and locker clean-outs are all signs for me that it is June and the end of the year is on the immediate horizon. This is also the time of year when our communications with new families start to heat up as we send information about, believe it or not, the upcoming school year. On this note, we are pleased to share that we are on track to break another enrolment record for our September opening. Attrition levels have remained constant and at the time of writing, we have almost 200 applications on file for 2013/2014. The quality of applicants remains strong as our reputation for academic rigour and high standards continues to solidify in the community. Many grades are full or, in the case of DP, closed to new admissions.
At this time we can report: Junior Kindergarten: Full
Grade 3: Full
Grade 8: Full
Kindergarten: Limited seats available
Grades 4 to 5: Limited seats available
Grade 9: Limited seats available
Grade 1: Full
Grade 6: One seat available!
Grade 10: Full
Grade 2: Full
Grade 7: Limited seats available
Grades 11 to 12: Closed
As an International Baccalaureate World school we will be welcoming students from our own back yard as well as from all over the world. Our New Family Representative from the Parent Guild, Mrs. Shirley Brunetta, has made contact with all new families to welcome them to the school and to help to ease the transition to a new community. Thank you so very much, Shirley! Should you have any questions about Admissions for another child, or you know of a friend whose child may benefit from the opportunities available through a Meadowridge education, we would love to hear from you. - Ms. Christine Bickle, Advancement Student Ambassadors leading a tour of the school during Open House.
2011/2012 Governor General’s Award It is with great pleasure that we wish to announce that the Madeline Hanson (Class of 2012) has earned the Governor General’s Academic Medal for 2011/2012. The Governor General’s Academic Award was first awarded in 1873 by the Earl of Dufferin, and has since become one of the most prestigious awards that a student in a Canadian educational institution may receive. The Governor General of Canada continues this tradition of encouraging scholarship across the nation and recognizing outstanding students. In determining the recipient of the award, the average of the student’s final two years of the secondary program, including Provincial and Graduation Examinations are used. The medal is awarded to the student graduating with the highest average. Congratulations, Madeline. - Mr. Stephen Olah, Principal
Mea d ow r idge Sch o o l
Grade 4 goes Camping!
Student Reflections on their Adventures at Camp Sasamat
Camp was the best trip ever!!!! I had the best experience at camp. Even though I have been there a lot of times, being there with my friends was better. I think that all the grade 4s should get the chance to see the beautiful scenery and do the wonderful activities. During this trip I learned and did so many things. First are the extraordinary activities that we did. All the activities taught me something. When I saw the first person get on the vertical playground I saw how hard it was. I tried not to stare at her or else I would get scared. When it was my turn to climb and I looked at it up close it looked higher and harder. When I took my first step on the wall I said to myself I can do it because I am a risk-taker. At camp you also have to be caring. Like at archery not only do you need to be caring to the teachers by listening to them and your friends by cheering them on, but you also have to be caring to the equipment like the bows and arrows. The cabins that you stay in at Sasamat help you become more responsible. Being in a cabin alone you have to be responsible. Like going to the bathroom at night. You also have to be caring to the people in your cabin. You also are being a risk-taker for sleeping in a cold cabin without an adult. Camp also prepares you for the real world and longer trips like in the older grades to Japan, QuĂŠbec and France. If you are home sick then you can get used to being out of home so that you can enjoy longer trips. It also helps you with future experiences like moving out of the house. Sasamat also helps you share space. You have a lot of learning experiences at camp like starting a fire. The first thing you need to start a fire is kindle (kindle are small skinny sticks) that will be the fuel. Next you will need heat which will be the match and the oxygen which will be the air and the light breeze. We also learned about the water cycle and made it with filters, pipes and pots. Also, we learned how to kayak, canoe and do archery. Kayaking and canoeing are kind of the same.
Brianna T.
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be a games. Camp means to trying new activities and for er tak around risk nts a de ing stu be to me and to Camp means . This is what camp means ure nat ool. and s sch nd of e frie to tsid r ou communicato have fun and learn ortant because we can imp so is p cam y wh is me. This but this use. That’s pretty normal sleeping outside their ho of id when afra ure are fut nts the de stu for Sometimes students ready le. But with camp it gets tab tside for ou om live unc l wil nts y de the stu can make en they get older and wh or so or eks we 2 for s rs ahead. they will have bigger trip ps us open-,inded for yea e or university. It just kee leg col r afte use ho ir the ecially doing re air and be healthy esp everyone so you get mo for od nt and go is fide ors con tdo us p ou Being . The activities kee fun and respecting nature the animals are t see tha to t ies ge ivit you act re en mo Outdoors is fun wh us. und aro at’s e so wh and Camp is all about outsid responsible to nature t a better picture of life. ge you e tsid ou ’re you and forests. When it’s great for students. nts learning. Everyone caring to the other stude be to us ing tell when are ms keep us knowledgeable Our groups and tea r together. The groups tte be and t to ier ge eas we it’s en t needs to learn bu better together. Wh in school we learn much like t Jus er. eth tog gs we learn thin h our friends. have time to socialize wit have groups at camp we nce and ! You get a natural experie inquirers and it’s so fun be to us t. That’s g ge win for sho er is p nev Going to cam eriences we can Sasamat leads us to exp er. -tak risk a in. be aga to r ove nce a great cha reflect about over and amazing trip that we can what camp does. It’s an
Sasha P.
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Mea d ow r idge Sch o o l
Badminton Season Update It has been an outstanding badminton season from start to finish, with our athletes loving the sport! Our season began with club practices in the morning from October to March with two practices a week, with intertwining tournament dates beginning in April. Our team is filled with amazingly committed players who play for competition and recreation, focusing on the skills training, sportsmanship, athletic performance and most importantly, fun with friends.
Seniors: Our Senior team played strong in April and May throughout, seeding second after wins against GVISAA schools, Southpointe, Deer Lake, BC Christian Academy, Traditional Learning Academy and Carver. Participating in the League Plays were our resident Seniors Shaq D. (Grade 11), Nicholas H. (Grade 11), Adrian S. (Grade 12), Ashwin S. (Grade 12), Ming-Chen (Grade 12), Richard L. (Grade 11), Elisa K. (Grade 11) and Qaisara B. (Grade 12), but our team also included guest star Juniors Katherine P. (Grade 10), Eugene I. (Grade 9), Jessica J. (Grade 10) and Alexa T. (Grade 9), who were always up to the challenge against older players and who were also valuable members of our Senior Team. On May 13th, Meadowridge showed their skills in our gym and fought tough matches coming close to first place. At the end, we placed a well-earned second place overall with smiles on our faces, medals around our necks and a fighting spirit! Our Grade 11 and 12 Seniors displayed great strength in their districts this past May with strong standings, placing top four in all categories. Bringing home to Meadowridge trophies for first and second in Boys Singles were Shaq D. and Nicholas K. in gut wrenching final matches for those standings. The Districts results were as follows: Mixed Doubles: 4th Adrian S. and Qaisara B. Boys Singles: 1st Shaq, 2nd Nicholas H., 4th Ashwin S. Girls Doubles: 3rd Elisa K. and Qaisara B. Boys Doubles: 3rd Adrian S. and Ashwin S., 4th Shaq D. and Nicholas H. We will miss the Grade 12s on our team as they will be graduating this year. Thank you to Adrian for your incredible commitment to shred your feet for the sport, Ashwin for your unconditional positive spirit in toe shoes (ugh!), Qaisara for your gentle leadership on and off the court and Ming for your never-ending smile and graceful movements; you will all be missed!
Juniors: Our Grade 9 and 10 Juniors started off our competitive season this April in their District and Upper Fraser Valley tournaments. Proving to be a challenging category, Ben C. and Katherine P., our Grade 10s, fought their way into the final round of the Fraser Valleys placing seventh overall in Mixed Doubles. We are also very proud of our Grade 9s Eugene I., Khushbash D., Ralph P., Poppy W. and Alexa T. who will prove to be strong players as Grade 10s next year. Look for a recap of our Grade 8s in the next issue of the Mini Gryphon! - Mrs. Deepti Rajeev and Sra. Joyce Villadiego, MYP Teachers
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Congratulations Golf Club! On Tuesday, May 14th, the Senior Golf Team competed in their first ever Fraser Valley Golf Championships at Northview Golf Club Canal course in Surrey, BC. We were competing in the Single A division for the one and only berth into the Provincial Championships. All four boys played exceptional golf. Grade 11 student Connor G. was our top scorer with an 82, and the second low gross for the round thus earning him second place two shots behind first place. Grade 12 students Omar V. and Raheem E. also missed 3rd place low gross by one shot! Grade 8 student Jeff E. finished the foursome with a very respectable score. All four improved from the Eastern Fraser Valley qualifiers, taking off a combined 21 strokes from their team total. Unfortunately, they fell 9 strokes behind first place Southridge, but over 50 strokes ahead of the third place team. Well done to Connor and to the whole team! I hope to see more players out next year; a consistent score of below 100 is usually needed to be competitive. I would also like to thank the Gunnell and Elliott families for their support at the events and for the driving. - Coach Olah
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Mea d ow r idge Sch o o l
Cross Country Grade 1 to 6 District Results
Congratulations to all the runners who took part in the District Cross Country races on Tuesday, April 30th and Wednesday, May 1st. Both races were held at the Albion Sports Fields and consisted of a 1km route for the Grades 1 to 3 and a 2.2km route for the Grades 4 to 7. There were many competitors from other schools which proved for an exciting race. All runners received a participation ribbon and the first 25 runners to cross the finish line received a placement ribbon. Congratulations to the following students:
Grade 1 Girls
Grade 3 Girls
3rd: Quinn D.
7th: Isabela A.
8th: Anna S.
8th: Robbi W.
24th: Mackenzie H.
Participated: Madaline Z.
Participated: Ava H., Svea S., Madisyn M., Alyssa P., Holly H., Sofia P., Vylet S.-W., Megan L., Keryme M., Shaana P., Brooklyn C.-W., Amelie B., Nahvin B. and Ellie R.
Grade 1 Boys 4th: Sam P. 14th: Isaac H. 16th: Matthew D. Participated: Yilu G., Ian C., Owen S., Daniel K., Ryan D., Zachary Z., Keven M., Carter G., Aaqeel K., Tyler W., Ashwin K., Wyatt N.
Grade 3 Boys 1st: Caleb D. 5th: Sam D. 6th: Charlie R. 17th: Devon A. 18th: Subaig S. Participated: Carson S., Daniel W., Kevin C., Joe G., Ali W., Aston G., Abhay K.
Grade 4 Girls 25th: Emily B. Participated: Sasha P.
Grade 2 Girls 4th: Sawyer M.
Grade 4 Boys
12th: Paige M.
Participated: Aiden R., Noah W., Andrei G., Dennis Z.
22nd: Lucy I. 23rd: Natalia P. Participated: Jade S., Sarayu N.
Grade 2 Boys 10th: Jeevin B. 15th: Jasper Y. 16th: Jerome Y. 17th: Jacob D. 18th: Elliot R. 21st: Brendan A, Participated: Jai S., Murray W.
Grade 5 Girls 15th: Claudia M.
Grade 5 Boys 14th: Edward R. 16th: Imran K.
Grade 6 Boys 6th: Ethan E.
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Meadowridge Athletic Jerseys Sizing and Ordering Information
From Tuesday, June 4th to Friday, June 7th there will be sizing stations available for Meadowridge Gryphon Athletic long sleeve warm-up jerseys. This order will only be done at this time so if you are interested you should be sure you get an order in. The Kukri brand jerseys are made of an athletic sport weave material called ‘Eye Droplet’. They will be as shown with your initials on the back nape of the neck and a gold ‘M’ over your heart. The main colour is navy with maroon and gold accents. These jerseys can be used by any team member as a warm up jersey, when travelling to games or for personal wear. They cannot be worn in place of the regular #1 or #2 uniform and are also not for use in PE; they are purely for athletics and personal use. At the sizing stations there will be size samples available from Youth Small to Adult Extra Large. They can be purchased for students, for parents, as gifts, or anyone that wants to show their pride in Meadowridge Athletics.
FRONT
Teams will not be ordering individual warm up tops next year, so if you purchase this it can be used for multiple sports during warm ups or while on the bench to maintain the team look, ie. soccer, volleyball, basketball, running club, fitness club, track and field, badminton, post-fencing, poolside at water polo or swimming, on those cold golf days, or while cheering on our Gryphons from the bleachers or sidelines.
The sizing opportunities are as follows: Tuesday, June 4th: 11:50am to 1:10pm in the gym BACK
3:15pm to 3:50pm near the front doors Wednesday, June 5th: 8:00am to 8:30am near the front doors 11:50am to 1:10pm in the cafeteria
Purchase your Meadowridge Athletic long sleeved jersey and wear it before or after sporting events or while cheering!
Thursday, June 6th 8:00am to 8:35am at the PYP doors 11:50am to 1:10pm in the atrium Friday, June 7th 8:00am to 8:20am at the PE/Athletic office in the gym 3:30pm to 4:00pm at the PE/Athletic office in the gym
The jerseys cost approximately $40 each. This includes all taxes and fees. You will be invoiced through accounting, but must submit a signed consent from parents for the purchase. The consent will be distributed at school. You can pick up a copy at the sizing stations or from the PE change room bulletin boards. If you have any questions please contact Mr. Scott Spurgeon at scott.spurgeon@meadowridge.bc.ca.
Mea d ow r idge Sch o o l
Around Meadowridge Grade 2 Cinemazoo Brings a Zoo to Meadowridge Yesterday, Cinemazoo (an organization that takes care of and rescues wild animals) came to visit our classroom. We are currently studying animals and learning about our responsibility to protect them. We were lucky and got to see many interesting animals. We saw a poisonous toad, a ferret named Charlie, an emperor scorpion that can glow in the dark, 3 large tarantulas that Mrs. Ludwig bravely modelled for us, a ticklish turtle named Mr. D., and a shy skunk named Febreeze, as well as many more animals. We also got to hold a snake skin that was 16 feet long! We learned about many of the animal adaptations as well as their physical characteristics. At the end of the presentation, we were presented with a certificate that shows we are making a difference by sponsoring the sugar glider for the next three months. The visit from Cinemazoo was spectacular! - The Grade 2 Class
Grade 1, 2 & 3 The Beat Goes On... Hand Drumming in PYP The Grade 1s, 2s and 3s have been playing hand drums as part of their PYP Music classes this term. The students learn about the origins of the drums, how drums work, proper drum position and hand technique. They also learn to read and play rhythmic patterns and play together as an ensemble. Why teach hand drumming to PYP Music students? The benefits of playing hand drums are many. The Hum Drum Strum School of Music in the United Kingdom states “that drums…build confidence and create co-operative spirit, … enhance communication and listening skills and … lay the groundwork for creative expression in all areas of life. Rhythm is in all of us and its joy as a tool for discovery and development is best explored and nurtured at a young age. Continued on next page...
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Random Acts of Cookie Club Decorating Cupcakes A social good, everyday kindness club, making the world a better place one sweet deed at a time. On Monday May 6th, the Random Acts of Cookies Club was led by Meadowridge Parent, Mrs. Shaunda Moore. Ms. Moore is a pastry chef, trained at the Cordon Bleu School in Paris. To congratulate the Grade 10s for completing their Personal Projects, Mrs. Moore showed participants how to stuff cupcakes and pipe them with various icings. This technique looks so easy on television, but it is an art that takes years of practize to perfect. The Random Acts of Cookies Club meets weekly and is open to students in Grades 6 and 7. Every week a new technique is introduced and, of course, students enjoy sampling the fruits of their labour! Thank you, Mrs. Moore, for hosting such a terrific class! - Mme. Nicole Lebrun, MYP Teacher
Using rhythm based activities … creates a noncompetitive inclusive environment in which all children can thrive.” (www.humdrumstrum.co.uk/schools.html) The Drum4Good organization in the United States submits that the benefits of hand drumming far extend beyond the music room walls: “Beating a drum releases blocks such as anger, sadness or frustration without the need to express those feelings in words, and is a direct route to free inhibitions and connect with inner emotions. Natural by-products of hand drumming include increased self-esteem, a sense of empowerment, creativity and an enhanced ability to focus the mind, leading to stress reduction.” (www.drum4good.com/#/rhythm-therapy/4538439593)
It should be noted that all PYP Music students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade Five receive some form of hand drumming instruction as part of their yearly music instruction. - Ms. Barb Durno, PYP Teacher
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Mea d ow r idge Sch o o l
Library Update | Summer Reading The Meadowridge Library is pleased to offer the PYP and MYP/DP Summer Reading Challenge again this year. Drop by your local library or book store to stock up on some great titles this summer.
PYP Summer Reading Challenge
MYP/DP Summer Reading Challenge
This year in the PYP, the Reading Challenge is a Scavenger Hunt! Can you find all of the Learner Profiles somewhere in your reading? You have until September 10th to complete your form.
MYP/DP students you are challenged to read one or more books from the Meadowridge Summer Reading List. Once you have finished reading a book, post a review of the book online and your name will be entered in a draw for a gift certificate to Black Bond books. The draw will be done September 10th.
Return the form to the Library and then join us for the celebration! Watch for the forms coming home in June or download a copy from the Library website: https://classes.meadowridge.bc.ca:444/library.
We look forward to reading your reviews! More details will follow, but for now download the list at www.meadowridge.bc.ca/library.
MYP/DP Students:
PYP Students:
Post a review (details tba) of the book online and get entered into a draw for a gift card to Black Bond Books!
Find all of the Learner Profiles demonstrated in the books you read over the summer!
May Book Donations
Thank you for supporting the Library
Jasper Y. (Grade 2)
Miss Warner
Lisa R. (Grade 10)
The Premji Family
Captain Underpants and the Attack of the Talking Toilets
Hotel For Dogs & The Spy on Third Base
Forbidden Arrow (by Lisa R.)
Emeraldalicious
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Student Achievements Anabelle M. (Grade 8)
Thunderbird Season Opener Horse Show Anabelle showed Joey, her Thoroughbred Cross Quarter Horse, at the Thunderbird Season Opener Horse Show at the end of April and came home with a handful of ribbons! Anabelle entered nine different classes, which each feature different jumps, and earned ribbons in eight of them. She showed in the 2’3 and the 2’6 jumpers and received three 1st, three 3rds, one 4th and one 5th place ribbons. This is outstanding placement since in the 2’6 jumpers Anabelle competed against all age levels, including adults. One of the reasons Anabelle has been so successful in her riding is her drive and passion for the sport. She began riding at the age of 7 and rides approximately four days a week, more when there is a show coming up. She has had Joey for about a year and absolutely loves him and competing in shows. It is the challenge of the competition that keeps her on her toes, despite the nervous feelings she may get. Once the buzzer goes off Anabelle puts on her game face and puts her training and relationship with her horse to the test. When asked about how she feels about riding, Anabelle gives a quote that sums it up, “Riding isn’t my whole life. It makes my life whole”. Congratulations on your ribbons Anabelle and Joey! - Mrs. Christy Mooney, Advancement
Grade 9, 10 & 11 Math Students
Cayley, Pascal and Fermet Math Competitions Certificates Please extend your congratulations to the following students who received certificates of distinction for finishing in the top 25% of students in Canada for each contest. Extra recognition is deserved for Yu-Shan (Jessie) C. (Grade 9), Jack Z. (Grade 10) and Emily H. (Grade 11) who also received medals for being the top contestants in each category from our school. - Mr. Kevin Wells, MYP Teacher
Pascal (Grade 9)
Cayley (Grade 10)
Yu-Shan (Jessie) C.
Jack Z.
Amanda B.
Jennifer A.
Nikhil V.
Gurshaan S.
Joanna P.
Benjamin C.
Meison Y.
Katherine P.
Zhen Quan (Alfred) Z.
Fermet (Grade 11)
Kushbash D.
Emily H.
Kyle V.
Bayley G. Nicholas H. Kelsey P.
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Mea d ow r idge Sch o o l
Gryphon Council Update During the past month, students at Meadowridge participated in many fun and exciting events. Floor Hockey Intramurals came to an end with the Staff Team ultimately beating the Grade 11 Boys in the Finals. Volleyball Intramurals have now begun. Will the Staff Team win again? Come out to the gym during game days to find out! Students also celebrated Star Wars Day (May the Fourth Be With You) by taking part in a noodle jousting competition, and they celebrated Arts Week where they made Mother’s Day cards, origami, and also took part in a “free for all” event where they were able to create/design anything they wanted! Finally, on Friday May 17th, students in Grades 6 to 12 participated in the Senior Gryphon Council’s biggest event of the year – Spirit Day! Each house presented a creative cheer that their House Captains created, and then participated in a large game of four corner soccer to begin the day. Students then rotated through different stations like trivia and quidditch to name a few, and then everyone participated in a tug of war competition to end off the fun filled day. There were prizes awarded to the students and staff members who were the most spirited, had the craziest costumes, and were the MVP’s of their houses. Congratulations to Alouette House for earning the most points and winning Spirit Day! - Omar V., Media Gryphon
Meadowridge School
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Mea d ow r idge Sch o o l
Social Media Awareness SEssion On Thursday, May 23, Jesse Miller from “Mediated Reality” visited Meadowridge School speaking to Grades 3 to 12 students, faculty members and parents. Jesse spoke of the influences that the digital world has on our society, especially for young people.
Jesse’s message to parents was that we need to play an active role in our children’s online activities, be part of conversations and create home and school environments that foster healthy decision-making and choices.
To the students, Jesse’s message was that we need to develop attitudes, skills and knowledge that will allow us to safely participate in online activity and protect ourselves and others.
The audience was led through a number of examples of the benefits of various apps and programmes, but also the ease with which some of these can lead to unwanted attention from others and misuse of documents and information.
In all sessions, Jesse provided us with some useful resources and tips on how to be safe and appropriate while online. For further information and resources, he pointed us to his website (www.mediatedreality.com). Due to the popular nature of this topic, Meadowridge will be looking to bring Jesse back early next year to work with our students, teachers and students again. - Mr. Terry Donaldson, Academic Director
ALS Dance-a-thon fundraiser The Meadowridge School Junior Gryphon Council is working to help raise money for the fight against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig Disease). These funds will help the ALS Society support people with ALS and their families on their difficult journey. It will also support ALS Canada’s investment in breakthrough research to find treatment and a cure. ALS is a rapidly progressive, neuromuscular disease. It attacks the motor neurons that transmit electrical impulses from the brain to the voluntary muscles in the body. When they fail to receive messages, the muscles lose strength, atrophy and die. ALS can strike anyone at any time, regardless of age, gender, or ethnic origin. It does not affect the senses, and only rarely does it affect the mind. The equipment costs for each patient average $137,000, while nursing and home care costs can be up to 10 times this amount. The average life expectancy after diagnosis is 3 to 5 years. On Friday, May 31st, we are holding a Dance-a-thon from 6:00pm to 10:00pm. We are hoping to raise money through pledges/sponsors (ie. pledge of $1 per dance). All funds raised will be donated to the WALK for ALS on Father’s Day on Sunday, June 16, 2013 in Port Coquitlam. If you would like to donate or make a pledge please contact terry.jung@meadowridge.bc.ca.
yphon Council hool Junior Gr c S e g d i r w o d a Me
:00pm | 6:00pm to 10 F R I D A Y, M A Y 3 1
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Grad Exhibit | DP ART Gallery Display The end of the year is fast approaching. It is a busy time as students are all working hard to complete their courses. The Senior Art classes have also been pushing to get their artwork completed for year end. We have two interesting displays coming up quickly. Our first Diploma Programme Art class will be displaying selected pieces from their body of work to display in the E. Boyd & H. Burke Gallery during June.
Opening night for the Grad Exhibition will be on Wednesday, June 12, from 7:00pm until 9:30pm. Along with the chosen pieces, some excerpts from their Investigation Workbooks will be on display to show some of the thinking processes and concepts behind the artwork. This display will give a glimpse of the wide variety of themes and interests the students are visually investigating. The Grade 12 Art students’ annual Grad Exhibition is also fast approaching. With only four students, this exhibit will be smaller than last year’s show, however no less intriguing and interesting. The talent these students have and the variety of artwork they have produced in just one year is definitely worth seeing! Opening night for the Grad Exhibition will be on Wednesday, June 12, from 7:00pm until 9:30pm. Please come out and celebrate their achievements! - Mrs. Rhonda Laurie, MYP Teacher
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Mea d ow r idge Sch o o l
Classroom Raised Salmon Release Fifty-five eyed-egg chum salmon joined the Grade 4 classes in January. The students got into the routine of caring for the chum by monitoring the temperature, pH level and ammonia level of the water. The students also learned about the life cycle of the salmon. They watched the eyed eggs turn into alevin and then into fry. On Thursday, May 23rd the Grade 4 students headed to the Bell-Irving Hatchery to say good-bye to the fry. Mr. Ross Davies from K.E.E.P.S. showed the students how to release the salmon back into their natural environment. The important connections of the environment and salmon were discussed. Students have learned that every little thing they do can make a difference and that they helped the salmon population. - Ms. Audrey Lum, PYP Teacher
“These amazing fish are so special and unique from other fish. That is why our grade is so lucky to have had them here with us. Seeing them grow is spectacular. I know that this will be a memory I will never forget!” Sasha P.
“It was sad that we had to let them go because it was fun “When Mr. Ross Davies from K.E.E.P.S. brought the 55 salmon eggs into our checking the temperature and seeing them swim in the classroom I was thrilled to have them join us. We were excited to learn about classroom. I learned that salmon can survive in the water the salmon, their adaptation, their life cycle and environment.” Brian Z. from zero degrees Celsius to 21 degrees Celsius. We checked the Ph and how high the water was.” Alessia V.
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“It was exciting because we got to learn and to see the river and how fast it goes. It was also exciting because we got to go into the river and walk in the water.” Rabin M.
We’d like to thank the Annual Giving donors for making this experience possible for us.
“Our salmon have taught us a lot. They have taught us to be caring and aware. Our class did our job, we raised most of them and doing this helped the environment! Releasing the salmon wasn’t the only thing we did we also did a worksheet and learned a bit about bear safety. On the worksheet we tested the Ph, tested the cloudiness and temperature of the water.” Brianna T.
A limited number of golf tickets may still be available! Don’t want to golf, but still want to participate?
Come for dinner! A select number of dinner tickets are also available. Contact Janet Batty at jbatty@telus.net to secure your spot, or visit the front office at Meadowridge to place your ticket order.
Golf tournament raffle baskets are on view in the front reception area. Thank you to our Golf Sponsors! Annual Giving Committee
Keg Restaurants Maple Ridge
Barber Family
Key Tracer Systems (French Family)
Big Feast Bistro
KNV Accountants (Batty Family)
Black Sheep Pub and Liquor Store
Link Developments (Gandesha Family)
Blueghost Trucking (The Simpson Family)
Little Black Box Photography
BMO Bank of Montreal Burke Family BW Vernon Lodge & Conference Centre Cascadia Sport Systems Inc Dan tenBrink, Remax Lifestyles Realty ESC Automation Inc.
Tickets are available at the front desk of school and the draw for the winner will be done at the Golf Tournament on June 7th. The baskets are:
Lordco Auto Parts Ltd.
#1: Wall of Wine (value $560)
Meadowridge Parent Guild
Winner of this raffle prize will have the opportunity to purchase a case of wine for $5 to go along with the wine rack.
Meadowridge School Meadows Golf Centre Mercedes-Benz Vancouver Michael & Young Fly Shop (Tsuyuki Family)
Expert Electric (Brunetta Family)
Partners in Health Chiropractic & Massage Therapy
Flynn Canada
Precision Soccer
Glass Station
PuroClean (Mr. Kevin Demas & Ms. Shelley Lewis)
Great Canadian Casinos Maple Ridge Gaming Centre
Tickets are three for $10 and ticket buyers can choose which basket they would like their tickets to go in the draw for.
Rob Jeeves, Remax Lifestyles Realty
Thank you to the Meadowridge Parent Guild for donating this prize.
#2: Indulge Your Inner Shopaholic (value $545) Includes $250 to spend at Creekside Fashions in Port Coquitlam as well as a beautiful black leather purse. Thank you to Mrs. Daphne Herberts for donating this prize.
Heather Hills Farm & Golf Course
Ron & Cathy Antalek
Hemlock Valley Ski Resort
Starbucks, Dewdney Trunk and 240th
#3: Fun Outdoors (value $460)
Heritage Dental (Germain Family)
Subway (Sekhon Family)
Hub International
The Create Shop
Hui Family
The Meadows at Pemberton (JANSPEC Holdings)
Get Back to Nature Basket donated by the Junior Kindergarten class and the Green Thumb Basket donated by Grade 3V.
HY Louie Investor's Group Johnston Meier Insurance Group Just Enterprises Inc (Marilyn & Julian Turner)
The Rise Golf Course, Vernon BC Thrifty Foods Total Body Training & Bootcamp West Coast Auto Group Sponsor list current as of May 23, 2013.