Volume 4 Issue 1
September 2012
IN THIS ISSUE: Annual Giving Donors
2
Growing Home - Join us
4
2012-2013 Gala
5
Class Baskets
7
Meet the Parmars
8
WWOW Reflections
10
Gryphon Council Update
14
Spirit Day Pictures
15
Board of Governors
16
The school year is off to a fantastic start! Our students, faculty and staff all began this new school year with their well known enthusiasm and professionalism. We welcome to our community, six new members of staff and 95 new students and their families.
Field Trip Update
17
Diploma Programme Update
18
At the Headmaster’s House
19
With the touch of fall in the air, our students involved in volleyball, soccer and basketball are all very busy on and off the field. It’s a great time to be a Gryphon. Rehearsals for Les Miserables have begun, as have those for the Gala Choir. Our students are sounding great already. We even have an MYP dance team this year!
Around Meadowridge
20
PYP House Picnic
21
Parent Guild Update
22
Student Achievements
24
Admissions Update
26
New Staff Members
27
Beginning our Year of Growth
There have been many exciting things happening, including overnight camping trips for our MYP students, a house picnic for PYP students, trips to Bard on the Beach, the Terry Fox Run, an MYP Spirit Day and the biggest Welcome Back Fair ever! We hope that everyone has had a wonderful September and we look forward to the rest of the 2012-2013 school year!
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.
Meadowr idge Schoo l
Page 2 | SEPTEMBER 2012
ANNUAL GIVING DONORS Thank You For Contributing! Our Newest Contributors
Ongoing Donors
Ms. Zahra Dhanani
Mr. & Mrs. Robert & Shirley Brunetta
Mr. & Mrs. Rafael & Lisa Acosta
Mrs. Amrita Dhanji
Mr. Victor Chen & Mrs. Wendy Tan
Mr. & Mrs. Ron & Cathy Antalek
Mr. Avio Diniz & Ms. Patricia Lapointe
The Gandesha Charitable Trust
Dr. Ravindran & Mrs. Chandramohan
Mr. Terry Donaldson
Mr. & Mrs. Amar & Kal Grewal
Mr. Ke Bai & Mrs. Ye Hu
Mr. & Mrs. Bill & Barbara Durno
Mr. Hyeok-Sang Kwon & Mrs. Ji-Yeon Ahn
Miss Cori Barker & Jake Barker
Mr. Jay Fraser
Mr. Jinsong Liu and Ms. Xiaoxue Sun
Mrs. Kristal Bereza
Mrs. Hallie Fraser
Mike Huber Real Estate Services (Huber Family)
Mr. Chris Bertoia
Mr. & Mrs. Sam & Yamini Gandesha
Dr. Michael Orser & Ms. Christine Bickle
Drs. Deepu & Reena George
Prof. Nicholas Blomley & Ms. Jessie Hill
Drs. Joe & Diana Germain
Mr. Rhys Clarke & Mrs. Julie Bournival
Mr. Bob Gill & Mrs. Diana Carwithen
Mr. Hugh Burke & Ms. Eva Boyd
Mr. Kenneth Go & Mrs. Connie Chow-Go
Drs. Dan & Anca Catona
Dr. & Mrs. Daniel Gouws & Kimberley Buchanan-Gouws
Mr. Michael Nice & Ms. Danielle Noël Mr. & Mrs. Stephen & Margot Olah Mr. & Mrs. Steven & Anita Parewyck Drs. Gurdev & Karen Parmar Dr. John Reynolds & Dr. Isabelle Cote
Mr. Xiang Jing Chen & Mrs. Xiao Ming Yang
Mr. Jie Zhao & Mrs. Yan Peng
Mr. & Mrs. Alan & Marlene Graveson
Mr. Richard Choi & Mrs. Angie Lee
Ms. Xiao Hong Zhou
Mr. & Mrs. Warwick & Carolyn Green
Mr. & Mrs. Stuart & Moyra Crawford
Dr. & Mrs. Amin & Fawzia Hasham
Dr. Malcolm Crozier & Mrs. Alicia Osorio Bustos
Dr. & Mrs. Michael & Daphne Herberts Mr. & Mrs. Don & Linda Hincks
Mr. & Mrs. Ninderjit & Lakhvir Dhaliwal
The Annual Giving Donation form is available at the Front Office or stop by the Advancement Office for your copy.
ture
children's fu
For more information or questions about Annual Giving at Meadowridge, please contact Lyn Tyler at lyn.tyler@meadowridge.bc.ca or 604.467.4444 ext. 139.
3
1 inG 2012-20 AnnuAl Giv r Growing ou
ANNUAL G
IVING 201
Annual Gi ving is as int egral to ou offering no r school as urishment the roots are and sustaina people lik to a tree, bility. Annu e you unde al Giving gr rstand the value of on ows when going contr offer of sta bility to ou ibution an r commun d its ity.
r Year community, studen sider a gift to our This is ou . Please con to grow our
nt? s so importa s, supplie al Giving suc h as salarie ts Why is Annu ool
ds go? al Giving fun
the dge with e Meadowri ents, ing provid e enhancem Annual Giv r programm options for ed through ivities, offe Funds rais se bursary e core act logy, increa to improv ity hno tec rtun oppo ent and al facilities. new equipm exception purchase expand our dents and existing stu
nu Where do An
Yes, I wou ld
don When you Laughlin Family) from the Mc
the Meadowrid
to purchase enabled us 2011-2012 r students: al Giving in ou masks Gifts to Annuthe following items for l tura theatre Greek & cul physics
ouses ses green hou Two greenh ipment for Tools & equ tainers con D player Recycling r TV and DV m ppe ste Roo luding Fitness ipment inc e Fitness equ kers for DP Scienc clic patio 30 touch for senior les tab lery gal Patio ths for art Display plin ks rac Test tube le kits Stream tab weather kits Acid rain balances Electronic Hot plates gym ezoids for Foam trap ts for gym Incline ma
ge School 20
with a tax
ces for DP resour resources Language ent for DP y equipm Chemistr rds e cupboa resources PYP storag e reading French hom l hoops bal ket bas area Portable - for lounge les tab m Library music roo PYP for 2 Piano for Grade ds stan Chart s for library 30 laptop e ECE furnitur tables er ECE Sand & wat blocks for Tree branch for special events tem Sound sys nters garden pla Wood for
w us to
l Giving allo
2-2013
like to sup
port
12-2013 Annu
deductible
al Giving Cam
paign
gift.
Fill out the for Meadowrid m on the other side ge School and return 12224-240 to receptio or fax to 60 th Street Ma n or mail to 4.467.3898 ple Ridge , BC V4R 1N , attention “Annual Giv 1 ing”.
G IV IN G ou r year of gr owth
cos at sch a truly gre er operating Giving s only cov make this h Annual nance. To Tuition fee nity throug ental mainte nual Giving our commu and fundam ies. The An of support of ivit the act n g the midst draisin we rely upo stability in other fun al h nci wit n fina ctio ining in conjun l to mainta e is critica . Programm ent pm develo growth and
l Giving In order give: ough Annua ny ways to ation support thr aign. There are ma yearly don esterly or mp rterly, sem Giving Ca nthly, qua ccurring mo reo for act! 1) Sign up bigger imp tribution a con has e ur gift school one-tim r MEID (Yo is donated to the 2) Make a gift rtion of you all or a po r MEID a matching 3) Donate ate you
ANNUAL
ent and nourishm e, offering going are to a tre and the value of on the roots rst as de ol un ho u sc like yo ity. l to our le un ra op m eg m pe int co en ving is as lity to our grows wh Annual Gi al Giving fer of stabi lity. Annu and its of th. d your sustainabi contribution of Grow ts and land we nee Annual
t
like Annua in a way tha g projects r donation fundraisin 2012-2013: to use you Students in school’s budget, and oice allows us is mme that le Gift to the that are beyond the Headmaster’s Ch rt a progra
xib e to Making a fle al opportunities aris an unrestricted gift
to suppo
opportunity Making education . This is an At times, portunities. r own valuess include: of such op tches you gift make use rts the school. Athletics closely ma Donor-restricted . area that best suppo e Arts ion to an like to see flourish Th nat do a y would o make You can alsto you and that you Technolog important Purchase
Financial
Aid
Library
Land
ca.
dge.bc. er@meadowri 444 or lyn.tyl r at 604.467.4 Registration #0719195-21-27 contact lyn Tyle ritable Giving please $25.00 are tax deductible. Cha ual Ann ut ve tion abo ations abo
Meadowrid ge is a not -for Charitable Registration -profit organization. Donations #0719195above $25 21-27 .00
rma For more info a not-for-profit organization. Don e is
Meadowridg
Annual Giv
ing Donatio
n Form-5 x
6.75.indd
are tax ded
uctible.
1
Meadowridge is a not-for-profit organization. Donations above $25.00 are tax deductible. Charitable Registration #0719195-21-27 8/24/2012
4:58:13 PM
Page 3 | SEPTEMBER 2012
This year, please help us
Grow our home.
Ms. Cindy Hops
Ms. Sherrie Metz
Mr. & Mrs. Rajindar & Sheila Singh
Mr. John Hwang & Mrs. Catherine Kim
Mr. & Mrs. Harrison & Christy Mooney
Mr. Troy Sobotka & Ms. Andrea Frisby
Mr. & Mrs. Ty & Jadina Irving
Mr. & Mrs. Vassen & Lovana Moothoo
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis & Norma-Jean Spika
Ms. Lynelle Johns
Mr. & Mrs. Patrick & Barbara Niwa
Mr. Scott Spurgeon
Mr. Terry Jung & Ms. Audrey Lum
Mr. David Noble
Mr. Kevin Sun & Ms. Feng Li
Mr. Kevin Kennedy
Dr. & Mrs. Godwin & Ezinne Obioha
Mr. & Ms. Peter & Alison Thompson
Drs. Murthy & Anu Korada
Ms. Angela Pallister
Mr. & Mrs. Julian & Marilyn Turner
Mr. Oh Hyon Kwon & Mrs. JiSoo Jeon
Mr. Alan Sharda
Mr. & Mrs. David & Lyn Tyler
Mr. & Mrs. Al-Karim & Zain Lalji
Ms. Zebeen Panju & Azynah Panju
Dr. & Mrs. Hanif & Sophie Ukani
Drs. Ockie Lampen & Kathy Robson
Mr. & Mrs. Scott & Lisa Park
Ms. Michelle Vally
Mr. & Mrs. Tom & Rhonda Laurie
Mr. & Mrs. Terrance & Moira Passley
Ms. Tamara Warner
Mr. Daniel Le Page
Dr. Manuel Peraza Zarate & Mrs. Marie Chantal Vazquez
Mr. & Mrs. Rick & Susan Waugh
Mr. Gye Ju Lee & Mrs. Whal Ran Park Mr. & Mrs. Darrell & Kim Lester Mr. Tao Lu & Ms. Bing Li Drs. Samir & Sangita Malhotra Mr. & Mrs. Riaz & Fairous Mapara Mr. James Marriott Mr. Gareth Mason & Ms. Carolyn Treger
Mr. & Mrs. Philip & Nicola Pitzey Mr. & Mrs. Igor & Katerina Pogrebinsky Mr. & Mrs. Shahir & Reeshma Premji Mr. George Read & Ms. Fay Kingwill Ms. Jennifer Maynes Mr. & Mrs. Justin & Jennifer Simpson
Dr. & Mrs. Lawrence & Tracey Welsh Mr. & Mrs. Paul & Kalie Whitaker Ms. Samantha Coates Mr. William Wong & Ms. Tina Lee Mr. Feng Xu & Mrs. Shuo Chen Mr. Xiaoping Yuan & Ms. Hongli Gong Mr. Kyle Jeans & Ms. Krista Zambolin
Did you know that Meadowridge has an Annual Giving Committee? Everyone is welcome to join! For more information or if you are interested in being a part of this committee, please contact Committee Chair Daniel Le Page at daniel.lepage@meadowridge.bc.ca or 604.467.4444 ext. 179
Meadowr idge Schoo l
Page 4 | SEPTEMBER 2012
ra Johnson
“The most important things in your home are people” ~ Barba
I Gala, I was reminded of the first Gala Mike and As we received our beautiful invitation to this year’s the newly nt in Junior Kindergarten and we had yet to visit attended almost 6 years ago. Evan was a stude and cried. I re Theat the of ny upstairs with Mike on the balco opened Theatre. The night of the Gala, I stood of this part a now all me that my sons...my family…we were was overwhelmed by emotion as the reality hit have who es it has been founded and built by families, famili amazing school. A school that is unique in that another one another to be better, who have stood by one shared a common goal, who have challenged . times successes during the good through the bad times, and have celebrated the of such a Evan, we knew we wanted our boys to be part When Mike and I started looking for a school for always was door the hub of neighborhood activity. Our family environment. I grew up in a home that was ready for a g at the table, the kettle always sat on the stove open, there was always room for another settin fresh pot of tea.
When families work together, the possibilities are endless.
students and me a home away from home for thousands of Over the last 26 years, Meadowridge has beco 12 rage a relationship between the outgoing Grade hundreds of families. It is a home where we encou n Harvest Autum the to s ies, a home where we invite our elder students and their up and coming Kinder Budd the like s we invite our parents to come together at event dinner and the Grandparents Luncheon, where me Back Fair, our community members to join us at the Welco Gala and the Golf Tournament, where we invite and visiting Alumni. where the door is always open to new families es – are endless. The generosity of Meadowridge famili When families work together, the possibilities of ways ent differ have and Gym C so young bodies past and present – has already built the playground and tes Library full of books and other resources educa challenging themselves physically. A beautiful y to shine. student talent, allowing rising stars the opportunit entertains young minds. A Theatre showcases monies hundreds of items purchased with fundraising In and around the school building and grounds, ge houses. enhance the educational experience Meadowrid all of us year’s Gala and Annual Giving Campaign invite Building on previous fundraising successes, this asing purch by Home. As Meadowridge looks to expand, as families to again work together to Grow Our rtunity to childhood education centre, we all have an oppo neighboring land and by building a new early unity flourish. help grow our children’s future and help our comm
Please join me and my family – Mike, Evan and Wyatt Nice – in supporting this year’s Gala and Annual Giving Campaign. Sincerely, Danielle Noël
Page 5 | SEPTEMBER 2012
This year, please help us
Grow our home.
The 2012-2013 Meadowridge School Gala
Growing Home
Saturday, November 17th
Meadowridge School is in the business of growth.
Like the rings of a tree we measure the growth of our children by each grade they master, each birthday they celebrate, and each spelling test they bring home. This year Meadowridge will grow its curriculum by adding the IB Diploma Programme, making us one of only eight schools in Canada providing this continuum. We are poised to take advantage of expansion opportunities in land holdings. We will grow our community and welcome new children and their families. This is the Year of Growth for Meadowridge, and we have chosen the theme of Growing Home for the Gala. We will bring to life the layers of meaning in these words during a spectacular evening of entertainment, great food, fun and fundraising. We know you will be impressed and hope you will join us on Saturday, November 17, 2012. We hope you will consider supporting our children in some of the many ways available this year; through your Annual Giving contribution, through sponsorship of the Gala, through ticket purchases, with the contribution of a live, silent or wine auction item. Help us to make 2012/2013 the most successful yet.
Meadowr idge Schoo l
Page 6 | SEPTEMBER 2012
Tickets to the Gala
Thank you to our growing list of generous sponsors Dinner Sponsor:
Integrated Health Clinic (The Parmar Family)
Purchase your tickets now before they are all sold out! Tickets are $250 each and tables can seat 8, 10 or 12 people. Get your order form at the Front Office or online at www.meadowridge.bc.ca/gala.
Bar Sponsor: Lordco Auto Parts Ltd. (The Coates Family)
Band Sponsor: Mr. Ron Le Boutillier
For more information, contact: Daniel Le Page (daniel.lepage@meadowridge.bc.ca)
604. 467.4444, ext.179
Photography Sponsor: The Sunderji Family
Dessert, Local Cheese Tray, Organic Coffee & Tea Sponsor: The Nice Family
Reception Champagne Sponsor:
DONATE to the Silent, LIVE & WINE Auctions All auction donors and sponsors are recognized in numerous ways before, during and after the evening’s festivities in print advertising, on the website, in brochures and newsletters. Auction items can be displayed with company business cards, brochures or an 8.5” x 11” sign. Extraordinary items offered for our silent, live and wine auctions have included sport jerseys, rare wine, travel fantasies and gift baskets. In order to make this a successful Gala our auctions need to have amazing items!
To donate to the Silent & Live Auction, contact: Lyn Tyler (lyn.tyler@meadowridge.bc.ca) 604. 467.4444, ext.139 To donate to the Wine Auction, contact: Daniel Le Page (daniel.lepage@meadowridge.bc.ca) 604. 467.4444, ext.179 Meadowridge School is a registered charity and must adhere to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) regulations regarding the issuing of all tax receipts. Charitable registration #0713195-21-27
The Brunetta Family
Coat Check Sponsors: Johnson Fu Insurance Agents & Mr. Rhys Clarke & Mrs. Julie Bournival
Grandfather Tree Sponsors: Mike Huber Real Estate Services Mr. & Mrs. Steve & Margot Olah Mr. & Mrs. Dave & Lyn Tyler
Auction & Other Sponsorships: Mr. John McLaughlin Ms. Christine Bickle & Dr. Mike Orser Dr. & Mrs. Al-Karim & Eileen Karmali Ms. Wendy Galati Brown’s Social House – Langley Dr. Murray Hurlbert Dr. Steven Sangha The Le Page/Hodgkinson Family Meadows Golf Centre (The Park Family) Mr. & Mrs. Steve & Annette Woloshyn Vancouver Giants
For more information and to download ticket, sponsor and donation forms, visit:
www.meadowridge.bc.ca/gala
Page 7 | SEPTEMBER 2012
This year, please help us
Grow our home.
Do you have Your own idea for an item to add to these Class Baskets?
All ideas are welcome and encouraged.
Junior Kindergarten (Mrs. Johns / Mrs. Kozol) Get Back To Nature A picnic basket filled with materials that promote getting outdoors and family time - local hiking or biking trail book and maps, back pack, reusable snack and lunch dishes, book "Last Child in the Wood", a kite.
Kindergarten (Miss Warner) Learning Through Play Costumes, imagination props, playdough, watercolour and or creative arts supplies (even your own favourite recipe and supplies needed to make the item).
Kindergarten (Ms. Maynes) Feed your Brain and Take Care of the Earth Green sandwich skins, snack bags (www.lunchskins.com), kid size stainless steel water bottles, small glass containers for lunches, chopsticks etc.
Grade 1 (Mrs. Pitzey) Alternative Transportation
Eco-Tastic Class Baskets for Mind, Body & the Planet The Gala Committee and the Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5 Classes would love your support! As a fundraising initiative of the Gala, each PYP class has their own themed basket that they would like your help filling up. Please consider purchasing an item for your son or daughter’s class. Small contributions can help to build valuable baskets that will be auctioned off at the Gala on Saturday, November 17th. If you have any questions, please feel free to come by the Advancement offices or email christine.bickle@meadowridge.bc.ca.
Bike, bike helmet, train set, skateboard, roller blades, bus pass.
Grade 1 (Ms. Pallister) Wondering In The Garden Bug kits, grow your own butterfly kits, tools to look at bugs, garden store gift cards, bird house, hummingbird feeder, wind chimes.
Grade 2 (Mrs. Carr) Family Time Board games, puzzles, movies, books, family restaurant gift certificates, parks & leisure gift certificates/swim passes.
Grade 2 (Mrs. Dobie) Get Crafty Knitting needles, wool, DIY kits, jewelry making, canning supplies, craft store gift cards, sewing machine, scrapbooking supplies.
Grade 3 (Ms. Vally) Green Thumbs All things gardening - worm composting, seed packets, bulbs, ceramic or clay pots, hand gardening tools, hand cream, gardening gloves, a gift certificate to the gardening store.
Grade 3 (Mr. Willms) Go Green At Home Compact fluorescent light bulbs, low-flow shower head, solar chargers, rechargeable batteries, totes, green household products, composting supplies, local food, ethically produced clothing (organic, fair trade cotton and/or wool), organic or vegetarian cookbook, organic cotton dish cloths, wooden kitchen utensils.
Grade 4 (Mrs. Lum) Get Active A sports themed basket about getting outside and getting active - basketball, tennis, golf, pedometer, bocci set, badminton rackets, gift certificate for running shoes, a Meadowridge gym bag!
Grade 4 (Mrs. Chow-Go) Let's Go Fishing Anything fish related. Food or items to help you catch dinner. Fishing pole, lures, tackle box, smoked salmon, sturgeon fishing adventure (catch and release), vest, a Finding Nemo video.
Grade 5 (Ms. Metz) Naturally You Some suggestions are Organic products for health, relaxation, wellness and beauty - organic lip balm, herbal body care, therapeutic bath crystals with wooden scooper, bath tea pouch, all pumice stone, beeswax products and aromatherapy candle, handmade soaps, vegetable based all-natural soaps, hand lotions created with essential organic oils, and other handcrafted, non-chemical bathing supplies, organic real sponge, loofahs, organic, unbleached cotton towels or a robe.
Grade 5 (Mr. Diniz) Close to Home Local produce/products from a 100 mile radius - support our growing community. It might have items from art, free puppy check-ups, honey, jam preserves, wine, cheese from the new cheese factory. All ideas are welcome!
You can drop off your class basket donations in your child’s class or in the Advancement Offices.
Meadowr idge Schoo l
TWO PEAS IN A POD Whether chickens or ducks make better pets and produce better eggs is hardly the sort of conversation you would expect to be having with two doctors in a cancer treatment centre. However, thankfully for me, it was, and it makes complete sense once you meet new Meadowridge parents, Karen and Gurdev Parmar. Their passion to teach all people about the effect our lifestyle has on our health and well-being is evident in everything they do and in how they conduct their lives as professionals, parents and philanthropists. They quite literally believe the old adage “we are what we eat”, be it through the food we eat, the water we drink or the air we breathe. This philosophy drove them to generously support the Gala this year by sponsoring the dinner. “We cannot emphasize enough the need for children to develop healthy habits from an early age”, said Gurdev. “We were so happy to see the school embracing this concept through the Gala and through its programmes and we wanted to visibly support it.” “It is the very nature of our business and personal philosophies,” he added. “As naturopathic doctors we believe our role is to teach – from the Latin verb docēre 'to teach’. We want to teach our patients and our children to remain as healthy as possible, and if they do fall ill, to understand why they are ill and to help them participate in their own healing.” In some ways this thinking has strong links to our IB philosophies too - to enquire, to be knowledgeable, to care, and to reflect. Both Karen and Gurdev made this shift to naturopathic care while in pre-med. Gurdev’s interest is in oncology while Karen’s passion lies with the care of mothers and babies and trying to solve the problem of infertility. “I want to have the time to be there for my patients throughout the process.”
“We were so happy to see the school embracing this concept through the Gala and through its programmes and we wanted to visibly support it.” Karen feels at greatest peace when she is home, with her youngest son strapped to her back and her toddler playing with his shovel beside her, as she cares for their animals and tends to the needs of their four children. “There is something so powerful and so natural about being a mother and being able to provide for your children, be it through working the earth yourself or simply providing them with healthy nutrition and love. My mother was the one who taught me about healthy eating and naturopathic healing, we ate at home, we ate simple foods, we used honey to treat sore throats, and we treated cuts with iodide, sprains with poultices and treated headaches by drinking water and thinking about what our bodies may need, rather than popping a tablet. What have I eaten today? Is that why I have a headache? My mother wasn’t trained as a naturopath, but her teachings helped shape who I am. I am blessed in my life and I don’t want to change the world. Rather, I would like to help it return to the way it once was, to a simpler and healthier time.” Gurdev, on the other hand, probably does want to change the world, and is likely already in the process of doing that. An energetic man, who has wanted to be a doctor for as long as he can remember and who started volunteering at his local
Page 8 | SEPTEMBER 2012
Page 9 | SEPTEMBER 2012
This year, please help us
Grow our home.
hospital in Kitimat in Grade 6, is a classic life-long inquirer – “But why?” could be his personal slogan. Why do people get sick, why are things the way they are, why do they have to remain that way, what are our children learning, what is needed, and how can I help? I laughed as I tried to remind him that he was the one being interviewed, not I. It seems that Gurdev’s constant inquiry, with an added touch of risk-taking and a generous portion of caring, have been important factors in shaping his career and life path. Shortly after he and Karen opened up their practice in Fort Langley, they took a welldeserved trip overseas to relax with family - it was December 2004. They were still in India when a massive tsunami struck Asia, killing thousands and devastating entire communities and countries. After returning home, Gurdev quickly packed his bag and headed directly to the island of Kho Khao, where the tsunami had inflicted some of Thailand’s worst damage. He remained there for several weeks and was the sole physician providing initial care to many wounded survivors of the tsunami. It really struck him that, here, like everywhere, the things people needed most were dignity, access to food, and clean drinking water. “People are resilient; they can go through so much, and if they have their health and their will, they can overcome.” On his return, he and Karen not only established The H.E.L.P. Foundation which raises funds to support survivors and refugees, but they also immediately began planning their trip with their two young sons (aged 3 years and 9 months at the time), back to Kho Khao where they stayed, worked and renovated a clinic. It was a four year long project, which drew the Parmars back several times a year for 3-4 weeks at a time.
When I asked Karen what she felt her contribution was, her answer surprised me. “People came running to me, at the sight of my white coat, ‘Doctoro, Doctoro’ – they called, ‘do you have food, water?’ And yes I did. I couldn’t always take away their pain or
just the feeling we got about the place”, “and the people,” “how we were treated by the Headmaster and the admissions team,” “and meeting the teachers,” “it felt like family” and “we just knew it when we saw it.”
“As naturopathic doctors we believe our role is to teach – from the Latin verb docēre ‘to teach’. We want to teach our patients and our children to remain as healthy as possible, and if they do fall ill, to understand why they are ill and to help them participate in their own healing.” their loss, but I could help them survive. That meant so much to me. It validated my calling as a physician.” Now 6 years later, and with four young sons in tow, Karen and Gurdev answer my final question in unison - they have obviously answered this one before. “Why did you choose Meadowridge?” “It is hard to put a finger on it” they said. It was “the sum of everything,” “the lovely students who toured us,” “who were so comfortable,” “so proud of their school,” “so knowledgeable,” “it was
“It was a very important decision and we really could have chosen any school, we toured many, but we committed to this one,” they calculate just how many years it will be before their youngest son stands proudly on the stage at his convocation - 18 years - “Is that a record?” Gurdev asks. They smile at each other and say that the only thing they have ever committed to longer than Meadowridge is to each other.
- Mrs. Lyn Tyler, Director of Development
Thank you to the Parmar Family and Integrated Health Clinic for their support and sponsorship of the Gala Dinner.
Meadowr idge Schoo l
Page 10 | SEPTEMBER 2012
Meadowridge School
VoyageUr, WildPlay, Indian Arm, Canadian Outback, Loon Lake
Page 11 | SEPTEMBER 2012
This year, please help us
Grow our home.
Grade 7 Canadian Outback For WWOW week, the Grade 7s went to The Canadian Outback for three days. This trip is something that I will always remember because we learnt so many things but also had so much fun that we didn’t even realize that we were learning. The drive there was very long and we were all jumping with excitement, ready to get out into the wilderness. One of the first things we saw when we got to the camp were the beautiful horses. We were all starving and were ready to eat, so we quickly set up our tents, stuffed all of our bags in them and lined up for lunch. Once we ate lunch, we got right into the activities. Geo-caching was our first activity of many. Finding the right direction to go in was frustrating because whenever our team was under a tree, it would block the access to the satellites so the arrow would go crazy. When evening came, we went to the pool and we all had fun leaping off of the diving boards and using the water monkey bars. We also all appreciated using a shower. When we got back to camp it was night so we all thought that the teachers would make us go to bed, then we saw the huge bon fire. It was beautiful. Watching the fire crackle and snap was amazing. We didn’t think that things could get much better until we figured out that we were going to make smores! After smores we crawled to bed and drifted off to sleep. The next day was the best day. The morning started off very cold but it got warmer later in the day, which was good because we went river rafting that day! It wasn’t just fun, it was amazing. The water was cold so jumping in wasn’t an option for me but many of my friends did go in. We were tossed in the rapids, and we did “dance parties” where we jumped on the raft to make it seem like a party. Whenever we conquered a scary rapid, we put our paddles in the middle and cheered. Many fun things followed like an eating contest (boy, was that oyster delicious). I will remember this trip forever! - Nicole, Grade 7
Grade 9 Voyageur Adventures For WWOW, the Grade 9 class went to Alouette Lake to Voyageur Adventures. In my opinion it was the best WWOW trip that I have ever been on! The activities were fun and exciting even if you did wake up sore in the morning. The camp counsellor taught us how important the Voyageurs were to what Canada is today and how exciting their adventures were. At night sometimes they would sing French songs since the Voyageurs were mainly from Montreal. At one point, they let us students sing a couple of songs at the camp fire. A friend of mine brought her ukulele and she and one of the camp counsellors had ukulele jam sessions during the day. They taught each other songs and played the ukulele together at the camp fire. Another counsellor taught a couple of us about slack line and how to keep your balance on one. We tried many times to get across but most of us only got halfway. The four hour canoe ride was really fun too. We had to canoe from Gold Creek to the end of Alouette Lake and back. Once we got there, we ate our lunch of wraps and cookies, had a quick swim and headed back to the camp. I would like to have spent more time there to swim but we had to go back for dinner. The best part of the trip would have to be that we actually went camping. Not in cabins but actually finding a good spot, clearing the debris and pitching tents. That by far was the best part of the trip. - Amanda, Grade 9
Meadowr idge Schoo l
Page 1 2 | SEPTEMBER 2012
Grade 10 Indian Arm The night before the ‘Indian Arm’ trip, I could not sleep because I was going through my equipment and clothing; making sure I didn’t over pack or under pack. Aside from being slightly nervous, I was truly excited to be away from home and adventuring every single day with my classmates. On the first day, after a harsh six-hour paddle, I was very eager to eat my first meal, especially since we were the ones cooking it! Throughout this trip, whenever we were asked to cook our own food, it gave us a sense of independence and responsibility. This sensation carried on towards setting up and taking down our own tents every single day. One of the events that really brought the boys in our grade together was playing football on the first evening. We included anyone that wanted to play and through this, a subtle bond between new students, distant friends, and close friends improved. On the second day, I was excited to go swimming in the ‘ocean’, however, I didn’t realize that the water would be at such cold temperatures. At this time, I managed to recruit several friends to come with me. It took us about 10 minutes to submerge our upper body into the water since every step into the water made us want to turn back. Afterwards, I enjoyed the expressions on my friends’ faces as we tried to dry off and regain our body heat. That night, and the days following, whoever was within a ten meter vicinity would have been able to hear my classmates and I singing. There was no source of music other than our vocal chords, so we decided to entertain others and ourselves by singing any songs that we could remember. This Duke of Edinburgh trip has rewarded me with countless unforgettable memories and experiences, which my friends and I can reminisce about in the future. - Douglas, Grade 10
Grade 12 WildPlay, UBC & More
Even though our WWOW Week began later than most, it was filled with many memories that I’m sure we will look back upon with fondness. Mr. Burke and Ms. Boyd were so kind in opening up their house to the Grade 12 class where we lunched and laughed in their company, Jerry with his camera snapping shots, Colton and Ben with their guitars jamming along in our massive sing-along session, and all of us enjoying the lovely sunny day. It was also a very special occasion for us – we got to celebrate Mr. Burke’s birthday with him! On Thursday however it was back to the inevitable, familiarizing ourselves with university options. Bussing down to UBC, we partook in a tour with a lot of helpful information in order to prepare for life after Meadowridge. Caja and her family hosted a sleepover in their backyard for the whole grade, where we ate, struggled with setting up the tents (some of us for more than thirty minutes), and ate some more. Gathering all of us into her living room, we celebrated Kavya and Valeria’s birthdays with ice cream cake. After a long day and night, Friday morning greeted us with the thrilling moment of finally meeting our kinderbuddies, the day we had all been waiting for! We were filled with excitement and enthusiasm, racing them around the playground and getting to know them. It was hard to leave after our hour was up, when we had to depart for our own adventure at Wildplay on the Monkido Aerial Adventure course. On the high ropes, we dangled on thin wires, zip-lined, swung on wooden logs, and became “Monkis” as we climbed higher and higher into the trees. - Qaisara, Grade 12
Page 13 | SEPTEMBER 2012
This year, please help us
Grow our home.
Grade 8 & Grade 11 Loon Lake I enjoyed my time at Loon Lake a lot! The Grade 8 class played, socialized and had a unique bonding experience within our grade and the brand new students to Meadowridge. On the first day we were very excited to go to this brand new camp and spend some time learning together outside of school. In our first few hours we played games on the fields and enjoyed getting to compete in activities and challenges with the Grade 11s! We had some school work to do that was connected to house points. This was a great idea because we all wanted to learn more but we also wanted to win more house points. Go Whonnock Go! After that we all went off to our different stations to participate in various activities that were fun and taught us about having a positive attitude. For example, if someone was not able to climb really high or finish the activity we congratulated the person because they took a step out of their comfort zone. One time at the high ropes course I made it up to the 25 foot rope ladder but was unable to get myself onto it. The great part was that when I came down Shaquille, in Grade 11, was very supportive and was very impressed that I took a step out of my comfort zone. The food was another amazing part of this trip! At Loon Lake we had mouth wateringly, delicious food with unlimited lemonade! The chefs there worked super hard to impress us and they did not fall short! Over all it was a very fun trip and we enjoyed bonding with our new students and the Grade 11s. - Zain, Grade 8
This month I went to Loon Lake along with the Grade 8 class. This was my second time attending because this year I am in Grade 11 and I previously went when I was in Grade 8. Everyone was split up into their houses and was then combined with another house. Together we participated in many exciting activities such as archery, low ropes, high ropes, rock climbing and raft building. During this time everyone was able to get to know each other and as next year’s graduating class, the Grades 11s were able to interact with the Grade 8s. We also had a relay race on the last day in which we had to put our new teamwork skills to action. Everyone also participated in capture the flag, soccer and a crazy game of tag. While the events at Loon Lake were amazing my favorite part was the theater performances the first night! Everyone was laughing and we created great memories. The food at Loon Lake was excellent and everyone always went up for seconds. It was great that the weather was perfect, which made everything a lot better! One of the best parts of the whole trip was taking pictures with my friends and when we returned we could see all of the pictures that everyone took. This trip was amazing and tons of fun and everyone had a great time. I would give it a 10/10. - Aidan, Grade 11
Meadowr idge Schoo l
Page 14 | SEPTEMBER 2012
Gryphon Council Update The first month of school has been filled with many noteworthy events, including the Welcome Back Fair, the Terry Fox Run and one of the most fun filled events of September, Spirit Day! Both the Senior and Junior Gryphon Councils, along with the House Captains, worked extremely hard and did a terrific job making sure that Spirit Day was a success. On the first Friday back students from Grade 6 to 12 came out and showed their house spirit and spent the afternoon participating in exciting events like capture the flag and trivia! Just like every year, Spirit Day began with all four houses performing cheers written by their House Captains. Every house’s cheer was fantastic, but in the end the judges concluded that first place for the cheers would go to Fraser House! At the end of Spirit Day, the points for all four houses were extremely close to each other, but Fraser was victorious, followed by Whonnock, Alouette and Kanaka. Another significant event of this month was WWOW week where students in Grade 9 went canoeing at Alouette Lake, Grade 10 went canoeing on Indian Arm and Grades 8 and 11 went to Loon Lake. The Loon Lake trip was filled with many different house competitions, most notably an Amazing Race styled relay. The Grade 12s did university preparations, toured UBC, went to WildPlay and were introduced to their kinder buddies! All in all, the month of September is one to be remembered! - Omar, Media Gryphon
HOUSE POINTS from Spirit Day
2590
2406
2312
1775
Page 15 | SEPTEMBER 2012
This year, please help us
Grow our home.
Meadowr idge Schoo l
Page 16 | SEPTEMBER 2012
2012-2013 Board of Governors The Board of Governors would like to thank everyone that attended the recent Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, September 19th. The financial statements of the Meadowridge School Society were approved and are now available on the Meadowridge website. A copy of our Annual Report and exciting news about land purchases have been mailed home to our families along with a copy of this Mini-Gryphon. The Board looks forward to the year ahead as we begin work on the first year of our community’s new strategic plan. We hope that with your continued support we can make Meadowridge the best school possible for our children.
Gareth Mason
Kelly Fry
Susan Waugh
John Becker
Mike Orser
Ockie Lampen
Mike Schutz
Scott Park
Roy Choi
Jessie Hill
Bob Gill
Daniel Gouws Chair
Access school financial reports and Annual Reports online at:
www.meadowridge.bc.ca/financials
ol ridge Scho
Meadow
June 2012
Society
oRt
AnnuAl Rep
Page 17 | SEPTEMBER 2012
This year, please help us
Grow our home.
Field trip Update We have changed some of our procedures for field trip acknowledgement and consent to parents. Firstly, it is important to remind families that through the re-registration and registration contracts, parents have already given consent for students to participate in school based field trips. Secondly, it is important to note that there is always an element of risk in every field trip, including transportation. Thirdly, as a school, we are always thinking of risk management and we look to mitigate risk whenever possible and appropriate. Meadowridge teachers and staff are always required to provide a risk assessment for the field trip they are proposing regardless of the level of risk, and cannot move forward on the planning of such field trip without approval from administration. If the field trip requires the students to be away overnight, or if there is an element of greater risk, an Acknowledgement of Risk and Apparent Consent Form will be sent home to be signed by the parent/guardian. The parent/guardian will also receive a parent information form which can be kept at home for reference. If the field trip is within the GVRD, and the level of risk is very low (i.e. TELUS World of Science) teachers will email parents information required for this field trip – the parents/guardians will not have to sign a form. To help ensure timely communication, this information is sent out on Thursdays. Transportation to and from the event is not normally considered a risk to which parents must sign off. In the MYP, a form may still need to go home if there is a Coquitlam based pick up or drop off. This helps the teachers organize the trip more efficiently, and in the end helps with the family’s organization of pick up and drop off. Please see the Board approved Risk Tolerance Statement. Should you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact me at steve.olah@meadowridge.bc.ca. Best regards, Mr. Steve Olah, Principal
From Does the Center Hold: An Introduction to Western Philosophy, Second Edition by Donald Palmer. Copyright (c) 1996 by Mayfield Publishing Company.
Board Policy on Risk Management: The Board will apply reasonable considerations of risk management when setting policy for the Society, Board and School, and when establishing plans setting financial constraints for the School operations. Meadowridge School is a place where we are "Learning to live well, with others and for others, in a just community.” The foundation of that learning is the comfortable, safe and supportive environment of the school. We encourage students, staff and families to live the IB Learner Profile. Learning opportunities exist outside of the classroom. This includes, but is not limited to field trips, service and learning projects, sports and extended field trips, and co-curriculars. These are important and developmentally appropriate activities. This philosophy is woven into our everyday actions and interactions, both at the school, and in the community
at large. It guides staff, administration, students, and families to meet responsibilities and fulfill dreams. Many activities associated with Meadowridge include sports, both in school and external competitions, travel on busses, trains, boats, subways and cars, provincial, national and international extended field trips, student exchanges, service and leadership programmes, and outdoor education programmes. There are also normal risks that take place in a typical day at an independent, co-educational, medium to large, independent day school, of approximately 550 students and 70 faculty in Canada. As part of life, and in particular at Meadowridge, we are conscious of risk, intentional in recognizing and articulating potential risks, we try to avoid unnecessary risk, and mitigate the risks we choose to take. This is risk management. When it comes to students, we also use the term “challenge by choice.” Parents have the principal
responsibility in determining risks that are acceptable for their children. The principle of informed consent and acknowledgement of risk are important to allow parents to manage this responsibility. As a result, Meadowridge has a comprehensive process for staff and parents to identify actual and potential risks, to communicate these clearly to the risk manager, staff and parents, and we require parents to provide informed consent for all student participation. Meadowridge is aware of financial, property, and reputational risks. These risks face any organization, and the goal is to manage risk appropriately. Insurance coverage is also managed, to ensure that Meadowridge is protected from these risks as far as possible. We remain conscious of risk in all activities. (Statement approved by the Board of Governors on May 30, 2012)
Meadowr idge Schoo l
Page 18 | SEPTEMBER 2012
Diploma programme Update It seems like just yesterday that we were starting to talk to the current Grade 11 students about the fact that they would be our first DP group after we were authorized. As I sit here and write this, we are already in week four of DP and our students and teachers have had a fantastic start! As DP is a two year academic programme it is essential that students form strong relationships with their peers. This will enable them to lean on and offer assistance to each other whenever it is needed. Week without Walls proved to do exactly this. It was exciting to watch the students work together to solve problems but more importantly laugh together and just enjoy each other’s company. I have observed a higher level of stress in students, and in fact teachers, at the beginning of this year compared to other years. I wanted to take a moment to reassure everyone that this is to be expected and is completely normal for the Diploma Programme. At times, it can be overwhelming to look at a course and know that it is a two year commitment with assessments at the end of this time. I had the opportunity to attend a meeting yesterday with experienced DP schools and was able to ask them whether their students shared the same concerns. They smiled and said that this was an issue that all students and teachers needed to learn to manage. This is an important life lesson for all of students to learn. It is our job as a school and as parents to model and teach them these skills. Homeroom blocks have been scheduled within the timetable and students will be having skill sessions which include study skills, stress management, and organization. I know that if we continue to work together as students, teachers and parents that we can accomplish great things. I have great faith in our students and teachers and know that we will have great success with DP. - Ms. Kristal Bereza, Academic Director DP
Canadian Universities Events (CUE) Attention Grade 11 and 12 students: Here is your chance to speak directly to your prospective post-secondary schools. Meadowridge School will be hosting the Canadian University Events on Thursday, October 25th at 6:30pm. Everyone is welcome to attend and learn about the post-secondary opportunities available at Canadian universities. This is a great way to find out more and ask questions to a variety of universities.
Date: Thursday, October 25th
Time: 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Location: Meadowridge School
For more information, visit www.ucalgary.ca/cue/
CUE 2012 University Participation List: Atlantic Universities
Ontario Universities
Western Universities
Acadia University Dalhousie University Memorial University of Newfoundland Mount Allison University Saint Mary’s University St. Francis Xavier University St. Thomas University University of Kings College University of New Brunswick
Brock University Carleton University Kings University College Queen’s University Ryerson University Trent University University of Guelph University of Ontario Institute of Technology University of Toronto University of Waterloo University of Western Ontario Wilfrid Laurier University York University
Emily Carr University Kwantlen Polytechnic University Royal Roads University Simon Fraser University Thompson Rivers University Trinity Western University University of Alberta University of Calgary University of the Fraser Valley University of Manitoba University of Northern British Columbia University of Regina University of Saskatchewan University of Victoria Vancouver Island University
Quebec Universities Concordia University
Page 19 | SEPTEMBER 2012
At the Headmaster’s House Last week, Eva (my wife) and I had the pleasure of hosting a lunch and afternoon recreation for the Grade Twelve graduating class. It was not a fancy lunch – hot dogs, with the vegetarian option of veggie dogs, along with raw vegetables, dips, and snacks. Regardless of the food, it was a great afternoon of getting to know each of the students a little better, and joining them as they sang, played piano and guitar, explored our tree house, laughed at an old photo of me with long hair, played soccer in the back, and generally had a good time. The last year of school can be a challenging one in many ways. Our kids face choices – where to go to university, what program to take – and they also face a sense of serious impending change. What seems critical to me is that their teachers (including me) become even more available to support them, that we ensure open communication, and that we build a sense of mutual trust so that we can best help them in their thinking. Events like the visit to the Head’s house are just one very enjoyable step in that process. - Mr. Hugh Burke, Headmaster
This year, please help us
Grow our home.
Meadowr idge Schoo l
Page 20 | SEPTEMBER 2012
AROUND MEADOWRIDGE Lear ning abou t Rosh Hashanah On September 17th, the Grade 4 s tudents were introduced to the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Students had the oppor tunity to visit with Mrs. Neibergall, who celebrates this holiday. A shor t PowerPoint presentation and a brief discussion gave s tudents insight into some of the traditions and practices of Rosh Hashanah. The information session was complete with a sampling of delicious apples and sweet honey for each s tudent. “As children learn more about dif ferent cultures, it is hoped that they gain a greater unders tanding and respect for all people.” Connie Chow, Grade 4 teacher Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year. The Hebrew name Rosh Hashanah is literally translated as “head of the year”. It is a time to be ref lective and introspective; looking back at the mis takes of the pas t year and planning to put positive changes into action for the new year. Jewish people also recognize and celebrate the day of creation of Adam and Eve. A popular obser vance and practice during this holiday is eating sweet foods, such as apples dipped in honey and honey cake. Eating these foods symbolizes wishes for a sweet new year. The common and traditional greeting for Rosh Hashanah is “L’Shanah Tovah” translated: “for a good year”. - Mrs. Katie Neibergall, Ar t Teacher
Librar y Ice Cream Reading Celebra tion On Friday, September 14th at lunch hour it was an exciting time for over 90 of our students. They took part in the first annual Meadowridge Summer Reading Programme. In June, students were given a list of exciting books in a variety of genres and levels from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. Over the summer they enjoyed many of these titles and we came together to celebrate their accomplishments. New students to our school were also invited to share, celebrate and get to know other students and meet their teacher-librarians. We would like to extend a big “Congratulations” to all students and we look forward to hearing about the books you read this 2012/2013 school year. - Mrs. Heather Nicholson and Mrs. Christal Storgaard, Teacher-Librarians
Page 21 | SEPTEMBER 2012
This year, please help us
Grow our home.
PYP HOUSE PICNIC On Monday, September 10th our PYP students took part in the “House Picnic” at Whonnock Lake. The purpose of this trip is to build house spirit and welcome our new members to the Fraser Falcons, Whonnock Dragons, Alouette Alligators and Kanaka Kodiaks. This was a fabulous day for our students, teachers and parents who were able to come out and join us in our activities. Our students participated in the Sand Castle Building House Competition. There were so many amazing sand castles built this year; making it very difficult to judge them. Congratulations to the following students: 1. Largest Castle: Sam, Jordan, Lucy, Emily, Katy, Veronica, Avy and Nick 2. Most Detailed: Marcus H. tied with Megan, Yilu, Gracie and Keven 3. Most House Spirit: Mariana, Jessica, Jageur, Chisom, Charlotte and Noah T. (Alouette) 4. Most Creative: Kysha, Michaela, Ella, Bianka, Ena and Charlotte The rest of the day was spent with classes rotating through different stations: parachute, bubble wands, capture the flag, basketball and beach volleyball. Special thanks to the Grade 5 leaders for helping to organize the stations and supporting our younger students throughout the day! Way to go PYP Gryphons! - Mrs. Michelle Brookshaw, P.E. Teacher
Lar “Kingdom of Agwesest o
eative Most Crce” “Fa meness”
Most House Spir “Alouette Alligatoit rs
”
Most Detailed
Meadowr idge Schoo l
Page 22 | SEPTEMBER 2012
Parent Guild UPDATE In spite of the amazing weather we have been enjoying these last numbers of weeks, summer seems like a distant memory as we all reestablish our school routines. All the Meadowridge students have enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect with their friends and make new connections with new students at the Welcome Back Fair, PYP House Picnic, MYP House Spirit Day and MYP Week Without Walls. As our children concentrate on their new school year, the Meadowridge Parent Guild is in full swing. All the grade reps are in place and eager to start communicating with their respective families. This programme has experienced a delay as there are still some families that have not signed a personal information consent and privacy policy. Until that process is completed by all families the school cannot distribute the contact lists. Promoting communications is an important aspect of the Parent Guild and this includes the Grade Rep programme and the “Get Connected” articles in the Mini Gryphon. Once the Grade Reps get started they will be communicating utilizing a new format. Look for your Grade Rep communication to come from their new Meadowridge email address rather than from their personal email address. This will help families identify important information from their Grade Rep and standardize the information that is given to all families. In the meantime, if you are looking for information about upcoming events, I encourage everyone to use the Hot Sheets, the egryphon, Mini Gryphon, school website and calendar. These are all great places to get the information that most families need to stay connected. At Meadowridge we are all connected to one another through the shared experiences of our children. These experiences contribute to the sense of community that is felt by our Meadowridge families and one of the major functions of the Parent Guild is to foster that sense of community. Volunteerism is key to sustaining a vibrant school. If you are a parent at Meadowridge; you are a member of the Parent Guild. It is the parents that provide the strength of the Parent Guild. At Meadowridge we are so fortunate to have many wonderful parents that give of themselves so freely.
Mark your calendar and make your vote count! Each member of the Parent Guild has the opportunity to vote on how their funds will be utilized. This voting is done at the Meadowridge Parent Guild AGM – to be held on October 17, 2012 at 7:00pm in the cafeteria /theatre.
Parent Guild Events
Our volunteerism is very apparent when the Parent Guild hosts the Grandparent Luncheon every spring. It is a special event that provides an opportunity for the parents to celebrate our school, our children and their grandparents. Last year the event was completely organized, executed and catered by parents. It could not have been a success
The executive positions, namely Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer and Secretary are voted on annually at the AGM. Notification for the AGM and a call for nominations will be sent to the household email that was provided to the school. Nominations for the executive positions can be emailed to parentguild@meadowridge.bc.ca.
without the commitment of the Parent Guild Council members, and the many volunteers who donated their time. I know the grandparents look forward to this event and they appreciate the extra efforts we do to make the afternoon memorable. The Parent Guild was happy to host a social for all parents on September 4th and 5th in the House. We provided beverages, pastries and an opportunity for everyone to get acquainted – both new parents and returning. This was very well received and we hope to continue the event next September and possibly expanding to have a few other dates throughout the school year. This event was organized by the New Family Welcoming Committee, comprised of Parent Guild Council members that have partnered with Advancement to assist new families coming into the Meadowridge community.
Parent Guild Programmes
Volunteer prepared food at the Grandparent Luncheon.
I am pleased to announce that The Parent Guild Council has been expanded to include some new ancillary programmes. Along with the key executive roles, the Parent Guild will have representation in many areas of the school, including the Green Committee, Uniform committee, the Gala, and the Golf tournament. These reps help the Parent Guild stay connected to the school and provide a vital link from the school administration back to the Council Members, and in turn
to parents; thus, ensuring that we can all support these important initiatives. Additionally, the Parent Guild is working with the Academic Directors to develop support for IB learning and to promote greater understanding of the IB programme. There will be two PYP and MYP IB reps and one DP rep. In addition, we will have one rep responsible for the Duke of Edinburgh and Gryphon Pin programmes.
Parent Guild Fundraising
One of the major functions of the Parent Guild is fundraising. A new subcommittee is in place to explore new ideas for fundraising, specifically from sources outside our school community. If you are interested in joining please contact the parentguild@ meadowridge.bc.ca. This year the Parent Guild will continue to offer Note Pads, Spring Flower baskets, Gaming Licensing and Government Grants. We have added a new fundraiser that is ongoing and hopefully can be financially rewarding for the Guild, decrease parental frustration and eliminate the need for the lost and found - Mabel's Labels! They are a fun, personalized, colourful, reliable way to mark ALL your children’s belongings. Anyone can purchase them through our link at www.meadowridge. mabelslabels.com.
Page 23 | SEPTEMBER 2012
This year, please help us
Grow our home.
If you have a child at Meadowridge, you are a member of the Parent Guild! Primary Objective Support Meadowridge School by fostering a strong sense of community
Parents are our Strength! To sustain a vibrant school community, volunteers are key. Many opportunities - large or small. Contact your Grade Rep or email parentguild@meadowridge.bc.ca.
Promoting Communications Articles and updates in the Mini Gryphon. Grade Representative communications.
Fundraising Enhancing the educational experience of all students through fundraising. Flower baskets, notepads, Mabel’s Labels, Gryphon’s Emporium and gaming grants.
Hosting Family Events Grandparent Luncheon
Meadowridge Parent Guild Committee Members 2012/2013 Executive (until AGM ) Chair: Eileen Karmali (guild.chair@meadowridge.bc.ca) Vice Chair: Open Treasurer: Sandya McLaren (parentguild@meadowridge.bc.ca) Seceratry: Zeineen Panju (parentguild@meadowridge.bc.ca) Past Chair: Carolyn Treger
Gryphon’s Emporium
Gryphon’s Emporium, formally known as the Used Uniform Shop, is an important Guild fundraiser. The funds raised from sales of used uniforms represent about half of our budget. You can support the Parent Guild by donating your gently used uniform pieces and shopping at the Gryphon’s Emporium, which is open once a month on the first Wednesday of the month or by appointment - email gryphonsemporium@meadowridge.bc.ca.
Administrative Liaison to the MRPG Kalie Whitaker (kalie.whitaker@meadowridge.bc.ca)
Grade Reps
Grade 10: Carrie/Greg Skeeles (repgrade10@meadowridge.bc.ca) Grade 11: Sayed Atthari (repgrade11@meadowridge.bc.ca) Grade 12: Daphne Herberts (repgrade12@meadowridge.bc.ca)
New Family Welcoming Reps Shirley Brunetta Karen Wilby-Riddell
Gryphon’s Emporium Jessie Hill (gryphonsemporium@meadowridge.bc.ca)
Fundraising
The funds raised by the Guild are used to enhance the educational experiences of all our children through financial support for extracurricular programmes. Consideration is given to balance funding between PYP, MYP and DP. Past support has included the Green House project, athletics, the portable stage, satellite phones for field trips, Microsoft Academy plus family events such as the Grandparent Luncheon and teacher appreciation events. Last year we provided three teacher appreciation events and in partnership with Advancement, the Parent Guild hosted two New Family Welcoming events.
Junior Kindergarten: Winny Sze (repgradejk@meadowridge.bc.ca) Kindergarten: Brenda Eichhorst (repgradek@meadowridge.bc.ca) Grade 1: Mike Wyatt (repgrade1@meadowridge.bc.ca) Grade 2: Rishma Sunderji (repgrade2@meadowridge.bc.ca) Grade 3: Sandra Margawang (repgrade3@meadowridge.bc.ca) Grade 4: Tina Lee (repgrade4@meadowridge.bc.ca) Grade 5: Yamini Gandesha (repgrade5@meadowridge.bc.ca) Grade 6: Cathy Antalek (repgrade@meadowridge.bc.ca) Grade 7: Shonia Pena (repgrade@meadowridge.bc.ca) Grade 8: Lisa Mirfatahi (repgrade8@meadowridge.bc.ca) Grade 9: Rochelle Dahlman (repgrade9@meadowridge.bc.ca)
Volunteers are welcome and the opportunities span from specific tasks to larger executive roles. If you are interested, please contact me via the Parent Guild email at parentguild@meadowridge.bc.ca.
Gryphon’s Emporium (Used Uniform Shop) Hours
- Eileen Karmali, Chair of the Meadowridge Parent Guild
To book an appointment outside of that time, email gryphonsemporium@meadowridge.bc.ca.
Reeshma Premji: Mabel’s Labels Corisa Bell: Team Lead Shannon Huber: Spring Baskets April/May Masumi Smith: Note Pads - Nov/Dec
IB reps Sandra Young: PYP Krista Zambolin: PYP Tracey Welsh: MYP Sheila Lamond: MYP Arvind Kang: DP
Various Reps & Liaisons Gyphon Pin and Duke of Ed: Shelley Larsen Alumni Rep: Diana Germain Liaison to the Gala: Krista Zambolin Liaison to the Golf tournament: Alison Thompson Liaison to the Green Committee: Tyese Patton Liaison to the Uniform Committee: Fay Read Mini Gryphon Reporter: Zebeen Panju
Open the first Wednesday of every month (if school is in session) from 3:00pm to 4:00pm.
Meadowr idge Schoo l
Page 24 | SEPTEMBER 2012
Student Achievements Josh, Grade 11 (Canadian National Team U18 - Water Polo) Josh is now in his fourth year of playing water polo and this past summer was his most exciting time playing! In May, Josh was selected for Team BC in water polo and after training for one month, he had been selected to the Canadian National U18 team! Part of being on this team was training for 5 weeks, 6 days a week at UBC. This involved 6 hours of pool training and 1 hour of gym workout each day. Josh said, “it was a great experience that he has never experienced before”. It was a “closed doors” atmosphere, with the players not being allowed off campus and family only being able to visit a few hours on Sundays. Not only did Josh build up his water polo skills he also learnt how to do his own laundry. Says Josh, “It really helped me learn to take care of myself. It pains me to say that I didn’t even know how to do my own laundry before the trip, and coming out of the camp I feel like a young adult”. At the end of the camp the team headed to Europe where Josh spent a week in Croatia followed by a week in Holland. Europe was a whole new experience for Josh (2nd from right) and his teammates. Josh, “water polo was to them what ice hockey is to us Canadians”, so playing against teams where water polo is a popular sport proved to a be a good learning opportunity for the Canadian team. Josh says that, “getting to see other players my age from around the world was an awesome experience, and I even learned some new languages along the way”. Congratulations Josh on your summer of traveling with the Canadian National team.
Andy, Grade 4 (Top Division 1 Boy in all of BC Swimming) Andy began the summer ranked 1st in the entire province for his age group. That is an accomplishment all on its own, but Andy was very busy this summer! He competed in the Provincials and earned enough medals to finish as the top Division 1 boy in all of BC! Andy participated in the swimming provincials and won: • Gold in 50 Freestyle with a time of 35.36 which is 12th best in BC history • Gold in 50 Butterfly with a time of 37.93 which is 3rd best in BC history • Gold in 100 Freestyle with a time of 1.20.72 which is 31st best in BC History • Silver in 100 Individual Medley with a time of 1.28.94 which is 11th best in BC history Andy is going to need a display case for all of his medals! Congratulations Andy!
Isabella, Grade 2 (Painting)
Isabella’s beautiful painting, Sounds of Spring, has been selected by the Canadian Wildlife Federation as among the best from across Canada and the United States for their Get to Know Contest. Chosen out of over 7,000 submissions, Isabella was awarded honourable mention for the nature inspired painting. Isabella has been drawing since she was 4 and is inspired by her surroundings. It was a visit to a park near her home that moved her to paint the selected artwork. Way to go Isabella, we can’t wait to see more!
Page 25 | SEPTEMBER 2012
This year, please help us
Grow our home.
Imran, Grade 5, Noah, Grade 5 & Caleb, Grade 3 (BMX Champions)
Nicole, Grade 11 (Published Poem)
Meadowridge is becoming home to some BMX champions! This summer Imran, Noah and Caleb all competed in BMX competitions and all placed!
Grade 11 student Nicole’s poem, “Razor”, has been selected for publication in the BCTELA (British Columbia Teachers of English Language Association) publications “Voices Visible”. Nicole wrote “Razor” last year in her English 10 class.
Imran, in Grade 5, got 1st for BC 10 year old novice racers, which is a huge accomplishment as this is his first year of racing. Fellow Grade 5 student Noah placed 3rd in BC for 10 year olds, 1st in the BC Cup 10 Intermediate and 5th in the Canadian National for all 10 year olds. Noah’s brother, Grade 3 student Caleb, even raced and won! Caleb earned 1st in the BC Champs for 8 year olds, 1st in the BC Cup for 8 year old Experts and Canadian National 2nd for all 8 years olds.
Congratulations Nicole!
Razor People point fingers at God But she stays the same. They sit enthralled in darkness so long, Forgotten. Lying in hospital beds and thinking “why?” Illness burrows through ripples of coral Rationalizing that no one will save her, or that Maybe no one wants to. Bottles and bottles Whites, reds and blues Flavours all fit for a king, But not one to fit her. Trees in autumn, one by one Losing leaves, which fall and die. But sparkles fade in even the brightest eyes.
Meadowridge Students Starring in Oliver! Meadowridge students, Tara in Grade 7 (second from left), Jessica in Grade 9 (right), Kimberly in Grade 11 (2nd from right), Keisha in Grade 11 (3rd from right) and Meadowridge Junior Kindergarten teacher, Tricia Liversidge all starred in a production of Oliver this past month. Congratulations!
Then in comes you, Breaking curtain call. In comes you, Red cape and all. Hair in a ponytail, shoes all a glitter Smile from within Contagious A new kind of illness With symptoms of laughter Hope is renewed, Restored Alive again. She gave you her weakness for you to destroy, You followed through. You alone, You saved.
Meadowr idge Schoo l
Page 26 | SEPTEMBER 2012
Admissions Update What a wonderful start to the year. I am hard pressed to remember a September as nice as this in all of my time here, in the past as a student, and now as a staff member. Things seem to have settled nicely over the first few weeks and the children are back in the swing of things, with all of them already having been away on trips, participating in athletics and digging right in to their studies. We are very happy to see so many familiar faces from our returning families. Over 91% of our students re-registered and we are excited to see all of them back for another amazing year. For your information, the portal will be open for next year’s reregistration on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 and will remain open until Friday, February 8, 2013. This year marks the beginning of our Diploma Programme, which is well underway already, and has taken years of preparation and planning to realize. With this achievement, Meadowridge was welcomed into an elite group of IB Continuum schools, of which there are about 190 worldwide. We are proud to say that, in keeping with our commitment to be a presence on the global stage, we have new families joining our community from 6 of the 7 continents and over a dozen countries across the world. With 95 new students registered this year, and an increase in local, national and international interest, it is clear that our children, parents, teachers and administrators are all working together towards the goal of shaping our world. Should you be interested in admission of another child for the upcoming academic year, please ensure completed applications are submitted prior to Friday, December 14, 2012. Junior Kindergarten offers will be given out in January and we will be holding
our annual assessment day on Saturday, February 16, 2013 for children entering Kindergarten to Grade 11. As the doors opened on the first Friday of the year, I had the pleasure of shaking hands with the better part of our 540 children, their parents, and guests of our weekly Open House. I was so pleased to see such an excellent response to our student led tours, despite a two month hiatus for the guides, and was more than flattered in overhearing one visitor comment that they had never seen so many children exposed to such an international environment, a “United Nations of kids” as they called it. Moving forward, it is clear that families from around the globe will continue to be drawn to Meadowridge, and moreover, Maple Ridge, as we continue to grow. While we work to collaborate with other IB schools, align ourselves with environmental groups and promote community partnerships, we are working to solidify ourselves on the world stage in education. This is not a secret, nor is it a surprise. We will continue to hold Open Houses every Friday that school is in session between 9:00am and 11:00am. Feel free to invite anyone who expresses an interest in Meadowridge to these. Our ambassadors are eager to show everyone how much they love their school and we are always happy to have guests. I am looking forward to seeing the successes of all of our students, new and returning, and to the celebrations of those achievements with their families. If the first month is any indication, we are in for a fabulous year ahead. All the best, Daniel Le Page, Director of Admissions
ADMISSIONS DATES & NUMBERS: 2013-2014 Re-Registration
Parent Portal opens Tuesday, January 8, 2013 until Friday, February 8, 2013
95
The number of new students that joined Meadowridge at the beginning of September 2012.
2013-2014 Assessment Day
Saturday, February 16, 2013
54
Our total number students at the beginning of September 2012.
9:00am to 11:00pm The time of our Open House on every Friday that school is in session.
91%
The percentage of students returning from last year.
The number of schools in Canada that offer the full continuum of IB programmes (including Meadowridge).
The number of continents that we have new families joining us from.
6
Page 27 | SEPTEMBER 2012
This year, please help us
Grow our home.
Welcome to our new staff members New Staff Nicole Lebrun Nicole joins Meadowridge as the grade 5 to 7 French teacher. Nicole learned to speak French while growing up in Ottawa, and after graduating from University used her bilingualism to earn a position with the Federal Government, which brought her to BC. Unfortunately the programme Nicole was working for concluded and not wanting to return to Ottawa, she moved into teaching and has spent the past eight years as an MYP French teacher at Mulgrave School.
Tricia Liversidge Tricia has been a member of our community for a few years now, first as a subcontracted music specialist and more recently as a Teacher on Call. Tricia joins the Early Childhood Center as a Junior Kindergarten Teacher. Tricia’s background in music, theatre and fine arts will be a tremendous asset to our school.
Kathleen McKay Prior to joining Meadowridge School as a part time PYP P.E. teacher, Kathleen taught in International Schools in United Arab Emirates and Morocco as well as locally in the Coquitlam School District. In addition to teaching, she is a certified instructor in field hockey, gymnastics, cross country skiing, downhill skiing and swimming. Kathleen has travelled extensively throughout Indonesia and has presented at conferences in Italy and Switzerland.
Danielle Noël Danielle has spent the past four months working part time in the Advancement Department supporting the school’s golf tournament, Welcome Back Fair and various other initiatives. At the conclusion of the Gala, Danielle will be transitioning over to the front desk and will assume the duties of Receptionist when Ms. Cori Barker takes maternity leave in December.
Welcome Back Marie Payne A long time community member, Marie has arguably grown up at Meadowridge. As a Meadowridge Alumni, Marie first came to Meadowridge to cover a maternity leave in MYP French and has now returned as an MYP Humanities teacher.
Carolyn Sapach Prior to going on maternity leave, Carolyn worked as an Admissions Assistant in the Advancement Department. We are thrilled that Carolyn has decided to return to the school as an Advancement Assistant.
Marriages & Name Change At the end of July MYP Spanish teacher Joyce Yeoh got married! She has chosen to take her husband’s last name, so make sure to congratulate Mrs. Joyce Villadiego.
Congratulations Mrs. Villadiego!
Thank you to the 2012 Welcome Back Fair Sponsors: Mayaco Custom Homes & Developments (The Sandhu Family) SKC Engineering (The Smith Family) Mrs. Whal Ran Park Dr. & Mrs. Michael & Daphne Herberts Dr. Michael Orser & Ms. Christine Bickle Expert Electric (The Brunetta Family) Mr. & Mrs. David & Lyn Tyler Dr. & Mrs. Anton & Elna de Klerk
Thank you to all of our sponsors and volunteers that made this event a great success!
Meadowridge parent, Rob Jeeves (not pictured), won the Alumni Services at the Golf Tournament auction and put his winnings to good use by hosting an Alumni Car Wash in support of the Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation. Meadowridge Alumni made cars sparkle and shine at the Welcome Back Fair and raised $375 for the foundation!
Thank you to our International Food Fair volunteers for providing delicious cuisine.