September 2014 Gryphon

MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

THE GRYPHON FALL 2014 VOLUME ONE

MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

12224 240th Street Maple Ridge, BC V4R 1N1

www.meadowridge.bc.ca

604.467.4444

FROM THE HEADMASTER Plan for the Year: A Focus on Learning Our school prepares children not only to meet the future, but also to create it. We want our children to grow into people who have the ability to regulate their own lives, to live well, and to be fully engaged, highly successful, and happy in the wider world. The most critical developmental stages within the education system in supporting our children to live such lives is in Junior Kindergarten through grade twelve.

University is important, but it is in this school that we acquire, use and share the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that will lead to future success in university and life. The time your children spend with us is central to their ongoing learning and self-regard, and we all must work together to ensure that our children learn as well as they can during these years. Their future depends upon it.

As we engage in this school year, I want to first reiterate our overall goal for the year: The school must work to ensure that learning in our school is central to all we do, and that we measure and adjust teaching and learning so as to constantly ensure that meaningful learning happens to the best of each child’s ability.

We will engage in several processes over the next two years to make sure that we meet this dual goal. We know that our children demonstrate outstanding performance on internal and external tests. We know that they engage in a well-rounded and world-class curriculum which develops them cognitively, socially, physically, and emotionally. We know that the peer group is supportive and diligent. We know that our teaching faculty is excellent, and that our community is supportive. We are currently accredited by the Inspector of Independent Schools, the International Baccalaureate, and by the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools organization.

But the mark of a great school is to seek ongoing growth and development, to engage in measurement and reflection, to invite the whole community to articulate together what is important, to learn constantly, and to improve constantly.

We have set out two major processes in order to ensure that our constant reflection and growth is based on the best practices in the world: The International Baccalaureate Continuum Accreditation for teaching and learning, and the Council of International Schools Accreditation, which looks at every aspect of the school. Each of these organizations are generally considered to have the highest standards in the world.

In our case, they have agreed to work jointly, so their inspection teams, drawn from around the world, will visit us in October of 2016.

This gives us two years to engage in the process of reflection and improvement before they join us. There will be about 20 people here for a week. We look forward to working with them. We will be 2

the first school in Canada to undergo such a rigorous and integrated accreditation, and one of only very few in the world‌and we will need your support.

Over the next two years, we will be working with our community to describe our teaching and learning practices, and also to describe our practices which support and enhance learning: facilities, finance, governance, risk management, personnel practices, admissions, advancement, and maintenance. All of these should be aimed at enhancing learning in the school.

I have already worked with a small group of parents in order to get an initial set of perceptions on a variety of matters, and now I intend to widen that small group over time so that many parents can participate. I have also worked with Student Council in order to understand their perceptions about our school. I joined that data with the commentary from staff and Board members, and have an initial package to provide to the Preliminary Accreditation team who will visit us mid-October of this year, to support the process from the outset. They will also guide the formation of committees, and guidance as to the survey information and feedback required.

MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL GRYPHON

It was a pleasure to review our financial statements. As always, our auditors were very pleased with our internal controls, and with the state of our finances. It is common to get a management letter as part of an audit, which gives an overview of recommended improvements. For the second year in a row, our auditors stated that they had no recommendations, and that our financial practices were excellent. A copy of the financial statements is on the website.

I note that we have over 520 students. We have been able to accept over half of those who have inquired about application at the school. We need to recognize that our school is designed to be a

The mark of a great school is to seek ongoing growth

and

measurement

development, and

reflection,

to to

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whole community to articulate together what is important, to learn constantly, and to improve constantly. We have set out two major processes in order to ensure that our constant reflection and growth is based on the best practices in the world: The International Baccalaureate Continuum Accreditation for teaching and learning, and the Council of International Schools Accreditation, which looks at every aspect of the school.

Following the initial visit, I will be asking for volunteers to join us in considering how we are doing when compared to World benchmarks provided by CIS. This will involve many focus groups, one for each area. As we go through this, I will also be conducting surveys so that everyone will have a voice in our continual improvement. I will provide updates and invitations as the process unfolds. If anyone is interested in becoming involved at a substantial level, please contact me directly. I believe that this will be a significant process for our school, as it is the best way to make sure that we really focus on our goal of student learning for success now, and throughout their lives.

Short Announcements Our MYP building and our Gym have now been substantially rebuilt, following our discovery of the failure of our building walls to keep out moisture. We found the start of some rot, and also found that the building needed seismic upgrading, new windows and outside doors, a new roof, and substantial rebuilding. We also added a renovation of the new Science Lab, and new outside accesses.

Much of this was only discovered after we opened the walls in July.

All of the work is now substantially complete, including the large amount that was discovered only later. I am pleased that we came in both below the re-projected budget, and also much more quickly than we could have hoped, given the large increase in the scope of work. The contractor for this work was on our site every day, and was diligent and thorough beyond all expectations. We have been extremely pleased; the contractor was Link Developments, and Mr. Sam Gandesha was the one who made sure that the quality was very high, the cost was kept as low as possible, and that our school could open on time. This is in line with the previous work done by Link Developments for us (the greenhouses). We are very grateful to him.

FALL 2014 VOLUME ONE

challenging school, oriented for highly diligent students who want to learn. As a result, we are not a good fit for every child. As well, many children who come to us with good marks from other schools cannot do well on our admissions assessments, and so we have to decline admission. We are becoming a bit more rigid about this, since all of our students are IB students and must be ready for success on international benchmarks which – unlike most school systems – do not have inflated grades.

We have had to triple classes in grades 4, 7, and 9 in order to keep class sizes low. Our class sizes currently are amongst the lowest we have had for a number of years, which should help to ensure that our children have the best possible conditions for learning. Our grade 11/12 cohort is the largest in our history. We have no more room for any further programme expansion, and this challenge will emerge as we discuss facilities for learning over the next two years.

Our congratulations to Dr. Kevin Wells! Dr. Wells just completed his Ph.D. defense in Mathematics Education. We are all very proud to be his colleagues.

I have announced my retirement date: June, 2018. By then we will have completed our accreditations, and have had time to complete a new strategic plan. As well, our North Forest will be engaging our children in much experiential education, and it will be time for me to sail off into the sunset. The school is already working on transition planning so that a change of Headmasters will be a real step forward!

Mr. Hugh Burke, Headmaster

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EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM UPDATE Welcome To New Staff & Students Our current enrolment is approximately 520 students and projected to grow in the coming weeks. 106 students arrived to Meadowridge School for the first time this year and we are very happy to welcome them. Enrolment continues to be strong and we have tripled in Grades 4, 7 and 9 in order to keep student/teacher ratios low and allow for future growth. Our instructional spaces are being used at maximum capacity and there is quite literally no more room for growth. We have hired new staff from around the world, bringing the best talent possible to our school in order to serve our children. Our impression is that new staff and students are bringing an enthusiasm and energy to the school that support our ongoing efforts to offer a world class learning environment for students and teachers alike. If you notice a new face on campus, make them feel welcome by greeting them warmly and introducing yourself.

Facility Upgrades There was a buzz of activity over the summer as we embarked on a series of major projects to upgrade the building and improve instructional spaces. The amount of work completed across the MYP/DP was substantial. We have created a new Exploratorium designed to support the Sciences, three classrooms had exterior doors installed to allow access to the north side of the property, the entire building envelope was replaced on the north, east and south sides of the building, a new roof was put on the gym (70% of the structure was upgraded), several classrooms received new paint and flooring, new ventilation was installed in the gym, along with skylights in Gym C and seismic upgrades were made accordingly. You should know that all work was completed under budget and the school was able to account for these expenditures through reserve funds and not increases to tuition. I am happy to report that our gymnasium, not scheduled to open before mid-October, is currently operational.

Teacher Learning What are We Doing To Support Continual Growth? – Mr. Burke has made explicit that our target continues to be ensuring educational excellence across all programmes and areas of operation. He shares, The school must work to ensure that learning in our school is central to all we do, and that we measure and adjust teaching and learning so as to constantly ensure that meaningful learning happens to the best of each child’s ability.

All instructional staff set annual professional growth goals, which inform and are informed by our school goals. Teacher learning is, after all, central to ensuring the continual improvement of our instructional efforts.

The goals set by teachers are taken into account as we fund learning opportunities throughout the year.

They help bring shape to our conversations as we continually reflect on how to improve. We are happy to announce that this year our teachers will be mentoring practicum students from SFU and UBC. Sharing craft knowledge is central to being a reflective practitioner and supports the growth of future educators.

Council of International Schools Mr. Burke will provide more in-depth information regarding our pending accreditation by CIS. Preliminary visits begin mid-October to be followed by a comprehensive review of all areas of the school, including: teaching and learning, governance, faculty, school culture, mission, vision and operational systems. This accreditation will align with the review of PYP/MYP by the IBO to ensure our educational intents continue to align with globally-recognized standards. As a matter of school improvement, the CIS accreditation will assist in our ongoing conversations about international education. Upon successful completion of the accreditation process, Meadowridge will be one of only three other schools in Canada to have earned this distinction. Learn more about CIS by visiting http://www.cois.org/page.cfm?p=1044.

A l l i ns t ru c t i o n a l staff s e t a n n u a l pro f e ssi o n a l g ro w t h g o al s, w h i c h i n f o rm and are i n f o rm e d b y o ur sc h o o l g o a ls .

Teac he r lea rn i n g i s, afte r a ll, c e n t ra l to e n s u ri n g the c o n t i n u a l i mpro v e m e n t o f o u r i nstr uc ti o n a l e ff o rt s .

Mr. Jason Parker, Deputy Headmaster 4

MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL GRYPHON

With the adoption of the IB Continuum, Meadowridge School believes whole-heartedly in the development of the Learner Profile attributes for all members of our school community. It is referenced in the School Mission and Vision statements, and referred to when committees are working on strategic planning. There are Learner Profile visuals in classrooms, the gymnasium, offices and meeting rooms throughout the school. The Learner Profile is an important feature in student planners and agendas, and included in a variety of informational brochures and handbooks. It is referred to in teacher course outlines, unit planners, assessment documents and progress reports. The Learner Profile is an important part of our daily conversations with students in classroom settings, in the hallways at break times and during co-curricular activities.

The Learner Profile outlines the attributes to which we work toward every day. We strive to be Knowledgeable about the world, natural Inquirers, deep Thinkers, Communicators in a variety of ways, Caring towards ourselves and others, Principled in our actions, Openminded to all, Balanced in our daily lives, Risk-takers in new learning situations and Reflective. Part of the planning of the PYP Units of Inquiry focuses on the Learner Profile and classroom teachers use literature and other resources to teach about these attributes.

Additionally, our Library has a wide range of literary titles which reinforce each Learner Profile. We view the development of these attributes as important not only as a part of children’s school life, but also in their lives outside of school.

6. Principled: When playing games or involved in an activity, ensure that your child understands the rules and guidelines beforehand. Do not change the rules to let your child win. Being gracious in defeat is just as important as winning.

7. Open-minded: Always encourage your child to try new food, games, sports, and activities. Being open to new friendships is also very important.

8. Balanced: Be aware of what your child is doing in less structured time. Children should be engaged in a variety of leisure activities that promote intellectual, social, and physical development. Limit screen time!

9. Risk-takers: If your child is uneasy about trying new food, different activities or making new friends, try to set up shortterm goals allowing them to ease into the new situation. Do not eliminate new experiences from your child’s life, but rather try to manage them.

10. Reflective: Set goals with your child and spend time reviewing progress made toward reaching these goals. Have conversations about their strengths, challenges and how to improve.

In PYP, we use the language of the Learner Profile daily as it enhances our educational programmes and interactions with others. I hope you will enjoy incorporating the IB Learner Profile into your family’s daily life as well.

Mr. Terry Donaldson, Director of PYP

BALANCED REFLECTIVE

RISK-TAKER

OPEN-MINDED

PRINCIPLED

THINKER

The IB Learner Profile had its beginnings in the Primary Years Programme (PYP) when it was known as the Student Profile. After much reflection and thought, IB changed the name to the Learner Profile and included it as the central piece of the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP) as well. The name change also reflects the view that the attributes are considered very important to the continuing development not only of students, but also of teachers, administrators, support staff and parents.

5. Caring: Model the caring behaviour you would like to see in your child. Children are always watching adults and their actions towards others.

CARING

The Learner Profile is central to the all three IB programmes as IB views intellectual, social, emotional and physical development as key to being a well-rounded individual. The first paragraph of the IB Mission Statement reads: “The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.” One can easily see that many of the ten Learner Profile attributes are embedded within this Mission statement.

4. Communicators: Encourage your child to explain answers or solutions they are working on. Also, work with your child to improve listening skills.

KNOWLEDGEABLE

HOW CAN PARENTS SUPPORT IB LEARNING?

3. Thinkers: Encourage your child to think of solutions to problems independently. When stuck, ask questions that might help your child to reach a solution without giving them the answer.

INQUIRER

How can parents support the development of the IB Learner Profiles outside of school?

1. Knowledgeable: Encourage children to read books and materials related to their units of inquiry. Have discussions about what they are reading.

COMMUNICATOR

2. Inquirers: Model being an inquirer. As an adult, not knowing an answer is an opportunity to ask some questions that will promote further learning for your entire family.

FALL 2014 VOLUME ONE

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WHAT DOES AN IB DP EDUCATION LOOK LIKE? Part of my daily routine is to visit the classrooms of our Grade 11 and 12 students. When I walk into classrooms, I am continually astounded at the learning that is taking place within them. It is authentic, relevant and thought-provoking. The skills that your child is learning are preparing them for success in high school, post-secondary education, and life beyond.

The IB Diploma Programme is made up of six subject groups— Language, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Society, Sciences, Mathematics, and the Arts. The core of the programme is the Theory of Knowledge class, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Action and Service. These work toward development of the student as a whole and therefore, benefit all subject areas. During this year, the Diploma section of the Gryphon will focus on a separate subject group for each edition. Teachers will submit articles that bring the reader into

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a stounde d at t h e l earn i n g t h at i s t ak i n g p l ac e within them . I t i s a u t h e n t i c , re l e v ant and t h o u g h t- p ro vok in g .

Th e s k i lls t h at y ou r c h i l d i s l ea r ni ng a re pre pa ri n g them for su c cess i n h i g h s c h o o l , po s t- s e c o n da ry ed u cati on , a n d li f e be yo nd . their classrooms to ‘observe’ what activities have occurred. In each Gryphon, I will also be giving information on the core of the Diploma Programme. This will give the reader a glimpse into what education looks like in DP.

An integral part of the core of the Diploma Programme is the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) class. All students participate in this course regardless of whether they are Course or Full Diploma students. If you have ever spoken with a DP student about TOK it is quite likely that they have expressed confusion about the topics discussed in class.

This is part of the purpose of TOK—to get students to wonder, which doesn’t always result in an answer. Students will learn to critically think about different areas of knowledge. Class time is heavy with discussion as students work towards developing their thinking ability which in turn enhances their learning and performance in other classes. TOK is assessed in the Grade 12 year through two different assignments—an essay and a presentation. For the essay, students can pick from a list of six titles that are common to all IB students. These are marked externally

by IB examiners. For the oral presentation, students can work in a group or individually on a knowledge issue that is linked to a case study. There will be a chance for the class to also ask questions after the presentation.

The presentation is marked internally by the TOK teachers.

Creating a supportive community among peers is integral for success in DP. In some recent studies, it was found that students enrolled in DP often identify as stressed; however, they also report more stable levels of mental health. One of the reasons for this is the community of support that they create with others who are also taking DP. This is one of the driving forces behind the DP retreat that we take the Grade 11 and 12 students to at Loon Lake. Time is spent forging deeper relationships, learning to problem solve, and gaining necessary teamwork skills. Students were asked to take risks in order to see what they are capable of. For some this was participating in the Café Night, for others it was suggesting their opinion on a team bridge building activity. Students also participated in a DP Speed Dating session (don’t worry, it’s not what you think). This was a time where Grade 12 students could pass on tips and suggestions in order to help the Grade 11 students with their transition into DP. Each subject area had a section that was student led. It was so interesting to watch the students interact and encourage each other.

Mrs. Kristal Bereza, Director of DP

SCIENCES IN DP: BIOLOGY, PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY

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MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL GRYPHON

A GLIMPSE INTO...

Diploma Programme Physics In Physics class this week, we were discussing vectors, particularly displacement, velocity and acceleration vectors compared to distance, speed, and acceleration as scalars. This is a bit of an abstract concept and difficult for students to wrap their minds around when first introduced to it. (You mean I’m accelerating when I walk around a corner at a constant speed?)

Vectors are a mathematical construction that are foundational to learning Physics at the DP level, but a deep understanding involves being able to visualize what they mean. So, enter the blueprints of the school, rulers, protractors and some questions. What is the scale of the architect’s drawings? “But Mr. Bruins, that’s not given,” the students said. This led to some exploration around methods of finding the answer and the uncertainty associated with each, before we were ready to tackle topics like ‘walking at a brisk pace to the library, then the office and stopping at Ms. Higginson’s room on the way back’ produces a very small average velocity even though the average speed may have been significant. The key to this exercise was putting students into the activity so they experienced the vectors kinesthetically and learned vectors are more than an abstract mathematical construct. Once students can ‘see’ vectors in the world around them, they can begin to think Physics on a deep conceptual level.

Mr. Michael Bruins, DP Teacher

A GLIMPSE INTO...

Diploma Programme Biology The Grade 12 IB Diploma Biology students have just started topic 6, which is the unit on human physiology. They will be studying all the different body systems, including the digestive, circulatory, respiratory, immune, nervous, excretory and reproduction systems. The students have just completed the digestive system and are currently working on the circulatory system. During our last CWOW day, the students completed an exercise physiology lab, where they used Vernier chest and hand-held heart rate probes in order to determine the effects that exercise has on heart rate and recovery times.

The students ran on the treadmill for three minute intervals, while their partner recorded the heart rate data being produced by the probes.

The class data was then collected, pooled and then analyzed by the students. They completed a data processing and evaluation for their internal assessment. In the upcoming weeks, the students will also be dissecting a cow’s heart with the Grade 5 students. The Diploma students will demonstrate the knowledge they have learned by teaching the younger students about the circulatory system as they do their dissections. This will bring PYP and DP students together to begin to share knowledge and information as well as form relationships between them.

Mr. Jamie Marriott, DP Teacher

FALL 2014 VOLUME ONE

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WEEK WITHOUT WALLS WHY WEEK WITHOUT WALLS? Every September, students in Grades 6 to 12 participate in our Week Without Walls (WWOW) programme. This is a three or four day outdoor adventure trip that is taken by each grade level. This is not to be confused with the Classroom Without Walls (CWOW) which are our single day events that happen eight times throughout the year. There are some huge benefits from organizing an extended trip like the WWOW early in the year, including:

COMMUNITY BUILDING teachers, returning students, and new students have a great opportunity to get to know each other outside the academic confines of school.

IT SETS A GREAT TONE OF ADVENTURE AND RISK-TAKING students take part in a variety of novel and challenging activities that provide an opportunity for success and growth.

IN GRADE 9 AND 10, STUDENTS COMPLETE THE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE COMPONENT OF THEIR DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD PROGRAMME (Bronze and Silver).

THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS OF THE TRIPS REINFORCES OUR SCHOOL BELIEFS ON THE TOPICS. THE WWOW WEEK CONTINUES TO BE ONE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE EVENTS EVERY YEAR, both for the students and the teachers.

Mr. Scott Banack, Director of MYP

WHERE DID EACH GRADE HEAD OFF TO DURING WOW WEEK?

CAMP SUMMIT

ROCKRIDGE CANYON

INDIAN ARM

ROCKRIDGE CANYON

ALOUETTE LAKE

&

LOON LAKE

GRADE 6 Camp Summit Memories Andre Gide said that “Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore”…and so, on September 17, the Grade 6 class set off on an adventure to Camp Summit where they would have the opportunity to lean into their friends, face their fears, discover their inner strength and replace tentative uncertainty with a passion for adventure. For three days, our youngsters took on a plethora of challenges. They ascended a 30 foot climbing wall, dangled 40 feet off the ground from the high ropes course, led songs around the campfire, built shelters in and rode mountain bikes through the woods, ran full tilt through variable terrain with fleet-footed counsellors in hot pursuit, boldly ventured into the shadowy night with their bathroom buddies in tow and creatively collaborated to solve enigmatic problems in initiative games. In the intensity of those moments spent in the rugged outdoors of Squamish, the students came together as a team and, supported by the chorus of encouraging voices, the illusion of their perceived limitations dissolved and was replaced by an awareness of the limitlessness of their true potential!

Ms. Cindy Hops, MYP Teacher

FALL 2014 VOLUME ONE

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GRADE 7 & 8 Rockridge Reflections The four days we spent at Rockridge were immensely fun. I enjoyed all the fun activities the teachers had planned for us. Some of my favourite activities were the zip-line, octaball, and beach volleyball. I enjoyed zip-lining the most because I felt like I was flying over the dark and beautiful lake. I really enjoyed octaball too, it was a really nice game that all of us could play and enjoy. Beach volleyball was fun except I could barely focus because of all the buzzing bees around me. Another evening activity that I thoroughly enjoyed was watching Brave, the movie. I really enjoyed the theme of the movie, coincided with Rockridge especially, because of the grass and trees. Last, but certainly not least, the bonfire. Three words that describe the bonfire were, fun, warm, and cozy. The bonfire was so much fun. After the long but rewarding hike up the Pinnacle Mountain we were fortunately able to sit down to a wonderful, warm bonfire. We got to roast marshmallows and make s’mores and I cannot think of anything better than s’mores and a bonfire.

I honestly learned so many things. Not only facts about Rockridge, but I learned so many more things about my friends and even people in Grade 7. I really felt like Rockridge was a great opportunity to learn about the new students and even some of my old friends. I had lots of fun with my cabin; we laughed, told secrets and just had an amazing time at Rockridge.

I would not change a thing. Even though I dreaded the hike up the Pinnacle Mountain I felt so rewarded when I reached the top. Even though I was at the back the entire hike I had so much fun with Mrs. Hook and Mikaela and Catherine. All the laughs we shared; I would not change anything. I probably learned more things about the people in my grade on this trip than I have learned about them in the past two years. I felt like we did a lot of activities together and we were not just split into groups and so I was able to speak to all of the students in my grade and not just the people in my group. Also I don’t have any classes with some people and so I was able to speak to them too. Overall Rockridge was amazing and the memories that my friends and I made are unforgettable!

Sindujha N. (Grade 8)

I had a lot of fun at Rockridge this year. I really enjoyed the little group chat we would do in our room at night. Because we would just sit in a circle with all the blankets and talk, get to know each other better, and make more memories. I really enjoyed the pastel activity, and when we had the sports complex because a few of us played soccer and messed around on the field.

One of the most important things I learned is no matter what the weather was like last year or what the forecast says, be prepared. I feel that I learned more about my peers, new and old, on the trip. I think that I became better friends with them because of this trip. I learned to trust more when on the high ropes course, because I had to realize that even though I was so high up if I fell, I could only fall so much. I think one of the most important things I learned was that sometimes people can be different when in a different environment. So you have to keep an open mind and sometimes pretend you’re meeting them again for the first time.

I think that next year when there is an opportunity, I'm going to take it. When at camp I realized that because I didn't go blobbing on the second day I missed my only chance. I thought I would have had the next day as well, but that goes to show me that I need to take the opportunity when it’s presented. I really hope that next year I have as much fun as I had on this year’s WWOW. Inara K. (Grade 8) 10

MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL GRYPHON

GRADE 9 Alouette Lake The Grade 9 students and teachers took part in a three day, two night paddle on Alouette Lake. The students were grouped into three large, Voyageur Canoes, which were originally designed to carry huge cargos as part of the early fur trade. The students all had the opportunity to steer the canoes as well as be part of the team paddling against strong head winds.

In addition to developing their paddling skills, students participated in basic wilderness survival training, set up their own tents, learned to start a fire, and implemented basic orienteering principles. This experience also fulfilled the wilderness excursion requirements for the bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Voyageur Adventures provided the group with expert guidance, equipment, and cooked all the food. While there was a lot of learning that took place, the social and emotional growth of the students is the true highlight of the experience. The memories and experiences of such a trip do a great job in setting the tone for a successful year.

Mr. Scott Banack, Director of MYP

GRADE 10 Indian Arm Reflection The trip that transforms Grade 10 students into voyageurs was again a great success this year. Many students new to all the elements of camping and canoeing were able to accomplish so much. Even the experienced campers refined and developed their efficiency when cooking and living in tight proximity to others. There were an abundance of special moments on the trip, but I would like to expand on one that I felt encompassed the spirit and togetherness of the camp. On the first day, after a monster paddle the whole group formed a circle and started sharing stories and reflecting on the journey they had just completed. This circle was formed with no prompting from teachers or guides, it was totally organic. Indian Arm was a magical trip with everlasting memories.

Mr. Nick Jackson, MYP Teacher

FALL 2014 VOLUME ONE

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GIVING AND GETTING INVOLVED Our School’s Vision is integral to everything we do; it guides our day-to-day work, our plans for the future, and your choice to entrust us to educate y our children. Like many things close to us, the Vision’s meaning may be so engrained in our School culture that we lose sight of its importance to us all: “People are drawn to our school from around the world. In the spirit of active collaboration with teachers, peers, and our community, we learn how to care for ourselves and for others. Knowing that change is the only certainty, we engage with challenging and complex questions effectively and creatively. Through outstanding teaching, programmes and facilities, Meadowridge develops in us the confidence not only to meet the future, but also to create it.”

Your belief in Meadowridge and our Vision ensures an exceptional experience for your family here. Your time, your support and your voice are all opportunities for you to be involved and create a confident future for your sons and daughters, our School, and the World.

anything you wish to make it. We have traditional school options, like athletics, office and classroom support. We would also be more than happy to sit with you to find a way to put your skills and interests to use. Speaking to classes, hosting events, taking part in a club… There is no limit to what we can do together.

Visit the volunteer page on our website at www.meadowridge.bc.ca/volunteer for more information on how you can get involved today.

Your Support: Outstanding Teaching, Programmes and Facilities Meadowridge is an Advancement oriented school, constantly striving to improve teaching, learning, our campus and in turn, the experience of each and every child. In order to achieve excellence in all areas of a Meadowridge education, we rely heavily on financial contributions above and beyond tuition. Each year approximately $150,000 is spent enhancing teaching and learning inside and out of the classroom. Additionally, we invest more than $250,000 annually into our facilities through a variety of capital improvements. With an expanding student population, a growing campus and an aging facility, the need to increase these annual expenditures has never been greater.

Co m e a nd sh a re yo ur t i m e a n d y o u r p a ssi o ns; vo lunt e e r i ng ca n be a n y t hi n g yo u wi sh t o m a ke i t . We hav e t ra d i t i o n a l sc ho o l o pti o ns, l i ke athl e ti c s, o ff i c e a n d c l assro o m suppo rt. We wo ul d al s o b e m o re than happy to si t wi th y o u to f i n d a w a y t o put y o ur ski l l s and i nte re sts to u s e .

The Meadowridge Annual Fund Your Time: Active Collaboration and Caring for Others In an IB Continuum World School, service is an expectation and through it our children are learning not only how to work with and care for others, but why it matters. We can accomplish more together, it promotes a sense of belonging and, ultimately, it connects us to the causes that we care about the most.

When you give to the Annual Fund each year you are supporting excellence in education through a low-cost, highly impactful and ongoing campaign. 90% of all gifts are allocated to Headmaster’s Choice and spent at Mr. Burke’s discretion on the things our children and school need most. You can also designate your donations to a particular fund and teachers are able to request the use of these through an application process. Please keep an eye out for our quarterly impact reports on how the purchased items are making a difference in our classrooms and for our children.

Come and share your time and your passions; volunteering can be 12

MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL GRYPHON

Events Meadowridge is a community of parents, alumni and corporate partners invested in independent education and supportive of our Mission and Vision. Each year we hold two major fundraising events in support of the children, families and future of our School.

The Gala Held in November of each year, this is your chance to join us for an evening of fine dining, entertainment and auctions. All proceeds go towards a targeted item, yet to be announced for this year. Invitations have been mailed, sponsorship opportunities exist, tickets are on sale now and guests are always welcome. We are looking forward to seeing everyone at the Vancouver Club on Saturday, November 29 for the black tie event of the year.

The Golf Tournament Held in June of each year, the Golf Tournament has grown from a few foursomes to a full-on community event. With plenty of on-course food, drinks and activities, there is something for everyone. Oncourse competitions ensure everyone is a winner, and by just buying your ticket, that includes our kids. Sponsorship and promotional opportunities exist, so get your group together and come out on Saturday, June 20 for fun filled day at Meadow Gardens Golf Club.

Haven’t given to the Meadowridge Annual Fund in 2014? Here’s how to make your gift today: Visit www.meadowridge.bc.ca/annualfund or email annualfund@meadowridge.bc.ca Hoping to join us at the Gala but don’t have your tickets? Get them before they’re gone by visiting: www.meadowridge.bc.ca/gala or emailing gala@meadowridge.bc.ca.

Stay tuned for more information on how to be a part of the Golf Tournament, coming soon!

Your Voice: Challenging, Complex Questions, Create the Future In the spirit of active collaboration, we are interested in working with our entire community to continue to further Mission and Vision of Meadowridge School. We value your ideas and feedback and would love to hear from you. If questions arise, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We are looking forward to working with you!

Mr. Daniel Le Page & Ms. Carolyn Sapach www.meadowridge.bc.ca/support_us daniel.lepage@meadowridge.bc.ca or carolyn.sapach@meadowridge.bc.ca

FALL 2014 VOLUME ONE

13

GRYPHON ALUMNI ATHLETE PROFILE

Kathleen Read (‘11) and Alan Read (‘12)

What are you doing now in life?

AR

KR

I am currently in my third year of Mining Engineering at Queen’s University. I am really enjoying the program, it is a lot of hard work but I think it will pay off in the future. As for athletics, I am playing on a recreational rugby team at Queens and playing inner-tube water-polo as well.

I am about to start my fourth and final year of my Bachelor of Arts in History and French at the University of Saskatchewan.

Looking into a crystal ball, where do you see yourself in five years?

What sports did you play when you were a Gryphon at Meadowridge?

AR

KR

AR

In five years hopefully I will be done school, and working for a mining company in some interesting part of the world.

KR

After my BA, I plan on getting a Bachelors of Education so hopefully I will be teaching somewhere in five years! But other than teaching, I hope to have travelled a lot and maybe even find a teaching job on those travels.

While at Meadowridge, I tried to play as many sports as my academics would allow time for. My main sports were soccer, basketball and track and field. I also played on the water polo team for my last two years of high school.

While I was at Meadowridge I played on the junior and senior basketball and volleyball teams, as well as the soccer team in elementary school.

What is your best memory as a Gryphon in Athletics?

AR

KR

As there are so many great memories as a Gryphon it is hard to choose just one, but I think the one that stands out the most for me was the Senior Boys Soccer championships throughout high school. I remember the first one I went to when I was in Grade 9, and although I only got to play for a couple minutes, I was part of the team that won the championship and that made me very happy. I carried that feeling of winning right up until my last game with Meadowridge, as the Captain of the team in my Grade 12 year. While we didn’t win the championship, I feel that everyone on that team, right down to the youngest player, worked hard and gave it their all.

Anything to do with the basketball team! We had a lot of fun together whether it be early morning practices, weekend tournaments, or long car rides to away games. It was really great to be able to play on a team with a lot of my friends and to be able to form friendships with girls in other grades.

ALAN TAKING A SHOT DURING A SENIOR BOYS SOCCER GAME What do you do now to stay mentally and physically healthy?

AR

KR

What was the biggest lesson or habit you took away from your time as a Gryphon?

AR

KR

14

I think the biggest lesson I learnt as a Gryphon is that teamwork wins championships. This is true in most aspects of life; you can achieve much greater things if you work hard with other people.

The biggest habit I took away from my time as a Gryphon was definitely dedication. As a member of a team you were expected to show up to practices and games and to participate to the best of your ability. Teams rely on the dedication of all members and our coaches did a great job instilling that value in the players.

In order to stay healthy, I try to go to the gym at least three or four times a week and I have started playing a lot of squash.

One of the great things about universities is they normally have amazing gyms. Luckily I live very close to campus so I am able to use the gym regularly and participate on intramural teams.

I was also able to find an amazing ballet class on campus so I can keep up my passion for dance. In addition to staying physically healthy, I rely on a great group of friends to stay mentally healthy.

If you could pass on one piece of advice to current Gryphon athletes, based on your experience, what would it be?

AR KR

I think the best advice I can give is to give 100% to whatever to do, whether its sports, school or just life in general.

Be a part of a team! Sports at school are a great way to be involved and to stay fit, especially in high school and university.

Not only will you stay fit but you will collect great (often hilarious) memories from time spent with your team and coaches.

MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL GRYPHON

ATHLETICS REPORT Meadowridge’s ‘No-Cut’ Policy

grow. It also must be said that a student-athlete may cut themselves if they do not attend practices without discussing in advance with Currently Meadowridge high school coaches have managed to keep all their coach and being excused in advance. The athletic policy is, players on the teams if they are committed to improving and following ‘three unexcused absences’ and you are off the team. Coaches are understanding that some appointments and absences are unavoidable, instructions, however there is no guarantee of playing time or even for example: a family member’s wedding, an appointment with a dressing for games. Players are welcome to come to practices and work on improving their skills if they are serious about their intentions. medical specialist, a family emergency, etc.

This also creates a healthy level of competition for playing time and I am very pleased with the commitment that the Meadowridge give coaches options should players be unavailable due to injury or other commitments. There are times when coaches know they will likely coaches have shown to developing student-athletes on both ends of the spectrum as far as skills and ability. Meadowridge Athletics is a have opportunities to get developing players in depending on the traditional level of play of some opponents, adversely a coach does not wonderful opportunity for students and it provides a diverse number want to put a developing player into a game where they are unlikely to of pursuits that can complement community offerings. Our Gryphons should be well rounded individuals who have strong morals, strong feel many success and possibly be discouraged by the experience. minds and strong bodies.

Student numbers are currently manageable and coaches have done an excellent job of making it work for all levels of players, so it is possible If you have any questions regarding athletics at Meadowridge please to go with a ‘no cut’ policy. This may not be the case as we evolve and feel free to contact me.

2014/2015 ATHLETIC TEAMS

SOCCER

Mr. Scott Spurgeon, Director of Athletics

VOLLEYBALL

BASKETBALL

SEPTEMBER TO EARLY NOVEMBER

SEPTEMBER TO EARLY NOVEMBER

Grade 4/5 Boys Soccer (ISEA League)

Grade 4/5 Girls Volleyball (ISEA League)

Grade 4/5 Girls Basketball (ISEA League)

Grade 6/7 Boys Soccer (ISEA League)

Grade 6/7 Girls Volleyball (ISEA League

Grade 4/5 Boys Basketball (ISEA League)

Junior Boys Soccer (GVISAA Junior Boys League)

Bantam Girls Volleyball (GVISAA League)

Grade 6/7 Girls (Local & ISEA Basketball)

Senior Boys Soccer (Fraser Valley ‘A’ League)

Junior Girls Volleyball (GVISAA League)

Grade 6/7 Boys (Local & ISEA Basketball)

Senior Girls Volleyball (GVISAA League)

NOVEMBER TO EARLY MARCH

Junior Girls Basketball (GVISAA League) Senior Girls Basketball (GVISAA League)

CLUBS AT MEADOWRIDGE Fencing Club (September - June) • Badminton (Competing in April & May, but practicing October onwards) • Elementary Cross Country (Fall & Cross Country) • Elementary/Secondary Track & Field (March - June) • PYP Golf (April June) • Senior Golf Team (April and May) • Grade 3 to 7 Swimming (December - February) • Fitness Club (year round) • Running Club (year round)

Bantam Boys Basketball (GVISAA League) Junior Boys Basketball (GVISAA League) Senior Boys Basketball (GVISAA League)

STUDENT ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENT: DEVYANI M. (GRADE 10) Devyani M. (Grade 10) won the Gold Medal this summer in the 2014 Junior Olympics - Waterpolo USA National Championship U16 Girls, Gold Division, at Stanford University Palo Alto California. The USA Junior Olympics National Waterpolo championship had over 16,000 athletes from 600 teams.

Devyani was selected to play on the SET Pink team in Southern California, and she trained with the team for six weeks this past summer in Laguna CA, and helped them qualify for the Junior Olympics championship. During the championship, Devyani scored goals and played tough defense, helping the team earn Gold.

Congratulations, Devyani!

FALL 2014 VOLUME ONE

15

Mr. & Mrs. Al-Karim & Zain Lalji Drs. Ockie Lampen & Kathy Robson Mr. & Mrs. Manuel & Virna Lau Mr. & Mrs. Tom & Rhonda Laurie Mr. Daniel Le Page Mr. Lance Leger & Ms. Sarah Ward Mr. & Mrs. Darrell & Kim Lester Mr. Yongyan Li and Ms. Haixia Wang

Thank you for contributing!

Anonymous

Mr. & Mrs. Sean & Kara Lisik Drs. Deepu & Reena George

Anonymous

Mr. Bob Gill & Mrs. Diana Carwithen

Mr. Ke Bai & Mrs. Ye Hu

Dr. Jun Liu & Mrs. Xiao Wei Zhan Mr. & Mrs. Yang & Xiaoping Liu Mr. Daofeng Liu & Ms. Quming Chen

Mr. Tim Coleman & Miss Tessa Bainbridge

Dr. Kavyan Ashnaei & Mrs. Maryam Heydariarabloo

Mr. Feng Qin and Ms. Hua Bai

Mr. Kenneth Go & Mrs. Connie Chow-Go

Mrs. Phoebe Lo

The Barber Family

Mr. Steve Guo & Mrs. Yun Wei

Mr. Federico Lopez & Ms. Claudia Martinez

Mr. & Mrs. Randy & Leslie Bargen

Dr. Daniel Gouws & Mrs. Kimberley Buchanan Gouws

Ms. Xiao Hong Zhou

Mr. & Mrs. Chris & Jodi Barrass

Mr. & Mrs. Alan & Marlene Graveson

Mr. & Mrs. John & Terry Becker

Mr. & Mrs. Warwick & Carolyn Green

Mr. Christopher & Mrs. Lisa Begg

Mr. & Mrs. Craig & Natalie Gunning

Mrs. Kristal Bereza Dr. Michael Orser & Ms. Christine Bickle Prof. Nicholas Blomley & Ms. Jessie Hill Blueberry Esso (The Kim Family) Mr. & Mrs. Robert & Shirley Brunetta Mr. Rhys Clarke & Mrs. Julie Bournival The Brookshaw Family

Mr. Xiu Kang & Mrs. Baowei Yue Halpern’s Limited Mr. Lianjie Zu and Ms. Bo Han Mr. & Mrs. Richard & Tammy Haywood Mr. & Mrs. William & Leona Healy Mr. & Mrs. Don & Linda Hincks Mr. Patrick Ho & Ms. Dawn Feng

Mr. Hugh Burke & Ms. Eva Boyd Mr. Antonio de Oliveira Jr. & Mrs. Amanda Casanova

Mr. & Mrs. Paul & Christine Holtved Ms. Cindy Hops

Mr. Hai Qing Liu & Mrs. Lie Jing Gu

Mr. Wenping Luo & Mrs. Juana Zhu Mr. Jack Ma & Mrs. Helen Shao Drs. Samir & Sangita Malhotra Mr. Jamie Marriott Mr. Gareth Mason & Ms. Carolyn Treger Ms. Jennifer Maynes Mr. John McLaughlin & Ms. Cheryl David Medlandia Pharmacy (The Atthari Family) Ms. Sherrie Metz Ms. Christy Kazulin Ampersand Advisory Group Mr. & Mrs. Skigh & Vanessa Murray Ms. Danielle Noël

Mr. & Mrs. Cherokee & Joyce Chamorro

Mr. Wayne Huang & Mrs. May Yan

Mr. Jun Chen & Mrs. Zhe Zhou

Mr. Mark Grant & Mrs. Carrie Hughes-Grant

Mr. Gang Chen & Ms. Linda Li

Mr. Richard Hui & Ms. Stephanie Lee

Mr. Richard Choi & Mrs. Angie Lee

Dr. Geoffrey Hutchinson & Dr. Sarah Charney

Mr. Roy Choi & Mrs. Jeong-Mi Ryu

Mr. John Hwang & Mrs. Catherine Kim

Mr. Mark Conaghan

Mr. & Mrs. Ty & Jadina Irving

Mr. & Mrs. Jeff & Katherine Crawford

Drs. Sriram & Mahalaxmi Iyer

Mr. Steven Parewyck & Mrs. Anita ParewyckBonnarens

Dr. Malcolm Crozier & Mrs. Alicia Osorio Bustos

Mr. Zhihu Jia & Mrs. Xiaosheng Wang

Mr. Jason Parker & Mrs. Nancy Vertel

Mr. Clinton & Mrs. Michelle Denesiuk

Mr. Peng Han & Ms. Guo Hua Luan

Mr. & Mrs. Terrance & Moira Passley

Mr. Avio Diniz & Ms. Patricia Lapointe

Mr. Yongyan Li & Mrs. Haixia Wang

Mr. & Mrs. Philip & Nicola Pitzey

Mr. & Mrs. Matthew & Wendy Dockerty

Mr. Jingquan Lin & Ms. Lu Li Lee

Mr. & Mrs. Igor & Katerina Pogrebinsky

Mr. Terry Donaldson

Mr. Hua Liu & Ms. Amy Deng

Mr. Han Qian & Ms. Sha Tao

Mr. & Mrs. Dan Dong & Ping Wu

Mr. Jingsong Niu & Mrs. Jing Wen

Mr. Raymond Qu & Mrs. Hui Huang

Dr. & Mrs. Bill & Barbara Durno

Ms. Lynelle Johns

Mr. & Mrs. Sheetal & Seema Rawal

Mr. Peng Fan and Ms. Ning Zhao

Mr. & Mrs. Bruce & Judy Johnston

Mr. George Read & Ms. Fay Kingwill

Jay Fraser

Mr. & Mrs. Kevin & Tracey Kennedy

Mr. Quan Ren & Mrs. Lin Wu

Mrs. Hallie Fraser

Dr. Seoung Joon Kim & Mrs. Inhwa Sung

Dr. John Reynolds & Dr. Isabelle Côté

Mr. & Mrs. Sam & Yamini Gandesha

Mr. Youkai Kong & Ms. Guangli Wang

Mr. & Mrs. Shawn & Jada Sawatzky

Mr. Tao Zhou and Ms. Chao Gao

Drs. Murthy & Anu Korada

Mr. Karsten Scharf & Mrs. Oksana Novakovska

Drs. Joe & Diana Germain

Mr. Colin Laba & Ms. Carolyn Sapach

Mr. & Mrs. Aaron & Pamela Schultz-Lessing

Mr. & Mrs. Patrick & Barbara Niwa Mr. David Noble Ms. Toni Perretta Ms. Angela Pallister Mr. Charles Pang & Mrs. Lilian Yang

The above donors are recognized for their gifts to the Annual Fund as of October 7, 2014

16

MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL GRYPHON

Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Chantal Schutz

Mr. & Mrs. Matthew & Jennifer Watt

Mr. Bradley Senner & Ms. Tanya Cloete

Mr. & Mrs. Rick & Susan Waugh

Dr. & Mrs. Allen & Rosie Shen

Dr. & Mrs. Lawrence & Tracey Welsh

ANNUAL FUND

Mr. & Mrs. Gurjit & Parneet Sidhu

Mr. & Mrs. William & Kimberley Weselowski

BY THE NUMBERS

Mr. & Mrs. Justin & Jennifer Simpson

Ms. Samantha Coates

Dr. & Mrs. Matthew & Masumi Smith

Mr. William Wong & Ms. Tina Lee

Mr. Troy Sobotka & Ms. Andrea Frisby

Mr. Yongmin Wu & Mrs. Lily Huang

Dr. & Mrs. Arash & Sanaz Soufi

Mr. Zhao Bo Xin & Mrs. Wen Wen Wang

Mr. & Mrs. Dennis & Norma-Jean Spika

Mr. Fu Qing Xu & Mrs. Hui Wang

Mr. & Mrs. Scott & Yoshimi Spurgeon

Mr. Feng Xu & Mrs. Shuo Chen

Mr. Kevin Sun & Ms. Feng Li

Mr. Patrick Xue & Ms. Lucy Qiu

Mr. Kefei Tan & Mrs. May Guo

Mr. Zitao Ye & Mrs. Jenny Lu

Mr. Tao Tan & Mrs. Yi Zhao

Mr. Bing Yin Tam & Mrs. Rui Lan Wu

Telus

Dr. Matt Smith & Ms. Sandra Young

Mr. & Ms. Peter & Alison Thompson

Mrs. Hwa Youn Cho

Dr. & Mrs. Kurt & Melanie Tsuyuki

Mr. Xiaoping Yuan & Ms. Hongli Gong

Dr. Amrik Tung

Mr. Alan Yuan & Ms. Angel Wang

Mr. & Mrs. Julian & Marilyn Turner

Mrs. You Ying Zeng

Mr. & Mrs. David & Lyn Tyler

Mr. James Zhang & Mrs. Yvonne Wei

Dr. & Mrs. Hanif & Sophie Ukani

Mr. Qishun Zhang & Ms. Lei Zhao

Mr. Steven Jang & Mrs. Nikki Lee

Mr. Yong Zhang & Mrs. Wenqing Chen

Ms. Michelle Vally

Mr. Shanhai Zhao & Mrs. Li Wan

Mr. Xuesong Wang & Mrs. Mingxia Zhang

Ms. Gilda Zivec

Ms. Tamara Warner

Mr. Li Zuo & Mrs. Ann Yi He

172

DONORS

contributing to the Annual Fund

$150,379

raised by the Annual Fund

The LARGEST gift was

$10,000 The smallest gift was

$40

The above donors are recognized for their gifts to the Annual Fund as of October 7, 2014

SUPPORTING MUSIC AT MEADOWRIDGE “Wow”! I have lost count of the number of times as of late that I have heard that word spoken when students, parents and guests enter the PYP Music Room. First viewed are the beautiful handbells set out on padded tables. Students and guests then notice the brand new carpets, freshly painted walls and a host of other improvements.

You may ask, what are the benefits of investing in PYP music? Think of it as an investment in the future of Meadowridge students. Meadowridge is a school that strongly believes in building student’s minds through study and inquiry, building student’s spirit through sport and leadership and building student’s soul through art and culture. An investment in mind, spirit and soul is an investment in support of the whole child, one who is able to think, create and appreciate.

On behalf of the Meadowridge PYP and MYP students, I would like to thank the Meadowridge Annual Fund, and all who have contributed, for investing in the Music Department.

Mrs. Barbara Durno, PYP Music Teacher and Fine Arts Department Head

FALL 2014 VOLUME ONE

17

TECHNOLOGY AT MEADOWRIDGE

Invitation to Participate: The Meadowridge Technology Committee In the upc o mi n g mo n th s , I w o u l d e nc o urag e stu den ts , pa re nts, t ea c h e r s , a d m i ni strato rs , b o ard m e m b ers a nd the great e r c o mm u ni t y to e ng a g e w i th m e a n d the s chool’s t ech n ol o g y c o m m i tte e i n a d i s c u s s i o n ab out how t o ma ke th e te c h no l o g y pro g ra m m e at M ead owri d g e on e o f th e be s t i n th e w o r l d .

With the following statement in mind: “We believe in the seamless application and authentic integration of appropriate technology by all learners in their daily lives to facilitate their understanding, to learn independently and to become responsible global citizens”, I would invite any comments on how we might proceed to help the school achieve this statement. How would we distinguish ourselves from other schools? How might we measure and objectively quantify our programme?

Meadowridge is an outstanding school. Our programmes are internationally recognized. Our facilities are modern, are very well maintained and inviting. Our campus is well-groomed with different areas for students to play on a playground, kick a soccer ball, play court games, climb a bouldering wall, and competitively play sports.

We have one of the largest school libraries in the province. We have

projectors and sound systems in every classroom. Students can store documents in our private cloud; students can conveniently print to school printers from the comfort of their home; students have email access, numerous online databases to conduct research and the list continues. As technology has evolved, so has the infrastructure and services we offer our students; however, all this “stuff” does not make us a world-class school. If it did, schools could buy their way to distinction. There is far more to creating an excellent school.

To start the discussion, consider this quote by Goldring and Berends (2009), "Principals and teachers in effective schools do not adopt every new idea, strategy, or intervention, but ask how the potential additions connect and are consistent with what they are already doing.” (p. 32). Quickly adopting new technologies and implementing programmes without thought, consideration, anticipating the possible negative ramifications, and without seeking input of those involved would be contrary to what Meadowridge does.

If you are interested in joining me in a conversation, please email me at patrick.niwa@meadowridge.bc.ca.

Mr. Patrick Niwa, Director of Technology Goldring, Ellen B. & Berends, Mark. (2009). Leading with Data: Pathways to Improve Your School. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

SPEAKING OF TECHNOLOGY...

A Reminder: Electronic Device Usage at Meadowridge Should students, Grade 7 and under, bring a smartphone/cell phone to school, it must remain in their lockers between 8:30am and 3:30pm. Smartphones are not to be used for entertainment during breaks and should not be used as a substitute for face to face interactions. At the discretion of the teacher and for educational purposes only, students may use smartphones during class. Should the teacher feel the phone is not being used appropriately, the teacher has the authority to confiscate the phone for a period of time.

You will notice that this allows for teachers to invite the use of these devices during their class, should it serve an educational purpose.

Bear in mind that from time to time smartphones can be used to take pictures, record audio tracks, connect to the internet, track location via GPS and other application that may be of use within the context of the classroom.

If your child has shared that they are allowed to bring and use their cellphone at school, this may be a mischaracterization of the policy.

We are still limiting their use where they represent a distraction or 18

unnecessarily isolate students and close down face to face social interaction. They are not allowed to wander the school freely talking or texting from their phone during regular hours. Students in the PYP are not encouraged to bring expensive devices that may get lost or damaged to school. The school is not responsible for the accidental damage and/or loss of such items.

Basically, Grade 8 to 12 students are allowed to have their devices on them, but they are not to be out and about for use unless in a class under the direction of a teacher. Grade 6 and 7 students can bring them to school, but must keep them in a locker.

Please contact your Director of Programme for more information: Mr. Donaldson (PYP) – terry.donaldson@meadowridge.bc.ca Mr. Banack (MYP) – scott.banack@meadowridge.bc.ca Mrs. Bereza (DP) – kristal.bereza@meadowridge.bc.ca

Mr. Patrick Niwa, Director of Technology MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL GRYPHON

ADMISSIONS UPDATE:

ONWARDS AND UPWARDS It is with great enthusiasm that we are proud to announce an opening enrolment of 520 students for the 2014/15 school year! This year Meadowridge welcomes families from across the country and all over the world. Coming from diverse backgrounds, each child brings a set of far-ranging talents and interests offering an even greater globalism to our already internationally-minded community. We are looking forward to the year ahead as these new students and their families become important parts of our School.

Locally, our newest students come from Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Mission and Abbotsford. Internationally they join us from China, Brazil, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Russia, the United States, Korea, Kenya, South Africa and the United Kingdom. How better could we exemplify an International Baccalaureate World School than by welcoming families from so many different places! Please help by warmly welcoming these newest community members to Meadowridge.

While we are pleased to welcome many new students to Meadowridge, we also continue to be diligent about our admissions criteria. We met, interviewed and assessed many wonderful students this past admissions season but not all were able to meet our high expectations for incoming students. You can be assured that these strict standards will continue to guide our decisions as we continue working through applications.

We are now looking forward to a great year, and the next Admissions season is already starting. Our student ambassadors will continue to be our school’s greatest resource in our recruitment efforts during the regular Friday Open House from 9:00am to 11:00am. Their honest, first-hand account of their life as Meadowridge students will always be the best way to showcase the school and the impact we have on developing confident, intelligent children.

If you know someone who is considering Meadowridge School for their child, encourage them to come by for a visit or fill out our newly updated application online at www.meadowridge.bc.ca. Alternatively, we would be pleased to answer questions via a telephone call at 604-467-4444 ext. 164. If you have a question of your own, drop by for a cup of coffee or just stop in to say hello. We would love to see you.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the many upcoming events throughout the school year.

Ms. Natalie Blomly, Admissions Coordinator

2014/2015 ADMISSIONS BY THE NUMBERS

307

INQUIRIES

192

A P P L I C AT I O N S

135

OFFERED

106

ENROLED

RUSSIA UK CANADA

US

JAPAN

FRANCE

CHINA

BRAZIL WE WELCOME NEW FAMILIES AND STUDENTS FROM...

FALL 2014 VOLUME ONE

KOREA

KENYA SOUTH AFRICA

AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND

19

GRYPHON SERVICE What is it? What counts and what can I do?

A t Mead ow ri d g e, se r v i c e i s a pa rt o f o ur ph ilo s o phy a n d b elief s. It f i t s i n t o t h e I B p ro g ram m e an d is a n integra l pa rt o f ea r n i ng a G ry p h o n p i n , p as s i ng the I B Diploma, a n d ea r n i ng a D uke o f E d aw ard .

Service is the action of helping someone or something else for the betterment of a greater good. We serve because it is the right thing to do and because we can. To volunteer is to do something for free.

To serve is to ensure that we are contributing.

GRYPHON PIN HOURS 10

HOURS Grades 6 and 7

15

HOURS Grades 8 and 9

20

HOURS Grade 10

How does it fit in with our programmes at Meadowridge?

Grade 11 and 12 students must complete the requirements of CAS (creativity, activity and service). There are no hours associated with this programme as it is goal and outcome based. Students are encouraged to be involved in different forms of service and fundraising is not always the optimal option.

To truly be service, the action taken must be just that: action. Doing something that helps. Service is rewarding.

The Duke of Ed requirements changed this year so participants must complete one hour of service a week. We have opportunities at school, but along with the Gryphon pin, students can also complete service outside of the school. Please note that this is the ONLY component of the Gryphon pin that can be completed outside of the school and must be signed off by the supervisor.

What can I do?

Students can be members of a Gryphon council or the Global Citizenship Club. Be school ambassadors, volunteer at the Halloween Fun Night or the Autumn Harvest Dinner. They can be active members of the yearbook or work with the student initiated service group during CAS. They can participate in the MYP garden or the environmental clubs.

They cannot count taking a course as service. If they use their certification from the course in a helpful and giving way then that is service. For example, if they take the babysitting course, then they can offer to babysit the neighbours’ twins for free so they can go out for dinner or shop for their kids’ birthday. If they took FoodSafe, then serve dinner at a senior’s home or make lunches at a local homeless shelter, then that is service.

I look forward to working with the students of Meadowridge to ensure that they are having rewarding, enlightening and tangible service experiences.

Mrs. Carrie Hughes-Grant, Director of Student Life

GRYPHON SERVICE IN ACTION The Terry Fox Run Thank you to everybody who ran in support of Terry Fox on Friday. Terry Fox was a Canadian athlete, and cancer research activist. In the year 1980, with one leg having been amputated, Terry Fox embarked on a journey around Canada to raise both money and awareness for cancer research. Meadowridge students ran Friday, September 26th in honour of the Canadian athlete, and all funds raised will be donated to the Terry Fox Foundation. Thank you!

Shivani G. (Grade 9)

20

MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL GRYPHON

GRYPHON SERVICE IN ACTION (Continued) Cops for Cancer

Towards the end of last year in Grade 11, our class was sitting in the cafeteria, listening to a presentation about an organization called Cops for Cancer. Within minutes, we could tell how passionate and devoted these police officers were towards their cause. In fact, it was their passion—along with our hopes to raise awareness and funds for cancer research—that inspired us to support Cops for Cancer.

Thus, to show our support, we set up a fundraiser at the Welcome Back Fair in August; we sold baked goods, cotton candy and snow cones. By the end of the day, we were able to raise $669.50.

of pompoms and posters and countless exchanges of high fives.

Together, we celebrated the accomplishments not only of our school but also of Cops for Cancer and the Canadian Cancer Society.

Also, we would like to say that this year was only the beginning. We hope Meadowridge continues on the tradition of showing support for Cops for Cancer, with each event being greater than the next.

Lastly, thank you Mrs. Carrie Hughes-Grant and Ms. Carolyn Sapach for helping us organize our event and thank you to all students and families who came out to the Welcome Back Fair and supported our But our event was not over just yet— because on Tuesday, September fundraiser!

23rd, an ambulance, a couple of police cars and twenty-eight police officers on bikes paraded around the front driveway of our school, in Jennifer A., Jasmine T., Benjamin C., Charaney J. and Ishdeep G. celebration of our fundraiser for Cops for Cancer. The entire student (Grade 12) body and staff stood outside to greet them. Despite the rain and gloomy weather on that day, there was music blaring in the air, waves

The Story of Terry Fox

Written by: Sarayu N. (Grade 4) Terry Fox is a true Canadian hero. He had a normal childhood and liked to play sports. Although he had cancer, he did something no one expected; something amazing.

When Terry was 18, he discovered he had bone cancer. Doctors were forced to cut off his right leg, just six inches above his knee.

They had to do that to prevent the cancer from spreading. His leg was replaced with an artificial leg and he practiced walking on it.

He couldn’t bear to see others suffering, so he started the Marathon of Hope. He would run across Canada starting from Newfoundland to British Columbia. His goal was to raise one dollar for each Canadian. He started his run on April 12, 1980. He dipped his artificial leg into the Atlantic Ocean and started his run. His best friend, Doug Alward, and his younger brother, Darrell Fox, followed him in a van.

Soon, people started following and cheering Terry on! That made Terry really happy. He began to run faster, even though he had pain in his lungs. On September 2nd, he had pain in his chest which was unbearable, so he asked to be taken to the hospital. When he got there, the doctors examined him immediately. They said the cancer had spread; that he had lung cancer. He returned to British Columbia to be with his family and for further examination. He battled his cancer for ten long months. He raised two million dollars on his own!

FALL 2014 VOLUME ONE

One day, when he was watching TV, there was a telethon in Terry’s honour. Canadians donated ten million dollars! More donations kept pouring in and soon Terry had reached his goal of twenty four million dollars! He was happy, but he knew he was going to die.

He died on June 28th, just a month before his birthday. Even though he died, Canadians were inspired by him. Every year, there are Terry Fox runs everywhere. People have raised more than 650 million dollars in Terry’s name! At least Terry died happy and with his dream sealed.

21

SEPTEMBER IN FULL SWING: STUDENT LIFE Spirit Day Friday, September 5th was the first Spirit Day of the year, a perfect way to end the first week of school! Spirit day happens twice a year and offers a chance for students to show their house spirit (Alouette, Fraser, Kanaka & Whonnock), compete in fun games, make new friends and collect house points. We started spirit day by showing an amazing video introducing the house mascots to the school, and the video ended when all the mascots ran out to welcome their houses! We then all poured onto the front field and started with the ‘house cheers’.

The houses then set off to their games, including Quidditch, Amazing race, Danish long ball and Trivia. In the end, after all houses gave everything they had, the results were:

ALOUETTE ALLIGATORS 3,198 POINTS

WHONNOCK DRAGONS 3,122 POINTS

FRASER FALCONS 2,942 POINTS

KANAKA KODIAKS 2,594 POINTS

There is still lots of time in the year for houses to earn more points through other events at school, and we still have the end of year Spirit Day to look forward to!

Poppy W. (Grade 11)

A Warm Welcome to our Visitors This month, we had the pleasure of welcoming a group of 13 students from The Affiliated High School of Peking University in Grades 7 and 8, along with their chaperones, all the way from Beijing, China. To welcome our guests, we had students from our school stage musical performances, including a piece widely recognized in Chinese pop culture.

During their stay, the students were engaged in fun activities and stayed with their Meadowridge homestay families. We are hoping this will be a true exchange, as we would like to send a group of MYP students to China in May 2015.

We enjoyed hosting these students and hope to see them again soon!

Alia V. (Grade 12), Senior Council President 22

MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL GRYPHON

SEPTEMBER IN FULL SWING

(Continued)

Senior Council Update The first month of the 2014/2015 school year at Meadowridge has got off to a quick but fantastic start. From the banner-making to the Terry Fox Run, the students have been enjoying a variety of events planned by the Junior and Senior Student Councils. Having mentioned those events, the month of September would not be complete without our annual Spirit Day. This half-day Spirit Day saw all the students partake in a House cheer competition, followed by a series of events from trivial pursuit, to ‘Quidditch’ and ‘Sock Dodgeball’. At the end of the day however only one house could claim victory, and this house was Alouette.

Transitioning in from June of the previous year, this year’s Senior Student Council has been working hard over the summer break to prepare an abundance of events for the students in Grade 9 to 12. From these hours of meticulous planning came a school calendar filled with dances, races, and most importantly, food events. They recognize that not every student may enjoy a game of Mario-Kart versus their friends or bananasplit sundaes, and have therefore organized events of various kinds tailored to satisfy our ever growing rich and diverse student population.

If September has been any example of the energy and entertainment provided by the students, then the Senior Student Council wholeheartedly believes that everyone (including the staff) will be in for an exciting school year, one of which we hope will be filled with smiles and memorable moments.

Douglas Z. (Grade 12)

THE GREEN SECTION A Note from the Environmental Gryphon This year has been a great start! As the first Environmental Gryphon it’s extremely exciting to become more involved within the school and all of its environmental pursuits. Seerit H. (Grade 11) has started the Green Club, which will be starting next week in Day 2 CAS block. This is where students from Grade 9 to 12 can really learn more about the environment and become more aware about their surroundings, planting native species, working in the North Forest, and so much more. I’m really excited to see what this year has in store for us, and I can already tell it’s going to be a great year!

Lisa R. (Grade 12)

Grade 7 Spots a Deer in the North Forest The Grade 7-1 class went to the North Forest to observe the ecosystem. Noah D. suggested climbing down the steep cliff to his favourite spot. Jageur M. and Riley S. agreed, and the trio started to climb while down the cliff. Noah looked around because he heard rustling down near the creek. When he spotted the two bucks, he told Riley and Jageur that something in the bushes was moving. Riley and Jageur jumped up in the air thinking it was a bear. Then Noah clarified that it was only two bucks. Then they called Mrs. Hook and she got some great pictures of the buck.

Riley S., Noah D. and Jageur M. (Grade 7)

Grade Four is Bear Aware Kanaka Education and Environmental Partnership Society is an amazing organization. Mr. Ross Davies told us how to protect ourselves and our houses from bears. We learned that we shouldn’t leave garbage outside unless we have bear proof garbage cans. We also learned what to do if you encounter a bear. Walk away slowly and talk quietly to the bear so that it knows that you are a human, not a predator. Don’t ever run away from a bear or look at it directly in its eyes. If the bear looks curious or angry, play dead. Don’t move until the bear is gone.

Remember that bears can sense fear. If you are scared the bears are also scared as well. For more information, contact KEEPS. Grade 4 students FALL 2014 VOLUME ONE

23

FACULTY FOCUS

Professional Growth and Development: Focus on IB Training Meadowridge School is proud to offer a variety of professional growth and development opportunities for our faculty members. This has been especially the case over the past decade as we have implemented all three IB programmes. When considering our current faculty, our teachers and administrators have attended over 140 IB-related workshops.

This has allowed us to develop and maintain exemplary IB programmes at Meadowridge.

Collectively since 2005, our PYP faculty have attended over 60 PYP workshops and are not only certified in the mandatory Category 1 workshops, but also have more specific Category 2 and 3 training in individual curricular areas (Reading, Writing, Social Studies, Science, Math, Physical Education, Music, and Art). Additionally, many PYP teachers have attended workshops on Inquiry-based learning, Assessment, Concept-based learning, Action, Information and Communication Technology, Exhibition, Play-based learning and Early Childhood Education. We are also very fortunate to have eight members of our PYP team who have specialized training at the IB Academy.

This training allows teachers to volunteer

experienced group of educators and we are very proud of our accomplishments.

Our MYP faculty are also very well trained and qualified having attended over 40 IB-MYP workshops since we began the implementation process in 2005. MYP workshops are both subject and concept-based, and our faculty have training in Individuals and Societies (Humanities), Language and Literature (English), Mathematics, Science, Design, Fine and Performing Arts, Language Acquisition (French and Spanish), Personal Project, and Librarianship to name a few. Meadowridge has four faculty members who are IB Academy trained as well, and are sometimes called upon to lead workshops and visit schools going through the accreditation process.

Even though Meadowridge has implemented the Diploma Programme more recently than the PYP and MYP, our DP faculty are equally well-trained and qualified as the other programmes. Our DP faculty have attended more than 30 workshops in their subject areas.

These include Language and Literature, History, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Math Studies, Language Acquisition, CAS (Creativity, Action and IB programmes have had significant impact Service), TOK (Theory of Knowledge), Extended on our educational programmes, co-curricular Essay, Business and Management, Visual activities and in our general school life. We Arts, and Theatre Arts.

At this time, we do not could not have made the progress we have made have DP faculty who are IB Academy trained as without the commitment of our school to the one of the requirements is that teachers have professional growth and development offered at least three years’ experience teaching in to our dedicated and committed faculty.

DP. Our DP programme is entering its third year in 2014-15.

We do, as workshop presenters throughout North however, have five faculty members who are America, as members of school accreditation DP examiners and mark exams from students teams and as consultants for schools new around the world. to PYP. The University of British Columbia is now offering PYP and MYP modules as IB programmes have had significant impact part of their teacher-in-training education. on our educational programmes, coThroughout 2014-15, we will be hosting six curricular activities and in our general school UBC student teachers in PYP. This programme life. We could not have made the progress will help new teachers develop and will add we have made without the commitment of to our experience and expertise as well. From our school to the professional growth and my experience working as a volunteer IB development offered to our dedicated and Educator and through my connections with committed faculty. other schools, I know that our Meadowridge PYP faculty is one of most trained and Mr. Terry Donaldson, Director of PYP 24

M EAD O W R ID G E PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

BY THE NUMBERS

140

I B - R E L AT E D WORKSHOPS

our teachers and administrators have attended over 140 IB-related workshops

60 60

PYP WORKSHOPS PYP WORKSHOPS our PYP faculty has attended over 60 PYP workshops

PYP TEACHERS WITH SPECIALIZED TRAINING AT T H E I B A C A D E M Y

40

8

MYP WORKSHOPS

our MYP faculty has attended over 40 MYP workshops since we began the implementation process in 2005

5

DIPLOMA PROGRAMME EXAMINERS

we have faculty members who are DP examiners and mark exams from students around the world

DIPLOMA PROGRAMME WORKSHOPS

30

our DP faculty has attended more than 30 workshops in their subject areas

4

MYP TEACHERS WITH SPECIALIZED T R A I N I N G AT T H E IB ACADEMY

we have four faculty members who are IB Academy trained, and are sometimes called upon to lead workshops and visit schools going through the IB accreditation process

MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL GRYPHON

WELCOME TO MEADOWRIDGE Welcoming our Newest Meadowridge Staff Members

What is your job? I am currently employed as an Athletic Intern with Meadowridge School and am teaching Planning 10.

Where did you work before coming to Meadowridge? Prior to working at Meadowridge School, I was finishing up my degrees at the University of Lethbridge and working as a research assistant.

Where did you grow up? I grew up in Airdrie, Alberta, just north of Calgary.

What post-secondary school did you graduate from? I recently graduated from the University of Lethbridge with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education.

What is something that people might find interesting about you? I have 52 allergies.

Ms. Lindsay Oneil Athletic Intern

What are you most proud of? I am proud of receiving a competitive research award last summer that allowed me the opportunity to work alongside highly recognized and respected individuals at the University of Lethbridge.

Where have you worked internationally? As a new graduate, I have not had the opportunity to work internationally. However, I spent eight months abroad travelling Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia.

What are you excited about in your new role? I am extremely excited about starting a new chapter in my life. I am looking forward to everything that accompanies new surroundings, great colleagues and new experiences.

What is your job? Front Office Assistant.

Where did you work before coming to Meadowridge? Alouette Elementary School.

Where did you grow up? Port Coquitlam.

What high school did you graduate from? Port Coquitlam Senior Secondary, now known as Terry Fox Secondary.

What are you most proud of? My family. I have been happily married for the last 23 years. We have two awesome daughters, ages 13 and 17. Our eldest daughter just graduated this past June and our youngest is in Grade 9 at MRSS. What is something that people might find interesting about you? In the last few years my girls and I have been raising chickens. I wanted to give my girls an opportunity to raise and take care of something and we get fresh eggs every day that come from very happy chickens that are treated almost better than us!

Ms. Dionne Streng Front Office Assistant

What are you excited about in your new role? Being surrounded by awesome staff and students!

What is your job? MYP French Grades 6-10.

Where did you work before coming to Meadowridge? Craighouse School in Santiago, Chile.

Where did you grow up? Kincardine, Ontario What post-secondary school did you graduate from? Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario (Undergraduate Program), Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia (Post-Graduate Program).

What is something that people might find interesting about you? I have lived in eight different countries.

I love to travel, read, learn languages and explore the world. I also enjoy skiing, running and playing tennis.

What are you most proud of? I am most proud of my daughter, who has already lived in four different countries at the age of three, and can understand several different languages. She is an inspiration to me!

Ms. Kerry Stanley MYP Teacher

FALL 2014 VOLUME ONE

Where have you worked internationally? Japan, Chile, England, Australia, and the Czech Republic.

What are you excited about in your new role? I enjoy being in a small community with internationallyminded people, which is what I have found here at Meadowridge. The staff and students are exceptionally welcoming, and I look forward to becoming a member of this community.

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WELCOME TO MEADOWRIDGE

(Continued)

What is your job? Teaching MYP Math in Grades 7 and 9.

Where did you work before coming to Meadowridge? I have taught at a number of ISABC schools in the Lower Mainland.

Where did you grow up? I grew up in the United Kingdom.

What post-secondary school did you graduate from? I graduated from Loughborough University in Engineering and completed my postgraduate at Newcastle University.

What is something that people might find interesting about you? I competed for my University in Power Lifting!

What are you most proud of? I am always proud to see my students overcome challenges and achieve success in Math.

Ms. Denise Brabban MYP Teacher

Where have you worked internationally? The United Kingdom, Dubai, and Australia.

What are you excited about in your new role? I am excited to be back teaching Middle School which is a critical stage in the math programme and one where I hope I can make a real difference.

What is your job? Finance Department.

Where did you work before coming to Meadowridge? Kingspan Insulated Panels.

Where did you grow up? Kitimat, BC. What post-secondary school did you graduate from? Kwantlen University.

What is something that people might find interesting about you? I can make pierogies from scratch.

What are you excited about in your new role? Working with all the great people here!

Mr. Dave Polmanter Finance Department

What is your job? Teaching Grade 4 in the PYP. Where did you work before coming to Meadowridge? I worked as a TOC with the Coquitlam and Maple Ridge School District. I have also owned a company called High Touch - Science Made Fun for 12 years.

Where did you grow up? A SMALL town in Saskatchewan.

What post-secondary school did you graduate from? Thompson Rivers University.

What is something that people might find interesting about you? I spent five years running family programmes on a cruise ship and travelling around the world.

Ms. Alison Jamieson PYP Teacher

What are you most proud of? In my personal life, I am most proud of running a half marathon.

Professionally, I am most proud of starting up an educational business, and employing up to 18 staff and providing hands-on programmes to children throughout the Lower Mainland for 12 years. And of course, working at Meadowridge!

Where have you worked internationally? On the cruise line in Africa, Australia, Europe, Caribbean and in the United States.

What are you excited about in your new role? There is so much I am excited about. The IB Programme is fabulous and I am so excited to be a part of it. The students - I can’t say enough about them. I also love the caring, kind and truly professional community here.

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MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL GRYPHON

What is your job? I am teaching DP Math SL and Physics SL and HL, as well as CAS 11.

Where did you work before coming to Meadowridge? Last year I taught in the Langley School District.

Previous to that, I was teaching Principal at a small K-12 school in southern Saskatchewan for a year and formally was the senior Math and Physics teacher at Maple Ridge Christian School for ten years.

Where did you grow up? I grew up in a small town named Campbellford in Ontario (population of 3,400).

What post-secondary school did you graduate from? I graduated from Trent University with an honours B.Cs. in Physics and Math and from SFU with my B.Ed. What is something that people might find interesting about you? I was a Rotary International Exchange Student to Recife, Brazil in 1987/88.

What are you most proud of? I am most proud of my family. I have a beautiful wife and four lovely children.

Mr. Michael Bruins DP Teacher

What are you excited about in your new role? I am very excited to teach at Meadowridge because I love the IB curriculum and, more importantly, I believe the culture here is ideal and I am eager to be a part of that.

What is your job? I teach Science 8, P.E. 7 and Design and Technology 8.

Where did you work before coming to Meadowridge? Thomas Jefferson High School in Bloomington, MN for 14 years and Wausau West in Wausau, WI for four years.

Where did you grow up? Solon, Ohio.

What post-secondary school did you graduate from? Ohio University with my B.S., James Madison University with my M.S. and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with my Teacher Education.

What is something that people might find interesting about you? I have played, coached and officiated basketball on the collegiate level.

Where have you worked internationally? Minnesota and Wisconsin in the United States.

What are you excited about in your new role? Getting to know the students and become involved in the Meadowridge community.

Ms. Anne Bolyard MYP Teacher

What is your job? I will be teaching DP History and Grade 10 Social Studies. I am very excited about the prospect and am looking forward to emulating the high standards and expectations that Ms. Higginson has set for her students.

Where did you work before coming to Meadowridge? Prior to working at Meadowridge. I taught DP History, DP Geography and MYP Humanities at Cedar International School which is an IB school located on the Caribbean Island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.

Where did you grow up? I am originally from the island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines which is located in the Southern Caribbean. I spent all of my childhood and early adult life there before moving abroad.

What post-secondary school did you graduate from? I completed my post-secondary education at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus which is located in Kingston, Jamaica.

Mr. Donald Lockhart MYP & DP Teacher

What is something that people might find interesting about you? I am adventurous! I am interested in learning to ski, so I can keep up with my six year old daughter on the slopes! And I have swam alongside and touched a shark before I realized I was next to it.

Where have you worked internationally? I have worked internationally at the International School of Latvia.

The school is a fully certified IB school from Pre-K to Grade 12. Latvia is one of the three Baltic states that were once part of the USSR and the first three states to declare their independence from the USSR. What are you excited about in your new role? I would like to extend a sincere “Thank You� to the entire Meadowridge community for giving me a very warm welcome. It is very pleasing to observe the caring nature of the students and staff and the discipline, professionalism and commitment with which students and staff approach academic and extra-curricular pursuits. I am honoured to have the opportunity to contribute and to be part of such a wonderful organization.

FALL 2014 VOLUME ONE

27

WELCOME (BACK!) TO MEADOWRIDGE As we begin a new school year, I would like to extend a very warm welcome back to Mrs. Katie Carr and Ms. Carolyn Sapach. Both Mrs. Carr and Ms. Sapach are returning to Meadowridge from maternity leave. Mrs. Carr has spent the past year raising her daughter Charlie and is excited to be back at Meadowridge School teaching Grade 2. Ms. Sapach spent the last year with her four year old son, Alexander and her now one year old son Asher. Ms. Sapach has returned to the Advancement Office taking on the new role of Community Development Coordinator.

Welcome Mrs. Carr and Ms. Sapach!

Mrs. Kalie Whitaker, Director of Human Resources

Ms. Sapach and Family

Mrs. Carr and her Daughter Charlie

MEET THE DRIVERS: LYNCH BUS LINES Approximately 50% of our students commute to school with Lynch Bus Lines. If you haven’t had the chance to get to know your child’s driver, I’d like to introduce them to you now. You will, hopefully, find them to be friendly, service-oriented and focused on the safety of your child.

Take a moment, when you get the opportunity, to introduce yourself. They are valued members of our community and, although not directly employed by Meadowridge School, we appreciate the work they do getting kids safely to campus on a daily basis.

Mr. Jason Parker, Deputy Headmaster

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MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL GRYPHON

LIBRARY UPDATE Did you know...?

Grade 6, 7 and 9 students regularly visited the library this month. They participated in a scavenger hunt to explore the library space, learn about the

IB Command Term: Explore

services offered and meet the staff. Students were given the opportunity to

Undertake a systematic process of

check out books to read for pleasure.

discovery.

Grade 8 and 9 Design classes visited the library to learn how to properly document sources of information for their first project of the year. The

IB Command Term: Document

workshop involved formatting, peer editing and evaluating sources. There was

Credit sources of information used by

thoughtful discussion on what it meant to be a principled learner.

the MLA referencing system.

Book Donations

Milas S. (Grade 1) The Ogopogo

referencing (or citing) following

The Smith Family

Jasper and Jerome Y. (Grade 4)

Art and Max, Thicker than Water & The Cracks in the Kingdom

Book 6, 7 & 8: Diary of a Wimpy Kid series

We are appreciative of the ongoing donation of new books that continue to build an outstanding library collection. As well, we had over 220 used books donated to the Library by Meadowridge families this month.

PYP Attitude: Appreciation Appreciate the wonder and beauty of the world and its people.

IB Command Term: Demonstrate Prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence, illustrating with examples or practical application.

IB Learner Profile: Balance In partnership with our public libraries in British Columbia, students were given the opportunity to sign up for the Summer Reading Club. As promised, the

Students understand the

Meadowridge Library had a Summer Reading Club celebration in September.

importance of intellectual, physical

Students were proud to demonstrate their involvement by bringing in their

and emotional balance to achieve

reading passport. We had over 25 students participate. It was nice to see our students making a commitment to find balance during their summer holiday.

personal well-being for themselves and others.

Mrs. Heather Nicholson and Mrs. Christal Storgaard, Teacher-Librarians FALL 2014 VOLUME ONE

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PARENT GUILD UPDATE: WHAT’S COMING UP? Fall 2014

MEADOWRIDGE PARENT GUILD RED CROSS BABYSITTING COURSE Saturday, November 1, 2014 8:30am to 4:00pm There are only 20 spots available. Sign ups go quickly!

Payment received will secure your spot.

Meadowridge Parent Guild is happy to offer the Canadian Red Cross Babysitting Course! The course is offered to students ages 11 to 15.

Cost: $65 Cheque or Cash to Meadowridge Parent Guild This course offers basic first aid and care-giving skills for youth 11 to 15 years old. Participants learn how to provide care to younger children in a variety of age groups, and how to prevent and respond to emergencies. This Course also offers youth the training to promote themselves as a babysitter to prospective parents.

•

Important child care skills

•

Safety tips for children of all ages

•

How to cope with common problems, like tantrums and crying

•

What to do if anything makes the babysitter uncomfortable

•

Some great games and other ideas for having fun with the kids while babysitting

•

How to make the children's environment safe and enjoyable

•

The rights and responsibilities of the babysitter and the family hiring them

UPCOMING PARENT GUILD EVENTS Wednesday, October 15 • 7:00PM Parent Guild AGM - All Parents are encourage to attend!

Saturday, November 1 Babysitting Course

The Babysitting Course teaches youth how to handle emergencies with confidence by providing the basic first aid skills for such common problems as: • • • • • •

Choking Sprains and Strains Bleeding Poisoning Burns Fire emergency

Need more information? email parentguild@meadowridge.bc.ca

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MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL GRYPHON

OSEF EXCHANGE Introducing our OSEF Exchange Guests and their Hosts This year, we are very fortunate to have OSEF exchange students in our school. Similar to last year, Meadowridge School has become a home for two French students who will stay with us for two months; and, in January of 2015, two of our Grade 10 students will travel to France for 11 weeks.

First, a few words about OSEF: OSEF (Organisme de Séjours Educatifs Français), a French association instituted through Bill 1901, founded in 1994, promotes linguistic and cultural exchanges between France,

Belgium and Spain and all Canadian provinces. OSEF started to look into programmes with the USA and China at the end of 2007. OSEF also has partners in Ontario: ISE and CEEF. OSEF is supported by Canadian school boards and their French equivalent “Rectorats”. It also has the support of the Ministry of Education in Belgium, the Cultural service of the French Embassy in New York, USA, and Beijing, China.

Mrs. Katerina Pogrebinsky, MYP/DP Teacher

INTRODUCING THIS YEAR’S OSEF PROGRAMME PARTICIPANTS DUO NUMBER ONE: IMOGEN AND LOLA Hello my name is Imogen, and I’ll be going to France for 11 weeks with the OSEF exchange programme in January. While in France, I will be attending a French high school, or lycée with Lola and also visiting Paris for the first few days that I arrive. I decided to do the OSEF exchange to learn about the culture of France. I hope to improve my French as well as make new friends along the way. So far, Lola has tried a series of Canadian foods as well as exploring the Vancouver area.

She highly approves of Reese Peanut Butter Cups and the numerous Starbucks found all over Canada, and we have yet to show her the deliciousness of Poutine.

Hello. My name is Lola. I am from the Dordogne in France and I will be here for three months in this wonderful country. My parents own a campsite, and we live nearby. I go to a school called Lycée Prée de Cordy which has about 2,000 students in it from Grades 10 to 12. I am so glad to be here in Canada with the mountains and the Pacific Ocean. I am happy to be at such a nice school with so many friendly people. Even though I’m French, I’ve never actually eaten frog legs, it’s only a stereotype. On this exchange programme, I hope to improve in English and discover another way of life.

DUO NUMBER TWO: ALLIE AND CLAIRE Hello my name is Allie. I’m in Grade 10. I am hosting a French exchange student, and in January I will leave for France and stay there for three months with my exchange partner Claire. I decided to go on the OSEF exchange programme so I could improve my French, and learn what its like to live in France.

Claire and I have gotten along very well during these past few weeks. I wouldn’t have wanted any other exchange partner. I have shown Claire a lot of new foods like peanut butter, Jello, nanaimo bars, Lucky Charms and poutine. She was not impressed with the Canadian cheese. I would recommend the OSEF programme to anyone who is willing to have a new and unforgettable experience.

Hello, My name is Claire and I’m in Grade 10.

I am from Morteau, which is in Eastern France, close to Switzerland. I live with my parents and my older sister Anna. I go to Edgar Faure high school. At my school we are able to take a course on making watches. A lot of people who live in Morteau work in Switzerland to make watches like Tissot, Rolex, Tag Heuer and Audemars Piguet. I take Classical, Modern and Jazz dance. I decided to participate in the OSEF programme because I wanted to learn more about Canadian culture and improve my English. I think Canada is a very beautiful place and I am very grateful to have this opportunity to come to Canada and experience this culture.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT: DELE EXAMS We a re prou d to c o n g ratul ate yet an oth er grou p of s t u d e n ts f or su c c essful l y p assi n g th ei r exams in Ma y 2 0 1 4 . Congratul ations on pa ssing your DELE B1: M a r k C . ( G ra de 11) , R il e y J . (Gra de 11), Emilee L. (G ra d e 11), M e h i m a K . ( G rade 1 1), a nd A lex H. (Gra de 12). E xc el l en t j o b p u tt ing in the time a nd effort in prepa ratio n f or t h i s ex a m ! Ev e ry y ear brings more pa rticipa nts a n d m ore s u c c e s s es, w e l ook f orwa rd to the D ELE exa ms in Ma y 2015.

WHAT IS DELE?

The Diplomas in Spanish as a Foreign Language (DELE) are official qualifications certifying the degree of competence and mastery of Spanish. The Diplomas are internationally recognized and enjoy great FALL 2014 VOLUME ONE

prestige not only among public and private educational institutions and authorities, but also in the business world and chambers of commerce. There are six levels in the DELE Diploma: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2.

DELE B1

By passing DELE B1, the user shows the capacity to clearly understand and produce coherent texts about various themes. They are also capable of describing in great detail and giving their opinion.

DELE B2

By passing DELE B2, the user shows the capacity to clearly understand and produce clear and detailed texts about diverse themes. They are also capable of interacting with native speakers with fluency and spontaneity.

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YOU'RE INVITED SATURDAY, NOVEMBER TWENTY NINTH TWO THOUSAND AND FOURTEEN

THE VANCOUVER CLUB GRAND BALLROOM • GEORGIAN ROOM 915 WEST HASTINGS STREET

JOIN US FOR THE BLACK TIE FUNDRAISING EVENT OF THE YEAR IN SUPPORT OF THE CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND FUTURE OF MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

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