LP Winter Activity Planner

WINTER ACTIVITY PLANNER

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ACTIVITY PLANNER

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Making a difference Explore in children’s lives your artistic side

by J u l i e F o l k W o l du

Michelle and Cameron Rorquist founded Bloom Learning Centre seven years ago in order to provide quality, results-orientated educational services in a fun, caring, and enriched learning environment to greatly impact children’s future success and have a positive influence on society as a whole.

Michelle graduated from the University of Regina in 2004 with a Bachelor of Education degree in elementary education. She became a teacher with Regina Catholic Schools, and also holds Early Childhood Education (ECE) Level III Certification and worked with preschool children as an early childhood educator. She returned to university in 2008 to complete a business administration diploma, and she saw the opportunity to combine her two skill sets and passions while making a difference in the lives of children.

“At Bloom we are passionate about education and strongly believe in the importance of high quality early childhood learning experiences,” said Michelle.

“We’ve seen firsthand the significant difference it can make in chil-

dren’s lives. From superior social skills and confidence to stronger math and language abilities, our programs give children a head start by providing the fundamental skills they will need to be successful in the future.”

Bloom offers a variety of classes and services. Junior preschool and preschool classes are available as three-hour half-days for three and four-year-olds. They are designed to prepare children to be successful when they enter the school system, and follow a unique custom-built curriculum that aligns with the provincial government’s learning objectives for Saskatchewan kindergarten students.

Bloom will continue to support children throughout elementary school, as they provide tutoring from Pre-K to Grade 8. Available in one-on-one or small group sessions, they are mainly focused on math and reading, although they can assist with other subjects if necessary.

During July and August, Bloom offers full-day week-long summer camps for children between the ages of three and eight. Each week is based on a different fun learning theme.

“Our preschool, summer camp and tutoring instructors must have a four-year education degree and be certified to teach in Saskatchewan in order to deliver our programming,” said Michelle, adding that support staff are required to have ECE or Educational Assistant certification.

Bloom looks to go above and beyond in their curriculum and is the first and only centre in Canada to incorporate “ABC Music & Me” Kindermusik programming into their preschool class time.

This curriculum has been specifically designed for preschool children, and develops important preliteracy, listening and social skills through music, story time, and movement.

Located at #13-5875 Rochdale Blvd., Bloom Learning Centre is a bright, open classroom space designed to provide an enriched learning environment that encourages interaction. To learn more, visit www.bloomlearning. ca.

Registration for the 2018-2019 academic year (classes beginning September 2018) begins on Saturday, Dec. 16, when there will be a drop-in open house and registration from 2 to 4 p.m.

by M i c h e l e T y n da l l

Since opening in 2013, the Cathedral Art School and Studio has been a popular choice for creative people of all ages to indulge in a wide array of workshops.

The programs they are offering this winter are sure to appeal to everyone – from preschoolers to adults.

“We offer adult classes for 14+ and have classes in Mixed Media, Pottery, Acrylic Painting, Sculpture, Hand Building, Watercolour, Chinese Calligraphy and Photography for adults. For children ranging in age from four to 13 years, we offer Mixed Media, Painting, Pottery, Sculpting, and Loom Weaving. We also offer play-based creativity workshops for pre-schoolers, aged two to five,” said owner/instructor Carla Lorence.

Creativity is the key at the Cathedral Art School. All of the instructors are professional artists and teachers specializing in different mediums. “We try to have a more process-focused

approach to art making, which means it’s more about the act of creation and the enjoyment you can get from that, rather than the finished product,” said Lorence.

In addition to their regular programs, the Cathedral Art School will be offering Adult Arty Workshops every Saturday evening starting in January 2018.

Participation in the arts is important for many reasons, and it’s the effect art has on people that has driven the continuous growth of the Cathedral Art School.

“The act of creating teaches you so many great skills like critical thinking, perseverance and problem solving. It’s proven to reduce stress levels and promote a calm, peaceful mindset, while being around other creative people inspires imagination. And one-third of all people are visual learners, so learning how to create visually gives people an opportunity to better express themselves,” said Lorence.

For more information, visit www.cathedralartschoolca.

2018-2019 Preschool & Junior Preschool Registration Day Bloom Learning Centre Saturday December 16, 2017 2:00-4:00pm Registration for our Preschool and Junior Preschool classes for the 20182019 school year (beginning September 2018) opens up on Saturday December 16th. We will be holding a registration day at Bloom from 2:00-4:00pm. This is your first opportunity to register and secure your child’s spot. Spaces are filled on a first come first served basis. We hope you will join us to tour our centre and learn about our class offerings! Be sure to attend as spaces are limited and the classes fill up quickly!

Programs offered by Bloom Learning Centre give children an important head start. S u ppl i e d ph oto

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It’s time to get girls in the game

by M i c h e l e T y n da l l

The benefits of sports programs to physical health is common knowledge. But there is so much more to be gained from an early introduction to sports, including social and leadership skills and healthy selfesteem.

Girls in the Game is a unique sports program here in Saskatchewan that has been nationally recognized for its contribution to Canadian sports with its vision of using sport to teach young girls about leadership, teamwork, courage and personal achievements.

Established by Dr. June Zimmer in 2008, the Girls in the Game Program has introduced young girls all across Saskatchewan to a wide variety of sports programs from lacrosse and rugby to rock-climbing and yoga. The belief is that through sport young girls can be empowered; they can become leaders of

tomorrow through learning today, through sports programs. Girls are encouraged to be strong and proud of themselves, and continue to strive for excellence in all their pursuits.

The program has had a change in ownership this year. Kaylan Gazda and Raynelle Fisher are the new owners and are excited to continue with their strong mandate: to provide girls with positive sport experience and teach them the physical skills needed to be successful in all aspects of life.

“We believe that positive sport experiences for girls can empower them with confidence, strength, friendship and leadership skills for life. Sport is the perfect system for teaching young girls decision-making, conflict management, resiliency and all pertinent life skills,” said CFO Raynelle Fisher.

Girls in the Game provides an introduction to different physical activities including non-competitive

sports to young girls. The programs are led weekly by trained female instructors who provide a welcoming environment where participation is encouraged in the physical aspects of the game as well as group discussions and other activities.

Girls in the Game’s most popular programs are the Sport and Self Esteem Camps. These programs begin each day with sport instruction and skill development with a new sport.

This is followed by discussions and interactive activities on topics such as celebrating your talents, creating healthy friendships, understanding body image, developing self-confidence and dealing with bullying.

“Our multi-sport programs are also very popular! Participants get to try three different sports in nine weeks, where they are not only introduced to sport specific skills but fundamental movement skills (running, jumping, throwing) as well. This winter we are offering two

multi-sport programs. Our Tuesday night program is running out of St. Elizabeth’s School and will feature soccer, floor hockey and rugby. Our Saturday program features basketball, volleyball and lacrosse and runs out of Wilfred Walker School,” said Fisher.

All of the multi-sport programs adhere to the Sport Canada Long Term Athlete Development Model.

This means the programs place emphasis not only on the specific physical sport skills, but also on teamwork and relationship-building.

The diversity in the sports offered through Girls in the Game reflect the diversity of challenges that young girls often face throughout life. Both the individual and multi-sports programs give girls a chance to challenge themselves in a fun and safe environment. They can make new friends and stay active and at the same time develop a specific skillset that could lead them to a sports ca-

Girls in the Game is a unique sports program designed to introduce young girls across the province to a variety of sports programs. While experiencing a new activity, participants also learn about leadership, teamwork, courage and self-worth.

Sup p lied p hot o

reer or into leadership roles in whatever they choose to do.

If you are interested in registering for one of Girls in the Game’s winter programs, or just want more information, email info@girlsinthegame. ca or visit their website: www.girlsinthegame.ca.

Come join our soccer family!

Our mission is to promote player development through dedicated technical personnel by providing an environment where our players excel to their maximum potential, strive for excellence, and develop a lifelong love of the game.

For more information go to www.fcregina.com

Loyalty. Integrity. Dedication. Teamwork.

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The play’s not the only thing by c a r o l T o d d

When Shakespeare wrote “The play’s the thing” he couldn’t possibly have envisioned how his works and those of other playwrights would be used to help future generations of children.

Yet, the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy does just that – it uses drama to help youngsters develop and reach their full potential.

Founded in Australia in 1979 by Helen O’Grady, a teacher and actor, its goals are to encourage enthusiasm, energy and a positive approach to life, as well as build confidence and self-esteem and develop verbal communication skills and effective social interaction. From Perth, it has spread around the world, coming to Canada in recent years and to Regina in 2014.

It’s that focus on child development that attracted Regina cofranchise owners and teachers Carol Willits and Melissa Hansford. “We don’t focus on the play; we focus on developing the kid’s speech and giving them the feel-

ing of self-confidence. We work with kids in the self-development way, to help their confidence grow,” said Willits.

The pair took 10 days of training in Bristol and London in the United Kingdom, which Willits termed “an amazing time.” She says the spread of the Academy around the world is a testament to its success. “It was really great to see where it all came from, because this is a business that has been going now for 30 years and it’s kind of spread around the world.”

The Regina Academy is only the second in Canada; the other is in Ontario. It offers several different classes, starting with the Kindy Class for children three to five years old and going up to those for youth. A performance-based semester is offered in the spring, with students holding a performance at the end of the term. More than 100 students have participated in academy classes so far, with classes held at Living Hope Alliance Church and at Heritage United Church in Regina. Willits

says she looks forward to more students being involved, with a new semester starting in January. More details are available on the academy’s Facebook page and online at www.helenogrady.ca/ home-regina.html.

The academy’s commitment to helping children develop has become even more important in today’s world, Willits believes. “The thing that we’ve found is that the kids are so technology driven now, almost to the point where they are forgetting how to play and interact with other kids. So we’re focusing in on teaching these kids how to talk to each other again, so they can talk in front of groups, so they feel confident in front of others,” she said.

As participants in the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy learn to act, and interact, Willits says that everyone is an equal. “Everyone’s a star. No one has to be in the back of the stage and do lighting and that sort of thing. Our kids are all involved and they all do what they are capable of.” The bard would be proud.

By helping students learn to act and interact through drama, the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy help students develop and reach their full potential. helen o ’Gr ady d r ama academy)

A place where girls lead the way Guiding provides a safe, all-girl environment that invites girls to challenge themselves, to find their voice, meet new friends, have fun, and make a difference in the world.

Guiding offers the widest range of activities of any extracurricular activity for girls and young women, with opportunities to explore the arts, sciences, outdoor challenges, global awareness, and so much more through enriching experiences that will stay with them for a lifetime.

Girl Guides of Canada (GGC) strives to ensure that girls and women from all walks of life, iden-

tities, and lived experiences feel a sense of belonging and can fully participate. Girl Guides is an organization with over 100 years of history and a strong, growing future.

“In Guiding I have discovered a place to go once a week where I can really be myself, talk to my friends, get away from the pressures in life and just have fun. I have also had the chance to help younger girls grow more confident and become more comfortable with themselves.”

- Lauren, Girl Guide member a du lT s Wa n T e d T o o !

As a volunteer Guider, you’ll help girls:

• Discover they can achieve more than they ever imagined • Make a difference in the world W h aT ’ s i n i T F o r y o u ?

• Make a positive impact on the lives of girls in your community • Opportunities to develop highly transferable skills such as leadership, communication, and planning Trainings and enrichment • Access to special events such as regional rallies, camping, and international travel • Grow your group of friends in a fun environment To learn more, visit www.girlguides.ca.

ADULTS AND GIRLS WANTED. JOIN ANY TIME OF THE YEAR! REG00262967_1_1

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REGINA LEADER-POST

Creating the family martial art experience The mission of the Saskatchewan Taekwon-Do Federation International (STFI) is to promote the values, practice and philosophy of Taekwon-Do throughout Saskatchewan. STFI is a not-forprofit organization, founded in 1984 by Master Clint Norman, with two convenient locations in Regina: South location – St. Anne’s Parish, 1701 Cowan Crescent; and North West location – Henry Jensen School, 222 Rink Ave. Other locations in the Regina area include Balgonie and Grand Coulee. Master Norman supplies the instruction at these centres.

Master Norman, most importantly, teaches his students discipline, respect, manners and concentration, based on the five tenets of Taekwon-Do which include courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit.

Master Norman has been practicing Taekwon-Do since 1973, and today is one of the international instructors for the International Taekwon-Do Federation.

As well as receiving the Outstanding Instructor Medal from the International Taekwon-Do Federation, Norman was inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 1993.

Norman’s Taekwon-Do instruction offers courses in TaekwonDo to people of all ages and levels of experience, including the Taekwon-Do Tigers program targeted for the three- to five-year-old children. The program is designed to

“Taekwon-Do teaches its students discipline,, respect, manners, and concentration.”

encourage good listening skills, confidence and respect. The course will help your child prepare for school and is designed to be fun.

Classes are structured for your entire family to participate in the same group setting; there’s no need to sit around and watch your child when you could be part of the fun and get in shape.

For those who are interested in trying out classes, the first three classes are free.

For more information and to be part of the fun, contact 306-525-

0005 or visit the website at www. itfsaskatchewan.com.

The organization is officially recognized by Sask. Sport. They also work closely with Kid’s Sport and other non-profit organizations to help make it possible for the youth to take advantage of our Martial Art. “Come and be part our winning team. We offer top quality Instruction with your best interests in mind!” says Norman.

This article was submitted by the Saskatchewan Taekwon-Do Federation.

Creating the family Martial Art experience Master Clint Norman, 8th degree black belt Ms Chelsea Stone, 6th degree black belt

REGISTRATION OPENS

SASKATCHEWAN TAEKWON-DO

JANUARY 1, 2018

Taekwon-do is a version of unarmed combat designed for the purpose of self-defense.

Ages 4-18

It is an art that develops personal strengths to accomplish one’s goals by promoting positive thinking, positive action in all walks of life.

All ages and skill levels welcome.

Why not give it a try?

The first three classes are FREE!

www.baseballregina.com b ll admin@baseballregina.com a dmin in@baseballre egina.com

306-775-2255

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PH 306.525.0005 Web itfsaskatchewan.com Email sasktkd@gmail.com

— maSter clint norman StFi Founder REG00262898_1_1

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Saskatchewan Science Centre offers family-friendly fun by rya n h a l l

With the weather getting colder, the quest for ways to pass the winter begins. While there are countless options that compete for our attention, very few offer the right combination of family friendly learning and fun.

Enter the Saskatchewan Science Centre, which offers non-stop fun for all. Whether it’s world class exhibits, hands-on activities, or exhilarating IMAX films, there’s no better way to pass a cold winter day than by spending it at the Science Centre.

The Saskatchewan Science Centre is an interactive experience where visitors can explore more than 185 hands-on activities and displays. Covering subjects from across the scientific spectrum, there’s something for everyone, including a wide variety of programming, interactive stage shows and exhibits.

Tying it all together is the common thread of how each concept, display and phenomena applies to the lives of individuals, and our province. Ryan Holota, Director, Business Development and Visitors Services, explained, “All of our exhibits and programming helps to

Exciting stage shows take place throughout the day at the Saskatchewan Science Centre, including the Fire Show, pictured here. Other show themes include Cryogenics, Space, Superheroes of Sustainability, Static, Cotton Candy, Scales and Tails and Blood and Guts. S ci e nce c e n tre

provide context to the world by viewing science through the lens of Saskatchewan and the unique experiences our province offers.”

Among the many attractions is the Kramer IMAX Theatre, which is Saskatchewan’s largest movie screen showing both full-length feature films and IMAX specific documentaries. This winter, a full slate of films is planned, including Pandas: The Journey Home, Great White Sharks 3D, and Dream Big:

Engineering Our World. Additionally, there will also be screenings of Star Wars: The Last Jedi on IMAX 15/70mm film beginning December 15.

However, that’s not the only reason to visit the Science Centre this winter, as there is lots on the go throughout the entire season. In addition to the regular programs that are run during the school year, there are several special offerings include Science Time for Tots,

which takes place on Tuesdays and is geared for preschool age children.

There are also events at 2 p.m. on most Saturdays and Sundays, which give people an opportunity to explore hands-on activities with their families. Finally, day camps are planned for the February and April school breaks for all children ages six to 11.

Beginning in January, the Science Centre will also unveil a new temporary exhibit created by Robinson Residential Design of Regina in honour of Canada’s 150 celebrations. The exhibit showcases a collection of 13 Tiny House plans, each inspired by a different Canada’s province and territory. The exhibit promises to be a fun, interactive way to learn about a different kind of lifestyle in which less is more.

The Science Centre isn’t just for kids and families though. Monthly Adult Science Nights, for those who are 19 years of age and older, are an opportunity for grown-ups to explore the Science Centre with their peers, and features a cash bar.

Those nights have additional programming and activities geared towards an adult audience, such as survival science or nightclubs. The Kramer IMAX theatre also runs

special After Dark Film events, where adults 19+ can come watch their favourite movies on the big screen, while once again also enjoying a cash bar.

Finally, the Science Centre’s most popular winter event remains the annual Noon Year’s Eve celebration which takes place on December 31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The special day is filled with stage shows, take-home crafts and extra activities. The Science Center admission is charged for the whole day, and includes a snack, although full meals can be pre-ordered as well.

Everyone is invited to join in and help count down to the New Year, at noon.

Whether it is as a family, child, or a grown-up, the Saskatchewan Science Centre is the place to go to experience something unique, and get a break from the cold and snow.

“Visiting the Science Centre is the best way I can think of to spend a winter day,” said Holota. “With all the interactive exhibits and stage shows, no two visits are ever the same.”

For more information about Saskatchewan Science Centre winter programming, or Kramer IMAX Theater show times and listings, visit www.sasksciencecentre.com.

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Catch ice fishing fever this winter! by a n d r eW l i v i n g s T o n e

In recent decades, the sport of ice fishing has grown to the point where it rivals summer fishing in popularity. There are many excellent winter fishing spots in the Regina area, and, with the use of a few pieces of specialized equipment, you can experience the challenge and camaraderie of ice fishing and even catch a tasty meal of your own.

Some summer tackle can be used in ice fishing, but it is necessary to secure certain special winter equipment in order to get a proper sense of the pastime. At Pokey’s Tackle Shop in Regina, brothers Greg and Gord Prokopetz can provide the tools and advice to get you started.

The first obstacle that you will face is the frozen surface itself, which can be breached using an

ice auger. Although augers can be powered by gas or electricity, the least expensive models are hand-cranked. Available in sixand eight-inch sizes, hand augers are most appropriate early in the year, when the ice is thin. As winter progresses and the ice thickens to about two feet, Greg suggests “stepping up to a power auger.”

Once you have a path through the ice, you can bring your rod and reel into play. Winter ice fishing rods are quite a bit shorter than those used in summer. “You don’t need the long, seven-foot rod when you’re ice fishing,” said Greg.

If you already have summer lures and hooks, they may be sufficient for winter use. “There are some brands that you can use yearround, and then there are some that are really specific,” he added.

An ice fishing shack, though comfortable, is not strictly neces-

You don’t have to invest in a lot of fancy equipment to enjoy the sport of ice fishing. G e t ty i m aG e S

sary. “It’s just like summer fishing: people will sit on the bank or on the dock… and have some very good success with it,” said Greg.

The Regina area is an excellent region for ice fishing. “We’ve probably got one of the best walleye lakes in Western Canada with Last

Mountain Lake,” said Greg. “Right now, they’re at Regina Beach, Little Arm (which is just down from Regina Beach), and they’re catching walleye … Buffalo Pound is probably one of the better perch lakes around here. Last winter, it was quite successful.”

To the east, there are other attractive options. “You have your Qu’Appelle chain with Pasqua, Echo, Mission and Katepwa,” said Greg. “You can also go to Round and Crooked Lakes, east of Regina.”

He attributes the popularity of the pastime to both the competition between ice fishers and to their dedication to the art and science of catching fish. “It’s just the fascination with drilling holes, and the same thing as when you’re on a boat: sitting there and trying to figure out what’s going to trigger them to bite,” he said.

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CHAMPIONS for over 30 years.

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