Can you believe it?! The month of May is coming to a close!
As we reach for the home stretch, let me know how I can support you. Please let me know when and how you plan on handing in portfolios. I would like them all by June 11th if possible.
I have already arranged with many of you to come for a home visit or collect portfolios. Thank you for your diligence.
I look forward to celebrating your family's learning this year!
Blessings,
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Waiting to Plant Those Seeds
As I write to you this week, I am sitting next to my fireplace under a blanket. I want to be out preparing and planting my garden, but it is just too cold. Too rainy. Too windy. Too early to plant. My husband is becoming very impatient waiting for just the right time to line up those seeds row by row. He brags that last year at this time, he was admiring his broccoli sprouts; this year it's only mounds of dirt with rocks identifying where the rows will one day be placed . But then he also remembers his peppers - they didn't look quite so good come mid-summer all spotted and curled up. He planted them too early. So, he chooses to be patient this year and wait for just the right conditions.
We can be so impatient can't we? Or maybe it's just me! I think about how often I have tried to teach my kids something that they just weren't ready for. I was impatient in that I did not listen to the Lord's leading on when my child was ready for that lesson - whether it be an academic lesson or a life or character lesson. Then I became discouraged when I observed a lack of growth.
I have to remind myself often that the PLOs are guidelines for teaching my kids. I can use then to track learning and growth, but how and when I introduce those topics needs to be carefully brought before the Lord for his wisdom and guidance. The longer I teach my kids at home, the more I understand them and the better I can discern when to plant certain seeds of learning. Just like the longer my husband gardens, the more he learns about when to plant certain plants and when to wait for just the right conditions. In my children's case, I recognize that it is often the condition of the heart that makes them ready to receive character or life training and it is a condition or stimulation of the mind that makes them ready for academic training.
Thinking about these things has influenced my plans for next year as well as my attitude on a day-to-day basis as I ask the Lord each day what my children are ready to learn and how I can prepare the condition of their hearts and minds.
Talking about conditioning! How about conditioning those bodies!
I want to remind you of the Track and Field Fun Day In Nanaimo on June 17th.
I look forward to receiving your weekly e-mails or skypes. Thank you to those who have made it a priority and habit of communicating weekly with me. It really helps me with supporting your family and reporting accurately.
Bless you!
We can be so impatient can't we? Or maybe it's just me! I think about how often I have tried to teach my kids something that they just weren't ready for. I was impatient in that I did not listen to the Lord's leading on when my child was ready for that lesson - whether it be an academic lesson or a life or character lesson. Then I became discouraged when I observed a lack of growth.
I have to remind myself often that the PLOs are guidelines for teaching my kids. I can use then to track learning and growth, but how and when I introduce those topics needs to be carefully brought before the Lord for his wisdom and guidance. The longer I teach my kids at home, the more I understand them and the better I can discern when to plant certain seeds of learning. Just like the longer my husband gardens, the more he learns about when to plant certain plants and when to wait for just the right conditions. In my children's case, I recognize that it is often the condition of the heart that makes them ready to receive character or life training and it is a condition or stimulation of the mind that makes them ready for academic training.
Thinking about these things has influenced my plans for next year as well as my attitude on a day-to-day basis as I ask the Lord each day what my children are ready to learn and how I can prepare the condition of their hearts and minds.
Talking about conditioning! How about conditioning those bodies!
I want to remind you of the Track and Field Fun Day In Nanaimo on June 17th.
Family Fun Day and Track Meet |
Friday June 17th, 2011
Rotary Bowl Nanaimo (behind Nanaimo Aquatic Centre)
9:00am – 3:00pm
For all home schooled children ages 5yrs – 18yrs whether enrolled or registered in the public or independent school system.
HCOS student cost: $10.00 per Child/ $5.00 if parent volunteers to help for the day
$20.00 per Family$15.00 if parent volunteers to help for the day
All other students: $15.00 per child/ $10.00 if parent volunteers to help for the day
$30.00 per Family/ $20.00 if parent volunteers to help for the day
Enthusiastic participants will be put in age appropriate groups and will rotate through track & field events and fun stations.
Track and field events for ages 5-8 will include: ball throw, shuttle run, standing long jump and running events (50m, 75m)
Track and field events for ages 9-18 will include: shot put or ball throw, long jump, triple jump, and running events (100m, 200m)
To Register, please click and fill out the online registration form entitled
HCOS Track Meet 2011 and mail payment to:
Nola Morgan
2245 Neil Dr
Nanaimo, BC
V9R 6T4
Events will proceed rain or shine. (except for a down pour)
REMEMBER!
EACH PARTICIPANT MUST have their OWN backpack containing:
2 labelled water bottles, a snack, and a sunhat.
EACH FAMILY will need sunscreen, and a picnic lunch.
Hope to see you all there,
Nola Morgan nmorgan@onlineschool.ca I look forward to receiving your weekly e-mails or skypes. Thank you to those who have made it a priority and habit of communicating weekly with me. It really helps me with supporting your family and reporting accurately.
Bless you!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Catching up!
Well, it has been a whole month since I last made a post. I have been forwarding e-mails as needed, but it has been a busy month finishing up reports and preparing for Convention in Kelowna. It feels good to re-connect on a more personal basis!
First, I want to share a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Sam this month!
A few reminders and Bits of News:
Have a great weekend, everyone!!! God bless you in whatever you plan on doing!
First, I want to share a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Sam this month!
A few reminders and Bits of News:
- Deadline for using your funds for the 2010/2011 school year is May 15. I can not authorize any purchases after that date.
- Reenrolment: Most of you have already done so, but if you have not yet reenrolled and plan on doing so, please do it as soon as possible; knowing numbers now helps us plan for next year :).
- I will be forwarding an e-mail asking you to help with a survey for the Online Subscriptions. Please take the time to share as your information helklps to provide resources that work for YOU!
- I am really excited to announce that HCOS is hosting a Track and Field and Fun Day in June. Please see the e-mail that I will forward you for more information.
- HCOS Island Tour: Yesterday was Victoria, today was Port Alberni, and Monday id Black Creek and Nanaimo. Please see previous flyer for details.
Summer is on the horizon, hooray!
Many of you are busy organizing for next year, so here are some reminders regarding reserving kits and books:
· To reserve items for next year, you must be re-enrolled. Send me a note once you are, and I will update your library card for 2012.
· The earliest date you can reserve an item for the next school year is August 29th. Ie. if you reserve a kit for August 15th, you will not receive it until sometime after the 19th.
· Maximum of 20 items out at one time (up from 15!)
· Maximum of 3 kits per family at one time and only one kite per grade/per subject (one gr. 1 socials and one Grade 1 Science, but not two grade 1 Socials kits)
· Maximum of 3 media items at one time (CDs, DVDs)
· Loan period for books and kits is 8 weeks
· Loan period for Media is 4 weeks
· We ship by Canpar to most areas. To keep costs down, choose one reserve date for a number of items so we can ship all of them at once, and be sure to choose the same return date for each item. We do not ship one single item on its own if it is small ie. a DVD, and the cost of mailing small items back is the patron’s responsibility.
· For those folks outside Canpar’s shipping zones, we will mail items by Canada Post. You would be responsible for paying for the return mailing costs by Canada Post. Include your receipt for the cost and it will be credited to your curriculum budget.
New Families: if you are enrolled for the 2011/2012 year, you may take out items over the summer. Send your name, address, & phone number to me and I’ll set up your account. You will also be able to place reserves for the school year.
Summer Loans
· June 10th is the last day to order books for the summer if you have re-enrolled
· Maximum of one kit per family over the summer
· June 10th is also the date that all materials are due back in the library. Items can be renewed for the summer if you are re-enrolled.
· Summer loans are due back in the library by August 12th. If you are going on vacation, have the items picked up early as overdue items will result in your account being suspended! We need the items returned on time in order to prepare them for the new school year.
· The library is closed during the month of July.
If you have any questions, please contact me!
Sincerely,
Shandra Wiebe
Head Librarian
250-862-2377 x.311
Monday 1-5, Tuesday 1-5, Wednesday 1-5, Thursday 2-6
907 Badke Road, Kelowna BC
V1X 5Z5
Have a great weekend, everyone!!! God bless you in whatever you plan on doing!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Are you Ready for a Challenge?
I guess many of you decided to work through the scheduled Spring Breaks in your school district areas and some of you took a well deserved break! I call what we did "relaxed schooling" for those two weeks. We did school until the kids got a phone call from friends or when a fun opportunity came up :). Oh, the joy of being flexible!
Now that we are back into full swing and well into term 3, please keep me updated each week on how things are going. I would like to be able to support you weekly not just at reporting time. I would love to be able to interact with the students as they share the excitement of their learning adventures or help guide them in an area they are struggling with. And please don't forget to share how the student completed the 30 minutes daily physical activity each week.
Happy April Birthday Katie, Kyla and Joseph. May your day be special - like you!
This link came across my e-mail and I am sending it to you because I care about you and your children. Please watch this video and share it with those who need to see it. Very important info!
Now that we are back into full swing and well into term 3, please keep me updated each week on how things are going. I would like to be able to support you weekly not just at reporting time. I would love to be able to interact with the students as they share the excitement of their learning adventures or help guide them in an area they are struggling with. And please don't forget to share how the student completed the 30 minutes daily physical activity each week.
Happy April Birthday Katie, Kyla and Joseph. May your day be special - like you!
This link came across my e-mail and I am sending it to you because I care about you and your children. Please watch this video and share it with those who need to see it. Very important info!
Check out this video on YouTube:
And now ... if any of you want to change things up and add a bit of challenge into your life, here are some great opportunities:
Noggin Hoggin Challenge
Now, if you're sitting there scratching your head and wondering what this Noggin Hoggin' business is all about, let's just say that you're in for a real treat!
The geeky minds behind ExamBank love having the opportunity to put to practical use the cache of interesting and unusual facts they have tucked away in the recesses of their cumulative quirky minds. So, twice a year, we go to town.
Essentially, the Noggin Hoggin' Challenge is a week-long online treasure hunt where kids get to put their research skills to the test in order to solve 6 puzzles. Those who submit the correct daily solution before the deadline get to move on to the next day's round, and if they manage to hang on to the bitter end, finalists go head to head in a timed race to solve the last question.
We've had classrooms, families, and individuals participate - teamwork is greatly encouraged. However, to qualify for one of our great prizes (iPods, movie tickets, and T-shirts!), participants must each register individually, be Canadian, and in Kindergarten to Grade 12.
Bust-a-Myth and Win a MYTHBUSTERS Set Visit
Bust-a-Myth with your students this spring using Discovery Education content and tools. Pick a myth, develop a project plan, describe your science investigation, hypothesis, and analysis. Then, submit a 5-minute video showcasing your mythbusting results for the chance to win a MYTHBUSTERS set visit in San Francisco.
Follow These Simple Steps to Enroll Your Class
1. Choose One of the Following Myths to Bust
1. Choose One of the Following Myths to Bust
- Is a piece of buttered toast more likely to land buttered side up
or buttered side down? - Is it possible to fold a piece of paper more than seven times?
- Will cola clean a penny? Discolor a tooth? Dissolve a steak?
2. Develop a project plan for how your class will go about proving whether the selected myth is plausible or busted.
3. Describe your science investigation including its testable question, hypothesis based on prior knowledge, the design of the investigation, the data you gathered, and your analysis.
4. Finally, track your steps, progress, results, and develop up to a 5 minute video. Once ready, submit your video via the "Enter Today" button.When
April 04 - 29, 2011 Prizes
3. Describe your science investigation including its testable question, hypothesis based on prior knowledge, the design of the investigation, the data you gathered, and your analysis.
4. Finally, track your steps, progress, results, and develop up to a 5 minute video. Once ready, submit your video via the "Enter Today" button.When
April 04 - 29, 2011 Prizes
- (40) backpacks & (1) MYTHBUSTERS DVD Prize Pack
- A trip for two people to San Francisco to attend a live taping of a MYTHBUSTERS episode
Friday, March 18, 2011
Happy Spring Break!
As many of you are taking Spring Breaks over the next week or two, this will be a brief post.
Info from the library:
Have a great weekend!
Info from the library:
Please pass on to parents.
Hello Folks,
As re-enrollments have begun, I’ve had requests from parents who want to place reserves for next year. Talk about being organized! Way to go!
So here is our library procedures for the summer and new school year:
1. To reserve items for next year, you send me a note stating you have reenrolled. I confirm with the office and change your library card expiration date so you can place reserves. I will email you to let you know your account is confirmed.
2. Summer loans:
· If you have not re-enrolled, ALL library items are due back in the library by June 10th, 2011.
· If you have re-enrolled, you have the option of taking out material over the summer:
· Last date for ordering items for the summer is June 10th
· All material will be due back in the library August 12th, no exceptions! We need to have all items in and ready to go for the new school year.
The library is closed for the month of July, and is on summer hours for August. I will arrange Canpar pick ups as needed.
Sincerely,
Shandra Wiebe
Head Librarian
250-862-2377 x.311
Monday 1-5, Tuesday 1-5, Wednesday 1-5, Thursday 2-6
907 Badke Road, Kelowna BC
V1X 5Z5
Have a great weekend!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Observing Learning
First, please check the March HCOS newsletter for updated information on a variety of announcements, such as educational technology and Learning Camps (LC) in your area. link: HCOS NEWSLETTER One of the newest LC's is Joey Clarkson who is putting on one of her Musical Theatre Camps at various locations on the Island!
Second, I just want to say, "Thank you!".
You see, during portfolio time, I have an opportunity to provide feedback in regards to the learning that I observe. Now, obviously, I can't be in your home at each moment that learning occurs, but I can get a glimpse of it each week through your weekly updates as well as the samples you submit with portfolios each term. This is why I value both of these so much. I can get to know what inspires and ignites each child, what his passion and giftings are, and where he may need to be challenged to grow. When I get detailed weekly updates and thorough portfolios, I can mark off topics that have been covered as well as provide a mark that reflects your child's level of learning. So, thank you for taking the time each week to share the learning that has occurred and insight into what excited your child. Please know that communication and portfolios are so much more than just "government requirements"; they are useful tools that we can use to monitor and review the learning so that an accurate document can be produced that helps guide and direct your plans as well as honors the government and the support that we receive as a school.
So, help me "observe learning" through your eyes by providing me a detailed "snapshot" of that learning! Keep those updates coming and be sure to use the checklist for portfolios to ensure that you have a rich portfolio full of items that reflect your child!
Second, I just want to say, "Thank you!".
You see, during portfolio time, I have an opportunity to provide feedback in regards to the learning that I observe. Now, obviously, I can't be in your home at each moment that learning occurs, but I can get a glimpse of it each week through your weekly updates as well as the samples you submit with portfolios each term. This is why I value both of these so much. I can get to know what inspires and ignites each child, what his passion and giftings are, and where he may need to be challenged to grow. When I get detailed weekly updates and thorough portfolios, I can mark off topics that have been covered as well as provide a mark that reflects your child's level of learning. So, thank you for taking the time each week to share the learning that has occurred and insight into what excited your child. Please know that communication and portfolios are so much more than just "government requirements"; they are useful tools that we can use to monitor and review the learning so that an accurate document can be produced that helps guide and direct your plans as well as honors the government and the support that we receive as a school.
So, help me "observe learning" through your eyes by providing me a detailed "snapshot" of that learning! Keep those updates coming and be sure to use the checklist for portfolios to ensure that you have a rich portfolio full of items that reflect your child!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Sharing
Some things to share...
Happy Birthday to...
A great one form Pippa for those younger students:
I look forward to hearing from each of you over the next few days updating me on your learning experiences.
Have a great weekend!
Happy Birthday to...
- Robyn!
- Samara!
- Rebekah!
- Joshua!
- and last month - Brianna - welcome to HCOS Brianna!
- BookFest Celebrates 25th Anniversary - Saturday, May 7th, Downtown Nanaimo
BookFest is moving to Downtown Nanaimo for 2011.
Join us for a fun-filled magical book day! Canadian authors, illustrators and storytellers entertain kids from five to 12 as they bring their creations alive. Adults will need a child to attend and those with preschool kids can join in a parent-child rhyme time session and puppet show.
This year's lineup includes:
Linda Bailey and Robert Heidbreder (ages 5+)Marie-Louise Gay (ages 6+)Eugenie Fernandes (ages 7+)Robin Muller (ages 8+)Andrea Spalding (ages 9+)Arthur Slade and John Wilson (ages 10+)Sheree Fitch (all ages)
Noon hour entertainment includes the music of The Kerplunks, face painting and bubbles!
It's $10 per child with a maximum of $25 for a family. Preschool events are free! Registration begins March 31st and forms will be available at branches of Vancouver Island Regional Libraries, and on the website. Register early to avoid disappointment.
New this year is an auction featuring original art by ten renowned children's illustrators.
Further information is available at http://www.bookfest.ca/
I look forward to hearing from each of you over the next few days updating me on your learning experiences.
Have a great weekend!
- Here is my new techie site of the week, Little Bird Tales.
I would love to hear if you or your parents use this application, as I am sure for the younger set this could be a winner:)
Have fun tweeting in a different way!!
Blessings to you
Pippa DaviesSupport Teacher and Online LibrarianHCOSskype: philippajanedaviesLibrary hours: Mon-Thurs 2-5pm
- I just thought I would send out this info. We have had to change the next Ski Trip date to Mt. Washington on March 18th.....and I will get back to everyone in the next few days as to what the new one is. This will most likely be the last one of the season. We have had a great year of snow and fun!!!
Cheryl Landry schoolisfun@shaw.ca
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