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The passing of Canada’s Last Veteran of the First World War

February 26th, 2010 | Comments | Posted in Events, High School, Teachers | by Agnes

The recent passing of Canada’s last WWI veteran, John Babcock at age 109, brought Christopher Shannon, Headmaster at Lower Canada College in Montreal, Quebec to discuss the implications of this loss with his grade 11 students. ” With the passing, our direct human link to the Great War also slipped away, never to be reclaimed” writes Mr. Shannon in his reflection posted on the Dialogue Journal for Private School Educators. “Will we risk becoming what some analysts call a society without memory?

Read Losing Touch With Canada’s Modern Historical Achievements

About John Babcock (July 23, 1900 – February 18, 2010)

John Henry Foster “Jack” Babcock was, at age 109, was the last known surviving veteran of the Canadian military to have served in the first world war. First attempting to join the army at age 15, Babcock was turned down and sent to work in Halifax until he was placed in the Young Soldiers Battalion in August 1917. Babcock was then transferred to Britain, where he continued his training until the end of the war.

He never did fight, and therefore didn’t feel he deserved a state funeral, but as Mr. Shannon identifies, “he surely would have liked to see all Canadians learn more and discuss our proud history with interest.”

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Adele the Trumpeter Swan Goes To School

February 3rd, 2010 | Comments | Posted in Camp, Education, Events | by Travis Allison

Adele the Trumpeter Swan gets petted by a young studentWye Marsh launched their newest education program at Rama Central Public School last week. This one of a kind program provides a rare opportunity for students to come face to face with a live swan. The star of the show is Adele, the Trumpeter Swan, whose egg was rescued by the Wye Marsh.

Grade 1/2 students at Rama Central Public School spent an hour with Adele.  They heard Adele’s story. They heard the story of the Trumpeter Swan in Ontario and about how large numbers of volunteers worked to bring this extraordinary species back from the brink of extinction.

Margaret Black, Special Education Resource Teacher and Green Team Coordinator at Rama Central Public School (and Volunteer Wye Marsh Swan Monitor) was thrilled that student’s at her school were the first to experience this lively program:

“This is an amazing wildlife presentation that is suitable for all ages.  Our students were fully engaged in learning and sharing, via the interactive Power Point presentation, and were absolutely riveted by the opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with a live Trumpeter Swan.  I wholeheartedly recommend this presentation!”

In the photo: Laurie Schutt, executive director of Wye Marsh, Adele the Trumpeter Swan and  Matt Lieberknecht, Wye Marsh Master Falconer share Adele’s story with Grade 1/2 students at Rama Central Public School. Photo credit: Margaret Black.

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What’s On: Week of February. 1-7, 2010

February 1st, 2010 | Comments | Posted in Camp, Events, News, Private Schools | by Travis Allison

Welcome to What’s On, The Our Kids blog’s weekly roundup of interesting and exciting events on tap for the week. To help make sure we know about all the best events be sure to leave a comment below or send an email to travis[at]ourkids[dot]net. Now on with the week ahead!

Monday February 1

Application Deadline | CRESTWOOD PREPARATORY COLLEGE
2010 student applications are due.
Crestwood Preparatory College, Toronto, ON, View School Profile

Special Camp Date | YMCA SUMMER DAY CAMPS
Camp Registration begins.
YMCA Summer Day Camps, Greater Toronto Area, ON | View Camp Profile

Special Camp Date | YMCA CEDAR GLEN
Camp Registration begins.
YMCA Cedar Glen, Greater Toronto Area, ON | View Camp Profile

Tuesday February 2

Open House | PEOPLES CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Explore PCA!   Prospective parents are invited to visit the school and meet with our friendly faculty and administration members.   Individual appointments also available by contacting our Office.
Peoples Christian Academy, Toronto, ON| View School Profile

Open House | ROWNTREE MONTESSORI SCHOOLS (RMS)
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. OPEN HOUSE @ ALL campuses on Tuesday February 2nd, 2010. *Questions/Answers *Tours of Facilities *Children Welcome *Refreshments Served. Now accepting 2010-2011 academic year registrations.
Rowntree Montessori Schools, Brampton, ON| View School Profile

Wednesday February 3

Information Session | TORONTO FRENCH SCHOOL
9:30 – 11:30 a.m Mississauga Campus – Open House Pre-kindergarten (age 3) to Grade 7.
Toronto French School, Mississauga & Toronto, View School Profile

Information Session | YOUTH LEADERSHIP CAMPS CANADA
5:00 – 8:00 p.m. London Camp Fair – Please come and join us at Oakridge Secondary School – 1040 Oxford St. – for an information fair regarding all of the opportunities that are available to your children at YLCC!
YLCC, Orillia, ON, View Camp Profile

Thursday February 4

Information Session | ALBERT COLLEGE
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Bahamas CAIS Fair. Please join us at the British Colonial Hilton Hotel.
Albert College
, Belleville, ON| View School Profile

Friday February 5

Special Event | QUEEN MARGARET SCHOOL
The Royal Classic Basketball Tournament will take place in the QMS gymnasium Fri/Sat, February 5th and 6th. Come out and watch the action!
Queen Margaret School
, Duncan, BC | View School Profile

Saturday February 6

Open House | NORTHSTAR MONTESSORI
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Please contact the school for more details. Please note, registration for 2010-2011 commences near the end of February.
Northstar Montessori, Mississauga, ON | View School Profile

Open House | HAWTHORN SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. We encourage you to attend one of our Open Houses or call us and arrange a visit to the school. We are told that there is a unique quality of warmth and spirit within our walls that is felt immediately upon entering Hawthorns doors. Open Houses allow prospective families to meet with teachers, staff and current Hawthorn students on an informal basis. The sessions begin with a talk given by the School Head. Tours are then conducted and families receive one-on-one attention from the Director of Admissions and other staff members. Parents are encouraged to
bring their daughters to the Open House.
Hawthorn School for Girls, North York, ON, View School Profile

Special Event | CRESTWOOD PREPARATORY COLLEGE
Entrance Exam.
Crestwood Preparatory College, Toronto, ON, View School Profile

Open House | COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
10:00 a.m – 1:00 p.m. Please contact us at any time to arrange a personal tour.
The Country Day School, King, ON, View School Profile

Information Session | HOLY NAME OF MARY COLLEGE SCHOOL
10:00 a.m – 2:00 p.m. Open House
Holy Name of Mary College School, Mississauga, ON, View School Profile

Open House | REAL PROGRAMMING 4 KIDS
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Free Assessment. Parents of students who have never done a Real Programming 4 Kids course can call Elliott @ 416-469-9676 to schedule a FREE NO OBLIGATION ASSESSMENT CLASS. An RP4K assessment class helps us determine which level of Game Programming a student can begin with. This assessment class is free but must be booked ahead of time. See www.realprogramming.com for more information on our free assessments or call to schedule an assessment.
Real Programming 4 Kids
, Kitchener and Ottawa, ON, View Camp Profile

Open House | FOUNDATIONS PRIVATE SCHOOL
10:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m. Are you experiencing excellence in education? Come and discover what Foundations has been offering for over 30 years!  You will have the opportunity to meet our Staff, tour our facilities and learn about our tradition of excellence.   (RSVP appreciated but not required)  We look forward to seeing you there!
Foundations Private School, Mississauga, ON, View School Profile

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What’s On: Week of Jan. 26 – 31 , 2010

January 26th, 2010 | Comments | Posted in Camp, Events, Private Schools | by Travis Allison

Welcome to What’s On, The Our Kids blog’s weekly roundup of interesting and exciting events on tap for the week. To help make sure we know about all the best events be sure to leave a comment below or send an email to travis[at]ourkids[dot]net. Now on with the week ahead!

Tuesday January 26

Information Session | CAMP WENONAH, YOUTH LEADERSHIP CAMPS CANADA
6:00 – 8:30 p.m. Aurora Camp Fair. Visit us to learn more about Camp Wenonah! Aurora Public Library, 15145 Yonge Street, Aurora.
Camp Wenonah, Bracebridge, ON, View Camp Profile, YLCC, Orillia, ON, View Camp Profile

Wednesday January 27

Information Session | MWS MONTREAL LANGUAGE CAMPS
MWS will be in Mexico City, Mexico for presentations with local representatives on January 27 and 28, 2010.
MWS Montreal Language Camps, Montreal & Toronto, View Camp Profile

Thursday January 28

Open House | TORONTO MONTESSORI SCHOOLS
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Open House for prospective families.
Toronto Montessori Schools, Richmond Hill, ON| View School Profile

Friday January 29

Special Camp Date | THE SECOND CITY TRAINING CENTRE
Summer Camp Registration Opens! Summer Camps beging July 5th. Call
early and register before HST kicks in! 416.340.7270 / 1.888.340.7270
The Second City Training Centre, Toronto, ON | View Camp Profile

Saturday January 30

Special Camp Date | WILVAKEN
Don’t forget the Early Bird deadline!!!
Wilvaken, Magog, QC | View Camp Profile

Open House | ALAN HOWARD WALDORF SCHOOL
The Open House takes place outside of school hours. You are invited to see our school and classes with student work on display. Teachers and staff are available for conversation and our community reps will share with you our lifestyle philosophy. You are welcome to join a pleasant and informative day with us.
Alan Howard Waldorf School, Toronto, ON, View School Profile

Information Session | YOUTH LEADERSHIP CAMPS CANADA
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Please come and join us at Lorne Park Public School – 1325 Indian Rd – for an information fair regarding all of the opportunities that are available to your children at YLCC!
YLCC, Orillia, ON, View Camp Profile

Open House | REAL PROGRAMMING 4 KIDS
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Free Assessment. Parents of students who have never done a Real Programming 4 Kids course can call Elliott @ 416-469-9676 to schedule a FREE NO OBLIGATION ASSESSMENT CLASS. An RP4K assessment class helps us determine which level of Game Programming a student can begin with. This assessment class is free but must be booked ahead of time. See www.realprogramming.com for more information on our free assessments or call to schedule an assessment.
Real Programming 4 Kids
, Kitchener and Ottawa, ON, View Camp Profile

Sunday January 31

Special Camp Date | ARTECH SUMMER CAMPS
Register before January 31st and save $25 off of camp!
Artech Summer Camps, Toronto, Halifax, Ottawa | View Camp Profile

Special Camp Date | MADAWASKA CAMPS
All applications received on or before January 31st, 2009 will receive the Early Bird Discount of $25.00!!
Madawaska Camps, Bancroft, ON | View Camp Profile

Camp Fair | ONTARIO CAMPS ASSOCIATION
1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Sheraton Parkway North, 600 Highway 7 East, Richmond Hill

The Girl Guides of Canada celebrate 100 years

January 21st, 2010 | Comments | Posted in Camp, Camp Photos, Events, News, Private Schools | by David Field

When a well-known organization celebrates 100 years, changing with the times is not the first thought that comes to mind. But over 4,000 people attended the anniversary celebrations for the Girl Guides of Canada on January 16, 2010 at Casa Loma in Toronto, Ontario. We have put together a gallery of photos of the event.

Girls Guides of Canada celebrate their centennial at Casa Loma

Girls Guides of Canada celebrate their centennial at Casa Loma

“The Girl Guides of Canada looks at the needs of the girls within the generation they are living,” explains Linda Crawford, the director of operations of Girl Guides of Canada. “We go out and ask girls what they like to do and what they would like to have the opportunity to try.”

The Girl Guides of Canada began in 1910 in St. Catharines, Ontario. The first chief commissioner of the Girl Guides of Canada was Lady Mary Pellatt, who resided in Toronto’s Casa Loma at the time.

The Girl Guides provides an opportunity for young women to learn through experience. Camping, one of the Girl Guide activities, teaches girls about nature and how to survive in new circumstances. “Girl Guides gives them exposure to new things that help them grow,” says Crawford.

Looking forward to the next 100 years, girls and parents can expect the Girl Guides of Canada to continue to adapt to the changing needs of girls and remain true to their mission, vision, promise and law that they have had for a century. But as science and technology change so will the Girl Guides of Canada. “We will be adapting to use the methods of communication that girls are adapting to,” says Crawford. “The Girl Guides of Canada will help girls adapt to that fast paced change.”

Friendships will continue to be the rewards of involvement with the Girl Guides of Canada. There is great mentorship that lasts a lifetime between women and girls.

“There is a great sisterhood,” concludes Crawford. “As adults we all have a desire to see youth become successful and to pass along important core values to the generations of youth that follow.”

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What’s On: Week of Jan. 18 – 24 , 2010

January 19th, 2010 | Comments | Posted in Camp, Events, Private Schools | by Travis Allison

Welcome to What’s On, The Our Kids blog’s weekly roundup of interesting and exciting events on tap for the week. To help make sure we know about all the best events be sure to leave a comment below or send an email to travis[at]ourkids[dot]net. Now on with the week ahead!

Tuesday January 19

Open House | MULGRAVE SCHOOL
5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Open House for prospective families.
Mulgrave School, West Vancouver, BC, View School Profile

Information Session | CAMP WENONAH
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Mississauga Camp Fair. Visit us to learn more about Camp Wenonah! Cawthra Community Centre, 1399 Cawthra Road.
Camp Wenonah, Bracebridge, ON, View Camp Profile

Information Session | ST. MICHAELS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL
Join us for this interactive, web-based presentation. Admissions Associate Janet Morrice and a panel of our current students will give you an overview of our school and answer your questions about our academic and boarding programmes as well as student life. To register, visit our website at www.smus.bc.ca/admissions/webinar/.
St. Michaels University School, West Vancouver, BC, View School Profile

Wednesday January 20

Information Session | CAMP AROWHON
Parents and potential campers are invited to join us at our Toronto office to ask your questions and learn more about Camp Arowhon from the directors themselves. Location: 555 Eglinton Ave W. Get more info: 416-975-9060 or info@camparowhon.com
Camp Arowhon, Algonquin Park, ON, View Camp Profile

Open House | VENTA PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Listen to our Principal tell you everything you need to know about our school, then have the opportunity to visit the classrooms, speak to teachers and go through student notebooks. Please RSVP to Tracey Quinn, 613 839-2175 ext. 240.
Venta Preparatory School, Ottawa, ON, View School Profile

Information Session | CAMP WENONAH, YOUTH LEADERSHIP CAMPS CANADA
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Newmarket Camp Fair. Visit us to learn more about our Camps!  Magna Community Centre, 800 Mulock Drive, Newmarket
Camp Wenonah
, Bracebridge, ON, View Camp Profile, YLCC, Orillia, ON, View Camp Profile

Thursday January 21

Open House | ELMWOOD SCHOOL
Tours at 9am and 2pm. Prospective parents are invited to visit the school and meet with Senior Administration members.  RSVP: (613) 744-7783 or admissions@elmwood.on.ca.  Individual appointments also available by contacting the Admissions Office.
Elmwood School, Ottawa, ON| View School Profile

Open House | RICHLAND ACADEMY
Please join us for our Tour and Discover Open House. This is an excellent opportunity to see the school in session. Bring a friend!
Richland Academy, Richmond Hill, ON| View School Profile

Friday January 22

Special Event | QUEEN MARGARET’S SCHOOL
The QMS Royals are taking on Ahousat in Senior Girls Basketball action on January 22nd at 4pm! Come out and cheer them on.
Queen Margaret’s School, Duncan, BC| View School Profile

Open House | MONTCREST SCHOOL
Take a student guided tour and see the school in action.
Montcrest School, Toronto, ON| View School Profile

Saturday January 23

Open House | LYNN-ROSE HEIGHTS PRIVATE SCHOOL
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Open House for prospective families.
Lynn-Rose Heights Private School, Mississauga, ON| View School Profile

Open House | MULGRAVE SCHOOL
8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. SSAT Assessment. Grades 7-11 Group Assessment.
Mulgrave School, West Vancouver, BC, View School Profile

Open House | PRETTY RIVER ACADEMY
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Open House for prospective families.
Pretty River Academy, Collingwood, ON, View School Profile

Open House | REAL PROGRAMMING 4 KIDS
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Free Assessment. Parents of students who have never done a Real Programming 4 Kids course can call Elliott @ 416-469-9676 to schedule a FREE NO OBLIGATION ASSESSMENT CLASS. An RP4K assessment class helps us
determine which level of Game Programming a student can begin with. This assessment class is free but must be booked ahead of time. See www.realprogramming.com for more information on our free assessments or call to schedule an assessment.
Real Programming 4 Kids
, Kitchener and Ottawa, ON, View Camp Profile

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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

December 25th, 2009 | Comments | Posted in Events, Families, News | by Agnes

Christmas is one of those special holidays where no matter how busy we are, we make time to visit with friends and family. Sure, there are presents and parties, and rushing from one gathering to the next, but in the end, it’s about spending time with the people that mean the most to you. The people that will be there for you no matter what or when you call—family.

OurKids_merrychristmas_2009

From our family to yours, we wish you a very happy holiday season. May your days be filled with joy and laughter, and may the new year bring you good health and continued happiness.

What’s On: Dec. 14-31, 2009

December 14th, 2009 | Comments | Posted in Events, News | by Travis Allison

Welcome to What’s On, The Chalkboard’s weekly (or 3-weekly in this case) roundup of interesting and exciting events on tap. To help make sure we know about all the best events be sure to leave a comment below or send an email to travis[at]ourkids[dot]net. Now on with the weeks ahead!

Wednesday December 16

Special Event | THE DUNBLAINE SCHOOL
The Sound of Music – Dunblaine students all have an opportunity to experience the sheer joy and pride that a creative art production can bring. Please contact the school for information on our new venue for this event.
The Dunblaine School, Toronto, ON | View School Profile

Thursday December 17

Special Event | COLLEGE PREP INTERNATIONAL
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. International Day – contact the school for more details
College Prep International, Montreal, QC | View School Profile

Friday December 18

Open House | VICTORIA BALLET ACADEMY
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. The Nutcracker For Christmas – The school’s ballet company is invited to present the Nutcracker at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts on December 18, 19 and 20, 2009.
Victoria Ballet Academy – Private School for Creative Children, Thornhill, ON | View School Profile

Special Event | ABC MONTESSORI
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Our Annual Winter Concert will take place on December 18, 2009 at the Polish Cultural Centre situated at 4300 Cawthra Road. The concert will run from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.
Our event is also a fundraiser for World Vision. A portion of all ticket sales go to a worthy cause: World Vision activities in the third world.  Call 905.568.8989 for tickets.
ABC Montessori, Mississauga, ON | View School Profile

Saturday December 19

Open House | VICTORIA BALLET ACADEMY
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. The Nutcracker For Christmas – The school’s ballet company is invited to present the Nutcracker at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts on December 18, 19 and 20, 2009.
Victoria Ballet Academy – Private School for Creative Children, Thornhill, ON| View School Profile

Sunday December 20

Open House | VICTORIA BALLET ACADEMY
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. The Nutcracker For Christmas – The school’s ballet company is invited to present the Nutcracker at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts on December 18, 19 and 20, 2009.
Victoria Ballet Academy – Private School for Creative Children, Thornhill, ON | View School Profile

Monday December 21

Winter Camp | HUMBER ARBORETUM WINTER NATURE CAMP
Come join us for Winter camp. You can choose to come one day, two days or all three days. Ages 5-13 We have before and after care.
There will be Nature Walks, Chickadee and Nuthatch Feeding, Tobogganing and Snowshoeing (if we have snow), Animal Tracking, Arts & Craft, games and lots of fun!!!!!! For more information see our website under
the Nature programs or call 416-675-5009.
Humber Arboretum Nature Camps, Toronto, ON | View Camp Profile

Thursday December 31

Application Deadline | CANADIAN BASEBALL HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM
Camp Discount: Receive 10% off the camp if you register before Dec 31, 2009.
Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum, St. Marys, ON | View Camp Profile