It is true that we cannot make a genius. We can only give to each child the chance to fulfill his potential possibilities.

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1 Selkirk Montessori School E-Newsletter MAY 2015 From the Academic Head Erin Hayes It is true that we cannot make a genius. We can only give to each child the chance to fulfill his potential possibilities. We would like to thank all of our former and current families who found the time to come celebrate the 35th anniversary with us. It was a truly spectacular Homecoming, one that could only have been orchestrated by our dear Amabel, Susie, Dominga, Alison, and former principal Catherine. Of course, they had lots of help from staff, parents and students. Thank you everyone who pitched in. For those of you who were unable to attend, we thank you for your well wishes - you were missed! Looking out over the decades of grads that filled the gym, the most striking thing was that these were interesting people, people you would want to have in your life, and people with as many differences as they had similarities. It was a reminder that there is no perfect Montessori student our program strives to create. Instead, we observe interests and provide opportunities, we shape experiences and excite minds. Cont d on page 2 Inside this issue: Spring Fun Fair 5 Update from Nepal 6 Selkirk Parent Group (SPG) News 7 Leadership Bottle Drive 8 Badminton Wrap-Up 9 Word from the Bear s Den 10 Dates to Remember 11

2 Bursary Fundraiser (cont d from page 1) Being part of the Selkirk Montessori School community means having your best chance and taking charge of your life, it means so many paths are open to you, it means knowing your self. And this is something we want for all children. With that in mind, we had a sneak peak of our new art installation intended to both commemorate members of our school community and acknowledge those who have donated to the bursary fund. Our intention is to continue to ensure that a Montessori education will be accessible to all students, regardless of fortune or change of circumstance. Over time, we would like to create a fund, independent of tuitions, that will ensure accessibility for all in times of need, while maintaining affordability for all families. We must never lose sight of our roots; we are an inclusive and diverse school that celebrates and benefits from the varied perspectives of all of our wonderful families. Tax receipts will be provided for all donations. Each donation of $50 or greater will be acknowledged with a personally inscribed ceramic tile that will be included in the breezeway art installation. Size and style of tile will correspond to level of donation: Sprout, Stem, Bud, or Blossom. We will be sending a package out by to families and friends of Selkirk Montessori; however, you are welcome to contact penny@selkirkmontessori.ca directly for more information. Sample Bud Sample Sprout Sample Blossom Page 2 S ELKI R K MONTESS ORI S CHOOL E - NE WS LE TT ER

3 Getting ready for the 35th anniversary celebrations. Thanks to everyone who helped make the day extra special. You have truly made a difference!

4 Thanks to Amabel, we actually had a few photos to share! If you took photos on the day and would like to share them, please send them to penny@ selkirkmontessori.ca.

5 Spring Fun Fair is back! Saturday, June 13th Noon to 3 pm Get ready for the return of the Spring Fun Fair! We offer a fun-filled afternoon of family-friendly activities, including mini carnival games, inflatables, a fantastic international food fair and the ever popular cake walk! This year, all proceeds will go toward the Natural Playground for the preschool/kindergarten children. Photos are from our Fun Fair in June 2013 and include children enjoying one of the many inflatables, the International Food buffet, air brush tattooing and two of the amazing cakes donated for the cake walk. Page 5 S ELKI R K MONTESS ORI S CHOOL E - NE WS LE TT ER

6 THE SELKIRK MONTESSORI SCHOOL WISHES TO THANK SENIOR MANAGER JILL CLACKSON AND THE DEDICATED BUSINESS BANKING TEAM AT COAST CAPITAL SAVINGS AND CREDIT UNION FOR HELPING US ACHIEVE OUR FINANCING GOALS. Message about Nismita, our Foster Child in Nepal As you may have noticed, shortly after the earthquake a note went up on our website to let everyone know about the school's Foster Child Nismita Pakhrin. The devastating earthquake a week ago has taken its toll on many Nepali families. Pictures coming out of Nepal show complete ruin of communities just outside of Katmandu area. I did follow up again this week to see if there was any news about Nismita, her family or her community. They told me that there had been no casualties and that the information on each of the individual Foster Children will be very slow in getting out to everyone, as now the focus is on the basic survival needs: shelter, food and water. This is understandable. I will continue to provide any updates the minute I receive them from PLAN International Canada. In the meantime, please consider making a donation to help in the relief efforts. Linda

7 Selkirk Parent Group (SPG) News The April 20th Selkirk Parent Group meeting started with a presentation about a possible fundraiser from Daralynn Wei. This was in part a natural lead in to a bigger discussion about the roles of fundraising and community building for the SPG. The fundraising aspect is very important, with more than $20,000 last year going directly back into classrooms for the benefit of our children. Also valuable in deeper and often more lasting ways are the social connections we make as a school community. The SPG strongly supports events that enhance and encourage a sense of belonging. Parent education nights, festivities and shared food at the beginning and end of the school year are some of the ways the SPG has hosted events to bring us together. We had some brain storming about new ways we could go about this next year. A barn dance? Movie night? Adult only evenings? If you would like to see any of these happen, please let us know. Come on out to our next meeting on Wednesday, May 20 at 6:30 pm in the new multipurpose room. If we don t see you there, we ll look forward to connecting at the Selkirk Waterfront Festival, on May 23rd or at the annual Freezies on the Green after morning and afternoon dismissal on the last day of school. Thanks to the Selkirk Parent Group for helping us to outfit the new Multi-Purpose Room with a new stove and microwave. We re still looking to purchase the new refrigerator and dish washer! You have made a difference for the teachers and students at Selkirk Montessori School! M AY Page 7

8 Leadership News Bottle Drive Success! In addition, Fortis BC had offered to match the funds raised by the students so they will actually add $600 to their fundraising goals. Thanks to all who brought their recyclables to the home of leadership student, Julia Sawitsky, over Spring Break. The students worked hard to coordinate and sort the bottles, cans and containers and were able to raise $300! Leadership students are raising funds for the Malala Fund and KidsSport. Please check out the thermometer poster in the school foyer to learn more about these important organizations. Special thanks to Larry and Jackie Sawitsky for hosting the bottle drive at their house. You have helped to make a difference! M AY Page 8

9 Victoria Children s Choir Auditions NOW AUDITIONING! Why sing with 50 of Victoria s most talented young artists? Develop amazing vocal abilities Make friends at camps and on tours Perform with professional musicians The Victoria Children s Choir is based in Victoria under the artistic direction of Madeleine Humer. Through training and practice, the children are empowered to achieve an exceptional standard of vocal and choral skills in alignment with each individual s talents and commitment. Once practiced and polished, the choir shares their award-winning repertoire at a variety of signature concerts, guest appearances, and community events. Next season sixteen of our singers will be in Pacific Opera s A Mid Summer Night s Dream you could be one of them! JOIN US! Youth 8-16 invited to Audition - May 23 or May 30 th Reserve a time and learn more: or Badminton Wrap Up Congratulations to all of the Selkirk Montessori School students who participated in badminton this year. With two morning clubs running all year, enthusiasm for the sport seems to be growing! Thanks to Ian and Ken for coaching and to Brian for organizing the various tournaments and competitions. (Pictured left to right: Andrew and Jet placed third in the final for grade six boys at SMUS this year.) Page 9 S ELKI R K MONTESS ORI S CHOOL E - NE WS LE TT ER

10 A Word from the Bear s Den What s Happening in the Bear s Den The doors to the Bear s Den open at 7:45 each morning. Students in morning care (grades 3-8) have been busy assembling a T-Rex, creating works of art, learning new card games, assisting with the processing of LOTS of new books, and reading, reading, reading. The morning care group is wonderful at reading and critiquing our new books. Thank you for all your assistance! Over 900 books have been processed and placed on the shelves since the Bear s Den opened in its new home. We are grateful for the donation of books from students and parents. New books were purchased with proceeds from the Scholastic Book Fair and gently used books were purchased from the recent Grade 5/6 Book and Toy Sale. A thousand thanks to Leadership super stars Julia and Juhi. Both girls worked many days until 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. and each have processed hundreds of books. HUGE thank you! Juhi and Julia, your dedication and work ethic is outstanding! Art in the Bear s Den The Library has begun an Art on Loan program in order to feature student art. Students are invited to draw or paint original art with a bear or Pacific Rainforest theme. Works may be submitted to Penny or Arlene for consideration. We love all child created art however, due to limited wall space, not all works can be featured. Have fun creating your own bear art. Our first installation is by Carson, an artist (grade 2) from the Otter Class. Carson enjoys studying the works of famous artists and was inspired to create Harrison s Bear which features a polar bear in the style of Ted Harrison. A gift for the school is also on loan to the Bear s Den gallery. Selkirk parent and artist Cindy Hatt donated Little Dancer, Songhees Pow Wow. Thank you to Erin Hayes for loaning this beautiful work to the Bear s Den. Erin has been thoroughly enjoying Little Dancer in her office. Thank you, Cindy, for sharing your incredible talents with the school. Come visit the Bear s Den Library and Art Gallery. Immerse yourself in a great book! Remember the Library is always open at 7:45 a.m. Page 10 S ELKI R K MONTESS ORI S CHOOL E - NE WS LE TT ER

11 United Way/Provincial Employees Community Services Fund SELKI RK MONTESSORI S CHOOL 2970 Jutland Road Victoria, BC V8T 5K2 Phone Fax: reception@selkirkmontessori.ca Operated by the Pacific Montessori Society We can make a difference! Thanks to your generous donations, we have received a total of $ from the United Way and $ from the Provincial Employees Community Services Fund this year! These donations will go toward the Natural Playground for our kindergarten/preschool children at the front of the school. Dates to Remember May 6/7 Musical Theatre Performances: Aladdin Jr.! May 18 Victoria Day (School closed) May 19 Professional Development Day (no school for children) May 23 Selkirk Waterfront Festival June 1 Professional Development Day ( no school for children) June 5 Track Meet (Elementary/Middle School students) Spring Fun Fair June 13th Year End Concerts: June 12 KP June 16 Grade 1-4 June 18 Grade 5-8