Advent Continued...Henri Nouwen

The Peace That is Not of This World 

 

Keep your eyes on the prince of peace, the one who doesn't cling to his divine power; the one who refuses to turn stones into bread, jump from great heights and rule with great power; the one who says, "Blessed are the poor, the gentle, those who mourn, and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness; blessed are the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers and those who are persecuted in the cause of uprightness" (see Matt. 5:3-11); the one who touches the lame, the crippled, and the blind; the one who speaks words of forgiveness and encouragement; the one who dies alone, rejected and despised. Keep your eyes on him who becomes poor with the poor, weak with the weak, and who is rejected with the rejected. He is the source of all peace.

Where is this peace to be found? The answer is clear. In weakness. First of all, in our own weakness, in those places of our hearts where we feel most broken, most insecure, most in agony, most afraid. Why there? Because there, our familiar ways of controlling our world are being stripped away; there we are called to let go from doing much, thinking much, and relying on our self-sufficiency. Right there where we are weakest the peace which is not of this world is hidden.

In Adam's name I say to you, "Claim that peace that remains unknown to so many and make it your own. Because with that peace in your heart you will have new eyes to see and new ears to hear and gradually recognize that same peace in places you would have least expected."

 

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HCOS NEWS

Heritage Christian Online School Invites you to join us for:

Adonia Spring Break Camp - Presenting Jacob  

Camp description:  
Students in grades 1-8 are invited to a Spring Break musical theatre camp to present the story of Jacob. Each family gets a practice CD beforehand to learn all the songs and lines. The camp will be 5 days in length consisting of singing and acting practices, crafts, and devotions.  The end result is a performance of the musical.  Each camp day is 5 hours in length (Mon-Thurs 10-3, Friday 1-6 with the performance included in the final hour).
For further Information: https://fluidsurveys.com/s/adonia-2015/

RICHMOND COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

 

 Go to these links and sign up your children in Grades 1-9 for Terms 2 and 3:

https://fluidsurveys.com/s/community-connections-richmond-2014-term-2/

https://fluidsurveys.com/s/community-connections-richmond-2014-term-3/

Something Hardly Noticeable - Thougths During Advent

"A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him." (Isaiah11:1-2).

These words from last night's liturgy have stayed with me during the day. Our salvation comes from something small, tender, and vulnerable, something hardly noticeable. God, who is the Creator of the Universe, comes to us in smallness, weakness, and hiddenness.

I find this a hopeful message. Somehow, I keep expecting loud and impressive events to convince me and others of God's saving power; but over and over again I am reminded that spectacles, power plays, and big events are the ways of the world. Our temptation is to be distracted by them and made blind to the "shoot that shall sprout from the stump."

When I have no eyes for the small signs of God's presence - the smile of a baby, the carefree play of children, the words of encouragement and gestures of love offered by friends - I will always remain tempted to despair.

The small child of Bethlehem, the unknown young man of Nazareth, the rejected preacher, the naked man on the cross, he asks for my full attention. The work of our salvation takes place in the midst of a world that continues to shout, scream, and overwhelm us with its claims and promises. But the promise is hidden in the shoot that sprouts from the stump, a shoot that hardly anyone notices. 

 

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HCOS RESOURCES

Math

Johnnie's Math Page: http://jmathpage.com/

Adrian Bruce's Math Games: http://greatmathsgames.com/

Sparkle Box: http://www.sparklebox.co.uk/maths/#.VIYSAjHF_WH

Reading

40+ of the absolute BEST books for boys in their pre-tween, tween and teenage years.

Let me start by saying that my now-teenage boys are not avid bookworms. They’re decent readers, but they don’t just hunker down with a book whenever they’re bored.  They’d just rather be doing something like throwing a baseball or watching hockey game.  However, they always loved ME to read to THEM, and I did, every night, from the time they were babies until they were far too old for bedtime stories. I won’t tell you exactly how old they were when I stopped reading to them at night.  They’d never forgive me.

Want to know a secret though?

Check out this blog for more information: http://happyhooligans.ca/best-books-for-boys-ages-8-16/

Learning Camps

HCOS invites you to join us for
Lego Robotics presented by Gateways

https://fluidsurveys.com/s/2015-ft-langley-lego-robotics/

HCOS invites you to join us for the

Vancouver Symphony Orchesta's
Once Upon An Orchestra

https://fluidsurveys.com/s/vso-once-upon-an-orchestra-feb-2015/

Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA's)

Please note if you have a student in Grade 4 or Grade 7 then be aware that information from HCOS will be coming out in the coming weeks about upcoming FSA's that will take place January 12 - February 20, 2015.

There is more information on the Ministry of Education website: https://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/assessment/fsa/

Second Term and Other Notables

Hard to believe, but today marks the beginning of second term at HCOS.

Congrats! You've all navigated your way through the world of online learning, and you've succeeded at completing your first term!  Well done!

I want to say a particularly huge THANK YOU for all the hard work you did to get portfolio's completed.  I thoroughly enjoyed home visits, sharing in the joy of your children's learning and spending time with your families.

I am quickly looking to finish up report cards and get information posted in Encom. Remember, if you have questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Moving into second term, let me encourage you to keep up the wonderful updates that you have been providing. They have been extremely helpful in not only understanding your child's learning, but also in helping with reporting required by the Ministry of Education.  

Reporting Tip!

Looking to strengthen your reporting and updates?

One way to do this is to focus on both the activity, but also the skill that is being developed.

Here is an example:

Susan completed page 21 of Math-U-See.

She can count 1-10

A stronger reporting statement: 

Susan completed page 21 of Math-U-See. Adding and subtracting double digit numbers.  

Completed 10 minutes of IXL Math.  Scored 94% on quiz on identifying numbers 1-10

Thanks again for all your hard work!

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ADVENT RESOURCE

Yesterday began the ADVENT SEASON.  It is a wonderful time of year to remember, to wait in anticipation, the seek the Kingdom of God.

If you're looking for meaningful ways to engage your children in the season of Advent here are some creative ways to do so. 

Check out this website. 

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HAITI

Thank you all for your prayers during my trip last week to Haiti.  It was fantastic!  I thank God for the safety he provided during my time there, and more importantly for the amazing opportunity to see rural Haitians thriving!

I'm sharing a few pictures with you of my visit to the community and some of the awesome people that I met along the way.

School built by Community
 Funds Provided by FH Canada

Local Boy  

Accessing produce
grown in the community.

Rural Farmer

Daily Lesson Plan for the Struggling Writer and Speller

http://www.diannecraft.org/language-arts-writing-program/#4

Is your son or daughter struggling with writing?  Do they enjoy reading, but when it comes to picking up a pencil they resist?

This website was recently recommended to me, and I thought it had some helpful tips

Are there other topics where you need some creative ideas? Post a comment below and I"ll be sure to include tips in future posts.


HCOS NEWS

Please note that I will be in Haiti, November 19-26th.  During this time, I will not have email access.  I will return your email or call as soon as I return.  

Portfolios

Thank you to all of those that graciously invited me into your homes, either in person or virtually, to celebrate the progress that has been made these past few months.  I've really enjoyed spending time with each of you, and learning more about your families.  It's amazing to see the creativity and diversity within HCOS.  It's been a great week. Thank you!

For those that are still working on compiling samples, thank you in advance for getting those to me as soon as possible.  

Learning Camps

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra: Once Upon An Orchestra

February 25, 2015

12:00 pm (Please arrive with time to be seated by 11:45 am)

Grade  K - 3 (all ages welcome)

For more information and to register: https://fluidsurveys.com/s/vso-once-upon-an-orchestra-feb-2015/  Deadline: January 6th.

Carousel Theatre's "Shakespearean Rhapsody"

March 27, 2015

10:00 am (running time is 60 minutes with no intermission)

Ages 3 to Grade 3+

For more information and to register: https://fluidsurveys.com/s/shakespearean-rhapsody-2014

Deadline February 15th

Time Change, Portfolios and More

Hopefully this is not how you're feeling after last weekend? 

Remember that if  you're feeling overwhelmed with the process of portfolio's..just call or email me. I'm happy to work on a solution that works for your family.

HCOS NEWS

A group of local young home schooled teenagers are taking part in what is called a MarketDay Learning Camp.  This is a 9 week, entry level entrepreneurship learning camp with a global twist.  They learn all about business and put what they learn into practice as they become entrepreneurs and create their own real MarketDay with shops and products.  Along the way they learn about the struggles of the entrepreneurial poor in the developing world.  ALL of their profits from the MarketDay Fair Event go to charities that support micro-lending, micro-enterprise and job creation programs in the developing world.  These, as the students come to learn, are some of the best, long-term solutions to eradicating poverty. 

MarketDay Fair Event - 

Saturday, November 22nd 

1 - 5pm

Maple Ridge Christian Reformed Church, 20245 Dewdney Trunk Road

Learning Commons has purchased some Lego Mindstorms kits (ages 12+), likewise through the help of PAC we also have some WEDO Robotics kits (ages 7-12) and Lego Simple Machines (K-gr. 3) all perfect for Learning Group activities!  I am sure you will be hearing more soon as to how to access if interested- stay tuned!!!

Family Liaison Within HCOS

My name is Teresa Stewart and I am the Family Liaison for Heritage Christian Online School.  Many people may wonder what a Family Liaison does and, as it is a relatively new position with Heritage and with DL schools in general, it’s no wonder! : )

To learn more about this position, please click here. 

The Absence of Fear

Isaiah 41:13

For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

Given the events of this past week in Ottawa it's a natural reaction to let fear begin to seep into our lives.  We listen to the news, we watch the images, we begin to wonder...we let fear begin to creep into a corner of our heart and minds.


Maybe it's not fear of what took place in Ottawa, but others fears?  Perhaps it's a fear of homeschooling, or "messing" our kids up, of not living up to some preconceived notion of how things are supposed to be.  I don't know what it is for you, but I think we're all prone to letting fear trickle in or like a flash flood swamp our minds.

I know no other solution than this: 

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

1 John 4:18

HCOS News!

HCOS invites you to join us for Geography Explorers

Camp description:
Come explore the geography of BC!  In this camp students will learn about landforms, their impact on the development of communities and learn mapping skills.  They will be able to participate in outdoor activities such as orienteering/compass work and exploring local landforms .  Students will take part in a field trip at the Langley Centennial Museum called "Footpaths to Freeways" where students will examine how Langley's geography impacted the development of transportation and economy.  The final day will be a wrap up party at an indoor rock climbing facility.

 

Dates: Mondays, Nov.3- Dec 8

Time: 1-3pm

Place: Living Waters Church (9095 Glover Road, Fort Langley)

Suitable for grades: K-5

Minimum # of participants needed: 12

Maximum # of participants: 25

Heritage Community cost: $70

General Community cost: $85

Bring: pencil box with basic supplies, a folder or binder for handouts.
Payment and registration deadline is October 30th.

To register: https://fluidsurveys.com/s/ft-langley-geography-explorers-2014/

 

It would be great to have you join us!  Should you have any further questions, please contact skraushar@onlineschool.ca

KNOW BC, http://knowbc.com/,  is once again up and running for HCOS students.  
Please continue to use hcos as the username and dream13 as the password.

Did you know that you could receive alerts on new LEARNING CAMPS released by HCOS?  
Go to: https://sites.google.com/site/hcoslearningcamps/announcement-e-alerts and sign up.

Remembrance Day: 
http://ww1.canada.com/battlefront/10-things-you-didnt-know-were-first-world-war-memorials

Small Things With Great Love

I was speaking to 200 kids last Friday at Brampton Christian School in Ontario.  

I started my talk with a great quote by Mother Teresa in which she says, "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love."

It reminded me of a great book I had read by Margot Starbuck.

Here is a description:  

We don’t have to add lots more overwhelming activity to what we’ve already got going. The regular stuff of our lives—the commute to work and the potlucks and home improvement projects and errands and play dates—are the exact places in which we express and experience God’s love for a world in need.”

With a list of resources, a study guide and a six-week “Adventure Challenge,” as well as plenty of stories and hilarity from Margot’s own life, Small Things with Great Love will open your eyes to the people around you and the huge impact you can have on them through small acts of love.

Sometimes in life we have trouble settling for the routine and have been convinced that if we're not involved in the extra-ordinary that we're somehow settling. I've been reminded once again that it's in the small things we can express the love of God.  

As you engage with your children this week, and are involved in the day to day rituals of every day life may you be reminded that it's in these places that we can experience God's love.

HCOS NEWS

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Our Little Earth

Our Little Earth Newsmagazine:  http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/u=1b8ea088f719a48115c7aabea&id=81353d2357&e=30037eff0d

Our Little Earth Quiz Questions:  http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/u=1b8ea088f719a48115c7aabea&id=61400d5783&e=30037eff0d

Our Little Earth Quiz Answers:  http://us4.campaign-archive2.com/u=1b8ea088f719a48115c7aabea&id=721515b437&e=30037eff0d

IXL Math
IXL is a comprehensive, curriculum-aligned math practice program offering unlimited problems in thousands of skills. One of the best things about IXL is that students can access it from school and from home!   

  

Please note this subscription comes at a cost of $15.

If you would like me to sign up your child please let me know!

LEARNING CAMPS

ABBOTSFORD

Camp description:
Join our very own Pippa Davies and come out to learn how to navigate the learning commons  - discover all the resources our learning commons has to offer, how to navigate the site and use L4U.  As well, enjoy hearing about the many online subscriptions HCOS has to offer and how they can support your students' learning.  Come with your questions!

https://fluidsurveys.com/s/parent-workshop-abbotsford-nov-2014/

FORT LANGLEY

Geography Explorers

https://fluidsurveys.com/s/ft-langley-geography-explorers-2014/

Camp description:
Come explore the geography of BC!  In this camp students will learn about landforms, their impact on the development of communities and learn mapping skills.  They will be able to participate in outdoor activities such as orienteering/compass work and exploring local landforms .  Students will take part in a field trip at the Langley Centennial Museum called "Footpaths to Freeways" where students will examine how Langley's geography impacted the development of transportation and economy.  The final day will be a wrap up party at an indoor rock climbing facility.

LANGLEY

Circus Camps

https://fluidsurveys.com/s/circus-lab-2015/

Camp description:
Students will be introduced to a wide variety of circus apparatus.  They will learn aerial silks, trampoline, trampoline wall, aerial hoop, trapeze, tumbling, juggling, and partner acrobatics.
Date: Wednesdays,  January 14-February 11

VANCOUVER:

Lots of learning camps taking place in Vancouver.

Check out: https://sites.google.com/site/hcoslearningcamps/home/lower-mainland

Straight from the Turkey's Mouth...Wait that's not Right!

Practicing Gratitude is something I wrestle with daily. It's  easier for me to complain. To be honest it comes to me naturally. I can jibber jabber about what's not going right, who is irritating me, why I dislike mornings, and on and on it goes.

But and that's a big BUT....

I've been challenging myself lately to first thing in the morning speak out loud one thing that I am grateful for in my life.  (Did I mention I dislike mornings; especially if I haven't had my morning coffee).  The simple act of doing this on a daily basis has re-shaped and re-framed the way that I start my day.  That's the power of words. They can actually change our perspective.

One thing that hasn't been hard for me to find gratitude for is meeting each one of your families. It has been an absolute joy to meet so many of you, and to learn more about your families. Thank you for opening your homes, introducing me to your families, and letting me part of your lives!

As you enjoy your holiday weekend, let's be reminded:

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17,

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families!

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News from HCOS

Reading Resources

Remember two great FREE resources HCOS can offer your families (K- 7)
Contact me. if you haven't already, and I can sign up your child for these programs.

• http://readingeggs.com/
• http://www.raz-kids.com/

Learning Commons Parent Workshop

Join our very own Pippa Davies and come out to learn how to navigate the learning commons  - discover all the resources our learning commons has to offer, how to navigate the site and use L4U.  As well, enjoy hearing about the many online subscriptions HCOS has to offer and how they can support your students' learning.  Come with your questions!
Registration deadline is November 12th. 
To register: https://fluidsurveys.com/s/parent-workshop-abbotsford-nov-2014/ 

LEARNING CAMPS

You Are Invited to Timberline Ranch on October 24th and April 10th

Time: 9:00am- 3:00pm   Please arrive at 9:00am with departure by 3:15pm

Place: Timberline Ranch 22351 144th Ave. Maple Ridge

To register and for more information: https://fluidsurveys.com/s/timberline-ranch-oct-april/

Gym & Skate Grades 1-9
Physical Literacy (30 Min)
For more information & Registration:
https://fluidsurveys.com/s/abbotsford-centre-ice-2014/

HCOS invites you to join us for Geography Explorers

Camp description:
Come explore the geography of BC!  In this camp students will learn about landforms, their impact on the development of communities and learn mapping skills.  They will be able to participate in outdoor activities such as orienteering/compass work and exploring local landforms .  Students will take part in a field trip at the Langley Centennial Museum called "Footpaths to Freeways" where students will examine how Langley's geography impacted the development of transportation and economy.  The final day will be a wrap up party at an indoor rock climbing facility.

 

Dates: Mondays, Nov.3- Dec 8

Time: 1-3pm

Place: Living Waters Church (9095 Glover Road, Fort Langley)

Payment and registration deadline is October 20th.

To register: https://fluidsurveys.com/s/ft-langley-geography-explorers-2014/

HCOS invites you to join us for the

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra's Greatest Hits
 

Camp description:
Come celebrate the classics with the VSO! This concert is full of symphonic chart-toppers and treasures of orchestral repertoire. With masterworks by composers including Mozart, Beethoven, and Rossini, learn why these pillars of orchestral repertoire have earned a permanent place in our orchestral hall of fame.
 

Date: November 20, 2014

Time: 12:00pm (please arrive with time to be seated by 11:45am)

Place: Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver

Please note that parking can be tricky to find so allow time for downtown traffic and parking.

Suitable for grades: 4-7 (but all ages welcome)

Payment and registration deadline is November 6th.

To register: https://fluidsurveys.com/s/vso-greatest-hits-nov-2014/ 

FOR MORE LEARNING CAMPS: 
https://sites.google.com/site/hcoslearningcamps/home/lower-mainland

BALANCE

bal·ance

ˈbaləns/

2. a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.

Are you feeling out of balance lately?  I started to think about my definition of balance, and how I often aspire or talk about wanting to have a "balanced" life. I'm pretty sure I don't even know what that means most days. (Maybe after finishing this last month, you're laughing, because you want to shout out that it's been a lot more about survival than anything else).

I saw this picture and it got me thinking.  I tend to think balanced means that everything is equal sized, that I'm apportioning equal energy to all areas of my life. But I noticed in the photo that despite the different sizes and shapes of each rock the structure remained balanced. That like the definition says above the elements are, "in the correct proportions" and they keep each other in check. 

What does this mean for our lives?

So maybe, like me, your life has looked a lot differently this last month and it might seem way out of balance.  Maybe the demands of getting your children set up for the school year (or in my case starting a new job with HCOS) have put other things a little off kilter.  My hope and prayer for you and your family is that as you navigate through this school year you will be able to find out together what balance looks like for your family and you will find a rhythm and routine that makes it all work.

Be encouraged as you start into October that you are all doing amazing work.  I've met with all of you, either through Skype, on the phone, or in person, and you have simply amazed me with your dedication to your children.  

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CURRICULUM FUNDING

Some great questions have arisen about the $1000 funding.

Here are a few reminders:

• Of the $1000 allotment, there is a maximum of $600 that can be spent on third party activities and resources.
• Learning camps and events provided by HCOS are not considered third party
• Third party providers must supply and invoice and a criminal record check to HCOS to receive payment. 
• If you are interested in using funds for the purchase of equipment please read the following: http://www.onlineschool.ca/computerlease2013.pdf
• For resources, please either use your Purchase Order number at an approved vendor (http://www.onlineschool.ca/vendors.php) or talk to me about payment through an HCOS credit card.  Purchases made by you personally cannot be reimbursed by HCOS.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

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HCOS is taking part in the the 60 Minute Kids Club!

All you have to do is commit to living healthy and active over the next 60 days. We’ll help you with challenges and tools to keep track of your progress and keep you motivated.   See attached for more information! Or go to http://60minkidsclub.org/ to sign up right away….

Once your kids are signed up- let your contact teacher know, he or she can use this as a PE/ DPA tracker.

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LEARNING COMMONS

For those of you who missed our Training session in Blackboard please share this recording with your families who missed.  

Paste the link below into the address bar of a Web browser. 

Collaborate Recording IconRecording Link:   
https://ca-sas.bbcollab.com/p.jnlp?psid=2014-10 01.1100.M.F3120074ED26590EF4F85AC163290D.vcr&sid=7345
  
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LEARNING CAMPS


SKATING LESSONS - PHYSICAL LITERACY- OR A COMBINATION OF BOTH 

It would be great to have you join us!  Should you have any further questions, please contact skraushar@onlineschool.ca. 

REGISTRATION LINK: https://fluidsurveys.com/s/abbotsford-centre-ice-2014/

MIDDLE SCHOOL MONDAY’S: HUMANITIES AND FRENCH LEARNING CAMP
More details & SIGN UP AT: https://fluidsurveys.com/s/middle-school-mondays-humanities-french-2014/

THE NUTCRACKER

Please register at:  https://fluidsurveys.com/s/nutcracker-dec-2014/

TIMBERLINE RANCH 
You Are Invited to Timberline Ranch on October 24th and April 10th
Two days of Horse Riding and Horsemanship skills that will build on each other.  The days will involve four  1-hour classes of a ground lesson, trail ride, horse care, and a riding lesson.
To register and for more information: https://fluidsurveys.com/s/timberline-ranch-oct-april/

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OTHER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

http://artstarts.com/aic
5 days of fun! Our days (4 hours) consist of theater games to warm up, vocal work ie: exercises, breathing, tone, harmonies and melodies, matching pitch and styles, choreography- lots of action there and, of course, script work. 

Workshop fee is $150 for the first child in the family and $125 for siblings thereafter.