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.