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.