Portfolio Fun!

Yes, it's that time. Portfolio visits are happening!
(Goal is to have these submitted or completed by the end of this week or very early into next week)

 I hope you've found the checklist helpful  and a useful tool in understand what are good samples.  I still have to hear back from a few of you so please let me know your plans.

Here are a few other tips to help you feel prepared:

• Remember if you've sent scanned copies that has taken place between November 16th and now that meets the checklist requests... no need to resend. 
• Math - Photocopy the table of contents. Use a highlighter to indicate the chapters you've covered this term.  Compliment that with samples of your child's work.  
• Utilize videos and photos to demonstrate learning
• If we are meeting in person, considering having your son/daughter demonstrate their learning. I.e. playing the piano, explaining their research project, showing a new gymnastics or dance move, reading a sample of their writing or a book that they love. 
• Online submissions: Dropbox is a great way to upload many files, or create a folder in Google Drive and share it with me.
• Try to have a much fun as possible with it!  Remember it's about your child getting to "show off" their learning more than anything.   

As always, I hope that we can set up a time to either meet virtually or even better in person!  

Thanks in advance for the effort that you're putting into preparing these portfolios.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HCOS NEWS

HCOS invites you to join us at
A Rocha Environmental Centre

Join us at A Rocha Environmental Centre for a day of interactive learning.  Explore plants and animals to see how they survive in their habitats followed by a more indepth look at the Diversity of Life across three ecosystems and how organisms adapt to their environments. Please bring a healthy lunch and water bottle as there will be a lunch break  halfway through the day. This learning camp will run rain or shine, so please wear weather appropriate clothing. Look forward to seeing you there!

Payment and registration deadline is May 15th.

To register:  https://fluidsurveys.com/s/arocha-spring-2015

HCOS invites you to join us for
Fort Langley Drama
This course will inspire young people to freely express themselves through imaginative play, creative movement and the enactment of stories.  Using a series of play-building exercises, students will gain confidence as they explore God’s wonderful gift of imagination. 

Payment and registration deadline is March 27th.  To register:  https://fluidsurveys.com/s/fort-langley-drama-2015/

  

Find out about the role of art in the scientific method, especially when the creatures are sea "monsters". Join us for a presentation, followed by the 4D "Monsters" of the deep film. You will then have the rest of the day to explore the "Sea Monsters Revealed" exhibition featuring plastinated giant squid, mola mola, and other real "monsters" of the ocean. If you intend to stay and explore the aquarium after the presentation, you will want to bring a healthy snack or lunch and water bottle for each child.

**please note, this is not a drop off event, a parent must stay with their family or arrange for another parent to supervise their child(ren).

Payment and registration deadline is May 13th. Register here: https://fluidsurveys.com/s/vancouver-aquarium-june-2015/

Celebrating Lent

This upcoming Wednesday is Ash Wednesday and the start of the Lent season.


The season of Lent can be recognized in a variety of ways as we prepare for Easter.

If you are a family that is interested this year in walking through the 40 days of lent in a more reflective and meaningful way, I would like to suggest a few valuable resources.  I've come across some websites that are "kid friendly" and help with activities, resources and devotionals.

Here are a few of my favourites:

• http://godspace-msa.com/2014/02/19/resources-for-celebrating-lent-for-kids-2014/
• http://www.aholyexperience.com/2014/03/why-you-may-really-really-need-lent-this-year-and-a-free-family-lent-easter-devotional/
• http://cup-a.blogspot.ca/2012/02/anticipating-easter-lent-and-sweet.html
• http://rachelheldevans.com/blog/40-ideas-for-lent-2014

If you have a website that you would like to share with the rest of our group, please leave the link in the comment section below!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

RESOURCES

Struggling with Social Studies?  Check out this helpful website!

Learning Camp - 
Should you have any further questions, please contact hlee@onlineschool.ca
To Register: https://fluidsurveys.com/s/soaring-eagles-day-camp-2015/

Camp description:
April 8 - Animal habitat and adaptation
April 22 - Sharing the planet - nature's connections

Students will join two instructors in Delta Watershed park  to enjoy a full day of outdoor learning.  They will need to bring appropriate footwear, warm clothing, a back pack,  snack , water and lunch.  Students will engage in large group activities including co-operative games, group discussions, identification of animals and plants, hiking, and some small group activities.  Students are welcome to join for one or both of the camp dates. 

Vancouver Aquarium - School Program

CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE FOR GREAT PROGRAMS

30^th Annual ChildRun on Sunday, May 31, 2015 and we are inviting other HCOS families to join us this year.  

We all receive an HCOS ChildRun t-shirt, plus the opportunity to meet up for some EXERCISE! 

We participated as a single family last year and it was fantastic. Half of us ran, and the other half just cheered at the finish line. Then we all ate yummy samples and enjoyed the kids activities at the end.

Visit www.childrun.com to register, or contact me, Joanna Imoo, at joimoo@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Happy Family Day!

Isn't it great having this holiday in February?  I've loved having the day to spend with friends and just enjoy a break from the routine.  I trust that you're also having a good day as a family.


Here is a devotional thought from Henri Nouwen to start off our week:

Dressed in Gentleness

Once in a while we meet a gentle person. Gentleness is a virtue hard to find in a society that admires toughness and roughness. We are encouraged to get things done and to get them done fast, even when people get hurt in the process. Success, accomplishment, and productivity count. But the cost is high. There is no place for gentleness in such a milieu.

Gentle is the one who does "not break the crushed reed, or snuff the faltering wick" (Matthew 12:20). Gentle is the one who is attentive to the strengths and weaknesses of the other and enjoys being together more than accomplishing something. A gentle person treads lightly, listens carefully, looks tenderly, and touches with reverence. A gentle person knows that true growth requires nurture, not force. Let's dress ourselves with gentleness. In our tough and often unbending world our gentleness can be a vivid reminder of the presence of God among us.

  

--------------------------------------------
HCOS News

Students in grades 1-8 are invited to a Spring Break musical theatre camp to present the story of Jacob. Prior to the camp, each family will receive a practice CD for the songs and theatrical line learning. Each 5-hour day during the 5-day camp, students will be singing, acting, crafts, and taking time in devotions.
Payment and registration deadline is February 12th. 
To register: https://fluidsurveys.com/s/adonia-2015/

Should you have any further questions, please contact instructor Martina Ellis at me.swiss@gmail.com or Sara Kraushar skraushar@onlineschool.ca  

Bethel Worship Conference

All Heritage students should enter the word heritage at the discount code section of registration, and they will get $10 off the $40 one full day registration conference. This conference is wonderful for students waiting on the Lord for their future. If there is a group that would like to sit together, I would be more than happy to section off seating for them as well.

This is the conference video:

http://youtu.be/B5A6id99lmE

Here they can register:

http://dreamsconference.eventbrite.com/?aff=cls

Learning Commons

Here is the recording of Sigmund’s session on Rock and Roll Literacy. (Recording Link:   

https://ca-sas.bbcollab.com/p.jnlp?psid=2015-02-05.1109.M.FCDB76352E1B97F7B992AA821572C5.vcr&sid=7345)

This was a VERY inspiring session, and now that Sigmund is au fait with using Blackboard he will be back with us again in the spring before our writing contest gets going on the Ning.  We are looking forward to doing more workshops with him perhaps for next year.  Yay!!!  

Here is Natalie’s blog post on the session.

Art at Home

Fine Arts as a home school parent can sometimes seem daunting.

Based on your own personal experience you may find it intimidating or even restrictive.  "I can't draw. How could I ever teach my child?" or "Honestly, I'm so busy thinking of Science and Math lessons that I can hardly be creative enough to think about an art lesson."

I discovered a blog this week that I found to be fun and a great resource.  Have fun!

Check it out: http://artfulparent.com/2012/06/35-homemade-art-materials-kids-can-make.html

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HCOS NEWS

Dates to Remember:

January 12 -February 20 FSA testing for grade 4-7 students

January 30 -Feb. 1 Missions Fest -Vancouver  (Visit our booth.)

February 20-28: Term Two portfolios


Learn 360 - Learn360.  This subscription is free to all the families in HCOS.  If your family wants to sign up for a personal account in Learn360, please email Beth Johnson, bjohnson@onlineschool.ca.

WHAT IN THE WORLD? and THE CANADIAN READER:

The current issues of “What in the World?” and “The Canadian Reader” are now available.  To download your personal copy, please go to the Subscribers page on our website: http://www.lesplan.com/en/subscriber-issues

            December 2014

            What in the World?       Issue 4 – Level 1 password:  car7

                                                Issue 4 – Level 2 password:  water4

            The Canadian Reader   Issue 4  password:  bat 

            (The next issues will be available January 29^th and 30^th.)

HCOS invites you to join us for Mindstorms Robotics

Date: Feb. 13, 20, 27, 2015

Time: 9 am to 12 pm

Place: Connaught Heights Pentacostal Assembly (2201-8th Ave, New Westminster)

Suitable for grades: 6-12

To Register: https://fluidsurveys.com/s/new-westminster-robotics-2015/

Just wanted to let you know that our LegoMation Spring Camp, March 9^th to 13^th, is now open for registration. 

This is the first year that we will be offering both our Classic and Advanced camps during the Spring at thenewly renovated Port Moody Arts Centre.

For more information and registration, please see our site at: www.mediafinearts.com

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

http://www.spacecentre.ca/

Click to download pdf:	Elementary & Middle School Programs
	Secondary School Programs
Contact for more information:	bookings@spacecentre.ca 604.738.7827 Ext 241

Into a New Year: Happy 2015!

DATES to NOTE

January 12 -February 20 FSA testing for grade 4-7 students

January 30 -Feb. 1 Missions Fest -Vancouver  (Visit the HCOS Booth)

February 20-28: Term Two portfolios 

WORKSHOPS & OTHER LEARNING

Learning Commons: Here is the link to our January  Learning Commons Newsletter, with curriculum articles, upcoming events and a Overdrive webinar invite for this Thursday for your training interest, and to share with your families.  This webinar is related to technical issues downloading materials.

HCOS Blended Learning Commons would like to invite you to a Virtual subscriptions webinar with Jim Foss (Director of RightNowMedia.org).  This webinar will outline some of the Biblical content, as well as how to use effectively.  If you have not heard about this new subscription, please contact your teacher who can supply you with the link invite.  For more information on the subscription check out the page at our learning commons site.

Who: Staff/parents and students.

 When:  Wednesday 1pm –2pm PAC time.  Please log in 15 minutes early to check your sound.  

 Where:  Blackboard Classroom Link:

https://ca-sas.bbcollab.com/m.jnlp?sid=7345&password=M.33415C71FC6C861A285C0C17493B98

BC's Renewable & Non-Renewable Resources:

This class is an introduction to renewable and non-renewable resources in British Columbia, featuring activities that will help children understand how resources are harvested and processed, how resources are classified as living and non-living and how resources are effectively and responsibly used.  Students will have a better appreciation for God's creation as they analyze data, investigate environmental issues, and learn conservation techniques.

Date: February 18, 25, March 4, 11, 2015

Time: 1-2:30pm

Place: Teacher's home (18783 63 Avenue, Surrey)

Suitable for Grade 3-6

Registration link: https://fluidsurveys.com/s/surrey-bc-natural-resources-2015/

Folk Dancing:

Folk dancing has been part of Canadian cultural experience for generations.  It has been the prime activity at family weddings, weekend community hall gatherings and family celebrations through the years.  We will enjoy learning traditional country dances from many parts of Canada.  It will be great exercise, lots of fun and historically rich!

 

Date: February 18, 25, March 4, 11, 2015

Time: 2:30-3:30pm

Place: Teacher's home (18783 63 Avenue, Surrey)

Suitable for Kindergarten-Grade 7

Registration link: https://fluidsurveys.com/s/surrey-folk-dancing-2015/

Payment and registration deadline for both camps is February 10th.

Vive Les Voyageurs

Camp description:

Transport your students to a world where French-Canadian fur traders thrived in 1840s Fort Langley.  From the moment your students arrive, they will be caught up in the excitement of the 1840s French-Canadian culture that thrived at Fort Langley, and continues to thrive today in British Columbia.

Date: January 23, 2015

Time: 12:30-2:30pm (Please arrive at 12:20pm)

Place: Fort Langley (23433 Mavis Avenue, Fort Langley)

Suitable for all ages

Heritage Community student cost: $11

General Community student cost: $12

Preschoolers: $11

Adults: $11 (one per family)

**Please note that this is not a drop-off event, parents are required to stay with their children.

Payment and registration deadline is January 12th.  To register: https://fluidsurveys.com/s/vive-les-voyageurs-2015/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Devotional this week comes from HCOS Individualized Program Director, Bruce Hildebrandt.  Please enjoy!

We often look at society’s definition of success: fame, money, position, power, beauty, the completion of goals. It’s easy to be drawn into that mindset. In the eyes of the world, success is self-centered, it’s “me-centered”.  My personal finances, my personal beauty, my individual power, my personal fame and glory, my accomplishments. It’s all about “me”.

I've always appreciated this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson regarding success. I know that it’s not scripture and that it far from summarizes God’s picture of success for us, however, I like that it re-frames and refocuses us regarding things that are truly important.

Success:

To laugh often and much,

To win respect of intelligent people, and the affection of children.

To earn the appreciation of honest critics, and endure the betrayal of false friends.

To appreciate beauty;

To find the best in others. 

To leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition. 

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded.

God calls us to look at success in terms dramatically different from the world. "To love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and to love your neighbour as yourself.” “ To walk justly, and love mercy, and walk humbly with our God."  In God’s view, none of it is about personal glory. It’s all about relationship with God and others. 

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."

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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. 

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

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/