Monday, September 28, 2015

Parent Action Required!









Please note that your child's student learning plan is complete.  


This year, in order to meet audit requirements we need to have parents sign off that they have seen seen and approve of each child's Student Learning Plan.

So, how do you do this?
  1. Log in to Encom (contact tech@onlineschool.ca if you don't have username/password)
  2. Click the icon "SLP Parent/Guardian Sign Off"


    SLP Parent/ Guardian Sign Off
If you would like anything adjusted on the Student Learning Plan please let me know.

PROOF OF WORK – First 2 Weeks of October

Last the year the audit took literally thousands of hours of time between teachers and office staff, so we’re trying to streamline the process to prove to the government that our students should be funded.

Their requirement is that since they fund our students based on our enrollment on September 30th, they want to see that our students are all doing work immediately after that date.

So, starting on October 1st I will need at least two pictures of marked work that your students have done. This will need to be done by October 14th so we’ve got a couple of weeks.

My suggestion for doing this easily is:

  1. Mark one of their math pages or timed math fact drills in a different colour pen, put a total at the top (e.g. 17/20) with a comment (e.g. Good job!) and take a picture of it and send it to me.
  2.  Mark another work sample (e.g. spelling test, comprehension sheet, printing practice), again give it a mark and a comment, and send me a picture of it.
Please make sure that the work samples are marked & dated – students should write the date on their work, as it only counts if it is clearly in the first part of October, and you should give it a mark at the top.

Of course, you’re free to do other types of work, from essays to experiments to physical education.

These, however, will likely be harder to show a date and/or a mark for, so that’s why I’m suggesting something really objective and really basic.

The government is NOT concerned with the quality of the work, or what it’s covering. They just want to see that every student they are paying for is in fact “active” in doing schooling with HCOS.

Oh, and the week that you do this, consider your update DONE!

Resource Center - Persuasive Writing

Persuasive writing is a great skill to have your child develop as this style of writing will lay a good foundation to what in the future will become great essay writing skills.

What is it? Simply put. Persuasive writing is presenting your opinion on a certain topic, and then providing examples or reasons for your point of view.   

For younger students a lot of this can be done through a discussion based approach and then you can scribe their answers for them. 

Struggling for prompts. Check out http://www.writingprompts.net/persuasive/. 

For older student you can use this online persuasion map: CLICK HERE

Or consider the whole lesson plan that is found HERE.

Most children have an opinion about a topic they are interested in. Have fun discussing with your child, and then helping them explore their ideas and beliefs.  

Feel free to share with me what child creates. I would love to see examples!

A Moment of Reflection

This past weekend in the lower mainland was absolutely gorgeous.  Crsip, sunny, September days are probably some of my favourite of the year. It was a good reminder to get outdoors before the winter rains descend.

As I spent time outdoors making my way through the corn maze with friends, I was reminded of the Psalms that speak of the beauty of creation and that even creation does not deny the goodness of God.

Enjoy this upcoming week!

Psalm 96;11-12
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
    let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
12 Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
    let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.


Monday, September 21, 2015

Last Bit of September

A Moment of Reflection 

Image result for nothing can separate usBruce Hildebrandt - Director of Individualized Program

Romans 8:38-39 says, “I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from the love of God. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels won’t, and all the powers of hell itself cannot keep God’s love away. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow; or where we are — high above the sky, or in the deepest ocean — nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ when he died for us” (TLB).
This has been one of my favourite verses for a long time.  It tells me that God will never, ever, ever, ever stop loving me. I will always be loved. Nothing can destroy my relationship with God. As I grasp this fact, it changes my life, my thoughts, and my actions. 
Some days it seems like everyone and everything is coming at you from every side.  Demands, accusations, self-doubt.  Things can feel pretty lonely. However, we are not alone. 
When you put your hand in God’s, He grasps it, and He’s never letting go.  It doesn’t matter what the world tries to tell you, how many doubts or fears you have, or how bad you might mess up. If you put your trust in Christ, He says nothing — nothing! — will separate you from His love. No matter what you face in life, you will never face it alone. 
What a wonderful assurance!  


Let’s pray for each other to hold on to that assurance no matter what happens in our lives.

Resource Corner - Creative Writing

Writing can be a lot of fun!

(Saying that, depending on your child's interest in writing, it can feel more like pulling teeth than a joyful learning experience.)

Over the next few weeks, I'm going to give some tips and resources that will hopefully give you some ideas on writing. These posts will include information on a variety of writing styles, writing prompts, and even writing rubrics that can help you and your child evaluate and improve their writing skills.

This week, my writing resource is a focus on creative writing. 

Struggling for topics or ideas?  


Around HCOS

Learning Camps and the Learning Commons

Sign up for RSS feeds for Learning Camps and the Learning Commons. That way you will receive the relevant information as it is released. 

 L4U and Overdrive Webinar - Tuesday, September 22nd



Monday, September 14, 2015

Speaking Words of Love - from Henri Nouwen's Bread for the Journey


Often we remain silent when we need to speak.  Without words, it is hard to love well.  When we say to our parents, children, lovers, or friends:  "I love you very much" or "I care for you" or "I think of you often" or "You are my greatest gift," we choose to give life.

It is not always easy to express our love directly in words.  But whenever we do, we discover we have offered a blessing that will be long remembered.  When a son can say to his father,  "Dad, I love you," and when a mother can say to her daughter, "Child, I love you," a whole new blessed place can be opened up, a space where it is good to dwell.  Indeed, words have the power to create life.


Resource Idea

Health & Career -
Does your son or daughter have a goal they would like to meet over this coming year?  

My resource tip this week is to use one of the many worksheets found on this site. Click here.  

For students learning about the 5 W's in story writing, I thought this might be a particularly

interesting one for them to use. http://worksheetplace.com/mf/goali.pdf.

Remember for younger students that you could act as their scribe or they could cut out pictures to show some of their goals. 

Have fun exploring with you children some of their goals for this year whether they be academic, athletic, artistic or another! 

Around HCOS

Have you heard about the Learning Commons? Did you know as parents of HCOS you have access to a wide variety of resources, videos and may of them in e-version.

Here is a link to Learning Commons Essentials for “Newbies” - CLICK HERE

The learning commons is excited to bring you a series of Lunch n Learn webinars to share with your families.  CLICK HERE for more Information. 




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Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Exciting New Year

Summer Highlight

As many of you know, I had the opportunity to spend a few weeks this summer in Rwanda and Uganda.  It was a wonderful experience!

Above are pictures of two amazing Women of Action!  One is President of her local agricultural co-op and the other is a member of her sewing co-op.  

I'm always impressed when I meet powerful women who are using the gifts and opportunities that God has given them to further not only their own family well being, but also those within their own community.  

Each of you, a powerful Woman of Action, is being called by God this year to nurture and disciple your children through homeschooling. I want to let you know that I'll be praying for each of you, and your families.  

I hope you can share not only the challenges you are facing, but also the victories!  

AROUND HCOS

WOW - Week of Welcome is taking place within HCOS.  Please look for an email from Sara Kraushar announcing the locations of an event in your community.

Memory Challenge - Does your child love to learn memory verses? Check out this group within HCSO to learn more. If you decide to join, please let me know, as this activity could be included in your child's Bible outcomes.  CLICK HERE


RESOURCE IDEA

Thinking of how to keep track of your child's DPA?  Not sure what will work?  Need some resource ideas?

There is an app that the BC Govt has set up if you would like to use it: 

There is a weekly log on this page that might be helpful to use - just scroll down a little and you could print off those pages,

You could even use a calendar and just mark in the time each day with the name of the activity.  

Monday, April 27, 2015

CHECK HIGHLIGHTS

Good Evening Everyone!

I'm not sure what you're weekend entailed, but I had the honour of attending my first ever CHEK conference. I had such a fantastic weekend!  I returned home (a bit weary) but very inspired.

Since many of you were not able to make the weekend, I want to introduce you to the key note speakers Jenni & Jody.  These two wonderful women hail from Florida and have a combined 24 years of experience in homeschooling their kids.  The great thing about these ladies is that they make a lot of their resources, including podcasts, available online.  Jenniandjody.com is where you can check them out.


HCOS NEWS

Re-Enrolling
HCOS in encouraging all parents to let us know your plans for next year as soon as possible.  We know that some of you may still be deciding, but if you've come to a decision about next year's plan please let us know (even if that means you're not returning).

Here are instructions for re-enrolling your child:

  • Log in to your Encom account (http://encom.onlineschool.ca/)
  • If you do not know your log in information or need to reset your password, please email our office (office@onlineschool.ca)
  • Click the re-enrolling link 
  • Read through the options at the top and click “Re-enroll (student name)”?
  •  Follow instructions on screen to complete re-enrollment
Learning Camps
Don't forget that there are still many great learning camps happening from now until June!
https://sites.google.com/site/hcoslearningcamps/

                                                       HCOS invites you to join us at
Charis Camp
 
Camp description:
Day Camp from 9am-3pm, enabling students to develop physical skills on a climbing wall, in archery and on an obstacle course as well as team building activities to develop good sportsmanship and communication skills.  They will also be taught the safety rules associated with these activities.  Learning Outcomes for active living, movement skills and safety, fair play and leadership for various grades of PE will be partially covered as will communication and collaboration learning outcomes in language arts.   Cost includes lunch, snack and safety and skills teaching, as well as coffee for the adults.  https://fluidsurveys.com/s/charis-camp-2015/






HCOS Drama Production

Please consider supporting this great HCOS event.

Tickets available at House of James in Abbotsford or Eventbrite.

theatre.onlineschool.ca


Monday, April 13, 2015

News From Around HCOS

Food for Thought

I am actually borrowing the thought this week from Bruce Hildebrandt, Director at HCOS, as he importantly reminded me of how important it is to take a break from all the busyness.

It seems like everyone you talk to is BUSY BUSY BUSY. We are all busy with the demands of work, of family, of relationships, of church responsibilities. We run around like heads with our chickens cut off, driving kids to activities, getting groceries, trying to keep up with life.  Then along comes something like an audit, or a health issue, or …. and we crumble. And it seems like a little something dies inside of us as we wonder how we be able to deal with that on top of everything else.
            It never hurts in those times (or any time) to stop and quiet our hearts and minds and refocus. I love this song as it reminds me of the amazingness of God. God who is creator and sustainer, yet God who is completely aware of us and our situations. 
            It’s easy to “busy” God out of our lives. We have to intentionally pause to make room in our lives and our day for Him.

Here’s a 4 minute video to remind us of the indescribable God we serve.


HCOS NEWS


Looking for a great all around resource site?
Check out: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/



HCOS invites you to join us at the
Vancouver Aquarium for an Overnight Adventure!

After the Aquarium has closed its doors for the night, we invite you to join us for an exciting night of exploration. You’ll have the chance to explore the Aquarium through a variety of special activities and head into our behind-the-scenes marine lab, where you can touch local invertebrates including live sea stars, sea urchins, anemones and more. Bed down in front of one of the Aquarium's spectacular marine galleries, and receive a continental breakfast when you wake up. 

For more information: http://fluidsurveys.com/s/VancouverAquariumOvernight/



Step into My Shoes is a flexible, immersive experience and devotional for families and small groups. Each step helps families walk in the shoes of Ugandan family Pastor Tom, his wife Nancy and their children and then invites us to follow Jesus' footsteps—caring for children and for those in need. The experience invites us to choose one, practical way we as families can invest in children locally or globally, and to continue the journey by receiving a blog with prayer ideas and fun family ideas to live compassionately, together.

http://stepintomyshoes.ca/


Hello all poets and creative writers at HCS Learning Commons. Coming up in April we are having an HCS Commons  Writing and Poetry Contest!  We hope you enjoyed the recent writing workshop with Sigmund Brouwer to get you engaged in the JOY of writing!   

We would love to invite you to join in our poetry/creative writing competition and share your gifts. This can be a poem, part of a story (or a full short story, 1000 words or less) or even song lyrics that you have written yourself. You can share it written out, or in a video of you reciting or singing your piece.

It would be great to have you join us here on the  Ning for this exciting event!  Should you have any further questions or need an invite to the Ning, please contact pdavies@onlineschool.ca

IMMERSIVE TECHNOLOGIES
Just a quick 3  minute IMT video update for families with students entering grades 5 to 8. http://safeshare.tv/w/SspjDmtzIk

IMT added 3D interactive classroom/fieldtrips and DimensionU to our mix this year. The students are pumped and it’s not unusual to find them in class an hour before starting time. It’s hoped that next year will see further integration of Unity3D environments, including the opportunity for all teachers to use them for instructional/learning experiences. 

If you're wanting a broader view of the IMT program you can simply search for Gord Holden on YouTube. 


HCOS NOTEWORTHY DATES
April 24,25 CHEC

May 15 Final day for credit card spending
May 20, 22, 23    Pinocchio Musical: *Abbotsford*: 
mysonpinocchiojr.eventbrite.ca
June 12 HCOS Grad at Trinity Western University
June 26 Final report cards due

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Easter Week and Such...

This week, I'm including an article by well known blogger Jen Hatmaker.  

Maybe, just maybe, some of you can identify with some of the stress that Jen identifies in modern day parenting?  But also, I trust that you will find hope in what she says.

If you enjoyed the article or have a comment about this article, please feel free to leave a comment below. It might be fun to get a bit of discussion going from within our group.

Have a great rest of the week!  Happy Easter to your families!
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What Would My Mom Do? (Drink Tab and Lock Us Outside)
I’m about to tell you the truth: parenting has become very precious in our generation.


This very morning, a mom posted how on her son’s birthday, she assembles a comprehensive “time capsule” including items, photos, and products related to that particular year, stores it in a set of antique trunks, and plans to present them all to him on his 18th birthday as a tribute to his entire life.

Jen Hatmaker
Holy. Crap.

Cannot. Deal.

When I think about upping the joy in parenting and diminishing the stress, I propose that much of our anxiety stems from this notion that our kids’ childhood must be Utterly Magical; a beautifully documented fairytale in which they reside as center of the universe, their success is manufactured (or guaranteed), and we over-attend to every detail of their lives until we send them off to college after writing their entrance essays.

To read more of Jen's article...click here.
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HCOS NEWS

IMPORTANT DATES

*Please note that you can re-enrol your children for next year at HCOS.

There are over 550 children that have already registered to be part of HCOS next year!

March 30       Term 2 Report Cards Due
April 24/25    CHEC Conference in Kelowna
May 15           Last Day for Purchasing Curriuclum


LEARNING CAMPS

PRIMARY SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS


Bring your young scientists out to participate in a six week Primary Physical Science learning camp.  Topics covered include: sound, light, forces, magnetism,  materials and structures, and states of matter. (See attached outcomes and overviews).  The focus will be on "being a scientist" through hands on experimentation.  Students will be encouraged to use the Scientific Method as they investigate and record their findings.  As well, a handout of a few ideas/websites for them to do at home will be 
provided to help with extending their learning.



BIBLE


In the area of Bible there are three areas to encourage your children's learning:

  • Bible Doctrine (growing in their relationship and understanding of who God is and how much Jesus loves each one of them through engaging with the Bible and with stories)
  • Personal Devotions and Discipleship (communicating through prayer; engaging in a faith community either at home with family or in a community place)
  • Service (prayer, acts of kindness towards others)

So when you're celebrating your children's learning, remember it doesn't have to come just in the form of Bible memorization or reading scripture (although those are fantastic and definitely encouraged), but can also come from simple everyday things like acts of service they are doing around the home, or a time of prayer you share with them.

Still thinking of how to keep Bible engaging for your child?

Right now Media (a resource you can subscribe to through HCOS) has had some great videos out recently as well.

  • How to teach your kids the Gospel
  • Experience Easter Like Never Before


Upcoming Drama Details
  
Tarzan: The Stage Musical Based on the Disney Film!   Xtreme Theatre : Maple Ridge
Wednesday, May 13 at 7:00 p.m. (Cast 1)
Thursday, May 14 at 7:00 p.m. (Cast 2)
Friday, May 15 at 7:00 p.m. (Cast 1)
Saturday, May 16 at 2:00 p.m. (Matinee, Cast 1)
Saturday, May 16 at 7:00 p.m. (Cast 2)
This show is approximately 120 minutes with one intermission.
This is Xtreme Theatre's 16th year of performing musical theatre in our community. A number of our students are participating in this production.
Tickets: $16
Go to website for more information and ticket purchasing options: xtremetheatre.ca
Disney's My Son Pinocchio JR. Drama Production: AbbotsfordDirector: Allana Lemke
Wednesday, May 20 @ 7pm, *Special School Showing*  Thursday, May 21 @ 10:30am...Tickets are $5!  Friday, May 22 @ 7pm,  Saturday, May 23 @ 2pm & 7pm
Tickets are $13 in advance and $15 at the door.
Tickets may be purchased through Eventbrite  mysonpinocchiojr.eventbrite.ca
Matsqui Centennial Auditorium 
32315 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford