Check Out Our Earth Day Activities and New Bulletin Boards at OSC!

Hello friends & families!

We hope you enjoyed the Easter long weekend via a little relaxation, a little family time, and a whole lot of chocolate! This week at Sr. OSC was just the kind of action-packed week the kids needed to burn off their post-Easter weekend sugar highs, starting with tree planting on Tuesday by the new bike path at Pendlebury and Railway. Our staff and participating Gilmore students planted a total of 6 trees, and learned first-hand about the whole tree planting process, including the importance of root placement and de-tangling in order for the young saplings to survive. The kids loved the experience, and even named their own trees, whether after their own initials, or with a name that harnesses a sense of community, such as, "The Giving Tree". A few memorable quotes from the day include, “I wish I could live forever to watch my tree grow”, “We found diamonds!” and, after some strenuous physical activity, “I feel like a man! ” One thing is for sure: The kids did lots of good that day - for themselves, for the community, and for the Earth!


Aside from the activeness and excitement of planting and getting their hands dirty, the kids also got to give their brains a boost by challenging their human anatomy knowledge, becoming fascinated by weird facts, and giggling at this week's "Classic Wednesday Joke” with Ryan and Sonny’s new “Body Facts True or False” and “Wow That’s Random” board. On top of that, they can also now show their appreciation for each other in a new way by dropping off personalized compliments into the drop box on Stuart’s updated “Compliment Board”! Feel free to take a peek at the new boards the next time you come in; test your own body knowledge, or drop a compliment or two off for some special kids… But, for now, enjoy this week’s classic joke: “Why is Peter Pan always flying? …Because he Neverlands!!”

Cheers,
Kylie



Comments

Here Comes the Sun!

Greetings friends and families!

The Spring weather is starting to make a turn for the better. The weather is finally good enough for us to take the kids out to the park. Most of the little ones have not been able to enjoy the sun’s rays for quite a while. This week we were able to play many of the classic playground games such as Grounders and Tag. We even played a big game of Camouflage at the park.

Lego Penguins
We have noticed some of the kids were starting to get tired of the same routine of only having the gym available for physical activity. The sunshine came just in time to keep everybody happy. On the other hand, be wary of the deceiving weather because the temperature is not quite high enough for shorts and T-shirts. It is at the awkward phase where it is hard to decide whether to use sunscreen or wear a jacket…


On the other hand, we had some interesting crafts indoors for the children who opted to stay inside. There are many unique Lego structures being built every day. We also gave the option to paint some pots and plant stringless green beans. Monica and Katie joined together to do their activity for the upcoming Earth Day. They provided small pots for them to paint on Thursday. On Friday, they had the opportunity to plant the seeds in their on personalized pots to bring home.
Monica and Katie's Earth Day Pots!

Hopefully the weather keeps the rain away and continues to bring us heat and sunshine. I hope everybody has a chance to enjoy the weather!

Best wishes,
Sonny


Comments

Spring Break Memories

Spring Break Memories

As kids pack their bags for the final stretch of school, we ask some of the kids to reflect on their favorite day of spring break:

Logan loved going to the pool.  As the temperature rises and summer approaches, pool days will be on everybody’s mind.

Adrian and Alden’s favorite day was multi-sport day, when we visited South-arm to participate and joined the other community centers in a fun and active day.

Alex’s fondest memories were made at Science World, where everyone learned something new and became a scientist for a day.

However, the most popular day was Magic Day.

Magician John Kaplan visited us and put on a show.  He awed the kids with a mind-bending magic show, and even taught us a few of his tricks.  We learned how to make pencils appear and disappear, how to tie knots with just one hand, and showed us some of history’s greatest magicians.   By the end of the day, everyone had a new trick up their sleeves.

Though spring break came to an end, the memories made were still fresh in their minds.  Now rested and reenergized, let’s buckle up and finish this year off strong.

Cheers,

Jason Lee

WRCC
Comments

Quick and Easy Dinner Straight from Monica's Cookbook!

Hey parents! 

Making and serving dinner can be tough after a long day at work so hopefully I've got something here to help you out. With today's trend in healthy eating, a lot of people are looking for something more on the leaner side. These "Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps" are a healthier alternative to regular tacos. Lettuce makes a great low-carb tortilla! And making your own taco seasoning is a healthier way to go compared store-bought taco seasoning! Top off your wraps with your favourite toppings like reduced fat cheese, light sour cream, tomatoes, or whatever you would like and...voila! Dinner is ready! 

Hope you all enjoy it as much as I did and happy cooking! 

Adapted from Skinnytaste 

Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps Servings: 4 

Ingredients: 

- 1.3 lbs 99% lean ground turkey - 1 tsp garlic powder - 1 tsp cumin - 1 tsp salt - 1 tsp chili powder - 1 tsp paprika - 1/2 tsp oregano - 1/2 small onion, minced - 2 tbsp bell pepper, minced - 3/4 cup water - 4 oz can tomato sauce - 8 large lettuce leaves from Iceberg lettuce 

Directions:
  1. Heat up skillet and brown turkey meat. When it is no longer pink, Add the dry spices and mix well.
  2. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, water and tomato sauce. Cover and simmer on low for approximately 20 minutes.
  3. Wash and dry lettuce. Lay meat at the center of lettuce and top with toppings of choice. 
Comments

Grade 2 Integration Has Begun!

Since the middle of February the Grade 2’s from Junior Out of School Care have been coming to Senior Out of School Care at Gilmore, and it has been a blast! Although the thought of being a small fish in a big pond can be intimidating, our Grade 2’s are getting to know the staff and learning our routines very quickly, which will make the full-time transition much smoother once September rolls around. It’s a new experience for our grade 2’s, and I asked them what they liked most about coming to Senior Out of School Care.

Here are some of the responses:

Rowan: The Park!!
Adam: Definitely the park.
Peton: I love getting to play and run around my own school. I run faster at Gilmore than at West Richmond!
Alden: I like to be around my brother. And hockey.  
Cole: I like having a rest from my sister!
Joanna: I love doing art it’s the best!

The Grade 2’s will get an extended chance to hang around the kids and staff at Senior Out of School Care, as they will be joining us for two weeks during Spring Break. 

Take care,

Ryan M
Comments
Logon