Check Out Our Earth Day Activities and New Bulletin Boards at OSC!
25-04-2014, 12:19 PM
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
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
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Here Comes the Sun!
13-04-2014, 10:04 AM
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
Spring Break Memories
03-04-2014, 11:30 AM
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
Quick and Easy Dinner Straight from Monica's Cookbook!
03-04-2014, 11:27 AM
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!
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:
- Heat up skillet and brown turkey meat. When it is no longer pink, Add the dry spices and mix well.
- Add chopped onion, bell pepper, water and tomato sauce. Cover and simmer on low for approximately 20 minutes.
- Wash and dry lettuce. Lay meat at the center of lettuce and top with toppings of choice.
Grade 2 Integration Has Begun!
20-03-2014, 08:06 AM
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