COVID 19 update

We have all been following the transmission of the Omicron variant. It is now confirmed that there is community transmission of the Omicron COVID-19 variant in the country. In addition, this has the potential to “rapidly escalate” in the days and weeks to come. This is now the dominant variant in Ontario and is increasing its presence in British Columbia.

Many people think that the Omicron variant causes only mild symptoms. We are informed that this is only a myth and that we should remain cautious. There is so much that still remains unknown!

As winter break is approaching, we would like to remind our community that the COVID-19 pandemic is not over. We encourage everyone to exercise social distancing and celebrate the holiday season with some thought given to gatherings. Please try to limit gatherings and if you have not had your COVID vaccination, we encourage you to do so. Let’s keep COVID-19 out!

Please also be wary about travel restrictions if travelling abroad. These are changing frequently as more information is known about this COVID-19 variant. 

Tobogganing at Mount Seymour

This week, everyone at Choice School enjoyed a day at Mount Seymour. After a bus ride to the mountain, students were given a safety talk by the mountain guides. Then, the fun began!

Students were climbing up to the tobogganing hill lining up to use their toboggans. Carpets were also provided for those students who did not bring their own toboggans. Everyone had so much fun with many students tobogganing in pairs on the same carpet!

Many students chose not to toboggan and entertained themselves (and us!) by making snow structures. The photo at the top of this newsletter shows our younger members making some type of architectural wonder - not sure exactly what it was supposed to be but they had so much fun collecting the snow blocks and assembling this. These students have the most amazing creativity. Some of the older students were playing in the snow - a couple even tried to sleep in the snow!

And all of these activities were taking place under the watchful eyes of our staff.

This was a great day - all the students had fun, they were very well behaved and listened to our instructions, and no major injuries reported!

Winter Art

Different seasons offer a variety of colours and themes for art lovers. For example, the fall season has leaves falling and the beautiful colours that it brings. In spring, the focus turns to spring colours and regeneration.

And winter has so many themes.

For December our Nature Art has a Winter theme which includes both the Red Cardinal and snowman sitting in the falling snow.

Students learned how to draw a snowman in ¾ view and a Red Cardinal. They applied textures with tempera paint and oil pastels.

Navigating relationships: Within your family & with your gifted/multi-exceptional child’s school

We are privileged to host Debbie Clelland to present a talk on "parenting gifted children". This will be held via zoom on February 2, 2022.

Debbie Clelland, PhD, Registered Clinical Counsellor, has been working in the field of counselling since 1998, a professor in counsellor education since 2006, and is a local expert on giftedness. She has done several research studies within the field of giftedness and is an international speaker. She volunteered with the Gifted Children’s Association of BC for over twelve years, including several years as President. She is the mother of two gifted sons (now adults), and the owner of Debbie Clelland Coaching & Consulting.

The journey of supporting a gifted/multi-exceptional child’s needs takes a lot of navigation. There are mysteries to solve including how to provide for social-emotional and educational needs of each child currently. How do you help your child figure out persevering and having “grit”? How do you deal with moments when frustrations run high?  How do you deal with educational needs outside of school, and develop good relationships with educational professionals that can make a big difference to parents/guardians and children? This presentation is designed to support parents and guardians in their roles at home and school, and plot a course to navigate these sometimes-turbulent waters. 

Da Vinci experience

Our students and staff were treated to a multi sensory 360º immersive experience at Tsawwassen Mills. This was the Da Vinci experience which had more than 10 replicas of his incredible machines as well as visual experiences in virtual reality of Leonardo Da Vinci’s greatest inventions.

After taking a bus ride to the mall, we were taken to the exhibit hall where we saw many of Da Vinci's paintings and inventions. There was also a huge timeline lit on the wall where we could follow his life and many of his accomplishments. Then, we entered into a hall where were surrounded 360 degrees by his work. There were optical illusions, sounds all around - it was an amazing experience.

If you have not had a chance to visit this exhibit, we strongly suggest you to do so during the winter break.

Photos with Santa

A winter holiday season is not complete without a visit from Santa Clause. We were so blessed that Santa could spare some time from his busy schedule so that our students could take photos with him. He did say that our students were so well behaved. He also mentioned that our students are so bright - that's why he had to wear shades!

The photos will be emailed to parents during the first week of winter break.