Greenwood Area Homeschoolers

February's Mom's Fellowship Evening

2012-02-14T10:50:00.000-04:00

Attention all homeschooling moms in the Annapolis Valley area - info on our January fellowship.

Who: All homeschooling moms. Invite your friends even if they are not a part of Greenwood Area Homeschoolers.

When: Tuesday Feb. 21st, 2012 at 7:pm

Where: Raquel VanderPloeg's Home 48 Morningside Drive North Alton

Please call Raquel 678-5271 for directions

Theme of the night: We have had MANY people come to mom's fellowship evenings this year, and many have expressed the same desire and concern over lack of connectedness, support and fellowship, so .... this evening will be a vision casting night. This is an ALL PLAY night; that means everybody please come and bring your suggestions, your volunteer spirit, your complaints, ideas on what has worked in the past, and what hasn't worked so well. Even if you have never attended before, come out and meet us. If you can't come we still value your input. Please send an email to me at janblackwell2@hotmail.com

Jan Blackwell

2012 Youth Entrepreneurs

2012-02-14T10:22:00.000-04:00

Hey Everyone!

The 2012 HEMS Home Education Conference and Fair is quickly approaching!

The date this year is

Friday, June 8^th from 4pm – 9:30pm and

Saturday June 9^th from 8am - 4pm.

Once again a youth entrepreneur event will take place. If you have a youth in your family that is interested in peddling their wares please consider renting a table. The cost is $10/ table, or $5/half.

You will be located with the main vendors in a large, busy hall - to showcase your talent. Past vendors worked on sewing projects, baking, BBQ-ing, and cute crafts. We even had a Princess-fairy outfitter! Lets' see what our youth can come up with this year.

Please respond to me, Shelly Sullivan by Friday, June 1st via email shelly.gfm@gmail.com to confirm attendance.

Payment can be made via cheque or cash to this address : 4A Wilbur Court, Dartmouth, B2W 2J5.

Cheques must be written out to Stephanie Jackson.

Application Form:

Name-

Parents Name-

Phone & email-

Nature of youth's 'wares'-

Full/half table -

Thank you,

look forwarding to hearing from you.

Shelly Sullivan

Update: Physics Day and New: Project WET

2012-02-09T08:54:00.000-04:00

Next week we will not be meeting at Acadia. They are having a conflict with booking a room with enough space for us in the middle of the school term. We will be doing our Physics day in April instead, and on February 15th @ 10am we will instead meet at Ocean Spirit Studio in Canning for a favorite share. Sort of like show and tell, each child can bring your favorite BOOK and we will read them together as a group.

Lastly, I am also involved with the Annapolis Valley Young Naturalist Club. On Saturday, February 25th at 10:30am a group called "Project WET" will be bringing their interactive water tanks to teach us all about conservation, water cycle and the role of water in our lives. Their website is here: http://www.projectwet.org/ This event will only be available to 20 children so if you are interested, please email me to confirm your spot.

Thanks and looking forward to seeing you soon,
Alisa Nguyen

582-3238

Science Fair

2012-02-09T08:48:00.000-04:00

The Science Fair is coming up quickly.

It is not too late to register.

We always have a great time!

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Event Date: Februray 18, 2012 - 10:am- 1:pm

Where: Bedford Institute of Oceanography.

All students are welcome to participate. Everyone is welcome to participate - regardless of your religious stand. We do ask, however, that you respect that we are a Christian group and refrain from submitting projects that are in opposition to creation science. That is not to say that a project on types of rocks would not be acceptable - just that a project about rocks that are 'billions' of years old would be contrary to what we believe. Thank you for working together with us to make this a positive event for all involved.

Here are some websites that you might find helpful:

http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/science_project_ideas.php
http://sciencefair.math.iit.edu/projects/
http://www.sciencefairadventure.com/
http://www.education.com/science-fair/
http://www.sciencebob.com/sciencefair/ideas.php

There are no age restrictions - we have had preschoolers participate too. Our son Matthew has always been the oldest but he has graduated...any teens out there???? We'd love to have you encourage the younger ones with your participation!

It is non-competitive and really focused on being an opportunity to showcase the children's efforts and give them a chance to discuss their projects with people outside of their everyday. It is very low key and we are always impressed with the creativity and amazing projects the students bring. If you have any specific questions, just let us know.

Projects should fit on half of a six foot table. Tables will be provided by HEMS.

Following the displays, please have a snack to share while students receive their certificates.

http://hems-ns.ca/%5Bfullhierarchytitlepath-raw%5D-35 to register.

In Him and for His sake,

Stephanie

Jeff & Stephanie Jackson
HEMS Facilitators

HEMS GeoChallenge

2012-02-09T08:45:00.000-04:00

Hey, Geo Challengers! HEMS has registered a team for the Grade 4 - 6 age category, as there seemed to be enough interest for this age range. Please take a look at the GeoChallenge website and peruse the sample quizes from years past, to give yourself an idea of what things to study up! A notice of when and where we can meet to practice and then do the challenge will be coming soon.

http://www.geochallenge.ca/geochallenge/archives1/default.asp

I am a bit late in registering our team, as I was totally unaware of the challenge until just recently, when the notice was sent out, nevertheless, there will be awards for the best HEMS competitor, at the very least.

So ready.... set... study!!

Merriam

for HEMS

SCIENCE FAIR

2012-01-26T08:32:00.000-04:00

Event Date:

February 18, 2012 - 10:00am - 1:00pm

Where: Bedford Institute of Oceanography.

All students are welcome to participate.

Projects should fit on half of a six foot table. Tables will be provided by HEMS.

Following the displays, please have a snack to share while students receive their certificates.

Visit the website to register!

http://hems-ns.ca/%5Bfullhierarchytitlepath-raw%5D-35

In Him and for His sake,

Stephanie

Jeff & Stephanie Jackson
HEMS Facilitators

hems@eastlink.ca
www.hems-ns.ca
http://under-his-wings-hems.blogspot.com/

Lest We Forget Workshops

2012-01-20T09:24:00.000-04:00

My name is Cindy Campbell from Halifax Public Libraries.

This year Halifax Public Libraries and Library and Archives Canada are offering free Lest We Forget Workshops in HRM.

Lest We Forget workshops, delivered by library staff, will provide community groups with a unique and enriched hands-on learning opportunity that will deepen their understanding of Canada’s role in World War I, and give them an intimate look at the lives and experiences of local soldiers and nursing sisters who served at that time.

This workshop is for youth, age 12 - 18 years, along with their parents, leaders or teachers.

Would your organization, please help us spread the word about this free workshop to your homeschoolers and homeschooling groups in HRM.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at 476-6490, or at teen@halifax.ca.

Thank you,
Sincerely,

Cindy

Cindy Campbell
Regional Teen Services
Library Assistant 7
Halifax Public Libraries
(902) 476-6490
www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca
Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/hfxpublib
Visit us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/hpl

Deanery Doins January Jam

2012-01-20T09:19:00.000-04:00

Hope you can make it out to this!

Acoustic Jam

Where: 37 Deanery lane, 3 KLM down the West Ship Harbour Road

When: Saturday Jan 28th at 6:30 PM

Who: Come one Come all. Bring an Insrument , your voice, or just your

appreciation of home grown talent.

Suggested donation $5 (help keep the heat on at the Deanery Project.)

Spread the word. Car pool please where you can.

See face book for more info.

kim

Astronomy

2012-01-20T09:12:00.000-04:00

ASTRONOMY

This Saturday night at 6:30PM

January 21st

Join the FREE Young Naturalist Club to explore the cosmos with Larry Bogan from the Minas Astronomy Group for "Enjoying the night sky and amateur astronomy". Meet at the KC Irving Environmental Science Centre and bring your binoculars and telescopes and discover what is in the night sky and where to look for it. Jupiter and Venus will be available, and if the skies are cloudy we will study star charts. Meet in the downstairs classroom of the main building. Please register for this event by email: nguyenalisa1@gmail.com

(The Young Naturalist Club offers fun FREE nature events for kids of all ages. We meet monthly in or around Wolfville to explore nature and learn about our world. You can join the club at any time of the year. Our website: http://nature1st.net/ync/?page_id=659)

Email me: nguyenalisa1@gmail.com if you have any questions or for more information about either of these events.

Thanks and see you soon!

Alisa

582-3238

"The most effective kind of education is that a child should play amongst lovely things." - Plato

Art Classes

2012-01-20T09:08:00.000-04:00

"I know that life is busy! Sometimes you just don't have the time or energy to put in quality art time with your kids. Basically, I'm here to help out with that.

I'd love to work with your children to give them quality art experiences! Get a group of your friends together and start up a new class or just slip into a class that's already started, make new friends and see what you think! I'm sure you'll find it to be a fun and rewarding experience.

Check out my website, colleenartclass.weebly.com by plugging it into the the internet browser. (It will not work if you try to google it.)

If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact me at cmgerrits@hotmail.com or #542-9883.

I look forward to hearing from you!"
Colleen Gerrits

Geography Challenge

2012-01-20T09:04:00.000-04:00

http://www.geochallenge.ca/geochallenge/register.asp

HEMS is planning to enter both the level 1 and level 2 categories. Any homeschooler who is interested in participating (whether they are part of HEMS or not) is welcome to join us. Please pass this opportunity on to your friends!

Is there someone who would be interested in coordinating for the teen group?

Location of meetings will depend on registration. (we could meet at the church or move from home to home)

HEMS will cover the cost of registering our two teams.

If you are interested in the elementary challenge, please register with Merriam merriam@hw7.ca

If you are interested in the Jr High challenge, please register with Stephanie hems@eastlink.ca

Public Speaking Competition

2012-01-20T09:01:00.000-04:00

Anyone want a chance to practice public speaking?

The Middleton and area LIONS Club will be holding its SpeakOut for anyone in Grades 9-12. The first competition (club level) will be held on Monday evening, February 27, in a very supportive atmosphere. All competitors and their parent(s) are treated to dinner before the competition. For details, email Brenda Nyenhuis @ nyenhuis@eastlink.ca .

Mom's Fellowship Evening

2012-01-14T08:44:00.000-04:00

Mom's Fellowship Evening!

Attention all homeschooling moms in the Annapolis Valley area - info on our January fellowship.

Who: All homeschooling moms. Invite your friends even if they are not a part of Greenwood Area Homeschoolers.

When: 17th of Jan, 2012, at 7 p.m.

Where: Catie Koutstaal's home at 63 Geiger Dr., Kingston. (only green house on the street)

Directions: Please call for directions 765-8636

Theme of the night: Pros and Cons of Homeschooling. I am sure we all homeschool for different reason, so bring your list of 'pros' to inspire the rest of us, and your list of 'cons' so we can honestly address our needs/issues together. Here's one to get you started --- the socialization issue, alias: "Aren't you worried your kids aren't going to get enough opportunity to socialize with other children?"

Looking for Loaned Materials!

2012-01-13T10:05:00.001-04:00

Regarding the last Moms meeting at Raquel’s house (Nov 2011):

To those who were at that meeting, I was not very organized that evening. I lent out some things, but I can’t remember to whom (and, of course, when you lend something out, all of a sudden you seem to need them):

*Physical Geograpy textbook and Study Guide (by Brenda Runkle)

*Two free resources from the government: one about 'Parliament'

one about 'Prime Ministers'

If I lent them to you, please email me so I know where they are, and then we can figure out when and how I might get them back.

Thanks so much.

Brenda Nyenhuis

nyenhuis@eastlink.ca

Community Play Group. Jan. Schedule

2012-01-13T09:56:00.000-04:00

Hello and Happy New Year!

I hope your holidays were fun filled and wondrous.

Community Play Group will be starting on our regular schedule starting this Wednesday. Our January schedule is below. If you have any ideas for field trips/outings that your kid(s) would enjoy then please let me know and I will do my best to schedule it. Our home base is always Ocean Spirit Studio (they are wonderful to us and thank you for accommodating us!!!) but we also have many outings throughout the community from Wolfville to Coldbrook (and beyond...)

Thank you for being a part of the group and I hope that you and your children enjoy learning through play every day.
Best wishes and looking forward to seeing you very soon.

Regards,
Alisa Nguyen
582-3238
JANUARY SCHEDULE:
Wednesday, January 4th - Ocean Spirit Studio - 10am - Kindermusic's Anne-Marie Gallante-Ward will be hosting a family fun morning starting at 10am. If you've ever had any questions about the Kindermusic program or to just come and have fun moving to the beat, this will be a great morning to start off our year.

Wednesday, January 11th - Kentville Soccer Dome - 10am - Get those winter wiggles out. The soccer dome is located across from the new KCA school on the outskirts of Kentville and is an unheated but clean and safe place to run. Indoor shoes and no snacks on the turf.

Wednesday, January 18th - Acadia Art Gallery - 10am - Meet at the gallery for a hands on fun art program put together by the Acadia art gallery staff. Smocks are generally recommended.

Wednesday, January 25th - KROCK - 10am - Tour a rock and roll radio station. Meet at their studios on Commercial Street just past the bowling alley in New Minas.

MARTOC SKI TRIP!

2012-01-05T10:55:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone well it's that time of year again, Snow and Ski!

I have booked a day at Martock

Date: Tuesday February 7th, 2012

(Cancellation date: Tuesday February 14th)

Time: 10am

Cost: $25 per person by check or cash made payable to Rosalie Hogeterp

Please note: The above pricing is for 8 years and older. Children under the age of 8 may still attend but regular pricing would apply. Please see Martoc link below for more information.

Confirm by: January 18th

Forms and Payment DEADLINE: January 31st

Depending on how many people are interested that is when I can let you know about the chaperons.

This will be fun! We had lots of fun last year and our boys are looking forward to going again.

All the forms are on the website http://www.martock.com

PLEASE confirm at rosehogeterp6@gmail.com (Rose Hogeterp) or if you have any further questions.

Hope to see you all then!!!
Rose

Greenwood Christmas Party Cancelled

2011-12-13T09:49:00.000-04:00

The annual 'Greenwood and Area' Christmas get-together will be cancelled this year in lieu of a "Not Back to School" event in January.

Unfortunately, we don't have a date set up as yet but keep an eye on the blog for further information after the Holidays!

Update: HEMS Christmas Pool Party

2011-12-13T09:43:00.000-04:00

We are at 16 for the pool party. Only four more families and the price drops from $20 to $15/family!

In Him and for His sake,

Stephanie

Jeff & Stephanie Jackson
HEMS Facilitators

HEMS Christmas Swimming Party

2011-12-05T17:06:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder...if you are planning on attending the HEMS Christmas Swimming Party http://www.facebook.com/events/103236979793126/

please rsvp either on the facebook events link or via email hems@eastlink.ca.

You can also find the information on our website

www.hems-ns.ca

Can't wait to see you there. Remember, the more who come, the less expensive it will be!

Homeschool Horizons-CANADIAN Magazine

2011-12-03T07:32:00.000-04:00

A digital version of Canada’s homeschool encouragement magazine (the November-December issue) just went live online, free for all to view, download, and share!

Packed with timely inspiration, Canadian writers (homeschool parents, just like you), and more, you really should check it out and see what Homeschool Horizons is all about!

You can find the FREE digital issue at http://www.homeschoolhorizons.ca/sample/

Nova Scotia Museums

2011-12-02T09:10:00.000-04:00

The December calendar of events have now been posted! Please check their website for events, dates and details.

YNC-Composting with 'Red Wigglers'

2011-12-02T09:07:00.001-04:00

Hello!

If you've ever had a computer perish, you know the frustration I've been suffering this week. Unfortunately, I lost all of my Young Naturalist Club folders and I no longer have a list of who has registered for this Saturday's Red Wiggler presentation. Please consider this my apology and hope that you can make it this weekend for a FREE wiggly and fun filled presentation. If you have already registered, please don't feel the need to again and if you are still interested in attending, the information is included below. Please just show up with your family and friends and enjoy learning about the nature around us!

Thank you,

Alisa Nguyen
582-3238

Young Naturalist's Motto: Young Naturalist's Observe and Conserve
http://nature1st.net/ync/?page_id=659

Saturday, December 3rd @ 10:30am
KC Irving Centre at Acadia University
Composting With Red Wigglers

Worm composting is a very effective way to compost fresh food waste while producing a valuable soil amendment. Come out and see how hundreds of red wigglers munch through kilograms of fresh food waste every week. Lean how to identify worm eggs, what to feed them and how make your own worm box to produce your own worm compost.

Paul Arnold from the Ivan Curry School of Engineering at Acadia is a Professional Engineer and consultant in waste management. His predominant interests are in compost systems and developing tests that measures compost quality.

Winter Soccer Gym Class

2011-11-29T09:38:00.000-04:00

Please consider this your heads up that we are again hoping to have a winter soccer gym class for homeschoolers aged 5-12 on Thursday's for one hour starting either at 12:30 or 1PM (I haven't confirmed with the stadium yet).

We are hoping to begin right away in the New Year on Thursday, January 5th and run for 8 weeks.

The cost for the 8 weeks is $45 per child, payable in full on the first week.

If you would like your child(ren) to be a part of our winter soccer session please email back.

Merry Christmas and see you in the New Year.
~ Paula James (hurdles@ns.sympatico.ca)

HEMS Christmas Party

2011-11-25T18:43:00.000-04:00

HEMS

Christmas Party

at The Dartmouth Sportsplex

Date: December 16, 2011

Arrive: 10 am

Swim: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

The whole small pool will be available and we'll have Pirate's Cove (for swimmers over 4 ft.) for the first 45 minutes and the rope, blue slide and diving board for the second 45 minutes!

Cost:

$20/family if we have 15+ families

$15/family if we have 20+ families

$12/family if we have 25+ families

$10/family if we have 30+ families

(Note: it is $20/family of 6 during an open swim with long lines

For our party, it is a private rental.

Please register early so we can get the prices down.

Anyone interested in meeting in the upstairs lobby after the swim is welcome to

join us for some potluck Christmas snacks.

Send me an email hems@eastlink.ca to register.

I will collect the money at swimming lessons on the second.

If you will not be at swimming, we can make other arrangements.

History Fair

2011-11-24T10:26:00.000-04:00

This just came to my attention:

History Fair

Event Date:

November 26, 2011 - 9:30am - 2:00pm

HEMS History Fair 2011

Location: Fall River Fellowship Baptist Church

All students are welcome to participate.

Projects should fit on half of a six foot table.

Tables will be provided by HEMS.

Following the displays, Stephen Michels will deliver one of his fabulous History workshops. You don't want to miss this!

To register, please read the history fair form and email the required info to us. Please pay via Paypal if possible; also include your student's name, grade level and email address in your Paypal message.

Young Naturalist Club (YNC) Annapolis Valley

2011-11-24T09:52:00.000-04:00

Hello!

The Young Naturalist Club (YNC) Annapolis Valley chapter is meeting this

Saturday, November 26th at 10:30am in the

KC Irving Environmental Science Centre Classroom.

Learn all about the amazing TIDES of the Bay of Fundy - a presentation by Dr. Roy Bishop. What causes the tides? Why there are two tidal bulges on Earth? Why are Fundy tides so large, and why are some Fundy tides especially large? Plus discover tides that occur beyond Earth, including on a moon of Jupiter and in distant galaxies.
The presentation runs for approximately 45 minutes and then we will go for an informal walk on the Wolfville dykeland afterwards (weather dependant) The club is for all ages and everyone is welcome. Please call or email me at nguyenalisa1@gmail.com to pre-register and confirm your spot.
The next YNCAV meeting is the following Saturday, December 3rd, 10:30am in the KC Irving Environmental Science Centre Classroom and we will explore WORMS!

Learn about composting with red wigglers, a very effective way to compost fresh food waste while producing a valuable soil amendment. Come out and see how hundreds of red wigglers much through kilograms of fresh food waste every week. Learn how to identify worm eggs, what to feed them and how to make your own worm box to produce your own worm compost. This presentation is with Paul Arnold from the Ivan Curry School of Engineering at Acadia. and consultant in waste management. His predominant interests are in compost systems and developing tests that measure compost quality. Please call or email me at nguyenalisa1@gmail.com to pre-register and confirm your spot.

Our final event this year is the Winter Solstice Family Frolic. Everyone is invited to welcome the winter season and continue the 5000-year tradition of celebrating the return of the Sun after the longest night of the year. We will meet around a roaring bonfire at Noggin’s Corner Farm and set off for a hike through the centuries-old pine and hemlock forest. We will pass an 18th century Acadian cellar, Poor House graveyard and a huge bald eagle nest. We will look for tracks and signs of wildlife, call for owls in the deep woods, and view the stars from the dykes (weather permitting). We will make our way back to the bonfire for hot apple cider and share a toast to a winter season full of light and good cheer to all. Charlane Bishop (542-2217) and Harold Forsyth (542-5983) will be the leaders. Meet at Noggin’s Corner Farm in Greenwich at 6:30 p.m.

Please visit our website at http://nature1st.net/ync/?page_id=659 and we are also on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Annapolis-Valley-Young-Naturalist-Club/250168061690133.

Also, feel free to forward this info to anyone else who might be interested in Tides, worms or outdoor fun.

Thank you and hope to see you soon at one of our upcoming events!
Sincerely,

Alisa Nguyen

582-3238

- The most effective kind of education is that a child should play amongst lovely things." - Plato

Ceilidh

2011-11-24T09:49:00.001-04:00

Hello there!

Just a little note to say that our next ceilidh is taking place a week on
Saturday - the 26th November at 7:pm!
The venue will once again be the Wolfville Curling Club at
22 Elm Avenue.

We have quite a few special guests coming to this ceilidh. As the date is so close to St. Andrew's Day, St Andrew being the patron saint of Scotland, we will be honoured to have champion piper Scott Henderson and his daughter Maleigh give us a Highland dance demo.

As ever, the Tir na nOg Irish dancers will show us some of their wonderful steps also and our guest musician will be irish piper and whistle player Glenn Coolen of Dartmouth. Glenn is a well known and renowned musician of great calibre and just recently finished producing Halifax's "Re-jigged Festival". Glenn will be joined by Andy on guitar and bouzouki, and Niamh will as ever keep you all on your toes calling the dances.

Tickets are available in advance from the Box of Delights Bookshop on Main Street in Wolfville for $10. Kids aged 5 and under are FREE and there will be tickets for sale on the door for $12.
I would also mention that we do honour a family discount even though it isn't 'advertised'. After four members of a family there is a discount - pending numbers in family. I come from a family of 7 kids and totally understand. We are also willing to do a home school discount. I'm not 100% sure of what that would be maybe $2 off per ticket.
Seeing as we are at the Curling Club, there will be a cash bar available and we hope to have a door prize or two to give away as usual.

Some if you feel like dancing (and listening a little too) make a note to be at the 2nd St. Andrew's Day Ceilidh on NOVEMBER 26th!!!!

Hope to see you there!

Andy and Niamh

http://www.facebook.com/groups/146441458752142/
The group is called Valley Ceilidhs

Reminder!

2011-11-22T09:20:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder that the "Mom's Fellowship Evening" is TONIGHT-Tuesday November 22nd @7:pm! Please see below for all information. If you need directions or have any questions, please call Raquel VanderPloeg at 678-5271

New Minas Fire Station Tour

2011-11-07T09:23:00.000-04:00

Firestation in NM this Wednesday, November 9th @ 10am

Reminder that this Wednesday we are meeting at the New Minas Firestation to tour their facility. They have a large number of trucks there and they are very accomodating to us visiting. They will let the kids onto the trucks and are going to have lots of great information about what each truck does and why and how.

See you there at 10:am. Call/email me if you have any questions.

Thanks!
Alisa

582-3238

IWK Career Day

2011-11-07T09:14:00.000-04:00

The IWK Health Centre is planning its third Career Day, an event designed to inform students about the wide variety of careers available in health care.

At our previous events, we had representatives from over two dozen
hospital departments. The staff had displays set up telling about their
work, and were available to answer questions from the students about their work and the educational requirements needed for these different careers.

We send invitations and posters to the guidance offices of all the local
junior high and high schools, as well as the student advisors of all the
local universities, community colleges and career colleges, but we realized that at our previous events, we had missed the portion of the population that are home-schooled. I have attached our invitation letter and information poster for our next event, scheduled for

Wednesday, Dec. 7th, 2011, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Could you please circulate this information to your members, so that any of their interested students will know about this event.

Further information is also available on the IWK’s website –
www.iwk.nshealth.ca.

Thank you very much.

2011-10-28T23:12:00.002-03:00

Service Opportunity in Greenwood
There is a wonderful chance to serve as a family that is just opening up in Greenwood. A soup kitchen has opened in the New Beginnings Worship Center, 1151 Bridge St. beside Dairy Queen, running from 11:30 to 2pm on Wednesday afternoons. To be clear, it is not run by New Beginnings, but by a wonderful woman named Jackie Benoit. Her heart is for all the hurting, hungry and lonely people of the Valley and has a desire to see them fed and connected with others, and with the help they need.

Families interested in serving are more than welcome. Please call Jan Blackwell to schedule a day to volunteer. Right now there are few patrons, and many volunteers showing up could overwhelm them! I will meet you there and introduce you to Jackie - then she will inspire you with true tales of changed lives and give you a vision for service to the lost and hurting.

There are many service options here: delivering food to tables, set up, clean up, conversing with the patrons, sharing the love of Christ without being overwhelming, blessing the effort financially, donating napkins or bread, soup or baking. However, one of the best things to do right now is to bring a friend who needs connection - a senior couple, or a single mom struggling to make ends meet, or an addict who needs a warm meal - for a very comfortable lunch with some really great women.
Contact info: Jan Blackwell, 242-2949, janblackwell2@hotmail.com, or facebook me!

Mom's Fellowship Evening!

2011-10-28T23:06:00.001-03:00

Attention all homeschool moms in the Annapolis Valley. We had a great moms meeting in October with lots of laughter, and some sobering moments that encouraged us to recheck our motivation. You ladies are awesome! Mark your calendars now for November ...

Who: All homeschooling moms. Invite your friends even if they are not a part of Greenwood Area Homeschoolers. This will be a good one for friends who are debating whether or not to begin homeschooling, or who have put their kids in school because they felt overwhelmed and not confident in their choices.

When: 22nd of Nov. 2011, at 7 p.m.

Where: Raquel VanderPloeg's home at 48 Morningside Drive North Alton

Directions: Please Call for Directions 678-5271

Theme of the night: It is so hard to narrow our night to just one theme, but since we always seem to end up chatting about this anyways, please think of your favourite curriculum, aids, supplemental materials, manipulatives of all time. We'll group them by stage, so feel free to bring one for each of these levels: Preschool/ECE, Primary/Kindergarten and grade 1, grades 2-5, junior high, high school.

What to bring: Your school dayplanner; any of those favourites you have to display.

Contact: Jan Blackwell at 242-2949 or janblackwell2@hotmail.com if you have questions. Contact Raquel VanderPloeg at 678-5271 if you get lost!!!

HEMS

2011-10-19T21:16:00.001-03:00

Hi Everyone,

We're getting ready to start putting together the spring conference and I have a question for you about vendors.

The vendor hall is pretty close to full and we have had a great turnout from our youth entrepreneurs.

Last week, Abeka contacted me expressing an interest in coming back. How important is Abeka to you? Are you satisfied being able to order with free shipping online in the spring (sometime between March and May I think) or would you really like to see them come back?

Could you rate for me the value you place on each vendor from 1 - 10 (1 Being MOST IMPORTANT with 10 Being LEAST IMPORTANT). Please take a moment to copy and paste this into the body of an email (address below). Your voice matters.

Abeka

ACE

Christian Light Education

Gospel for Asia

Homeschool and More

Homeschool Legal Defense Association

Ian Juby Creation Museum

Joyful Sounds Music Studio

Math U See

Nova Scotia Home Education Association

Rod & Staff & More

Second Hand Sale

Teaching Textbooks

Tree of Life School and Book Service

Post-secondary representatives

Usborne Books

Youth Entrepreneurs

Please forward this to your groups and friends. If we've left someone off the list, please feel free to add a note. We're looking forward to hearing from you!

In Him and for His sake,

Stephanie

Jeff & Stephanie Jackson
HEMS Facilitators

hems@eastlink.ca
www.hems-ns.ca
http://under-his-wings-hems.blogspot.com/

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

Deuteronomy 6:5-7

2011-10-19T20:31:00.003-03:00

Click on Post

2011-10-10T23:49:00.003-03:00

Mom's Fellowship Evening

Calling all homeschool moms in the Annapolis Valley. School has just started and we are all fresh and still excited about the vision of homeschooling our kids. However, as the year progresses, or as we hit bumps in the road, or as our children grow up, we occasionally start to wonder, "WHY are we DOING this?" Come and join us for an evening of fellowship and encouragement as we hear the reasons why others homeschool, and glean wisdom from trials that others have already surmounted in their homeschooling careers. And, of course, connect with moms you know and others you haven't met yet.

Who: All homeschooling moms. Invite your friends even if they are not a part of Greenwood Area Homeschoolers.

When: 24th of Oct. 2011, at 7 p.m.

Where: Jan Blackwell's home at 361 Meadowvale Rd., Kingston NS

Directions: From Greenwood: Head west on Central Ave/NS-201 W, crossing over a bridge. Turn left onto Tremont Mountain Rd. (If you go by Avery's you have gone too far.) Drive 1.8 km until you see Meadowvale Rd. on your right immediately after a series of curves. Turn right. Drive 2.1 km and the house is on your right. #361.

What to bring: Your school dayplanner

Theme of the night: Why do we do this?????

Contact: Jan Blackwell at 242-2949 or janblackwell2@hotmail.com if you have questions

Cape Split CANCELLED

2011-10-05T09:03:00.000-03:00

Unfortunately, the Cape Split hike has been cancelled due to extreme rainy conditions.

Cape Split

2011-10-01T12:38:00.000-03:00

Cape Split Hike for Homeschoolers: Thursday, October 6th

Come join us for a hike out to the end of Nova Scotia's famous Cape Split. We will meet at the trailhead at 11:45 and begin the hike at noon. In the event of inclement weather, we will reschedule. Check the blog or call before heading out.

Directions:
Following Highway 101 take Exit 11 to the 358 North and drive to Scott's Bay. It is fairly well marked. Then follow the Cape Split signs to the parking lot and the trailhead. For those with GPS the waypoints are 0382909E 5021093N.

Description:Cape Split can be a long walk for the un-experienced hiker, but it is well worth the trip. We will be taking the in-land trail which is fairly easy going and is well suited for most hikers. This trail is roughly 16 km long, so we will give ourselves 5 hours to hike out, enjoy the view, and then hike back. There are some washed out or muddy sections, inclines and declines, but overall it is a fairly good trail. Low tide will be at 3 pm that day.

Distance: 16km return
Time: 4-5 hours
Type: Day Hiking
Surface: natural, old woods road
Rating: Inland Trail: Moderate

Please consider: Bring water and trail snacks. Wear supportive shoes that can get muddy. No washroom facilities exist on the trail, so you may want to bring emergency toilet paper! As the trail is 16 km, young children may find it too difficult. Not stroller accessible. There are sheer drop offs, so we ask that you instruct your children in advance that they must be within eyesight of you at all times.

Questions: Please contact Jan Blackwell at 242-2949, or email janblackwell2@hotmail.com

Neptune Theatre - RSVP by Sept 30!

2011-09-21T16:15:00.000-03:00

This Holiday Season

NEPTUNE THEATRE PRESENTS...

Many strange legends are told of these jungles of India, but none so strange as the story of Mowgli. Panthers pouncing, monkeys singing and bears dancing! This holiday season take your family on a musical journey to the heart of the Indian jungle with one of literature’s most enduring coming-of-age stories, The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling. Follow the tale of Mowgli, the man-cub raised by a pack of wolves, as he learns the value of friendship and the importance of loyalty. With the help of his animal friends he faces up to his deepest fears and triumphs over the sinister tiger Shere Kahn who threatens the ways of the jungle.

Based on the novel by Rudyard Kipling
With Music and Lyrics by Eric Hughes

ALL Home Schoolers…

Can you believe it’s been two years since a “Christmas Carol” and “Peter Pan”?!!!

Well folks…We’re doing it again with “The Jungle Book”!

This show is sure to be a delight and tickets are going FAST! I was lucky enough to secure a block of tickets for homeschoolers. I only have a limited amount this time so if you and your family would like to attend, please contact me as soon as possible! It will be on first-come first-serve basis.

Information is as follows…

SHOW DATE:

Wednesday November 30^th 2011

SHOW TIME:

11:am

(please be there by 10:30AM)

Deadline for ‘REQUESTED TICKETS’ RSVP BY:

Friday September 30^th

^to

vanderploegr@eastlink.ca

Deadline for payment will be announced the first week in October.

Cost is $20/person-adults and children. This includes all taxes and fees!

The Theatre's policy is no "babes in arms". Children must occupy their own seats. Suggested age is 5 and up. More geared towards school aged children.

The shows are approximately 2-2 1/2 hours in length with a short intermission so children should be able to sit quietly for this length of time.

Tickets are NON-REFUNDABLE! If the theatre cancels a show due to weather or you cannot make the scheduled 'Group' show, they will offer another ticket for the SAME show at a different, available time.

Food and Drinks are NOT permitted. There are of course concession booths.

The theatre IS wheelchair accessible. Please let me know when requesting tickets.

Theatre IS Hearing Impaired friendly. Please let me know when requesting tickets.

NO money will be collected now. I will post an update in early October. Payments will be made to (me) Raquel VanderPloeg by ‘e-mail money transfer, cash or check’.

We are looking forward to being with our home schooling friends for this great show! ~Raquel

Music for Young Children - Kingston

2011-09-20T21:27:00.000-03:00

Music classes beginning this fall for preschoolers on Saturday mornings at 9:30 in Kingston.
Also, small group piano classes for beginners ages 4-7. Parents participate.
For more information please contact Janet Richter at 765-8909 or richters@eastlink.ca
To learn more about Music for Young Children or for more detailed information about cost, schedule etc. please see my website at www.myc.com/teacher/jrichter

Young Naturalist Club - Valley Chapter

2011-09-20T21:22:00.000-03:00

Finally, there is a new Young Naturalist Club starting here in the Valley. This is the website: http://nature1st.net/ync/ We are a chapter of the main club in Halifax, and thus have access to all of their contacts, guest speakers and experience, but this time the club is here in the Valley!

It is FREE for ALL AGES and EVERYONE is welcome. We will be guided by experts and learning about: bugs, geology, astronomy, owls, salt marshes and much much more.

Our first two events were September 10 and 11, and the topic was Shorebirds. Normally the events aren't on the same weekend, but this month is an exception.

PLEASE check us out and stay tuned for upcoming events! It will be fun and educational and I think that we, the parents, may just learn something interesting too.

Email me directly if you have any questions, and please share this information with anyone you think might be interested in it.

Thanks and hope to see you there!
Alisa nguyenalisa1@gmail.com

We're on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=158680280879957#!/pages/Annapolis-Valley-Young-Naturalist-Club/250168061690133

Homeschoolers Meet on Fridays (New Minas)

2011-09-20T21:14:00.001-03:00

Welcome back Fall!
You are invited to come out on Fridays to the MOMS (Moms On a Mission) group for the Fall 2011! Our first meeting was on September 9.
We will be meeting from 9:30 - 11:30am at New Minas Baptist Church.
Free Childcare: Nursery, Preschoolers and Homeschoolers class (gym time, games, crafts) all with wonderful teachers!
All children should bring a waterbottle and a snack.
(Adults need not bring any food; the MOMS group Leadership team will be providing the snacks for the moms.)
Everyone is invited; bring your friends!
Email me with questions or concerns
Bonnie Jones
tylerbonnie3boys@yahoo.com
582-7532

Anyone with Jan's tomato plants?

2011-09-20T21:09:00.000-03:00

If anyone took home tomato plants from the homeschool track and field day in Middleton, and you have "weird" tomato varieties, could you contact me. I would love to get just one tomato from each variety to save for seed. I will even trade you for another heirloom variety if you are interested in saving your own seed for next year. Thanks! Jan Blackwell, janblackwell2@hotmail.com or fb me!

Homeschoolers Planning Meeting – Greenwood

2011-09-13T19:03:00.000-03:00

Interested parents are invited to come out to the food court at Greenwood Mall at 7:00pm on Thursday, September 29th. Bring along ideas of field trips or other enrichments activities you’d like to see happen for your children this year. The blog needs a new administrator as well, so it would be nice to have someone offer to take that on. See you there! All are welcome. If you can’t make the meeting, please contact Catie with any ideas you’d like brought up.
Catie Koutstaal (jkckca@yahoo.ca or 765-8636)

Want to learn more about Creation Science?

2011-09-13T19:00:00.000-03:00

This may be of interest to some in the homeschooling community...

You are invited to an evening of learning more about Creation Science with speaker Richard Fangrad of Creation Ministries International. His web site states that, "As a speaker, he is known for his easy-to-understand scientific presentations. He was driven to get involved with creation ministry primarily because of the influence that creation materials and resources had on his own faith and his walk with Christ."
Location: Aylesford Baptist Church, 2543 Hwy 1, Aylesford, NS.
Date: September 28
Time: 7 pm
Questions: Contact Pastor Lowe at (902) 847-9545 (Church) or(902) 847-3430 (Parsonage) or Jan Blackwell at 242-2949.

2011-08-21T21:42:00.001-03:00

Hi,

I`m a new/future homeschooler (my daughter is 4 1/2 and my son is 2 1/2) and we have been doing a play group in Canning for the past year at Ocean Spirit Studios. My goal is to create a fun environment for my kids to play, where they can also play with other homeschooling kids their ages. Mostly though, it has been preschoolers who come and play, and some of them are going to school this fall.

Therefore, I would like to invite you to join us! We meet every Wednesday at 10am - 11:30 and this Wednesday, August 24th we will be meeting at Scots Bay Beach for a picnic on the beach. Our first indoor group of the season will be the following Wednesday, the 31st of August, where we will meet at Ocean Spirit Studio. I try to follow a loose format of; a song, a book, a game and a craft, but I let the kids dictate based how they are feeling and how interested they are in the particular theme. Past themes have been: seeds, trees, solar system, cars, flight and the activities tie together with the theme. Kids of all ages are welcome from 1 to 13 but all must be accompanied by a parent or adult as we do things together and everyone is encouraged to participate.

I hope that more homeschoolers are interested in coming to join our group and that we can find new ways of learning, together.

Please email me or call me if you have any questions or just come out and join us on Wednesday.

Thanks and I look forward to seeing you soon,
Alisa Nguyen

582-3238

We're on Facebook too: http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/166971423368169/

Family Picnic and Swim in Canning - August 18

2011-07-26T13:14:00.001-03:00

Hello Valley Homeschoolers!
We are planning an informal family picnic and swim on Thursday, August 18th, 5pm - 8pm. Edward and Paula James are hosting this picnic supper at their home on 66 Black Hole Rd. Their phone number is 582-3139. Their email is hurdles@ns.sympatico.ca. You do not need to reply to attend.
Come and bring your picnic supper and your swim gear. They have a big inground pool in their backyard. There is a shallow end and a deep end. They have lots of life jackets if your child needs one. If you have a yard game or a pool toy you would like to bring, please do. This is a chance to get to know other homeschool families and connect with the ones we haven't seen in a little while. Spread the word, everyone is invited!

Informal Get-Together in Canning - June 21st

2011-06-07T22:12:00.000-03:00

New homeschooler? Veteran homeschooler? Just considering the idea of homeschooling? All are welcome to attend an informal get-together to ask questions, share experiences, make new contacts and encourage one another. Dads are also highly encouraged to join us, especially if you are family still in the decision making process. We would love for you to join us at the home of Bonnie Jones in Canning (9405 Highway 221) on Tuesday, June 21st at 7:30PM. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Paula James at hurdles@ns.sympatico.ca.

Directions to Track & Field Day - June 1st 9:30-3:00

2011-06-01T07:06:00.000-03:00

Place: The Rotary Raceway Park, Middleton

Directions:
From the east: Take Hwy 101, take Exit 18A, turn left at end of off-ramp (Victoria Road), turn right onto Hwy 1, turn right onto King Street (just past the car dealership), turn right onto Marshall Street.
From the west: Take Hwy 101, take Exit 18, turn right at end of off-ramp (Brooklyn Street), take second left onto West Street, turn right at Victoria Street, take first left onto Marshall Street.

The Rotary Raceway Park is on the left at the end of the street.

Track & Field Meet - postponed to June 1st

2011-05-24T17:01:00.001-03:00

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In light of the weather forecast for tonight and tomorrow we will have to postpone our TRACK AND FIELD event until June 1st. We hope that all 85 participants will be able to join us next week when the track and the sand pits will be drier. On a positive note, we now have extra time to sort through our curriculum for items to put in the book sale!
Re-mark your calendars for Wednesday, June 1, from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m., Rotary Raceway Park, Middleton.
See you there!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Annapolis Valley Honour Choir (grades 7-12)

2011-05-16T22:14:00.002-03:00

The Annapolis Valley Honour Choir is announcing auditions for new choir
members. All students in Grades 7-12 during the 2011-2012 academic year
are invited to attend.

Regarded as one of the provinces best youth choirs, the Annapolis Valley
Honour Choir is comprised of students from throughout the Annapolis Valley
Region. Since its inception in 1988 it has been educating young singers to
be better musicians, choristers and citizens of their communities.

Auditions will be taking place on Monday, May 30 at the Middleton Regional
High School, Wednesday, June 1 at Horton High School and Thursday, June 2
at New Minas Elementary School.

Application forms are available to interested students through all school
music teachers and on the Annapolis Valley Honour Choir website www.avhc.ca.
For more information or to book an audition time, please call 542-2739.

Track and Field Registration Reminder

2011-05-07T19:07:00.001-03:00

Pre-registration has been extended until May 14th. Please send an email with registration details (names and ages of students, parental volunteer preferences) to Angelika at angelika.trrs1@gmail.com Submit payment by cheque to Angelika Torres, 224 Brennans Road, Prospect Bay, NS B3T 2A3.

Track and Field Day - May 25, 2011

2011-04-18T22:23:00.002-03:00

It is almost time for the annual Track and Field day! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 25, from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. The rain date is June 1. We have booked Rotary Raceway Park, Middleton, again this year for the meet. We are very excited and are hoping to have many participants, good competition and great fellowship.

Events:
Children age 5-7: Long jump, ball throw, 50m run, 200m run
Children age 8+: Long jump, ball throw, 100m run, 400m run

All ages – including parents: One mile run

Lunch: Some tables will be set up in the shade of the pavilion, but you may wish to bring your own lawn chairs and picnic blanket, a packed lunch, sun protection items (hat, sunscreen) and plenty of water.

After-lunch team sports: Options include baseball, soccer, beach volleyball, and organized group games for the younger students. Parents are encouraged to play, too!

Volunteer Signup: For an event like this, we need all parents to volunteer in some way. If you have interest or skill in a particular sport or track/field event, we need you! We need one parent to specialize in each event to coach the students and manage the event. A meeting will be held beforehand at the park so that all event/sport specialists will be familiar with the venue and can assist in the final planning. If you would rather be a team leader, each group of kids will need 2 parents to lead them through the events to record their achievements, to inspire them ... and just to have fun with them. When you register your family, please indicate which event or sport you (and your spouse, if they will be attending) would like to sign up for. If you’d like to be a team leader, please indicate which age group you prefer. We thank you in advance for your willingness to help.

Used book and curriculum sale: It is back again this year from 10:00 till 1 p.m. Directions for selling books and curriculum will follow with your registration confirmation. Debbie Carther will be heading the book table, and comments and questions can be directed to her at: kdaj@eastlink.ca

Preschooler note: There will be no organized games/toys and no official childcare area for preschoolers this year as it was not well used last year. We found most parents kept their young ones with them. The playground will be available, and we encourage families to trade childcare so parents can participate in events or volunteer.

Pre-registration: Begins now! To assist the planning and to ensure a successful day for all, please pre-register by May 2, as we need to order award ribbons as well as organize the teams for each event and prepare the forms accordingly. The fee is $2.50 per child age 5 and older, with a maximum amount of $10 per family. Please send an email including these registration details: name and age of each student, parental volunteer preferences to angelika.trrs1@gmail.com Please remit payment by cheque to Angelika Torres, 224 Brennans Road, Prospect Bay, NS B3T 2A3.

See you soon,

The organizing committee

NSHEA AGM Family Day

2011-04-06T11:56:00.003-03:00

We are planning for the Family day/AGM for NSHEA to be at Ross Creek May 14th. We are planning something like this: morning - some sort of walk on the grounds or an outdoor activity - for the whole family noon- bring your own picnic lunch and eat while we have the "AGM" afternoon - sharing of ideas for curriculum or teaching - round robin style, people can take 5 minutes or so to stand up and tell a little about how they homeschool, or show and tell something that they like - we are asking people just share one item - not their whole book shelf. Hopefully this will offset for some the fact that there will be no curriculum sales At this time, after lunch Ross Creek will have an activity for the children if they wish to attend, though they will also be asking that some parents attend this to help with ratio. Stay tuned for more details. If anyone would like to help in some way, please let me know. - we were hoping for an edible plant walk in the morning but I have not heard back and it would be nice to have a volunteer from the area to do something; doesn't have to be edible plants -can be what ever is deemed appropriate. Any ideas? If you don't have a volunteer but know someone that would do it for a nominal fee, let me know. Thank you again - Sara (sara.moginot@nshea.ca)

Curriculum Night & Second Hand Sale

2011-04-06T11:49:00.001-03:00

Lake Echo Fellowship Baptist Church Tuesday, April 19, 7:00 p.m. Come share ideas and encouragement! Homeschoolers realize the benefit of second hand sales! It is a way to pass on well-loved books and curriculum that our families have outgrown, as well as a way to pick up curriculum we need at prices much lower than buying new. There will be two opportunities to buy and sell your curriculum this year: at the HEMS Curriculum Night on April 19th and at the 2011 HEMS Homeschool Conference & Resource Fair on June 10-11. During the conference, the sale will be held on Friday evening and so it will not conflict with speakers or workshops. Both sales will be run as a yard sale. Each seller will be responsible for selling their own material and handling their cash flow. The cost for a full 6 foot table is $10 and a half table is $5. If you don't think you have enough materials to fill your space, buddy up and share space – the cost is the same. We will accommodate as many as we can, but space is limited! To reserve your table send a cheque payable to Krista Ortiz to: Krista Ortiz 125 Hampton Green Dartmouth, NS B2V 2A8 Include your name, contact information, table size and which event/s you would like to register for. All registrations are due by the 31st of March. If you have any questions, you can check out the HEMS website http://www.hems-ns.ca/ or email Krista at kbortiz@hotmail.com

Track & Field - Planning Meeting

2011-04-05T14:14:00.001-03:00

It is rapidly approaching Track and Field season again, and the Greenwood Area Homeschoolers would like your help in organizing and running our annual Track and Field meet. It is a fantastic morning of friendly competition in a learning environment, a book sale, an afternoon of fun and team sports, and always good fellowship. Open to all ages! Please attend a planning meeting at the food court in the Greenwood Mall on Thursday, April 14th, beginning at 7 p.m. Many jobs on the organizing committee are available for someone to jump in and run with. If you cannot attend, please send an email filled with suggestions for improvement, offers of assistance, dates to avoid, and location requests to Jan Blackwell, janblackwell2@hotmail.com. Your input is important! Thank you!

UPDATE: Art Gallery Tour is a GO

2011-04-01T08:14:00.002-03:00

Good Morning Everyone, As we have to be in the city today...we'll take the chance and go (as crazy as we are) lol. There are other families still attending as well. Attending: - Llewellyn's 3 - Farcey's 4 - vanderPloeg's 4 Letting everyone know just incase anyone else will be going. We'll still have a group rate and a tour at 10:AM :-D Have a great day! ~Raquel 678-5271

Field Trip - cancelled or postponed

2011-04-01T07:20:00.001-03:00

Stay posted while final decision is made. The weather forecast does not look good for a trip to the city today. Some are not going, some are still deciding...

Visit to Art Gallery and Museum of Natural History on April 1st

2011-02-19T21:03:00.001-04:00

The “Mostly Maud” tour as well as the “Walk the Line” tour are now booked from 10:00 till 11:30am as enough people have already signed up (see tour details on blog below). But anyone is welcome to still register for these tours by sending an email to angelika@ns.sympatico.ca .

Following a lunch break we are planning to meet at the Museum of Natural History at 1:00 pm. to ensure a group rate.

Swimming Date Change

2011-02-17T16:19:00.001-04:00

Please note the changed dates for the homeschool swim (joining in the Casual Swim) on the Greenwood base for the next three months:

Wednesday, February 23rd, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Wednesday, March 23rd, 6:30 – 7:30
Wednesday, April 20th, 6:30 – 7:30

Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding

2011-02-07T13:10:00.010-04:00

*Note: there has been a time change. The ski trip will begin at 1pm, NOT 10am as previously stated. There is also a rule that groups have to consist of children/adults 8 years and older.

Where: Ski Martock, Windsor
When: Tuesday, March 1, 2011
1pm until 6pm (or so - we can change this if necessary)

There are group rates available if there are enough people interested in going. The group rate is $25 per person. This includes equipment rental, a lift pass, and a beginner lesson on the bunny hill. We need to confirm that we have at least 15 people interested in going to qualify for the group rate.

If we don't have enough people to qualify for the group rate, this event will still go ahead - same day, same time. The regular rates can be found on Ski Martock's website. They vary depending on what equipment you need and your age. The best deal is to get the lift ticket/rental package. If you have a 14 Wing Rec Card, you can get your lift ticket for just $15! Just be sure to bring your pass with you to the hill or you won't be able to get the deal - no exceptions. With the $15 lift ticket, you would still have to pay the full rental fee.

If you are interested in going with a group, please email me at penelopestlaurent@bellaliant.net with the names and ages of those in your family who want to go. If we are able to book as a group, I will let everyone know asap and I will need payment at that time.

Update: Please indicate your interest in going as a group on or before February 15.

**Please make sure that your children are accompanied by an adult, either yourself or someone that you trust. You don't have to ski/snowboard, but please be present at the hill.

Halifax field trip - April 1, 2011

2011-02-07T11:20:00.003-04:00

Visit to the Halifax Art Gallery (1723 Hollis St.)

“Mostly Maud” and “Walk the Line” are one of the most popular tours at the Art Gallery in Halifax. Both tours are designed for Primary to Grade 9 students.

"Mostly Maud” tours visit folk artist Maud Lewis’ small painted house and view her colourful paintings. Students will also view other works from the Permanent Collection and consider how other artists interpreted their experiences visually.

The artist Paul Klee once described a line as taking a dot for a walk. Lines come in unlimited sizes with many different expressive qualities. Students of the “Walk the Line” tour will discuss how the line as an element of design is used in a variety of art forms. This is a more hands-on tour.

For those who would like to join other homeschoolers in visiting the Art Gallery, the costs are $5 per student (age 6-17). One parent per 5 students goes in free; additional parents pay $6 for the tour. We need to pay a minimum of $50 for a tour. Tours are from 10:00 – 11:30 am.

RSVP to Angelika (see below) with the following information:
1. “Mostly Maud” OR “Walk the Line”?
2. Names and ages of children planning to attend
3. Would you be joining the group at the Museum of Natural History as well?

Visit to the Museum of Natural History (1747 Summer St.)

SUE, the T-Rex is in town! No dinosaur in the world compares to SUE—the largest, most complete, and best preserved Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered. Since we are already in the city, the suggestion is to visit the Museum of Natural History the same day after lunch for $2.75 per student if we go as a group.

Thank you for sending the reply to angelika@ns.sympatico.ca by February 15th.

Volleyball Change (due to weather)

2011-02-01T15:44:00.002-04:00

Hello. Volleyball will be cancelled for Wednesday, February 2nd and rescheduled for...

Thursday, February 3rd
1:30-3:00

Note the time change (to accommodate those who have choir rehearsal at 3:30). Hope to see you there!

Jan Blackwell
janblackwell2@hotmail.com

Daytime Public Skating in Greenwood

2011-01-25T19:38:00.003-04:00

If you have a 14 Wing Recreation Card, you might want to know that there is a new daytime public skating hour scheduled:

Wednesdays, 10:15-11:15
Greenwood Gardens

Questions? nyenhuis@eastlink.ca

Science Fair + History Fair

2011-01-18T20:55:00.002-04:00

Science, Art & Technology Fair
Date: February 5, 2011
Location: Bedford Institute of Oceanography
Registration deadline: January 21, 2011

History Fair
Date: March 19, 2011
Location: Shearwater Aviation Museum

Jeff & Stephanie Jackson
HEMS Facilitators
hems@eastlink.ca
www.hems-ns.ca

Winterfest Homeschool Challenge 2011

2011-01-18T16:26:00.004-04:00

If you're up for a day trip to Annapolis Royal ...

Saturday, February 5 · 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Check out the Annapolis and Area Homeschoolers on Facebook. There will be 10 or more timed challenges that each family will participate in, with a Chili and Pizza Party to follow.

Debra-Dawn Megeney-Bradley
debradawn42k@hotmail.com

Volleyball Update

2011-01-18T15:08:00.003-04:00

A couple of changes to the program:
1. We are going to try to meet on Wednesdays for the next little while (January and February).
2. On Jan. 26 there is bowling starting at 1 o'clock. Many of us are going bowling, so we will cancel volleyball for that day.

In summary:
13 Jan - cancelled (snow storm)
19 Jan - 2:30
26 Jan - cancelled (due to 1:00 bowling)
2 Feb - 2:30
9 Feb - 2:30
16 Feb - 2:30
23 Feb - 2:30

P.S. Moms and dads can feel free to join us on the court, too.

Tom & Jan Blackwell
janblackwell2@hotmail.com

Gym Class in Greenwood - Volleyball!

2011-01-10T07:55:00.002-04:00

For January, the weekly gym classes have been switched to Thursdays from 2:30-4:00 at the Fitness & Sports Centre, 14 Wing, Greenwood. The cost is free if you have a Rec. Pass or $6 for a day pass. Grade 6 to adult. (We anticipate returning to Mondays, same time, in February. Stay tuned.)
Organized by Tom & Jan Blackwell
janblackwell2@hotmail.com

Any homeschoolers near Canning?

2011-01-10T07:50:00.001-04:00

Hi there,

I am looking for playmates for my 10 year old daughter... we moved to the Canning area in the Valley recently... anyone that age out there?
Thank you!

S. Cameron sophtcam@yahoo.ca

Weekly Play Group in Canning

2011-01-10T07:47:00.001-04:00

Hi,

My name is Alisa and I have two little ones (4 & 2) who I am/will be unschooling in the Canning area. I'm trying to meet and get together with other families who are also home/unschooling with kids of ANY age. I have arranged with the people at Ocean Spirit Studios here in Canning, to use their studio on Thursday mornings from 10 - 11am for FREE. It's a Community play group where we can get togethere to brainstorm, share resources, or just have fun.

I have old copies of some homeschooling magazines, books we read, toys to play with for little ones and crafts for the older ones. Please join us if you are in the area as it would be great to have more kids of many ages come to play!!

Please email me directly if you want directions or more information.
Hope to see you Thursday!
Alisa

FYI - As an aside, for all the paleontologists or paleontologist moms and dads out there, The Museum of Natural History will be home to the most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton starting on January 15th until sometime in May. Very exciting! Just wanted to share info!

nguyenalisa1@gmail.com

March Break Arts Camp @ Ross Creek

2011-01-10T07:38:00.002-04:00

March 14-18, 2011

At Ross Creek’s March Break Arts Camp, there is something great for everyone aged 5-18. We provide an amazing art day taught by professional artists and a great camp experience for kids on our 186 acres of field and forest, led by our fabulous counsellors. Whether searching for the Creekster, creating a masterpiece or making new friends, our camps have something for every kid! We offer programs in dance, theatre, music and art. Kids can come for a day or for the whole week of adventure and art.

Back this year: a week-long theatre program for kids aged 11+ with performance at the end. Also, we serve the kids lunch and snacks!

New This Year - the Art of Winter Survival for Intermediate Campers. Learn basic outdoor skills in a fun and safe way on our beautiful property!

Learn more and register at www.artscentre.ca/programs/youth/marchbreak.html

Soccer in Kentville

2011-01-09T19:42:00.003-04:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone. :) Hopefully everyone enjoyed their break and is back in the school routine. We had a very successful fall soccer gym class and are planning a 6 week winter session. Same time: Thursdays 1-2PM. We are hoping to begin Thursday, January 20th and run for 6 weeks. Cost for the 6 weeks is $35 per child, payable in full on the first week. If you would like your child(ren) to be a part of our winter soccer session please email back. Reply soon so I can confirm our booking at the soccer stadium. And please pass this along to any interested homeschoolers.
~ Paula James hurdles@ns.sympatico.ca

Music for Young Children

2011-01-06T18:21:00.001-04:00

Music for Young Children classes beginning January 15 in Kingston. Small group classes with parent participation.

10 week session for children ages 2-5, includes singing, movement and rhythm instruments. (Saturday morning)

Piano group for beginners ages 5 and 6 on Wed. at 4:00. Runs until June.

For more information, please call Janet Richter at 765-8909, Email richters@av.eastlink.ca, website http://www.myc.com/, homepage www.myc.com/teacher/jrichter

Calling all Bowlers!!!

2011-01-06T11:54:00.003-04:00

On January 26th at 1:00 PM
the Greenwood Bowling Ally has been booked.

- under 20 children will be $2.25/bowler/game

- over 20 children will be $1.75/bowler/game
Parents are mostly there to supervise and help so there will be NO charge for them (although they are welcome to bowl, too).
We will not be using shoes, so make sure you bring a good pair of socks....NO holes or you may come to a sudden stop!! :)
The more kids we have, the more fun......

Organized by Catie Koutstaal (jkckca@yahoo.ca) - no need to pre-register. All homeschoolers from anywhere and everywhere are welcome. Try to be there before 1:00.

Gym Time in Greenwood

2010-10-31T19:17:00.001-03:00

We are going to meet every week until Christmas on Mondays from 2:30 to 4 at the base gym. We're playing badminton. We currently have 10 to 12 players, but more are welcome. Grade 6 to adult. We will be continuing after Christmas with volleyball or basketball, depending on numbers of participants.
Jan Blackwell
janblackwell2@hotmail.com

Swimming

2010-09-20T16:11:00.006-03:00

For any homeschoolers who are interested in getting together for a swim, we're planning to get together on the third Monday of each month starting in October at the 14 Wing Pool. This will be during casual swimming, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.

Cost: Rec pass holders, free
Non-rec pass holders, $5 per person

More information about Rec Passes can be found here.

Badminton Anyone?

2010-09-20T16:06:00.003-03:00

Do you have a middle to high school aged child(ren) who are interested in playing or learning to play badminton?

If so, please email Jan Blackwell at janblackwell2@hotmail.com for more information about potentially starting a badminton group.

Homeschoolers Gym Class

2010-09-06T11:44:00.002-03:00

You are invited to join our homeschoolers gym class.

For the fall, our boys (James and Jones) will be participating in the local elementary school cross country racing. We have done this the last 2 years and the gym teachers have all been very welcoming and accommodating for homeschoolers to join in. We will have a schedule for you in the next couple of weeks with the dates and locations (local elementary schools) of the races. I think there are usually 5 or 6 meets. They are always right after school (2:30 or 3PM start I think), and the races are very well organized and efficiently run. The race distances are short, varying from 1-2 km depending on age. Boys are separated from girls and also by grade. They have races for grades 3, 4, 5 and 6. However younger children who are keen can jump in the grade 3 races, our Zachary did last year when he was in grade 1.

SO, Coach Ed and Tyler will be offering a cross country running gym class for the fall. I think the races go until the end of October. We will be training on Thursdays 12:45-1:45 AND on Saturday mornings 10AM-11AM. Both days we will meet at the upper parking lot/picnic grounds of the Kentville Research Station. There is a great field here and wooded hills and trails to run on. MANY children participate in these races at all levels. You do not have to be a star runner. For most just finishing the races smiling is the only goal. It is a great achievement to run cross country and these races really are kept short and appropriate for elementary aged children.

IF your child is in grade primary to 3 and not a keen runner, one of us will offer an alternative activity on the field at the Research Station for the Thursday gym class only. But who knows, they may surprise you and be keen to join in the running with the older kids.

Once the cross country running season is finished, we are talking about offering a preChristmas 6-week class at the indoor soccer stadium. We will probably take a month off at Christmas time and will likely move back to the soccer field mid January. There is so much we can do in the soccer stadium and despite the fee (again, it will be $5 per child, per class payable in advance... so that would be $30 per child for the pre Christmas class and we may do an 8 week class in the winter for $40 per child) we have had great attendance for soccer. The children have a blast and they learn and improve so much! Everyone has always told me it is well worth the fee.

SO, this week we start our cross country training: Thursday, Sept. 9th at 12:45 PM at the upper parking lot/picnic grounds. NO FEES for cross country; start saving for soccer!

If you have any questions, please email me back.

See you Thursday!!

Paula James (hurdles@ns.sympatico.ca)

Coaches: Edward James and Tyler Jones

HEMS Conference Fall 2010

2010-08-23T10:46:00.002-03:00

Lake Echo Fellowship Baptist Church

(17 Peter Court, Mineville, NS)
Saturday, October 2, 2010

8:30 - 3:30

Join us for a wonderful day of fellowship and encouragement!
Cost is FREE! Love offerings will be accepted.
Although this is a homeschool conference, workshops are geared to encourage families and all are welcome! Sessions available for Men, Women, Teens, Elementary and little ones too. Bring your friends.

Workshops include:
- What is your family vision? with Mike & Deb Flewelling from Tree of Life

And from local speakers…
- Avoiding Burnout
- Reasonable Expectations
- Priorities
- Stewardship: time & money management
- What it means to be the Dad
- Out of the Overflow of the heart - the mouth speaks

And workshops for elementary aged children and a nursery for the little ones.

Online you'll find a brouchure for this HEMS fall conference. To check out the schedule details, please visit the website www.hems-ns.ca.

This is a conference for the whole family! Everyone is welcome... bring your friends. Even though this is a homeschooling conference, the topics covered apply to all families.

Although there is no admission, we would appreciate a quick email to let us know if you plan to attend. That allows us to prepare handouts and seating.

Lunch is brown bag. There are a couple of fridges on site so we can certainly tuck your lunch away if it needs to be kept cold.

Looking forward to seeing you!

Jeff & Stephanie Jackson
HEMS Facilitators

RSVP to hems@eastlink.ca
www.hems-ns.ca

Track & Field Day - May 28, 2010

2010-05-26T08:56:00.005-03:00

Hi everyone,
There are only a few more days left till our Track and Field day! We are all excited. The weather forecast promises a rain-free day. As of today we have received 89 pre-registrations. Everyone is welcome, even though you might not have registered yet.

Please arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. for registration and payment (if not already done).
Everyone will be assigned to their group at 8:45 a.m. , and warm-up starts at 9:00 a.m.

The following events will take place between 9 - 12 a.m.:
Children age 4 and under will participate in special play activities in a designated area (obstacle course, parachute game, etc.)
Children age 5-7: Long jump, ball throw, 50m run, 200m run
Children age 8 and up: Long jump, ball throw, 100m run, 400m run (Girls will be separated from boys and ages divided dependant on number of each age)

A one mile run at 11:45 a.m. is open to anyone (parents as well!).
[A skipping marathon may be held if time remains before lunch. Skipping ropes will be provided.]

Lunch and award ceremony from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

The after-lunch (1-2 p.m.) sport options are baseball, soccer, basketball, beach volleyball, and tennis. Younger students who would rather not play a sport can play at the playground or in the play area next to it where there will be an obstacle course, a parachute game, and other activities set up.

Some tables will be set up in a covered area, but please bring your lawn chairs and maybe a picnic blanket, a packed lunch, sun protection items (hat, sunscreen) and plenty of water for the children. Free cookies will be handed out.

Used book and curriculum sale: Please tape a paper strip inside the book cover mentioning your name and selling price. Also prepare an envelope with your name in which the money can be placed once your items are sold and paid for. Please bring in your books for sale to the registration area. Three parents will share the responsibility to organize the book table, selling the books and handling the money. The book table will be open from 10:00 till 1 p.m.

See you soon,

The organizing committee

IF YOU ARE BRINGING ANY OF YOUR OWN EQUIPMENT, PLEASE PUT YOUR NAME ON THEM.

Place: The Rotary Raceway Park, Middleton

Directions:
From the east: Take Hwy 101, take Exit 18A, turn left at end of off-ramp (Victoria Road), turn right onto Hwy 1, turn right onto King Street (just past the car dealership), turn right onto Marshall Street.
From the west: Take Hwy 101, take Exit 18, turn right at end of off-ramp (Brooklyn Street), take second left onto West Street, turn right at Victoria Street, take first left onto Marshall Street.

Rotary Raceway Park is on the left at the end of the street.

Conferences / Curriculum Vendors / Free Books

2010-03-31T15:01:00.006-03:00

Upcoming conferences in the Maritimes:

2010 HENB’s Annual Home School Conference - Sussex, New Brunswick
May 28+29
www.henb.org/

2010 Conference - Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
June 4+5
www.hems-ns.ca/

Free books at the former Kings County Christian School library,
Highway 1, Cambridge, NS
Saturday, April 17, 2010 - between 10:00 and 3:00
Curriculum, textbooks, dictionaries, readers, workbooks, fiction, non-fiction, French,...
Questions? E-mail Brenda at nyenhuis@eastlink.ca.

Classes, Tutoring offered

2009-09-07T06:31:00.003-03:00

Peter Lindsay (certified teacher) will be offering a 90-minute weekly discussion-based class for homeschooling and Christian students in grades 9-12 starting on Monday, October 5 (location and time TBA). This class is called “Western History and the Christian Worldview”.
Contact below for information and registration.

Peter Lindsay is also available for individual tutoring in math 7-12, science, and senior biology & chemistry courses.

Please contact:
Peter Lindsay
(902) 681-9672
pjwlindsay@gmail.com
http://www.logicallearning.ca/

2009-07-13T06:19:00.002-03:00

This September, Acadia University will be launching Computer Programming 1, an online introductory Computer Science course for Grade 11 and 12 students across Nova Scotia. Students in this university credit course will explore programming and fundamental elements of Computer Science.

Topics include designing and testing code, fundamental techniques in software tools, graphics, and environments, and more. CP1 allows students to earn a university credit while still in high school. There is an urgent need for computer science professionals, and CP1 will provide students with an opportunity to explore this exciting field. CP1 is offered entirely online, and includes live and interactive instructor sessions.

Start Date: September 16, 2009
Register by: September 9, 2009

Sharon Watson
Senior Administrative Secretary
Jodrey School of Computer Science
Acadia University, Wolfville, NS
tel: 902-585-1331
email: sharon.watson@acadiau.ca