inside - Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools School District 68

Feeding community spirit at Park Avenue
byJackie Barker
T
he entranceway to Park Avenue Community School is sporting a dramatic new look, and the school community is delighted. Adorning the for-
mer west-facing lawn is a series of raised vegetable beds as well as burgeoning herb, berry and native plant gardens which were established in February. A brand new cedar garden shed standing proudly at one end proclaims to the community that this area has now become a working school garden. In September, Park Avenue’s Principal Karina Younk conferred with Nanaimo Foodshare’s school garden coor-
dinator Anna Dodds about beginning a school learning garden. Nanaimo Foodshare is an organization com-
mitted to helping people develop the skills they need to increase food security. As part of its mandate, it partners with John Barsby, Fairview and Georgia Avenue Commu-
nity Schools to run their school food gardens. John Barsby 2011 Grade 12 students from left, Chantelle McGladrey, Aaron Moore, David Odo, Nico Rossetto, Sam Allen, Jennifer McNevin and Arthur Fabbro appreciate their 13 years at school.
“They were really excited about passing on the environmental spirit to their kids.”
Grads reflect on 13 years of schooling
In October, the garden idea was presented to Park Avenue School’s Parent Advisory Committee. “Tey were really excited
about passing on the environmental spirit to their “Teachers who see you as individuals, give you respect. even Grade 12 graduates from John Barsby Com-
kids,
”
says
Dodds, who is an organic master gardener and munity Secondary School took some time out from When they ask you to do something, and know that you holistic
nutritionist.
She subsequently met with students preparations for final exams to share what they have are going to do it, they allow you to succeed,” David said.
and
their
families
to
discuss what their vision might be appreciated most about their schooling. for a garden. Te front lawn area seemed to be the best “When some kids are failing class and a teacher talks At the top of the list is trust and respect, seen as the foun-
to them and supports them, that in turn creates greater location, not only because of its sunny exposure, but also dation on which other key qualities such as kindness and influence of success, not just in the kids helped, but in the because access to water was simplified by its existing ir-
rigation system. caring are built. Simple niceties of people knowing their success of peers too,” he said.
names and always saying “hello” and “good morning” with “I have been surprised by the speed at which this project a smile make a difference. And as they reflect on 13 years has come along,” notes Younk. “By November, Dodds at school, what is clear is that students feel it is the total “…creates
greater
influence
had
also garnered the support of school district staff and school experience they appreciate most, made possible by then
suggested to me that the school apply for a Toyota of success…”
staff, friends, peers, volunteers and their own families.
Evergreen grant.” Te individuals who did stand out were those whose pas-
Dodds drew up detailed garden and site management sion for teaching goes far beyond the regular school day. plans
and determined the required materials and budget. Jennifer
McNev
in,
who
is
considering
a
career
in
broad-
Te students said they have all benefited from coaches, Younk
provided an overview of the school community cast
TV,
spends
long
days
at
school
in
extra-curricula
ac-
teachers, chefs, counsellors and secretaries who have gone and
ways
in which the garden would help to support tiv
ities
like
dance,
theatre,
band
and
leadership
programs.
above and beyond a job description and have done so self-
existing
school
programs. She
is
grateful
for
all
of
these
opportunities.
lessly for no reward.
by Pam Agnew
S
…not one person or experience,
but rather the total experience
she appreciated.
“It is mandatory to be here from 8.30 a.m. to 3 p.m., but Te following project goals were identified: the stuff that makes me want to come here is all the extra-
1. To create a food garden that will act as an outdoor curricular stuff that I signed up for. I appreciate the staff classroom so students can learn to grow and that make those programs possible. Tey do it because appreciate fresh food and learn more about the natural environment,
they want to, not for any recognition,” said Jennifer.
She and her peers also appreciate teachers who offer to help students with transportation and other logistics. Jennifer also recalls a secretary who, while her parents were away, baked dinners and casseroles for her. Chantelle McGladrey, who is planning to be a teacher said it was not just one person or one experience but rather the Aaron Moore, who plans on working next year and then total experience that she appreciated. She said support had studying audio engineering or musical management, is thankful for everything.
meant a great deal too.
“It is important to have a support system for even minor decisions in your life, to know that you are making good choices. So whether it was support from family, friends, teachers or even peers, I appreciated the support,” said Chantelle.
“I definitely got taught a lot academically, but I also learned a lot from everything else, whether it was some-
thing I did wrong, or right. I am very thankful for every teacher who if I strayed away told me exactly what I should be doing. Every teacher helped me at some point,” said Aaron.
David Odo, who plans to study art, music and possibly cinematography, said he appreciated that his school envi-
Several of the students said they greatly appreciated staff ronment had been friendly, open and accepting, allowing who were able to look at everything positive they had continued on page 2
him to be who he is. 2. To create an avenue for community involvement in the school, and
3. To create shade at the front of the school and in the school’s inner courtyard.
continued on page 2
inside
2 More
about
- Feeding
community spirit at Park Avenue
Retirees 3 2011
- Photos
and list ofretirees
Busy times in SD68 4
- photos from around the district
Grads reflect on 13 years of schooling
continued from page 1
done, making sure they knew what they had done well, and who believed in them and their abilities. Tey also felt the most meaningful relationships they had built with teachers was where teachers had been trusted friends, mentors or confidantes first and teachers second, so that the learning relationship was built on trust where viewpoints were shared and solutions were sought rather than looking to attribute blame.
Nico Rossetto, who plans to work next year and try out for football, while saving up for college or university, ap-
preciates the combination of everything -- family, friends and football coaches, keeping him on track, making sure he was getting his work done. This spring, the excitement was evident as parents and students volunteered to build garden beds, distribute garden soil and plant seeds as part of the Garden Roots Project at Park Avenue Community School. The school is working in partnership with Nanaimo Foodshare and also received a $3,000 Toyota Evergreen grant to help offset some of the costs.
“Family and friends were probably the biggest influence, making sure that I got my work done. Teachers were there but they only led me so far. I definitely appreciate my parents. It was very crappy at the beginning and during, but I look back now and know it was thanks to them that they kept on at me to get my work done, always getting me back on track when I got off.”
Nico, along with his peers, is very grateful for counsellors too who have helped whenever support was needed. He also appreciates what trust means to students in a school and retells how he was handed bolt cutters to cut off a continued from page 1
lock. “Not too many people in a high school environment Aſter submitting the application in December, Park Av-
Students received their first gardening lesson at the Febru-
would trust a student to walk around with bolt cutters to enue was thrilled to receive a $3,000 grant.
ary work day when they learned about “lasagna garden-
fix something when they’d messed up.”
ing.” Tis term refers to the method of building a garden In February, hundreds of students and parents partici-
by adding layers of organic materials such as kitchen com-
pated in a one-day work party to build eleven raised beds post which then breaks down into rich soil. and prepare areas for planting. Each of the twelve Kinder-
“…the teachers who have a garten to Grade 7 classes were given only twenty minutes Cardboard boxes were flattened and placed on the lawn passion for teaching, had to move dirt before the next group arrived. Enthusiasm to kill the grass. Cedar planks were screwed together to the biggest influence.”
was high as evidenced by a group of fiſteen students who make the raised bed frames which were then placed on volunteered to stay late aſter school to complete the bark top of the cardboard. Next, the boxes were lined with mulching. dead or moldy leaves, which staff had been collecting for months. Finally, the soil was added. Arthur Fabbro thinks all the teachers did a good job, but In March three fathers, along with other volunteers, built the garden shed in one day. Materials were purchased us-
As the garden matures and areas such as the inner court-
it was “the teachers that spent the extra time who didn’t ing money donated by Mid-Island Coop, which supports yard are developed, Dodds will teach students more about need to, like giving their phone numbers if you needed the school district’s other garden projects. Te native B.C. planting, harvesting, composting, bird feeders, mason bee help with homework; the teachers who have a passion for teaching, they really had the biggest influence.”
plant and berry section has since been completed, and houses, hanging baskets and greenhouses. preparations are underway to add a composting area and “Also the basketball and football coaches volunteering shade arbour.
their time. It was very generous of them, and it is those Feeding community spirit at Park Avenue
As part of the project plan, the school bicycle racks were relocated from the back of the school to the front of the garden. Tis has unexpectedly resulted in a resurgence of bike-riding as students now see that many other students ride to school. …thrilled how students and teachers are embracing the garden as a learning opportunity.
extras that I really appreciate the most. Tat and being treated with respect as a young adult and not being un-
dermined,” said Arthur.
“If the teacher respects you, you respect the teacher and it builds a better bond,” he said. In late May, to celebrate the importance of locally-grown Sam Allen said that when teachers talk to you and really foods, a ‘farm to school’ luncheon buffet was run by the value what you have to say, whether it’s in class or just a Dodds is thrilled at how students and teachers are em-
Parent Advisory Council.
“good morning” in the hall, you really come to appreciate bracing the garden as a learning opportunity. Kindergar-
that. Initially, it was thought that four classes in the school teners are learning how a garden contributes to a healthy would take on the long-term planting, watering, weeding life and how seasons affect the garden, while students in “I also really valued being shown trust by school staff. and harvesting of the new garden, but due to the excite-
Grade 5 use the garden as a place for experiments. Con-
If you needed to get something out of a classroom and ment generated in February, plans changed. While the cepts such as natural food systems, plant families and the a teacher would give you the keys to go and do that and Grade 7 classes were unable to participate on an ongoing study of insects with a focus on pollinators are reviewed bring them back. Or going on field trips. Teachers knew basis due to their commitment to managing the school’s with all students.
your marks, trusted you and knew you put in the time, so recycling, four additional classes signed up. they let you go,” he said.
As a result of the involvement of Grade 4/5 teacher Be Klein with the Shoots with Roots program at Milner But perhaps most importantly, Sam and his peers really Gardens, four classes recently learned how to seed beans, appreciated the teachers who worked to accommodate “…you see changes in attitudes corn and peas into containers. Half of the containers different learning styles. went back to Milner Gardens, while the other half were towards fresh food.”
leſt with students to plant in the school garden or to take “Tey are talking, getting you to take notes, read power points and do group work. I found I always had a higher home. mark in those classes so I really appreciate that they When harvesting begins in the new garden, the school’s understood students learn differently. Tey don’t just Dodds is excited about having the chance to provide cooking
program that is run by First Nations Education teach the way they like to teach, rather they are giving you weekly hands-on gardening lessons for students. “I have Assistant
Bea Cardinal, and the new breakfast program everything you need to succeed,” said Sam. •
found that just talking about what people should do to will
benefit
as she incorporates items such as strawberries, take care of themselves and to eat healthily does not spinach,
oriental
greens, peas, beans and lettuce into the produce change,” she notes. “When students get to walk menus.
through a garden, picking and tasting the kale and spin-
ach as they go, you see changes in attitudes towards fresh
food.” As students begin to develop gardening knowledge
and skills, she oſten hears them say they want to have their own garden at home. Dodds has also observed that
when students feel ownership, this kind of school garden
is not vandalized. Tremendous community spirit is a hallmark of Park Avenue, so it is fitting that parents are invited to attend the weekly gardening classes along with students. Dodds notes that parents have already donated plants to the garden and on the February work day went to local busi-
nesses for donations of cardboard when supplies ran out. Recently, when a Toyota grant representative toured the As more parents are becoming involved, Younk senses school, Younk was pleased to observe the Grade 4 tour that interest in the garden may result in the establishment guide displaying newly-gained knowledge about plants of a future community garden. Although Dodds acknowl-
and obvious pride in the garden. “I have also seen stu-
edges that gardening can be hard work, she emphasizes dents smoothing out pawprints in the soil and picking up to those involved that it is also fun. ”Te students are just nearby litter,” she says.
so excited about it. We all enjoy picking things from the garden!” •
Communications Office, School District 68 395 Wakesiah Avenue, Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 3K6
Phone: 250 741-5219 Fax: 250 741-5292
Story ideas and comments are welcomed and appreciated.
Editor: Donna Reimer [email protected] Co-Editor: Shauna DeBodt
Design Layout Header: Primal Communications
Printed by: Island Publishers Ltd.
Retirees look towards a new chapter
Superintendent Mike Munro; Human Resources Secretary Tish Kingsley; Manager, Human Resources Secondary Education Darlene Creighton, and Benefits Manager Sandie Doyle (miss-
ing from photo) decided 2011 was their retirement year. Although Mike is retiring from SD68, his work in education will continue overseas, while Tish, Darlene, and Sandie are already enjoying their retirements.
Bayview teacher Phil Murphy and Bayview and Chase River teacher-librarian Janice Brantner have chosen 2011 as their retirement year. Janice retired in March after 23 years of service and has been busy working in her garden. Phil Murphy is excited for his upcoming retirement in June so he can spend more time in his garden, travelling, and with family.
Dover Bay retirees Louise Patrick, Hugh Anderson, and Rita Haaf are looking forward to their upcoming retirements. Between them, they have almost 70 years of service in SD68.
The transportation department is losing three long-time bus drivers this year. Colin Cooper is already comfortable in his routine, after retiring in December 2010. Tina Vermeulen, is looking forward to travelling to Holland and the Philippines this year to kick off her retirement and Cathy Fee is looking forward to travelling and relaxing during her upcoming retirement after many years of service with the district.
Over forty people wished Doreen Letham and Darleen Michell well in their retirement during the secretaries retirement party in May.
2010-11 Retirees (as of May 26, 2011)
Five staff members are retiring from Wellington Secondary this year. Four of them took a mo-
ment from their busy day last month to pose for a photo in the school’s courtyard garden. Above, Teachers Lorraine Price, Phil Letham, Dan Hudson, and Bliss Dodd. Not at the photo shoot was Sharon Ringma, who retired from her secretarial position at the school earlier this year.
Congratulations Retirees!
Gerry Adams
Joelle Da Cunha
Tish Kingsley
Barbara Allisen
Susan Dobson
Dianne Kobe
Hugh Anderson
Sandie Doyle
Loraine Leeming
Steve Austin
Catherine Eck
Doreen Letham
Brenda Bastarache
Catherine Fee
Philip Letham
Stella Bates
Mike Ferguson
Bonny MacDonald
Joy Beggs
Ken Gillies
Kelly McKee
Brenda Boreham
Catherine Golder Michele McNeill
Janice Brantner
Rita Haaf
Darleen Michell
Robert Brown
Dana Hagel
Karen Miller
Andrew Brown
Don Hampton
Lonnie Moddle
Mary-Elizabeth Cabell
Marlene Hiscock
Michael Munro
Colin Cooper
Dan Hudson
Philip Murphy
Darlene Creighton
Naomi Hurwitz-Adams
Laura Paterson
Maureen Cunningham
Carol Jepson
Louise Patrick
Annette Pietrzykowski
Lorraine Price
Dauphine Ravolo
Sharon Ringma
Sue Royle
Gladys Schott
Linda Sigmund
Jo-Ann Terpstra
Gwen Tickell
Marilyn Wilkins
Carol Willems
Harry Wilson
Romaine Windley
Susan Yeend
Busy times in SD68
Students from NDSS participated in the Create Your Canada project, creating a new Bill – Nitrate Reduction Act – for Parliament. The Bill was accepted and Brody Cormons has been invited to present the Bill in Ottawa.
Back row, Teacher Robert Boudreau, students Naomi Jacobson, and Emily Jacobson. Seated front row, Jack Freedman, Seamus Finnerty, and Brody Cormons. In April, members of the Nanaimo High school Wrestling Team participated in the Canadian Wres-
tling Championships in Ontario. Katie and Kimberly van Hest both won Bronze medals in their events. Jordan Kuziek placed 4th, Kyle Clare placed 6th, Daniel Fleury was in a 2-way tie for 8th, Grace Tuck placed 9th and Nathan Valsangkar placed 13th in their respective divisions.
Front row from left, Dover Bay students Kimberly van Hest, Katie van Hest, and Grace Tuck. Back row from left, Coach Andrew Tuck, Kyle Clare from NDSS, Jordan Kuziek from John Barsby Secondary, Nathan Valsangkar, and Daniel Fleury from Dover Bay. Coach Audra van Damme was missing from the photo. (Photo submitted)
Everyone had a hand in the making of the colourful giant mural for the Windows of Opportunity session May 9 at the Port Theatre. Here, putting their mark on the Board of Education’s section are Trustees. From left, Ron Dale, Dot Neary, David Murchie, Jamie Brennan, Carol McNamee, Donna Allen, and Andrea Bonkowski. Students in the Learn@Home 8-12 Program took part in a series of workshops in the Scratch Program from the Nanaimo Foodshare. The program introduces Food Safe and several cooking sessions. During the cooking sessions, students learned fundamentals of cooking from scratch, recipe reading, and planning cooking time. From left, Marissa Eagle, Hayden Dodd, Heath Dean, and Nanaimo Foodshare Chef Francois demonstrating an easier way to mince onions. (Photo submitted)
Photo on Page 1 - Header
This year, Ladysmith Primary School applied for and received a $5,000 Musicounts Band Aid Grant. The money was used to support the school’s music program, mainly in the purchase of ukuleles. From left, Kendra Forster, Celina Marchand and Selena Borgerson.
68 Hoorays!
Students at South Wellington Elementary painted murals for the Discovering South Wellington ex-
hibit at the Nanaimo Museum in April and May. The murals were on display for the duration of the exhibit. Front row from left, Emmily Wildman, Jesse Place, and Jakob Arsenault. Back row from left Adah Godley and Cole Gregson. (Photo submitted)
This year, the Achievement and Success Group has been discussing the weighty and important topic of student success and how the district can work with schools and teachers to further the goal of success for all. The group plans to continue its work next year, using the inquiry model as a vehicle to engage the district community in meaningful participation. A number of the commit-
tee members were at a planning session in May to discuss elements of the district’s achievement contract. (Photo submitted)
• Congratulations to Ladysmith Intermediate teacher Paul Grey who received his Kayak Guide Certification during spring break!
• 68 Hoorays! to Phil Letham from Wellington Secondary. Phil has coached basketball for 35 years, 22 at Wellington. Thanks for your dedication!
• 68 Hoorays! to Ray McDonald at John Barsby for his dedication to youth. Ray recently found and reunited with his family a 13-year old boy from Surrey who had run away from his home.
• 68 Hoorays! to Patti McCarthy and the District Aboriginal Leadership Team for organizing an outstanding Aboriginal Graduation Celebration in May.
• Congratulations to Mary-Lynn Epps for receiving the Educator of the Year Award from the Association of B.C. Deans of Education. Well done!
• 68 Hoorays! to Gayle Brase for her work on the development of the Horsemanship BAA course which will be offered in September 2011.
• 68 Hoorays! to Education Assistant Angela Behn who coaches Special Olympic adult athletes. Angela and one of her athletes will be going to the World Championships in Greece soon - good luck!
• 68 Hoorays! to the SD68 employees in the Musical Mixer Band - Howard Mallett, Mike Vira, and Ray Leroux.
• 68 Hoorays! to the secondary teachers from cross discipline teams, who worked with Leyton Schnellert to inquire into engaging learners. The teachers observed lessons co-taught by teachers in all four disciplines.
• 68 Hoorays! to Operations Department Daytime Emergency Custodian Mark Apland. With his job comes a lot of variety, and he is willing to trouble-shoot and take on whatever challenge comes along. His job takes him to all corners of the district, and he takes his positive, can-do attitude along with him.
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