There is never a dull moment at Lions Bay School.  This term school we have been investigating ways people express themselves.  At the beginning of this inquiry we investigated feelings and non-verbal communication.  The students even had a chance to use iPads to take photos of different feelings.  We then created a “Gallery of Emotions”, where the students had a chance to see how different people express their feelings in different ways. 

From there, we moved to looking at problem solving, with a focus on school problems and social emotional learning.  Each week the children watched short movie clips, created by the teachers, around an imaginary new student.  We have been presenting common problems seen daily from playing social skills to learning how to be a powerful bystander when witnessing bullying.  We have also been reflecting in journals, creating skits and plays and exploring “mini-learning studios” to show learning through multiple avenues.  The students even had the great experience to visit the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra to see how composers express themselves through classical music.  It’s been a fun and engaging second term.

Families of Lions Bay are enjoying another year of Playgroup.  We have welcomed some new children, some of the older toys have been refreshed with newer ones and we are also very excited about the prospect of an updated Village Hall for our children to play in next year.

We would like to say a big thank you to the Library for taking the initiative to open at the same time as Playgroup this year.  Parents and their children are now able to enjoy both activities on a Monday morning.

It has been a busy and exciting time for the PAC of the Lions Bay School.  Fundraising efforts were under way for the new school year in which the hope was to raise money for the purchase of iPads, a xylophone and the creation of an outdoor learning area for the school children.

This was a great opportunity for the community to come together and that's exactly what transpired on Saturday, October 27th at the Village Hall.  The event was appropriately named "Spookapalooza" and was an absolute success.  Beyond an array of terrific costumes, the evening featured a live performance by Andrea Klas and Alex Tsisserev, a live auction, treats from the Yummy Mummies, and some incredible, improvised choreography on the dance floor by many festive Lions Bay residents.

Spookapalooza raised in excess of $6,000 for the school and would absolutely not have been possible without the tireless efforts of many volunteers.  A huge "thank you" goes out those who donated items for the auctions, those who made the event happen, and all those in attendance.  The spirit of Lions Bay continues to be vibrant and exceptional.

What a great year we look forward to for everyone who is engaged in education! 

Another preschool year has begun and our Lions Bay Playschool students started off as usual with new millstones and traditions this September.  Already, they are melting our hearts, making us laugh out loud and wrapping us around their fingers.