Need something for your kids to do during the next professional development day? Well, the City of New Westminster is offering free activities for students in all grades.
On Friday, Feb. 24 (the district’s next pro-d), the city has several classes available at Anvil Centre, including mandala drawing, a centuries-old art practice using a combination of templates, stencils and freehand, for kids five to eight; kidprint for kids nine to 12 years old interested in experimenting with different printmaking techniques; improvisational movement, a fun and creative way to get more comfortable with your body through free and guided movements, for teens 13 to 18; musical theatre for kids 11 to 14 and teens 15 to 18 years old.
Most courses run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (musical theatre runs two sessions, the first from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and the second from 3:30 to 5 p.m.) Registration is required. You can do so at tinyurl.com/schoolfree, and be sure to take note of the webreg number, you’ll need that to sign up.
Oh and the city is also hosting free activities for kids during the April pro-d day, too. Registration is open now. You’ll find more info by going to the link above.
Purge for a good cause
Got some unwanted clothing or household items lying around? Donate them to École Qayqayt Elementary school’s donation drive on now until Wednesday, Jan. 25.
For every pound of donated goods the school drops off at Value Village, the school will receive money. The goal is to raise $5,000 for field trips and activities for the students.
Drop off gently used items, including clothing, shoes, accessories, linens and small household items (no furniture or books), at the front entrance of the school Monday to Friday. Items must be in large garbage bags or boxes.
Qayqayt Elementary is at 85 Merivale St.
Have your say
Typically, teachers send home report cards and take part in parent-teacher interviews to share information on a child’s progress. Well, the province wants to know if anyone has a better idea, one that would fit within the new curriculum for students in Kindergarten to Grade 9.
Folks have until Feb. 28 to have their voices heard. As part of its engagement plan, the ministry is hosting 11 open houses across the province to gather feedback from parents on the reporting process.
While there isn’t one scheduled for New West, local parents can attend either the Surrey or Richmond open house. The one in Surrey is planned for Thursday, Jan. 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Panorama Ridge Secondary School, 13220 64 Ave. and the Richmond session is on Wednesday, Feb. 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Cambie Secondary School, 4151 Jacombs Rd.
For more information, go to http://engage.gov.bc.ca/yourkidsprogress/en/home.
