EPE Gazette June 19 - June 23, 2017
Sunday, June 18, 2017
10:39 AM
Message
With summer not to far away, I would like to share a few ideas on keeping your brain active over the
long break!
1. “We’re always learning, but what are we learning?”
Parents should allow their child to be bored at times to uncover their interests. “See what they come up
with. Watch them play and get to know what they’re into, so you can support them in their interests. If
you’re doing something together, listen to them about what they like and don’t like. The research
suggests that how you play as a child helps define the person you become as an adult.”
2. Read, Read, Read
Research consistently shows that children who are not reading and practicing the skills they learned
during the year will lose many of the skills and information gained during the school year. This is why
Tracy Zampaglione, Public Relations Administrator for the Orange County Library System, encourages
parents to utilize their public libraries and let kids participate in at least one summer reading program.
“Virtually all libraries offer some sort of such program, and it’s a free, fun way to keep learning while
school is out of session. Many programs even include contests and other incentives to keep children
reading.”
3. Join a Summer Camp
Another easy way to make the summer both fun and intellectually productive is to sign kids up for
summer camp. Although in many locations across the U.S. it may be too late to hop on a full session for
summer 2014, there is still plenty time to enjoy half of the season or more. April Whitlock, CEO of
the Fundanoodle learning system, says a child’s mind can benefit from camp experience that is designed
to enrich the brain. “Most children have already signed up for some sort of camp this summer involving
sports, dance, or exploring other new skills. But there are many great camps that will not only provide a
fun way to keep your children busy for a week but keep their minds busy as well. Fundanoodle offers
two fun and interactive camps in early August to really get back in school mode.”
4. Remember: Technology is Not Evil
An important part of getting kids motivated to learn and stay active during the summer is to take
advantage of the platforms and media they are already using on a day to day basis. There are many
innovative mobile apps and digital programs that can help kids learn from the comfort of their
computer, iPhone, or iPad. These apps allow kids to explore areas of interest and learn new things in an
interactive, engaging way. Andrew Cohen, Founder and CEO of Brainscape, knows the value of fun
learning and has put this concept to work with the Brainscape learning app. “It’s a study tool, not a
game, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. Kids don’t have to have their nose buried in a textbook to
learn, there are opportunities all around us. You can disguise the learning process by using a hands-on
activity your kids are already eager to take part in.”
5. Let Kids Explore
Exploration may just be the key to keeping a child’s mind sharp, says Ellen Robinson, Program Director
of Real School Gardens. “Let kids explore outdoors to avoid brain drain. Let them grow their own veggies
to watch over time – sunflowers would also work well because they grow so quickly (use the Mammoth
variety for the most spectacular results). Try capturing bugs and count their legs/body parts to
determine whether or not they’re a “true” insect (3 body parts, 6 legs, and a pair of antennae).”
6. Make Fun a Part of the Mix
As alluded to before, it is vitally important to make sure that educational activities are engaging, fun and
interesting to children. At the end of the day, they also need time to relax and simply enjoy summer as
kids. Jeff Knox, Educational Counselor at PrepMatters knows how much kids look forward to summer
break and how important it is for them to have a good time. Neither kids nor parents have to totally
surrender their summer plans, according to Jeff. “Instead, students should focus on balance: go to the
beach; play sports; take naps – just be sure to mix in some more academically inclined activities, too.
Camps, summer programs, volunteering – your options are plentiful; the key is to find something that
engages your interests as well as your brain cells. This way you can enjoy your summer while still staying
mentally limber for the return of school in the fall.”
From <https://www.brainscape.com/blog/2016/06/keep-kids-experiencing-summer-brain-drain/>
Upcoming Dates
June 21 - National Aboriginal Day
June 21 - Sports Day Activities in the Afternoon
June 23 - Parent Council BBQ for Staff and Students
June 23 - Last Day of Kindergarten
June 26 - Strathcona Mounted Troop at Ecole Parc (9 am assembly for EPE & 10 am performance at rear
of school)
June 29 - Last Day of School for Students
June 30 - Last Operational Day for Staff
Don't miss any events, field trips, etc. going on at EPE. Click here to go directly to our EPE Calendar
online.
Looking for your Feedback!
Our Ecole Parc Parent Council is looking for your feedback! Please take a moment to fill out the
following survey about parent council: https://goo.gl/njWtRM
Karen Gay, our school counsellor, is also looking for parent feedback related to the work that she does in
the school. Please take (another) moment to provide her with feedback: https://goo.gl/CCKe5F
At Ecole Parc we are continually looking at ways to improve our programs and connections with our
many families. Thank you for your continued support!
Grade 7 Orientation Night
The Grade 7 orientation night at Ardrossan will be Tuesday, August 29th, 2017 at 6pm in the school
theatre. They will meet their Grade 7 teachers and homeroom teacher, get their locks and lockers, and
see where their classes will be held.
2017 Play Days
EIPS
Help encourage students to stay active and play all summer with FREE play days: active play options that
appeal to children’s senses. Each activity gets back to the basics—digging in the sand, building forts,
playing games—the kind of activities that come naturally to kids! Play Days are hosted by Everybody
Gets to Play to allow kids to instinctively, creatively and energetically have fun. Learn more
Strathcona County Museum Canada 150 Celebration
EIPS
On Saturday, July 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Strathcona County Museum is hosting its Canada 150
celebration and the Museum’s 20th anniversary with free food and family entertainment. In the building
that was once the County’s First Fire Hall and RCMP detachment, local and world-renown magician
Sheldon Casavant will be performing on its outdoor stage, as well performances from the Brett Ludwig
Quartet and the Taylor Flute Ensemble. Guests can also participate in the creation of two legacy art
projects to commemorate these events. Learn more
Sports Day at Ecole Parc
We have begun to plan our sports day activities for June 21st. This event will have students outside
participating in a variety of physical activities around the school grounds. We are again looking to our
wonderful parent body to help us in the implementation of activities that we are planning to have. If you
are available to volunteer on the 21st of June, please fill out the form sent home lasts week or contact
Mme Gay @ [email protected]
Return All Books to the EPE Library
Book exchanges have ended and Mme King is starting her yearend inventory. Please send all library
books back to the school! Merci!
PAC 2017 2018 Back to School Solutions School Supply Fundraiser
It is that time of year again...2017-2018 School Supply Fundraiser is OPEN! Forms went home last week
with every student. Class supply lists will be on the school website in mid June for those who do not
want to use Back to School Solutions.
WHY ORDER your child's school supplies through Back to School Solutions?
 It's simple. No shopping trip. No hassle.
 Save time and money!
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Quality supplies chosen by the teachers.
Competitive pricing.
Customize your order (online only). Don't need a new pencil case or binder? Have crayons left
from last year. No problem. Pick and choose what your child needs.
Delivered to the school.
10% goes back to Ecole Parc. Last year we raised $450 for the school.
Deadline to order using the paper forms is June 23rd.
Deadline for online orders is August 4th.
Order CODE: 080EPES
www.orders.backtoschoolsolutions.ca
Video Announcements from this past week:
Monday: http://youtu.be/k8a_Mp-eI_I
Tuesday: https://youtu.be/0AJd_pCTmOs
Wednesday: https://youtu.be/t7Skg4S9xsk
Thursday: https://youtu.be/r2l1Z-cudck
Friday: https://youtu.be/d79OB5v1Tg8
This week at École Parc:
Monday:
 Grade 6 English Language Arts PAT
Tuesday:
 Grade 6 Math PAT
 Grade 3/4 Strathcona Wilderness Centre Field Trip
Wednesday:
 National Aboriginal Day
 Sports Day! (Have fun! Make sure to wear a hat and/or sunglasses! Volunteers, please be at the
school around 12 pm for instructions from Mme Gay!)
 M Layton away (pm)
Thursday:
 Grade 6 Social Studies PAT
 Parent Council BBQ for Kindergarten
 Grade 4-6 3D Design and Printing Workshop
Friday:
 Grade 6 Science PAT
 Kindergarten Graduation Ceremony @ 9:30 am
 Parent Council BBQ for Grade 1-6 Students (Don’t worry about making a lunch parents, but you
still may want to send some food for students to snack on during the day!)