Once a month at 9:30 a.m., jazzy rock songs fill The Queen’s for an ecstatic audience. The venue is always

full and there are often at least a dozen people on the dance floor.

Instead of the bar’s regular crowd, though, it is filled with Skills for Life students from Nanaimo’s secondary schools, as well as some Grades 6 and 7 students who will soon be joining a Skills for Life program when they leave elementary school.

The band that plays is led by Howard Mallet, a Skills for Life teacher from John Barsby Community Secondary, who started the Musical Mixer approximately nine years ago, with the intent to help students get accustomed to social situations.

While the event used to be held in a church basement, The Queen’s now donates its venue. Students can use the pool table, go onstage, and learn to order soft drinks.

“It’s such a nice atmosphere, they can participate and sing along,” says Jane Carroll, Vice-Principal of Learning Ser-vices. “We’re coaching them to interact. They also learn how to travel with transit because they always come via bus.”

Theo, who’s in Grade 8 at NDSS, says he loves the band. “They play the same songs all they time, they’re awesome,” he says. “They make me want to do this,” he says as he bangs two drum sticks together and dances.

Jada, a Grade 12 student from Dover Bay, and Dylan, a Grade 10 student from the NDSS francophone program, say they like getting the chance to meet lots of new friends from other schools. “I like to play pool and the tambourine,” Dylan says. “Everything.”

…the instruments they get to use are one of the most fun parts.”

Grades 6 and 7 students from Forest Park, Anika, Lind-sey, Taneesa, and Lexi will be going into the Skills for Life program at NDSS once they finish elementary school. They all agree that the instruments they get to use are one of the most fun parts, as well as meeting lots of new kids they likely wouldn’t otherwise.

“I like Rock n’ Roll,” Anika says, as the four girls giggle and go back into the crowd to dance and shake tambourines.

Skills for Life teacher Shannon Busby loves seeing the way her students come to life at the Musical Mixer. “It’s really important for kids to get out in a social group and make connections,” she says. “Too many of them sit at home alone, and it breaks my heart to hear they’ve never been invited to a birthday party. Here they can create friendships.” •

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SUMMER 2015-16

►ConnectEDA Magazine for the Families of Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools

Skills for Life Musical Mixerby Natalie Gates

SUMMER 2015-16

One would experience sensory-overload walk-ing into the largest Trades and Technology

Career Fair in BC. Welcome to the Provincial Skills Canada Competition at the Tradex in Ab-botsford. Since 1994, SkillsBC, a non-profit orga-nization has been wowing spectators and students at the Provincial Skills Canada Competition. This year was no different.

Skills Canada BC provides trades and technology career promotion to meet the needs of BC’s grow-ing and diverse economy. There are 13 regional competitions and one provincial competition each year. There are also in-school presentations; approximately 450 this year. Gold medalists in the secondary and post-secondary categories go on to compete at the Nationals. This year, BC will be represented by 56 competitors in Moncton, New Brunswick in June.

Competitors, who medal at the Nationals, will have the opportunity to become part of Team Canada

at the World Skills Competition or World Skills Americas Competition (held on alternate years).

During the one-day provincial competition, this past April, representatives from 167 schools partic-ipated in the various events. There were also 400 volunteers, government agencies, businesses and labour organizations, as well as many spectators.

…we have a bright future ahead of us.

Cabinetry and carpentry, masonry, plumbing, welding, electrical, hairdressing, machining, refrigeration, landscape gardening, culinary arts and baking, automotive and mechanical CAD, to graphic design and animation, robotics and more – everything from trades to technology you could imagine was represented. Judging by the talent of these students, we have a bright future ahead of us.

Continued with photos...

Tradex is the place to be in Aprilby Shauna DeBodt

After a long bus ride, Dover Bay students were rewarded with learning initiatives about natural marine ecosystems. Students were amazed to learn, hands-on, from marine biologists in tidal pools, on the beach, from the boat and in the lab. Just one of the many innovative learning opportunities happening in our schools. Check out descriptions

and photos from students David Wang and Sophia Fan after returning from the Bamfield Marine Science Centre, recently.

Natural Marine Ecosystems Make Great Classrooms

Cedar Family of Community SchoolsSelena’s Summer Camp for Pre-SchoolersThis 4-day camp runs for five weeks; pick a week or come for all five. The camp includes gymnastics, stories, centres, arts and crafts and outdoor play.Location: Cedar Heritage Centre Date: Monday, July 4 until Thursday, August 5 - 9 a.m. until 12 noonAges: 3 to 5 years Cost: $48/weekPicasso in Training Art CampLocation: Cedar Heritage CentreDate: July 20 to 22 - 1 to 2:30 p.m.Ages: 6 to 10 years Cost: $25You must pre-register; call Community School Coordinator Karen at 250 722-3665 or email kstcyr@sd68.bc.ca.

Harewood Family of Community SchoolsThis summer, there will be fun and educational programs available for your child, at local schools. Detailed brochures will be available in your school office after June 10. Exam-ples of programs are:

• Red Cross Baby Sitter• Sports ’n Arts• Circus Kids• ESL Camp• Beginner’s Sewing• Cooking • Read for Fun• Folk Art • Mosaics• Bike Safety

Date: July and AugustAge: 6 to 13 yearsCost: $20 to $25Registration is on a first-come first-serve basis. For more information, please contact the following Community School Coordinators: Linda Mannerin – lmannerin@sd68.bc.ca (250) 741-1250Susan M’Gonigle – sm’gonigle@sd68.bc.ca (250) 816-5201

Nanaimo MuseumSpaceBlast off to outer space this summer during our Space drop-in program. Kids will get a chance to try some out-of-this world activities. They will even get to make their own paper rocket to take home! Date: Wednesdays, July and August: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.ToysEver wonder what kids did for fun before TVs and video games? Join us as we explore old fashioned toys. Children will get a chance to try out some old-fashioned toys and make their very own toys to take home. Date: Fridays, July and August: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.Programs are included in the cost of admission. Activities are aimed at children 5 to 12 years of age. Parents/caregivers must be present throughout the activity.

Nanaimo Science and Sustainability Society NS3The interactive science centre features engaging science ex-hibits the whole family will enjoy.Young NaturalistsLearn more about local plants and animals and their natural history and our impact on them. Outdoor visits include trips to Linley Valley and Departure Bay Beach. Students also get to create and take projects home.Date: July 4 to 8 for ages 6 to 8 yearsDate: July 11 to 15 for ages: 8+ yearsCoding CampStudents will be introduced to the basics of coding and have the tools to build their own simple computer games. There will also be some time outdoors to get inspired by the naturalworld. Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptop – no iPads. Requests to borrow one can be made upon regis-tration (there is a limited amount)Date: July 18 to 22 Ages: 10+ yearsFun with S.T.E.M. Projects focus on the fields of science, technology, engineer-ing and math, and will include building and programming LEGORobotics, creating stop-motion animation videos and

holograms. Connections will also be made with the natural world outdoors.Date: July 25 to 29Age: 7 to 9 yearsLEGOmaniaStarts with introductory robots and LEGO Wedo programs and moves on to more advanced with MindStorm kits. Stu-dents work at their own pace; no prior experience is neces-sary.Date: August 2 to 5Age: 6+ yearsGirls Science ClubIncludes outdoor explorations and hands-on projects and simple chemistry. There will also be local female scientists making an appearance.Date: August 8 to 12Age: 6 to 11 yearsCrazy CrittersThe focus is on a variety of hands-on science activities and art projects for budding entomologists and zoologists. Date: August 15 to 19Age: 6+ years

Ladysmith Parks, Recreation and CultureOffering a variety of programs and services to keep children, teens and families active throughout the summer. Call (250) 245-6424 or visit ladysmith.ca for more information.Aquatic ProgramsSwimming lessons and leadership programs for children, youth and teens throughout the summer include:

• Red Cross swimming lessons with levels from 1 to 10• Private lessons• Junior Lifeguard Camp • Bronze Medallion/Cross• Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Course • Emergency First Aid & CPR C• Standard First Aid & CPR C

More on next page...

Summer events & activities

SUMMER 2015-16

SUMMER 2015-16

High Five – Principles of Healthy Child DevelopmentThis one-day training will help front-line leaders (anyone working with children aged 6 to 12 – i.e. camp counsellors, coaches, swim instructors) improve the quality of programs. It provides in-depth training so leaders understand how to help ensure that each child’s social, emotional and cognitive needs are met.Adventure Zone Summer Daycamp Exciting theme-packed daily activities including crafts, sports, games, swimming, outings, local attractions and special events! Location: Transfer Beach, LadysmithDates: July 4 to August 26 – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Ages: 6 to 12 yearsOrca Swim Camp (5 - 12 years)This camp concentrates on stroke improvement and endur-ance for swimmers of all abilities. Yoga poses will be intro-

duced to encourage the development of strength, balance, flexibility, and positive body awareness. *Must be able to swim a minimum of 15m unassisted.World Cup Soccer Camps (4 - 14 years)Emphasis is on developing individual and team skills. Play-ers are grouped by age and ability. Includes a World Cup T-Shirt!Rhythm Studio Summer Dance Camp (8 - 12 years)A variety of dance styles include ballet, jazz, contemporary, and hip hop. Each day features a different theme, with arts and crafts activities to match.Summer Art Camp (5 - 13 years)Covering the visual language through projects designed around the B.C. Visual Arts curriculum. Lessons include contour drawing, painting, print making, sculpture, and the elements and principles of colour and design.

Going Ape Gymnastics Camp (6+ years)Join coach Leah Lollipop for a week-long, action packed, and exciting session of gymnastics, cool crafts, fitness con-tests, and more!Stop Motion Animation Workshop (8 - 13 years)Participants will make their own stop motion animated films using a variety of techniques, including sand, chalk, whiteboard, found objects, cut out paper, and pixilation.Junior Golf Clinic (7 - 13 years)A free junior golf program with Ladysmith Golf Club vol-unteer instructors! Space is limited... first 18 to register will participate.Junior Musical Theatre Camp (7 - 10 years)Play drama games developing confidence and teamwork in a production, sharing your new talents in a final perfor-mance for friends and family. Advanced Musical Theatre Adventure (10 - 14 years*)Fine tune the skills learned in previous camps, putting greater emphasis on characterization and scene building. *Note: this camp is for those with two or more years in musical theatre.Youth Ladysmith Location: Transfer BeachDates: Wednesdays - 4 to 7 p.m.Drop-in sessions supervised by qualified youth leaders eager to facilitate fun! A new activity each week, includ-ing volleyball, disc golf, slack lining, Amazing Race, slip & slide and more!facebook.com/youthladysmithCelebrate Canada Day Location: Transfer BeachFriday, July 1 - 1 to 5 p.m. Ladysmith DaysJuly 30 and 31ladysmithdays.com Light up the Night LadysmithSaturday, August 27 - 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.Arts on the Avenue – Art Show & SaleSunday, August 28 - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

www.nanaimo.ca · 250.756.5200 · ireg.nanaimo.ca

Look for your Summer Flyer arriving home with your elementary school child or view online.

CITY OF NANAIMO SUMMER CAMPS & PROGRAMS:Daily adventures and enthusiastic leaders are

part of our summer camps! Join us for fantastic camp experiences!

* Camp Wild* Camp Holidaze* Girls Get Active Camp* Bowen Explorers* Adventure Sports Camp* Tennis Camp * Tree Frog Camp* Junior Leaders in Training* Pottery Camps* Computer & Science Camps* Dance Camps (Highland, Hip Hop, Ballet)* Swimming & Skating Lessons & Camps* Sports Camps (Soccer, Golf, Karate, Rugby...)

Have

You

r BEST Summer with Us!

...summer activities

Words like adventurous, responsibility, kindness, and thankfulness were posted around a confer-

ence room at Vancouver Island University (VIU) on April 5. Filling the room were Brechin Elementary stu-dents wearing t-shirts that said “Be the kind of leader you want to follow,” as they played lively team building games guided by VIU students.

This was the scene at the first-ever Nanaimo Youth Leadership Conference (NYLC), which brought Brechin students in Grades 4 to 7 and VIU Hospitality students together to focus on leadership development.

The idea for the conference was brought about when the instructor of VIU’s Strategic Leadership and Innovation course, Joanne Schroeder, connected with Brechin Elementary Principal, Darlene Crane, in the hopes of utilizing it as an upper-level leadership proj-ect for the Hospitality Department.

“Of all the leadership in the world today, the world still isn’t perfect,” Schroeder said. “The kids are the leaders of the future, and the VIU students can reflect on what it really takes to intentionally develop youth leadership.”

“…help them realize they have lot to offer the community.”

The goal of the conference was to help build leader-ship in students before they move into higher grades and encourage them to fulfill all of their potential.

“There are a lot of very vulnerable students [at Brechin] that come from a more underprivileged setting,” Crane said. “We are really trying to commu-nicate to the students and help them realize that they have a lot to offer the community.”

The conference encompassed team-building activities and creative-leadership activities, a campus tour, a scavenger hunt for words that represented leader-ship qualities, and role-playing activities focused on empowerment.

There were also keynote speakers from VIU that talk-ed about the many opportunities the university has to offer, and encouraged students to attend in the future.

In addition, NDSS Principal and Brechin Alumni, Geoff Steel, inspired students by telling them how he overcame his “shy days” in elementary school and found success as a leader.

“[Shroeder] left it really open, and then it was up to us and [Crane] to come up with what we really wanted,” said VIU student Laura Rothwell. “We figured a fun conference would be the best thing. It worked best to figure out fun things that revolved around the key aspects of leadership.”

From communication, role playing, public speaking, and creative components, the workshops all en-compassed games that helped students understand different leadership skills. “Empowerment was also a big part for what Crane wanted us to portray to the kids – help empower them and encourage them,” said VIU student Liette Masse. “And, of course, we wanted the kids to have fun.”

The VIU leaders asked the students to provide some examples of leaders, and received many different responses.

“One person said Donald Trump because he’s rich, and we said you don’t have to be wealthy to be a lead-er,” said VIU student Rozhin Sheikhi.

“One little girl said her counsellor because she sup-ports her,” Masse said. “It was a very mature answer. I was shocked.”

SUMMER 2015-16

Developing youth leadershipby Natalie Gates

More on next page…

Empowering students

SUMMER 2015-16

...leadershipOverall, the VIU leaders wanted to show that leadership isn’t limited to one type of person, but that it can come from anyone that makes a positive difference in someone’s life.

Several Grade 7 students were selected to help out with the conference. “At some points, we need to shake the sillies out, or else you lose the kids half way,” Masse said. “The Grade 7

leaders said, ‘Let’s do some dancing,’ and then we went back to the activities. That was leadership.”

While it is not yet confirmed, both Brechin Elementary and VIU’s Hospitality Department hope to continue their part-nership and the conference in the coming years.

There is also the possibility of building the program, to include other schools in the district as well.

“They may not see themselves as leaders at this age,” Schro-eder said, “but they will draw on the qualities they learn and can go on to continue to have a good life with the ability to lead.” •

Energy Cup ChallengeThe district has been working towards raising awareness

about energy consumption and its impact on the environ-ment. This year, staff launched a pilot program called the

Energy Cup Challenge.

The challenge involves schools assembling a team, organizing and reporting back on conservation campaigns at their school.

The initiative started from a commitment by staff members, to bring awareness about utility consumption, rising utility rates, the desire for utility reduction, and the partnerships between the district, BC Hydro and Fortis BC.

The district’s goal was to save 325,000 kWh of electricity each year. This is equivalent to powering 2 1/2 elementary schools each year. The competition ran from February 15 to April 30.

There were a total of eight schools in the competition - five ele-mentary/intermediate and three secondary schools.

Two schools (one elementary/intermediate and one secondary) with the highest participation and energy savings won $4,000 and the Energy Cup trophy.

This year’s winners were Ladysmith Intermediate and Wood-lands Secondary. The financial reward is to be used towards an approved energy, sustainability and healthy lifestyle initiative in the school.

Points were collected in two ways – 1) participation and 2) demonstrated energy savings collected from utility data. Win-ners were based on a point system for such initiatives as:

• sweater days• lights-out lunches• presentations• removal of personal space heaters

Schools even had their computer labs shutdown earlier, creating substantial energy savings. Energy Manager Emil Bock said, “The efforts and initiatives of the schools has been tremendous and has brought our energy management engagements with staff and students to a new level.” •

More about the challenge...

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Check out the district’s new Energy Dashboard - see what your school’s energy consumption and savings are as well as emissions.