The Best Age to Switch to Private School: A Psychologist’s Viewpoint

May 22nd, 2013 Comment button No Comments »


School psychologist Mary Polychronas has spent 20 years working with teachers and students in the private and public sectors, and is a staff psychologist at Weston School, a combined elementary and secondary school in Montreal. She has taught in both systems.

Polychronas believes both the private and the public system are committed to doing the best for children in their care. Mission statements in both sectors stipulate their goal is to meet the needs of the student. “Both sectors want to turn out good citizens with morals and with values,” and both offer resources to do so. However, she says the private sector is often better equipped financially to meet students’ educational needs, particularly during key years that can set children up for future success.
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Ladies Fundraiser Helps Fight Cancer

May 20th, 2013 Comment button No Comments »

“The Fireflies”! A Night of Fun at LOL!

Laugh Often, Live Fully, Love Freely! For the sixth year in a row, Oakville’s annual Ladies Out Laughing “sold out” comedy event continues to stand out as a night of over the top fun and laughter that makes a huge difference for several cancer-fighting causes; raising over $60,000.

Ladies Out Laughing was created in 2008 by two friends, Chris Reidy and Deirdre Thomas, as a way to raise money for their own participation in The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation’s Weekend to End Breast Cancer.

That first year they were happy to raise over $6,000 – but the event has grown spectacularly every year, and is now a much-anticipated fixture in the Oakville scene, with tickets selling out the very first day they go on sale.

Attended by over 500 women – and a few supportive men — this year’s event supports the Shoppers Drug Mart Weekend to End Women’s Cancers™, and The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer™, both benefiting The Campbell Family Institute at The Princess Margaret Hospital, one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world, as well as the Tour for Kids™, which raises funds for children’s cancer camps and family support programs. New this year, a portion of proceeds will support Wellspring Halton-Peel, a local facility that provides a wide range of cancer support programs. The event also hopes to drive an additional 50 registrations for these fundraising events, which will generate a minimum of $60,000 in additional funding.

Related: Click here for more pictures.

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The Great Gatsby Movie Review

May 17th, 2013 Comment button No Comments »

With some exceptions, most good parties require planning. The host knows how he wants things to go, and selects the elements to create that experience. The very best parties have a uniqueness that’s a reflection of the skill of the host’s planning. And with director Baz Luhrmann as our host, The Great Gatsby is an excellent party indeed.

Adapted rather faithfully from the classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, we view the story through the eyes of Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire), World War I veteran, bonds trader and aspiring writer. Luhrmann’s framing concept here is that the depressed and hospitalized Carraway, years after these events, is encouraged by his doctor to write down what happened during the fateful summer he lived on Long Island, in a small cottage next door to the enigmatic Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio).

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Raising Autism Awareness Together

May 16th, 2013 Comment button No Comments »

Carrie, Christine Poe & Leslie with Travelling Tikko

“Travelling Tikko” is a delightful Autistic pet polar bear, the brain-child of 9 year old Dorian Poe who was diagnosed with autism and has learned that he can give a gift of sending “Travelling Tikko”, as a mascot on trips with other individuals,  thus raising Autism awareness.

Dorian Poe believes he can make a difference. He is also paying it forward with Tikko on Facebook.

Dorian’s message: “Hello my name is Dorian. I am 9. I have Autism, and so does my pet polar bear Tikko. Tikko is about to go travelling on an adventure; and I need you to take care of him. My polar bear wants to raise Autism Awareness. Just call him “Tikko the Autism Bear” or “Travelling Tikko”. Guess what, this guy is much more different than the other polar bears you know. Things you should look out for: Tikko gets really angry sometimes. Tikko has anxiety. Tikko doesn’t like being tickled. Be very patient with Tikko. Tikko likes school. Tikko is great at math. Tikko cries, screams, hits, kicks, and GROWLS. Tikko throws chairs and desks. Tikko is very, VERY loud. Tikko wants attention, food, drinks and someone to play with. Most of all, Tikko wants LOVE!

Related: Click here for more pictures.

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Parenting Expert Visits And Educates Oakville Parents

May 15th, 2013 Comment button No Comments »

A few weeks ago, I went to hear parenting expert Barbara Coloroso speak.  This is the second time I have been to hear one of her lectures and I was equally impressed this time as I was the last.

Speaking specifically to her book ‘The Bully, The Bullied and The Bystander’, she spent two hours addressing the current state of society our kids are growing up in, the impact of social media on bullying and providing concrete and helpful examples on how to raise strong, respectful and independent children.

I took many notes during the lecture, but some of the key tips I walked away with were:

 

 

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