MAY News
The Grade Six class had a wonderful field trip to WildPlay in Maple Ridge, then an afternoon of bowling, and pizza at Boston Pizza, fully paid by the hard-working Grade 6 parents fund-raising efforts over the past year! The WildPlay experience was enjoyed by all and Dewdney students are looking forward to returning in the future.
APRIL News
Dewdney’s newest art installation is available for viewing now in the front entrance (although we are still waiting for it to be officially “installed”). Artist Jamie Smith talks about the process of creating our nature mural called “Walking with Ents” in this short video.
Dewdney elementary students Hunter, Damian, David, and Blake helped release more than 50 chum salmon into Silverdale Creek on April 23. The students watched the salmon hatched from their eggs and grow into fry as part of the school’s nature program. Mission City Record. April 23, 2015. http://www.missioncityrecord.com/community/301145771.html
April 22, 2015 Amazing news were announced at our Naturescape Ground-breaking! Mission Montessori Preschool will be opening a location at our school. They will be offering a program that incorporates Outdoor Education in their include Preschool, Extended Day Preschool and Before & After School Care! Welcome to the Dewdney Community! For more information Contact Miss Lori at missionmontessori@hotmail.com or 604 287 0120.
Dewdney Naturescape plans are well underway. Ground breaking day is April 22nd at 9:00 a.m. We are encouraging all our families, community members, kids, and volunteers to join us as we “break ground” together. Bring a spoon, shovel or any digging implement if you would like to be a part of preparing our site for the new Naturescape. Tree planting day will be in the fall right before our rainy season.
FEBRUARY NEWS
Feb 27, 2015 – This week saw our Grade 4 & 5 students getting some first-hand practice on how Canadian pioneers and First Nations made their own clothing and blankets. Dewdney parent-volunteer Nancy brought in freshly sheared wool from her alpaca and llama’s along with her spinning wheel, and let the children spin their own yarn. Our dedicated Education Assistant Lyn prepared CD’s that the children could use to spin their own wool (who knew that CD’s could be so useful!). The next day the children learned how the Salish people crafted woven articles and created their own woven artwork. Take a look at the engaged kids in the photos to see the process!
Feb 26, 2015 – We now have the blueprint for Dewdney Elementary’s Naturescape, the Natural Playground & Outdoor Learning Grounds that will be built over the summer. Ground-breaking is happening in June, construction in early July, and we will wait until the Dewdney children are back in school in September to plant trees, design and paint original totem artwork, and other activities. The Naturescape belongs to the children of Dewdney. There will be many areas for children to explore, inquire and learn, and a outdoor classroom for teachers and students to use.
Blueprint for Naturescape: The Outdoor Learning Grounds and Natural Playground
Dewdney Elementary School Grounds – Outlined area is school property.
The Naturescape will be going into the old playground area beyond the parking lot that is visible on this 2009 Google Map.
An interesting blog entry on the importance of nature in a child’s life, and how natural playgrounds are so much more than a playground (context note – the article is sourced from a version published in the March/April 1998 issue of Early Childhood Newsmagazine) Children’s Outdoor Play & Learning Environments: Returning to Nature
Past Information Meetings
May 2, 2015 – Our principal Sue McLeod will be at the McConnell Creek Hall Plant Sale (& Garage Sale) with our information booth. Come out out and visit us while you check out the plants for sale. 35483 Hartley Road, Mission, BC. 10 am to 2 pm.
May 2, 2015 – We’re excited to be a part of this seasons 1st outdoor Farmers Market by the Mission Library..Saturday, May 2 nd….9-1 pm ..we’ll have our information table set up along with a fun kids craft. See you there! Dewdney parents will be at the first outdoor Mission Farmer’s Market of 2015 in the parking lot of the Mission Library, 10 am to 2 pm
February 2015
Kindergarten Registration runs the week of Feb 2-6 – 8:30am-3pm. Call or visit the school for details.
JANUARY 2015
January 22, 2015 ~ 10 am – 1 pm: Mission Leisure Centre. We will have an information table set up at the Leisure Centre’s Winter Fest Preschool event. Drop by and talk to an involved Dewdney parent-representative, pick up a pamphlet and learn about our new Community, Outdoor Recreation and Environment program.
January 24, 2015 ~ 10 am – 2 pm: Mission Farmer’s Market (Clarke Theatre (HPSS) 33700 Prentis Ave, Mission). We will have an information table set up at the Mission Farmer’s Market as well as a fun kid’s craft!
January 27, 2015 ~ 7 pm: Dewdney Elementary School. Come out to our information meeting on Tuesday Jan 27, 2015 to learn more about the Community, Outdoor Recreation and Environment program at Dewdney Elementary School. Dewdney principal Sue McLeod will be leading the discussion. Come with questions! We are located just a few minutes east of Hatzic, at the intersection of Hawkins Pickle Road and Lougheed Hwy. 37151 Hawkins-Pickle Road, Dewdney.
dewdney elementery CORE 