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OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, October 21, 2009 · 26 SMLS makes sure "She'll be Ready!" Established in 1891, St. Mildred'sLightbourn School (SMLS) has a proud heritage of excellence in education for girls and young women from Junior Kindergarten to University Entrance. SMLS' strong academic program is designed to develop critical thinking, problem solving, cooperation, flexibility, adaptability, communication skills and the ability to use new technologies. With its state-of-the-art Athletic and Fitness Facility, Performance Studio Theatre and Visual Arts Centre, students experience enriched programming. SMLS offers Advanced Placement courses, SAT preparation, focused support for the achievement of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award program (Round Square regional member) and participation in the First LEGO® League/FIRST Robotics programs. Academic excellence is recognized through scholarships. Family needs are supported through bus services, a food program, extended day supervision and a bursary program. In 2008-2009, 98% of SMLS Graduates were Ontario Scholars, with 100% accepted at Universities of their choice; 97% of Junior School students scored at or above grade level on Canadian Achievement Tests in math and literacy; and SMLS sports teams achieved 15 Golds in divisional events. St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School enables each individual to reach her personal best, while on the "Educational Journey of a Lifetime." The School promises that when the world is calling your child's name, she'll be ready! Canadian bullying-prevention study urges move from awareness to action (NC)--Parents of school-age children concerned about the critical issue of bullying in schools and playgrounds will likely be interested in the findings of a recent Canadian bullyingprevention study. The good news, according to Canadian bullying-prevention research organization PREVNet, is that a majority of young people are aware of the most effective methods to stop bullying. However, while increased awareness is cause for encouragement, experts caution that real progress lies in empowering children with the tools to turn knowledge into action. Standing Up to Bullying: What are Children and Youth Saying? was conducted by Dr. Debra Pepler, M. Catherine Cappadocia, and Dr. Joanne G. Cummings at PREVNet. The study was designed to examine the top ways Canadian youth intervene in bullying situations, and released to coincide with Family Channel's seventh-annual Bullying Awareness Week, which runs from November 16-22, 2009. Through surveys and interviews conducted with 108 children in July 2009, the study revealed that six out of ten (63%) had witnessed bullying at least once in the past three weeks, and 16% had witnessed bullying two or three times per week over that same time period. Given the role of bystanders in the bullying dynamic, respondents were then asked to list the most effective ways to intervene during a bullying incident. Three out of four respondents (76%) indicated that the best strategies were to tell a trusted adult and to stand up to the child who is bullying and encourage him/her to cease the activity ­ methods advocated by PREVNet. However, when asked to describe what they actually did the last time they saw someone being bullied, only 42% reported that they told an adult and 37% reported that they intervened in the situation. Beat the homework blues (NC)--Switching gears between summer vacation and the new school year can be a tough transition for both students and parents. In a moment's notice, carefree days of fun and relaxation are quickly replaced with homework assignments and after school activities. As we move toward the new school year, make sure that your back-to-school preparation doesn't end with picking up new pencil cases and binders. Ensure your child's transition from play-time to class-time goes smoothly by preparing as much as possible. Here are a couple tips to help students get prepared to learn this September: · Stay ahead of the curve: Although topics like vocabulary and multiplication are low on any student's list of priorities during the summer months, quick and easy quizzing is a great way to stimulate thought during this time. Microsoft Office templates offer a wide range of flashcards that are sure to pump up students' English and math skills and pleasantly surprise their teachers. · Get the entire family on one calendar: Separate calendars for parents and children are a recipe for disaster. This method often leads to late homework assignments and missed appointments. This year, try creating a shared family calendar in Outlook. It will help you stay up to date on due dates for school projects as well as after school commitments. · Be in the know: It's obvious that parental involvement is instrumental to a child's academic success; however, while most parents are willing to help out with nightly homework assignments, many feel left in the dark when it comes to test time. According to Dr. Pepler, these findings suggest that while parents and educators are making progress with respect to educating children about effective strategies to diffuse bullying situations, more emphasis needs to be placed on providing children with the skills and practical examples that will help them take action and stand up to bullying. "We know that bullying is a relationship problem where one child has more power than another," says Dr. Debra Pepler, Distinguished Research Professor of Psychology, York University. "What this research highlights is that to correct that power imbalance, children must be assertive and speak up, and adults must do more to help children by giving them the tools and support they need to put theory into practice." Previous PREVNet research into the role of bystanders in bullying situations indicates that bullying typically occurs in front of a group of peers who have the power to either stop or prolong the bullying episode based on their actions, and that when bystanders do intervene in bullying situations, bullying stops within ten seconds a majority of the time. Help kids reach their full potential BEd in Adult Education Information Sessions Wednesday, Oct. 21 2 - 3 p.m. or 5 - 6 p.m. Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning Room G206 Trafalgar Campus 1430 Trafalgar Rd., Oakville Brock University provides a distinctive and dynamic learning experience. We encourage students, faculty and staff to develop both sides of their brain ­ personally and academically ­ and become well-rounded individuals as unique as fingerprints. In co-operation with Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Brock University offers BEd in Adult Education degree and certificate programs. Study part-time to enhance your understanding and application of adult education principles and practices. Courses are offered on Saturdays at Sheridan or online. The program is designed for those working or aspiring to work in adult learning environments including health care, human resources and more. Applications are being accepted for the Winter 2010 session. For information, visit our website at adult.ed.brocku.ca, call 905-688-5550 x5547 or e-mail adulted@brocku.ca Children have boundless potential. As parents we invest in their education, enroll them in sports and even support their interest in learning an instrument because we want them to excel in school and in life. Sometimes, the challenge is to bring their potential to the surface and discover what your child's strengths are. Here are some tips to help children reach their full potential: Find the right outlets: Rather than trying to contain or discipline a child who likes to stand out, what about helping them stand out more? Consider giving a child like this more responsibility in the classroom for a big project or a leadership role -- like a class fundraiser. You'll be surprised how this will help them meet their need to get noticed in a responsible way. Support their ambition: If kids have a cause they're passionate about, parents and teachers have the responsibility to give them the resources they need to succeed. Websites like www.ccfcanada.ca offer easy to use, stepby-step ways to organize a fundraiser for students of all ages. Integrate their passion into the curriculum: If a child finds something that excites them, like helping a child in need in another country, consider integrating that into your curriculum. Teach about that country and have students research issues that affect children overseas. More resources for teachers and students are available online at www.ccfcanada.ca - News Canada