JK/SK Update at Oxbow

I just noticed this on the Oxbow website and thought I should pass it on:

Information for Parents of New JK/SK Students
 

The Oxbow school year starts on Tuesday, September 4, 2012. 
All Senior Kindergarten students will come on the first day and JK students will begin according to the schedules provided. Please note that there is a slight adjustment to the information in the packages given out at the Orientation. 

Once JK students have been to class, they will be coming every day. Note that in the 2012-2013 school year, our JK/SK students will be on a full-day/every-day program. Oxbow asks that parents allow their child to ride the bus to school on the first day.


Happy parenting,
Jean
 

Fairy Tale Bingo - Ilderton Library

The Ilderton Library is offering Fairy Tale Bingo this Saturday July 14th from 11 to 12 o'clock.

You must register at the library or call 519-666-1599 since there is a limit of 12 participants.

The library is located at 40 Heritage Drive, Ilderton.

Happy parenting,

Jean

Optimist Golf Tournament - Sunday July 15, 2012

Optimist Golf Tournament

Please join the Ilderton Optimist for a day of Golf and Fun!

The event will be held at Firerock Golf Club on Sunday July 15th.
Tee off is 11:30 Sharp

Sign up here: Online Registration

Entry for the scramble is $125 per player which provides you with:

-18 Holes of Stunning Golf
-Power Cart with GPS
-Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
-Complementary Driving Range Access
-Prizes!

Happy parenting,

Jean

Tri-County Heritage Club Antique Show - July 14 &15

Come to the Heritage & Antique Show on July 14th & 15th at the Ilderton Fair Grounds.

• The fair grounds will be open 8 am to 5 pm both days. 
• Free Parking
• Primitive Camping Available – free for exhibitors and daily admission charge for non-exhibitors
• Displays include all brands of antique tractors, cars, trucks, gas engines, steam engines, lawn and garden tractors (must be 25 years and older).
• Includes a Large Fleamarket, Ladies’ Program (Crafts, Fashion Show); Indoor Displays in the arena; Children’s Activities; Daily Parade; Jamboree, Tractor Pulls, Sawmill, Threshing, and other demonstrations.  Food vendors on the grounds provide breakfast and lunch. 
• Saturday Pork BBQ (5-7pm) Sunday Church Service (10am). 

Admission:  Exhibitors free.  Spectators $5 per person, children under 12 free.

Find out more information here: http://www.ilderton.ca/heritageclub/Poster2012.pdf

Happy parenting,

Jean

Banana Peanut Butter Nutella Popsicles

Want to make something to beat the heat?  Try my latest treat:

Banana Peanut Butter Nutella Ice Pops

3 Bananas

1/2 cup of Nutella

1/3 cup of Peanut Butter

Zip in a blender and freeze

So decadent and so delicious!  I love this combination of chocolate, peanut butter and bananas.  You can't go wrong.

These were so delish!  These photos were taken pre-freeze so that's why there are no sticks in them yet.

Enjoy and happy parenting,

Jean

Kidfit!

Kidfit—Fun and Fitness rolled into one at the Early Years Centre

A drop-in program every Thursday from 1:30-2:30 pm 

July 5th -August 30th
 

A fun weekly program of active play activities, sports skills and just plain fun to get your child active. This one hour program includes warm up fun, active centres and yoga cool down. 

It will be held outside at 40 Heritage Drive on Thursday afternoons during the summer months. On rainy days they will accommodate a modified program inside. 

All ages are welcome but the program is geared to ages 2-6 yrs. old. It is an opportunity for parent/caregiver and child to get fit and have fun together.

Come out and join the fun on July 5th!

Happy parenting,

Jean

TD Summer Reading Club 2012

Every summer kids can improve their reading skills and reduce summer learning loss while having fun! Each year, with the TD summer reading club the public library staff develop a wide range of exciting activities around a different theme to help kids enjoy reading.

Kids, 12 and under, who register with their local library for the TD Summer Reading Club receive a poster, stickers and an activity book all free as a part of their reading kit. 

Imagination is this years theme

Click here to find the list of suggested books for your child's age: http://tdsummerreadingclub.ca/great-books

The summer reading club registration will begin at the Ilderton Library on June 28th.

Happy parenting,

Jean

Easy Blueberry Popsicles

Want a great (and easy) recipe for afternoon treats for the kids this summer? Look no further.

Blueberry Popsicles

Here is the recipe:

1 cup of blueberries

1 cup of vanilla yogurt

2 tablespoons of sugar (you can add less if you like)

I find that a creamier yogurt works best (I like Activia but you can use anything you have on hand).

Place your ingredients in the blender, blend for at least 20 to 30 seconds and pop them into a popsicle mold (I used Tovolo Bug Pop Molds) or I have found silicone muffin liners to be very good as well.

Such an easy treat and you don't have to turn the oven on!

Bon appetit!

Happy parenting,

Jean

Keep Your Kids Busy This Summer!

Want to keep your kids busy this summer?  Here are some activities from the Ilderton Fall Fair.  Get your kids to complete these activities and submit them to the fair in the Fall.

 

From the Ilderton Fall Fair's website.

3 Years and Under

Section
1.	Trace your bare foot and decorate it
2.	Decorate a juice box

5 Years and Under

Section
3.	Decorate an individual serving yogurt container, “Vehicle Theme”
4.	Collage, “Animal Theme”, no larger than 9 x 12in. / 22.5 x 30cm
5.	Trace a maple leaf and decorate it, no larger than 9 x 12in. / 22.5 x 30cm
6.	Picture made with cereal, no larger than 9 x 12in. / 22.5 x 30cm
	a) 3 yrs. and under
	b) 5 yrs. and under
7.	Make a caterpillar using an egg carton
8.	SPECIAL Mud pie on a foil plate, no larger than 8in. / 20cm, decorated with natural items

8 Years and Under

Section – FOOD
9.	SPECIAL Decorate a gingerbread person cookie
10.	Decorated Rice Krispie Easter Egg, no larger than 6 x 6in. / 15x15cm
11.	SPECIAL Decorative bracelet made with food, to be completely edible
	a) 5 yrs. and under
	b) 6-8 years

Section – CRAFTS
12.	Draw and colour a pig and give it a name, no larger than 9 x 12in. / 22.5 x 30cm
13.	Animal made from play dough/clay, no larger than 6 x 6in. / 15 x 15cm
14.	Grow a hairy creature from grass seed in a 10oz. / 284ml soup can
15.	6 different nature items displayed in 6 sections of an egg carton
	a) 5 yrs. and under
	b) 6-8 years
16.	Make a bunny from a toilet paper roll
17.	Farm vehicle made from Kinex/Lego, no kits, on a BASE no larger than 8in. / 20cm square
18.	SPECIAL Create a spaceship using recycled materials, on a BASE no larger than 8in. / 20cm square
19.	SPECIAL Collect 100 of the same item and display them in a QUART SIZE / 1L JAR

12 Years and Under

Section – FOOD
20.	Bagel pizza, one half, appearance only to count
21.	Trail mix, maximum of 5 ingredients, PINT SIZE / 500ml JAR, appearance only to count
	a) 8 yrs. and under
	b) 9-12 years
22.	Make a party hat using an ice cream cone as a base, decorated with icing and candies
	a)  8 yrs. and under
	b) 9-12 years

Section – CRAFTS
23.	Duct tape alien, no larger than 12 x 12 x 12 in. / 30 x 30 x 30 cm
	a) 8 yrs. and under
	b) 9-12 years
24.	One painted stone, no bigger than 8 x 8in. / 20 x 20cm, no add ons allowed i.e. googly eyes
	a) 8 yrs. and under
	b) 9-12 years
25.	Homemade fridge magnet, no kits, no larger than 4 x 4in. / 10 x 10cm, own magnet attached
26.	Design your own restaurant menu, appearance only to count, one page, no larger than 9 x 12in. / 22.5 x 30cm
27.	Create a soap carving using one bar of soap, displayed in a Ziploc sandwich bag
28.	Design a mouse pad for your computer out of foam, no kits, no larger than 6 x 6in. / 15 x 15cm
29.	Homemade mask, no kits
30.	Original flying machine from Lego/Kinex, no kits on a BASE no larger than 8in. / 20cm square
	a) 8 yrs. and under
	b) 9-12 years
31.	A bird house from Popsicle sticks, no larger than 6 x 6in. / 15 x 15cm, ready to hang

32.	Photography, 4 snap shots, taken by the exhibitor, “People Theme”, titled and mounted, no larger than 12 x 12in. / 30 x 30 cm

Open - 18 Years and Under

Section – FOOD (NO MIXES)
33.	Banana chocolate chip muffins (3), no baking cups
	a) 8 yrs. and under
	b) 9-18 years
34.	One decorated cupcake, “Christmas Theme”
35.	SPECIAL Oatmeal Cookies (3), no nuts, no larger than 3in. / 8cm and no smaller than 2in. / 5cm
	a) 8yrs. and under
	b) 9-18 years
36.	Edible bird’s nest, displayed on a plate no larger than 8in. / 20cm
37.	Brownies (3), on a plate no larger than 8in. / 20cm
38.	Unbaked squares (3), using marshmallows, with recipe included, on a plate no larger than 8in. / 20 cm
39.	SPECIAL Decorated cake, “Halloween Theme”, no larger than 9 x 9in. / 23 x 23 cm, displayed on a foil covered base 1in. / 2.5 cm larger than the cake, appearance only to count
40.	SPECIAL Decorated house made from graham crackers on a foil covered base no larger than 8 x 8 in. / 20 x 20cm
41.	Homemade candy, 3 pieces, on a plate no larger than 8in. / 20cm
42.	Tea Biscuit/Scones (3), no mixes, on a plate no larger than 8in. / 20cm

Section – CRAFTS
43.	Split image picture – cut out half of picture from a magazine, complete the other half of the picture by hand, no larger than 9 x 12in. / 22.5 x 30cm
44.	A handmade Christmas tree ornament, “Angel Theme”, no kits
45.	Handmade door decoration, “Halloween Theme”, no kits, ready to hang
46.	SPECIAL Design a “Hansel and Gretel” house out of a 2 litre milk carton
47.	Write a funny story about your worst family vacation ever, 100 words or less
48.	One decorated scrapbook page
49.	Dream catcher, no kits, ready to hang
50.	Homemade paper mache’ piñata, no kits, string attached ready to hang, accessories allowed
51.	Make a necklace using recycled materials
52.	Handmade “Thank You” card for a sponsor of the Fair. Card will be given to the sponsor after the Fair
53.	Handmade musical instrument, must make noise
54.	Handmade musical instrument, must make noise

55	Photography, 4 snap shots, taken by the exhibitor “Sports Theme”, titled and mounted, no larger than 12 x 12in. (30 x 30cm)

56	SPECIAL To the exhibitor winning the HIGHEST NUMBER OF POINTS IN CLASS 47
57	SPECIAL To the exhibitor winning the HIGHEST NUMBER OF POINTS IN CRAFTS
58	SPECIAL To the exhibitor winning the HIGHEST NUMBER OF POINTS IN FOOD

Happy parenting,

Jean

Kids putting wrong shoe on?

PARENTING TIP OF THE DAY

Here is my tip of the day to help kids get the right shoe on the right foot.

Draw a shape on the instep of the shoe.  This way kids can line up the shape when they get the shoes on.  

We chose a heart for Hannah and she loves that she can line up the shape so she can independently get dressed.

Happy parenting,

Jean

Early Years - Welcome to Summer Party Tonight!

A Family Fun Night!

Welcome to Summer party at the early years centre.

Tonight - Wednesday June 20 from 6:30 -8:00 pm
 

Bring the whole family out for activities, games, refreshment and singing.

Sponsored by the Ilderton Optimist Club & Ilderton Lions Club

Happy parenting,

Jean

Kraft Celebration Tour Update

Judging is now underway for the Kraft Celebration tour. 

They received just over 500 nominations this year and the competition is fierce! The judging panel is now reviewing submissions and selecting the 20 finalists.
 

Watch the live Top 20 reveal on SportsCentre! Sunday, July 1 at 5:30PM ET!

Voting begins July 9, 2012 at 12:00 Noon ET.

View the nominations here: http://www.kraftcelebrationtour.ca/nominations/list/

Communities will be placed in pairs and go up against one another in a 24-hour head-to-head battle for the most votes.

Ilderton has 3 nominations in (for a paved walking trail, fitness trail, arena update) and hopefully we will be selected as a finalist!

Keep your fingers crossed!

Happy parenting,

Jean

Final Kindergarten Orientation -June 21st

The final Oxbow PS Kindergarten Orientation is on Thursday June 21st from 9:30am to 10:30am.

This time, the kids get to ride on a bus!

Happy parenting,

Jean

 

Oxbow Fun Fair Tonight!

3rd Annual Oxbow Fun Fair on June 14th

 

The final community event for the 2011-2012 school year is the 3rd annual FUN FAIR being held on Thursday, June 14. 

Pizza, drinks and other snacks will be available starting at 5:30 pm. 

Activities will also start at 5:30, so bring the family and celebrate the successful end of the school year!

Happy parenting,

Jean

Farmer's Market Starts June 16

The Ilderton Area Business Association Farmer's Market begins this Saturday - June 16th at 8am.

You can find the farmer's market in the parking lot on Ilderton road (beside the gas station).

The Farmer's Market is scheduled to run each Saturday through to September.

Come out for some fresh food!

For more details or to be a part of it, please call 519-666-1106

Happy parenting,

Jean

Local Swimming Lessons

Looking for something to do this summer?  How about some swimming lessons?

Swimming Lessons with Kate Vanderhoek at 13 Mile Swim School

Certified Canadian Red Cross Water Safety Instructor

National Lifeguard First Aid and CPR

She has a Heated Pool!

Private sessions for $80 for 5 half hour sessions $16 per session

Semi-Private (2+) $70 for 5 half hour sessions $14 per session

Contact Kate at 519-854-8019 for more information.

Happy parenting,

Jean

Queens Jubilee - June 1-3

Come to Ilderton's celebration of the queen’s diamond jubilee

This weekend - June 1 - June 3, 2012

Afternoon Tea - Friday, June 1, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., Ilderton public library
Children, adults and seniors are invited to enjoy tea and treats, and share memories of 60 years of her majesty’s reign.

Commemorative tree planting - Saturday, June 2, 11:00 a.m., Heritage park
Local dignitaries such as Bev Shipley, Al Edmonson and Eleanor Little will mark the occasion at the site of the new playground.

Community picnic - Saturday, June 2, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Heritage park
Bring your own picnic, and/or buy hotdogs and hamburgers from local service groups;
Enjoy a tea tent, local musicians, displays and games and events for the children;
Delight in the music of the royals (“fifty years of the best music ever” - Something for all ages. www.theroyalsband.com)

Special church service - Sunday, June 3, 10:00 a.m., Grace Anglican Church
Join us for a special service of thanksgiving.

Jubilee concert - Sunday, June 3, 7:30 p.m., Grace Anglican Church
Angus Sinclair plays music from the 60 years of the queen’s reign – and requests from the audience! (tickets $14)
For more information, see www.ilderton.ca/jubilee or call 519-666-0394.

I hope that you can come out and play!

Happy parenting,
Jean

Firefighters Community Breakfast and Open House

Come to the Firefighters Community Breakfast and Open House on May 27, 2012

Breakfast and Fire Station Open House on Sunday, May 27, 2012

8am to 12:00pm

at

Ilderton Fire Station

22531 Hyde Park Rd., Ilderton

 

Enjoy and happy parenting,

Jean

VON Canada Country Breakfast - June 3rd

The VON Canada Country Breakfast will be on Sunday June 3rd from 8am - 12 noon at the Ailsa Craig Community Centre.

$8.00 per person

Kids 12 -4 $5.00

4 and under free

Enjoy a hearty all you can eat breakfast of turkey sausages, ham, eggs, baked beans, hashbrowns, pancakes, OJ, coffee and tea.

Yum Yum!

Happy parenting,

Jean

An Evening with the 'Eagles" - May 26th

The Eagles tribute band - Hotel California - will be in Ilderton for your listening and dancing pleasure.

Your $30 ticket includes a dinner buffet, silent auction, entertainment, and a ticket in the Lions Elimination draw. There is $4100 in cash prizes with a top prize of $1000.

Contact Rob Haig at 519-666-1006 for tickets.

A great night to get out without the kiddies!

Happy parenting,
Jean

Farmers Market Coming This Summer!

Ilderton is about to have a Farmers Market Saturdays starting in June until the Fall.

What a great way to get fresh fruits and veggies for your family!

Ruth is organizing it, call her at 519-666-1106 if you would like to be a vendor.

Happy parenting,

Jean