Island Parent Magazine Winter 2023

WINTER 2023 

Vancouver Island’s Parenting Resource for 35 Years 

FREE COPY 

Reason to 

Celebrate 

RAISING 

ACTIVE 

KIDS 

Inside: 

Check Out the 

Independent Schools 

& Education Guide

PRESCHOOL–GRADE 12 

Be curious. Be kind. Be brave. Be you. 

admissions@qms.bc.ca 

www.qms.bc.ca 

Classes Begin September 6 th 

STAGES 

Performing Arts School 

since 1980 

Come Dance With Us 

• Offering classes for Teens & Pre-Teens in Jazz, 

Ballet, Lyrical, Tap. Musical Theatre, Acrobatics & 

Hip Hop, in a non-competitive atmosphere. 

• Not sure which class to take? 

- Try a Drop-In: No hassle, No Obligation. 

Daytime Pre-School Classes 

for the little angels... 

STAGES Performing Arts School 

#301 1551 Cedar Hill X Rd 

Call 250-384-3267 Email us at: stagesdance@shaw.ca 

Or visit our website: www.stagesdance.com 

2 Island Parent Magazine IslandParent.ca

IslandParent.ca 

Winter 2023 3

WINTER 2023 

Vancouver Island’s Parenting Resource for 35 Years 

FREE COPY 

TABLEOFCONTENTS 

10 

Why Choose a 

Private School 

OUR KIDS MEDIA 

14 

Private School 

Directory 

18 

Reason to 

Celebrate 

JULIE MAIS 

28 

Make the Most 

of a Trip to 

the Museum 

CHRISTINA VAN STARKENBURG 

In Every 

Issue 

5 

Fast Forward 

SUE FAST 

6 

Need to Know 

9 

I ❤ Island 

16 

Moms’ POV 

SARAH SEITZ 

18 

Family Resource Directory 

22 

Nature Notes 

CHRISSIE FINNIE 

12 

Is Montessori School 

Right for Your Child? 

PARENTCANADA.COM 

20 

50 Adventures 

in Pacific Rim 

National Park 

24 

Raising Active Kids 

ACTIVE FOR LIFE 

33 

Special Feature 

& 

TWEENS TEENS 

5 Ways to Get 

Involved with 

VOLUNTEERING 

Vol V, Ed I 

Job Search 

How to Help Your Teen 

Develop Networking Skills 

30 34 

Things with Your to Do 

Teen 

30 Things 

to Do with 

Your Teen 

37 

5 Ways to Get Involved 

with Volunteering 

RAYNE INKSTER 

38 

Job Search 

WORKBC 

26 

What’s for Dinner 

EMILLIE PARRISH 

30 

Play 

31 

Preschool & Child Care 

Directory 

32 

Businesses You 

Need to Know 

32 

Cut It Out! 

DR. ALLISON REES 

On the 

Cover 

Photo by 

Michael Morrell 

Reason to 

Celebrate 

Inside: 

RAISING 

ACTIVE 

KIDS 

Check Out the 


& Education Guide 

Jim Schneider Publisher publisher@islandparent.ca 

Sue Fast Editor editor@islandparent.ca 

Kristine Wickheim Account Manager kristine@islandparent.ca 

RaeLeigh Buchanan Account Manager raeleigh@islandparent.ca 

Island Parent Magazine, published by Island Parent Group Enterprises Ltd., is a 

bimonthly publication that honours and supports parents by providing information on 

resources and businesses for Vancouver Island families. Views expressed are not 

necessarily those of the publisher. No material herein may be reproduced without 

the permission of the publisher. Island Parent is distributed free in selected areas. 

Annual mail subscriptions (7 issues) are available for $21 (GST included). 

Canadian Publication Mail Product Sales Agreement 40051398. ISSN 0838-5505. 

Island Parent Magazine 

250-388-6905 islandparent.ca 

518 Caselton Place, Victoria, BC V8Z 7Y5 

A proud member of 

BC 


FASTFORWARD 

7½ Spring Things to Do 

Tired of being cooped up? There’s 

no time like springtime to get 

outside and shake off the winter 

blahs. Not only are the days getting longer, 

with the extra light chasing away the 

shadows, but there’s lots more to do now 

that we can get outdoors and explore. So 

where to start? 

1. Reacquaint Yourself with the 

Aquarium. If you’re in Ucluelet, attend 

the Aquarium’s free opening day on 

March 1, 10am–5pm. Uclueletaquarium. 

org. 

2. Plant Flowers. What better time to 

plant flowers than on National Plant a 

Flower Day, March 12? For tips, register 

for Horticulture Centre of the Pacific’s 

program, Seed Starting for Kids on 

March 4 from 10–11:30am. hcp.ca. 

3. Be a Tourist. Okay so the official 

event isn’t running this year—why not 

make up one of your own? In Victoria, 

visit Miniature World or the Royal BC 

Museum, among many other tourist 

attractions. In Nanaimo, follow the 

Nanaimo Bar Trail or visit the Bastion. 

In Courtenay, take a Fossil Tour at the 

Courtenay Museum and Paleontology 

Centre. 

4. Stay Up Late & Play in the Dark... 

before the clock springs ahead on March 

12 and the days get longer. Play flashlight 

tag, glow-in-the-dark Frisbee or stargaze. 

The next morning, sleep in! 

5. Hop On the Harbour Ferry. Take 

a 45-minute Harbour Tour, a 75-minute 

historic Gorge Tour or a hip and a hop 

on a water taxi. Stops include the Empress 

Dock, Chinatown and Fisherman’s 

Wharf. victoriaharbourferry.com. 

6. Host a Community Garage Sale. 

Out with the old! Gather everyone together, 

hang up signs and make a day of 

clearing the clutter. Afterwards, spend 

your earnings and host a neighbourhood 

pizza party. 

7. Visit Fort Rodd Hill. If it’s rainy, step 

inside the Fisgard Lighthouse and play an 

old-fashioned game of checkers or one of 

the new video games. 

7½. Play Capture the Flag. With lots 

of room to roam at Fort Rodd Hill, a 

game of Capture the Flag is an all-out 

exhilarating experience. Bring enough 

friends for two teams and play on! 

– Sue Fast 



NEEDTOKNOW 

Hit the Slopes 

If you have a child in Grade 4 or 5, the Council offers a Snow Pass to save on skiing or snowboarding 

across Canada. The Snow Pass is a national program for kids in grades 4 and 5 (nine and 10 years of age) 

to ski or snowboard at 150+ hills across Canada for only $29.99 plus tax. The goal is to get kids and their 

families excited about winter and engaged at an early age so they can look forward to fun activities 

in the winters to come. 

snowpass.ca 

Keep the 

Drive Alive 

Each year thousands of deserving kids benefit from the generosity of a committed group of caring people 

and organizations, like you, who donate items to the live and silent auctions at the Golf for Kids Charity 

Golf Classic. Items range from art, memorabilia, electronics, trips, industry products and much more. This year’s 

event will be held on Saturday September 9 at Bear Mountain Resort. For more information about donating an 

auction item email silentauction@golfforkids.net. 


INSPIRING A NEW GENERATION 

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE | INNOVATIVE THINKING | GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP 

Nanaimo, BC | 250.390.2201 | AspengroveSchool.com 

Pink 

Shirt 

Day 

Celebrate our diversity while 

raising funds to support inclusive 

anti-bullying programs for kids in 

our communities. London Drugs 

will once again be selling Pink 

Shirt merchandise in their stores 

during February. Get your Pink 

Shirt today and stand up to 

bullying on February 22. 

pinkshirtday.ca 

I am proud 

to continue 

my support 

of parents, 

families and 

youth in 

Oak Bay- 

Gordon Head. 

MLA Murray Rankin 

Oak Bay – Gordon Head 

Murray.Rankin.MLA@leg.bc.ca 250-472-8528 



Maritime 

Museum 

Bursary 

Program 

The Maritime Museum of BC is working 

with the Victoria Foundation to 

provide a limited number of free 

programs for schools and organizations 

that work with underserved or 

marginalized communities. At-risk 

populations often lack safe access to 

arts, culture, and learning opportunities. 

The Museum’s goal is to create 

a sense of belonging and well-being 

within a community through facilitating 

engaging experiences. Schools 

and organizations are invited to 

complete the bursary form at 

mmbc.bc.ca. 

A Refreshed 

Place to Play 

Tire Stewardship BC (“TSBC”), 

a not-for-profit group dedicated 

to the collection and recycling 

of scrap tires in British Columbia, 

announced the upgraded Wellness 

Park in Sidney, located at 10091 

Resthaven Dr., has a new rubberized 

surface made from 744 recycled 

B.C. scrap tires. The Town of Sidney 

received a grant from TSBC last 

spring, valued at $17,171, to go 

toward the new safe and durable 

rubberized park surfacing. 


I ❤ ISLAND 

Check out these unique Island products! 

Pack Up & Towel Off 

Tofino Towel works directly with various fair-trade 

artisan makers from around the globe to create 

high quality multipurpose products that allow you 

to do more so you can own less. Every product 

they develop is crafted with the intention to be as 

equally suitable for outdoor and indoor use. From 

towels, surf ponchos and bags, Tofino Towel has 

got you—and your kids—covered! 

tofinotowelco.com 

Repurposed Pallets 

“I Used To Be A Pallet” upcycles pallets into 

repurposed products in categories including art, 

bathroom, commercial, furniture, interior decor, 

kitchen, novelties, outdoor, seasonal decor, storage, 

workshop and miscellaneous. The Victoria 

company use the majority of wood from a pallet 

to repurpose and saves end cuts to heat homes, 

disperses saw dust in gardens and donates nails 

to the Habitat for Humanity metal recycling bin. 

iusedtobeapallet.com 

Going Dotty! 

New and up-cycled clothes for kids and cool 

adults, handmade and screen-printed in Victoria. 

These sustainable, eco-friendly clothes are made 

with love. You’ll find everything from hoodies and 

tees for littles to bigs along with tea towels and 

bamboo circle scarves. Prints include whales, 

bunnies, wolves and unicorns, among many 

others. 

dottiehandmade.com 

6 Great Themes • 3 Fun Weeks • 1 Giant Screen 

MARCH 3–26, 2023 

Buy tickets at imaxvictoria.com 




& 

Education Guide 

Why 

Choose 

a Private 

School 

With options ranging from boarding schools to alternative 

schools, there is almost certainly a school to suit each 

and every child. Read on for some of the reasons why parents 

are choosing independent schools. 

Enriched Academic Opportunities 

One of the benefits of private schools is that they provide 

challenging educational experiences through extracurricular 

activities, advanced placement courses, the International Baccalaureate 

program (and the IB diploma program) and gifted 

programs, just to name a few. 

Smaller Classes 

Studies on class size show that the smaller the class size, the 

better the average student performs on academic achievement 

tests. And the gains from smaller class sizes are stronger the 

longer a child is exposed to them. Private schools vary greatly 

in size, but depending on the teaching style, many focus on the 

importance of small class sizes to individually help students’ 

weak areas and advance their strengths. 

Parental Involvement 

Private schools encourage open communication between parents 

and administration, and they involve parents in the community. 

From parent-teacher meetings, social events and the 

participation of parent committees in fundraising initiatives, 

families become an integral part of the child’s education. 

Dedicated Teachers 

In a study completed by the Fraser Institute in 2007, 91 percent 

of parents surveyed said the dedication of the teachers was 

their main reason for choosing private school. Instructors are 

both qualified and passionate about their subjects, often holding 

advanced degrees in their field. Also, small class sizes make 

teachers and staff more readily available for extra help or to 

further challenge individual students. 

A Safe Environment 

Private schools have reputations for maintaining high standards 

for discipline and respect. Lower staff-to-student ratios 

allow for more observation and control of school grounds. In 

the Fraser Institute study, around 72 percent of parents surveyed 

with children in the private school system strongly agreed 

that their school was safe, which greatly improves the quality 

of the child’s educational experience and achievement. 

Community Environment 

According to a Fraser Institute survey, 62 percent of parents 

with children in the private school system believe their school’s 

environment is motivating, supportive and nurturing. Former 

students repeatedly report that the friendships they formed in 

private school have lasted post-graduation. A strong sense of 

pride is often instilled in private school alumni, creating networking 

opportunities upon entering the workforce. 


Ample Resources 

Private schools offer resources to support student learning in 

the classroom, sports field, art studio and beyond. Resources 

and extracurriculars provide students with the opportunity to 

fully explore their interests and talents. 

Extracurricular Activities 

While academics remain the priority for most private 

schools, many also place a strong focus on a well-rounded 

education and encourage participation in extracurricular activities 

such as sports, music, arts or clubs. This involvement helps 

stimulate students in their studies, as noted in a study at Stanford 

University. Extracurricular activities can provide a muchneeded 

break from the stresses of academics, while developing 

skills and engaging in valuable social situations. 

Shared Educational Philosophy 

There are many approaches to education; finding a school or 

preschool that matches one’s own perspective can create a positive, 

productive academic experience for your child. Whether 

you prefer the student-directed learning method of Montessori 

or the arts-based curriculum of Waldorf or Reggio Emiliainspired 

school, choosing the right private school will not only 

allow students to thrive in a supportive environment and build 

independence, but also gain unique skills that fit their learning 

style. 

Development for Today’s and Tomorrow’s World 

Private schools go beyond offering the mandatory subjects 

required by provincial curriculum; they can offer students a 

wide range of specializations including arts programs, athletics, 

math, science. Private schools are responsible for producing 

many leaders in politics, business and society, with a history 

of adapting quickly to changes in technology and culture. And 

today, they are also sought by parents of kids with special 

needs such as behaviour, learning, developmental or physical 

disabilities. 

Our Kids Media is Canada’s Trusted Source for families who are looking 

for the best learning and living experiences for their children, themselves 

and their parents. 

Youth Mountain Biking Club 

With 20+ years of local trail knowledge 

and ride leadership experience, we’re 

able to recommend appropriate routes 

for your child. Our agenda is about fun, 

not competition. It’s a friendly mountain 

bike club, not a race (necessarily…)! 

teamfish.ca 250 885 5305 

teamfishbike@hotmail.com 




& 


Is Montessori School 

Right for Your Child? 

Have you ever considered sending your child to a Montessori 

school, but you’re just not sure what they have to offer? 

Here’s what you need to know. 

The “Montessori” method, founded in 1907, is an educational 

approach developed by Italian physician and educator 

Maria Montessori. Based on her extensive research with 

neurodiverse children, Montessori’s method is designed to teach 

children with an emphasis on independence, freedom within 

limits and a respect for a child’s natural psychological, physical 

and social development. 

Montessori caught the eye of Alexander Graham Bell, who 

opened Canada’s first Montessori school in Baddeck, N.S., in 

1912, long before it became popular in the 1960s. 

How does it work? 

At a Montessori school the teacher observes children, then 

uses certain resources in the classroom to present lessons to 

kids who are ready to learn. Lessons are given in sequence; children 

don’t move on to the next lesson until they have mastered 


the previous one. Once individual students 

are given a lesson, they can move 

freely around the classroom, working 

with classroom materials or on follow-up 

projects. 

What can you expect from a 

Montessori school? 

Preschool and kindergarten: Classrooms 

in a Montessori school for children 

from 3 to 6 years old are often 

called Children’s Houses, after her first 

Montessori school, the Casa dei Bambini 

in Rome in 1906. This level is also called 

“Primary.” The teacher usually presents 

activities; then the children depending on 

their interests may choose which skills 

they want to focus on. In early childhood, 

Montessori students learn through 

sensory-motor activities, working with 

materials to develop learning through all 

five senses: seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, 

touching and movement. 

Elementary: Classrooms for this age 

are usually referred to as “Elementary” 

and can range in size from very small up 

to 30 or more children, typically staffed 

by a trained teacher and one or more assistants. 

In the elementary years, a child 

continues to organize thinking through 

work with the Montessori method; essentially 

beginning the application of 

knowledge to real-world experiences. 

Classroom materials and lessons include 

work in language, mathematics, history, 

the sciences, the arts and much 

more. Montessori students learn to think 

critically, work collaboratively and act 

boldly—a skill ideal for life in the 21st 

century. 

No matter which grade level your 

child belongs to, it is collectively known 

that all kinds of learning styles will be 

cultivated at Montessori school including: 

musical, bodily-kinaesthetic, spatial, 

interpersonal, intrapersonal, intuitive 

and the traditional linguistic and logicalmathematical 

(reading, writing and 

math). 

EVERY THIRD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH OCTOBER-JUNE 

HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY 

aggv.ca | 

Learn a new sport or refine 

your skills: come join our 

rock climbing teams! 

Registration 

for recreational 

and competitive 

teams open now. 

All levels 

welcome! 

Ages 6–18. 

ParentsCanada.com provides expert 

parenting advice on everything from pregnancy, 

breastfeeding and baby sleep to kids nutrition 

and behaviour. Find a Montessori school for your 

child with ParentsCanada’s Private School Guide 

at parentscanada.com. 

Details and registration at climbtheboulders.com 

The Boulders Climbing Gym 

1627 Stelly’s Cross Road | Saanichton, BC | 250.544.0310 




& 


Private School Directory 

LOCATION GRADES PHONE WEBSITE 

Artemis Place Secondary Victoria 10–12 250-598-5183 artemisplace.org 

ArtsCalibre Academy Victoria K–12 250-382-3533 artscalibre.ca 

Imagine a School...where music, dance, theatre and visual arts are infused into all aspects of an 

outstanding curriculum. We did...and we created it! 

Brookes Westshore Victoria 4–2 250-929-0506 westshore.brookes.org 

Christ Church Cathedral School Victoria K–8 250-383-5125 cathedralschool.ca 

Discovery School Victoria 4–12 250-595-7765 discoveryschool.ca 

Glenlyon Norfolk School Victoria K–12 250-370-6821 mygns.ca 

An inclusive family-driven community whose members care about each other and the world around them. 

Dedicated teachers and staff deliver the International Baccalaureate Program in a co-educational environment. 

Lakeview Christian School Victoria K–9 250-658-5082 lcsvictoria.ca 

Lighthouse Christian Academy Victoria K–12 250-474-5311 lcawestshore.com 

Maria Montessori Academy Victoria K–12 250-479-4746 mariamontessoriacademy.net 

Oak and Orca Bioregional School Victoria K–12 250-383-6619 oakandorca.ca 

Pacific Christian School Victoria K–12 250-479-4532 pacificchristian.ca 

Pacific School of Innovation and Inquiry Victoria 9–12 778-433-3409 learningstorm.org 

Pacific School of Innovation and Inquiry is an independent school that employs a unique inquiry-based method 

as a means of offering a personalized, interdisciplinary learning experience for those in grades 9 through 12. 

Regent Christian Online Academy Victoria K–12 250-592-1759 rcoa.ca 

Selkirk Montessori School Victoria K–8 250-384-3414 selkirkmontessori.ca 

42 years of inspiring engaged citizens and lifelong learners. Book a tour to see what makes our contemporary 

Montessori leads to stand out learners. Call 250-384-3414 or email penny@selkirkmontessori.ca. 

St Andrew’s Regional High Victoria 8–12 250-479-1414 cisdv.bc.ca 

St Christopher’s Montessori Victoria K 250-595-3213 stcmontessori.ca 

St Joseph’s Catholic Victoria K–7 250-479-1232 cisdv.bc.ca 

St Margaret’s Victoria K–12 250-479-7171 stmarg.ca 

St Michaels University School Victoria K–12 250-592-2411 smus.ca 

SMUS is an international day and boarding school known for its excellence in academics, arts, athletics and outdoor 

education, with a focus on character development and preparing students for life. 

St Patrick’s School Victoria K–7 250-592-6713 cisdv.bc.ca 

VI School of Innovation and Inquiry Victoria 6–8 250-883-1667 visii.ca 

Victoria School for Ideal Education Victoria K–8 250-383-6654 vsie.ca 

West-Mont School Victoria K–12 250-474-2626 westmontschool.ca 

Shawnigan Lake Shawnigan Lake 8–12 250-743-5516 shawnigan.ca 

St John’s Preparatory Academy Shawnigan Lake 4–12 250-220-4888 stjohnsacademy.ca 

Salt Spring Centre School Salt Spring Island K–7 250-537-9130 saltspringcentreschool.ca 

Arrowsmith Independent School Qualicum Beach K–7 250-752-2722 arrowsmithlearning.ca 

Haahuupayak School Port Alberni K–7 250-724-5542 haahuupayak.com 


LOCATION GRADES PHONE WEBSITE 

John Paul II Catholic School Port Alberni K–7 250-723-0637 cisdv.bc.ca 

Discover Montessori School Nanaimo K–9 250-591-4450 public.dm-school.ca 

Nanaimo Christian School Nanaimo K–12 250-754-4512 ncsnanaimo.com 

The International High School @ VIU Nanaimo 11–12 250-740-6317 viu.ca 

Brentwood College Mill Bay 8–12 250-743-5521 brentwood.bc.ca 

Aspengrove School Lantzville K–12 250-390-2201 aspengroveschool.com 

Aspengrove School, an independent school for students aged Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12, is driven by a passion that 

allows children to play to their own individual strengths both socially and academically. Our students are inspired to be creative, 

curious and courageous, and are encouraged to become thoughtful global citizens. 

Stz’uminus Senior Secondary Ladysmith 8–12 250-245-6650 stzuminus.com 

Beachcombers Academy Fanny Bay K–7 778-427-4007 beachcombersschool.ca 

Duncan Christian School Duncan K–12 250-746-3654 duncanchristian.com 

Noorunissa Montessori Academy Duncan K–6 250-737-1119 intmontessori.ca 

Queen Margaret’s Duncan K–12 250-746-4185 qms.bc.ca 

QMS is an inclusive community where every student finds personal success. Nestled on 30 acres in the Cowichan 

Valley, QMS offers an exceptional education that builds confidence, character and compassion. 

Queen of Angels School Duncan K–9 250-746-5919 cisdv.bc.ca 

Sunrise Waldorf School Duncan K–8 250-743-7253 sunrisewaldorfschool.org 

Phil & Jennie Gaglardi Academy Comox K–12 250-339-1200 gaglardiacademy.ca 

Evergreen Independent School Cobble Hill K–7 250-743-2433 evergreenbc.net 

Nurture Your Natural Curiosity 

Guided Nature Outings & Events 

Learn about the fascinating natural and cultural history of the 

region from CRD Parks Naturalists and Cultural Programmers. 

> Educational and interactive guided walks and drop-in events 

> Free or low cost for a variety of ages and abilities 

Check out the full calendar at www.crd.bc.ca/parks 

Capital Regional District | Regional Parks 

@crd_bc | 

CapitalRegionalDistrict 

crdparks@crd.bc.ca | 250.478.3344 



MOM’SPOV 

Perks of the Job 

See airplanes, 

seaplanes, helicopters 

and more at the 

BC Aviation Museum 

Learn about BC’s aviation 

history from early bush planes 

to bombers and beyond! 

Last summer I was asked by a friend 

if my daughter would like a dogwalking 

job. At only 11 years old, 

the job opportunities are slim, so I felt 

excited about this opportunity for her 

to learn about responsibility and money 

management. I hoped that as a bonus my 

daughter would experience the feeling of 

empowerment. 

When I realized how invested I was in 

the idea of her taking the job, it occurred 

I started thinking about my sales pitch 

and tried to think about what it was that 

my daughter really wants but doesn’t 

have. You would think that the list would 

be long based on the complaints we hear 

on a regular basis around our house: 

“there’s nothing to do” and “it’s so boring.” 

But the list was short. There was only 

one item on it. It was something that she 

had been asking for since she learned that 

Summer Hours, May 1 to Sept 30: 

10am to 4pm, Thurs through Tues 

Winter Hours, Oct 1 to Apr 30: 

11am to 3pm, Thurs through Tues 

For special days and events 

go to bcam.net. 

1910 Norseman Road, Sidney 

250-655-3300 | bcam.net 

to me that she may not see the same value 

in it. From her perspective, why would 

she even need a job? This is when I had 

to face the truth: because I have given my 

daughter everything, she has no reason 

to hustle. 

Scooters, rollerblades, bikes, trampoline 

… you name it, my kids have it all. 

Therein lies the problem: My kids want 

for nothing, which I suspected would 

also include a summer job. 

even nine-year-olds can have them: a cell 

phone. 

Trading a phone for a job seemed like 

a terrible idea on many levels. So I realized 

that I was going to have to pitch the 

job without any pre-arranged incentives. 

To my delight and surprise, when I 

asked her if she wanted the job, she enthusiastically 

agreed. I was blown away 

and curious to know what her motivation 

might be and when I asked her this, 


her response was “it will be fun” and “I 

can buy stuff.” Easier than I thought but 

questionable as to the longevity of the 

rewards. 

On her first day at work, she was 

picked up and taken straight to Starbucks. 

Venti frap-a-something in hand, 

she was driven around while picking up 

dogs. In that first two-hour shift, she 

made $20 cash and was treated to a $7 

drink. 

I returned home from my own job to 

find her thrilled and excited and eager to 

“work” again the next day. I was grateful 

that our friend had made our girl’s 

first day on the job fun, but it certainly 

didn’t mirror my own experiences of new 

employment. 

The next day, another Venti Starbucks 

and twenty bucks. And the same the day 

after that, and the day after that. 

I finally called our friend and expressed 

how generous it was of her to be treating 

our daughter to a drink every shift, but 

that she didn’t need to do it each time. At 

this rate, it was almost costing her money 

to have an employee. She agreed to at 

least tone it down to a Tall. 

I knew things had gone sideways when 

I started returning home from work to 

find that $20 bill and empty Starbucks 

cup abandoned on the counter. If the 

money was valuable, why was it lying 

around? And where was the responsibility 

and work ethic I was hoping 

my daughter would adopt? It certainly 

wasn’t in the unrinsed and unrecycled 

cup on my counter. 

I started to worry about what my 

daughter was learning about the workforce. 

So far, from her viewpoint, here 

were the big takeaways: 

1. Your boss can pick you up so that 

you never have to worry about getting 

yourself to work on time. 

2. Your boss treats you to an expensive 

beverage of your choosing every shift. 

3. You can get paid to do something 

that you aren’t willing to do in your own 

life (i.e. walk your own dog) 

I was relieved at the end of the summer 

when school resumed and the “job” fizzled 

out naturally. My daughter did save 

about half of the money she “earned” 

but not for anything specific. I can’t really 

say what she gained from the experience 

of her first job other than some fun 

time spent with some adorable dogs and 

a very skewed view of the workforce. 

My own 30 years in the workforce 

have never been as relaxed and as rewarding 

as what my daughter was lucky 

enough to experience, but maybe it’s better 

to know what is possible. There certainly 

is more of an emphasis on work/ 

life balance these days. 

I had hoped that her first job would 

prepare her for the real world. Instead, 

I suspect she will get a rude awakening 

when she arrives at her first job and 

hands the boss her Starbucks order. 

Sarah Seitz is a working 

mother, wife and writer. She 

spends her free time cutting 

off crusts and uses good 

coffee and humour to get 

through the day. 

Family Day at the Legislature 

Please join us for free family friendly activities 

at the B.C. Parliament Buildings 

Monday, February 20, 2023 

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

www.leg.bc.ca | tours@leg.bc.ca 



FAMILY 

RESOURCE 

DIRECTORY 

The Family Resource 

Directory is designed 

to highlight the caring 

community that we are 

a part of. This directory 

showcases organizations 

and businesses that provide 

services and support for 

families and children. 

Navigate is an award-winning 

school, recognized nationally and 

internationally for our innovative 

approach to blended learning. 

We’ve implemented the new BC 

curriculum and built unique, flexible 

learning options for every student. 

This allows us to meet a diverse 

range of student needs, abilities 

and learning styles. 

Discover more at 

NavigateNIDES.com 

Thriving Roots 

Wilderness School 

Thriving Roots provides hands-on, wilderness 

education and counselling services for youth 

and adults. Our year-long programs and summer 

camps are immersive in nature, fostering 

connection to land and community through 

earth-based skills, play, music and more. 

thrivingroots.org info@thrivingroots.org 

PARENTING 

Reason to Celebrate 

My daughter’s preschool has a sacred 

ritual: every day a different kid gets 

to be Helper of the Day. 

My daughter talks about the Helper 

of the Day a lot—who it is, how they 

get to ring the bell for circle time, how 

they have a special badge to denote their 

preschool-royalty status. 

One day I pick her up and ask, “Who 

was the Helper of the Day today?” 

“I was,” she responds. 

I stop. Gasp. Crouch down with my 

arms open for a hug. 

“You were?!” 

But instead of giving me a hug, my 

four-year-old channels her inner fourteenyear-old 

and leaves me kneeling with my Watching my daughter spell her name 

Kids’ accomplishments are magical. 

arms open, and rolls her eyes. 

for the first time. Seeing that sly smile of 

It wasn’t the first time. 

pride as she stands on her own on the ice 

I know. But it’s still exciting. 

rink. Being disoriented when she washes 

She didn’t want my enthusiasm. Maybe her hands without needing a stool. It’s a 

she thought my reaction was overkill. world of firsts, or at least seconds, a time 

Maybe she thought my excitement wasn’t of measurable growth, of marveling at 

genuine. Or maybe she thought I was underestimating 

her by reacting too wildly is vastly different from the last. A time 

how each week, then month, then year 

to something she had already mastered. of growth charts marked in the kitchen, 

Whatever the reason for the eye roll, it of certificates from each two-month long 

got me thinking about how much I wish skating program, of preschool graduations. 

someone would give me positive reinforcements 

for my accomplishments. You In childhood, haircuts are sparkly, 

got the kid dressed and out the door? summer camps come with completion 

Applause! You made it to work on time? ribbons and each grandparent visit has 

Cheers! You made a dinner that wasn’t a ice-cream. Adulthood, on the other hand, 

la Kraft? Standing ovation! You decluttered 

some old clothes on Varage Sale? Of oh crap, I didn’t realize I had another 

is filled with who is going where today? 

Woop! You remembered to wake up at meeting now, of playing spot the new 

six am for ballet/jazz registration? I am wrinkle, of s@#$ my girls’ night out that 

so proud of you! 

was planned months in advance just got 

My daughter’s gotten pretty good at cancelled, yet again, but I’m actually 

her “thank yous,” but I can’t say I ever kinda relieved cause I could really use 

feel truly validated for making it through some Netflix and home-made nachos 

the daily grind. Part of it is likely that right now. 

the day-to-day work of being a parent I vividly remember the first time we left 

doesn’t produce accomplishments other the house after my daughter was born. 

than keeping your kids alive for another She was five days old and we walked 

day. There isn’t the nice bow of closure down to the Italian Bakery where a lovely 

that comes with pressing publish on a older woman coo-ed at her in just the 

blog post, sighing relief after an important 

meeting or even just logging off from that made me feel truly accomplished for 

right way and congratulated me in a way 

email at the end of the day. Parenting is having brought a beautiful human into 

rewarded by hugs, “I like it when we’re the world. 

together mommy,” and kissing a passedout 

child once they are finally asleep and infant daughter by myself, I couldn’t 

I remember the first time I drove my 

looking deceivingly angelic. Parents aren’t believe I could do it—it felt like how I 

usually on the receiving end of high fives. imagine paragliding to me—that I was 

18 Island Parent Magazine 

IslandParent.ca

flying high above the ordinary little 

people down below going about their 

average days. Some of these firsts keep 

coming but they are morphing all the 

while, the first daycare drop-off becomes 

preschool drop-off becomes kindergarten. 

The bedtime routine we finally got 

down stops working, and the white noise 

machine becomes a music box becomes 

reading Fancy Nancy twice in a row and 

making sure “tete” the teddy is at the 

foot of the bed. 

I look to parents of older kids as experts, 

as seniors when I’m a freshman. 

Parenting is a weird mix of knowing 

some things really well but being at the 

precipice of the unknown. Being on a 

hike without a map, never knowing what 

will emerge around the corner. It’s exciting 

that things always change, but it’s 

also panic inducing. Suddenly my sevenstep 

bedtime routine just lost its power. 

Suddenly, she’s stopped saying “tete” 

and started saying “teddy.” Suddenly, her 

drawings of people include legs. After a 

toddlerhood of downing pepper slices, 

she’s asking me to pick them out of her 

lasagna. It’s a constant learning curve accompanied 

by the perpetual grief of losing 

a version of someone you love a little 

bit more with each passing day. 

When my daughter was a newborn, 

my midwife showed up as I hid in the 

bathroom and cried in my sleep deprived, 

sore-nippled state. When I came out, she 

simply looked at me and said, “this is 

hard as f***.” 

She was right. 

It is all hard and no one gives you a 

gold star for it. So tonight, after bedtime 

and before the next wake-up, pour 

yourself some wine as the dishes wait 

and cheers to making it through all of it. 

Each exhausting, heartwarming, frustrating, 

fleeting moment of it. Because you 

deserve a kneeled-down, arms wide open, 

Helper of the Day hug. 

You made it. You are making it. And 

that calls for one heck of a celebration. 

Julie Mais is a policy 

and communications professional 

in Victoria. She looks 

for beauty in the everyday 

through writing, photography 

and the outdoors. She 

lives in a messy, cheesefilled 

home with her husband and preschooler. 

Preschool to Grade 12 

Imagine a School…where music, dance, theatre and visual arts 

are infused into all aspects of an outstanding curriculum. 

v Preschool located at the beautiful Cedar Hill Recreation Centre 

v Comprehensive K-12 program consistently exceeds BC Curriculum 

v Excellent facilities, convenient locations throughout Victoria 

v Highly qualified, dedicated staff and low student/teacher ratios 

Visit our website, come to one of our Open Houses, or call us! 

www.ArtsCalibre.ca info@ArtsCalibre.ca 250.382.3533 

2023 

Water to 2023 

Water to 2023 

Earth 

MARCH 22 

Month Earth 

- APRIL 22 

Water MARCH 22 

Month to Earth 

- APRIL 22 

Month 

MARCH 22 

Activities - APRIL and events 

22 

Activities to celebrate and events both 

Activities World and to celebrate Water events 

both Day 

to celebrate World and Earth 

both 

Water Day! 

World Water Day 

and and Earth Earth Day! Day! 

getinvolved.rdn.ca/team-watersmart 

getinvolved.rdn.ca/team-watersmart 



EXPLORE 

50 Adventures in 

Pacific Rim National Park 

Visiting the West Coast Trail, Broken Group 

Islands or Long Beach? Here—from Pacific 

Rim National Park Reserve—is a bucket list of 

adventures to discover along the way. How 

many can you do? 

1. Watch a storm from the sunroom at the 

Kwisitis Visitor Centre. 

2. Listen to the sound of stones being rolled 

by waves at South Beach. 

3. Watch the sunrise at Grice Bay. 

4. Ride a cable car on the West Coast Trail. 

5. Listen for the cry of an osprey. 

6. Contemplate the landscape from the red 

chairs at Radar Hill. 

7. Count a flock of shorebirds. 

8. Measure a banana slug. 

9. Camp at one of the seven campsites in the 

Broken Group Islands. 

10. Go on a guided rainforest walk. 

11. Surf a wave at Wickaninnish Beach. 

12. Discover how Valencia Bluffs got their 

name. 

13. Visit the three sections of Pacific Rim National 

Park Reserve. 

14. Learn the Nuu-chah-nulth word for “black 

bear” at the Kwisitis Visitor Centre. 

15. Ride a bike down Long Beach. 

16. Run the Willowbrea Trail. 

17. Wade across Sandhill Creek at low tide. 

18. Count the great blue herons in the eelgrass 

at low tide at Grice Bay. 

19. Make an etching from an interpretive 

panel on the Nuu-chah-nulth Trail. 

20. Sit on the red chairs amongst the majestic 

trees on the Rainforest Trail. 

21. Volunteer for an invasive dune grass pull. 

22. Hitch a ride on a giant slug at the Kwisitis 

Visitor Centre. 


23. Locate Keeha Beach on a map. 

24. Paddle board around a bed of bull kelp. 

25. Attend an evening presentation at Green 

Point Theatre. 

26. Be CoastSmart and know before you go 

near the water at CoastSmart.ca 

27. Go on the “Track the Wild” guided hike. 

28. Visit the Tseshaht “first man” house post 

on Benson Island and learn about Tseshaht 

cultural history at Ts’ishaa. 

29. Identify the difference between a crow 

and a raven. 

30. Count the number of stairs down to Halfmoon 

Bay. 

31. Explore a tidal pool on a guided shoreline 

walk. 

32. Climb a ladder on the West Coast Trail. 

33. Use the Dune Explora App. 

34. Spot a flock of Whimbrel (giant bills) on 

the Grice Bay mudflats. 

35. Find the brass geological survey marker at 

the top of Radar Hill. 

36. Jump rope with a bull kelp. 

37. Look through Kwisitis Visitor Centre binoculars. 

38. Count the number of trees that are 500 

years or older on Schooner Cove Trail. 

39. Write your name in the sand at Long Beach. 

40. Take off your shoes and wade in Lost Shoe 

Creek. 

41. Touch a sea star at the Kwisitis Visitor 

Centre. 

42. Play hockey on the beach. 

43. Take a break on the red chairs at Valencia 

Bluffs on the West Coast Trail. 

44. Toast a marshmallow at your campsite at 

Green Point Campground. 

45. Find pelagic goose neck barnacles on drift 

logs on the beach. 

46. Look for signs of a garter snake in the 

sand dunes. 

47. Take a photo in the longhouse at Kwisitis 

Visitor Centre. 

48. Spot swimming swans in winter at Sandhill 

Creek or Grice Bay. 

49. Identify a shorepine tree. 

50. Find the derelict donkey engine on the 

West Coast Trail. 

For 100 more ideas, visit parks.canada.ca/ 

pn-np/bc/pacificrim/activ/activ150. 



NATURENOTES 

Making Nature Accessible to All 

We all know the benefits of 

getting outdoors and experiencing 

nature. Many studies 

show that time in nature reduces stress 

and anxiety, promotes calm, promotes 

healthy movement, can improve concentration, 

lowers the risk of heart disease 

and high blood pressure, etc, etc. The list 

goes on and on. Of course, we all should 

be getting outdoors and experiencing nature 

on a regular basis. 

Being in nature can be especially important 

for children who are experiencing 

challenges. Playing outdoors allows 

children freedom, exploration, friendship 

and fun. All children can and should experience 

time spent enjoying nature. 

Unfortunately enjoying nature isn’t as 

easy for some as it is for others. For people 

living with health, mobility, transportation, 

socio-economic and/or a variety 

of other challenges, getting into nature 

isn’t as easy as walking out the door or 

getting into the family car and heading 

to the park. Challenges can deter families 

and people from using what should be 

easily accessible. That is why many local 

parks and recreation departments are 

working to make their parks more accessible 

to everyone. 

Making a park more accessible can 

mean many things: it can mean looking 

at local transportation connections; 

building more accessible play structures 

and trails; offering introductory tours of 

parks; offering hikes with transportation 

included or partnering with other organizations 

to use their expertise. Making 

a park more accessible can also be as 

simple as communicating better to let the 

public know what is available or to show 

that there are ways to access a park or 

trail that may not be the typical way. 

Most newer play structures are now 

built with differing abilities in mind. 

Some are accessible to every ability, and 

many have components that allow children 

to play freely regardless of mobil- 

ity challenges. The same can be said for 

trails. There are trails and hikes all over 

Vancouver Island that are accessible: offering 

a flat grade, smooth path and tapping 

rails for visually impaired, among 

other amenities. The Lighthouse Country 

Regional Trail in the Regional District of 

Nanaimo is one of these, offering a 5km 

out and back fully accessible trail that 

meanders through the forest over bridges 

and around trees. This trail is popular 

with all ages and abilities and offers 

families a natural trail that can be easily 

walked or rolled by anyone. 

Taking a tour or park orientation session 

can help to reduce any stress and 

answer any questions you have about the 

park or trail. Many parks and recreation 

departments offer these types of activities, 

sometimes with staff and other times 

in partnership with others. Look into 

your local activity guide or call your local 

parks and recreation department to see 

what they have to offer. 

OUTDOOR-FOCUSED PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS IN SAANICH 

Full-year preschool registration for Sept. 2023-2024 starts Saturday, Feb 4 at 6am. In-person only. 

Kiddie Capers 

Forest Classroom 

We are proud to offer this 

program in our outdoor forest 

classroom, with circle time, 

crafts, educational field trips, seasonal 

events and much more! Children learn 

through hands-on exploration, shelter 

building, forest play, science, painting, 

music, story time and more! Our goal is to 

prepare your child for kindergarten through 

structured activities in our outdoor nature 

environment. Minimum two days a week, 

may register up to four days a week. 

3-5yrs M-Th 

3-5yrs M-Th 

9–11am 

11:15am-1:15pm 

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY, JANUARY 28 

9am–10am, Saanich Commonwealth Place 

Exploring Our 

World Licensed 

Preschool 

Come explore with us! 

Themes that are inspired by 

your child’s interests, with a focus on 

outdoor play, stories, science, arts and 

crafts, music and dance. We offer a 

developmentally appropriate, play-based 

program with an emphasis on the whole 

child’s development. This fosters growth 

in each child’s emotional, social and 

physical well-being. 

3-5yrs M, W, F 

3-5yrs Tu, Th 

9am–12pm 

9am-12pm 

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY, JANUARY 28 

10:30–11:30am, Gordon Head Recreation Centre 

E.C.O. Educating 

Children Outside 

Connecting through 

nature-based full-year early 

childhood education will help 

foster a sense of wonder, curiosity 

and imagination as children experience and 

engage with the natural world around them. 

Emergent and play-based curriculum, 

ECO is a community partnership with 

Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary. 

4yrs M, W, F 9am–12pm 

3yrs Tu, Th 9am–12pm 

Spaces still 

available for 

Spring 2023 

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, JANUARY 29 

10:15–11:45am, Swan Lake (at Nature Sanctuary) 

Visit saanich.ca/preschool for more information 

PARKS, RECREATION 

& COMMUNITY SERVICES 


If transportation issues are what is 

holding you back from enjoying nature, 

there are solutions. Local parks and recreation 

centres are often on bus routes 

and can be accessed by the public. Busses 

often run close to or directly to parks and 

trails to make them more accessible and 

can be a fun mode of transport for young 

children with their caregivers. Look at 

your local transit area and see where busses 

run to see what you can access. For 

some of the harder to reach parks and 

trails, see if your recreation and parks 

department is offering transportation 

during their programs, or join a local 

group or school (many can be found via 

a quick google or social media search). 

Local groups sometimes offer rideshares 

or programs that include transportation. 

In addition to your local parks and 

recreation departments, there are many 

other resources within your communities 

that you can go to for help in accessing 

more natural areas. Child development 

centres and other local medical supply 

can have equipment that is available for 

rent and may have other resources. 

And always remember that even a 

little bit of nature works wonders: look 

out those windows, sit in the grass, feel 

the chill of the snow or splash in those 

puddles. 

Chrissie Finnie is a 

Recreation Coordinator, 

doing outdoor and parks 

programming in the Regional 

District of Nanaimo. In her 

spare time she loves getting 

out on the trails and into the 

mountains, skiing, running, 

hiking and exploring. 

rdn.bc.ca/parks and @RDNanaimo. 

Brighter 

Futures 

start at 

CATHEDRAL 

SCHOOL 

junior kindergarten 

kindergarten to grade 5 

middle school grade 6-8 

before & after school care 

renowned chorister program 

new strings program 

Christmas, spring & summer day camps 

Contact us for a personal consultation 

cathedralschool.ca 250.383.5125 

affordable 

tuition & financial 

assistance available 

extracurricular 

programs 

building 

community 

leaders 

an intimate 

and supportive 

learning 

environment 

an inclusive 

welcoming 

community 



PLAY 

Raising 

Active Kids 

In today’s world, it can be challenging 

to raise kids who like and want to 

move. But don’t despair, there’s a recipe 

to help you raise kids who will like (if 

not love) to move. And as we know, 

when kids love doing something, they 

keep doing it. 

A Super Healthy “Smoothie” 

for Kids 

The recipe to get kids moving is to 

serve them a daily dose of three ingredients: 

skills, confidence, and the love 

of movement. When you “blend” these 

three ingredients, they become a “supersmoothie” 

that kids can’t resist. We call 

this powerful recipe “physical literacy.” 

Like all healthy food, the power of 

this blend comes from the goodness of 

its ingredients. Good ingredients make 

you healthy from the inside-out. Kale, 

for example, the superfood of the moment, 

is a “nutrition superstar” because 

it’s full of vitamins A, B6, K and C, and 

full of cancer-fighting ingredients. 

And that’s what the three ingredients 

of physical literacy do to kids’ bodies 

and brains: it gets them healthy from the 

inside-out. But there’s more. Each one of 

the three ingredients amplifies the goodness 

of the other ingredients. 

How Physical Literacy Works 

Inside Your Child’s Body and 

Brain 

Imagine you’re sitting on the living 

room floor with your two-year-old. Your 

child is watching you play with a foam 

ball. You smile and laugh as you throw 

the soft ball against the wall and catch it 

after it bounces back to you. Your child 

can’t take her eyes away from you. 

And then you turn to your child and 

give them the spongy ball. Your child 

smiles, looks up at you and then throws 

the ball too. The ball flies sideways. You 

laugh, and so does your child. 

With kind words and a smile, you 

praise your child’s effort (“Well done!”). 


From preschool 

to grade 8, Selkirk 

Montessori School is 

a diverse and caring 

community offering 

a contemporary 

Montessori approach 

from exceptional 

educators to inspire 

empowered, engaged 

students. 

Call 250-384-3414 or email 

penny@selkirkmontessori.ca 

to set up a tour of our 

beautiful facility. 

You watch as your toddler fetches the ball and throws it and 

laughs again. 

As your child throws the ball, magic is taking place in 

their young brain. As they watch the ball fly, your toddler’s 

brain engages, adapts and makes new connections. As all of 

this brain activity is taking place, your child is developing 

the skill of throwing. 

Magic also takes place when you react with kind and constructive 

words. Every time you recognize how hard your 

child is trying, or how much they are learning, your child’s 

confidence in their ability to throw a ball grows. 

The best part of this simple game is the addictive joy that 

fills both your child and you. Joy leads your child to throw 

the ball, over and over. As they throw, they get better at it. 

Their confidence grows and they experience more pleasure, 

which leads them to throw the ball some more. In that moment, 

your child falls in love with throwing a ball. 

Active for Life is a Canadian not-for-profit social initiative founded 

by B2ten. We are a national initiative created to help parents give their 

children the right start in life through the development of physical literacy. 

activeforlife.com. 



WHAT’SFORDINNER 

Wholesome 

Dinners in 

a Hurry! 

We’ve all had it happen to us. Those nights where we 

forgot to plan for dinner, ran out of time or didn’t 

have a chance to pick up groceries. While takeout is 

an option, it isn’t really that quick, easy or healthy. You have 

to figure out how long will it take to get your order. The choice 

between going to pick it up or wait for it to be delivered. 

Instant dinners and fast food are high in salt, sugar, carbs 

and trans fats. Low in everything we need for a wholesome 

diet, namely vegetables and whole grains. 

Here are three meals that truly take only 30 minutes to 

make. They are made with pantry staples so you can turn to 

them no matter what else is going on in your busy day. Best of 

all, they are SIMPLE. So you can take a deep breath at the end 

of a busy day and enjoy a healthy meal. 

Super Nachos 

Homemade nachos are a great way to sneak in extra vegetables and 

protein. The refried bean “sauce” is what makes these nachos super! It 

also is a great way of hiding all those extra vegetables. 

5 spring onions 1 green pepper 

1 red pepper 3 Roma tomatoes 

1 bag of corn chips 1 can of refried beans 

1 cup of water 2 to 3 cups of grated cheese 

Salsa, guacamole and sour cream 

Preheat the oven to 400˚F. 

Finely slice the spring onions. Dice the peppers. Slice the Roma tomatoes 

in half. Remove the seeds, then dice the tomato flesh. 

Spread the corn chips out on a rimmed baking sheet. Cover with the 

vegetables. Pop the baking sheet in the oven for 7 minutes, to lightly 

cook the vegetables, while you prepare the refried bean sauce. 

Scrape the refried beans out into a bowl. Add 1 cup of boiling water 

and stir to mix thoroughly. It should be a thick, white sauce-like consistency. 

You may need to add more water, depending on the consistency 

of the refried beans. 

Pull the corn chips out of the oven. Spread the refried bean sauce 

over the whole sheet. It doesn’t need to be in an even thin layer. The 

sauce softens the corn chips, so it’s actually nice to have some chips 

without the refried beans so they are crunchy. 

Cover the whole baking tray in cheese. Pop the baking sheet under a 

broiler, and cook until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. 

Serve immediately with salsa, guacamole and sour cream. 

Veggie-Packed Frittata 

Though eggs are thought of as breakfast, there’s no reason not to make 

them for dinner! Packed with protein and quick to make, they are the 

perfect go-to dinner. Try fried egg sandwiches or scrambled eggs on 

toast with a salad. 

This particular dish is a cross between a traditional frittata and a 

quiche. It skips the added milk so that it cooks up quicker. It’s a simplified 

version that makes it a perfect stress-free dinner. 

1 small onion 1 red pepper 

1 small zucchini 1 Tbsp butter 

8 eggs 3 ⁄4 tsp salt 

1⁄4 tsp ground black pepper 1⁄2 cup grated cheddar cheese 

Preheat the oven to 375˚F. 

Finely dice the onion and pepper. Grate or finely slice the zucchini. 

I find grated zucchini tends to disappear in dishes, making it more kidfriendly. 

Heat the butter in a large, oven-safe frying pan. Add the vegetables 

and sauté for 5 minutes, until softened. Remove from the heat. 

Beat the eggs, salt and pepper together in a small bowl. 

Pour the eggs over top of the cooked vegetables, in the hot frying 

pan. Stir once to make sure everything is evenly mixed. Top with the 

grated cheese. 

Place the frying pan in the oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until 

the cheese is melted and the eggs are set. Serve immediately with 

slices of toast. 

Emillie Parrish loves having adventures with her 

two busy children. You can find more of her recipes 

in her recently released cookbook Fermenting Made 

Simple. fermentingforfoodies.com 


Carrot Almond Soup 

When you’re juggling work and children, 

cooking dinner becomes a chore that takes 

away from spending time with your kids. This 

soup is the perfect solution for that. Why? Because 

there’s very little chopping. Seriously! 

Everything is pureed at the end, so there’s 

no need to slice or dice. Just quarter those 

onions and you’re done! 

2 onions 

6 carrots 

2 cloves of garlic 

5 cups of water 

1 Tbsp bullion powder (or one cube) 

1 bunch each parsley and cilantro 

1 cup ground almonds (almond meal) 

1⁄2 tsp salt, to taste 

Peel and quarter the onions. Roughly chop 

the carrots. Peel the garlic. 

Place the vegetables in a soup pot with the 

water and bullion cube. 

Wash the parsley and cilantro. Tear off 

about 1 ⁄4 cup of leaves for a garnish. Then put 

the whole bunch, stems and all, into the soup 

pot. 

Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer 

until the carrots are soft, about 20 minutes. 

Puree the soup (including the parsley and 

cilantro stems). I find this easiest with a stick 

blender, but you can do it by moving it to a 

regular blender in batches. Stir in the ground 

almonds and salt. Taste, and add more salt if 

needed. 

Serve with a slice of buttered bread and a 

garnish of fresh parsley and cilantro. 



PLAY 

Make the Most of a 

Trip to the Museum 

The sun isn’t up yet when my threeyear-old 

runs into my room. He 

hands me Little Bear and Marshall to 

give me the false hope that this morning 

he might actually fall asleep then climbs 

up into the bed and takes over my pillow 

before bouncing up and down. 

“What we doing today Mommy?” 

I look up at him and admit defeat. “I 

was thinking we could go to the museum.” 

“Yay!” He hops back off the bed and 

b-lines for the door. “Ready!” he calls as 

he bounds down the stairs. 

When I first had a child, I was pretty 

nervous about taking him to art galleries 

or museums or anything that involved 

walking around the halls and staring at 

exhibits. But I loved museum and gallery 

visits and didn’t want to give that up. 

Now that I’m three kids and countless 

museum and art gallery trips in, I thought 

I’d share what I’ve learned to make the 

experience enjoyable for everyone. 

Be prepared. My son is usually pretty 

happy to run out the door in his pajamas, 

but I like to take some time to get ready 

so we can set ourselves up for a good day. 

For starters, I pack a lot of snacks. My 

kids are hungry after running or crawling 

through the exhibits. Food isn’t allowed 

in most exhibits, so we find somewhere 

outside the exhibit area where they can 

eat their snacks. We like to eat food 

twice: once right when we arrive, and 

then again after we’ve had a chance to 

explore. 

We also take some time to go over the 

ground rules. Like no yelling, being careful 

with the exhibits they’re allowed to 

touch, and sticking together as a group. 

Finally, I take a few moments to plan 

our route when we get there. Like I said, 

when we get to the museum, we usually 

have a snack, then we tour the museum 

before sitting down for our second snack, 

and then we finish off any of the other 

exhibits we’ve missed. 

Go when it’s quieter. It’s not always 

possible, but if you can, try to go when 

it’s a bit quieter. It’s easier to keep track 

of roaming children when there are less 

people milling about. You also won’t 

have to worry about feeling like your 

children are being disruptive and ruining 

someone else’s enjoyment of the museum, 

Junior Paleontology 

We believe that hands-on, curiosity 

led experience is the best way to 

cultivate a lifelong love of science! 

Our Junior Paleontology programs 

give your child the opportunity to 

explore natural sciences in a whole 

new way, with learning, exploration 

and play mixed together. 

Upcoming programs include multi-day 

camps for 8–10 and 11–14 year olds 

running March 21, 22 and 23 from 5–7pm. 

For our younger scientists in training, 

Prehistoric Preschool welcomes 3–5 

year olds and their parent or guardian 

for 45 minutes adventuring in a 

prehistoric wonderland. Prehistoric 

Preschool runs the third Sunday o 

each month from 9–9:45am. 

Details and registration available on our website: 

dinolabinc.ca 


and anything that prevents extra mom 

guilt is a plus. 

Tour at a toddler’s pace. You will be 

exploring the museum at a toddler’s pace, 

so plan to be there a while (hence all the 

snacks you’re bringing). But that doesn’t 

mean they’ll toddle slowly from one 

place to the next letting you read every 

sign you pass. Sometimes they will stop 

when there are things to play with, but 

other times they’ll simply rush from one 

thing to the next. 

Side note, if you actually do want to 

read something or look closely at one 

exhibit that your kids have decided isn’t 

worth their time, remind your children 

that they agreed to stay close to you. Just 

remember to stay close to them if they 

want to spend more time than you would 

like to at a different exhibit. 

Don’t overstay your welcome. Sometimes, 

it’s just not a good day to be at 

a museum. The last time we went my 

youngest did not nap on my back like 

I hoped he would, and he desperately 

needed a nap. We were also with a small 

group of other toddlers and preschoolers 

and we knew we were quickly approaching 

their naptime too, which meant no 

amount of snacks would stop the crying 

once it started. So we hurried through the 

last exhibit to get them out and on the 

way home before the tears began to fall. 

It might not always be the perfect 

experience you’re hoping for, but it probably 

won’t be the horror story you’re 

imagining either. Just remember, with a 

bit of preparation, you really can enjoy 

a trip to the museum with your young 

children. So the next time they wake you 

up far too early to ask what you’re doing 

that day, why not say “I was thinking we 

could go to the museum?” 

Christina Van 

Starkenburg lives in 

Victoria with her husband, 

children and cat. She is the 

author of One Tiny Turtle: 

A Story You Can Colour 

and many articles. To read more of her work 

and learn about her upcoming books visit 

christinavanstarkenburg.com. Facebook: 

facebook.com/christinavanstarkenburg 

and Twitter: @Christina_VanS. 

Congratulations 

to the 

Jeffery Family 

(Erin, Steve, Halle 8 

& Gavin 5) on being 

the winners of a 

Nintendo Switch 

in Island Parent 

Family Favourites. 

St. Christopher’s Montessori School 

Offering an enriched 

and nurturing 

Montessori program 

Competitively priced 

independent school education 

Half day for 3 & 4 year olds 

Full day kindergarten 

SPACES AVAILABLE 

stcmontessori.ca 250-595-3213 



PLAY 

GREATER VICTORIA 

Spring Prelude at Butchart Gardens 

From February 6 to mid-March, The Blue Poppy Restaurant will 

be transformed into an amazing indoor spring display with paths 

lined by flowering shrubs, trees and thousands of bulbs. Outside, 

enjoy the solitude winter brings and take in the subtle beauty of 

the shrubs, trees and flowers, from delicate snowdrops to lush 

hellebore. 

Free Family Day Events in Courtenay 

COMOX VALLEY 

This Family Day (February 20) bring the entire family to totally 

free activities happening at two locations! The LINC Youth Centre 

offers ping pong, pool tables, outdoor skateboarding, karaoke, 

and more between 11am and 2pm. While the Lewis Centre offers 

more free family games and activities between 10am to 4pm. 

courtenay.ca/EN/meta/events/events-list/ 

recreation/70037.html 

COWICHAN VALLEY 

Pacific Rim Whale Festival 

The Pacific Rim Whale Festival from March 17–25 is an annual 

event celebrating the return of Pacific Grey Whales to the west 

coast of Vancouver Island on their Northern migration route. 

The week-long festival hosts a number of fun events throughout 

Tofino, Ucluelet and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. For a 

calendar of events, visit pacificrimwhalefestival.com. 

Live Nation Presents: RAFFI 

Bring the whole family to this all ages show at the Cowichan 

Performing Arts Theatre on February 18 to hear the best of Raffi. 

Sing along to old songs and learn some new songs. All ticket 

proceeds go to Raffi’s own children’s foundation—The Centre 

for Child Honouring. 

cowichanpac.ca/event/raffi-2023-02-18 

TOFINO/UCLUELET 

Need help with the Affordable Child Care Benefit? 

Looking for child care? Taking care of children? 

Need child care training? 

Call your local CCRR for free referrals and resources. 

Victoria & Gulf Islands: 250-382-7000 

Sooke: 250-642-5152 ext 239 West Shore: 250-940-4882 

Cowichan Valley: 250-746-4135 local 231 

PacificCare (Ladysmith North): 250-756-2022 or 1-888-480-2273 

gov.bc.ca/ChildCareResourceReferralCentres 

Your community’s best source of 

child care information and resources. 

Funding for the CCRR is provided by the province of B.C. 


PRESCHOOL&CHILDCAREDIRECTORY 

v Comprehensive programs for 

Preschool through Grade 11 

v Delivering academic excellence through 

music, dance, drama and visual arts 

v Outstanding educators, 

locations and facilities 

www.ArtsCalibre.ca 250.382.3533 

OPENING 

September 

2022 

ENROLL 

TODAY! 

Come Learn & Grow with Us! 

FULL TIME 3–5 DAYCARE 

PART TIME PRESCOOL 

BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE 

Cloverdale Childcare Society 

Vic West Site 

at Vic West Elementary School 

cloverdalechildcare.com 

250.995.1766 cloverdale@shawbiz.ca 

Christ Church Cathedral Childcare 

& Jr. Kindergarten..................250-383-5132 

ECE and specialist teachers provide an 

outstanding all day licensed program for 

2.5–5 year olds at our Fairfield and 

Gordon Head locations. 

cathedralschool.ca 

Pre-School 

Junior Kindergarten 

PacificChristian.ca 

250-479-4532 

Educational Excellence to the Glory of God 

Licensed child care facility with spots available for children 

aged 3-5 years. Contact us to book a tour today! 

Victoria Social Innovation Centre: 1004 North Park St 

littlephoenixchildcare.ca 

director@littlephoenixchildcare.ca 778-269-2273 

Ready Set Grow Preschool.....250-472-1530 

Join our learning through play preschool located 

in Hillcrest Elem. Our caring ECEs offer 

an enriched Program for 3-4 hour, 2-5 days a 

week and help with kindergarten transition. 

heoscmanager@gmail.com 

SEEDLINGS 

Forest Education 

Where nature becomes the Teacher! 

Seedlings Forest Education is a Nature based program 

that includes After School Care, Nature Preschool, Parent 

Workshops, Saturday Seedlings, Summer Camps and more! 

250-880-0660 seedlingsforesteducation.com 

St. Christopher’s Montessori School 

Offering an enriched and 

nurturing Montessori program 

Competitively priced independent 

school education 

Half day for 3 & 4 year olds 

Full day kindergarten 

stcmontessori.ca 250-595-3213 

Nestled on 4 acres of lush west coast forest, our Award 

winning, Nature based program will not disappoint! 

While firmly embracing the Reggio-Emila (Italy) Philosophy our 

dedicated team of educators use the environment as the third 

teacher as we encourage your child throughout their day. 

Our purpose built facilities have been handmade using the 

trees from our forest. Come take a virtual tour on our website! 

lexieslittlebears.ca Waitlist: 250-590-3603 

BC Award of Excellence in Childcare & Prime Minister’s Award of Excellence in Early Childhood Education. 



BUSINESSES 

YOUNEEDTOKNOW 

CUTITOUT! 

These local businesses are family-focused and 

committed to our community and helping you. 

P iano Lessons 

for your child or teen 

in your home 

www.musicalia.ca 

250-888-2432 

Serving Oak Bay and communities close by 

FREE services are open to ALL single 

parents in Greater Victoria who are 

caring for children at home ages 0–18 

• Market Day – Weekly Food Support 

• Free Clothing Room 

• 1-1 Counselling & Coaching 

• Support Groups & Courses 

250-385-1114 | 1-Up.ca 

Tired of packing lunches? Try a 

weekly delivery of school lunches! 

HEALTHY 

CONVENIENT 

AFFORDABLE 

ThisWeeksLunch.com/ 

How-It-Works 

Setting 

Boundaries 

Interpersonal boundaries may be defined as invisible lines, 

or “bubbles,” which separate people or groups of people. 

A healthy family is one in which each member can be 

loved and be himself or herself at the same time. Establishing 

boundaries begins with establishing family values. The Golden 

Rule is the basic value of all cultures: Treat others the way 

you would like them to treat you. Boundaries are essential for 

healthy families. Within the safety of boundaries established 

by the parents, a child can develop his own sense of self. Because 

that self has been protected by boundaries, the child can 

feel he is loved for himself, and can love others while respecting 

their right to be who they are and make their own choices. 

As children are naturally egocentric, they have to be taught 

where others’ boundaries are. A two-year-old may not know 

he is actually causing pain to the person he hits; he only knows 

that he gets a reaction. Children often don’t understand the 

impact their behaviour has on a friend at school when they 

tease them. Similarly, a teenager may have no idea of how 

stressful it is when she adds to an adult’s work load; she has to 

be taught. 

Limits are statements of people’s boundaries. It is not “selfish” 

of a parent to set limits for a child around respecting 

the parent’s own needs: for example, the need for sleep, or 

the need to not have to clean up all the time, or the need for 

some time to herself. These limits teach the child about others’ 

boundaries and about the Golden Rule. 

As children older, you can establish family values which 

flow out of the Golden Rule, such as respect for persons, 

respect for others’ property, respect for body privacy, kindness 

to animals. Sometimes limits need to be enforced with 

consequences. However, empathy training (helping kids think 

through what it must be like for the person who has been 

harmed) is much more effective than scolding or punishing a 

child when he or she harms someone. It also helps to let the 

child make amends if she feels truly sorry. 

Children learn most from our example, and they learn 

about boundaries when their boundaries are respected by us, 

and when we insist that other people respect their and our 

boundaries. 

Dr. Allison Rees is a parent educator, counsellor 

and coach at LIFE Seminars (Living in Families 

Effectively), lifeseminars.com. 

32 Island Parent Magazine 

IslandParent.ca

& 

TWEENS TEENS 

Vol V, Ed I 

Job Search 

How to Help Your Teen 

Develop Networking Skills 

5 Ways to Get 

Involved with 

VOLUNTEERING 

30 

Things to Do 

with Your Teen

30 Things 

to Do with 

Your Teen 

…that won’t bore them to tears or scare you to death 

Peruse Music Stores for Old Records 

and Reminisce. Okay, you might not 

want to reminisce too much, but chances 

are both you and your teen(s) will have 

a blast searching through the long-forgotten-but-then-revived 

LPs. Seeing the 

price of these collectibles now will make 

you—and your kids—wish you’d hung 

on to your old N’Sync and Spice Girls 

records. Or not. 

Embark on a Stand-Up Paddle Tour 

of the Inner Harbour. Learn the basics 

of stand-up paddle-boarding in the Inner 

Harbour during a 3-hour introductory 

course at Ocean River Adventures 

(oceanriveradventures.com) that will 

teach you the Hawaiian cultural history 

of stand-up paddle-boarding, the differences 

between board and equipment 

styles, and how to manoeuvre your paddle-board 

using different strokes. 

Join a Running Clinic Together and 

Enter a Race. Your local community 

centre, along with various Frontrunners 

(frontrunners.ca) and Running Room 

(runningroom.com) stores offer Learn to 

Run programs that will have you running 

a 5km or 10km in no time. Well, in 10 to 

12 weeks. At the weekly sessions, you’ll 

learn all you need to know about running 

in all kinds of weather, biomechanics, 

nutrition, goal setting, injury prevention, 

motivation, pacing and more. Classes 

usually start with a 20 to 30-minute 

group seminar followed by a group run. 

Practice Your Swing at a Driving 

Range. Not enough time for a full game? 

No problem. Improve your long ball 

drive, iron play, or wedge shots—oh, 

okay…just swing really hard—and 

keep your game up to par at one of 

the Island driving ranges. As Arnold 

Palmer says: “The more I practice, the 

luckier I get.” For a list of ranges, visit 

golfvancouverisland.ca. 

Try Climbing. Take the $25 “Taste 

Test” at Crag X and sample climbing in 

an indoor gym. There is no safety system 

instruction during the Taste Test, just 

climbing. Staff manage all your safety 

systems for the one-hour visit. After 

starting on some easier routes, you’ll get 

a chance to push your limits on the more 

advanced terrain. No experience is required. 

cragx.ca. 

Hang 10 in Tofino. As beautiful in 

summer as winter—with water temperatures 

that vary only between 1-2˚—Tofino 

is the perfect place to learn to surf. 

For a list of lessons, visit tourismtofino. 

com. 

Go Ziplining. If ziplining by daylight 

isn’t scary enough, try the full-moon zip 

at Adrenaline in Sooke (adrenalinezip. 

com). Or in Nanaimo at WildPlay (wildplay.com), 

try two flights of 91 and 182 

metres, spanning the entire length of the 

park. 

Build Something Together. A go-kart, 

a skimboard, a skateboard ramp, a chicken 

coop. Find plans for almost anything 

on YouTube. 

Get Matching Tattoos. Haha. Okay 

not likely, but worth the laugh, watching 

your teen squirm at the thought. So, too, 


would be choosing a mutually-agreeable 

design. For ideas, google “Matching Tattoos.” 

Go, Go, Go Go-karting. See if you can 

keep up with your teen before tripping 

the remote shut-off switch. In Comox 

Valley, saratogaracing.ca. 

Write a Blueprint for the Perfect 

Day and then turn it into a reality. Or Go 

50/50 and have your teen plan one half 

of the day while you plan the other half. 

Then surprise each other with your plans. 

Explore a New Area Together—even 

if it’s just a new neighbourhood. If you’re 

mobile, drive to another community 

on the Island and poke around. For an 

added activity, research your destination 

beforehand to determine some must-sees. 

Recreate Family Photos. For inspiration, 

visit then-and-now-photos.tumblr. 

com. Or, if you have absentee family 

members, make a family collage or photo 

album instead. Too often, in this day of 

digital photographs, shots stay stuck on 

cellphones or in cameras and never make 

it into a photo album. Kids, whatever 

their ages, love looking at old family 

photos. Make them accessible and enlist 

their help in the process. 

Go Out for Dinner Together to a place 

that serves a type of food that neither of 

you have tried before. Try Tibetan, maybe, 

or Caribbean, Moroccan or Creole. 

Create Your Own Sandwich at Red 

Barn Market. Better yet, hike to the top 

of Mt. Work first to work up an appetite 

then head to the West Saanich Road Red 

Barn (other locations include Vanalman, 

Mattick’s Farm, Latoria Walk and Oak 

Bay). Teen-appetite tested and approved. 

Visit the Royal BC Museum and then 

See an IMAX Movie. From documentaries 

to blockbusters, IMAX fits all ages. 

Pretend to be Tourists. Sure the official 

version of Tourist in Your Own 

Home Town won’t be back until 2024, 

but don’t fret. Re-create a version of your 

own. 

Rent Scooters. Two or one seaters, 

scooters at Cycle BC Rentals in Victoria 

are 49cc and require the driver have a 

regular licence to ride. $16-$19/hour. 

victoria.cyclebc.ca. 

See a Psychic or Do a Tea Leaf Reading. 

Tea leaf readings at Silk Road Tea 

SPEND 

WITH 

Register for SKAM 

School of Performing 

Arts' Spring Break Camp 

and enjoy a week of... 

Acting 

Arts & Crafts 

Design 

Improv 

Theatre Games 

... and more! 

GO TO SKAM.CA FOR MORE 

DETAILS & TO REGISTER 

Pacific School 

of Innovation 

and Inquiry 

The path is made by walking… 

Have a child who loves learning and who is looking for a 

different kind of learning environment? We offer personalized, 

inquiry-based learning for people in grades 9 through 12, 

with competency development as the focus. 

Information sessions for September 2023 enrollment information are 

being held on Saturday, January 21 and Saturday, February 4. 

Check us out online at learningstorm.org. 

You can also email us anytime at visitors@learningstorm.org 

if you want to connect. 

SPRING BREAK 



in Victoria on Saturdays from noon- 

5pm silkroadteastore.com 

Climb a Mountain. Mt. Work, Mt. 

Arrowsmith or Mt. Tolmie, match your 

teen’s interest level and endurance level 

with a suitable hill. Snacks and energy 

drinks work wonders and might get you 

and your teen a kilometre or two further. 

Get Certified. CPR, Standard First 

Aid, Bartending, Food Safe or your White 

Sail certificate are only a few examples of 

certificates you could earn together. 

viu.ca, camosun.ca/ce, royalroads.ca. 

Face a Fear. From scuba diving, bungy 

jumping—okay, maybe not—and rock 

climbing to learning to knit or reading 

a collaborative haiku aloud at a poetry 

reading, doing something scary together 

will give you both the “Yes, we did it!” 

feeling and bring you closer together. 

Shop for and Cook Dinner Together. 

Teach your teen a secret family recipe 

or signature dish. 

Ride the Galloping Goose to 

Sooke Pot Holes and Take a Dip. For 

trail maps and information, visit 

gallopinggoosetrail.com. 

Volunteer. For a list of opportunities, 

visit volunteervictoria.bc.ca, volunteernanaimo.ca 

or google “volunteer opportunities 

on Vancouver Island” for specific 

events. 

Pull an All-Nighter. The fun kind, not 

the kind you’d pull if you were cramming 

for exams. 

Go Float at the Float House in Victoria. 

One way for a digital detox is in a 

sensory deprivation and floatation tank 

where $150 will get you three introductory 

sessions. floathousevictoria.com. 

Hang Out. Literally. At Free Spirit 

Spheres, unique tree house accommodations 

for adults (16 years old and up), 

set among the tall trees of the west coast 

rainforest. freespiritspheres.com. 

While you’re in the vicinity… 

Go Underground…Caving at Horne 

Lake. Caves for both self-exploring and 

guided tour opportunities. hornelake.com. 

Draft a 30 Things to Do List of Your 

Own—a family bucket list. 

10 More Things to Do: 

Go technology-free for 24 hours. 

Play video games. If you can’t beat ’em, 

join ’em. Go to an arcade. Or try laser 

tag. Or to kick it up a notch, paintball. 

Go to a thrift store and shop. 

Take a scenic boat ride on the Frances 

Barkley to points along Alberni Inlet and 

Barkley Sound. 

Learn something new: to cook at London 

Chef or sculpt at Opus Art Supplies. 

Visit Strathcona Provincial Park and 

hike the Forbidden Plateau in the summer 

or ski Mount Washington in the winter. 

Kayak the Broken Group of Islands in 

the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. 

Reservations are now required but campsites 

are guaranteed. 

Hike to Mystic Beach and cool off under 

the waterfalls. 

Wash the car—and let your teen take 

you for a spin. 

Go tubing on Cowichan River. 

cowichanriver.com. 

GIVE THEM A SUMMER 

THAT LASTS FOREVER! 

VIDEO: 

WWW. 

QWANOES.CA/ 

SUMMER/ 

MEDIA 

Come and experience a Qwanoes 

summer for yourself! 

Adventure, friendship and discovery awaits! 

Register today. 

LIFE LIKE NO OTHER! 

QWANOES.CA 

1-888-997-9266 

LIFE@QWANOES.CA 

Vancouver Island, BC, Canada 


5 Ways to Get Involved 

in Volunteering 

Are you a teenager ready to start volunteering? Or a parent 

looking for opportunities for their child? If so then 

volunteer centres can help! Volunteering can be a great way to 

develop skills, gain confidence, and make lifelong connections. 

Whether you need volunteer hours, sector experience, or are 

wanting to help your community, you’ll be able to find your 

perfect position by following these simple steps. 

1. Start with your Local Volunteer Centre 

Volunteer Centres are the number one asset for you when 

looking for volunteer positions. Centres are focused on promoting 

volunteering in the community and offer lots of resources 

and up-to-date local volunteer opportunities. Each Volunteer 

Centre is unique to its community. They host volunteer fairs, 

volunteer training and listings of volunteer roles that you can 

look through to find something you are interested in. 

To find your local Volunteer Centre check Volunteer BC’s 

Volunteer Centre Network (volunteerbc.bc.ca/volunteer-centrenetwork). 

2. Volunteer BC’s Volunteer Now 

Volunteer Now (volunteerbc.bc.ca/volunteer-now) is your 

one-stop shop for volunteering. With the help of this platform, 

you can search and apply for multiple positions all in one place. 

Volunteer Now is maintained by Volunteer BC and is completely 

free for volunteers. Simply make an account and you 

will be able to browse local positions to find the best one for 

your needs. 

3. Other Volunteer Matching Platforms 

If you do not have a local Volunteer Centre you can check 

out other online volunteer posting boards: Volunteer Connector 

(volunteerconnector.org), Charity Village (charityvillage.com), 

or Craigslist (geo.craigslist.org/iso/ca). Schools, colleges and 

universities often have volunteer posting boards that post positions 

perfect for ’tweens, teens and everyone else. 

The Pan-Canadian Volunteer Matching Platform (volunteer. 

ca) works in collaboration with Volunteer Centres nationwide 

in order to provide over 75,000 volunteer opportunities. We 

encourage you to reach out to organizations you like directly 

to see if they have any open positions that might not have been 

posted. 

4. Check out Volunteer BC’s Online Training 

and Resources 

Volunteer BC also offers access to a training and workshop 

calendar. The website is updated daily with new opportunities 

which are also posted on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, 

making it easy for you to check for new positions from members. 

Volunteer BC’s training calendar shows month-by-month 

opportunities updated as soon as new sessions become available 

and links to Volunteer Now so you can easily apply. This 

training will allow you to learn more about volunteering and 

the non-profit sector and help prepare to for future volunteer 

opportunities. 

Want even more detailed info on volunteering? Download 

the detailed I Want to Volunteer handbook. This interactive pdf 

is a step-by-step guide on how to go about finding that perfect 

volunteer position. 

5. Volunteer BC Memberships 

A Volunteer BC Individual Membership is another great way 

to help you get involved with volunteering. As a member, you 

will receive the member’s only newsletter with monthly updates 

on volunteer centres, as well as new and upcoming positions. 

A membership is a great way to show support to Volunteer BC 

and receive amazing benefits that will help you on your journey 

to being your best volunteering self. 

By starting to volunteer, you will be able to make a difference 

in your community, learn new skills, and feel good by doing 

something good. By following these simple steps you’ll be able 

to find the best volunteer position for anything you need. Good 

luck to you and your future volunteer endeavours! Together we 

can make a difference. 

For more information, contact your local Volunteer Centre 

or visit volunteerbc.bc.ca. 

Rayne Inkster is an administrator at Volunteer BC. 



Job Search Help your teen develop networking skills 

Statistics show that 80 percent of job vacancies 

are not advertised. In some regions, that percentage 

is higher. Networking is a vital way to identify 

work opportunities and connect with potential 

employers in the “hidden” job market. 

Your teen’s current social circle, both online 

and offline, is a good place to start to expand 

their network of acquaintances, but there are also 

other excellent networking opportunities listed 

below. Whatever networking strategies your teen 

employs, expanding their network will expand their 

prospects. 

Networking for Career Development 

Volunteer. This is a fine method for broadening 

their network and allowing prospective employers 

to discover their abilities. Youth can gain experience, 

make connections, demonstrate their skills 

and get noticed. Volunteering provides an opportunity 

for word to spread about your child’s talents 

and availability. And sometimes paid employment 

grows directly out of volunteer activities. 

Join a job club. For those who are eligible, job 

clubs have many advantages: youth quickly find 

out they are not alone, discover which job-search 

methods that are working for people, and gain 

a built-in network of people who know people. 

Someone in the job club may have a friend or relative 

looking for a landscaper, which may be your 

teen’s job target. You never know when an opportunity 

could present itself. 

Encourage your teen to find groups in their 

area(s) of interest. Suggest they join a new 

group to build their network. If they like computers 

and are passionate about programming, find a 

programming user group. Such groups allow you 

to build lasting, mutually helpful professional relationships. 

As they become connected, they’ll likely 

discover career opportunities. 

If they don’t know how to find a group, they can 

use a search engine like Google or Meetup to find 

groups in their field and community. For example, 

search “Programming user group Nanaimo.” 

Tell community groups they are a part of. Organizations 

they are already part of may have many 

members, some of whom already know your teen 

well. Talk to them about your career or job-search 

goals. If people don’t know that they’re looking for 

work, then they can’t share any opportunities with 

prospective employees. 

Social media networking. These days, social 

media is an excellent method for connecting with 

employers and job opportunities. Find out more 

about using social media in their job search below. 

Attend job fairs. Job fairs are another great 

opportunity to connect with people: employers who 

are seeking workers, employment service providers 

and other job seekers. Even if a company isn’t 

looking for someone with your teen’s background, 

they may know of someone else who is. They may 

be happy to pass on their resume or keep it for 

their own future needs. Encourage teens to be proactive 

and do some homework on the companies 

they plan to approach at the job fair (participating 

companies are usually listed in advance event 

notices). Their obvious interest and preparation will 

increase their chances of winning an interview. 

When networking, always remind your teen to 

thank the people who have given them advice or 

contacts by emailing or mailing them a thank-you 

note. Networking is all about building relationships. 

Showing that they appreciate the time of a person 

who helps them is their investment in a relationship 

that may ultimately benefit both parties. 

WorkBC offers direct access to the world of work 

in B.C. For more tips and job search strategies, visit 

workbc.ca. 

YOUR MISSION AWAITS! 

THE AMAZING BRENTWOOD 

AvengersStationCanada.com 

© 2023 MARVEL 


GORGE SOCCER 

Spring, Summer & Fall Programs 

UNITED SOCCER 

YOUTH SPRING LEAGUE 

...because soccer should be fun 

• April 10 – June 17 

• Ages 4–17 

• Recreational—No Scores/ 

Standings 

• Limited Coaching 

• Warmer Weather, Music, Fun 

FREE 2, 3 & 4 YEAR OLD 

SPRING SOCCER 


• Ages 2, 3 & 4 

• Parent & Tots Program 

• Physical Literacy & Soccer Skills 

• Sponsored Shirts 

• Neighbourhood Based 

(Multiple Locations) 

• Victoria’s oldest youth/ 

adult soccer club 

• Programs available for all 

genders and ages: youth 

(3–17) and adult (18–80) 

• All skill levels 

• Not limited by where 

you live 

• Fantastic facilities (turf 

fields, clubhouse, office) 

GORGE 7’S 

ADULT SPRING LEAGUE 

...where soccer and social hour meet 


• Centrally Located 

• Multiple Mens’ & Womens’ + 

Co-Ed Division 

• 10 Weekly Games 

• Corporate Teams Welcome 

• Bar/Clubhouse, Friday Social/ 

BBQ, Windup BBQ/Beer Garden 

SUMMER & FALL 

PROGRAMS 

• Spring Break Camps 

• Summer Camps 

• Fall Youth Soccer 

• Fall Adult Soccer 

• Over 60 & Walking Soccer 

• Futsal (Indoor Soccer) 

• Youth Academies 

• Individual Soccer & 

Athletics Training 

GORGE 

SOCCER 

For more details... 

visit: gorgesoccer.ca 

email: info@gorgesoccer.ca 



Island Catholic Schools 

Catholic Education on Vancouver Island is a system rich in tradition and history 

dating back to the mid-nineteenth century. Island Catholic Schools is a dynamic 

community of schools having a strong reputation for academic excellence, 

instilling Catholic values and building community. We are committed to 

educating the “whole” child in a Christ-centered community of learning. 

St. Joseph’s 

(Pre-K to Grade 7) 

757 W Burnside Rd, Victoria 

250-479-1232 

https://stjosephschool.ca 

Email: sjv@cisdv.bc.ca 

Tours by appointment. 

St. Patrick’s School 

(K to Grade 7) 

2368 Trent St, Victoria 

250-592-6713 

https://stpatrickselem.ca/ 

Email: sp@cisdv.bc.ca 

Open House February 9 

from 10am to 2pm and 5 to 7pm. 

St. Andrew’s 

Regional High School 

(Grade 8–12) 

880 McKenzie Ave, Victoria 

250-479-1414 

https://standrewshigh.ca/ 

Email: sarhs@cisdv.bc.ca 

Open House February 2 

beginning at 6pm. 

Queen of Angels 


2085 Maple Bay Rd, Duncan 

250-746-5919 

https://queenofangels.ca/ 

Email: qa@cisdv.bc.ca 

Please contact the school for 

more information and/or a tour. 

St. John Paul II 


4006 8th Ave, Port Alberni 

250-723-0637 

https://stjp2school.ca/ 

Email: jp2@cisdv.bc.ca 

Please contact the school 

for a private tour. 

Call today for registration information 

K to 12, Pre-school, Day Care, Out of School Care for September 2023 

250-727-6893 or visit cisdv.bc.ca

Island Parent Magazine Winter 2023

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?