Sep
5
By Darcy Topinka
Is it just me, or does any one else think summer has flashed by with the blink of an eye? The activity level here at the centre and school was very high this summer, which might explain the quick passing of the summer months. If you live near the school, you might have noticed additional vehicles, and equipment parked in and around the school. You might also have noticed a louder start to your day in July and August. The increase in activity was due to the construction work, which included seismic mitigation to the original portion of the school building. This work involved the strengthening of the roof diaphragm, as well as new exterior concrete columns that provide additional structural support.
Nearly 100 ESL students from Russia, Japan and Mexico improved their English speaking and comprehension skills here at our school. The teens had a fantastic time in the centre and spent their afternoons out in the community exploring the Victoria sights and sounds. Approximately 125 children spent time in our summer adventures program; they kept busy with action-packed theme weeks and many field trips to points of interest in the CRD.
At 9:00 am on Tuesday September 7th, we are looking forward to opening our doors to students in grades 1 through 5. Kindergarten will begin on September 8th and 9th at 8:45am and will run until 11:30 am for the first two days. The first full day of kindergarten is Friday September 10th 8:45am-2:38pm.
The community centre and our fellow community service facilities, the James Bay New Horizons and the James Bay Community Project are all working together in planning the annual James Bay Day which will be hosted in Irving Park on Saturday September 18th from 11:00 am to 3:00pm. This community celebration is co-sponsored by the City of Victoria through their Neighborhood Development Grant Program.
Once again delicious free food will be available to all James Bay Day attendees. This year's line-up of entertainment expects to keep community members moving and grooving all day long. A special thank you to The Superior for sponsoring "Greenlaw," a local James Bay musical act, as well as The Heron Rock Bistro for sponsoring the "John MacArthur Quartet." We are also excited to present "Mikeyamba,"a West African Electric Orchestra. Other entertainment and demonstrations include "Kouskous, Flavor of the Mediterranean in rhythm and song", "Zumba Fitness," "Scallywags Dog Agility," the "Saints and Singers," and many more. If you are looking to help out, Kate, Catriona or Kim would be happy to find you something to do.
This event promises to be a fun and engaging day for people of all ages. Come out and celebrate our wonderfully diverse community. After the events in the park conclude, community members are invited to participate in the newly redesigned self-directed community Luminara festival.
A new neighborhood-based lantern celebration is starting to take root in Victoria! Community centres and groups are joining together to host a constellation of small local events to keep the Luminara tradition alight. This year, from North Park to Fernwood to Fairfield to James Bay, look for community lantern-making workshops in the weeks leading up to the festival. Come and learn how to build your own lantern to carry through your neighborhood, or an installation to light up your front yard, balcony or window.
During the week of illuminated celebrations from September 18 to 25, take a walk around your neighborhood with family and friends to see the local lantern art and meet your neighbors. Local celebrations will be part of the festivities, with Luminara costumes and music. Interactive community maps will be posted in the four pilot neighborhoods this year for local residents to mark their lantern installations.
The new Fall Guide is in circulation, if you did not get your copy delivered to your door, drop down to the centre as we have copies available, or go on line at jamesbaycentre.ca to see the great line-up of programming for fall and winter.