Victoria School hosted its seventh Early Childhood family event of the 2016-2017 school year on March 29.
These events continue to be, in part, sponsored by grants received from the Excellence in Literacy Foundation, the Community Initiatives Fund and Affinity Credit Union, said information from Chantel Kitchen, an organizer. “Without the support from these organizations we would not be able to host events that include full meals, transportation and guest entertainers.”
This month's event featured a pasta-and-salad supper followed by a magic show, the information said. In total, over 140 people, including students, siblings and parents, were in attendance for this month's event.
Brian Gislason, currently of Meadow Lake provided the entertainment. Gislason spent three years of his childhood, from 1964 to 1966, living in Kamsack and attending Victoria School while his father was posted here as the RCMP sergeant.
Although he did not return to Kamsack for many years after that, his daughter, Chantel Kitchen moved to Kamsack for a teaching position, so he now frequents the community often.
Gislason is a retired teacher, principal and superintendent. While he has often performed magic shows for his grandchildren and individual classes in the Meadow Lake schools, this was his first show "on the road." He entertained the children with his many tricks including the kids’ favourites: a burning wallet, a reappearing cookie, a floating card, magical lights, and one with his pet "scarfie," who also magically appeared inside an apple.
Gislason then staged a second show for the Kindergarten to Grade 4 students during their assembly at Victoria School on March 30. While many tricks he performed were the same as the previous evening, he entertained them with additional tricks including card tricks and a finger chopping trick.
The older kids enjoyed the entertainment thoroughly and the school was buzzing with questions about "how he did that" for the rest of the day,” the information said.
The next event planned is an IMPACT event (Early Childhood Fair) that will have “under the sea” as its theme. This event will consist of stations of activities aimed at children ages 3-5. It will be on April 28 in the gym at Victoria School. A lunch will be included.
“While all Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten families are invited to attend the event, we also encourage any families not yet connected with the school who have children born in 2012 to 2014 to attend,” it said. “Those who have not had the chance yet to apply for the Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten programs at the school will be given the opportunity to do so at the event. Application forms can also be found on the school division website at www.gssd.ca or through the school’s main office.
The school division asks that Kindergarten registrations be received by the end of April, and Pre-Kindergarten applications be received by the end of May. Completed application forms for both programs can be returned to the main office at Victoria School.
