By Robyn Rexin
It was Backwards Day at the Vavenby Elementary School on Jan. 25. The students did whatever they thought of to be “backwards.” Most wore their t-shirts backwards, some put their shoes on opposite feet. The clothing and shoes didn’t last long because the students found it uncomfortable.
The Parents’ Advisory Committee ( PAC) also provided a hot lunch on that day, as they do every Friday. This time the students enjoyed grilled cheese sandwiches and apple slices.
Some vandals were at work on the night of Jan. 24. They threw two bags of garbage onto the ice of the skating rink. One bag was thrown onto the ice, the other opened up and scattered. The resident who volunteers his time in keeping the rink flooded and shoveled and who put on the skating party the previous Sunday noticed the garbage the next morning of the incident.
He cleaned the mess up. Thank you, Kevin.
The Vavenby Christian Church members put together a Christmas box to send to Vienna Moilliet at Safe Refuge in the Philippines. Miolliet is a missionary and a some-time midwife there. The box contained a wide range of books, scarves, light material, ground coffee, sewing materials, canned milk, chocolates, essential oils, dental care items, vitamins, a folding emergency shovel, some games, and children’s fun things such as costume jewellery, hair accessories, and felt pens.
She also received huckleberry jam and Christmas pudding as gifts for herself. Moilliet was very happy to announce that the big box had finally arrived and everyone loved it.
The Christmas tree burning was on Jan. 13, beginning at 12 p.m. It was a beautiful day so there was no skating for those who came as the ice had melted.
The event was organized by the Vavenby Trails and Recreation Society (VTRS). The fire was watched over by the Vavenby Volunteer Fire department. A lot of the firefighters turned out and were plied with hot dogs and hot chocolate.
The Grade 1 – 4 Vavenby Elementary students were taught how to do beading on Jan. 16. Teacher Mr. Adam Forsyth explained that they would be learning a First Nation craft.
Each student was given a piece of paper with a bear claw pattern on it. They taped that to another piece of paper, thus making a “sandwich.”
The next step was to take their needle and thread, go up through the sandwich, put some beads on the thread, go back down, and repeat the process along the outline of the pattern. Then they filled it in. The directions in step form were in print and drawings on the board.
There was a lot of interest and eagerness by the class, and a lot of help from Forsyth and teacher assistant Ms. Jensen. The children also helped each other and gave compliments.
Lunch came next, but many of the students just wanted to continue working on their bear claw. They were told they could have some more time after lunch. The children then left more cheerfully.
The Kindergarten students were not yet ready for such a fine skill so made colourful bead necklaces. They were all very proud of their creations.
Like the older students the kindergarten children had a square of denim in front of them to place their beads on. This was to prevent the beads from rolling away; however, many did escape, but everyone was very good at picking them up.
The VTRS are again organizing a Valentine’s Day breakfast. This year it is on Feb. 10, from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the Community Hall. It will consist of pancakes, eggs, sausages or ham, coffee, and juice. Cost is by donation.
Crib at the hall is in full swing on Thursdays, beginning at 7 p.m. New players are always welcome. Cost is $3 for the evening.
There has been some skating at the hall due to the colder temperatures and thanks to the residents who have been flooding the rink.
