Island Parent Magazine Kids in Victoria

Schools & Educational Services

From art classes to wellness programs—and everything in between—our community offers many programs, resources and services for families. For more details on the following listings, please refer to the ads in this issue of Island Parent.

Art

4Cats Arts Studio is a professional art studio for artists ages 2-15 where kids are introduced to art and artists through the medium of fun. Fall registration is now open. 4Cats kids learn about famous artists and create projects in the style and medium of those artists using professional art supplies and materials. Check out our brand new interactive website full of videos, games and schedule information. www.4cats.com.

Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is the ideal place for children to explore visual culture and express their own creative vision. Join us this fall in the Children’s Art Studio where our dedicated teachers introduce new techniques, build confidence and encourage the creative process. For more information, please contact Marlaina Buch at 250-384-4171 ext. 288 or mbuch@aggv.ca. Registration begins Saturday, August 21 at 10am in person or by phone. $115/members; $125/non-members.

Dance/Drama/Performing Arts

Arabesque Dance Studio offers classical ballet instruction for students aged 4 to adult, introductory to advanced levels. Class sizes are limited to ensure students receive personal attention. Valerie Grant, owner and teacher, is a licentiate member of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, Cecchetti Faculty. Ballet examinations are available in the Cecchetti Method. Classes begin in September and finish with a recital in June. Students training with Valerie may enjoy dancing for recreation and fitness or may choose to pursue a career in dance. For more information call 250-595-3107 or email arabesq@telus.net.

The Arthur Murray Franchised Dance Studios have been teaching the art of ballroom dancing worldwide for both children and adults for the past 97 years. We keep track of everyone’s dance goals and progress by using the medalist system and personalized dance programs to fulfill each specific dance goal whether to learn to dance just for fun, for your memorable first dance, or competition dancing. We offer private or group lessons, weekly dance parties, flexible schedules, kids’ courses, and programs for single persons, couples, and groups. #206-2504 Government Street. 250-220-8426. www.arthurmurrayvictoria.com.

Boston Dance Collective is pleased to offer classes in the following disciplines: tap, jazz, hip hop, ballet, modern and musical theatre. Students are instructed by leading professionals and working dancers who are positive, passionate and offer a wealth of experience with a strong technical background. In a welcoming and fun atmosphere, students will be pushed to not only meet but exceed their personal goals in any discipline they choose. Please check our website at www.bostondanceco.com for all information.

We at Centrepointe Ballet School are delighted to be starting our 21st season in the same sunny location. RAD ballet taught by registered teachers, children’s classes starting at age 5 up to and including adults. Beginners welcome. Examinations and year end recital also offered. Nurturing environment for dancers of all levels. 250-592-4260 or visit www.centrepointedance.ca.

Island Dance Studio offers outstanding instruction by qualified, award-winning teachers in pre-ballet, ballet, jazz and contemporary classes for ages 3 to professional. New this fall, Mom (or Dad) and Me for 3-year-olds. Also adult ballet classes. Emphasis is on the development of musicality and joy of movement and clean, solid technique. Piano accompaniment for all ballet classes. Located at 1201 Fort Street, Ballet Victoria Centre. Easy, free parking. 250-532-1244 or info@islanddancestudio.com. www.islanddancestudio.com.

Kaleidoscope Performing Arts Studio starts exciting programs for all ages in September, so come join our team of young talents as we laugh and learn with improvisation, Acting for Film and TV, musical theatre and more. Everyone welcome. From beginner to advanced, we have it all, so call today. See you all centre stage. For program information and to register, contact us at 250-383-8124 or visit www.kaleidoscope.bc.ca.

Kate Rubin Theatre & Drama Studio offers young people with a dramatic interest or passion the opportunity to creatively explore and develop their skills. Kate and her teaching staff have extensive experience in the dramatic arts. Classes are offered for ages ranging from 5-18 years. Students are encouraged to develop individual and group skills in movement, voice, dramatic techniques, and performance skills. Benefits include improved acting skills, confidence building, creative thinking, public speaking, and versatility in physical and vocal expression. For more information, call 250-386-8593, email katerubin@telus.net or visit www.katerubintheatre.com.

Kathy White School of Highland Dance. Learn the art of Highland Dance from a fully qualified professional dance instructor. Classes in competitive or non-competitive dance offered to boys and girls 6 years and up. Small class sizes. Homeschool class available. Friendly learning environment, great exercise and lots of fun. Classes in Victoria on Harriet Road and also in Duncan. To register, please email kwhitedance@hotmail.ca or phone 250-710-0837.

Lighthouse Academy of Dance is a family-friendly studio offering RAD Ballet, ISTD Modern, jazz and tap, jazz hop, contemporary, musical theatre, and personal fitness training. Strong technique is matched by creativity, artistry and fun as we seek to provide a well-rounded experience for preschool to adult. Beginners are always welcome. Boasting great facilities at Royal Roads, and also our new Blanshard location, exam and leisure students and trainee teachers. 250-595-8705. lighthouseballet@gmail.com. www.lighthouseacademyofdance.com.

Join MoonDance Dynamic Arts School for an exciting season of creative dance for kids aged 1-9. Kids engage in high-energy rhythm and dance influenced by jazz, African, Latin and Indian movements. Includes song, story, role-play, improvisation and percussion. Fall session begins September 20 in Euro Studios, 1821 Cook Street, 3rd Floor. Classes include: Tot & Me Dance, Creative Dance for kids aged 3-6, West African/Jazz Dance for 7-9 year olds. Classes also available in Shawnigan Lake. Registration: www.MoonDanceArts.ca. Contact: Nikko Snow, 250-370-4338.

The O’Brien School of Irish Dance offers both recreational and competitive dance programs for children to adults. Registration is open all year for classes both in Victoria and Nanaimo. Dancers are taught the basics of traditional Irish step dance and ceile dancing, as well as show steps similar to those seen in Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. Opportunities to perform around the community, especially around St. Patrick’s Day. See www.obrienirishdance.com for more information or email irishdance@shaw.ca.

Pacific Dance Centre, under the direction of Maureen Eastick, ARAD, celebrates 32 years of excellence. Situated at St. David by the Sea in beautiful Cordova Bay, PDC is renowned as the premier school for ballet. The studio offers classical ballet training in the Royal Academy of Dance method, with small classes and inspired accompaniment. For more information, visit www.pacificdancecentre.com or call 250-477-6114.

Since 1980 STAGES Performing Arts School has offered professional instruction in jazz, ballet, lyrical, tap, musical theatre and hip hop for all ages and levels of experience; preschool to professional. It is our goal to promote self-confidence, self-esteem, and fulfillment in each student. We believe that all students should have an equal opportunity to learn in a safe, non-competitive environment which fosters self-expression, a healthy body, confidence, and encourages responsibility, discipline, inspiration, creativity and pride in their accomplishments. For more information, please call STAGES at 250-384-3267 or visit our website at www.stagesdance.com.

The leading centre for contemporary dance training on Vancouver Island, VSC Dance creates non-patterned, versatile, adaptable dancers with solid modern and ballet training. VSCD faculty combine teaching, choreography, and professional performance experience to provide skillful, sensitive, and individual training for every dancer, encouraging full, creative expression among both children and adults. VSCD houses 3 performing companies. This season, guest choreographers include Josh Beamish and Robert Halley. VSC dancers are creative, disciplined, technically proficient and self-motivated. 250-383-7183. www.vscdance.com.

Whitespace Dance is a new dance school for children ages 3+. Creative Dance (ages 3-5) is for kids who love to move their bodies and be inspired by story, art, music and props. Dance Workshop (ages 6-9) will give kids a taste of dance through technique, choreography, and improvisation. For kids 4+, ballet and company classes will focus on technique, musicality and performance. Register now. Whitespace Dance also offers spring and summer dance camps. www.whitespacedance.com.

Gymnastics

Falcon Gymnastics, Victoria’s leader in gymnastics, is offering recreational gymnastics classes for school age kids starting on September 7, and preschool gymnastics starting on September 20. Falcon promises your child will have a great time. Whether on the vault, bars, beam, playing in our foam pit or bouncing on the trampoline, your child is in good hands with nationally certified coaches who know how to make it fun and safe. Falcon Gymnastics—where fun and fitness are number 1! 250-479-6424 or www.falcongymnastics.com.

Lion’s Pride Gymnastics Academy, located in the West Shore Community, is Greater Victoria’s newest, largest and cleanest gymnastics facility, with tons of hassle-free parking. With the growth of our club members and dedicated staff, our team at Lion’s Pride is looking forward to the start of our fifth season. We would like to thank all those who have supported our facility in the past and welcome our new members. 250-383-3547.

Rhythmic Gymnastics includes twirling ribbons, and bouncing balls, but also an incredible aerobic and strength workout. Gymnasts improve skills and confidence while having lots of fun. Training for all ages and abilities. Catch our Fall Rhythmic Circus in November. Observe and try out new things at the Open House September 12, 10am-noon at Shoreline Community School. Recruiting gymnasts for the BC Games and for World Gymnaestrada, Switzerland in 2011. 250-888-5801, www.victoriarg.com.

Victoria Gymnastics continues to provide Greater Victoria with gymnastics instruction that is safe, well structured, and most importantly, fun. Our 7,200 sq. ft. facility, which is naturally lighted and acoustically insulated, provides a learning environment that will allow children to maximize their potential as they move through our non-competitive skills development program structure. Boys and girls ages 2-17, beginner through advanced, all benefit from the strength and flexibility that gymnastics develops. Visit www.victoriagymnastics.com.

Martial Arts

Canada’s Best Karate is the longest standing professional martial arts school in Victoria. Specializing in children’s self-development, we are committed to helping young people in building black belt character in all walks of life. We encourage you to come and let your child try it. Three locations to serve you: Town and Country 250-475-2234; Gordon Head/Oak Bay 250-472-3101; and our new location in Langford 250-590-6019. Spaces filling up fast. Book now.

Mid-Island

Duncan Skating Preschool and CanSkate—Skate Canada’s flagship learn-to-skate program for beginners of all ages that teaches fundamental movements (forward, backward, stop, turn, spin and jump) and basic skills. Pre-PowerSkating—an introductory program, geared to hockey players 5-7 years of age, designed to teach basic skating skills and technique in a power skating specific environment. The StarSkate program offers opportunities for skaters to develop basic figure skating skills in free skate, dance, interpretive and skills. For more information call 250-715-8121.

Moms, daughters and grandmothers should check out the “Women that Rock!” adventure weekends being offered at Horne Lake Regional Park this fall. Explore your wild side in a supportive environment, eat healthy food, get an evening massage and camp in a teepee. Daily activities include cave exploring, rock rappelling and a beautiful paddle on the lake. Check out www.hornelake.com/wildwomen.htm for more information or contact Amy Gibson at 1-888-285-PARK (7275). Horne Lake was voted “Best Natural Outdoor Site in BC” and has won several awards for its innovative outdoor programs.

Ladysmith Parks, Recreation & Culture is your source for active living. Check out the Ladysmith Fall 2010 Leisure Guide for special events, programs, activities and fun to keep you happy, healthy and fit. You’ll find opportunities for all ages, leisure swims and lessons, high level aquatic training, and a fully staffed fitness centre with cardio equipment and weights for all levels. Join the 30th Annual Terry Fox Run at the community centre on Sunday, September 19 and watch for other exciting activities and out-trips for all ages throughout the fall. For registration or information call 250-245-6424 or visit www.ladysmith.ca.

Music

Amati String Studio is offering violin lessons by a patient and creative teacher with over 20 years experience. Students age 3 years and up learn to play classical violin and fiddle styles. Practice and performance techniques are combined in a balanced approach to learning a string instrument in a friendly and enjoyable environment, providing students with excellent technique and discipline for academic learning. Amy Paster, 250-590-0126. www.amatistringstudio.ca.

Guitar In Motion is a small local outfit bringing lessons right to your door. No more worries about drop-offs and pick-ups, or bringing the other kids along in tow. We show up, teach, and leave… simple. A great service for adults wanting to learn, too. Lessons are available to all age groups, at all levels in a wide range of styles. Special introductory rate for homeschoolers. Call Steve to see when we’re in your area. 250-217-2316. www.guitarinmotion.com.

Larsen Music is a local family business committed to promoting healthy communities through music. We offer sales, repairs and rentals of a large selection of instruments, accessories and print music. Our School of Music is home to 35 dedicated musicians who love making and teaching music. Exciting new programs are always in the works. Please visit the shop at 1833 Cook Street and the school at 1808 Cook Street and on the web at www.larsenmusic.ca.

With more than 50 years in business and over 20 years in Victoria, Long & McQuade Musical Instruments is no stranger to the September rush. By offering easy rental and rent-to-own programs for school band, we are doing our best to make back-to-school go as smoothly as possible. Making music accessible, however, doesn’t end with the classroom for Long & McQuade. We also offer one on one lessons in our private studio to take your child’s music to the next level. Long & McQuade Musical Instruments, 756 Hillside Avenue. 250-384-3622.

Musica dei Bambini Children’s Music. Instilling a love of learning and a joy of expression—a lifelong music making experience. Introductory nursery song, movement and rhythm classes for parents and children (3-5 years old) in a Montessori-style music environment. We present an artistic setting for learning where your child comes first. It is imperative that the student feels nurtured as we grow together to establish a lifelong tradition of making music happen now. Welcome to our joyful family experience. musicnow@islandnet.com. 35 years sharing music with families.

At Musicalia (music & movement for babies and children to age 11), we love to sing, dance, dramatize and play music at our studio designed especially for children. If your child has a creative personality, this is a great place to be. Classes are active, engaging, musically creative, instructive and social. Musicalia is only available at Musicalia! Call Susan Seale at 250-595-1040 or visit www.musicalia.ca for program details.

Music for Young Children®. Looking for the best in music education? You’ve found it. MYC® is one of the world’s leading music-learning systems—the only child-centered program to integrate keyboard, singing, creative movement, rhythm, ear training, sight-reading, music theory and composition. MYC brings parents and their children together, nurturing family bonds and delivering memorable and thoroughly enjoyable co-learning experiences. Teaching locations throughout Vancouver Island. Contact us at 1-800-828-4334 or www.myc.com to meet a teacher near you and to learn about free demonstration classes.

Musiciswaycool with Ron Sandor, RCM Affiliate offering piano and theory instruction… Ed Dip, BA, BFA, MFA. For 30 years Ron has successfully taught preschoolers to college students. Bring your children to the studio near the Hillside Mall. Students enjoy recitals and compete for trophies. Many prepare for accredited examinations. Family rates available. Fun, opportunity, tradition, creativity, experience—phone 250-881-5549 or visit Ron’s website at musiciswaycool.com.

Music Together®: The Joy of Family Music ® since 1997. Music Together® is an international mixed-age childhood music program for infants through kindergarteners and the adults who love them. Continually developed by a dedicated PhD led research team, Music Together® is delivered by hundreds of teachers to thousands of families world-wide. Come and join Music Together Victoria’s welcoming community at nine different locations throughout Greater Victoria. “Try-it” free classes available. www.musictogethervictoria.com. Jennifer Hobson Roy, 250-217-2477.

Regret quitting piano lessons when you were a child? Enroll your child for fall 2010 piano lessons. Teach Musicians Piano Studio is now accepting registration for 2010/11 lessons for children ages 5 and above. With over 15 years experience teaching children, students learn in a fun and encouraging environment. The studio teaches classical, pop, folk and jazz styles and especially welcomes young children and beginners. For more information contact Lori Muñoz at 250-588-1849 or email teachmusicians@yahoo.ca

At Tom Lee Music Learning Centre, you can enjoy excellent music education in a fun community atmosphere. Students of all ages come together for a positive music making experience at our 4 key and satellite locations on Vancouver Island. We have a team of dedicated teachers and staff to help beginners, hobbyists and professionals alike make their musical dreams a reality with affordable instruments, service and music lessons. To register, visit www.tomleemusic.ca or call 250-383-5222.

Victoria Conservatory of Music Open House, September 11, 10am-3pm. A free event for the whole family. Come explore our new Children’s Music wing. Take a free mini-lesson, explore the instrument petting zoo, meet the faculty, visit classrooms, and enjoy the BBQ and family entertainment. You’ll find out all that you need to know to get started. For any level, for any age. Classes start September 13. Victoria Conservatory of Music. 900 Johnson Street at Quadra. 250-386-5311.

Upcoming events for VIVA Youth Choirs in 2010-2011 include our winter concert on December 11, a workshop with the Zing! Children’s Choir from Vancouver in March 2011, a special joint performance in April with Via Choralis Choir and Orchestra, featuring the premiere of Artistic Director Nicholas Fairbank’s Sea Cantata, and a weekend tour to Vancouver in May. For further information and placement, see www.vivachoirs.ca or contact us at viva@vivachoirs.ca or call 250-472-2655.

Parent Education

Lifeseminars.com will give you the details you need to view the fall selection of courses including the very popular Wednesday night programs. New seminars include an evening course for professionals and daytime classes for parents. Our books, Sidestepping the Power Struggle and The Parent Child Connection are available for purchase through the site, at Bolen Books and Munro’s Books. 250-595-2649.

The Momoir Project is a writing course for moms. Do you have rich stories to tell? Always say you’ll remember this moment forever but know you won’t—unless you write it down? Recording your experiences is easier than you may think. And it doesn’t have to take too much time away from your busy day. Led by Island Parent editor, Sue Fast, the classes run every second Thursday for six weeks, starting September 16. For more information, please see ad on page 31 or visit www.themomoirproject.com.

Dr. Gordon Neufeld’s Power to Parent—the Vital Connection. This course is based on his book Hold on to Your Kids, facilitated by Jean Bigelow, B.Ed. Beginning September 30 for 8 Thursdays, 7-9pm. This developmental approach to parenting presents the essential message that a parent’s power to raise a child lies in the relationship with the child. Common parenting challenges are discussed and each session builds upon the previous one to create a beautiful mosaic of how parents can raise children in the context of connection to facilitate maturation. $190/participant. For information or to register: jeanbigelow@shaw.ca.

Courses covering a range of topics begin in September at Single Parent Resource Centre. Parenting courses include The Lighthouse Parent, How to Talk So Kids Will Listen, and the father’s group, Dad With Dads. Other classes help parents understand their anger in Anatomy of Anger, implement and maintain personal boundaries in Building Better Boundaries, or find your resilience at a difficult time in Bouncing Back. Visit www.singleparentvictoria.ca or call 250-385-1114.

South Island Centre for Counselling & Training fall programs for parents. Surviving the Single Parent Jungle (Sept. 23 to October 28). Help with doing one of the toughest jobs in the world—raising kids on your own. Westshore location: $49 (bursaries available). The Philosophy and Skill of Discipline (last Monday of the month, starting September). Strategies and tools to confidently deal with your child. Cedar Hill X-Rd location. $99 (single sessions available). For information or to register email info@southislandcentre.ca.

Recreation

Learn, relax, play… choose from programs for preschoolers, kids, teens, adults and seniors at the Burnside Gorge Community Centre. Fitness, yoga, and language classes are available for adults, along with specialized programs for kids such as claymation, cartooning, and drama. Classes begin September 13. Punch cards and monthly wellness passes are available for your convenience. Come to our Open House on Friday September 10 from 5-7pm for demo classes, prizes and discounts. Complete activity guide at www.burnsidegorge.ca.

Back to school can mean busy schedules for the family, so don’t forget to make time for fun. We’ve made sure there’s something for everyone with City of Victoria Recreation Services. For preschoolers: Tiny Toes Ballet, art, soccer, swimming lessons, skating. For school age: ballet, soccer, Home Alone, music, tennis, swimming and skating. For teens: Red Cross Babysitter, Lifesaving/First-Aid, and skating. For adults: kayaking, day trips, bootcamp, dance, swimming and skating. For more information, www.victoria.ca/recservices or call 250-361-0732.

Fun for families and friends at Esquimalt Parks and Recreation this fall. Join us this September for the Esquimalt Lantern Festival, a magical evening of light! Or try the Esquimalt 5k Race Walk and Fun Walk. This October, don’t miss the Esquimalt Story Festival; there will be storytellers, crafts and contests. Looking for something new? Try one of our free demo classes. Esquimalt Recreation has everything you need to stay active this fall. www.esquimalt.ca.

Panorama Recreation is your headquarters for fun this fall. We offer hundreds of programs for all ages, from arts, dance, and sports to aquatic and arena activities. Try one of the new programs, including spin classes, TRX training, pottery, computers, music and more. Drop in to a Kindergym, childminding, Sticker Skate, Teen Lounge, skate or swim session. Ride the slide, laze in the river, or relax in the steamroom, sauna or swirl pool. Check out all the details at www.panoramarecreation.ca or call 250-656-7271. Live well and have fun this fall.

At Recreation Oak Bay, the fun lasts a lifetime. Fun fall programs for every member of your family… infants to grandparents. So many opportunities to play, learn, swim, grow, skate, socialize, and more. Registered and drop-in programs to meet your family’s interests, needs, and schedules. Call Recreation Oak Bay today. 250-595-SWIM (7946). www.recreation.oakbay.ca.

Back to school means back to fun at Saanich Parks & Recreation. Ready, set, go, register today! Saanich Recreation’s new fall active living guide is hot off the press and available at www.recreation.saanich.ca featuring a whole line-up of fall classes and programs. Saanich is your one-stop shop for fitness essentials this fall. Four recreation centres abound with a diversity of programs and classes for all ages. For children’s programs, be sure to register early for the best selection and times. For info, contact one of our friendly staff at: Cedar Hill Recreation, 250-475-7121; Commonwealth Place Recreation, 250-475-7600; G.R. Pearkes Recreation, 250-475-5400; Gordon Head Recreation, 250-475-7100. Join us on Facebook.

Saanich Water Polo School has been providing children in Victoria with water polo programs since 1992. Water Polo is a fun way to give kids the gift of supreme aquatic fitness, speed and agility. Kids as young as ages 5-8 can start water polo through Water Agility, Kinderpolo and Minipolo programs. For kids ages 9-12, SWPS offers Minipolo, California Water Polo League, and Power Swimming. SWPS also offers a multi-level competitive program with flexible commitment depending on desired levels. Water Polo contributes significantly to overall water safety. Contact Gabriella Vindish, General Manager, 778-426-1331 or email waterpoloschool@shaw.ca.

Sportball teaches children mentally and physically, helping them develop socially as well as physically through a curriculum designed to reinforce self-confidence, free of the pressure of competition. Working with children 16 months to 10 years old in a high-energy, fun-filled curriculum, Sportball provides the basic concepts and skills behind 8 popular sports. Programs are carefully designed to focus on the development of balance, strength, co-ordination, stamina and timing through professional instruction and positive encouragement using customized equipment. For more information check out our website at www.sportball.ca, call 250-590-4625 or email van.island@sportball.ca.


Riding

Horseback riding is great fun, good exercise, and highly interactive. It also teaches independence, perseverance, patience, confidence, and responsibility, things that will last a lifetime. At Harrison School of Horsemanship, we welcome first timers, novices, nervous riders, and nervous parents, too. Call Kathy Harrison at 250-544-0737 or email kathy@harrisonhorsemanship.com to arrange for a tour of our first class facility, to meet Kathy and the horses, and to schedule a complimentary introductory lesson. Visit www.harrisonhorsemanship.com.

Westside Stables is located 15 minutes from downtown Victoria. If you have a horse-crazy kid, we have a program for you. Register now for fall riding programs. We have many well-schooled, wonderful lesson horses and ponies. Our programs are all run with safety and fun in mind following the Horse Council of BC guidelines for advancement. We have a large indoor and outdoor riding ring offering year-round riding lessons and camps. Come join the fun. Call Tiffany at 250-652-1462 or visit www.westsidestables.ca.
 

Science

Back to school means back to fun with science. Mad Science® Vancouver Island offers a series of 6 weekly science lessons where we immerse children in an experimental, hands-on environment of exploration and learning. Children experiment and build a toy to take home so they can share what they learned with their parents. Available in the Victoria area, Duncan, Nanaimo and Comox-Courtenay. Check our website www.madscience.org/vancouverisland or call 1-888-954-6237 for more information.

Skating

The Oak Bay Figure Skating Club offers a learn-to-skate program, Canskate, on Saturdays at 12:45pm and Tuesdays at 5:30pm beginning September 19, at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre on Bee Street. Beginners of all ages have fun while learning basic skating skills. Students are awarded badges and stickers as they progress through 6 levels of the CanSkate program. The Club has an excellent instructor to student ratio. For more experienced skaters, we also offer junior, intermediate and senior skating programs. Our coaching staff includes four NCCP level 3 certified instructors. For more information, please check our website at www.obfsc.com.

Swimming

PacificSport Synchro Victoria is a high performance regional training centre. We offer both recreational and competitive programs suitable for all ages and skills. PSSV provides an environment where each athlete can reach their own potential, by encouraging a desire for commitment, excellence, sportsmanship and fellowship. Our recreational programs are fun-focused, while learning synchro specific skills. Our competitive athletes attend provincial, Western, and national level competitions, For more information, or to try a free session, please call 250-881-1471, email synchro@pacificsport.com or visit www.pacificsportsynchrovictoria.com.

Other

What makes joining Girl Guides of Canada a viable option for families today? We offer a wide variety of relevant and exciting activities for girls ages 5-19—from outdoor adventures to environmental awareness to community service and much, much more. Our leaders receive ongoing training and support as well as opportunities to develop new life skills. We are in your neighbourhood. Please contact us today at 1-800-565-8111 and get involved in our next 100 years (calls answered locally).

Students who are planning to apply for admission to a college or university in the U.S. will need either a SAT or an ACT score. St. Michaels University School’s Education Extension Department offers intensive test preparation courses taught by B.C.-certified teachers to help students prepare for those exams. Driver training classes, in partnership with Wallace Driving School, are also offered. For more details, please visit www.smus.bc.ca/campus/extension/acad_succes.asp or call 250-370-6120.•