Classical Ballet Preschool (Baby Ballet) Curriculum to Professional Levels (R.A.D. & Cecchetti) Recreational Division Professional Division Pointe Pas de Deux Character - Folk Dance Modern/Jazz Adult Classes Oakville School of Dance Offering the best in Ballet training since 1960. Amanda Bayliss, Artistic Director 260 Robinson St., Oakville ON L6J 1G6 905-844-7035 (also located in Glen Abbey) www.oakvilleballet.com / email: oakvilleballetinfo@cogeco.ca All classes taught by professionally certified teachers Founder & Artistic Advisor: Elizabeth Paterson Former Major and Childrens examiner for the Royal Academy of Dance (30 yrs.) Consistently voted one of Oakvilles top dance schools. Students perform with the Oakville Ballet Company in Oakvilles own The Nutcracker Offering classes in downtown Oakville and at our Glen Abbey Campus Celebrating 50 years of Excellence w w w . o a kv ill eb ea ve r.c o m O A KV IL LE B EA V ER Th ur sd ay , A ug us t 2 6, 2 01 0 6 4 Registration Educational Survey Findings: Keeping children active can improve academic performance With the end of summer looming, par- ents may consider decreasing the number of activities their child participates in to ensure their child can focus on academics. However, a recent survey conducted by Ipsos-Reid on behalf of Kumon Math and Reading Centres has found that children that are engaged in extra-curricular activ- ities experience academic benefits beyond their less-active counterparts. According to responses from more than 1,200 Canadian parents, the number of nights a student participates in extra-cur- ricular activities does not negatively impact academic performance. Of those parents surveyed whose child participates in extra-curricular activities on two or more school nights, 84 percent were iden- tified by their parents as academically at or above average grade level. Extra curricular activities are impor- tant. They challenge children to explore their talents and interests, develop responsibility, and encourage time man- agement skills as students learn to bal- ance schoolwork, extracurricular activi- ties, social life, health, and for many older students, a job. The survey findings point out that the majority of students who per- form well in school have achieved a bal- ance between homework demands and extra curricular activities. This is key to their achievement. The amount and type of extra curricu- lar activities will depend on a number of factors including the age of your child. Kindergarten to Grade 2: The early school years are a time for your child to adjust to school routines and explore indi- vidual interests. Non-competitive sports and other physical activities such as dance or gymnastics are good bets, as well as enhancing your child's creative side with art or music classes. Grades 3 6: Team sports are now a good bet at these grade levels. Your child is old enough to remember and follow rules and typically has the maturity to handle a bit of competition. Grades 7 12: Pre-teens and teenaged children can be steered toward activities such as clubs of interest, volun- teering, and leadership activities at school (e.g., school newspaper) or in the commu- nity (e.g., Scouts or Guides). Part time jobs are popular with this age group. While your child will enjoy the extra money and independence that accrues from having a job, now more than ever striving for and maintaining a balance among school work, extra-curricular activities and a job is critical. Parents can help by encouraging their child to become involved in extra curricu- lar activities whether offered at school or in the community. Here are some tips: Explore the options that are available at your child's school and in the commu- nity. Talk to your child's teacher and other parents. You will be surprised to learn how many activities are free or have a nominal charge. Talk to your child about his or her interests and once you have researched possibilities, discuss those options with your child. Ensure that your child is not over scheduled and has enough 'down' time during weekdays. This varies from child to child, but some signs of possible over scheduling include irritability, tantrums, regular complaining about the activity itself, a recurring illness such as stom- achaches, and a sudden drop in grades. Remember, children who have devel- oped good study habits from a young age, are doing well in school and are not spending time struggling with their homework will have more free time avail- able to pursue after-school activities. - News Canada Fall ?WHATS IT ALL ABOUT?Coming soon to Haltonwag (verb): to move from side to side, forward or backwards, up or down; especially rapidly &repeatedly. Example: The dog wags his tail.jag (noun): a period of unrestrained indulgence in an activity; spree binge. Example: Melissa goeson a shopping j g when sh sees a good d al.