The following program listings are for Spring 2009. Please check back for updates and Summer 2009 programming information.

Kids Programs

Wrestling

Instructor:   Duncan Stewart
Duncan's program is suitable for all children and teens who are interested in developing wrestling skills in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Opportunities for competition are built into the program.
When:   Fridays; 2:30-4pm
Where:   School Gym
Cost:   $5/class

Duncan Stewart has been the wrestling instructor for island children for the past several years. He provides a safe, fun and encouraging atmosphere in his wrestling classes.

Knitting Circle

Instructors:   Patricia O'Connel & Barbara Mullin
This very popular activity continues. All levels of knitters are welcome, so come to learn from scratch, add to your set of knitting skills or get help with projects. Drop in to any or all sessions. Basic materials will be on hand (yarn donations welcome!), or bring your own if you like. There will also be opportunities to purchase materials for your projects to work on at home.
When:   Thursdays; 11:50-12:15
Where:   School Library
Who:   Ages 6 and up
Cost:   No charge, no registration necessary

Paddy has loved to knit since she learned at age 7, and enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for the craft with the next generation. She will be joined by other school staff and community members to help guide young knitters.

Beginning Fiddle Instruction

Instructor:   June Cannon
Learn to play the fiddle! This course is for children, teen or adult beginners or adult non-beginners who would like to increase their skills. You will initially learn to play by ear, so reading music is not required. Simple rhythms and tunes will be taught. Ages 7 and up.

June Cannon is a well known Hornby Island fiddle player and teacher who has played for Denman Community Folk Dances on several occasions. Her lessons on Denman have been a great success. Although June's schedule is currently full, please call her to be placed on her waiting list - 250-335-2841.

Community Programs

Evening Gym Schedule

Wednesday:   Badminton 7-8:30pm (contact Charlie 250-335-1786)
                          Table Tennis 5:30-7pm (contact Dale 250-335-0260)
Thursday:       Volleyball 7:30-9pm (contact Cheryl 250-335-1571)

All adults and youth over 16 are welcome. $2 drop-in fee, no charge for youth.

Woo Kim Taekwondo

Instructor:   Gina Maerkl
Taekwondo returns at last to Denman with our very own Woo Kim School. All ages and levels attend classes together twice per week. Emphasis will be on the etiquette of this martial art. We will be entitled to conduct belt tests independently on island; as well, tests will be held more frequently, allowing each student to advance at an individual pace. Belt tests are a celebration of student progress and will be a family and community event.
When:   Tuesdays & Thursdaysbeginning January 27; 6:30-7:30pm
Where:   Community School
Who:   Ages 6 - adult
Cost:   $50 per month
Pre-register by:   January 24

Gina is a certified and registered 2nd DAN Black Belt with the World Taekwondo Federation. She started her training 10 years ago at the Denman Island Community School gym and is currently training and assistant instructor at the Woo Kim Nanaimo Club. Grand Master Woo Kim recently asked Gina to revive the martial art of Taekwondo on Denman.

Taoist Tai Chi

Instructor:   Kathie Tolson
The Taoist Tai chi group on Denman is a satellite group of the Parksville/Qualicum Club. Kathie Tolson will help beginners through the steps to learning the 108 moves of the set. Tai Chi is know as the 'moving meditation'. It will help you build strength, flexibility, balance and awareness of your own body as you move slowly and gently through the set. At once energy-building and relaxing, come and see if Tai Chi is for you.
When:   Tuesdays, ongoing
               Open Practice, 4-5pm and Beginners, 5-6pm
Where:   School Gym
Cost:   contact Kathie Tolson for information

Beginners can start any time during the first three classes of the new session. For more information, contact Kathie Tolson (250-335-2497).

Youth Programs

Teen Night

Supervisor:   Tomas Hajek
Social time for youth in Grades 7-12 with Internet, movies, Gamecube, refreshments and gym time. Please note that the program depends on support from parents and community members to assist with supervision. Please leave a message for Tomas at 250-335-2058 if you have any questions or want to schedule a Friday night to volunteer.
When:   Friday nights, 7-10pm
Where:   Community School
Cost:   $2 drop-in fee per week to cover the cost of snacks and activities.

Girls' Group

Facilitators:   Susanna Kaljur & Lanna Kroening
For girls in Grades 6 and 7. Topics will include self esteem, body image, personal safety, sexual health and healthy relationships. All of these topics are part of the Health and Career Education Curriculum.
So as not to interfere with class time, the group will run on alternating Wednesdays during lunch - 11:50am to 12:35pm.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Susanna at 250-335-2324 or 250-338-5396 (Courtenay Elementary School).

Susanna Kaljur (M.A. Counselling Psychology) is the Denman School counsellor.
Lanna Kroening works with Hornby and Denman Community Health Care Society as the Youth Outreach Worker.

Homework Blues?

Teacher Volunteer:   Harlene Holm
For many students, homework is a problem. Homework becomes a burden when a student cannot complete 90% of his or school work during class time. Class work may not be completed (1) if a student has gaps in his or her learning,
(2) if a student did not understand the teacher's explanation, or
(3) if a student is disorganized, discouraged or distracted in class.
Harlene will provide assistance to enable students to catch up and stay caught up with their class work. She will help students understand subject area material, organizse and complete assignments and projects, and prepare for tests. The program is available to students from Grade 4-10 in all subjects and to English 11 and 12 students.
When:   Please call 250-335-2058 to arrange a time and location that works for you.
Cost:   No charge

Harlene is a retired teacher who has taught Grades 4-12. For much of this time she worked with students who experienced difficulty with school. In addition, she has taught English as a second language and , most recently, English 11 and 12.

Last page update: May 22, 2009   Copyright and Disclaimer