Newsletter May 2024
May 2024
Welcome to May !!! We are so fortunate here on the West Coast of Canada to welcome in all this new growth… all the trees are SO green and the flowers are enjoying the sunshine… my favourite time of the year!
As a Society we are also feeling this growth, all the potential that accompanies:
the Early Childhood Educators’ professional development pilot, which has led to the start of a conversation with the Ministry of Education and Childcare in BC at a very significant time…read more below.
the Telus STORYHIVE documentary, which is leading to the possibility of fundraising premieres all over Canada,
Del is focussing his energies on fundraising opportunities in Calgary beside the ever present grant writing,
Sharon is prolific in writing her articles for our ‘Come to the Dyslexic Table’ which lead to more podcasts, and a particularly exciting one on June 1, a Live Chat with Priti Venkatesan in India. Read more and RSVP HERE.
Gisa is pursuing an exciting collaboration with Big Sisters/Brothers…
Nadine is involved in the Davis Method marketing as they launch their ‘from Unknown to Unforgettable’ campaign, and always up for local fun events with her students/families…read more about Kitetastic below.
Julie and I have been spreading the word at two Conferences, Making Tomorrow for ECEs in Victoria and Decoda Literacy in Richmond – the audiences were fantastic – SO open to our information.
Julie and I are also recovering from our documentary filming experience… full story here… Part 1 happened last year, Part 2 is still underway as now the film enters the editing phase where even more magic happens!
Paddy is immersed in her academic thesis which will bring academic ‘weight’ to our endeavours,
Laura keeps all this machinery running smoothly despite considerable challenges.
‘COME TO THE DYSLEXIC TABLE’ - Episode #13 - Guest chat with Priti Venkatesan
We are so privileged to have Priti joining us from India for our next Live Chat .. she has had remarkable success with Davis Learning Strategies for K-3 classroom teachers ... can’t wait to hear how it all happened and if we can repeat her success!
JOIN US on June 1st at 4.30pm Pacific.
You can read the article HERE, please RSVP for your zoom link.
Davis Learning Strategies…In action… In India
Priti Venkatesan has witnessed first-hand the effectiveness of using Davis Learning Strategies for K-3 teachers. One boy was so frustrated with reading and writing that by the time he reached third grade, he was refusing to go to school. When he entered the Indigo section at the Lalaji Memorial Omega International School (LMOIS), he didn’t know the alphabet letters. Once alphabet mastery was completed, he slowly began to read, his socializing skills improved and by the time he was in grade 7, he was completely independent. His personality was transformed and at age 14, he was recently honored as a youth leader.
Government Funding:
We thought you might like to read this article about the Government funding destined for screening and early intervention. This is why we really need to get our message across to the Ministry as soon as possible. Why spend all this money on testing, screening, labelling, segregating when the Davis Learning Strategies for Early Years and K-3 Classroom teachers can ensure there is no need. If you reach all the children from day one, with the basic tools (Release, Focus and Dial) and the basics of literacy (Letter Mastery, Spell Reading and Word Mastery) the challenges will not have the chance to arise. When Julie and I share this information, everyone gets it, its truly a no-brainer…prevention is way better than allowing the problem to arise and then providing more of what caused it. Read more about the government funding HERE.
Hyperphantasia seems to describe our gift…Read more at The Guardian HERE.
Our Outreach:
I have to add this excerpt of an email from Julie after 2 sessions at the ECE Making Tomorrow Conference. She has always graciously co-presented while maintaining she is not good at public speaking when she’s actually really good at it 😊
“I think that was the most fun I've had at any of these...I think because I was talking more about the way I love to teach and the crowd was so responsive. Maybe because of the smaller size or the whole vibe of the day? They were my people. Funny because I was more nervous about it due to them being my people! I enjoyed talking about what fun it can be to teach these tools, instead of feeling like it was an ad for Davis.”
Listen to the show HERE
Tom Dutta, ‘The Quiet Warrior Show’ came to Vancouver Island with his wife Anna, to give Sue her Quiet Warrior medal… after a wonderful visit to the Butchart Gardens.
Our students and families have been sharing some of their excitement.. on a beautiful property near Cobble Hill, Hannah found a rare calypso orchid! Emma won a writing competition and published her first blog article. Read more HERE.
Early Childhood development seems to be in our energy field at the moment.. just loved this inventive family! Watch HERE.
Nadine’s Kitetastic Event in Kitchener, Ontario:
Rain or sunshine this event will happen, so get ready to reach new heights of excitement at Picture Perfect Learning Center! We're thrilled to extend a special invitation to you and your family for all ages to an unforgettable event featuring Blaize, a local Stratford senior with a passion for kites!
Blaize is a seasoned kite enthusiast with extensive experience in kite flying, having flown kites all over the world. He not only flies kites but also designs and creates his own unique kites, as seen in the example of butterfly kites displayed in the poster attached, making him a true master of the craft.
During the event,:
Blaize will teach everyone how to fly kites and care for them. With over 200 kites in his collection, Blaize assures that he can match each personality with the perfect kite. There's no need to bring your own kite as Blaize will handpick one for each of us to use.
When:
Saturday, May 18th from 1:00 to 3:00/4:00, depending on the weather and how long you want to fly the kites.
Officially, the event will end at 3:00, but outdoor flying can continue until 4:00.
Siblings and parents are welcome and encouraged to join in the fun. There is enough kites for everyone! Just RSVP so we can ensure we have enough kites for everyone.
This event is suitable for children ages 3 and up.
We look forward to seeing you there for a day of high-flying fun with Blaize and his amazing kites! I will send out a reminder to those who RSVP the day before the event.
To register contact: pictureperfectlearning@gmail.com or call 519-508-1486
We all wish you a wonderful month, full of spring sunshine, beautiful blooms, fabulous food, fun and success in whatever you enjoy and thank you for being part of our like-minded community.
Sue, Sharon, Nadine, Julie, Laura, Gisa, Tristan, Del, Paddy
WE’VE GONE INTERNATIONAL ! The Kakamega Project.
The WDS & The Kakamega Project team are on a mission ! To provide effective dyslexia education training to developing remedial tutors and supporting parents in Kakamega County, Kenya. We are very excited and honoured to be part of this initiative and look forward to telling you how it is unfolding. Visit our Campaign page HERE.
Nadine Schumont from Picture Perfect Learning Solutions in Stratford, Ontario is happy to announce the release of her “Neurodiversity" T-shirts and merchandise.
With every t-shirt sold, $5 will be donated to the Whole Dyslexic Society to use towards the many services offered. Click this LINK to see, and buy her exciting products.
Our Giving Guide:
NEW!! We have created some information pages on our website for Legacy Giving and Donor Advised Funds. These are ways in which you can support your favourite charity. You can read all about them on our Giving Page HERE.
Picture Perfect Learning Solutions Neurodiversity Shirts & Merchandise. Nadine Schumont has created a line of shirts and merchandise celebrating neurodiversity. You can view the range of styles and images through her store. For every shirt sold Nadine is donating $5.00 to The Whole Dyslexic Society. Check out her shop page HERE.
Purchase our Gifted with Dyslexia Pins. Purchase our Pins Here
TruEarth Eco-Friendly Laundry Soap and Products. 20% of all sales go to our Society. Please follow the link to our Tru-Earth product page to purchase. Tru-Earth Eco-Friendly Products Here
Donate a Car Canada. Looking for simple and free car removal? Donate a Car Canada accepts Vehicle Donations for The Whole Dyslexic Society. When you donate your car, truck, RV, boat, or motorcycle to The Whole Dyslexic Society through Donate A Car Canada, it will either be recycled or sold at auction (depending on its condition, age and location). Read more about Donate a Car Canada…….
See how donations can result in tax credits by reading the article below. Read More…Tax Benefits of Charitable Donations
Partial proceeds go to The WDS from sales and rentals of Ed Roman’s highly acclaimed “Red Omen” video. For more information on renting or buying Red Omen click here
We gratefully accept donations through our Canada helps charity page. We have a variety of donor options. Thank you !
Canada Helps - General Fund
Canada Helps - Bursary Fund
Canada Helps Tribute - Donate in honour of or in memory of a loved one.
Canada Helps Securities - A donation of securities or mutual funds is the most efficient way to give charitably. Since capital gains taxes don't apply, our charity receives the full fair market value when the security is sold, and you get a tax receipt which reflects your larger contribution. This allows you to give more and get more. TO READ MORE ABOUT DONATING SECURITIES OR MUTUAL FUNDS CLICK HERE
We are a registered charity with the PayPal Giving Fund. You can donate to our organization using your PayPal account with no fees. Thank you ! PayPal Giving Fund