Spring 2016 - River East Transcona School Division

Programming for Preschoolers & Their Parents | Spring 2016

JUMP INTO FUN THIS SPRING Hop, skip and jump into fun with your preschooler this spring through physical activity and educational games! Being active together as a family is a rewarding experience that benefits your mind, body, mental health and well-being. Since children love to learn new games, it’s handy to have a few activities in your “parenting tool kit” that can be played outside or in smaller spaces. Here are a few

enjoyable activities to encourage your child’s emerging physical literacy skills:

bean bag onto the blue construction paper to make a colour match.

Bean Bag Pancake Flip: Using a plastic spatula from the kitchen, flip your bean bag into the air, like a pancake. Try to catch your bean bag before it hits the ground.

Bean Bag Balancing: Have your child balance a bean bag on their head as they walk, skip and jump around the room. Try balancing the bean bag on other body parts like your chin, knee, elbow or shoulder. This game is fun when you add lively music or set up an obstacle course!

Bean Bag Colour Match: Place pieces of coloured construction paper on the ground (e.g. blue, green, yellow, etc.). Tape a small, coloured piece of paper onto the bean bag to match the paper on the floor. Try to toss your blue

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589 Roch St., Winnipeg, MB, R2K 2P7 | Tel: 204.667.7130 | Fax: 204.661.5618

www.retsd.mb.ca

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Tightrope Walking: Stretch a skipping rope lengthwise on the floor/ground and encourage your child to pretend it is a tightrope! Take turns walking forwards, backwards, sideways. How fast can you go? Snakey, Snakey: Stretch out a skipping rope lengthwise with a person holding onto each end. Move the rope back and forth on the floor to look like a slithering snake. Try to hop and jump over the snake without getting caught. Pool Noodle Horsey Rides: Use half a pool noodle and pretend to ride a horse. Your child will love galloping, cantering and prancing around the room while making sounds like a horse.

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Noodle Games: Drop a colourful balloon or feather from above your child’s head. Have them try to bat at the balloon using a soft pool noodle. Continue swinging the noodle at it until the balloon or feather falls to the floor. Soccer Bowling: Set up five lightweight bowling pins for bowling with a soccer ball. Easy ideas for creating inexpensive equipment: • Create no-sew bean bags using felt and a small plastic sandwich bag filled with 1/2 cup of beans. Tape the sandwich bag shut and place the filled bag in the middle of the felt square. Hot glue the four sides of the felt and place another piece

of felt on top to snuggly cover the bag of beans. Allow a few minutes to dry before playing with your homemade bean bag. • You can make your own bowling pins using recycled water bottles partially filled with rice or popcorn kernels. Be sure to securely tape the lid to your water bottles to ensure they are safe for a young child. In River East Transcona School Division, we are pleased to offer FREE programs like Preschool Play Projects where parents can make homemade games and equipment to play with their child. See page 4 for more information. We hope you can join us this spring!

Programming for Preschoolers & Their Parents | Spring 2016 PROGRAM REGISTRATION Beginning Saturday, March 19, 2016, registration will be accepted for all of RETSD’s FREE early learning programs by phone at 204.669.4043 or email at [email protected]. Our FREE early learning programs are designed to be family-friendly. Parents/caregivers are more than welcome to bring their babies to programs geared towards preschoolers. Older children are similarly welcome to attend programs geared towards babies/toddlers. Please register all children who will be attending programs, as we want to ensure the quality of our programming and have adequate snack and craft supplies for all participants. Registration will be accepted for one location of any specific program (e.g. Jack Be Nimble) instead of multiple locations of the same program. If space permits closer to the program’s start date, we will contact you to register you for your alternate choice, too.

Registration begins immediately for the following programs: Inclusion and Student Success, Growing Mathematicians, Phonological Awareness & the Reading Process, Preschool Play Projects, and Bookmaking Workshop.

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. for the following programs:

Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. for the following programs: Growing Up Green, Jack Be Nimble, Shake Rattle & Rhyme, Animal Crackers, Purple Stew, and All Aboard the Friend Ship.

To register your family for a program, please be sure to provide the following information: • Child’s name (please list names of all children attending) • Child’s date of birth

Registering by phone?

• Parent name

• Our registration switchboard opens promptly at 9:30 a.m. and again at 11:30 a.m.

• Mailing address

• Due to high call volumes on registration morning, you may be put on hold until the switchboard can process your request. • Calls will be answered in the order they are received. • Please know we are working as quickly as possible to process your request. We appreciate your patience.

Registering by email? • Emails arriving before the specified registration time, as outlined above, cannot be processed in advance. In an effort to be fair to all interested participants, you will be asked to resend your message at the appropriate time. • Due to a heavy email volume, please allow at least 90 minutes for your email confirmation to arrive. • To improve our efficiency in processing email requests, we ask that families provide registration information clearly in bullet form (as outlined below).

• Home/cellphone number • Email address where you wish to be contacted • Any known food allergies • Name and location of the program you wish to attend

Snacks & Food Allergies Participants are sure to enjoy the delicious snacks provided each class. Our snack time will always feature a variety of healthy, peanut-free options. To ensure the safety of all participants, let us know if your child has any known food allergies when registering. If your child has severe allergies or food intolerances, you are welcome to bring a nut-free snack from home.

Waiting Lists When classes are full, families will be placed on a waiting list and contacted when space becomes available. If you find yourself unable to start or continue your program, email [email protected] or call 204.669.4043, as other families may be eager to attend.

Baby Bumblebees, I’m a Little Yogi, Gift of Words, Night Owls and Weekend Wee Play.

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Programming for Preschoolers & Their Parents | Spring 2016 Preschool Play Projects During these “make and take” sessions, parents will have the opportunity to create easy literacy and numeracy activities to keep their child entertained at home, in the car and on outings. Participants will make file-folder games, board games, memory games and more. All supplies will be provided to participants. Tuesdays, April 12–May 31 10–11:30 a.m. Emerson Elementary School 323 Emerson Ave.

PARENTING SUPPORT Inclusion and Student Success* Decades of research tells us the number one critical factor of student success is their sense of belonging in the school community. When students feel safe, valued and respected in the learning environment, success is guaranteed. Inclusion is for ALL students, not only those with visible disabilities. At one time, inclusion spoke only to the heart; it now speaks to the heart and mind.

Friday, May 6 9 a.m.–12 p.m. RETSD Student Services—Kildare Office, 760 Kildare Ave. E. Childcare will not be provided

Phonological Awareness & the Reading Process*

Wednesday, May 4 8:45–11:45 am RETSD Student Services—Kildare Office, 760 Kildare Ave. E.

Join us for an interactive workshop where we explore the concept of phonological awareness and how to support children as they learn to read.

Childcare will not be provided

Tuesday, May 10 9–11:45 a.m. Joseph Teres School 131 Sanford Fleming Rd.

Growing Mathematicians* At this interactive workshop, parents will learn more about early numeracy development for their preschool children. Participants will take away

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ideas on creating a playful learning environment that encourages children’s sorting, counting, matching, comparing, measuring and building of shapes.

Childcare will not be provided

While childcare will not be provided, this workshop will be child-friendly; children are welcome to stay and play as parents participate

Bookmaking Workshop* Join us for a new interactive workshop where participants will learn to make homemade books for their children. Enjoy some time being creative and capturing special family memories. Thursdays, April 7–May 12 1–2:30 p.m. Emerson Elementary School 323 Emerson Ave. While childcare will not be provided, this workshop will be child-friendly; children are welcome to stay and play as parents participate *Registration for the above programs begins immediately by phone at 204.669.4043 or email at [email protected].

Programming for Preschoolers & Their Parents | Spring 2016 FAMILY LEARNING EVENTS

FREE EARLY LEARNING PROGRAMS bond, and helps children feel happier

Star Light, Star Bright—Pyjama Party Night*

Baby Bumblebees*

Join us for a special pyjama party night where parents and children play, learn and laugh together. During this event, families will have the opportunity to make a cuddly sock puppet and a twinkly craft, play games, explore some creative story sacks and more! Participants will enjoy a healthy snack and wind up the evening with lullabies and bedtime stories. Don’t forget your PJs and teddy bear! Thursday, April 28 6:15–7:30 p.m. Joseph Teres School 131 Sanford Fleming Rd.

Literacy Links Family Picnic* Bring your picnic supper and join us for the Literacy Links Family Picnic. Families will love participating in exciting activities, including parachute rhyme-time, bingo, face-painting, crafts, stories and playing on an inflatable bouncer. Complimentary beverages and watermelon will be served. In case of rain, the picnic will be held in the gym. Thursday, June 2 5–7 p.m. Joseph Teres School 131 Sanford Fleming Rd. *Registration for the above programs begins immediately by phone at 204.669.4043 or email at [email protected].

Best enjoyed by children birth to crawling Introduce your baby to the joy of songs, rhymes and finger plays! Sing along to your favourites while learning new lap songs, diapering songs and lullabies that are sure to delight and stimulate your little one. Parents will enjoy meeting with professionals who will be sharing information on baby sign language, health, nutrition and more! Mondays, April 4–May 30 10:30–11:30 a.m. ACCESS River East 975 Henderson Hwy. Cancelled May 23 Tuesdays, April 12–May 31 1–2 p.m. Salisbury Morse Place School 795 Prince Rupert Ave. Fridays, April 8–May 27 1–2 p.m. Emerson Elementary School 323 Emerson Ave. Cancelled April 22 Thursdays, April 14–June 2 10–11 a.m. Westview School 600 Hoka St.

I’m a Little Yogi* Best enjoyed by children seven months to five years I’m a Little Yogi is a fun-loving and supportive parent-child program designed to playfully teach yoga to young children. Children will learn interesting yoga poses including crane, tree and downward dog. I’m a Little Yogi builds the parent-child

and more confident while honouring their explorative and physical nature. A healthy snack will be enjoyed by all. Tykes Class (21 months to 4 years) Sundays, April 10–May 15 9:15–10:15 a.m. Joseph Teres School 131 Sanford Fleming Rd. Tots Class (7 months to 20 months) Sundays, April 10–May 15 10:45–11:45 a.m. Joseph Teres School 131 Sanford Fleming Rd.

Gift of Words* Best enjoyed by children walking to 2 ½ years A dynamic program for toddlers who love to move and explore, Gift of Words features interactive songs, rhymes and fun finger plays. Children will enjoy a book-sharing circle and group story telling using puppets. Participants will be given the gift of a book on the last day of class. Tuesdays, April 12–May 31 10–11 a.m. Princess Margaret School 367 Hawthorne Ave. Wednesdays, April 6–May 25 9–10 a.m. Harold Hatcher Elementary School 500 Redonda St. Fridays, April 8–May 27 10–11 a.m. Emerson Elementary School 323 Emerson Ave. Cancelled April 22 *Registration for the above programs begins on Saturday, March 19 at 9:30 a.m. by phone at 204.669.4043 or email at [email protected].

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Programming for Preschoolers & Their Parents | Spring 2016 Night Owls* Best enjoyed by children ages one to five Parents and children will have a hoot at Night Owls, as they spend quality time together playing with toys and games, reading interesting books, singing, participating in an art experience and munching on a healthy snack. Tuesdays, April 12–May 17 5:45–7:15 p.m. École Margaret-Underhill 25 Regina Pl. Thursdays, April 7–May 12 5:45–7:15 p.m. Emerson Elementary School 323 Emerson Ave.

Weekend Wee Play* Best enjoyed by children ages one to five Join us for a playful morning filled with games and toys, Play-doh, circle time fun, book sharing and a delicious snack for the family. Saturdays, April 9–May 14 9:30–11:30 a.m. Emerson Elementary School 323 Emerson Ave. Sundays, April 10–May 15 9:30–11:30 a.m. Joseph Teres School 131 Sanford Fleming Rd. *Registration for the above programs begins on Saturday, March 19 at 9:30 a.m. by phone at 204.669.4043 or email at [email protected].

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Jack Be Nimble**

Mixed class, ages 2–5

Best enjoyed by children ages two to five

Sundays, April 3–May 15 10–11 a.m. Joseph Teres School 131 Sanford Fleming Rd.

Join in the fun at Jack Be Nimble, an “in-motion” based literacy program where parents and children play and learn together! The class features easy stretches, parachute rhyme time, and co-operative parent-child games and activities.

Ages 2–3 Wednesdays, April 6–May 25 10–11 a.m. River East Personal Care Home 1375 Molson St.

Ages 3–5 Wednesdays, April 6–May 25 6:15–7:15 p.m. Lord Wolseley Elementary School 939 Henderson Hwy.

Tuesdays, April 5–May 24 10–11 a.m. Melrose Park Community Centre 480 Kimberly Ave. Thursdays, April 7–May 5 6:15–7:15 p.m. École Margaret-Underhill 25 Regina Pl. **Registration for the above programs begins on Saturday, March 19 at 11:30 a.m. by phone at 204.669.4043 or email at [email protected].


Growing Up Green**

Shake, Rattle & Rhyme**



An environmentally themed program where preschoolers and their parents will play and learn in the great outdoors! Through songs, books and nature-based activities, participants will gain an appreciation for the world around them. As the majority of this program will be held outside, please remember to dress for the weather. Tuesdays, May 3–June 7 1–2:30 p.m. Radisson School 1105 Winona St. Wednesdays, May 4–June 8 9:30–11 a.m. John de Graff Elementary 1020 Louelda St.

We’ve got the beat! During this musically themed program, participants will play a variety of instruments like maracas, cymbals, drums and tambourines. Imagine how much fun we’ll have singing, dancing and getting active using colourful scarves and ribbons. Each class children and their parents will enjoy hearing stories, playing with toys and making a musical craft to take home and play. A healthy snack will be enjoyed by all.

Wednesdays, April 6–May 25 9:30–11 a.m. Prince Edward School 649 Brazier St. Thursdays, April 7–May 26 10–11:30 a.m. Hampstead School 920 Hampstead Ave. **Registration for the above programs begins on Saturday, March 19 at 11:30 a.m. by phone at 204.669.4043 or email at [email protected].

Mondays, April 4–May 9 5:45–7:15 p.m. Prince Edward School 649 Brazier St.

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Programming for Preschoolers & Their Parents | Spring 2016 Mondays, April 11–May 30 9:15–11 a.m. Wayoata Elementary School 605 Wayoata St. Wednesdays, April 6–May 25 1:30–3:15 p.m. Emerson Elementary School 323 Emerson Ave. Fridays, April 8–May 27 9:30–11:15 a.m. Salisbury Morse Place School 795 Prince Rupert Ave.

Purple Stew** Best enjoyed by children ages three to five Purple Stew focuses on the themes of healthy eating and nutrition through lively songs, rhymes, books, crafts and activities. During each class, young participants will help prepare a delicious and nutritious snack. While children enjoy time crafting, parents will have the chance to create educational games and activities for their child.

Animal Crackers** Best enjoyed by children ages three to five Animal Crackers is an exciting program where families learn about animals big and small. Through interactive group stories, activities and crafts, participants will meet a different animal each week! After munching on a healthy snack, children will enjoy playing with toys while parents connect with other preschool families.

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Tuesdays, April 12–May 17 9:15–11 a.m. Bernie Wolfe Community School 95 Bournais Dr. Wednesdays, April 6–May 11 5:45–7:15 p.m. Bernie Wolfe Community School 95 Bournais Dr. Fridays, April 8–May 20 9:45–11:30 a.m. Lord Wolseley Elementary School 939 Henderson Hwy. Cancelled April 22

Diggin With the Dinos** Best enjoyed by children ages three to five years Be prepared to have a “ROARing” good time as we bravely explore the world of dinosaurs both large and small! On this journey, participants will learn about the T. rex, Stegosaurus and other interesting dinosaur friends through songs, books, puzzles, active games and art experiences Wednesdays, April 13–May 4 10–11:30 a.m. Emerson Elementary School 323 Emerson Ave. Saturdays, April 9–30 10:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Emerson Elementary School 323 Emerson Ave. Cancelled April 22

All Aboard the Friend Ship** Best enjoyed by children ages four to five Join the crew as we set sail on an interesting voyage filled with songs, books, puppets and games. On “The Friend Ship,” participants will have fun learning about being a good friend, taking turns, understanding and managing their emotions, and developing problem-solving skills. Fridays, April 8–May 20 1–2:45 p.m. Donwood Elementary School 400 Donwood Dr. Cancelled April 22 **Registration for the above programs begins on Saturday, March 19 at 11:30 a.m. by phone at 204.669.4043 or email at [email protected].

Programming for Preschoolers & Their Parents | Spring 2016 Mondays

Thursdays

Emerson Elementary School 323 Emerson Ave. April 4–May 30 10–11:45 a.m. Cancelled May 23

Bernie Wolfe Community School 95 Bournais Dr. April 14–May 26 9–11 a.m.

Hampstead School 920 Hampstead Ave. April 11–June 6 9:30–11:30 a.m. Cancelled May 23 Westview School 600 Hoka St. April 11–June 6 9:15–11:15 a.m. Cancelled May 23

Tuesdays Joseph Teres School 131 Sanford Fleming Rd. April 5–26 9:30–11:15 a.m.

Wednesdays Lord Wolseley Elementary School 939 Henderson Hwy. April 6–June 15 9:15–11:15 a.m.

PRESCHOOL STAY & PLAY DROP-IN PROGRAM No registration required Join in the fun at our Stay & Play drop-in program, where we will be reading, singing, having art experiences and enjoying healthy snacks while meeting other preschool families.

Princess Margaret School 367 Hawthorne Ave. April 13–June 1 9:30–11:30 a.m. Wayoata Elementary School 605 Wayoata St. April 6–May 25 9–11 a.m.

Donwood Elementary School 400 Donwood Dr. April 14–June 9 1–3 p.m. Emerson Elementary School 323 Emerson Ave. April 7–May 26 10–11:45 a.m. John de Graff Elementary 1020 Louelda St. April 21–June 23 9–11 a.m. Radisson School 1105 Winona St. April 7–June 16 9:30–11:30 a.m. Salisbury Morse Place School 795 Prince Rupert Ave. April 14–June 16 9:30–11:30 a.m.

Fridays Harold Hatcher Elementary School 500 Redonda St. April 8–June 3 9:30–11 a.m. Cancelled April 22 Prince Edward School 649 Brazier St. April 8–June 17 9:30–11 a.m. Cancelled April 22

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Programming for Preschoolers & Their Parents | Spring 2016 Wednesday, April 13 Westview School 600 Hoka St. Wednesday, April 20 Hampstead School 920 Hampstead Ave. Wednesday, April 27 Prince Edward School 649 Brazier St. Wednesday, May 4 Wayoata Elementary School 605 Wayoata St.

COUNTDOWN TO KINDERGARTEN Kindergarten Registration Was your child born in 2011? If so, he or she is eligible to start kindergarten in September 2016. Kindergarten registration begins on Monday, March 7, 2016, in all River East Transcona schools. Our schools are geared up and ready to welcome you and your child. Register now!

Special Needs Are you concerned that your child may have learning needs that will require special attention in school? If you have concerns and have not yet spoken with someone from the school division, please contact Mary LaPage Leclerc at 204.669.5643.

Language Decisions Parents may hesitate to register for kindergarten because they are trying to make a decision about a language program for their child. You don’t need to have made up your mind before registering. By registering this spring, you have the opportunity to ask questions and gain information to

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help you with this decision. Let your local school know you are considering a language option and our staff will be happy to assist you.

Preschool Growing & Learning Days* If your child is attending kindergarten in our division in 2016, you are invited to attend one of our FREE Preschool Growing & Learning Days this spring. Get a taste of school and meet the friendly people you’ll find in it. Kindergarten, resource and gym teachers will be on hand with games and activities. Meet principals, teachers, student support staff as well as clinicians, public health nurses and community service providers who have helpful information for you. You can even get your child’s hearing and vision checked. It’s FREE. All events run from 2–6 p.m.

Thursday, May 12 Donwood Elementary School 400 Donwood Dr.

Literacy Links The Literacy Links home visiting program is a wonderful opportunity for children entering kindergarten this September. Running from mid-May till mid-August, this FREE program is geared towards getting you and your child excited about the upcoming adventure of school. Each family participating will receive three home visits. Our trained facilitators will provide your family with lots of exciting ideas, games, activities and information to help you learn together and prepare for school. Our facilitators work around your availability and can schedule visits in the morning, afternoon or early evening. *Registration for the above programs begins immediately by phone at 204.669.4043 or email at [email protected].

Programming for Preschoolers & Their Parents | Spring 2016 July 18–22 9:30–11:30 a.m. John de Graff Elementary 1020 Louelda St. July 18–22 1–3 p.m. John de Graff Elementary 1020 Louelda St. July 25–29 9:30–11:30 a.m. Joseph Teres School 131 Sanford Fleming Rd. July 25–29 1–3 p.m. Joseph Teres School 131 Sanford Fleming Rd. August 2–5 9:30–11:30 a.m. Bird’s Hill School 3950 Raleigh St.

KINDER CAMP A special parent-child program for children entering kindergarten (siblings are welcome) Kindergarten, here we come! At Kinder Camp, parents and children will enjoy a variety of songs/rhymes, finger plays and books geared towards starting the adventure of school. Each class features fun ways to explore print, rhyme, rhythm, beginning sounds and early math—all designed to get your child excited about kindergarten. Parents will create a special homemade book that their child will cherish as they begin their first school year.

June 14–28 (Tuesdays & Thursdays) 6–7:45 p.m. Joseph Teres School 131 Sanford Fleming Rd. July 4–8 1–3 p.m. Jospeh Teres School 131 Sanford Fleming Rd. July 11–15 9:30–11:30 a.m. Emerson Elementary School 323 Emerson Ave. July 11–15 1–3 p.m. Emerson Elementary School 323 Emerson Ave.

August 2–5 1–3 p.m. Bird’s Hill School 3950 Raleigh St. August 8–12 9:30–11:30 a.m. Polson School 491 Munroe Ave. August 8–12 1–3 p.m. Polson School 491 Munroe Ave. These programs are FREE but you must register by calling the Kinder Links office at 204.669.4043 or email [email protected].

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Programming for Preschoolers & Their Parents | Spring 2016 THE EARLY LEARNING TEAM We are pleased to provide early learning and family support to families living in River East Transcona. Feel free to contact us should you have questions regarding our preschool initiatives. Jason Drysdale Assistant Superintendent of Schools 204.667.7130 [email protected] Kim Campbell Manager of Community Initiatives 204.669.9412, ext. 2941 [email protected] Kelly Martino Community Programming Co-ordinator—Preschool 204.669.4043 [email protected]

more information, contact Kelly Martino at [email protected] or 204.669.4043.

EARLY CHILDHOOD LITERACY CHAMPIONS Early learning programs are supported by Healthy Child Manitoba, the Early Childhood Matters Parent Child Coalition in River East and Transcona, and River East Transcona School Division. Thank you to our partners who generously support our preschool initiatives: • First Book Canada • Healthy Child Manitoba • Healthy Together Now • Kiwanis Club of East Kildonan • Melrose Park Community Club • River East Personal Care Home

PARENT ADVISORY GROUP

• Winnipeg Regional Health Authority

Are you interested in sharing your ideas to help shape preschool programming? We are recruiting new members for our parent advisory group, which meets three times a year to discuss and provide feedback on our free early learning programs. Childcare and dinner is provided for participants. Contact Kim Campbell at 204.669.9412, ext. 2941, or [email protected] for more information.

• Volunteers!

VOLUNTEERING

To receive your FREE book, contact us at [email protected] or 204.669.4043. Please leave us your mailing address, child’s name and date of birth.

Are you looking for a rewarding volunteering experience that will make a difference in the lives of preschool families? We are now recruiting volunteers to assist at our early learning programs. For

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FREE BABY GIFT FOR NEW PARENTS Did you just have a baby? River East Transcona School Division and the Early Childhood Matters Parent Child Coalitions in River East and Transcona would like to help you celebrate this wonderful event. We have a book, I Love It When You, which we’d love to give to you to keep and enjoy.

HEALTHY BABY DROP-IN PROGRAMS Families Connecting Access Transcona 845 Regent Ave. Tuesdays, 1–3 p.m.

Young Parents Connecting For parents 21 years or under, with a child under the age of three Kildonan-East Collegiate 845 Concordia Ave. Tuesdays, 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Families Connecting ACCESS River East 975 Henderson Hwy. Wednesdays, 5–7 p.m.

Parents Connecting— Growing Baby Braeside Evangelical Mennonite Church 1011 Munroe Ave. Thursdays, 1:15–3:15 p.m.