BC Exchange Teachers' Association

2011-10-09T20:13:00.000-07:00

Halloween Weekend in Chilliwack

Saturday October 29th

Hi everyone! I hope everyone is doing well, as the leaves change colour it means for many of our Australian guests that their time in Canada is coming to a close, and we must make the most of our remaining time together. With that in mind, we have finalized our plans to have a Fall Activity in Chilliwack, in the heart of the Fraser Valley. Here are the details:

Halloween Weekend in Chilliwack!

Date: Saturday October 29th

We have planned a Saturday for those who wish to experience the fall colours and charm of the Upper Fraser Valley. We will meet at about 1:00 at the famous Chilliwack Corn Maze http://www.chilliwackcornmaze.com/ , outdoor fun for children and adults alike.

After a couple hours getting lost and found in the maze, we will get into the Halloween spirit by heading over to a fantastic Haunted House exhibit, where the adventurous souls of all ages can partake in all the scary attractions on site. http://www.reapers.ca/

Finally, time for a BBQ and Halloween-themed, party at the house of 2012 Australia exchangees Keith and Louanne MacDonald. Everyone is invited! It'll be a great way to unwind and socialize after a full day in Chilliwack. Costumes are encouraged!

Details such as overnight accommodations have yet to been finalized, but first we want to know who would like to attend. Please email if you may be attending, or definitely attending. We will post an update when we have a better idea of numbers.

Please pass this along to anyone that we've missed in this email, and apologies in advance to those who received this in error.
Hope to see you soon!

John Davy
604-798-3289 or jpdavy@gmail.com

Whitewater Rafting & Barbeque

2011-05-31T19:12:00.000-07:00

GO WHITEWATER RAFTING! THEN COME AND CELEBRATE THE BEGINNING OF SUMMER

Saturday, June 25th

Our annual summer barbeque will be held on Saturday, June 25^th. It will be hosted by Mel and June Caldwell at their Langley home at 22310 46^th Ave. Everything will be provided, all you need to bring is the beverage of your choice. Come anytime after 5 pm. Please RSVP by Monday, June 13^th, either by email (mjcaldwell@telus.net) or by phone (604 534 3076). Hope to see you there.

If you are interested in going white-water rafting, please contact me as well. You start out early in the morning and travel down the Chilliwack River. This excursion has been a real hit in the last few years. One Perth exchangee thought it was the highlight of her West Coast experience. The cost of the experience is around $125.00, taxes extra. After you dry out, come to the BBQ and enjoy!!

Victoria Weekend

2011-03-22T16:21:00.000-07:00

Springtime in Victoria comes early! Let's enjoy a great weekend April 15-17th. Arrive Friday night or Saturday morning. Meet others for brunch and then we plan to meet at magnificent Butchard Gardens Saturday around 11 am. See http://www.butchartgardens.com

Saturday afternoon we can head to any of the Legislative Buildings, the Bug Zoo, Miniature World or even the Empress for Tea...whatever the group decides. We will all meet at a restaurant or brew pub for dinner around 7 pm, Swans, Spinnakers or Canoe are all good choices.

Sunday morning we will head to the outstanding BC Royal Museum. http://www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

People can head back to the Lower mainland Sunday afternoon or sneak in some shopping!

Please email or call Terry by April 4 (604 5266905) or tteather@shaw.ca

More Skiing?

2011-02-27T10:27:00.000-08:00

If you just can't get enough of the white stuff, John has a weekend planned Mar. 5th and 6th at Hemlock Valley which is about 90 minutes drive east of Vancouver. He has a cabin rented and overnight accommodation is cheap ( $30 person) but first come first served.

See www.hemlockvalleyresort.com

Phone John at 604 798 3289 asap if interested.

Aussie Day in Terrace, BC

2011-01-29T18:08:00.000-08:00

Check out the pictures of Belinda J up in the centre of the province. She has fallen love with Terrace!

First Event A Success

2011-01-17T16:50:00.000-08:00

We had a great time on Saturday regardless of the weather. All in all 23 showed up for dinner and some networking in downtown Vancouver.. Many had a quick taste of the Lower Mainland during the day without worrying about which side of the road they were driving on. The next event is the ski trip to Manning Park in February. Stay tuned.

Gadabout is a Go

2011-01-07T19:18:00.000-08:00

The first event of the New Year will be a tour around Vancouver followed by dinner at the White Spot Restaurant in Vancouver. The time for dinner is 5:30 on Georgia St. at Cardero downtown. If you have not been contacted about when and where... please let me know asap.

Terry 604 526 6905

First Event

2010-12-11T14:03:00.000-08:00

Out annual Gadabout tour out and around Vancouver will be Jan. 15th. Past exchangees will pick up and drive newly arrived teachers around the Lower Mainland to see a few sites and answer any questions. After that we all meet up at a local restaurant for some Canadian festivities! It is a great way to begin the year and meet up with some fellow countrymen..

For those from out of town billets will be arranged to reduce costs.

Contact Terry at 604 526 6905 or email tteather@shaw.ca for more information when you arrive.

We Have Made Contact

2010-12-11T13:55:00.000-08:00

It is going to be a great year for all exchange teachers coming to beautiful BC. For 2011 there will be 16 teachers from other parts of the world working with the students of our province. There are 3 teachers who began work in Sept. 2010 and 13 arriving in January. They come from Scotland, Switzerland and all parts of Australia. We have contacted each and everyone is excited about the new opportunities and challenges.

Halloween Fun!

2010-09-23T17:59:00.000-07:00

Halloween is huge in America because it's just plain fun! Let's get lost (and found) in a genuine Corn Maze. http://chilliwackcornmaze.com/

We will meet here at 1:00.

Following this it's the spooky splendour of the Haunted House: http://www.reapers.ca/

After that, a bbq at John Davy's place... It will be creepy!!

Let John know who can make it. Billets can be arranged for those who need them..

604 798 3289 or jpdavy@gmail.com

Exchange Teacher Information Session

2010-09-01T20:15:00.001-07:00

Find out about exchange teaching is all about. Learn about the great benefits of travelling and teaching in another country. The National Co-ordinator, Carol Wilkins, will be in attendance to be sure your questions are answered. There will also be teachers who are presently on exchange in BC to give their first hand impressions of what it is like.

Date: Oct. 23, 2011

Place: Surrey (Final location to be announced)

Contact: tteather@shaw.ca or ktoor@shaw.ca to preregister free.

FALL FUN in the Okanagan Valley

2010-06-27T17:27:00.000-07:00

Email Kulwant for a copy of the pictures : toor2009@shaw.ca

Let's Get Together! Time is passing quickly and fall is a fantastic time to visit the Okanagan Valley. The fruit, the wine and the beauty of this rich valley is at its ripest time in September. We have billets available so accommodation cost is nothing. There are farm visits for the kids, wine tours for the adults and kids, hikes and lots of possibilities. Mark your calendar!

Sept. 24th or 25th and 26th in Vernon, BC

Call or email me tteather@shaw.ca for any information

Terry 604 526 6905

Spring in Victoria

2010-04-27T18:18:00.000-07:00

Other than the occasional blustery shower and 17,000 runners for the Sunday 10 km race, everyone enjoyed getting together. In attendance was Josh and Elisa and their family from Chilliwack, Ed and Isobel from Victoria, Lisa and Richard and family from Campbell River, Heather and Roy from Halfmoon Bay, Cynthia and Terri from Nanaimo and Andria and myself.

We spent the afternoon admiring the magnificent flowers at Butchart Gardens. Later we managed to shoehorn our way into Spinnakers Pub for dinner and libations. The most fun was just meeting each other, making new friends and talking about doing it again...

Next Event: White Water Rafting here in the Langley... stay tuned.

Terry

Victoria Weekend

2010-03-23T19:35:00.000-07:00

It is time to get together again (or for the first time) and the venue is the beautiful city of Victoria. Spring is a wonderful time to visit the capital city of BC when the foliage is in full bloom and the weather is warm.

Date: Friday, April 23- Sunday, the 25th.

Possible activities to include: BC Royal Museum, Legislature Tour, Butchart Gardens, Royal London Wax Museum, walking, shopping, eating and talking..

Please phone Terry at 604 526 6905 or email tteather@shaw.ca before April 1

Manning Park Resort Weekend

2010-03-01T22:38:00.000-08:00

It was a great weekend enjoyed by all. We had 6 families attend; four from Australia, 1 from Scotland and 1 from BC. There was still lots of snow despite truck loads of it being shipped to the Olympics. Alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, tubing and tobogganing were some of the activities enjoyed all 18 of us.

Welcome to British Columbia!

2010-01-23T17:46:00.001-08:00

You have arrived to great weather and we are sure it will be a wonderful year for you all. There are 10 Ozzies and a Scot spread across the province. Greatest driving distance is Prince George to Trail, about 1000 km. So some people will not get to meet too many others. However there will be 4 main events and we hope all of you will be able to make it to at least one!

Information will be emailed to you all.

Terry

Walk and Talk

2009-11-30T16:13:00.000-08:00

It is coming to the end my friends!!

Meet for one last hurrah at Terry and Andria's place on Sunday Dec. 13th from 2-6 PM. We will go for a walk down the Westminster Quay and have appetizers and conversation following. Just bring yourselves (and drinks if you wish) if you are available.

Call Terry please at 604 526 6905

Information Meeting

2009-10-21T17:27:00.000-07:00

Considering exchange? Get the proper information and your questions answered!

When? Saturday Oct. 24, 2009

Where? Cloverdale Learning Centre 5741 176th St. in Surrey

(across from the 'Clova' theatre)

Time: 9:30-12:oo

There will be an opportunity to meet Australians that are here on exchange now.

Terry

Final Theatre Nights

2009-09-30T19:54:00.000-07:00

Friday: Oct. 2nd: Metro Theatre at 8 PM. "Arsenic and Old Lace". $12. Dinner first TBA

This delicious situation comedy has all the makings: poison, cellars, surgeons and of course eccentric aunts...

Friday Nov. 6: Metro Theatre at 8 PM. "Theft". $12. Dinner first TBA

A burglary and an elaborate con on a newlywed couple set the scene for this comedy with plenty of twists and turns..

Call Pearl to let her know you can make one or both at 604 576 1528

Penticton Weekend

2009-09-17T14:42:00.000-07:00

Join our interior hosts Robert and Elizabeth Johnson for some time in the sunny Okanagan. Penticton is a great little town with lots to do... wineries, Kettle Valley railway, biking, tours on the lake etc.. There is something for everyone.

Sept. 25th-27th or just overnight. Call Robert at 250 490 3383 if you would like to see a bit of the interior before the snow flies.

Terry

Island BBQ

2009-06-01T21:49:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful turnout for our BBQ. 18 Australians and 18 Canadians. The Trivia Game organized by Jo Gatherum was rivetting with many wonderful prizes won by both teams. The kids enjoyed paddling on the lake and few even plunged in! BRRRRR! Terry Abbott did an excellent job of manning the bbq. The cake with both flags was stunning and a great time was had by all. I hope many connections and friendships were made and I hope you can post some of the photos on the blog to go with this letter. Have a great summer break everyone! Only one month left! Cathy and Ken

Lacrosse Night

2009-05-25T21:21:00.000-07:00

Let's get together before 'School's Out' and catch a Sr. A. Lacrosse game. Lacrosse is truly an unbelievable sport to watch: fast, hard hitting and deadly accurate. It is Canada's National Summer Sport

Place: Queens Park Arena, New Westminster.

Date: Thursday June 18th: 7:30

Cost: About $10 I think...

Contact Terry at 604 526 6905 or email tteather@shaw.ca

Chinatown Tour

2009-03-23T20:53:00.000-07:00

Chinatown Walking Tour Is ON!

Saturday March 9th. Our walking tour will begin at 2 PM from the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Garden. http://www.vancouverchinesegarden.com/visiting/getting_here.htm

Cost: $10. We plan to meet first for lunch at 1 Pm at Hons Wan Tun House 268 Keefer St. There is a parkaid just past Hon's on Keefer. Looking forward to seeing those that can make it!

Contact: Terry @ tteather@shaw.ca or 604 526 6905

Vancouver Island Barbecue

2009-03-22T17:47:00.000-07:00

Cathy and Ken are hosting a barbeque on May. 23, 2009

Place: 2090 East Shawnigan Lake Rd. Shawnigan Lake, BC

Time: 4-8 PM

Bring: Salad, appy or dessert and some meat for the barbie. Also any beverage of your choice. We will supply a fruit punch. Might be a bit cold to swim but I will have the canoes out and my putt-putt for tours on the lake. We will have a campfire so bring your S'mores and weiners. Ken will have his guitar. I will have the Nanaimo Bars.

Please RSVP to Cathy cathymckinstry@shaw.ca or phone 250-743-427 with questions. See you there!

White Water Rafting and BBQ

2009-02-05T20:25:00.001-08:00

Interested in rafting down the Chilliwack River. This is a highlight trip of past exchangees. Set aside May 30th and phone Mel at 604 534 3076 by April 1st to reserve. Cost is $125.

A school year finished? Celebrate at Mel and June's with a barbecue after. Everyone is welcome and food is supplied. Bring your own drinks only. Phone Mel

Tulip Festival

2009-02-05T19:54:00.000-08:00

Don't miss the incredible Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in Washington State April 18th. Phone Wendy Smith (604-533-2894) for more information about this activity. Billets may be arranged by calling Elaine Hanson (1-360-659-9202). Stay overnight or drive down early Saturday and meet at the Michael's store in Everett at 10 am. Cost is $8 U.S. funds. A spectacular site!

Curling Anyone?

2009-02-03T20:40:00.000-08:00

Try bowling on ice.. It's tougher than it looks but loads of fun. Join Mel and June on Feb. 28th at 12:30. Cost is $5 per adult at the Langley Curling Club, George Preston Arena. Phone Mel at 604 534 3076

Giants Hockey

2009-02-03T19:53:00.000-08:00

Canucks too expensive? Join us for a night of excellent hockey. The first place Vancouver Giants play their rivals from Chilliwack. Friday night, Feb. 27th at 7:00 at the Vancouver Coliseum. Cost is only $20. I have 15 tickets available so phone me to reserve. Terry @ 604 526 6905

Manning Park Ski Weekend

2009-01-18T18:53:00.000-08:00

A weekend of winter fun. March 6-8th at Manning Park. Stay at the lodge, the rooms are booked. Enjoy the thrill of spring skiing. Downhill or cross-country. If you prefer, snowshoes and skate rentals are also available. Phone Wendy at 778 839 4395 for more information.

T Shirts!

2008-12-09T21:24:00.000-08:00

We have long sleeve Canadian made t-shirts for sale at the incredible price of $10. Phone or email Terry at 604 526 6905.

First Event of 2009! Gad-A-Bout Town..

2008-11-11T12:16:00.000-08:00

Exchange teachers enjoyed a rousing dinner at La Rocca. Ten exchangees and their families celebrated their arrival and traded stories about the first few weeks here. It was the first time the fog truly lifted and a great time was had by all.

Dinner Theatre Evenings

2008-09-28T20:56:00.000-07:00

Pearl Wong hosts dinner theatre evenings Friday nights at the Metro Theatre in Vancouver. Dinner is at 6 PM at a local restaurant in the immediate vicinity. (Exception Mar. 29th). Please contact Pearl at 604 576 1528 in advance in order to reserve tickets for any of these shows. Cost for the play is $12.

Feb. 13: Dial M for Murder. Frederick Knott's exciting melodrama about marrying for money and plotting murder.
Mar. 29: Father's Day. (Note: 12:00 lunch and 2:00 PM play start) A wayward son and his punk girlfriend visit home in this warm and compassionate comedy of family values.
May 8: The Crazy Time. This wild romp of a comedy is bound to entertain. A trophy wife, happy daughter and successful business go wrong.
June 12: Enchanted April. Mathew Barber wrote this Tony Award nomination for Best Play of 2003. New truths, laughter and romance abound.

Haunted Hallowe'en Happenings

2006-11-14T23:01:00.000-08:00

Haunted Happenings

Event: Halloween Fun
Date: October 28
Place: Chilliwack

We started off at the Corn Maze where we were seriously bothered by 2 weird guys wearing masks. The Australians were scared, nervous, and then mad. Well, it turned out to be Cathy and Ken from the Vancouver Island Exchange Group. What a gooood spooooky trick that was. We wandered around lost and laughing for a great deal of time. The Trivia Questions, which were supposed to help us, did not, and no matter who our leader was, they did no better than the person before. Eventually we did manage to go through the two mazes, and with bags of U Pick apples we went back to Amy’s place to carve pumpkins and have supper. The best part of supper was the desert of gruesome hands, which was a work of art – carved from chocolate ice cream, and dripped with raspberries. (Good on yeh - Phil and Jo)

After supper some chose to stay home and visit and others went to the Reapers Haunted House. After waiting in line, long enough to get frightened by the wind and rustling leaves, we entered the skinny halls of the House as a lump of seven. The displays were excellent and you never knew if they were mannequins or actors ready to pounce, touch, groan, or whatever, to scare you. What fun that was!!!!! It was so worth it – and what a cultural experience!! Canadian Halloween at it’s best.

We all slept over at Amy’s and after a great breakfast we slowly and sorrowfully left, knowing this may be the last time we see these Exchange Teachers. I hope you all had a wonderful time and take home fantastic memories.