Illustrated History Challenge for Kids

Start writing your exciting Canadian History tale and you could be on your way to Ottawa for the 2014 Governor General's History Awards. The award is open to Canadian kids between the ages of 7 and 14. Students are invited to create their own illustrated story based on any element of Canada’s past they find of interest. The deadline for entries is June 14th, 2014!

Stories should be between 500–1200 words in length and should include 1–3 illustrations or archival photographs to accompany the story. Comic Strip formats are eligible; students should keep in mind a 5-page comic typically entails 500 words. Stories can be written in either English or French.

Stories will be evaluated by a panel of judges on the following basis:

• Creativity and originality
• Content and story composition
• Grammar, spelling and quality of writing
• Use of illustrations to support the story

The top two writers, one French and one English, will receive a $1000 RESP and a trip to Ottawa. The top twenty-five stories will be published on our website and awarded a complimentary subscription to Kayak: Canada's History Magazine for Kids. All participants will receive a special certificate commending them on their participation.

 The contest deadline is June 14, 2014.

For more information, visit http://www.canadashistory.ca/Kids/Contests/Kayak-Illustrated-History-Challenge 

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

As I Stare Into the Fire…

As I stare into the fire I see the dancing, roaring flames of spirits.
If one looks closely you can see them.
Spirits of many kinds that dance their way to the heavens.
They twirl around others like two friends giving a pinky swear.
Perhaps they once knew each other before they departed.
Then as they reach the top of the fire they split and vanish.
It’s like they never existed like those who were born centuries ago and are forgotten souls.
My heart sinks slowly as their warmth fades.
But you can see something different; you see sparks that float into the sky.
Don’t become discouraged once they disappear.
They are merely taking their places in the sky becoming constellations.
Fitting themselves into the pattern of the beautiful dark horizon.
It’s a sight never to be forgotten.

Kaeli Mask
Grade 9, Bill Woodward School
Anzac

Don't Forget to Buy Your Tickets to See Chris Hadfield- May 6, 2014

Northern Insights is proud to present Colonel Chris Hadfield, the former commander of the International Space Station, at Nexen Field House, Suncor Community Leisure Centre MacDonald Island Park on May 6th, 2014.

Doors open at 6:30 pm. 

Premium seating tickets: $79.00 
General Admission tickets: $49.00 
General Admission (second floor) tickets: $49.00
Includes Taxes & Service Charges

To purchase your tickets, please visit www.macdonaldisland.ca or call 780-791-0070.

National Canadian Film Day

April 29th is the first official National Canadian Film Day!

Celebrate Canada  a day to throw off the shackles of fear and insecurity, stand together with Canadians from coast to coast and pat ourselves on the back for something other than various ice-related sports and sports-related doughnut shops. (Not that we don’t love ice-related sports and doughnuts.)ur national consciousness, a wake-up call to anyone who has not yet been exposed to the great cinematic stories we tell one another in this cold, vast country.



Tuesday, April 29 2014

Bob Lamb Bldg – Room 234

8 – 10pm

We will be featuring “Trailer Park Boys: The Movie” as well as the short film “The Cat Came Back“.

We will also be providing Pizza, Wings and Pop for everybody in attendance!

Free to Attend!

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

He Heard the Call

At one o’clock
I heard the call
On the line was my son Paul
He said “Ma, I’ve got to go.”
Inside my heart was screaming no!

*He heard the call
To stand a fight
For what he thought was right
So the rest of us could live free
A soldier’s what he had to be*

 At four o’clock
Alarms rang out
 “Put on your gear” the captain shouts
He said “Come, we’ve got to go.”
Inside his heart was screaming no!

*Refrain

At eight o’clock
He heard no sound
My son Paul was on the ground
The captain said, we’ve got to go.”
Inside his heart was screaming no!

*Refrain

At twelve o’clock
I heard the call
I picked it up and let it fall
I said “Paul why did you have to go.”
Inside my heart was screaming no!

*Refrain
A soldier’s what he had to be

                          Karla Power

Edmonton Exhibition and Events Assistant Opportunity

The Exhibition and Event Assistant provides support with coordinating exhibitions, workshops and speaker lectures for the Alberta Society of Artists in the Edmonton area. This casual position would require the successful candidate to have a flexible schedule in which he or she would be available to work shifts weekdays, weekends and/or evenings on occasion. The Exhibition and Event Assistant would work with the ASA Program Coordinator who is located in Calgary and be a liaison to help administer the opening, maintenance and closure of ASA activities in Edmonton.  

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 
Be the onsite ASA contact for the receipt, delivery, and shipping of artwork at the ASA storage location (Harcourt House) in Edmonton;
Ensure artwork is adequately wrapped for shipping
Transports artwork to and from exhibition sites; 
ASA volunteers will be arranged to assist the successful candidate with larger shows
Assist with the installation and take down of ASA exhibitions Act as the liaison with gallery partners in Edmonton on behalf of the ASA Program Coordinator 
Organize receptions for exhibitions Provide assistance with other Edmonton events held by the ASA; this could include an ASA volunteer luncheon, workshop and/or speaker events put on by the ASA and open to the public 
Gallery guide when required; this would include providing security, hosting, and information about the artists, art and/or ASA to visitors, coordinating occasional sales to the public Introduce workshop and speakers to participants, provide ongoing support to speakers and workshop leaders throughout their presentations 

QUALIFICATIONS: 
Experience in non-profit is not essential but would be beneficial 
Experience in gallery and art event management 
Skilled in organizing and coordinating events and occasionally volunteers
Knowledge of and interested in Alberta Visual arts 
Able to manage time effectively and efficiently 
Ability to work a flexible schedule 
Ability to work independently with little to no supervision
Excellent correspondence skills and easily accessible through email and telephone  
Has access to and can use own vehicle 
Can manage a petty cash of $500.00

 If you are interested in applying, please submit your resume and cover letter to the Program Coordinator, Jenna Reimer, at coordinator@albertasocietyofartists.com. 
The Alberta Society of Artists Crossroads Art Centre 
#305-1235 26th Ave 
SE Calgary, AB, 
T2G 1R7

Read more at http://www.affta.ab.ca/Arts-In-Alberta/Arts-Opportunities/ASA-hiring-Edmonton-Exhibition-and-Events-Assistant

Community Conversation about Summer Arts Festivals TONIGHT

Arts Council Wood Buffalo is hosting a community conversation TONIGHT to talk about how the community can support the arts by creating a summer arts festival(s). 

There will be no interPLAY Festival this year.

Interested community members, organizations and funders are invited to a creative think tank/town hall meeting at 7 pm on Monday, April 28th at the Keyano Rehearsal Hall. To build awareness and support for this initiative, the hashtag #ymmsummerARTS will be used. 
Everyone is welcome to attend

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

Winter Breaks, Spring Fixes

The wan sun, he takes no prisoners

In this, the prolonged, painful, retreat

Forget that here is the winter’s solstice

Dark makes Light all the more sweet

A cup of cider, hot in my closed fist

The drums hammering like a heart

Here I am, sleepily; seeking… soaking

Falling together, as near as falling apart

The musician has his guitar and pick

The poet has her feathered pen

Play on!  Just play.  Teach me something.

Warm me up, and then…?

Here the charge: the synaptic spark

The reason for coming or going

Trying is the only way of being.

Seeking the only way of knowing.

The ice is a pure as it is cold

Its perfection makes it clean.

When you have tasted th’ truth

You will know what I mean

No place can lie even when it says

What you know had been wrong

The brilliant electric aurora borealis

Does her dance.  Sings her song

Up the shining steps, to the holy place

There is where I must, now, attend

Where I find me, in aspects and shades

Where I find you, just you, my friend.

                         Nathan Berube

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

The Winter list


The Government has a list (if you wish) of stuff to pack in the back of your cars;
like water in bottles and blankets, and food that won’t spoil such as energy bars.
With extra clothing, and shoes or boots, and a first aid kit with a seatbelt cutter,
Do not forget the scraper and snowbrush, and a shovel alongside the normal clutter.

And don’t forget some candles, in a deep empty can with plenty of matches;
plus a wind-up flashlight with a whistle, and a road map with one of those clips that attaches
to a copy of your emergency plan, next to the sand/salt/cat litter, (non-clumping)
‘twixt the anti-freeze, tow-rope and extinguisher, washer fluid and cables for jumping.

I’ve two sets of everything for both the cars, plus warm clothes for Mom Dad and Junior,
and a wrap for the dog which I lost three times, as well as my sense of humour.
Packing all that stuff filled both the vehicles and caused me to swear and cuss.
So I parked the cars for the winter, said “To hell with it,” and travelled by bus.

                                                                                    Kevin Thornton

Words in Motion- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

One Brief Moment


Eyes glitter from the side
of the road, face illuminates then
disappears. I slip through
hollow grasses that whisper,
into the night hunting what moves,
breath held, heartbeat suspended,
through still of darkness with you.

Night air moist, I hunger
for warmed, salt-blood, for freedom from light,
from societies’ rules—reborn primal. Carry
me with you; show me what I have put aside,
forgotten in haste.

Over the hum of tires an owl hoots,
calls my name, and I drive on
into the night.

                                          Cathy Yard

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

Moth


She was a moth.
Dusted with mildew, and a slight tint of grey.
Ashen in the past,
she flew to the light.
Hoping to fall into an abyss that lead to waterfalls.
To clean her wings,
it was all she thought of.
She found the wings heavy, and full of heat.
Burnt her back, and opened wounds,
she pulled, and tugged with every bit of might.
With all she had, the wings stayed tight.
They were filled with glitter, and were dusted with diamonds.
She looked at them with contempt,
they swung to a tune.

                                                            Julia Bennett

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

Dirty Water


Rub-a-dub-dub
Three men in a tub
The politician, the entrepreneur 
and the undertaker
Rub-a-dub-dub

Wet heads together 
They make slippery deals
Dirty the water while passing the soap
that never cleans, even when scrubbed
Rub-a-dub-dub, three men in a tub 


Into a huddle they make
splash and foam until
the politician climbs out  
promises tucked close to chin, 
while the entrepreneur scrambles
with tax laws and penalties, 
as the wrinkles set in.
Rub-a-dub-dub, two men in a tub


The soap now a sliver 
as thin as the promises given, disappears 
Water cools and businesses fold
as the entrepreneur sinks under 
the soap-scummed water 
Rub-a-dub-dub, an undertaker in a tub 
wearing nothing
but a grin.

                                     Cathy Yard

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

Longings


Oh small bird
no debts to pay
Go where you want
Come when you may
Eat when you’re hungry
Fly as you please
Would that I could be so at ease.

Each year you fly south
With the strength of your heart
I’ve a will of my own
But we’re worlds apart...


Trade for a while
And let me be free
To fly in the wind
And rest in those trees...

Would that I could be so at ease.

           Sharon Cordes Okrasa

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

Rhapsody

I fulminate my own words and 
annihilate this absurd verse,
like it's a guitar verses two chords
with the same note, played in reverse.

This is poetry, I don't need to rehearse.
I'm where the Dictionary gets words.
Every ill rhyme is a sick curse.
Bleeding out my pen, we need a Bic nurse.

Spilling innocent ink 
one cartridge at a time.
Singing in sync
I’m beginning to think,
these are slick lines.

You want to hear it all, so
you got the mute paused,
but you can’t hear me because
I pen to papered this whole rap song.

These words I’m writing off,
erasing the cause because,
it’s too scripted to speak of,
these vowels between us
delegating sentences.

Let us collaborate recourse 
to restore accordingly order 
and stop reading this dead horse.

                             Jody Pratt

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

Failure


Today I sit by the darkness,
And the darkness sits by me, 
There is no hope for light, 
And my tomorrow daunts me... 
The wound in my heart still hurts today, 
As I remember those days of dismay... 
When everything was within my reach, 
I could have achieved... 
Closer! Closer I went! Still closer! 
Ah! Missed. 
It was too late for my striving fingers, 
When I realized that my time passed by and by, 
And all I could do was sigh... 
The thought of failure, 
Still shakes me up from inside, 
It was the day when my only hope had died!

Kopal Garg
Grade 10, Westwood Community High School

Call for submissions for bands and artists is OPEN NOW!

The PEAK Performance Project is a seven-year, $4.9 million contest open to all musicians in Alberta. The program will be run by Calgary’s 95.3 The PEAK in partnership with Alberta Music, with the goal of developing Alberta based emerging artists and preparing them to take on the world. The project, which was originally created in Vancouver by 102.7 The PEAK and Music BC, has been tremendously successful, helping to launch the careers of many BC bands over the past five years. 

Every year, twelve finalists from Alberta will receive an intensive, one week, training program in the music business, live performance, songwriting, marketing and promotion. Artists will benefit from mentorships from some of the music industry’s top professionals and performers.

This week long, professional development Boot Camp is a key component of the Peak Performance Project, and for the next two years it will be run simultaneously to the BC Boot Camp, teaming up these twelve Alberta bands and artists with their twelve counterparts from British Columbia. The Boot Camp will work on the principal that the new music business requires a DIY philosophy. Course content may include such subjects as live stage and individual performance, songwriting, marketing and promotion, media training, music law and business, music industry revenues, touring, radio tracking and online and social media issues. Course materials and workshops are delivered by a “Who’s Who” of Canada’s top music industry professionals. 

Each of the twelve finalists will receive a base camp award of $5000 to spend towards career development! All of these artists will have the chance to perform live in Calgary as part of the PEAK Performance Project Concert Series. 

Of these twelve artists, three will receive large cash prizes towards career development and will perform live at the PEAK Performance Project Finale. 

First Place $100,095.30 Second Place $75,000.00 Third Place $50,000.00 Call for submissions for bands and artists is OPEN NOW! to May 2nd. To apply, go to www.peakperformanceproject.com, and fill out the online form.   

For further information please contact: 
Chris Wynters (780) 428-3372 – chris@amia.ca 
Lindsay Shedden (587) 955-9551 – lindsay@amia.ca 
Kath Thompson (403) 536-3877 - kath.thompson@953thepeak.com 
www.peakperformanceproject.com www.albertamusic.org

Read more at http://www.affta.ab.ca/Arts-In-Alberta/Arts-Opportunities/Peak-Performance-Project-Call-for-Submissions

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

The Eagle has Landed

I am an eagle.
Extraordinary eyesight,
giant wings,
my sound is heard from
far away.

The sky is grey, grumpy and grim,
Deadly cold winds make a zip sound.

The wind feels so cold against my wings;
The eagle twitches as he flies
more and more.

I must fly as low as I can
to avoid the winds.

The weather freezes my wings
while flying down,
The eagle flys down like a rapid bullet;
The cold winds is frostbite just when you get outside.

The coldness can hurt so bad,
it’s a broken friendship.

Nathan Nicholle
Grade 6, St. Martha School

Contract Opportunity for Educational Content Writer

Contract opportunity for Educational Content Writer. Deadline to apply May 15, 2014.  

 Imaginative/creative/ work independently/excellent writing skills/knowledge of k-­7 Alberta Education curriculum/understanding of interests and abilities of children aged 4 –  12/passionate about water and other environmental issues. 

WP Puppet Theatre Society is looking for a technical writer to finish the Study Guide that accompanies our puppet production ‘Pigs in a Canoe and Other Watery Stories’. This online document builds on the excitement generated by the show and provides further learning opportunities for the audiences of both schools and general public, to understand the issues and subjects mentioned in the production. There are interactive activities, links, graphics and background information. At a minimum we would like to add a bibliography as well as additional interactive content, make it mobile-­‐phone friendly, test it with children, and edit the existing document.   

Applications should not be more than 6 pages and include: 
1)     Samples of past writing related to this project
 2)     A brief proposal of how you would improve the current online study guide (http://www.wppuppet.com/fun-­‐guide.htm)
3)     Current resume 
4)     Proposed budget summary for the contract, up to a maximum of $4,000 
5)     Work to be completed by September 2014 
6)     The puppet production can be seen on May 2nd and 1st week of June in Calgary. 

Submit to: wppuppet@telus.net with the subject heading PIC Study Guide Background information on WP Puppet Theatre – www.wppuppet.com. Deadline for applications May 15, 2014. ARTS IN ALBERTA AFA News Newswire Culture Days Alberta Culture Calendar Fast Facts Arts Opportunities Publications  

Read more at http://www.affta.ab.ca/Arts-In-Alberta/Arts-Opportunities/Contract-Opportunity-for-Educational-Content-Writer

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

I Love Kittens!


I love kittens!
Cute, cuddly, playful kittens,
Willow, Thunder, Lightning and then there’s Brittany
Those were my favourite, don’t you see.

Some are mommies,
Some now are daddies,
Then there is … my Brit-ta-ny.
She is light on her feet,
Tearing up bed sheets
Going to places she ought not to be,
I wonder what will become of she.


I love kittens!
I love cats!
Sweet, tired, lazy cats.
One’s in heaven, up above.
One’s tearing up, all my gloves,
The others just, give me lots of love!

I love kittens!
I love cats!
Even those that are sometimes brats!

Kyla Roche
Grade 3, Father Turcotte School

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

Everyone Needs A Dream


Everyone needs a dream,
Don't you think?
Something….. to look forward to.
Maybe to help you
Get out of bed?
On those manic, Monday, mornings.

Dreams are something
THAT can help you.
That guides your life, like a guardian angel.
Helping you through those tough times,
When life knocks you down.
And you need
To get back up!


Dreams help you become a confident,
Strong individual.
When you can't help but  measure yourself
To the strength's of others.

And everyone needs a dream,
And just remember to….
DREAM big!

Jane Gibson
Grade 5, École St. Paul

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

Summer

I love summer, summer’s hot,
Canadian winters, don’t really rock!

I have the sun, don’t need the shade.
In Africa, we loved to wade,
The sunny hot sky
Makes me feel …
Not as shy,
To play with frogs and bugs,
Or to roll on the grass,
Like it’s a rug.


Summer is eating outside,
Swinging in the park, 
And sliding down the slide,
It’s summer, it’s summer!

I love summer!
I love the sun!
Don’t need the shade,
It’s time for fun!

Nyriack Gol Jiir
Grade 3, Father Turcotte School


Winter

Winter is colder than summer.
Icicles drip under my lips.
Nothing sparkles like snow.
Tonight snowflakes shine like light.
Everyone is warm with love.
Rise and shine and have some fun. 

Christine Joyce Policarpio
Grade 3, École Boréal

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

The Biggest Gift the World Gave To Me


The biggest gift the world gave to me has to be the best of all
It can’t be any ordinary toy or it can’t be my favourite doll.
The biggest gift the world gave to me has to be from the heart. 
You can’t break it, you can’t bend it, you can’t tear it apart
The biggest gift of all has no start or end
It is a gift that you can easily lend
It is friendship
A gift that we all share
We can help each other and we certainly care
The biggest gift the world gave to me is friendship
It can’t be sold, it can’t be bought, it has no price
It can only be taught
The biggest gift the world gave to me is friendship for sure
If you’re sad
That’s the only cure
So I hope you all have friends
And I certainly hope your friendship never ends!

Tanisha Kadia
Grade 5, Timberlea Public School

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

The People

The people in the village, all cozy and warm
The little children building blocks with a funny form
The people in the city at a shopping mall
Their pets altogether, walking down the hall
The people in the country, in a barn so tall
The farm animals in a barnyard stall
All the people, different heights, all have one fright…
The fright of losing purpose
The fright of the wrong way
But just remember there is always one more day
Gather together

Chloe Tagg
Grade 4, Timberlea Public School


Bully Beware

Bully bully please beware,
I don’t like when you pull my hair.
Bully bully please STOP!
Or I will tell my
Mom, dad, teacher or a cop.
I will use “I” statements
to tell how I feel.
This will help to
make my heart heal.
I will stand up for everyone
So people in our school can have lots of fun!
And now our song is DONE.

Miss MacKinnon’s Class
Grade 2, Timberlea Public School

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

When You've Arrived


When you've arrived,
You'll know.
You will feel something
In the pit
Of your stomach,
You will also feel it
In your bones,
And to the tip,
Of your toes.

My arrival was
Through dance.
I gained confidence,
I felt self respect.
And I built on
My successes.

Although I stumbled
I always got up,
Pointed my toes,
Smiled
And
Just
Kept,
Dancing.

Jane Gibson
Grade 5, École St. Paul

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

.      


It's kind of like the truth
wrapped up around some lies;
like the sadness only
found in long good-byes.

It's devotion to a star
that isn't in your sky;
like having no excuse
for needing an alibi.



Interpret this way;
or is it like the sunrise;
changes every day.

It is kind of like a war cry
or a peaceful protest in the park;
like a horseback ride
on a blinded stallion in the dark.



It will stab you in its light
like a flame eager to expand,
like a jagged shadow in the night;
a cryptic dagger in its hand.

It's like a secret that no one has ever heard;
the chirping of a single bird, bird, bird.
A whisper only spoken by the wind,
like a breath from deep within.

                                          Jody Pratt

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

The One-Legged Goose

poised like a ballerina

daintily crops around

its single mudguard foot

hops aside briefly

when a two-legged goose curses,

then hops back, head down

still munching.

the one-legged goose knows

what the two-legged geese will never know:

that grass still tastes the same

on one leg or two

that when the worst happens

you keep your head down

you learn to hop

you keep munching.

                                      Jane Jacques

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

Wooshing Upon a Star


Our little guy is four years old and he loves his cars and trucks
He likes leather and wood, and electric seats, (he prefers to ride deluxe).
And he’ll push all the buttons and buzzers and switches and anything else that adjusts
But the best of all – and he’ll tell you if you ask – is the bell on a downtown bus.

He doesn’t like the yellow and black ones. “They’re School buses, Dad,” he’ll say.
And he doesn’t really like the oil sands coaches – they take Mommy away every day.
But he loves the idea of big, wide windows and a bell to ring when it’s pushed.
And he’ll ask, as we see them go past our home, “Daddy, let’s take the Woosh.”

He calls them all ‘Wooshes’ and if those are his wishes I haven’t the heart to correct him,
Cause he watches them whoosh by and wishes to know how to ride ‘em or even collect ‘em.
You’re still far too young son, have a Hot Wheels in lieu son, and for now let’s just go out and ride them.
And maybe one day son, then it might be okay son, to get your license and learn how to drive them.

                       Kevin Thornton

Words in Motion 2014- Feature Poem of the Day for National Poetry Month

Who You Are


Who were you before you forgot who you were?
Before you disappeared in the dance of your life.
What made you laugh and your heart sing?
Your eyes know the answers
if you have the courage to look.
They tell a distant tale of laughter and light, 
Of past hopes and dreams and forgotten truths. 
Be brave and look into your eyes
And feel with your heart.
For a spark glimmers deep in the recesses, awaiting a soulful kindle. 
The forgotten 'you' lies within the sanctity of the soul. 
Cast off the cloak of invisibility,
let your true self shine.
For it is not you alone who is lost when you keep yourself hidden 
from who you are before you forgot who you were.

                                                Samantha James