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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, February 29, 2012 · 28 Want to explore your talent in the performing or visual arts? Studio PAVAS entering our 15th year, was the first private school of the arts in Oakville and Mississauga, offering a positive, relaxed and friendly environment with professional instructors in Art, Music, Drama and Dance. Individuals and families can enjoy a comprehensive arts program through private, semi-private and small group classes. "This is where lifelong skills are learned, such Advertorial PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS SCHOOL March Break Camps March 12 - 16 Give Them An Experience That Lasts A Lifetime! Explore Dance, Drama, Music & Art 1-2301 Royal Windsor Dr., Mississauga as time management, commitment, team building, confidence and leadership," says Suzanne Zakoor, director and owner of Studio PAVAS. "We offer high-quality year-round educational instruction for all ages, from 3 years to adults." Its 16,000sq.ft. of space includes seven professional mirrored sprung dance floors, six acoustical music studios with a new recording room, large permanent art room, Jr. PAVAS preschool arts room, and a new 2400sq.ft. performance space. There's a large waiting area for homework and parents to watch all studios through the TV cam- era system. Take advantage of Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced March Break and summer day camps for children ages 3 to 14. They'll expand creative and performance skills, while having fun and making new friends. The all-day program runs as one-hour classes in art, acro, musical theatre, Irish, hip-hop, jazz and lyrical. Register by phone, fax or in person, Studio PAVAS is located at 2301 Royal Windsor Drive, Unit #1.Visit www.studiopavas.com or call 905.403.9435. Staying close to home this March Break? (NC)--Staying close to home this March Break? You are not alone. With all that the Canadian winter has to offer, many families will stay at home instead of heading south. "Even if you aren't travelling far from home, with the right travel reward credit card, you will have the flexibility to redeem points to help cover the costs of your March Break activities," says Stacie Pearson, Associate Vice President, TD Credit Cards. · Turn a day trip into a long weekend: redeem points for a hotel room and treat your family to an extra special few days away. A hotel with a pool for the kids and room service for you can make a weekend away almost as good as a trip to the tropics. · Can't get away for a whole week? Neither can most Canadians. The TD poll showed that Canadians choose to take short trips over longer trips. While 62 per cent of Canadians took at least one weekend getaway trip of 1­4 nights, only 39% took at least one week­long trip. "A good credit card will have benefits in addition to your travel rewards points," says Pearson. "For example, check if your credit card offers 24­ hour concierge service for booking entertainment and dining. Even if you're staying close to home, you can make your week off more relaxing by taking advantage of this benefit." SPECIALTY ART/MUSIC/DRAMA/DANCE STUDIO PAVAS 905-403-9435 www.studiopavas.com studiopavas@sympatico.ca Pre-K to Grade 12 Grammar The Best s Come From Understanding Approach the process of learning properly and you wind up creating more than hard-working students with good marks. You build motivated, self-assured, independent thinkers who really understand what they learn. That means better grades...on every test, in every subject, and on every report card. A' Reading Study Skills Writing Homework Math French Call today, or visit oxfordlearning.com Oakville South 905.849.4027 oakvillesouth@oxfordlearning.com Oakville North East 905.257.1207 oakvillene@oxfordlearning.com Oakville North 905.469.1929 oakville@oxfordlearning.com The first real report card of the school year is here. It's an important milestone in the school year. After all, the report card's arrival could mean some potentially shocking and unpleasant surprises for some families. For students, a bad grade on the report card could mean punishment and restrictions on extracurricular activities. For parents, poor grades are a source of concern and worry--if their child is facing an educational roadblock, that could put dreams and plans for the future on hold? Or worse, eliminate possibilities for the future altogether? Adding to the stress is the fact that for most families, report cards can be confusing. Changing curriculum and reporting standards mean that the report card is filled with jargon and terms that mean essentially nothing to a parent. "Report Cards today are not the same report cards that parents remember from when they were children, which can make reading report cards an exercise in frustration," said Saly Beshera of Oxford Learning Oakville North East. "Reporting requirements have changed a lot and to make matters worse, report cards seem like they are written in a foreign language. It just makes them that much more confusing." Typically, report cards are upheld as the ultimate indicator of student progress--but they do Report cards are stressful time for families Advertorial have their limitations. The report card is but a single snapshot of a child's progress up to a given point and is not a complete picture of a child's potential. Beshera recommends that parents consider the first report card of the year as a warning sign, and the second as an indication of concern if there are any issues with poor grades. Don't wait, take action now. "Parents need to remember that there is still plenty of time to get back on track. It's a key thing to remember and it can greatly reduce report card stress," said Beshera, "but time will run out if action is not taken immediately." Founded in 1984, Oxford Learning uses innovative approaches to learning that have helped thousands of students to reach their educational goals. Customized programs based on the science of cognitive development help children to develop the skills that they need to succeed in school while they develop the confidence that they need to succeed in life. Do you have questions about your child's report card? Get answers! Contact your nearest Oxford Learning center today, ask about our March Break or Summer programs. Oakville North ­ (905) 4691929, Oakville@oxfordlearning.com; Oakville North East ­ (905) 257-1207, Oakvillene@oxfordlearning.com; or Oakville South ­ (905) 8494027, Oakvillesouth@oxfordlearning.com.