Evelyne was in an individual education

program in a private school in Ontario and

we werent seeing progress. She was anxious
and frustrated by not achieving the same
things as her classmates. We got the sense
that there was no time to waste and if we
were going to do something about this we
needed to act immediately. The problems
werent going away. They were only
getting worse.
We searched online for a school that
specialized in language-based learning
disorders, found Landmark East and booked
a visit last October. When we were touring
the school we had a chance to meet some of
the students and they talked about what the
school had done for them. I remember one
girl looked at us, rolled her eyes and said,
well I can read!
We loved Wolfville and the people we met
in town seemed to know about the school
and had a connectiona friend, a relative,
a neighbour who went there at some point.
Landmark East has a great reputation and we
were impressed that there wasnt any stigma
attached to the school.
We moved here last March, and we noticed
that Evelyne was happier here after the
first week. The teachers were nice. The kids
were nice. She liked the food. That made
the transition easier than it could have
been. Evelyne used to be reluctant to try
new things. Shes not anymore. Shes happy,
excited to learn and confident in her abilities.
Were very happy with the school.
Alice and Ken McGaw
CANADA S I NDEPENDENT DAY AND BOARDI NG SCHOOL
FOR STUDENTS WI TH LEARNI NG DI FFERENCES
A PUBLI CATI ON OF LANDMARK EAST SCHOOL FALL 201 4
acorn
the
Focus on Family
Landmark East was always on my radar.
I did some web research and there were
no other schools in Canada that would
respond to the needs of a girl with learning
challenges. Yasmine had come to a point
where she had given up on school. She
was failing math and never saw herself
graduating high school.
Landmark East was a new beginning for
Yasmine. When she arrived, she was scared
but motivated and it has given her hope.
A defining moment for Yasmine was last
spring when she was called in with her
advisors to choose her grade 10 classes for
the year ahead. This basically gave her a new
perspectiveto expect to grade and start to
think about career choices.
Anniken Kloster
CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
YASMINE MAHRACH AND
ANNIKEN KLOSTER
KEN, ALICE, EVELYNE AND
BEATRICE MCGAW
2 www. l andmarkeast. org
2014-2015
LANDMARK EAST ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
NOVEMBER 25, 2014
2013-2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
James S. A. Sotvedt, Chair
Janet G. Savage, Vice-Chair, Treasurer
Raymond M. Baltzer, Director
Sarah J. Bowen, Director
Murray E. Edwards, Director
Frank B. Hazel, Director
A. Martha MacQuarrie, Director
Dr. Michael D. Robertson, Director
Mary F. Saunders, Director
Catherine R. Savage, Director
Senator James S. Cowan, Honorary Director
John A. Edgecombe, Honorary Director
Dr. William F. Mason, Honorary Director
Kenneth M. Mounce, Honorary Director
LANDMARK EAST FOUNDATION
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
TBA, MARCH, 2015
2014 TRUSTEES
Catherine R. Savage, Chair
A. Martha MacQuarrie, Vice-Chair
Robin S. K. Hennigar, Trustee
Thomas J. S. Paul, Trustee
Beverley T. Richardson, Trustee
Simon S. Roberts, Trustee
James S. A. Sotvedt, Trustee
Michael R. Vaughan, Trustee
Cyril M. White, Trustee
Henry R. Hicks, Honorary Trustee
Marsha S. Sobey, Honorary Trustee
A big thank you to our students and parents that helped out with the
2014 Annual Appeal for the Student Bursary Fund. The hard-working
group got together for an evening to prepare a massive mail-out in February.
This years appeal was sent to approximately 1500 alumni, families and
friends of Landmark East and brought in generous responses totalling in
excess of $17,000.
Acorn Credits:
2 www. l andmarkeast. org
The acorn is an annual publication of Landmark East School
(www.landmarkeast.org).
It is distributed free of charge to students, alumni, parents ,
staff, donors and friends of Landmark East School.
PHOTO CREDITS:
Nancy Chittick, Shannon Callaghan, Scott Walker,
Rose Spicer, Alumni Archives.
DESIGN:
Kohoot Media
SEND COMMENTS REGARDING THE ACORN TO:
Rose Spicer, Director of Development
Landmark East School
708 Main Street, Wolfville NS B4P 1G4
902-542-2237 ext. 223
rspicer@landmarkeast.org
Landmark East School does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, gender and national or ethnic origin in any of its educational programs and policies.
Landmark East School was presented with a special gift at the spring
fundraiser at Berwick Heights Golf Course. The Rotary Club of Kentville is
supporting the Student Bursary Fund with a donation of $8500, presented
on behalf of the Persons with Disabilities Committee. Left to right are:
Headmaster Peter Coll, students Kieran Chittick and Jed Tangerud, and
Rotarian Chris Maynard.
THE ACORN | FALL 2013 3
A big thank you to Mikes parents, Doctors Jim Scott and
Murray Brown, who have made a generous donation to
cover the entire refurbishingof the basketball court. That
area of the campus is well-used every day and enjoyed by
many teachers and every student. Greatly appreciated!
A new treadmill and elliptical were added to the circuit
training room in June , thanks to generous grants from
the Eastern Kings Memorial Foundation, the Wellness
Initiative Fund and the Active Kids Healthy Kids Fund of
Eastern Kings County.
Building the Student Bursary Fund
Thank you on behalf of all Landmark East families you support!
Landmark East Foundation
5
th
Annual Golf Classic
Landmark East Foundation celebrated
the 5th Annual Golf Classic on May 23rd
at Berwick Heights Golf Course. Over 50
businesses, organizations and service
clubs contributed to the tournament
through various sponsorships and in-kind
gifts donated for refreshments and prizes.
The event drew 92 players and raised
$18,860 for the Landmark East Student
Bursary Fund.
Stone & Co Ltd. received the trophy for
best overall team. Left to right are: Michael
Townsend, student, Caleb Moody, Steward
Hum, Terry Miller and student, Richard
Adams. Front: Students, Kieran Chittick
and Jed Tangerud. (missing: John Smith)
THE WHITE FAMILY
4 www. l andmarkeast. org
Focus on FamilyCONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
We were living in Oman, in the Middle East. By grade 7, it was
evident that Eddies academic skills didnt match his abilities.
He wasnt grasping concepts through traditional teaching so we
decided to have him tested. John Savage, Vice President of the
American British Academy had a connection to Landmark East
and he recommended that I look into the school for Eddie.
We arrived in January 2012. Eddie was in grade 8 and it was
his first time away from home. I think he was a little scared but
he also realized that he didnt have a lot of choices. He knew this
was his chance to get ahead. Eddie can read and understand
what hes reading now. Hes ready to take on the next steps
in learning. Hes got potential now and he can do whatever he
decides he wants to do with his life.
Walter Olding
Griffin has ADHD and mild Aspergers and I was looking for a place where they would
understand his challenges.
Initially, I liked the size and the feel of the school. Ive always liked the town of Wolfville.
I went to Acadia University and its familiar. It was good to meet the headmaster in the
interview and Griffin was made comfortable right from the start.
The staff at the school has the expertise to deal with kids like Griffin and they know
how to get the best out of him.
I always knew that Griffin was really smart. He needed to know what he was capable
of and how to reach his potential.It has really built his self-confidence.
Simon Roberts
EDDIE AND WALTER OLDING
GRIFFIN OZMON-ROBERTS
AND SIMON ROBERTS
Keythas brother was in college in Ontario and initially we were looking into a school for
Keytha in that province as well but there wasnt a good fit. We looked around online for
a school where Keytha would get the help she needs.
Because Keytha has Dyslexia, it takes her a little longer to understand. She needs help
with certain skills like note-taking and studying. I am an educator myself and I know
how important it is to modify your teaching to the needs of the student. This is much
easier to do in a small class.
The school has done a lot for Keythas self-confidence. The classroom experience is
not so intimidating anymore and she feels more comfortable with participating. Shes
now free to ask questions and not sit on the sidelines. Keytha made the honor roll this
year! Thats something that hasnt happened before.
Keysha Tacklyn
KEYTHA, KEITH AND
KEYSHA TACKLYN
4 www. l andmarkeast. org
THE ACORN | FALL 2013 5
Jacob is a really bright person. Teachers in the public system really liked Jacob and really
wanted him to succeed but they just didnt have the right tools and resources to help
him. As parents of a child with LD, you can often feel very isolated and alone when your
child is in an environment where everyone else is going with the program and your guy
just cant do it.
Homework was a constant battle. I was the homework lady every night while my
husband got dinner underway. After a full day of school and work, it was tiring and
frustrating for all of us. You have to wear so many hats: parent, disciplinarianyou dont
really want to be teacher as well.
We met a former student, Jonathan Cheverie. At the time he was a Sous Chef at
Pictou Lodge. Jonathan told us what a remarkable difference Landmark East had made
in his life. After talking to him we went home and brought up the school website. It was
amazing. As we read through the website, it was like they had already met Jacob.
Landmark East has really helped Jacob mature. Its given him a sense of normalcy,
confidence, responsibility and community. Hes not just taking up space in a classroom
anymore and he sees himself moving forward with his learning.
A huge milestone for Jacob was passing the provincial math exam in grade 10. We
were very excited and proud of him!
Andrea Wadden
JACOB, ANDREA AND
CALVIN WADDEN
Chase was diagnosed with ADD when he was eight. We did everything we could to
help him through the public system in Ontario. He had extra help in school and a private
tutor. The transition from grade six to grade seven didnt go well. It was hard on Chase
and the entire family. We knew he needed more than the public system could provide.
We always knew about Landmark East from as far back as the 80s. We Lived in
Windsor, Nova Scotia 26 years ago before we moved to Ontario. Back then, we had
heard about the school because our neighbours teenage son was attending. Of
course, more recently we knew about the school from my cousins experience. Ryan
Noseworthy graduated in 2007 and his mom Darlene Collicut is my first cousin. We had
looked around in Ontario but there was nothing comparable to Landmark East.
Chase is now going into his 4th year boarding at Landmark East and he has matured a
lot over those years.
Ive noticed that Chase is now more open and social. He readily speaks his mind
and that is something that never happened before. I am happy with his report cards
especially the six week snapshots and the comments from the teachers are about Chase
as a whole personnot just a student.
If Chase had stayed in public school, we couldnt be sure what path he would have
taken as far as finishing or dropping out. Now I can see Chase graduating and we are
both so proud of him.
Barb Singer
The positive environment, small class sizes and individual
attention produced amazing results! Ben went from not
completing any school assignments or exams in Grade 9 at
his previous school, to receiving honors in Grade 10 and 11 at
Landmark East. The wonderfully skilled teachers know how to
bring out the best in Ben and let his inner light shine brightly
again. Imagine thata school that values your child as much as
you do! I am so pleased and thankful and Ben is now happy to go
to school. What a concept!
Christine Kroker
BEN AND CHRISTINE KROKER
DALE, BARB AND CHASE SINGER
6 www. l andmarkeast. org
Student Life
Landmark East students will be attending Encounters with Canada, our
countrys largest and foremost youth forum. They will be exploring exciting
career opportunities, developing their civic leadership skills and building
friendships with peers from other provinces and territories.
Landmark East hosted an interactive workshop by Entrepreneurs with
Disabilities Network (EDN) in June. Students learned about ideas and
strategies for starting up a small business and grant opportunities
available. Presenters were Keith Gelhorn, ADDvocacy ADHD & Life Skills
Coaching Ltd., and Archie Gillis, EDN Business Counseling.
2014 Science Fair winners: Rebecca Holleman, Thomas Mooy, Emma dePutter and Marika Hubley.
THE ACORN | FALL 2013 7
2013-14 Athletes of the Year:
James Wilmot and Emma dePutter.
THE ACORN | FALL 2013 7
Bens Amazing Summer:
Ben Kroker was a hit last summer in the sold-out performances of Teen
Angel at the Festival of Dance Annapolis Royal. Ben is a wonderful dancer,
says Randy Glynn, the shows creator and choreographer, describing Bens
style as a hybrid of breaking and popping. The music goes in and art
comes out. Hes positive, upbeat and funny with a really good work ethic.
Landmark East participated in a radio campaign recognizing the Rotary
Club of Kentville as a major contributor to our Student Bursary Fund.
A public service announcement was aired at random times throughout
March 2014. K-Rock producer Luke Barrie is pictured with student
Dylan Levy on the day of the radio taping.
This is a sampling of some of our fantastic student canvassers who participated in the Wolfville
Neighborhood pledge drive for the Walkathon. Over three weeks in September they raised a total
of $2,783 for the Student Bursary Fund.
Life after High School
Landmark East Alumnus, Cardy Saunders was a guest speaker at the
school in June for students in grades 11 and 12. He led a discussion on
the challenges and opportunities of transitioning from high school to
post-secondary. Cardy is currently in his 3rd year at Acadia University
studying biology.
Left to Right: Jed Tangerud, Cardy Saunders, Jacob Wadden, Sam Tucker
and Jordan Hennigar. Front: Ben Kroker
8 www. l andmarkeast. org
Alumni Update Where are they now?
ROBERT SMITH (1997-1999)
Robert Smith dropped by the school
this year with his partner, Ashley Levy.
Seeing the study hall and library brought
back memories. I got my homework done,
he remembers. Thats the first thing that
comes to mind when I think of my time
here. I learned to stay focused on one
thing at a time and that got me through
high school. Robert is locally grown, son of
Peggy and William Smith in Port Williams.
He worked for many years at ACA
Co-OperativeLtd. and is now a franchise
owner of JaniKing, a commercial cleaning
company in New Minas. Robert wanted
to send a shout-out to an old friend
alumnus Andrew Kauffman.
Introducing our Newest Alumni
Landmark East School celebrated Graduation and Closing Ceremonies at the Al Whittle Theatre on June 20th, 2014. Grads are:
Kaitlyn Coole, Michael Scott, Libby Fowler, Jose Bolio Gutierrez, Amanda Thomas, Bailey Crawford, Jed Tangerud and Ben Kroker.
KYLE SMITH (2002-2005)
Landmark East laid down the academic
groundwork for me, says Kyle.
It improved my aptitude for learning
and gave me confidence. When youre
a young kid, you dont really appreciate
what youre getting from all that structure
in the program. Simple things like time
management or learning how to do an
outline served me well in later years.
Kyle was at Landmark East for three years
as a five-day boarder, going home to
Bridgewater on weekends. He was here
for grades seven to nine and returned
to the public system for high school. In
2013, Kyle graduated from Cape Breton
University with a Business degree. He has
recently returned from working out west
and has plans to return to university next
fall (hopefully Dalhousie) to study Law
or Engineering.
JAMES COOKE (2008-2013)
James dropped by the school for a visit in
January to catch up with old friends and
former teachers. A Bermuda resident,
James was a boarding student for five
years. I grew up here from age 13 on, he
says, and Landmark helped me grow into
a decent human being. The structured
environment and predictable daily routines
made it easier for me to cope with my
learning disability and when youre living at
school you cant really skip school. What
I really benefitted from was the school
community in the dorm and the positive
role models: Mr. Currie, Mr. Elliott, Mr.
Brown and Mr. Johnston. James is now
working in industrial construction and part
time at Smokin Joes Tattoos in Bermuda.
THE ACORN | FALL 2013 9
JOSHUA BUTCHER (2001-2003)
The last decade has brought with
it a wave of change since my daysat
Landmark East. I graduated in 2012with
a Bachelor of Environmental Studiesin
Urban and Regional Planning from
the University of Waterloo. For the
last two years, Ive been workingas
aTransportation Planner at BA Consulting
Groupin Toronto. Much to the surprise
of my 12-year-old self,I nowspecialize
in writing transportation policies and
infrastructure planning documents
forprojects across the country.
ALEX BISHOP (2002-2008)
After high school, Alex headed to
university to study Psychology but
eventually found his niche in the NSCC
Business Program. I realized I had a
great opportunity right here in the family
business, says Alex. He has been working
at Raymond James since October 2013
and hasrecently completed the Canadian
Securities Course offered by the Canadian
Securities Institute. I had a very enjoyable
six years at Landmark East, says Alex.
I made lots of friends and have a lot of
funny memories. I will never forget the
amount of support I received from my
teachers and the staff.
CHARLES DIXON (1980-1982)
Charles graduated in 2012 from the
Maritime Paramedic Academy. He now
works as a paramedic in the Alberta Oil
Patch and lives with his wife, Elisabet
in Pointe de Bute, New Brunswick. His
parents, Ray and Pat Dixon, wrote:
Charlie remembers with fondness his
teachers, Wolfville and Mr. Colville, the
older gentleman who lived at the school
and acted like a grandfather.
BILL CAMERON (1989-1991)
Bill Cameron brought his family to the 2014
Walkathon in support of his nephew Izaak
Oulton who is a current Landmark East
student. Bill attended Landmark East back
in the early 90s for grades six and seven
and then returned to the public school
system. Bill has a growing family and now
works at Kings Produce, Noggins Corner.
DAN WADE (1983-1985)
Dan attended Landmark East for grades
five and six back in the early 80s. He was a
boarding student fully funded by the Atlantic
Provinces Special Education Authority. Dan
says the school uniforms and the friendships
are the first things that come to mind
when he thinks of his time here. He also
remembers Headmaster Fred Atkinson, as
a nice man. I learned to read at Landmark
East, says Dan. That opened up a big world
for me and brought me to where I am today.
After high school, he spent a number of
years in Calgary and eventually settled into
the carpentry trade. Today Dan is back in
Nova Scotia living in Kingston with his wife
Jennifer and son Noah and working as a
carpenter for the Canadian Forces.
YALE HENRY (2008-2009)
Former Landmark East student Yale Henry was recently awarded a Medal of Bravery at
Rideau Hall. He is pictured here with Governor General David Johnson and his parents
Christine Collison and Dr. Brian Henry. Yale attended Landmark East in 2008 and completed
his grade 10 before moving on to high school in Vancouver. Decorations for Bravery
recognize people who risked their lives to try to save or protect the lives of others: On
October 29, 2010, Yale Henry intervened when a fellow student attacked his friend at
a highschool in West Vancouver, British Columbia. The attacker ran up behind Mr. Henry
and his friend and began to stab the friend while others looked on in shock. Disregarding the
possible danger to himself, Mr. Henry grabbed the attacker and pulled him away.
LORI SPARKS (1983-1985)
Lori-Anne Sparks has recently published her
first book, a paranormal murder mystery
called Death of Winter. The author lives in
Waterford, Ontario with her two children and
partner Larren. Lori attended Landmark East
as a boarding student from Greenwood, Nova
Scotia. Learning to learn, says Lori, thats
the biggest thing I remember about my time
at the school. Not only did I learn to read but I
also came to realize that I was smart.
10 www. l andmarkeast. org
An Update From
Our Teachers:
JULIE-ANN LEPPER (1999-2003)
Landmark East says a fond farewell to alumna Julie-Ann Lepper,
who has also been our art teacher for the past four years. JulieAnn
and Jacob Lunsford were married on August 17, 2014 at Acadia
Universitys Manning Memorial Chapel in Wolfville. The happy
couple will be living in Jacksonville, Florida.
FORMER LANDMARK EAST TEACHERS:
KIM (1992-1995) AND STEVE (1993-1995) FAULKNER
We arecurrently in our nineteenth year living in Rankin Inlet,
Nunavut, an Arctic community with roughly 3000 people. We
have two children; Connor is15 and Parker is 10. Our careers got
off to a strong start with the training and programming provided
by Landmark East. We always say those were the best years of
teaching. The staff teamwork and dedication were second to
none. We are so pleased that we had the opportunity to work
there. The physical education teamunder the direction of Glen
Currie gave us a solid start to our teaching careers.
THE ACORN | FALL 2013 11
Walkathon 2014
Landmark East students, alumni, board members, staff, families and friends united
for the 12thAnnual Walkathon on September 28th. The weather was perfect for
the 5 km hike through Wolfville and the surrounding dyke lands. Proceeds from the
event support the Landmark East Student Bursary Fund and as a group they raised
over $19,500 and still counting as pledges continue to come in.
Drop by to see us... You dont need a reason!
Search Landmark East to keep
in touch with your friends and
former classmates.
Our alumni are the keepers of our history and the reason our school exists today. We rely on alumni to advocate for
future students and help educate the world on the realities and misconceptions surrounding learning differences.
If youve moved, changed your email or have news youd like to share with us,
please send your updated information to Rose Spicer at rspicer@landmarkeast.org
Name: ___________________________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________ Postal code: __________________
Phone: ___________________________________________________________________
Email: ____________________________________________________________________
12 www. l andmarkeast. org
Please designate my donation:
qStudent Bursaries
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Card number: ________________________________
Expiry date: __________________________________
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qPlease send me information on making a gift in
my Will.
Landmark East School
708 Main Street
Wolfville, NS B4P 1G4
(902) 542-2237 ext 223
(902) 542-4147 fax
rspicer@landmarkeast.org
Receipts for income tax purposes are issued for all
donations. Charitable Registration Number:
81413 8475 RR0001
My donation of $___________ is enclosed.
I am a Landmark East Supporter!
For ONLINE GIVING please visit:
www.landmarkeast.org
Canadas Independent School
for Students with Learning Dierences
708 Main Street | Wolfville NS B4P 1G4 | Canada
03553345
31st Annual Science Fair
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Landmark East School
Upcoming Events
6th Annual Landmark East Foundation
Golf Tournament
Friday, May 22, 2015
Berwick Heights Golf Course
13th Annual Walkathon
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Graduation and
Closing Ceremonies
Friday, June 19, 2015
Horton High School
Performance Centre