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ADVERTISING FEATURE
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2024
Discover OAK BAY T
TAPAS ON OAK
apas on Oak is one of the newest and best restaurants in Victoria and is located right on Oak Bay Avenue as it crosses Foul Bay Road. The recently opened restaurant is locally owned/ operated and the team is very grateful for the huge support we have received during our first year and a half in business. We will continue to offer a changing array of globally inspired tapas dishes and a great choice of fine wines and cocktails in the jazz-infused, ‘positive red’ atmosphere. Some of our newest dishes include grilled bison tenderloin, roasted duck spring rolls and an almond crusted baked brie. We of course have kept our popular Hong Kong Dumplings, West
Coast Crab Cakes, Szechuan Green Beans and Patatas Bravas, along with many others. Jason Lee (Head Chef) continues to test new dishes with Dan Massey (Owner), Trinity Turnbull (The Local Celebrity / Front of House Manager), Mahsa Farghadani (Asst Chef) and James Halliday (The Manager of Things). This core team has been operating the restaurant since day one. To encourage newcomers, we have placed a very good offer in our Ad on this page and we hope you will try us out for the first time and/or just come back
again soon. We have a special Taco Tuesday night each week with half price tacos (4 types) and a Wine Wednesday with half price on all house wines (6 types). We are a perfectly sized space for booking gatherings whether it’s for corporate events, birthdays or any other reason to just get together with friends or family. Reservations are recommended as we are a small restaurant and can fill up fast, so just give us a call on … #250-590-8881… See you at Tapas on Oak !
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Diagnosing Dry Eye
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re you experiencing a feeling of scratchiness, burning, itching, or grittiness when you blink? Do you have excessively watery eyes? Maybe you’ve noticed a fluctuation in your vision or some blurriness. If these symptoms sound familiar, you may be experiencing Dry Eye. The Canadian Association of Optometry describes Dry Eye as an ocular surface disease. What does that mean? And how do we minimize uncomfortable symptoms? Your tear film is composed of 3 layers: an oil layer made in your lids’ meibomian glands, an aqueous layer composed of water and protein, and a mucus layer made in the conjunctiva. When all three layers are functioning optimally, you have well-moisturized eyes. You probably don’t even notice you’re blinking. However, if these components are not functioning well, chances are you’re experiencing symptoms of Dry Eye. Examples of dysfunction include an unstable tear film and/or clogged meibomian glands. Diagnosing Dry Eye starts with a comprehensive eye exam. Next, you will meet with an ocular hygienist to discuss a custom dry eye management plan to help relieve uncomfortable dry eye symptoms.
At Oak Bay Optometry, we’re excited to offer improved treatments to optimize meibomian function and help your ocular surface layers function at their best. These treatments include: IPL, Intense Pulse Light, treatment uses specific wavelengths of light to reduce inflammation around the eyes. The result is happy meibomian glands that now produce more oil. RF, Radio Frequency, treatment provides uniform heat to the skin surface and helps to melt and express meibum. Zest treatment offers a deep cleaning of the lid and lash surface, removing build-up and bacterial biofilm. iLux treatment unclogs and empties the meibomian glands to encourage improved production and expression of meibum into the tear film. Your eye wellness is our top priority. Schedule an appointment with one of our optometrists today!
Unveiling the Magic of Middle School BY RUSS MARSON, PRINCIPAL, MIDDLE SCHOOL
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n his insightful book, Finding the Magic in Middle School, Christopher Balme compares adolescence to the challenge and thrill of whitewater rafting. He asks us to imagine being in a raft, navigating the intense rapids of youth. He asks us, as adults, to remember our adolescent journey before reacting to our students’ challenges. It’s a reminder to consider how helpful our responses can be on this turbulent journey. I think it’s a metaphor that works. Our Middle School students face incredible
changes—social pressures, hormones, and the drive for independence can all make for a rough ride at times. But it’s also a time of exciting opportunities and adventures. At the heart of a positive experience lies a sense of belonging. Feeling connected and accepted by their school community is crucial for a student’s self-esteem, their belief in their abilities, and their overall well-being. As educators at GNS Middle School, fostering an inclusive environment is our priority. We implement programs and nurture positive relationships to address this fundamental need
for belonging. It’s this sense of belonging that allows us to truly focus on our students’ growth as they navigate this period of rapid physical and social development. Think back to the whitewater rafting trip. Just like the rafters, our students experience moments of joy, fear, and everything in between. When they turn to us, what do they need? They need guides. They need someone who understands the terrain of adolescence and can offer support through change and growth. They need someone to celebrate their victories and someone to offer a hand when the rapids get rough.
At GNS, we go beyond education. We empower and support each student on their journey, acting as dependable and honest companions. Join us
in creating a community where every student can thrive and discover who they truly are. Apply today and be a part of the magic at GNS Middle School!
GLOBAL TAPAS / BIG WINES Come try one of Victoria’s newest and best restaurants - simply call to reserve a table and mention “I love Tapas !” - we will give a FREE Roasted Duck Spring Rolls or Marinated Olives order per booking just to try us out and dine with us ! PLUS – TACO TUESDAYS are half price on all 4 tacos (fish/prawn/jerk chicken & tofu). AND – WINE WEDNESDAY is half price on all 6 house wines (reds/whites/rose/prosecco).
Oak bay
OPTOMETRY
HERE IS WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING ON GOOGLE REVIEWS – 5 STARS IN 61 OF 70:
OPTOMETRISTS & EYEWEAR BOUTIQUE OVER 25 YEARS IN OAK BAY
• Excellent tapas place with really warm and kind service. – PD
250-595-8500 OAKBAYOPTOMETRY.COM 2075 CADBORO BAY ROAD
• Amazing selection of food and wine. – GR • We stopped by on a whim. The food was fabulous !!! – LR
Mathematician. Percussionist. Athlete. Volunteer. Explorer. Actor. Poet. Why not? You belong at GNS, Vancouver Island’s IB World Continuum School! Apply now for a renewable GNS Community Scholarship for new domestic students entering Grades 6 and 9—students who wish to join a learning community dedicated to empowering each child to beccome their best self. Find out more: https://www.mygns.ca/community-scholarships Glenlyon Norfolk School
IB CONTINUUM CONTINUUM DE L’IB CONTINUO DEL IB
www.mygns.ca admissions@mygns.ca
2006 Oak Bay Avenue Open 5pm onwards for dinner - Tuesday thru Saturday (closed Sunday/Monday) Perfect size for Parties and Events
See us at tapasonoak.com Call 250-590-8881 to Reserve your table