Professional Development Day Update

Today, our educators, including teachers, educational assistants, and student teachers, came together for a professional development day focused on enhancing the educational experience for students. They honed in on three areas key to our school development plan: relationship mapping, where they explored and analyzed connections with students, in order to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment; collaborative response, where they joint problem-solved and explored strategies for addressing students’ individual needs; and learning intentions, which sharpened the clarity of their teaching objectives and how students monitor their progress. We're truly proud of their dedication to constant improvement, and your ongoing support and partnership are deeply appreciated as we work together to create engaging and effective classrooms.

 

Grade 6 Students “Walk for Wenjack”

Over the past few days students in grade six have been engaged in activities associated with Secret Path Week which runs October 17-22nd.  After hearing the story of Chanie Wenjack, a 12-year-old boy who died while escaping a residential school, the late Gord Downie wrote a series of poems to bring awareness to residential schools and how we can all take part in reconciliACTION. On October 18th, the grade six classes headed out into the community to participate in Walk for Wenjack. The bright purple flag was proudly displayed by the students as they had the opportunity to reflect on Chanie’s journey and to “do something”. See photos on the sidebar!

 To tie into “Take Me Outside Day” on Wednesday, students created co-operative art pieces using nature-based materials to represent parts of Chanie Wenjack’s story. The scenes represent when he initially ran away, how he was given seven matches and his strong heart, and finally the railroad tracks that he followed with the few opportunities for a fire. The thought and engagement the students have had during the Secret Path Week has been inspiring.

 

Grade 3 Students Head to Bow Habitat Station

Our third-graders had the opportunity to visit Bow Habitat Station and participate in the “Trout Tales” school program. Students got to take a trip through each stage of the life cycle of a trout - from egg and alevin to fry and adult. At each stage, students investigated and uncovered the needs and adaptations of the trout through play-based learning. In the afternoon, students embarked on a tour of the Fish Hatchery and then a community walk where they observed local flora and fauna. Huge gratitude to our amazing volunteers for their time and support!

 

Halloween Dance presented by School Council & OHSPA

On Thursday, October 26, School Council & OHSPA invite you to a Halloween Dance! Running from 6:15 PM to 8:15 PM, there will be a DJ, a photo booth, games, and more. Dressing up is encouraged and students must be accompanied by an adult – there is no supervision provided. Please, no weapons, masks, or scary/inappropriate costumes.

Also, bring your pumpkin! We are looking for 40 families to bring their carved pumpkins to help decorate the gym! We will provide the candles, and we just need you to take your pumpkin home with you at the end of the night. Please sign up to bring a pumpkin by clicking here on this volunteer link - we only have room for 40! For more information, please contact Shannon Gillett at shannonwhalan@gmail.com.

 

Dress for the Cold Weather

As the weather takes a turn for the worse next week with the possibility of snow and freezing temperatures, we kindly remind all parents to ensure their children are dressed appropriately for their safety and comfort. Coats, gloves or mittens, and warm hats or toques are essential items to keep our students warm when they are outside for learning or play. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated, as it plays a significant role in setting your child up for success. Thank you for your attention to this important detail.

 

Upcoming Dates

Oct. 21             Out of Chaos Cookies Fun Snack orders due

Oct. 26             Out of Chaos Cookies Fun Snack

Oct. 26             Halloween Dance organized by School Council & OHSPA

Oct. 31             Halloween – no scary costumes or weapons

Nov. 5              Daylight Savings Time Ends – clocks go backwards one hour

Nov. 6              Gr. 6 Off-Site at Rothney Astrophysical Observatory

Nov. 8              Remembrance Day Assembly – details to come

Nov. 9              Non-instructional day – no school

Nov. 10-14      Fall Break – school closed

Nov. 11            Subway Fun Lunch orders are due

Nov. 11            Remembrance Day

Nov. 16            Subway Fun Lunch

Nov. 16            School Council & OHSPA meeting 6:30pm – 8:30pm