Around the district is a monthly update that includes a collection of stories from Richmond schools. These stories highlight Richmond's vibrant learning community which fosters student engagement, creativity, and well-being in inclusive learning environments.
To acknowledge Black Excellence Day on January 14, students and staff around our schools engaged in a variety of activities to honor the significant historical contributions that Black people have made to the world. Many staff and students throughout the district joined a virtual event to hear speakers share their experience and expertise in the promoting, representing, and honouring of Black Excellence in Canada. The term “Black Excellence” was born out of the civil rights movement in the 1960’s and honours great civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who was born on January 15, 1929.
A variety of interactive exhibits were also on display to learn about Black artists, writers, athletes, activists, and change-makers. Students reflected on questions such as “How we can make the world a better place through resisting and battling racial intolerance and violence”. These activities provided great opportunities for our school communities to understand the significance of anti-racism education.
Cedar Learning at Tomsett Elementary
Three primary classes at Tomsett Elementary were excited to embark on their learning journey about cedar, and its importance to Coast Salish Peoples. Students started by writing personal land acknowledgments. They acknowledged that they lived in Coast Salish territory and were thankful for many things, including the nature around them, and the fresh air they breathe. The classes will continue their journey by exploring the land we live on. Students and teachers will work together to learn how to identify, and respectfully harvest cedar. They will then celebrate their learning by weaving cedar mats.
French Learning at Mitchell Elementary
French Immersion students at Mitchell Elementary were invited to use a collection of loose parts to capture and recount a special moment from their winter vacation. Every student used their imagination to see beyond the wooden blocks, or glass beads, to create the parts of their story. After developing their visual display, students were excited to share their creations with their classmates using their French-language skills.
Happy Reading at Richmond Schools
Reading is a great way to start the new year and many of our schools are continuing to encourage students to participate in various reading events.
Cook Elementary recently kicked off their “Readers’ Choice” reading program. Students complete book reviews and then cast a vote for their favorite book. In March, there will be a wrap-up presentation where students can appreciate their accomplishments and reflect on the books that they have read.
Richmond Secondary’s 7th annual “Reading Riot” program is on now until April 30. Teacher librarians have selected a variety of novels of various genres to include in this years’ reading list. Students are busy reading and rating the books and participating in weekly prize draws.
Learning Detectives at Gilmore Elementary
A group of students at Gilmore Elementary recently became "learning detectives" and visited various classrooms in their school to observe what other students were engaged in. During their visit, they took a photo that best represented the learning moments that they were observing. After collecting photos and student feedback, the learning detectives included their findings in the school’s Week at a Glance newsletter. This purposeful activity allowed for students to build connections and reflections on their learning.
Green Screen Contest at Garden City Elementary
Garden City Elementary recently installed a new green screen in their library learning commons. The green screen is a fantastic technology tool that adds an exciting visual learning component to any learning space. Recently, students were invited to make a short video about Lunar New Year by using an app designed specifically for their green screen. Students and staff are very excited to continue to explore more learning opportunities with this new technology.
Poetry Learning at Westwind Elementary
Students at Westwind Elementary recently began learning about poetry. They began with a poem titled “I Am” and brainstormed various traits and aspects that make each of us special and unique. During the brainstorming, students were encouraged to explore what figurative language is, and the impact that poetic devices can have on a poem. After looking at different styles of poetry, they explored their unique ideas to create Blackout, Limerick, Haiku, and Concrete poems. Students then created beautiful art to accompany their poems. From these sessions, students learned that poetry exists all around us, and it can be a beautiful way to express ourselves.
New Year’s Research Project at Byng Elementary
Students at Byng Elementary have been learning about different cultural traditions and celebrations including Lunar New Year, Tet, Songkran & Rosh Hashanah. The students began by reading books and using digital resources from the school library. They explored topics that they wanted to research and thought about how they would present their findings in a report. Through this activity the students were able to develop their research, writing and organizational skills, while learning about the different cultural traditions that are celebrated in their classroom.
