STEM in the Classroom
Mitchell Elementary hosted a show by iLumi, a group from Oregon that combines STEM engineering and dance art. The artists revealed how they use the STEM engineering design process to create innovative new technologies in dance art, such as wearable electronic costumes and electronic puppets. The performance taught students some of the big ideas from ADST, including how designs can come from natural curiosity and can be improved through prototyping and testing. The show was a great success and directly aligned with Mitchell’s current school story, reconnecting through the arts.
Primary Running Club
Every week, as the sun starts to peek over the horizon, students in the Dixon Primary Running Club lace up their running shoes and head outdoors. The young runners take off up to the dyke, and on some days, depending on the weather, the group chooses to make their way all the way up to Hugh Boyd.
It's amazing how the energy of the group grows stronger with every step, as the kids challenge themselves to push further and run faster. But it's not just about the physical activity - the Running Club also provides a valuable opportunity for the community to come together and connect with each other.
At Dixon Elementary, they take their fitness seriously. That's why they also have "Fitness Fridays" where students and staff come together for a morning run. With some students running up to an impressive 8 km, it's clear that the school has some of the most dedicated and committed runners in the community. But it's not just about getting fit - the staff members who lead these programs create an atmosphere that encourages lifelong values and a love for physical activity.
The Power of Stories
The McRoberts Library Learning Commons supports the school's English department by offering workshops that explore the oral traditions and protocols of the First Peoples. These workshops offer students and teachers alike the opportunity to delve deeper into the ways in which our worldviews shape our thinking.
During these workshops, students are invited to ponder questions such as: "How do our worldviews influence our thinking about ownership?" and "What constitutes a good way to share stories?"
The development of these workshops was a collaborative effort that took many months, with input from a district Indigenous Curriculum Integration Teacher Consultant. Moving forward, students and staff continue to learn and grow alongside each other, as the workshops themselves are constantly evolving, with new lessons and insights emerging with each iteration.
Social Justice
The social justice class at Hugh Boyd is truly making a difference in their community by working towards creating an equitable and inclusive society. Their efforts are focused on uplifting those groups who have been negatively impacted by the pandemic.
Recently, the class organized an inspiring initiative to combat social isolation among seniors. They distributed 500 flowers outside the Seniors Centre at Minoru Centre, bringing smiles and joy to the elderly residents. In addition, the class established the Fearless Girl Award, which is presented to female students in grades 4-7 who exhibit outstanding moral courage and community spirit.
Furthermore, the Voices Equity and Diversity Student Committee is working diligently on various projects to promote diversity and equity in the school and the broader community. The committee's projects are aimed at increasing awareness of cultural differences and embracing diversity in all its forms.
Overall, the social justice class at Hugh Boyd is an inspiration, and their initiatives are making a significant impact on their community. Their dedication to equity and inclusion serves as a positive example for others to follow, and their efforts are bringing hope and joy to those who need it the most.
French O'Poesie
Canadian Parents for French is an organization that hosts various contests and events for students across Canada to explore and practice the French language. One such event is O’Poésie, a national French-language poetry contest for students in grades 1-12 enrolled in FSL programs. This contest provides an opportunity for students to showcase their creativity and literary skills while fostering a sense of belonging to Canada’s Francophone community.
Recently, students from Cambie Secondary School participated in O’Poésie with the support of their teacher, Ms. Masaki. The students worked hard to create beautiful French-language poems and were thrilled to hear the results of the contest. Two Cambie students placed in the top three of the Core French grade 10-12 category, with one student achieving 1st place and the other achieving 3rd place.
The students were overjoyed with their success and felt a great sense of pride in their accomplishment. Congratulations to all the students who participated in O’Poésie, and special congratulations to the Cambie students who placed in the contest!
