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.
Building Connections: Welcoming Families to Kindergarten in Richmond
This May, our elementary schools warmly welcomed parents and families to their Welcome to Kindergarten events. These events serve as an important opportunity for parents and caregivers to participate in kindergarten orientation and establish positive connections with their child's school community.
During these events, families have a chance to meet and interact with teachers, staff, and support personnel. This personalized introduction helps create a positive transition to school for the young learners. The primary focus of these events is on celebrating the unique stories of each child and providing valuable information to parents, caregivers, and children about the school environment and the wide range of resources available to support their child's learning journey.
By actively involving families in this process, we strive to create a strong foundation for their child's education. These events not only showcase our commitment to establishing a nurturing educational environment but also demonstrate our dedication to forming strong partnerships with families. We believe that by working collaboratively, we can provide the best possible support and opportunities for our students.
As we reflect on the success of this year's Welcome to Kindergarten events, we are filled with optimism and excitement for the future. We look forward to the continued growth and development of our students as they embark on their educational journey with us. Together, as a unified community, we will inspire, nurture, and empower our children to reach their full potential.
Music In Our Schools: Celebrating Richmond’s Vibrant Music Community
Music in Our Schools is a series of concerts held at the Gateway Theatre that showcase the incredible musical talents of our students in the Richmond School District. This year, almost 1,000 children from 22 schools performed in a variety of categories including concert band, jazz band, jazz combo, choir and solo.
By participating in these concerts, young musicians are provided the opportunity to perform on a professional stage and share their passion for music with the wider community. Moreover, these concerts foster a profound sense of belonging and camaraderie among the students. Lasting friendships are formed, connections are deepened, and a supportive musical community is nurtured. Beyond the stage, these bonds extend into various aspects of their lives, enhancing their overall well-being and contributing to their growth as well-rounded individuals.
The Music in Our Schools concert series not only celebrates the remarkable musical achievements of our students but also highlights the broader impact of music education on their personal development and the richness it brings to our community. It is through these concerts that we witness the transformative power of music and its ability to shape the lives of our young learners.
Journey into Geometry: Exploring 2D and 3D Worlds at Byng Elementary
At Byng Elementary, students embarked on an exciting journey into the world of Geometry. Through a combination of whole-class instruction, group work, independent tasks, and interactive math games, they've been developing a deep understanding of shapes and spatial relationships.
Students immersed themselves in the fascinating world of shapes through a variety of engaging games. They constructed 2D shapes, solved shape riddles, and participated in sorting games to deepen their understanding of shape attributes. Additionally, they explored the realm of 3D shapes, using nets to visualize the transformation from 2D to 3D. Exciting activities like reading math books, playing Shape Bingo, and enjoying the interactive Osmo Tangram Game enhanced their learning experience, while providing an extra element of fun.
By engaging in these dynamic and interactive activities, students not only established a solid foundation in Geometry but also sharpened their critical thinking, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning skills. This immersive exploration has empowered them with valuable tools and knowledge, setting them on a path of continued growth and success in their mathematical journey.
Mental Health Advocates Inspire Students at Richmond Secondary
May 1-7 marked the Canadian Mental Health Association's annual Mental Health Week. At Richmond Secondary, the RHS Colt Ambassadors initiated a powerful virtual campaign aimed at raising awareness and promoting mental health among students and the wider community. Throughout the week, they highlighted the stories and insights of various influential Canadian mental health advocates. Some of the notable advocates featured included:
• Petra Schulz, the co-founder of Moms Stop the Harm, who shared her personal journey and the organization's mission to raise awareness about the harms of drug use and advocate for evidence-based policies to address the opioid crisis.
• Lisa Robinson, a dedicated healer, who brought her expertise in both traditional Indigenous healing practices and Western medicine to the forefront. With over four decades of experience, she has been instrumental in providing holistic support and guidance to individuals seeking healing and wellness.
• Vince Savoia, who drew from his own firsthand experiences as a paramedic that developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Through his advocacy work, he strives to create a safe and empathetic environment for those affected by PTSD.
These stories were shared as part of the school's #MyStory campaign, which not only encourages students to learn from the experiences of mental health advocates but also fosters a culture of openness and understanding.
Unlocking Potential: Empowering Students through Assistive Technology
The Richmond District and SET-BC have been working together to provide comprehensive assistive technology services that ensure that students with diverse needs can actively engage in education and embrace a standardized curriculum.
At McKinney Elementary, Sofie, a remarkable Grade 2 student, has embraced the transformative capabilities of the CloverBook Pro—a portable video magnifier specifically designed for individuals with low vision. Sofie now enjoys seamless access to visual materials throughout her school day. Additionally, Sofie utilizes the iPad Pro to capture images, access digital files, and showcase her learning through innovative apps. Sofie's remarkable progress showcases the profound impact of assistive technology in a student’s educational journey.
Through the district’s collaborative partnership with SET-BC, we continue to take steps towards unlocking the potential of all students, and creating inclusive learning environments where equal opportunities pave the way for their success and growth.
Exploring Nature and Building Relationships: William Bridge Elementary's Unforgettable Camping Trip
Grade 7 students from William Bridge Elementary embarked on a memorable camping trip to Camp Jubilee in Port Moody. The excursion featured exciting activities such as kayaking, canoeing, high ropes, archery, and shelter building. More than just a fun experience, the trip gave the students a chance to develop their leadership skills, try new things, and work on their core competencies. The camp also facilitated connections among students, allowing them to build meaningful relationships through a variety of sports and activities. Overall, the camping trip was an incredible experience that brought students together, created unforgettable memories, and contributed positively to their school lives.
