Honoring Every Child: Celebrating Orange Shirt Day

Blundell Elementary School celebrated Orange Shirt Day with a moving event that brought together students and staff to honour the Indigenous children who were placed in residential schools throughout Canada. As part of the assembly, the Coastal Wolf Pack, a First Nations dance group that included Blundell students, performed a powerful dance that spoke to the experiences of Indigenous peoples. Through their performance, the Coastal Wolf Pack became the central narrator of the event, sharing their stories and perspectives with the audience.

The event was a meaningful opportunity for everyone to learn about the history and legacy of residential schools and to show a collective commitment to ensuring that Every Child Matters. The performance by the Coastal Wolf Pack was met with awe and appreciation from their peers, who recognized the courage it took to perform in front of the school.

By acknowledging the painful history and committing to reconciliation, we can create a better future for all. We hope this video inspires others to learn and understand the truth of our history and the ongoing impacts of residential schools."

A Winter Garden Adventure

From Weeding to Harvesting: A Winter Garden Adventure

Students have proven that learning doesn't have to stay indoors in winter. The students were excited to get their hands dirty and winterize their learning garden. The class started with a lesson on mulching, weeding, and composting to get the students prepared for the task at hand. The little ones were given four choice activities and were encouraged to try them all or stick to their favourites. Weeding was a popular choice and fun activity. The students worked together, using their strength to pull up stubborn sunflower roots.

The snowy day provided an opportunity for the students to get outside and collect fallen leaves, which they used to mulch the garden beds. This activity was not only fun, but also provided the soil with a blanket of organic matter to keep it healthy.

Other students worked on seed collection, identifying dead flowers, and gently removing them from the plant. The students collected the seeds to dry and plant in the spring, eagerly looking forward to the upcoming planting season. The classes are excited to plan for the spring planting season, and they're already looking forward to the rich vegetable harvest in June and September.

Overall, the students learned valuable lessons about gardening and teamwork. They also developed an appreciation for the work that is put into growing food. With their hands in the soil, the students feel connected to their garden and the natural world around them.

A Journey through the First Peoples Principles

Understanding Our Connection to the Earth: A Journey through the First Peoples Principles

In a quest to learn about natural resources in Canada, students embarked on a journey to identify renewable and non-renewable resources. With a focus on the First Peoples Principles of Learning, the class used the book "How To Be A Good Ancestor" by Leona Prince and Gabrielle Prince as a guide.

The book sparked meaningful conversations about our relationship with nature and our responsibility to care for the earth. This was done by thoughtfully using what the land, air, and sea have to offer. The class delved deeper into the First Peoples Principles of Learning, focusing on how they can help us make informed decisions about how to use natural resources.

Throughout the discussion, the class explored the principles that "learning ultimately supports the well-being of the self, the family, the community, the land, the spirits, and the ancestors." They recognized the consequences of their actions and how they affect their surroundings. 

Through their exploration, the students learned to value and respect the environment, as well as the communities and cultures that depend on it. They gained a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things and how our actions impact each other.

Exploring the Outdoors: Nature Walks and Creative Connections

Students have been participating in daily nature walks as part of the Changing Possibilities for Young Children project. During these walks, students use natural materials like sticks, mud, puddles, rocks, and leaves to create art on different surfaces. 

Nature walks provide a wonderful opportunity for students to explore the outdoors and develop a sense of wonder about nature. In addition, they have also helped students deepen their connections with each other and gain a better understanding of themselves as learners.

As students revisit each place along their nature walk, they make insightful observations that inspire their curiosity about the land and the environment. By learning about the world around them, students develop a greater appreciation for nature and a sense of responsibility for taking care of the earth.

The Changing Possibilities for Young Children project has been a fantastic way for students to engage in playful learning experiences. It has also helped them develop their social and emotional well-being. Through these experiences, they build collaborative learning communities and a sense of belonging.

Nature Walks and Creative Connections