A Week Away & the Power of Classroom Communities
A healthy and productive classroom is one in which the students not only get along with each other, but also are able to encourage and learn from one another. To enable this relationship, teachers promote a number of activities within the classroom. This is also a fundamental goal in our Health curriculum. It’s an essential aim within each lesson. Throughout the year, students are given regular opportunities to bond together and develop positive working and social relationships. This is often a central characteristic of field trips that students take, where they share common experiences outside the four walls of the classroom.
This past week, the Grade 5 students have been away at an outdoor educational centre. Prior to the trip, each 5th Grader was asked to consider the strengths and needs of their community and was tasked with setting personal goals to achieve during the trip. Each day, the goals were reviewed individually during a reflective journal session, and collectively during an evening circle time known as “Congratulations”. As a participant, it was uplifting and heartwarming to observe the Grade 5 students complimenting each other for individual achievements and gestures of support and goodwill. A culture of cooperation and encouragement was firmly established through the week of activities and is something that the group members will carry back with them to sustain their efforts for the remainder of the school year. Indeed, these experiences will pay dividends for years to come.
Throughout the Preschool and Elementary School, the children set personal goals in class. It's our goal that students make important decisions and take ownership about how they can best impact their own education and social relationships.
Some memorable quotes from the fifth graders this week:
“This is the best field trip ever. We have activities; we are in nature; we’re with our friends!”
“That was the single greatest marshmallow anyone ever had.”
“I liked how lots of people helped me - and not just people who are my friends.”
“I never knew I had so much in common with some people!”
“Come on, let’s all sing in our mother tongues at the same time!”
Healthy Lifestyle Week - Active Kids, Active Families
This coming week (Monday, October 3 - Monday, October 10) is Healthy Lifestyle Week in the Preschool and Elementary School. There are a wide range of activities and lessons planned for the children (and even one or two for the parents/carers), starting with Monday’s assembly. All parents & carers are invited to join us in the Queen Elizabeth Theatre at 8:30am for the kick-off to the week. This letter was sent out earlier this week with more information about Active Points Sheets and other events and activities to look forward to.
Morio Kajiwara
Preschool & Elementary School Principal
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