What is a ‘lifespan’? In Scientific terms, this means how long (on average) an organism can live. Some members of a species may live longer or shorter than the average lifespan. There are many factors that account for an individual animal’s lifespan including: illness, injury, predators, habitat loss, living in the wild versus captivity.

In the video above, many different animal lifespans are explored (including where humans fall on the ‘list’ of lifespans). As you watch the video, consider:

-How long would you consider a ‘long’ lifespan to be (ex: 50 years? 100 years?)

-How many mammals have long lifespans? Reptiles? Insects? Fish?

-Humans fall towards the middle of the lifespan chart (averaging around 70 years). Do you think our lifespan has always been the same (in the past and in the future)?

-What can we learn from some of these ancient organisms? Why is it important to study them and protect them?

If you want to learn more about the oldest terrestrial animal, check out the video below to ‘meet’ Jonathon the Tortoise (190+ years old!):

As we take the time to remember and reflect upon Truth & Reconciliation this week, our class explored the history and cultural significance of Pow Wow. We discussed the different regalia, dance, and music you might see if you attended a Pow Wow. Our class also chatted about how ‘indomitable’ means ‘never defeated’, and how Indigenous cultures have continued to resist against racism/colonialism. In the video “Indomitable”, DJ Shug and The Northern Cree Singers tell the story of a young Indigenous person who travels from their job in a city, driving many miles to go to a Pow Wow. Once they arrive, we see them changing into their regalia and connecting with community and culture.

Our class also read 47,000 Beads, a story which follows a two-spirit child named Peyton. With support from their Elders, Peyton receives regalia pieces that truly reflect their identity so they can dance at Pow Wow once again. Each piece of Peyton’s regalia is made by a member of their family/community.

Some questions to prompt discussion at home:

-Has there ever been a time you have needed to ‘code switch’ (where you feel like you need to hide/suppress one part of your identity in a certain context or environment)?

-What is an important cultural/community event that you have attended? Why is it important for us to connect (safely) with each other?

-Have you ever received a special gift from someone? Why was it significant?

Good morning, learners! Please don’t forget:

1. Today is Orange Shirt Day. Wearing orange is one way we can show our support for Indigenous communities and the people who were/continue to be impacted by the traumatic legacy of residential schools. Today, will we be having a school assembly, coming together to show our commitment to Reconciliation.
2. Dismissal is at 2:00 today to allow for Welcoming Conversations. I will be sending an e-mail out for anyone whose parents/guardians/caregivers were not able to sign up for a time so that we can connect soon!
3. There is no band today due to early dismissal.
4. Please make sure that your photo order forms have been given to your parent/guardian/caregiver so they may order online.

Looking forward to seeing everyone today!

Ms. Ward

Shana Tovah to those who celebrate Rosh Hashana! This cultural holiday (September 25-27) marks the beginning of the New Year for those who practice Judaism. Many cultures have their own New Year traditions, foods, events, etc. One of the amazing things about having a more globally connected community is the merging of cultures, especially through fusion food. Watch the video above to learn about two chefs who created Japanese-Jewish fusion restaurant!

If you’d like to continue the discussion at home:

-Are there any New Year celebrations in your culture or family?

-Have you ever tried fusion food before?

-What are some other important holidays and cultural events that we should learn about in school?

-Ms. Ward

Picture day is tomorrow! We also have Orange Shirt Day (Thursday), Early Dismissal (Thursday @ 2PM), and Welcoming Conversations (Wednesday/Thursday). If you were not able to sign-up for Welcoming Conversations, please reach out to myself or Ms. Palmer for support signing up!

Our book fair also continues this week! Please feel free to come by the library before/after Welcoming Conversations.

Are you someone who skips breakfast? Do you always make time for a meal in the morning? And why do a lot of us say ‘breakfast is the most important meal of the day’?

Today, we discussed some PROs and CONs to eating a big breakfast in the morning. Some of us appreciate the extra energy breakfast can bring, while others would rather press ‘SNOOZE’ a few more times instead. What do you think?

Check out the video above to see some examples of what different people across the world might have for breakfast.

Hello families of our Div. 3 learning community!

Here are some important reminders for the upcoming week:

-There is a Pro-D Day on Friday, Sept. 23 [no school]

-our Terry Fox run will take place on Monday. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle!

-Photo Day is coming up! Tuesday, September 27th

-Welcoming Conversations will take place Sept. 28th and 29th. Please reach out if you need an alternative date/time!

-Our Book Fair kicks off next week!

Thanks for your support!

-Ms. Ward

Do black cats give you the creeps? Do you always pick up a lucky penny? Do you avoid travelling on Friday the 13th? Most cultures across the globe have different superstitions (routines or beliefs that supposedly lead to good or bad luck).

Below are a few of the superstitions we discussed in class. Do you recognize any of them? What superstitions do you believe in?

Superstitions (1)

Do you ever drink tea? Our class discussed how many different cultures participate in ‘tea time’. We also each had a cup of chai and discussed different ways this special tea is prepared. Chai has a complex history in many communities across Asia and the rest of the world.

My Chai Formula

For more information on the ‘perfect’ cup of chai, click the link above for an article, or watch the video below:

Micro-Photo Challenge

Click the link above to participate in our ‘micro-photo challenge’!

Today, our class learned about the specialized Art of ‘micro-photography’! Using a variety of lenses, photographers can take still images/videos of tiny particles, bacteria, single-celled organisms, etc. Did you know the microscope was ‘invented’ in the 1600s using similar technology to the telescopes used by Galileo? See an image of one of the early microscope designs below: