Category: Classroom

This past week, our classroom took a deep dive into the fascinating world of government! The students engaged in a series of three virtual presentations from the Parliament of British Columbia, each designed to illuminate the intricacies of our political system.

The presenters kicked off our learning journey by introducing students to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. The presentation included a rich history of the Parliament Buildings, igniting students’ curiosity about the significance of these structures in our democracy.

Next, students explored the Levels of Government. This session provided students with a comprehensive comparison of the roles and responsibilities of Canada’s various levels of government, with a particular focus on provincial responsibilities. Students learned about the distinctions between federal, provincial, and local governments. Students also learned about key positions such as the head of state, the Governor General, and the Lieutenant Governor. They also discovered the important roles played by local Indigenous governments, enhancing their understanding of the diverse political landscape in Canada.

The highlight however was undoubtedly today’s lesson on How a Bill Becomes a Law. This presentation delved into the legislative process, of how laws are made and ammended. The excitement reached a peak during the interactive mock parliament, where students participated in a lively debate on a proposed bill to ban homework. This hands-on activity not only reinforced their understanding of how a bill is presented, discussed, and voted on, but also encouraged them to consider the implications of such a law.

During this mock parliament students took on different roles within the mock parliament, learning about the various positions held by elected officials and the number of seats in the legislature. They discussed the differences between the House and the Senate and how each contributes to the law-making process. This immersive experience fostered critical thinking and collaboration as students articulated their viewpoints, negotiated with peers, and practiced their public speaking skills.

This combination of virtual presentations and interactive activities not only made learning enjoyable but also empowered students with knowledge about the political processes that shape their lives. These lessons also have them excited to learn more about the electoral process and our local candidates ahead of their Student Vote on Friday October 18th.

The Burnaby School District provides students with access to a variety of digital tools, which include technologies and information systems. These tools enhance learning and include: websites, programs to “chat” and message one another, discussion boards, video conferencing, email, secure virtual classrooms, and storage for your files.

Students – or in the case of younger children their parents or guardians – are asked to review and are expected to adhere to these guidelines.

Guidance about what to do and not to do

What to Do

• Do treat others fairly and with respect.
• Do use the devices owned by the Burnaby School District and the digital tools provided by the District for educational purposes.
• Do understand that you are responsible for your actions when using technology.
• Do keep your personal information private.
• Do respect the privacy of other students and adults.
• Do know there is never a 100% guarantee of privacy with any digital tool or platform, including: secure virtual classrooms, chats and messaging tools, discussion boards, video conferencing tools, email, file storage and public websites.
• Do report uncomfortable, unsafe, or inappropriate behaviour or messages to your teacher or principal.
• Do follow copyright laws.
• Do respect and acknowledge the ownership of others for their creative works.

What Not to Do

• Do not share your passwords.
• Do not use chat and messaging services provided by the District to connect with students and teachers outside of the online classroom environment.
• Do not falsify your identity or use someone else’s identity.
• Do not take pictures or videos of others and share them without their permission.
• Do not hurt or mistreat others by what you create or share.
• Do not harass, stalk, bully, threaten, insult, abuse, or attack others.
• Do not damage computer systems, networks, digital tools or content.
• Do not access secure information owned by others without their permission.
• Do not use information provided by others without their permission or use the work of others as your own.
• Do not use District or personally owned devices for commercial, illegal, or malicious purposes.
• Do not access and/or distribute pictures, video, audio or text containing inappropriate language or nudity.
• Do not meet with someone you met online without the consent of your parents or guardians.

GUIDELINES FOR VIRTUAL CLASSROOMS AND VIDEO CONFERENCING

Online classroom sessions include virtual classrooms, blogs, messaging, chats and video conferencing tools.

Etiquette

• Come prepared and be on time.
• Work in a room with no distractions. Turn off the TV, other computers, music or anything else that might distract you or your classmates.
• When you first enter the virtual meeting/classroom, please mute your mic and turn off your camera.
• If your teacher asks you to turn on your camera to participate in the discussion you may do so.
• Consider your background and any personal information you may be displaying like photographs or personal items.
• This is a school activity and you should be dressed appropriately.

Behaviour

• The same expectations present in the physical classroom are expected while video conferencing or participating in online classroom sessions.
• Questions and comments should be related to the class.
• Be a respectful listener while your teacher or another student is speaking.
• Do not be a distraction to others.
• Your teacher is the moderator and will guide participation in the activity.

Permission

• Do not use District online classroom sessions to initiate individual or group video conferences, chats or messages without yourteacher or permission from your parents or guardians.
• Do not record or capture any part of an online session. Your teacher may record a session or a lesson for future reference. Any recording will be done with student cameras off.

Finally … Be patient. Technology can be temperamental, so when glitches happen, take a breath and be understanding.

Today Aubrey students had a special performance from Metaphor. These hip hop artists taught students about the history of Hip Hop and how they use their music to build community empowerment and social justice. Using the hip hop arts–DJing, Breakdancing, Beatboxing & Emceeing–the Metaphor crew had us free styling, beatboxing, and dancing during their energy filled performance. What an amazing way to end our first week back.

The garden of values metaphor was used as a powerful way to visually represent the interconnected aspects of shared values, their importance, and the associated rights and responsibilities of individuals within our community.

In the garden, each plant has its own unique role and contribution to the overall beauty and health of the garden. Similarly, our shared values within our community serve as the foundation for a harmonious and thriving school environment. Each shared value, represented by a different flower in the garden, plays a crucial role in creating a positive and supportive community culture.

Just as each flower requires nurturing, care, and attention to bloom and flourish, shared values also need to be cultivated and nurtured by individuals within our community.

Furthermore, in a garden, each plant has specific needs and requirements to thrive. Similarly, individuals within our community have rights and responsibilities associated with each shared value, such as the right to be treated with respect, the responsibility to treat others with respect, the right to express themselves freely, the responsibility to consider others perspectives, the right to feel safe and included, and the responsibility to create a safe and inclusive environment for all.

By embracing these shared values all students will contributing positively to the collective well-being of our community.

Welcome back to another school year and welcome to our class blog! We are excited to have you share in our learning. On our website, you will find samples of our learning and  important reminders about events and other activities happening in our class this year.

Parents and family members are invited to view the students Hertiage Fair Projects tomorrow between 2:00 and 2:30 pm.

Students had so much fun prototype narratives on Friday afternoon during our Serious Lego Play Workshop.