Category: Classroom

This week students will be learning how to evaluate websites and identify reliable sources of information before beginning their research on the solar system and extreme environments.  They will also be learning how to take key word notes and paraphrase the information.

This week in class we’ve been learning about the harmful effects of residential schools and past government policy.  We’ve discussed the meaning of reconciliation and have learned that reconciliation “is the reestablishment of broken relations, or forging of positive accord where there has been discord.” We’ve all learned what it means to be an ally and have identified ways we can resolve differences and build a path forward. In doing so we explored the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action.  Afterwards we identified calls to action that resonated with us and discussed why they are an important part of the reconciliation process. As Justice Murray Sinclair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission said, “education brought us here, education will help us get away from this.” By educating ourselves on Canada’s past wrongdoings we can ensure we do not repeat these same mistakes in the future and work toward building mutually respectful relationships with our indigenous communities in Canada.

Today we had a virtual field trip with Green Bricks about air quality and biodiversity. Students explored sources of air pollution, discussed the effects of air pollution on biodiversity, and reviewed ways we can all reduce the harmful effects of air pollution and keep our planet healthy. They also learned about ozone and smog and how wind currents off the ocean tend to move air pollution further inland.

Students are encouraged to take the FUN AIR QUALITY audit to explain how to keep our air clean.  For each completed audit we will be entered to win prizes for our classroom. Good luck everyone!

This year students from Divisions 1 through 5 researched about historically significant people, places, and events in Canada.  They used inquiry processes to ask questions; gather, interpret, and analyze ideas; draw conclusions and make ethical judgements about events, decisions, and actions; and used technology and design skills to communicate their findings to their audience.

To view their Heritage Minutes click here: https://sd41-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/e19647_burnabyschools_ca/Ee-07KMR10lOklG9vyWxo4cBho8fV3IUlMMjiNCnfmHONg?e=z7TQe7

To view their posters and see who the award recipients were click here: https://sd41-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/e19647_burnabyschools_ca/EVtGXh4xhQ9IhAwjp2p0KSIBa_0sgIYatIJO0djgaO_QEA?e=u5PgMr

Students did an excellent job and we learned lots from their presentations.  Well done everyone!

This week students in Division 3 have been learning to needle felt. Here are a few of their creations:

What a wonderful way for us to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day! Last year, we embarked on a weaving project with Coast Salish weavers Angela George and her apprentice Caitlin. They led us through a process where together we brainstormed our school values. Words such as kind, caring, our natural environment and the weaving of our French and English program were all ideas that were woven into the loom.

This weaving will hang proudly in our main foyer. We will revisit this with all of our students in the coming school year.

Special thanks to Alivia, Breton and Aaliya from Div 7 who received the weaving on behalf of our Aubrey community. Additionally, we thank our kindergarten children who so beautifully sang the Coast Salish Anthem with the arrival of the weaving.

Today we harvested 298 potatoes with Division 9/11.

In class this week we discussed the devastating impacts, past and present, of the residential school system in Canada.

We offer our deepest condolences to all Indigenous families and communities affected by the trauma and tragedy of the residential school system, then and now.

While we cannot change the past, we do have a responsibility for the present. With knowledge and mutual respect we can bring about changes for a brighter future.