Category: Communicating Student Learning

This is to inform you of upcoming early dismissal dates for parent-teacher conferences on Wednesday, November 27, and Thursday, November 28, at 2:00 p.m. These conferences provide a great opportunity to check in on your child’s progress ahead of report cards, though attendance is optional if you do not have specific concerns.

To schedule a meeting, please use this link: Parent-Teacher Conference Sign-Up. Due to the number of students, additional dates and times are available from November 21 through November 29, with meetings limited to 20 minutes. If you need more time or the available times do not work for you, please email me to arrange an alternative time.

Thank you for your partnership in supporting your child’s learning!

Warm regards,

Ms. Smith

In our latest showcase of student artwork, students skillfully incorporated the elements of art to express their unique perspectives. Through lines, some artists used flowing curves to evoke calmness, while others employed jagged lines to generate excitement. Shapes and forms took center stage in collages that combined geometric and organic elements for a harmonious balance, while 3D sculptures invited touch and interaction.

Color played a vital role, with vibrant palettes radiating energy, while cooler tones created soothing atmospheres. Texture was explored through mixed materials that invited sensory engagement, and rugged surfaces were created through varied techniques. Lastly, students mastered the use of space to create depth, utilizing overlapping elements to depict bustling scenes and minimalist designs to highlight simplicity. Each piece of artwork showcases student’s ability to weave these elements together, resulting in truly unique creations.

In our latest buddy session Rachel, Sasha, Cyrus, and Joe read-aloud, the inspiring book “I Have a Right to Save My Planet.” This engaging story empowered everyone to recognize their role in protecting the environment and highlighted the importance of sustainability, conservation, and community action.

Following the read-aloud, we transitioned into a fun Scrabble word play activity, where students formed words related to the themes of the book, such as “earth,” “reuse,” “green,” and “future.” This not only reinforced the vocabulary but also sparked lively discussions about environmental responsibility and how we can all contribute to a healthier planet.

This read-aloud and word play encouraged students to think critically about their impact on the world and inspired them to take action. Together, we are planting the seeds for a more sustainable future, one word and one action at a time!

Our Commitments to Truth and Reconciliation

To honor the memory of the children lost to the residential school system, students at Aubrey created an Origami Reconciliation Project inspired by the Japanese tradition of folding paper cranes. This artwork will serve as a symbol of our shared hopes for healing and reconciliation.

The mural’s background features black hearts, representing the profound truths and emotions we hold in remembrance of this painful history. At the center, a heart formed by orange ravens symbolizes hope and our commitment to building a better future. Each raven carries messages of healing and reconciliation, contributed by students from various divisions.

This mural stands as a powerful reminder of our dedication to truth, understanding, and justice. It calls upon our community to engage in meaningful dialogue and take action to support of ongoing reconciliation and healing.

We would also like to recognize the following students for their leadership efforts in assembling the final display: Rachel Mullin, Kaitlynn Leung, Sasha Sun, and Anna Wu.

Check out these unique pieces of art students created that reflect the artistic style of Piet Mondrian, a pioneer of abstract art known for his  use of geometric shapes and primary colours. To complete this artwork students were required to use:

Geometric Shapes:Students incorporated squares and rectangles to create dynamic compositions, mimicking Mondrian’s signature style.

Primary Colours: Bold reds, yellows, and blues were chosen alongside black and white to convey emotion and simplicity.

Grid Structure: By organizing their compositions into grids, students embraced Mondrian’s approach, exploring balance and harmony in their designs.

Contrast and Unity: The interplay of colour and space highlights contrasts, while the consistent use of lines and shapes creates a unified look.

Creative Expression: Each piece showcases personal interpretations, allowing students to express their individuality through abstraction.

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.

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.