STAND STRONG AND FOLLOW THE SUN
Stand strong and follow the sun!
Students discussed what it means to stand strong, to not be influences by others opinions of ourselves and to be proud of who we are and where we come from.
God our father is our sun that guides us on our journey throughout our lives.
As we move forward this school year we will continue to be inspired by the sunflower and its lessons.
PLANTING A TREE!
On October 12, the grade 3 students enjoyed a return visit from "Trees Winnipeg". This was the event that we had been eagerly awaiting. We planted trees! We chose a Linden tree for its hardiness, heart shaped leaves and fragrant flowers.
Later that same afternoon, the members of the Plant Club planted an Amur Maple. In the previous school year, members learned that maples do an excellent job of sequestering carbon from the atmosphere and aiding in the fight against climate change.
September's "Plant of the Month" was the sunflower. Students viewed both fiction and non-fiction texts about sunflowers. We observed aspects of real sunflower plants and collected pertinent facts. Planting sunflower seeds and watching them germinate will allow us to see the early stages of the plant's growth. Integrating art into our studies, students researched facts about Vincent Van Gogh whose famous painting, "Fourteen Sunflowers in a Vase" students emulated to create their own art work. These were then presented to parents as a Thanksgiving gift.
I wish you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Stand Strong and Follow the Sun!
A special thanks to Mrs. McInnis who brought in her "Russian Giant" sunflower for our investigations.
National Week for Truth and Reconciliation
Throughout the week, the grade three student had an opportunity to view two books, When I Was Eight and Not My Girl, by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton.
These books are based on the true story of Margaret Pokiak-Fenton,
a residential school survivor.
Students were then asked to think of a memory that they have with their family and to reflect on what it would be like to not have that experience.
Because indigenous children were living in residential schools, they did not have the same opportunities.
Here are some of their responses.
AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY
On Thursday September 21, the grade 3 class welcomed Abigail Scott and Christian Cassidy from Trees Winnipeg, " A non-profit charity dedicated to promoting the benefits and concerns of trees in Winnipeg's urban areas, focusing on tree diversity and care."
Students spent an engaging afternoon inquiring about a broad array of topics.
We look forward to Abigail's return in early October when we will be planting a tree!
YOUNG MINDS BLOOM IN THIS ROOM!
Welcome to grade 3, where we have already begun to flourish!
During the first few days of school we worked to formulate a "Social Contract". Students were challenged to respond to the question, "Who or how do you want to be in grade 3?" After sorting answers into categories, statements about our values and beliefs were posted on a document which we all signed and promised to live by.
From Farm to Classroom
On the morning of September 22nd, the grade 3 students were treated to a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Ostermann, Ashlyn's parents, who farm near the city of Winnipeg. Their hands on presentations involved sharing information regarding the growing and harvesting of 3 crops: wheat, canola and corn.
Students "harvested" wheat by crushing the spike in the palms of their hands to reveal the grains. "Best Farmers" were chosen from the students who had the greatest number of grains on their plates. Canola pods were broken open to collect the seeds. Students then checked the quality of the seeds by crushing them with a roller. Ears of corn were picked from tall stalks. Students learned new vocabulary related to the corn plant.
As a closing gift, each student received a sample of each of the crops to take home as well as a bag of popcorn to snack on!
We are in the process of growing each of the crops under grow lights in the classroom!
Our sincere thanks to the Ostermann family for sharing their crops, their knowledge and their generosity. A special thanks to Ashlyn who assisted in the presentation.
Growing Together
Welcome to Grade 3!
As I prepared for the coming school year I found myself feeling something that I had not felt for a very long time - hope! I was genuinely exited to do so many things with the students. Seemingly simple things like teaching math using manipulatives that have been stored away, to more profound things like sitting close to one another in a small reading group.
The plans have been made, the classroom has been organized. I eagerly await the arrival of the students!
I hope for a healthy, engaging and productive school year!
Sincerely,
Helen Dembicki
"The Treaties and the Treaty Relationship," produced by the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba has guided the grade three students in learning about the treaty experience in our province. We have explored First Nations language groups, the story of treaty-making and the treaty lands in Manitoba.
Victoria Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on our past and to make a commitment to honouring the spirit and intent of historic agreements.
We are all treaty people!
Happy Mother’s
Day
During these challenging times it has been our mothers
that we have turned to for support. They have provided the guidance needed to
face each day with courage. It is they who attend to our needs and wants.
We take time this Sunday to acknowledge and thank our
mothers, our grandmothers, our aunties and everyone who plays a nurturing role
in our lives. Your influence will assists children in becoming the empathetic
global citizens of the future.
