Hello Mapleside Families,
Thank you to everyone who joined us this week to learn about the benefits of an interdisciplinary spiral curriculum, and examine some of the seeds of interest presented through biology. Students continued with activities related to the geography and biology spirals this week, as well as new lessons in history in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Following the third Great Lesson, The Coming of Humans, our youngest students talked about what it means to be indigenous to a place, and heard a creation story of Turtle Island. This invites them into a spiral of learning about different Indigenous cultures over the coming years. Later in the week, they heard the story Phyllis Webstad, and what happened to her special orange shirt on her first day of school. Older students built upon previous lessons, learning about difference between typical boarding schools and the residential school system, and identifying what would be important to have in a good school. Our senior students went further, exploring statistics and considering the wide-spread impact of residential schools on Indigenous children and communities. In the coming weeks, everyone will be invited to learn more about the history and culture of the Haudenosaunee.
On Thursday, the upper elementary students had a great time on their first outing of the year, travelling to Churchill Park and hiking the Ginger Valley Trail and Sassafras Point Trail. They learned how to identify sassafras trees by the texture of their bark, their three distinct leaf shapes (the oval, the mittens, and the trident), and delighted in the aroma of root beer. In the waters of the Westdale Inlet they spotted a gulp of cormorants, ducks diving for greens, and a even a stately great egret. They had fun imitating the sounds of chipmunks in the woods, and chatting about where they want to go for their next adventure.
Finally, the class wrapped up the school week with some delicious banana bread baked by the third-year students. Have a wonderful weekend!
TODAY! Friday, October 2 – Spirit Wear Orders Due
Today is the last day to place spirit wear orders for shipment to the school in mid-October. ALL students require one Mapleside shirt of any colour or design to wear during field trips, outreach projects, and community outings. More spirit wear designs and items will be available during our December sale. Please visit our web store at West End Sports to place your order.
Important Dates Coming Soon
Friday, October 9 – P.D. Day – School Closed
Monday, October 12 – Thanksgiving Day – School Closed
Monday, October 26 – Photo Day, Student Vote
Wednesday, October 28 – Brott Education Concert
Friday, November 13 – Open Classroom and The Magic of Locke
