Fun, Fun, FUN!!!

Sometimes I need to remind not only the kids, but myself, that we are supposed to be at school to learn. We are having so much fun that learning almost seems to get in the way! But, of course, as a teacher, I make sure that it happens no matter what.

We've had a very busy couple of weeks. I was one of the lucky teachers selected to go to We Day on October 2nd. Many of the We Day causes are near and dear to my heart, so we had some great class discussions about it. Then, today, one of my personal heroes, Malala Yousafzai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, alongside the amazing Kailash Satyarthi. Both of them, along with Canadian Craig Kielburger, were inspired by 12-year-old Iqbal Masih, who, before his assassination, worked to free child slaves and educate them. On October 22, Malala Yousafzai will become only the 6th person to receive honourary Canadian citizenship, alongside such dignitaries as Nelson Mandela, Raoul Wallenberg and the Dalai Lama (both on my Hero List).

This week, students made oral presentations about La Francophonie, an organization supporting former French colonies. I wanted my students to understand that there were many more, and many diverse, countries that spoke French. We concentrated on former African colonies. Students did a brief oral presentation, and then shared the national dish of the country. We had Ndole from Cameroon, bread from the Comoros, benne cakes from Senegal and much, much more. It was such a great time!

 

A sample of our great chefs!

 

Enjoying the 'strange' food.

 

 

Despite Paighton's protestations, many of us felt that her Ndole ROCKED. It just wasn't to her taste.

 

Thursday saw us grocery shopping for Yearley. Un grand merci à Dr. & Mrs. Bawa and Ms. Slater for helping us at the grocery store, doing that horrible math and estimating our total spent. Food wise, we are set for Tuesday and Wednesday at Yearley!!

 

Visiting Yearley is a wonderful opportunity for the students. We are SO lucky to have had this property left to our school board and incredibly grateful for the staff that runs the program.

 

At this point in time, the weather forecast for our 2 days at Yearley is warm and wet. Yearley supplies us with rubber boots and rainsuits, so I'm sure we will be well equipped, but students should bring their own raincoats and boots. No matter what season, or what unexpected weather, when I have been at Yearley, students have a wonderful time.

 

Students do not need to be early on Tuesday morning. We will be present for morning announcements and the playing of the National Anthem as usual. We will then leave the classroom and load up the bus to head out to Yearley.

 

Students are required to bring a regular packed lunch to Yearley on the first day. After that, all meals are supplied. All students are expected to help out at Yearley, whether it be meal preparation, cleaning or kitchen cleanup. It is never too early to learn cooperative skills!

 

Thank you SO much in advance to the parents who will be joining us at Yearley. Without you, this trip would not be possible.

 

I wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving and, just like the students, I can't wait for Tuesday!!