I Am A Kind Man

Here is another wonderful character development initiative to share. Beginning February 8th 2010, Mr. Andrew Nahwegahbow will be visiting as a guest presenter at Manitou Park school. He will be assisting with Character Development Learning by running mini workshops and activities in the drama classes. This opportunity is being provided for our grade 6/7/8 students. Through the vehicle of drama, Mr. Nahwegahbow will use the Seven Grandfather Teachings in association with the I am A Kind Man series of teachings and the 12 Character Attributes present in our curriculum to help students learn more about themselves.

The school's Vice Principal Mr. Stephen Patterson explains, "these teachings reinforce the earlier lessons on Human Rights and remind our community that student learning and achievement are built on a solid foundation of community, culture and caring. Mr. Nahwegabow's presence in our school is a celebration of our students, staff and every day character. Through the vehicle of Dramatic Arts we will be forging fantastic learning opportunities for all. "

Remember to visit the blog often. It is a great way to stay connected!

French Orals

Congratulations!

ADSB students will compete in French Orals in Toronto next month
Students from the Algoma District School Board had the opportunity to test their French speaking skills in the annual oratorical contest as part of the French as a Second Language program.

Students from the Core and Immersion programs participated in categories according to their grade level and the number of hours they have spent studying French as a Second Language.

What a great opportunity for young Canadians to learn and use the French Language. Preparing for and participating in « le concours » encourages students to develop and enhance skills such as : reading, writing, research, organization, listening and oral expression. Students and teachers worked very hard to make this event very special and a celebration of success.

Students demonstrated courage, responsibility and perseverance.

First place winners at the Board Level will now participate in the 25th annual Ontario Concours/Festival d'art oratoire 2009, sponsored by Canadian Parents for French and the Ontario Modern Language Teacher's Association. That event will be held on Saturday May 9th, 2009 at Glendon College of York University in Toronto.

This is the largest French public speaking event in Ontario for students in grades 4 to 12 taking French as a second language. Last year, more than 300 students from 31 different school boards participated at the provincial level. At the classroom level, estimates show that over 22 000 students across Ontario took part in FSL public speaking.
Here are this year's winners: (Only 1st place winners can proceed to the CPF/OMLTA Concours/festival d'art oratoire in Toronto)
Grades 4-6 Core French:
1st - Molly Swift, Grade 5 - H.M. Robbins Public School
2nd - Tammy Hill, Grade 5 - H.M. Robbins Public School
Grades 4-6 French Immersion:
1st - Kristopher Langevin, Grade 6 - Rosedale Public School
2nd - Maggie VanLith, Grade 6 - Rosedale Public School
3rd - Emily Gratton, Grade 5 - Rosedale Public School
Grades 7-8 Core French:
1st - Megan Burch, Grade 7 - HM Robbins Public School
2nd - Melissa Dane, Grade 8 - Hornepayne Public School
3rd - Kailyn Morrar, Grade 7 - HM Robbins Public School
Grades 7-8 French Immersion:
1st - Krista Reece, Grade 7 - Rosedale Public School
2nd - Kinsey Smith, Grade 8 - Rosedale Public School
3rd - Avery Cole, Grade 7 - Rosedale Public School
Grades 9-10 French Immersion:
1st - Rachel Graham, Grade 9 - Korah C. & V.S. (IB Program)
2nd - Colin Grim, Grade 9 - Sir James Dunn C. & V.S.
Grades 11-12 FSL Plus: ( Francophone students in FSL programs/or who have the equivalent language experience )
1st - Melissa Cutler, Grade 11 - Sir James Dunn C. & V.S.
2nd - Danielle Roy, Grade 11, Sir James Dunn C. & V.S.

ADSB students (1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners) will also participate in the French Oral Competition hosted by the Francophone Centre of Sault Ste Marie on May 1 st , at the Algoma University.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in the success of this event again this year. Thank you to parents and teachers :for their dedication and extra help with the students. Thank you also to our judges: Joanne Atkinson, Maurice Dugas and Donald Nadeau; to our timekeeper: Leslie McCauley and Rosedale PS for being our host school this year. Thank you also to all those involved in the French Oral Competition and that I may have miss.

Best regards,
Nancy Rancourt

A Time To Reflect

A Remembrance Day Ceremony to Remember


The mood was somber as GrandView students respectfully entered the auditorium focusing on the ceremony about to begin. Students and staff sat facing one another in an octagonal formation, much like a United Nations gathering. Community neighbours joined in as part of the school community to listen intently to poignant presentations given by each class.



Those involved in this moving ceremony pondered the significance of the day while reflecting on the important messages shared; respect and appreciation for our veterans, insurmountable courage, loyalty, pride in citizenship of such an amazing country as Canada and above all hope for a future of peace and unity.


Please press pause on the music player below before viewing this video.

Honouring Cpl. Scott Roberts & Courageous Canadians

Beyond Borders
A couple of weeks ago our school had a "Character Day", where all students were placed on teams and rotated through various classes. Each classroom featured an activity that emphasized a specific character attribute. My focus was courage. Students made cards recognizing the courage of Canadian soldiers. I am sending these cards to my late nephew's platoon in Edmonton, Alberta. Our family came to know these soldiers when they were here in June for his funeral. I thought you would like to hear that our students' character reaches beyond our city and provincial borders!
Thanks!
~Cindy

Here is the letter sent by Cindy and her Grade 1/2 Class.

October 23, 2008
Dear Lieutenant Colonel Kenneally,

My nephew, Scott Roberts, who was a member of the 3 PPCLI, died tragically in June as the result of a drunk driver. Our family has been devastated by this loss. Thankfully we found great comfort by the opportunity we had to share our loss with Scott’s military family when so many of them visited Sault Ste. Marie for the funeral. Scott, like the soldiers we met, embodied great strength of character. I am proud to say that I am a teacher in a school that values, teaches and celebrates the importance of developing strong character in our students. Recently, my entire school took part in a “Character Day”. Students that visited my classroom focused on the attribute of courage. When Canadians think of courage, our thoughts immediately turn to the members of the Canadian Armed Forces. I shared with the children the story of Scott’s untimely death and how I was blessed with the opportunity of meeting so many courageous men and women that worked alongside Scott.
My school and family would be honoured if you would kindly share the enclosed cards of encouragement to the men and women of 3 PPCLI for the courage they display both here in Canada and abroad.
While students from Kindergarten to grade eight worked cooperatively on the cards, I am enclosing a picture of my class. The children and I applaud your character and want you to see who some of your biggest fans are!

Sincerely,

Cindy Zappacosta,
Grade 1/2 teacher

The Perfect Day

The Perfect Day

It was a perfect day for the Fall Cross Country run. The leaves at Hiawatha Park shimmered with glints of red, orange and gold in the autumn sunlight. Fall colours lined the path to the race and I could feel the excitement and energy fill the cool crisp air as I walked nearer to the participants. I waited in anticipation of the race as the enthusiastic energy of both participants and onlookers seemed to build in waves.

The pistol fired signalling the start of the race. Excitement grew as people cheered for their friends, school mates and family. I ran to the finish line to cheer the racers on. As I found my spot near the end of the trail I could hear two young boys cheering each racer to the finish... "you are almost there !"..."the finish line is just around the corner! " ..."you can do it!". I watched each racer's face change from an expression of exasperation to hope in the moment they heard the kind words of encouragement just for them. In the spirit of excitement I jogged to meet the finishers at the end of their race.

Looking ahead to the racers coming around the last bend I noticed a young and determined little boy in a yellow jersey with unsteady legs jogging around the corner taking intermittent breaks to keep his balance and footing. Behind him were three other racers wearing the same yellow jersey and two passengers riding bicycles. I immediately realized that this boy was finishing the race that had ended almost 30 minutes before as the bikes follow the last racer in. At the same time the first place winners of the current race were sprinting to the finish line.

There was a instant roar of encouragement and applause as the spectators cheered on this little boy who was racing with the others to the finish line with determination. He was not only finishing but was also finishing with other first place winners! The little boy in yellow picked up his pace and stumbled. His three friends gently helped him up and encouraged him to continue racing, he "was almost there" . With great strength and perseverance the little boy picked himself up to finish his race with a smile as bright as the sun that shouted "I did it" beside his friends who all shared the same smile.

What a day !

By Kerry Grbich