One Hen Challenge Update

One Hen Challenge Update

The students at William Merrifield have completed the One Hen 10K Challenge to raise money for micro finance loans for poor entrepreneurs. The challenge ended in December. Not only did the students surpass their goal of raising $100.00 (they raised $177.00), they have committed to continue to invest beads to make a difference in the world.

Teacher Sandi Dalcin writes, "The One Hen challenge was amazing to watch. We raised 10 000 points in the last two days. Once the students realised the point of the challenge wasn't to play for fun, but to play to help others to achieve a better quality of life - they began to share strategies for getting more beads in the shortest amount of time. When the beads started stockpiling, they began encouraging others to invest their beads. The computer lab was buzzing with students helping each other and cheering each other on. They were getting competitive - trying to outdo each other. This was a healthy, meaningful challenge where these students could watch their gains online. We slipped from third place to fifth place over the course of the challenge. That wasn't satisfactory - so they picked up the pace to edge out the competition and earn their way back to a third place finish."

The students and staff at William Merrifield V.C. Public School continue to aspire to do acts of kindness which positively affect their school, community, and world. We are a community that strives to "be the change we want to see in the world." (Gandhi)

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. "

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Celebrating Character & Multiculturalism

The Ben R. McMullin school community shared in a celebration of character and multiculturalism with many special events planned earlier in the school year. They continue to focus on building and enhancing a positive school culture that includes the importance of diversity and inclusion. Their high energy character assemblies involve student participation and sharing in character. Students and staff enthusiastically join in and sing along to their favourite character songs, participate in sharing a presentation of all of the many special activities they are involved in throughout the month that represent the character attribute focus and look forward to another month of good character.

In the beginning of the year, student members of the school community gave a very special presentation of traditional dance in anticipation of a successful Multicultural evening organized by the school. Community members including students, staff and parents were invited to share in an evening of Character that included traditional foods, song, dance and culture. Ben R McMullin is pleased to share more about their special Multicultural evening and their energetic character assemblies!

If you would like more information, please contact Kerry Grbich~ Character Education Special Assignment Teacher for more information.

grbichk@adsb.on.ca
or
705- 945- 7433