Odd Velvet

Students at R.M. Moore read the story Odd Velvet by Mary Whitcomb and shared that ideas about the author's message. Odd Velvet is a story of a new little girl who moves to the neighbourhood. Her classmates notice that Velvet likes to do things a little differently.

When her classmates leave an apple on the desk for their teacher, Velvet leaves a collection of flowers,twigs and rocks in an egg carton. Velvets family likes to do things a little differently as well. The children in the story eventually get to know and like Velvet and her family and come to understand that they are all unique in their own way.

The students in Mrs. Hazelton's class created posters using the messages that they inferred from the text. Enjoy reading their responses.

Day of Pink

Congratulations to everyone who participated in making Pink Shirt Day a success. This special day was not only an opportunity to recognize the importance of our continued commitment to a "bully free life" but also a renewal of our commitment to community and character.

Within the many touching stories shared from that day, it was clear that it was the act of "coming together" with an intention of caring for one another, celebrating differences and inclusion for all that mattered most of all to everyone.

Visit http://www.adsb.on.ca/ for more pictures and a list of activities from that day.

Children Helping Children Through Education

Free The Children

Through leadership training at home and community development projects abroad, Free The Children empowers youth everywhere to make a difference. Their motto is Free children from poverty. Free children from exploitation. Free children from the idea that they are powerless to change the world.

"Free The Children is the world’s largest network of children helping children through education, with more than one million youth involved in our innovative education and development programs in 45 countries. Founded in 1995 by international child rights activist Craig Kielburger, Free The Children has a proven track record of success. The organization has received the World’s Children’s Prize for the Rights of the child (also known as the Children’s Nobel Prize), the Human Rights Award from the World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations, and has formed successful partnerships with leading school board and Oprah’s Angel Network."

~Free the Children

The Educator's resource page http://www.freethechildren.com/getinvolved/educator/ provides many ideas for teachers to help engage students in global citizenship and empowers students to get involved and make a difference. Global Voices is an exciting classroom-based program aimed at developing global citizens! Teachers can sign up to receive on-line articles and resources that help support their classroom Character Education program and inspire their students to change the world through issues-based activities and discussion. Sign up here:

http://www.freethechildren.com/getinvolved/educator/programs.php?type=global

For more information and resources to support student engagement and leadership in your school and classroom, please contact me.

Kerry Grbich
Program Team

Character Education Special Assignment Teacher, K-12

705-945-7433

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. "

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

Algoma's Got Talent

ALGOMA'S GOT TALENT!

Algoma's Got Talent! And on November 14th, 2008 we showed the community just how much. Algoma District School Board chose to support the United Way in a most creative and entertaining way, by presenting Algoma's Got Talent - the Ultimate Talent Show. Algoma's Got Talent was a great chance to showcase the talent and commitment of our students and staff throughout the ADSB. Students from elementary and secondary schools throughout the district juggles, sang, acted and danced – all part of this amazing night of entertainment. The evening also included performances by Korah Collegiate's Mustang Sally and the cast of Sweeney Todd from White Pines Collegiate.

Mustang Sally Rides Again

Youth these days you say…check this out!

Mustang Sally is back…bigger and better with an important message to share. They performed their very first gig of the year to a “rockin” crowd at River View Elementary. Mustang Sally is a popular musical group of “rock star status” to many of the students who look up to these incredible teens. First formed in 2004 after Music Director and Teacher Greg Ryckman discovered untapped talent in the Korah Collegiate Secondary School’s Christmas Variety Talent Show that year, after a staggering 56 vocal and instrumental auditions were held Mustang Sally was born.





These teens are not chosen solely on musical talent. Their responsibilities reach far beyond any normal school band. Mustang Sally is a band with a mission to share Character Education and the members are expected to embody the true spirit of good character. Using music as a vehicle, these student musicians engage in helping people of all ages find common ground. Through music they inspire, teach and model the importance of good character.


Mustang Sally are ambassadors of character education for the Algoma District School Board, educating students on positive attributes of good character, and impressing our community with their mature ,positive attitudes. All of the hours spent are volunteer hours and add up to a staggering 1500 hours yearly. Mustang Sally members are expected to maintain academic success and consistently live a life of good Character. The band consists of 18 students ranging from Grade 9 to 12. This year is a year of “breaking the boundaries” when a new band member from Queen Elizabeth, grade 8 joined the mix. Mustang Sally has had the privilege of performing across the Country to share their Character message. Amazingly, Korah teachers Jennifer Barbeau and Mary Attard-Frost along with Greg Ryckman volunteer their time to guide these teens in developing leadership skills and teamwork while working collaboratively to share their important message.




It only takes a moment to see the kind of impact these students have on others when Mustang Sally is performing. Mustang Sally is spreading the news one gig at a time that we are a community of character and the Youth of our city are making a difference one gig at a time!




Ride Sally ride….





I'm only one, but I am one.
I cannot do everything, but I can do something;
and what I can do, I will do.
-Edward Everett Hale

Sir James Dunn Shares

Sharing wonderful happenings around Algoma District is a great way to connect and share best practices. Sir James Dunn in Wawa has these special activities to tell you about.
In October, Mrs. Bernath’s SK class at Sir James Dunn Public School in Wawa loaded sixty-six canned goods onto a wagon and walked over to the Wawa Food Bank to donate them. The class had been collecting non-perishable food items as part of their Thanks and Giving units.

Staff and students enjoyed the singing and drumming talents of Buffalo Pine Lodge who performed four traditional native songs, explained the songs and answered numerous students’ questions. Gr. 7 student, Brandon A. joined the group to drum a song with them at the end of the assembly.

If your school would like to share a special event please contact Kerry Grbich ~ Character Education Special Assignment Teacher with the special news and a couple of pictures.

www.grbichk@adsb.on.ca

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