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)

A Brand New Year

January heralds a brand new year and often along with that, a brand new start.

We often consider our accomplishments throughout the year and reflect on the things that we wish to improve on. January is a time to set new goals and really prioritize those things that are important to us. This time of reflection gives us the opportunity to count our blessings and think about the many things that are truly important in our lives . We show gratitude for the precious time spent with friends and family, wishing that in our busy lives we could spend more time together, our good health where we are afforded the luxury of medicine and medical care, a high standard of living including a safe place to live in country that is at peace, and a strong education system that gives our children hope and the promise to live with the same high standards that are our right.

In remembering that all people living in this World that we share, no matter their race, colour, religion, or beliefs share a common right-the human right to life, the "basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled." The Universal Declaration of Human Rights http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/ lists all of our basic rights. Lets take this opportunity to think about our lives in relation to others that share this wonderful planet with us and how we can make a difference in this world. I've heard the statement "it starts at home" and "one small deed is all you need". Let's challenge each other to think outside of ourselves this New Year and make a small difference in the lives of others.

It is our duty to ensure that these rights are a living reality -- that they are known, understood and enjoyed by everyone, everywhere. It is often those who most need their human rights protected, who also need to be informed that the Declaration exists -- and that it exists for them.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Perhaps with our help, we may one day see this living reality come to be.

Best wishes for a year filled with all that you hope for.

"Be the change you wish to see in the world".

Ghandi

We love comments!

Please share your wish to make a difference this new year.

"Catchy" Character Chalk Messages!

In addition to exhibiting good character, the grade 7 and 8 students at Parkland School found a way to communicate good character to all of the younger students . Teacher Natalie Fawcett and the grade 7 & 8 class found a great way to enjoy our extended summer weather by discussing good character and sharing their ideas about what character means to them.

The intermediate students turned the fresh asphalt into a chalkboard and created catchy messages to support the character traits. We believe that good character is demonstrated in actions, words and attitudes! Great idea Parkland!