Remembering

Students and staff of Algoma District School Board thoughtfully remembered and reflected on the actions of the many service people who help secure our freedom and rights as Canadians and citizens of the world. The following touching images show a solemn reflection of remembrance in one of our schools. Student leaders with support from their teachers reached out to their school and community, asking them to participate by sharing their memories, artifacts and wishes for Peace.

Let us remember and reflect on our continued responsibility to one another . We can make a difference as responsible citizens of our world. In remembering one another through acts of kindness and reflecting on what is really important, we can accomplish anything, together.

Character Development Opportunities for Schools

Through the year I will share various Character initiatives and projects available to you to consider for your classroom and school. Here are a couple of great character development opportunities for your schools that you may want to investigate further. These two programs are student focused and provide practical authentic opportunities for student engagement and leadership.

Imagineaction

I discovered the first program called Imagineaction in the September Edition of Professionally Speaking. It is a social action project resource for teachers to support student-driven social-action projects in their classroom or school. Beginning on September 1st, teachers may access funds and community expertise to support student driven social action projects. The initiative established by the Canadian Teachers' Federation will "link teachers to community experts to encourage student-driven social-action projects following the six themes: connect (relationships), engage (active and participatory citizenship), thrive (health and wellness), lead (leadership), live (environmental sustainability) and care (poverty)."

The projects can deal with such issues as globalization,bullying, racism, human rights, environmental stewardship and equity. As stated in the article, the CTF believes that "quality education is about providing students with opportunities to infuse curriculum into real-world situations. Education is about being a part of a student's journey as a lifelong learner and problem solver- it is about teaching students to be critical thinkers and to look for opportunities to apply their knowledge in a transformative way". For more information,click on the website below.

http://www.imagine-action.ca/

Green Apple School Program

The second opportunity I would like to share is an Environmental Stewardship initiative called Green Apple Grants by METRO. This initiative from Metro was created to encourage students to participate in the development of a healthier environment. Since its induction in the fall of 2009, the program has rallied thousands of students from Ontario and Quebec and encouraged them to become involved in their school and make a difference in their community.
Metro has awarded hundreds of $1,000 grants to elementary and high schools with ideas for green projects in their communities and the company will distribute up to $1 million dollars for this program. The program offers ideas from previous projects and applying for the grant is as easy as filling in a quick form with your idea for your classroom or school.

So, what’s your green idea?
http://www.greenapplegrants.ca/

Good luck with your projects.

If you have any other special project grants or initiatives to share or if you require further information, please feel free to contact me.

Kerry Grbich

Program Team

ADSB Character Education Special Assignment Teacher, K-12

705-945-7433

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.