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!

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

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.