"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!

Your Best Year Yet

Welcome back to a brand new school year. I love this time of year! Fall is absolutely my favourite season because of its beauty and the cool, crisp rejuvenating air. There is something enchanting about Autumn. It is often a refreshing change.

This time of year is also a favourite for me because it is "back to school" time. For many teachers including myself, Fall brings with it a sense of renewal and the anticipation of a brand new start. "Back to school " is often a time to get back to routines, to set new goals and have high expectations for a successful year.

Students come to school the first day often dressed in their best clothes, with new school supplies and renewed hope for their best school year yet. Together students and teachers alike are happy to be with their friends and colleagues and look forward to the coming year. Best wishes for a successful start to your new school year and achieving your "best year yet".

Students Make A Difference In Honduras!

Brian and Heather Whitley, teachers with Algoma District School Board share their experience as part of a small group that travelled to Honduras and made a big difference. Their caring gifts of time and necessities continue to make a difference to families in need.

Hi ,
Just thought that I would touch base and let you know that we brought our 13 area teens home safely from Honduras. They will present at St. Joe Island, Echo Bay and CASS which are the three schools that took a direct role in partially sponsoring their project. The trip was a real eye opener for our kids as they visited many schools where poverty is rampant. They were able to "perform with their puppets" in every school and we were able to distribute supplies in many public schools as well as in an orphanage.

Echo Bay School, St. Joe Island School and CASS were able to raise enough funds to be able to support two mothers in Honduras who live on the former garbage dump, in setting up their own micro-businesses. Deana Phillips from the CASS social justice committee was able to go to interview one mom who is already a beneficiary of the program and when the mom was asked what difference the program made to her life her response was simple but immediate...."I can feed my children.".... It was a thrill to watch the CASS teens process what they saw and embrace the idea that things are certainly not what make you happy. I think too that they were able to see the importance of education in helping to break the cycle of poverty and they renewed their appreciation of the importance of responsible parenting.

Many lessons were learned . They are all ADSB students (actually one is a CASS grad now studying at Algoma) who are active in their schools and communities and exemplify "promoting character with pride" and making a difference in their world.

Brian and Heather Whitley