Be The Change

For over a month we have been studying Global Issues affecting Canada and the world. We have studied very heavy issues that have left students at times sad and frustrated about the world. Children are not content and complacent in the world; they spot the problems and challenge it.
Lately, we have been moving into a place of asking; we identify the problem and ask what is the world doing. We have been studying NGOs and looking at various not for profits. Going forward students will be creating their own mock charities based on an issue they are passionate for.

To make our learning real, we spent the morning google chatting Diana from Masaya Mission. She shared her inspiring story and the mission of Masaya Mission. The students asked great questions and learned a lot about the in and outs of running a charity. The most important thing we heard from Diana was to lead with your heart.

I want to Thank Diana for inspiring the students and sharing the morning with us.

1000 Paper Hearts for Sick Kids

TCDSB Catholic Graduate Expectations

This week the grade 6 students travelled to Senator O'Connor High School for a day celebrating Student Leadership. The students heard from representatives from Share Life, Megan's Walk & Angels of Hope. Students heard from these inspirational charities and made personal connections with their message of hope and the Catholic Graduate Expectations.

Students came back to school feeling compelled and wanting to make a change in the world. Students wanted to learn more about Megan's Walk School Hug and the story about Sadako & the Thousand Paper Cranes.

The night before Valentines Day, the news had a small piece about Sick Kids Hospital. Feeling touched by the students want to make a difference I was inspired. I quickly sent a text and email to all the teachers in the school to bring in old wrapping paper. By the next morning I had spoken to the teachers at the school and had organized a plan to have my students create and teach other classes to make paper origami hearts. Our goal was to make 1000 paper hearts as a school to send to the children at Sick Kids. The students picked up the idea and ran with it. We had the whole school collaborating together to brighten the day of others. Students folded hearts from grade 2 all the way to grade 8, putting personalized messages in the hearts.

By last recess I was ready to rush to Sick Kids and deliver the hearts in time for a Valentines Day parade. The final numbers came in and we were just over 100 shy of our goal. My students worked quickly to make the last 100 hearts. A count down erupted as the last few came in.

The students worked together to bring a smile to children they didn't know. Listening to the children inspired this idea, but the students picked it up and made it their own. They taught others in the school and were a example of what can happen when a school comes together as a community.

How do we show our faith in everyday actions?

How do we show our faith in the school yard? This month we are celebrating the virtue of Gratitude; we are called as Catholics to live these virtues each and everyday. Mother Teresa said, "Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies".
The assignment is to create a media piece which will show younger grades how we can show gratitude in our school.
The best video will be presented at the virtue assembly.
Success Criteria to come