Reconciliation

In light of Orange Shirt Day Saturday Sept. 30th we read and spoke a lot this week about what Reconciliation means and how we can begin to understand our sad and difficult history as it pertains to our First Nations people. 

As we continue to dive into our Homelessness and Poverty work we took a look at some data collected in 2011 reflecting the number of Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people that live in poverty in our country.  Some wonderings we had were:
-"Why are there more Indigenous people living in poverty?"
-"Why was such harm done to the Indigenous people?"
-"This survey was in 2011, have these numbers changed?"
-"Why are groups not helping?"
-"Are there more Indigenous people in shelters?"
-"Is the government fully helping Indigenous people as much as they can?"

Over the next few weeks we will continue to look at answering these important questions.

What if you had to hide who you really were?

 Students in Room 20 have completed the novel, George by Alex Gino, a character who has a strong sense of self but feels that she has to hide it, even from the people who love her most.  George wants nothing more then to play the character of Charlotte in the school's rendition of Charlotte's Web but seems to be unable to admit, even to herself sometimes that this goes further then the play itself. As we unravel this story the students asked very insightful questions such as: "When will she stop hiding how she feels?" and "Why do people assume her gender?"

Our next steps are to re-tell the story of George as a graphic novel, incorporating the design aspects of this type of story telling such as the weight that the speech bubbles, colors and pictures can portray.

Perceptions and Misconceptions

What does Homelessness look like?  Are there different types?  Different causes?  This week we challenged some of our ideas about Homelessness by reading Eve Bunting's Fly Away Home.  You can watch it at the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDkrCc3e0HY

This story had a very different perspective on Homelessness.  We brainstormed how our ideas had changed after watching it.

How would you describe the man in this photograph?

Students in Room 20 were posed this question and asked to brainstorm as many words as possible. Their answers were insightful, powerful and thought provoking.  As we embark on our Inquiry question of "What Is Homelessness?" and "What Is Poverty?" we will continue to come back to this photograph and others like it to challenge our perceptions and misconceptions alike.

Sharings from Room 20:

“He’s not taken care of” 

“Poor” 

“Hungry” 

“Attacked” 

“Theif” 

“Farmer” 

“Actor” 

“Prisoner” 

“Abandoned”

“Tired” 

“Came out of a house fire” 

“Survivor of war” 

“Betrayed” – Jawad

My name is Tereza Storrier and I have the privilege of being your child’s teacher this year.   This will be my fifth year with the Calgary Board of Education and third year at Colonel J. Fred Scott School.  I feel very honored to be a part of this exceptional learning community.

I am a dedicated runner and yoga practitioner, often spending my weekends in the mountains skiing and hiking with my husband and eight year old daughter.

We know that children are most successful when families and schools work closely together.  We ask that you talk to your child about their daily experiences each evening.  Your child will bring home an agenda each day that will share any notices and homework.  Please take time to go over your children’s work with them and initial the agenda.  They will have worked hard during the day and would welcome time to share their learning.  Please ask lots of questions.  We know that children often begin by saying they did “nothing” but we can promise that every day they should have important news to share.

I would like you to be aware of these points that will help us out in our classroom:

1.     Ensure your child is on time for school.  This helps children begin each day calmly.

2.     Indoor shoes are required.  It is best when these shoes are runners that can be used during daily phys-ed.

3.     Please send your child with a backpack or book bag to carry homework, library books, agendas etc.  Please do not send toys, skateboards and other valuable items to school.  We cannot be responsible for their safety.

4.     We know that children benefit from drinking water throughout the day.  Your child is welcome to bring a water bottle with a lid and keep it at their desk.  It will be sent home each evening for washing and refilling.  Just a reminder that we are a pop-free school so please only send water, milk or juice with your children.

5.     Due to the number of students in our school with food allergies and intolerances we ask that parents do not send food to school for sharing e.g.. birthdays.  On special occasions food might be served within the classroom and teachers will notify parents in advance and will plan for the particular needs of the students.

6.     Library books will be sent home regularly.  Please help your child return them in time when they are ready to be exchanged.

7.     Reading will be an integral part of our work throughout the year. Children are encouraged to read at least 30 minutes each evening. 

8.     We are always looking for volunteers! If you are able to come and help us out during field trips please let us know by sending back the approriate pages that were included in your forms envelope.

If you have any questions please feel free to phone me at 777-6710 ext 2020 before classes start in the morning, at lunch or after school and we can arrange a time to talk or meet in person. You may also reach me by email at testorrier@cbe.ab.ca

I look forward to working with you and your child!