April Newsletter
April brings ‘Budding Learners’,
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Return from Spring Break, Easter Bunny in tow:
April is a time when nature bursts forth with vibrant colors and renewed life, making it an ideal season for fresh art and flowers.
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Recycle bin art:
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A Camel Wanders |
A Dolphin Dives |
The Grand Canyon |
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Inclusion:
In addition to our ongoing efforts, we're excited to share that our elementary school is implementing a range of innovative inclusion initiatives. Collaborating with POPARD, and other agencies, has allowed us to enhance our support systems, incorporating universal classroom supports, specialized devices for verbal development, visual aids, revitalized spaces, and sensory opportunities. These initiatives reflect our unwavering commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
For those of you who have not yet had the pleasure, on the left is our new Inclusion Support Teacher Michelle Villemaire. She has been a welcome addition to our school since the beginning of April. |
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Solar Eclipse:
Despite the need for safety precautions during the solar eclipse, students found creative ways to engage with the astronomical event. As the moon slowly obscured the sun, excitement filled the air. Teachers guided their students through the science behind the phenomenon, explaining how the moon's orbit intersected with the Earth and the sun. The event sparked curiosity and wonder among the young minds, igniting a passion for astronomy and the natural world. |
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Indigenous Education, Ribbon Skirt creations and more:
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Creating opportunities, connection, pride, and joy!
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Indigenous students from various backgrounds across the school district are eagerly anticipating the upcoming Pow Wow in Creston, B.C., situated on the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa peoples. This event offers a unique opportunity for cultural immersion and celebration. Students from all corners of the district will be transported to the Pow Wow arena, where they'll witness graduation honors, traditional dances, and a vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture.
In preparation for this momentous occasion, some students have been diligently working since the spring, honing their sewing skills to create their own ribbon skirts. Through this hands-on experience, they're not only cultivating a deeper connection to their heritage but also fostering a sense of pride in their cultural identity. As they don their meticulously crafted garments, they embody the resilience and richness of Indigenous traditions, showcasing their talents and heritage for all to see.
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Social Emotional Learning (SEL):
Social-emotional learning is continuing to grow with support and a comprehensive approach. A variety of groups have continued, and others expanded to encompass a series of friendship groups, executive functioning, and restitution circles. We are dedicated to meeting students where they are, working with each as learners to grow in a purposeful and meaningful way. Through tailored support and interventions, we foster emotional growth and academic development, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. |
Friendship groups
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Forest play and outdoor education:
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Why we as parents choose to live and have our kids in a school that values nature and land-based learning - connection. This forest is accessible and in our literal backyard; and the ‘Old Growth’ forest is only two blocks away. What a wonderful life!
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Staffing is again a challenge:
Due to some unforeseen personal situations, we are again down a few Educational Assistant positions at our school. Human Resources is working diligently to fill these with internal and external postings. Each day the Inclusion Support Teacher and I endeavor to meet our school needs with support in an equitable way. We are thankful that our clerical position has been filled until the end of this school year with Oriana, the current Secretary. This has been a big relief and are thankful for some consistency with this critical school position. I very much appreciate your support and understanding as we continue to persevere and model resilience to our kids. We all love our professions and hold great value in educating the kids of this community. Everyone’s efforts are appreciated.
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Literacy Grant Generational Connection:
A small team of teachers have begun their work together to foster a joy in literacy and improve reading fluency by providing opportunities to connect with a few community nature spaces and places and generational connection K-12. Learners will share their voices with the community indirectly by creating audio files and post them in QR codes in spaces. Teachers would like to honor the land by incorporating some nsyilxcən vocabulary into the project. The cuteness factor and love of connecting the kids (big and little) together has brought big smiles, belly laughs, and some learning edges. |
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CBAL:
We continue to have CBAL come in to our school now three times a week to work with some students. They provide practice, skill development, and targeted games to improve skill. A new program is called ‘That Reading Thing’ which sees the students participating leave walking taller than they entered. Thank you for this partnership!
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Testing the limits
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Scientific Thinking: Before school |
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Making learning visible:
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"The Wild Robot" has become a shared topic of conversation, extending beyond the confines of our classroom walls. This visibility not only enriches discussions within our classroom community but also invites others to join in, sparking conversations and connections across the school. Through this open sharing of ideas and insights, we create a vibrant learning culture where every voice is valued, and every contribution is celebrated. |
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One with nature
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Upcoming events: Field time Yoga (in Gym if field is wet)
Selkirk Music Society Performance, May 7th
Cross Country running club, Tuesdays at lunch, grades 3-6.
Play in the K, May 16th.
Powwow, May 17th.
Welcome to K, June 5th |
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Misty Terpstra she/her/hers Salmo Elementary School
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