Grade 4 to 8 students from Pius XII School celebrated Franco-Fun day on March 20, 2012 which included a dance featuring popular French music. A few of teacher Jill Loranger’s Grade 4 students displayed their spirit for the day by dressing in green and white, the colours of the Franco-Ontarian flag.
Category: Pius XII School
Shrove Tuesday at Pius XII
The students at Pius XII School celebrated Shrove Tuesday with a little help from some special guests, The Holy Redeemer Knights of Columbus Council #10888. Gerry Baronette facilitated the event and brought 9 of his brothers with him to prepare delicious homemade pancakes for the 320 students. The students were all very excited and appreciative that the Knights took the time to volunteer and donate the supplies to make them a fabulous pancake lunch. The students are already eager for the next visit from the Knights!
“Filling their Buckets” at Pius XII
Students at Pius XII school are learning how to fill their buckets! Through a school community building activity senior student, Cody Watson read to the ELK students a story about “filling their buckets” by doing good deeds, and then explored different ways to make it happen. Kindergarteners as well as all students now understand that everytime they do or say something nice for someone else they’re actually filling their own “buckets” and the other student’s “bucket”. Student council can often be heard during morning announcements giving reminder messages to keep buckets full of positivity and its catching on. The goal is to keep your bucket overflowing so that it might spill onto others!
Making the Connection with our Troops at Pius XII
“Early Learning Kindergarten students at Pius XII school received a visit from Private Scott Barbe on Remembrance Day. This authentic learning experience gave students the chance to learn about the life of a soldier and make connections to their lives. Many students shared stories and asked questions that helped them learn more about this brave soldier.”
Reading Buddies Start up at Pius XII
The reading buddies program has begun at Pius XII! This literacy program generates a strong sense of community at the school. In the program, big and little buddies read to eachother. The Reading Buddies program works to proactively prevent bullying in the school by building strong relationships across all grades.
Pius Students Learn About Fire Prevention
In preparation for fire prevention week, early learning kindergarten students and staff at Pius XII school welcomed firefighters from the Minnow Lake fire station. Students learned about fire safety, firefighters’ protective equipment and explored the cabin of the firetruck. They practiced techniques such as “stop, drop and roll” and learned about the importance of fire detectors and evacuation plans. ELK students enjoyed sitting in the driver’s seat of the firetruck and many were overheard telling friends “when I’m older I’m going to be a firefighter too!”
Pius Students Take Part in “Read With Me”
With the increased emphasis on community outreach and parent involvement in ELK classrooms, Pius XII school is pleased to announce their “Read With Me” program which offers parents the opportunity to come into the classroom to read with the children. The program was launched during Catholic Education Week and featured a comic story about the night before Mother’s Day. After the reading, students shared their plans for their Moms and made connections to other similar texts read throughout the year. ELK teams are always looking for ways to promote a love for reading and this program is doing just that!”
Pius XII Early Learning Students Loving New iPads
With the recent addition of ipad centres in the ELK classrooms at Pius XII school, many students are opting for time with technology during play! The kindergarten classrooms received 4 ipads each loaded with interactive games focused on the development of students’ fine motor, literacy and numeracy skills. The classroom teachers and early childhood educators also each received an ipad to help facilitate the documentation of student learning. A welcomed tool to help in the recording and organization of student observations! “We are fortunate to be at a school in a board that recognizes the importance of introducing technology to students at an early age. The ipads provide the ideal environment for a 21st century learner!” explained classroom teacher, Camille Heaton. “Almost all of my students got the ipad in hand and began navigating it and its application with ease.” she added.
Pius XII Celebrates Jesus’ Presence in Our Lives
Today Pius XII students participated in a celebration of the Eucharist with Father Remi from Holy Redeemer Parish. Father Remi highlighted the importance and value of salt and the healing power of light to the students. Both the salt and light are symbolic of Jesus Christ’s presence in our lives as Catholics. We are blessed as a staff and student body to have Father Remi come celebrate the Eucharist with us in our school.”