Thanks to our Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary School’s Educational Assistant, Moira Swiatek, students in the primary and junior division enjoy the resiliency based program called “Fun Friends.” In their groups, they discuss feelings & emotions, red & green thoughts and how to change the red thoughts into green or positive thoughts. The children also learn relaxation strategies to calm their bodies down. One of their favourite activities is called the “milkshake” breathing technique where students inhale a large breath and exhale through a straw into a cup of chocolate milk which then produces bubbles. Fun Friends is a safe environment where students can learn to be courageous and make life long friends.
Category: Community
Grade 8 CARDS Learn about the High School Years
The St. Charles College grade 8’s were treated to an informative presentation complete with a pizza lunch courtesy of the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario. The presentation, that centred around a pizza theme, had students explore their strengths and learn about their learning styles in order to prepare for high school next year.
The LDAO presentation also focused on proper streaming, graduation requirements and forced the students to get serious about the future.
One of the fun activities, had the students think about their differences and celebrate them. They had to put up their left or right hand depending on their preferences. Questions were asked like “do you prefer the X Box or the play station?” “Do you prefer sweet or salty foods?”
The presentation helps the students with guidance education and to complete their IPP (Individual Pathway Plan) as they get ready to enter high school in the fall of 2016.
SCC Presenting: High Schol Musical – April 19-23
Join us this April, 2016 as SCC presents High School Musical on Stage!
High School Musical on Stage is based on a smash hit movie musical which first aired on the Disney channel is also celebrating a 10 Year Anniversary this year. The soundtrack itself was the highest selling album of 2006 while the DVD release sold 1.2 million copies in six days. Our cast have been busy channelling their favourite brainiacs, jocks, thespians and skater dudes in an all singing, all dancing stage spectacular!
All ages will enjoy the high energy and fun of High School Musical – On Stage! Call St. Charles College for more information – (705) 566-9605.
MMA Student Places Nationally in Historica Canada’s “How We Remember” Contest
Grade 11 Marymount Academy student Casey McGee really enjoys art. As well, she loves learning about history. When her teacher mentioned a contest that combined both subjects, she knew that it was something she wanted to get involved with. Teacher Catherine Levesque had heard about Historica Canada’s “How We Remember” Contest that reflected on the subject of Canada’s role in the First and Second World Wars. Students could send in written submissions as well as artwork that reflected the theme so Levesque took the contest and created an assignment for the class with it. The students then had the option of actually submitting their written work or artwork to Historica Canada. With hundreds of submissions from across Canada, McGee was contacted through her teacher to let her know that she placed second nationally for her artwork submission entitled “The Unknown Soldier”. One of the jurors, Scott Waters, shared his opinion of Mcgee’s piece, “This piece was the strongest as it conveyed the most meaning, without being overly literal and illustrative. Its iconic stoicism combined nicely with a playful quality and allowed the piece to occupy varying emotional terrain. It was also a technically strong painting.”
McGee was thrilled that she placed so well in the contest and it has encouraged her to continue with her drawing and learning. “I always carry around my sketchbook with me where ever I go, and this contest was really great in that it combined my love of art and my love of history.” Marymount Academy principal Lucie Cullen, was thrilled with McGee’s second place win nationally. “Casey is a gifted artist and a strong learner,” explained Cullen. “At Marymount we always seek out opportunities as a staff for our students to thrive and really excel. Casey is a great example of this as she was able to showcase her talent on a national level – we are very proud of her.”
Being Kind at St. David School
“It is all about doing kind things.” St. David Catholic Elementary FDK students have been learning a lot about doing kind things recently. “It is a common theme always in our classroom.” explained teacher Cindy Blinn. As part of their learning, the students decided that they wanted to do a kind thing for someone special in their lives. Together they decided to host a pasta luncheon for their someone special and each student was allowed to invite one special guest – whether it be their mom, dad, grandparent, babysitter, etc. The students prepared by planning out the lunch menu – pasta, buns and juiceboxes, with a special cake for dessert. The class even made the decorations for the room so that their environment was filled with colourful artwork for their guests. “it is a great way to really reinforce the concept of kindness with our students,” explained Blinn. “We always talk about it, but more importantly we always try to model this behaviour with each other and with those who are in our lives. This luncheon was a great day for both the students and guests and everybody was very pleased with the outcome.”
SCC Staff Celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Blaise of Sebaste
February 3rd marks the feast day for Saint Blaise of Sebaste. Blaise was a physician before becoming a Bishop and is believed to have cured a young boy from death as he had a fish bone stuck in his throat. This miracle martyred him and the ritual of throat blessings began.
Every year the students and staff at S.C.C. have the option to have their throats blessed to keep them safe from injury or disease. This year, the throat blessing fell on an ice day so staff was blessed. This was a first for our elementary 7/8 teachers who are new to the S.C.C. family.
Dancing and Moving at St. Paul
The St Paul dance club has come to an end for another season. The students worked very hard all year by learning new moves and dances culminating with them presenting their own dance creations on stage. Teacher Emily Power was very lucky to have 3 amazing grade 8 helpers that volunteered their time all year! Way to go St Paul dancers.
Immaculate Loves Literacy Day!
Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary School family members were invited to participate in Family Literacy Day on January 27th with their children. All enjoyed playing a variety of literacy games and activities. Immaculate student Alyssa Williams and her Mom had fun using the ipad to create different posters.
Sharing Indigenous Arts and Culture at MMA
On Friday January 18, 2016, Marymount Academy had the pleasure of spending some of their afternoon with special guest Lisa Marie Naponse. Their guest was introduced by two very confident young women, students Tyanna Soucy and Hailey Organ. These two ladies are currently representatives of the Aniisinaabe Cultural group here at Marymount Academy which is organized in collaboration with Carla Petahtegoose, the SCDSB Indigenous Education Support Worker. Lisa Marie is a self-taught singer and songwriter from Atikameksheng Anishinawbek. She shared her art and music which is a blend of blues, folk, and country. During her visit with Marymount she engaged the students in song and rhythm. Lisa shared with the students that as she was growing up, she was surrounded by music and creativity her mother and father played music and her sisters were pow wow dancers and craftswomen. Lisa speaks to people through music on indigenous life and her experiences as an Anishnawbe Kwe(Woman). Lisa quickly embraced the microphone community; which lead her to eventually co-founding an Indigenous Arts Collective that showcased Indigenous performances and art throughout the city of Ottawa. Today Lisa Marie has returned to her community and is working on new music and art. Finally, to finish off our assembly Hailey Organ kindly presented a gift on behalf of the Marymount staff and students.