Google Safety

As we continue to explore and become more involved with our 'mytools2go' accounts it may be helpful to read and discuss some helpful and safe technology tips. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Getting started with Google

N.E.D. & LET'S TALK SCIENCE

The N.E.D show stopped in on Wednesday afternoon to deliver a positive message along with some fabulous yo-yo tricks. Zachary explained that in order to be a champion you have to never give up on yourself. This earned him a trip to the front and a free set of brain fireworks! 

On Thursday we had the opportunity to participate in a "Let's Talk Science" presentation. Students were in small groups and used Science to conduct a crime scene investigation. In the end, 'shining white Sam' was found guilty of stealing the formula for a top secret cure from a lab somewhere deep in South America. Everyone had a fantastic time with this valuable hands on experience.

Guardians Give Back

As you all know, for our Guardians Give Back campaign we sent out thank you letters and cards to local charities and not for profit organizations. Since then, we have received some positive feedback. The class gets very excited when they see the benefits of their work! I will continue to post pics of the feedback as it comes in.

BE the CHANGE

For Lent our Social Justice Club has organized a spare change drive in hopes of raising funds to help build a school in Kenya. Each classroom is asked to collect spare change for the duration of Lent. The class that collects the most change (the money will be weighed) is eligible for a class ice-cream party! If you would like to help our class by collecting change at work or in your neighbourhood/community, I can send a spare school bank home with your child.

Writer's Workshop

 This past Thursday we had the pleasure of meeting and listening to acclaimed author and poet Janet S Wong. Janet's presentation focused on writing, specifically poetry.  She explained to the students that poems and stories often come from stories of family history, family traditions or personal life events.  She entertained the students with the stories 'behind' her poems and encouraged them to write, write, write! She suggested that each student find a small notebook and spend only 5 minutes a day filling that notebook with words, thoughts, and small sentences or stories about things that they are interested in.

Janet insisted that poems and stories are right under our noses waiting to be discovered. All we need to do is speak to people to uncover them.  She suggested the students:...

"Find the oldest person they know and ask them to tell a story from their childhood"
"Ask someone...what's the weirdest thing they've eaten?"
"Ask someone...Where is the greatest place you've been?"
"Ask someone...What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you?"

Her point was that once you hear these stories you might be inspired to retell the story in the form of a poem.

if you would like to see more of Janet Wong's poetry please visit her website @
www.poetrysuitcase.com

LaSalle Vipers Visit!

Today five members from the LaSalle Vipers stopped by to promote Literacy in the classroom. They spent some time visiting, answering questions, and then read to the class ( a Valentine's inspired book) "I Lost My Kisses". Each student received one general admission voucher for the regular season. If you are thinking of heading out to watch act fast! Their play off season is set to begin shortly.

The LaSalle Vipers play at the Vollmer Complex in LaSalle on:

Wednesday February 19th @ 7:00 pm
Friday February 21st @ 7:00 pm
Sunday February 23rd @ 2:30 pm

WE ARE LOVE

Once again, the St. Gabriel School Social Justice Club will be selling "Love" buttons to help support our Adopt-A-Village Program through Free The Children. The cost is $2.00 / button and this year we have added a few new ones to the mix. Buttons will be sold all week during lunch in the music room. 100% of our sales go directly towards our adopted village in Kenya.  There will be no popcorn sales this week. For additional information on Free The Children's Adopt-A-Village program please visit the link posted.

Thank you,

Social Justice Club

Free The Children