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Diversity and Inclusion at Pythagoras Academy
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At Pythagoras Academy, students participate in and study a wide variety of celebrations and traditions. This focus allows students from all backgrounds to connect with one another, while sharing their knowledge and traditions with their friends and teachers. By examining the importance and symbolism behind celebrations and the traditions of others, students are able to gain new knowledge and demystify a lot of celebrations and traditions that they may not personally celebrate themselves- or have the opportunity to!
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For instance, Ms. Claman, who celebrates Chanukah, was recently a guest speaker in grade 3 and helped to expand students knowledge on the religious holiday and celebration. Did you know that the word "Chanukah" stems from a Hebrew word that means dedication? During this lesson, students examined the political, historical and religious background of the celebration and tradition. Specifically, they examined the multi-branched candelabra/menorah and reasoning for speciality foods, like fried foods, during this time.
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Check out these direct quotes from students:
"So, how can we celebrate this holiday with you?" & "What can we say to someone who celebrates Chanukah?"- Seolin, grade 3 student
"I've seen those candles at my neighbours house- in the window! Now I understand what they mean."- Sophie, grade 3 student
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Messages from Across the Grades
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Junior Kindergarten "JK"
This month, in our junior kindergarten classrooms, students learned about calming snow globes, ornaments and seasonal greetings, like how to say Merry Christmas (Joyeux Noel) in French! Students loved crafting their own ornaments and exploring Christmas through the arts!
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Grades K/1
In Kindergarten, we have connected with communities around the world by using the computer software platform “Flipgrid.” This empowering learning tool can be used as a digital form of pen pals, called #gridpals discussions. With the help of this program, we have connected with students from India, sharing our knowledge of Celebrations and brushing up on our French vocabulary. In Grade 1, we have been working hard on our unit “Holidays Around the World.” We have also started writing letters to our buddy classes, which are located in Southern British Columbia and Alabama.
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Grades 2/3
During December, the grade two's presented their story vines to their parents by sharing a fairy tale or an original short story. In fact, they invited all students and teaches who were free to their presentations as well, building on their presenting skills! Grade three students have been learning about winter celebrations around the world, discovering that many cultures and religions celebrate holidays other than Christmas. By examining different celebrations and traditions students build shared understanding and global empathy.
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Grades 4-8
Grade 4 students are investigating the idea that identity is formed, in part, by social connections and community: one’s family background, heritage(s), language(s), beliefs and perspectives. Grade 5 students have been learning about the 5 Chairs, 5 Choices program to build a community inside and outside the classroom. They are learning the importance of being aware, showcasing understanding, demonstrating respect and appreciating religious and cultural freedom in a pluralistic society.
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Grade 6-8 students have been exploring the science of gratitude and its effects on our brains. Grade 6 students explored various Indigenous cultures and created beaded bracelets, on which each bead symbolized something they are grateful for. The emphasis of expressing gratitude to the people in our community was further put into action as students explored ways of giving back to the community through the Blanket Drive and Fraser Valley flood victim donations.
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The Arts: Musical Theatre
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This school year has been extremely busy and has been extra welcoming to a new teacher such as myself. Lately, we have been focussing on the winter concert and now that it’s finished our attention turns towards our High School Musical performance scheduled to be showcased in the spring. I am beyond excited to show you all of the wondrous singing, dancing, and acting that all students have been working on.
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I believe in working with classes to develop an ensemble. A lot of the work we do in developing social-emotional skills is to help create a safe and welcoming classroom for students to work in. Outside of the musical, students will be using skills developed from ‘Applied Theatre’ practices to develop and create their own scripts + performances collaboratively. Students become invested in acting if they truly believe in what they are saying. Thus, creating a safe space for students to learn is necessary in allowing them to share their ideas and develop as storytellers.
At the end of the day, we all tell stories and we are all storytellers. It is the choice of which stories to tell and how you tell them that is important. Our goal at Pythagoras Academy is to inspire our students to create whatever stories they want and to instil the belief that anything is possible if they set their minds to it.
-Mr. Nathan Purcell
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Social Emotional Learning: Giving Back to the Community
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Building a positive classroom community is essential to the overall wellbeing of our community and it dramatically impacts our students academically! Fostering opportunities for students to give back to their greater community, allows them to learn through a deep, meaningful sense of purpose. Volunteering is proven to lower stress and blood pressure, while donating time and energy to charity improves physical and emotional well-being. In addition, giving back can have particular benefits for high-risk groups, like those who may be more prone to mental health issues. Volunteering imparts other life-long benefits as well, like the confidence, problem-solving, and critical thinking needed to organize a food drive.
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I.T is collaborative and fun! In this 7/8 class, each small group received a package of clues and directions outlining a Christmas themed digital escape room. This Deck the Halls Escape Room Challenge, was shared on google classroom and encouraged the sharing of background knowledge and research of the Christmas season in the hunt. Many teachers joined in, including our head of school, Mr. Bouchard, further promoting school community, critical thinking, collaborative problem solving and listening skills.
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Together, students researched traditions, like contemporary and traditional Christmas songs. Teams carefully sought after solutions and winners were given house team points, benefiting their house team across their school wide community.
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During many school events and activities, Pythagoras Academy parents can be found actively engaging in their child(ren)'s learning environment. With some of the greatest influence on a student from childhood to adulthood, we are blessed to have such engaged families. Early in December, you could find parents filling the halls and dedicating their time in making Pythagoras Academy a beautifully decorated community learning space, filled with Christmas joy!
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From the delicate and precise effort in wrapping ribbons around pillars to carefully setting up Christmas stations with ornaments and inflating winter themed characters, we thank our dedicated parents who continuously help to create memorable and celebratory spaces for our school community! Family engagement in school life fosters positive social skills and contributes to student success. To all parents and guardians, thank you for being such an integral part of our education team!
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Upcoming and Important Dates
December 18- January 5: Winter Break
January 6 and 7: Staff Pro D Day (No School)
January 10: First Day of Term 2
January 18: House Team Spirit Day
January 20: JK Fire Drill
January 25: Hearing Clinic for Kindergarten
January 27: Information Session 5 Chairs, 5 Choices
January 28: Virtual School Assembly
January 28: JK Field Trip
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