by Amore du Toit
One of our school “themes” for the new school year is Play. Scientific research has recently revealed many benefits gained during active play. In play, we can imagine and experience situations we have never encountered before and learn from them. We can create possibilities that have never existed but may in the future. We make new cognitive connections that find their way into our everyday lives. In short, being intentionally playful can enhance learning.
In order for students and teachers alike to be more playful, Mr. McElroy treated our school to what he called a “Boogy-Woogy” Wednesday on Sept. 8. At random times during the day, fun and happy music was played for a few seconds over the intercom. Students and teachers were asked to get up – smile and ‘dance’. This activity generated a lot of smiles. Teaching staff also decided to start the year on a playful note.
On Friday Sept. 10, SES staff challenged the SMS staff to a slo-pitch game at the Content Bridge Diamonds. What a game! Reportedly the final score was 106 to 105 in favor of SES. (Or was it SMS)? Thanks to all the players, and fans that came to the game. It was great to see the children of our staff playing with each other and having fun at the game. I also can’t believe how many students in the two schools were excited about the game and either wanted to attend or wanted to know the outcome. Perhaps this displays how powerful play is to children of ALL ages.
The Grade 4 students have once again decided to use playing crib as a great way to spend time with our super senior citizens. 4SC and 4NN are busy practicing crib so they will be ready to play with the seniors of Paragon Place. They will begin walking over there to sharpen their math skills and meet their neighbors after Thanksgiving.
4SC welcomes our new student Tyler. All grade 4s were excited to have a meeting with Mayor Richards on Friday afternoon to discuss paper recycling around town. Watch next week for information on what we learned!
On Friday, Sept. 24, ATCO Electric visited Mr. Howell’s Grade 5 class and presented an electrical safety presentation. The students in Mr. Howell’s science class have been studying about electrical safety in their first three weeks of school. Gord Latham from ATCO brought a model of a town that is wired with real electric wires. This presentation shows dangerous situations that can occur at home and around the community. It is a highly educational presentation that makes a great culminating activity in the study of electrical safety. Our four kindergarten classes were also treated by Mrs. Pinder to a great bus safety presentation and a short ride around town. We appreciate Mrs. Pinder’s dedication to teach bus safety. Thank you for making it such fun for our little ones.
As teachers we would also like to thank our great parents at Home and School for their donation to each classroom. Our students will benefit from the added resources purchased.
Twenty-five runners from grade 2-5 planned to participate in the cross- country meet in Wetaskiwin the past weekend. We will keep you posted on the results.
Our students are also supporting the Terry Fox Run by asking for donation for cancer research. Terry Fox Run will be held on Friday Oct 1.
Parents are welcome to join us for the walk after afternoon recess on Friday. Remember that today is picture day at SES.
We trust that all our attractive students have been practicing their smiles for their photo shoots.
Say cheese….