Arts Carousel

In April, we had our annual Arts Carousel. This is an event in which the Boxwood community can see the tremendous work that our students have been doing in the Arts. This included musical and dance performances. Furthermore, we had many many displays of the artwork that students have completed outside and inside classrooms. We thank the many parents that attended and supported this event. I would also like to thank all the teachers for their work in making this event possible!

Asian Heritage Month-Ramadan

In May 2002, the Government of Canada signed an official declaration to designate May as Asian Heritage Month. This acknowledges the long and rich history of Asian Canadians from East Asia, Southern Asia, Western and Southeast Asia and their contributions to Canada. It also provides an opportunity for Canadians across the country to reflect and celebrate the contributions of Canadians of Asian heritage towards the growth and prosperity of Canada.

One of the celebrations happening this month that is being celebrated by many in our school community is Ramadan. Ramadan is a holy month of fasting and contemplation for Muslims. During Ramadan, most Muslims fast during the hours of daylight and increase their focus on prayer and contemplation. At the end of each day, the fast is traditionally broken with a prayer and a light meal called the iftar. Ramadan is considered a time for Muslims to recommit themselves to practicing compassion and generosity for others, as well as a time to cultivate spiritual renewal within themselves and their communities. Some of our students are fasting during this period as well. During this time of reverence and renewal, we extend our good wishes to staff, students, parents and members of the Islamic community who will be observing Ramadan. Lastly, we would like to thank Ms. Hadi and Ms. Calverley for our wonderful display that recognizes this event!

Studens Working on Fractions

Here are some examples of students working on fractions. This task is designed for them to understand that the same fraction (e.g., 1/2) can be represented in different ways!

Fraction Anchor Chart

Anchor charts are a way to record learning and have something tangible for students to refer to. Here is an example of a fraction anchor chart in the primary grades that introduces the concept of fractions. As you can see, it uses the concept of sharing to help students understand that fractions are parts of the whole.

Fractions Professional Learning

As you know, math is a focus at Boxwood Public School like all YRDSB schools. After our whole school diagnostic, we have determined that we need to support our students from grade 1-8 with the concept of fractions. Our kindergarten teachers are working with early numbers with their students. To address this need, teachers will be working together for three half days to plan targetted lessons that have a focus on problem solving. Teachers will also deliver common assessments and mark them together to track student progress.

Celebrations in February

February is a month filled with some celebrations. Specifically Lunar New Year, Black History Month and Vasant Panchami are in February. We have updated our display case by our library to recognize these important celebrations! If you have time, come and take a look at them.

Kolam in our SK/1 Class

Today, Ms. Forth's SK/1 class had the good fortune to have a parent volunteer instruct the students in creating a Kolam art piece to recognize Tamil Heritage Month. Kolam is a form of drawing that is drawn by using rice flour, chalk, chalk powder or rock powder, often using naturally or synthetically colored powders, in Sri Lanka, the Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and some parts of Goa, Maharashtra as well as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and a few other Asian countries. A Kolam is a geometrical line drawing composed of curved loops, drawn around a grid pattern of dots (Wikipedia.com). We are so fortunate to have amazing parent volunteers to provide new experiences to our students. Thank you!