WHAT'S HAPPENING

Sherwood, community leave their imprint

Sherwood School was buzzing—inside and out—on June 24, as staff, students and community members united to spruce up the school grounds and add an artistic touch to the building. A new gravel pathway was created, flowers were planted, railings and bike racks were painted, and boulders were rolled into the southeast corner of the schoolyard to form a circle that can be used as an outdoor classroom. They also made a sign for inside the school, using their individual handprints to depict a tree and grass. All day, the students worked together to leave their imprint on their surroundings.

This project was called, “I Leave My Imprint on the World”—developed as a result of conversations with students in which questions emerged about how they could make a positive impact. The project allowed the students to apply their knowledge of the “seven essential virtues,” the curriculum and what it means to become a responsible global citizen. Photos of students at work and a more detailed description can be found on the school’s blog at www.ileavemyimprintontheworld.blogspot.com

Maple Leaf celebrates achievements, special alumnus

In April, the Maple Leaf School patrol team earned first place at the 36th Annual School Patrol Safety Awards, and Maple Leaf student Kaitlyn C. was honoured as the most efficient patrol captain in the city. The school held an assembly on June 11 to recognize these achievements. Trustee Peter Kotyk addressed the student audience and River East MLA Bonnie Mitchelson presented an award certificate to the team captains. All of the patrols received medals for their achievement.

Also on hand was Sandra Herbst, assistant superintendent of schools and former student at Maple Leaf School. The students and staff surprised Ms. Herbst by presenting her with a Maple Leaf sweatshirt and wishing her well as she prepared to take a year off to further her studies.“Once a Maple Leafer,” they said, “Always a Maple Leafer!”

Wayoata raises funds for police dog vest

A furry friend visited Wayoata Elementary School on June 23—one that has paid them a visit before. Nash the police dog dropped by with Const. Robert Tighe, and they were presented with a cheque for $1,654 to pay for a protective vest for Nash. Const. Tighe visited with Nash in November, when the Belgian Malinois was only nine weeks old. The kids were surprised to see a full-grown dog when he arrived this time!

The funds were raised by Grade 5 students in the Kids Helping Kids Club, which was involved in a variety of charitable activities throughout the year. They fundraised by selling items like used books, bookmarks, Christmas crafts, popsicles, lollipops and flowers. As well, the Wayoata School Community Council donated proceeds from a pizza lunch and popcorn sale to the fund, and students collected “Nickels for Nash.

The school has developed a relationship with the Winnipeg Police Service Canine Unit. Constables have visited several times with their canine partners, Const. Tighe was a guest reader for I Love to Read month, and the school sent packages of dog treats to all of the police dogs for Valentine's Day. Const. Tighe is looking forward to visiting again in the fall, with a new litter of police dogs.

John Pritchard students win national human rights award

Congratulations to Kanisha Szekely and Adriana Payne, two Grade 8 students from John Pritchard School who were chosen to receive the 2010 Student Human Rights Award from the League for Human Rights of B’nai Brith Canada. Kanisha and Adriana created a video with an original song that dealt with the subject of bullying. Their submission was reviewed by an adjudication committee and they were among only six students from across Canada to receive the award.

RETSD World Cup soggy but splendid

Prince Edward phys-ed teacher Nigel Wilcox wasn’t kidding when he said “rain or shine.” On June 18, the rain came down in torrents. But it didn’t dampen the spirits of the over 200 grades 4–6 students from nine schools who participated in a divisional World Cup Soccer Festival at Prince Edward School. Mr. Wilcox regularly organizes the event to coincide with the FIFA World Cup every four years.

What’s up at Gallery 589

If you’re stopping by the RETSD Administration Offices at 589 Roch St., take a few minutes to walk through the reception-level hallway, in which you’ll find an impressive and often-changing gallery of student artwork.

Currently, “Gallery 589” features the work of art club students from John de Graff Elementary and Angus McKay School. They created colourful collages with the help of artist and art instructor Alice Kulyk.

Hawaiian flowers, foliage, birds and reptiles were used for inspiration. Students drew with pencil on watercolour paper and then used both oil pastels and watercolour paints to get a vibrant effect. They cut out individual pieces and collaged them in eye-pleasing arrangements over a wispy background, also created using oil pastel or paint. This show will be on display till the first week of July.

Fun and learning at REC

Fun and learning in the same lesson? That's what the Basic Design 20S class from River East Collegiate and the Grade 1 class from Donwood Elementary School experienced on June 7. The Grade 10s created interactive games using Flash with multiple literacies as the focus during this semester. Their target market was the Grade 1 class from Donwood. With the Grade 10s as their hosts, the Grade 1 students enjoyed playing the games, which included math questions and puzzles, reading, creative stories, mysteries and scoring points. The Grade 10 students rose to the occasion by ensuring their questions were not too difficult and not too easy, the games were captivating and all the links worked! To complete the event, all of the students enjoyed some cookies and drinks. While some of the primary students entered the “big” high school with trepidation, they left feeling they had found new friends. Designing Flash games for a “real market” rather than “just for marks” made a huge difference for the Grade 10 students. Plans are being made to include such a collaboration again next year.

Springfield Heights celebrating anniversary

Springfield Heights School will be celebrating 50 years of excellence on Sept. 30, 2010. This important milestone in the school’s community will give former SHS students, parents and staff members the opportunity to share their stories of the way Springfield Heights used to be and to celebrate the school’s many successes. To celebrate the day, current and alumni students and staff, parents, and community members are invited to a school-wide assembly at 10:30 a.m., and to an evening "Come & Go" Tea, beginning at 6:30 p.m., with a program starting at 7 p.m. Please call Springfield Heights School at 663-5078 for more information.