We had a special visitor today! Kelsey taught us the importance of treating all living things with respect and to consider the practical implications of owning a pet. Pets are cute, but they need love, attention, and constant care. In the afternoon, Mrs. Anton facilitated a coding workshop using Sphero, a set of programmable spheres that can be controlled through the use of an app to move in various directions. After learning how to use the app to write lines of code, students participated in a competition to see if they could move their sphere through a maze without knocking over any lego pieces (which formed the "walls" of the maze). Coding with SpheroWe had a special program from the Bugs without Borders organization entitled "From 8 to Great" which explored the idea of change and the feelings of fear associated with transitioning from Grade 8 to high school. In the presentation led by Lauren, a biologist, students had the opportunity to discuss their greatest fears about high school, tackle at least one of these fears by learning how to open a locker, learn some strategies to deal with anxiety, and interact with some exotic creatures to face their fears... Thank you, Lauren, for encouraging us to face our fears and reminding us that "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself" (Franklin Delano Roosevelt). Never let fears prevent you from taking advantage of new opportunities - don't forget: 90% of what we fear does not come true!
Which means that next time, it's my turn to (at the very least) quickly touch that hissing cockroach! Ms. Abbott returned today to conclude Part 2 of an Anti-bullying Workshop. Students were again encouraged to consider how they would resolve difficult situations using their own resources. We appreciate Ms. Abbott for generously volunteering her time and expertise to provide students with the tools needed to deal with the pressing issue of bullying! Students prepared a skit on a bullying scenario and were asked to problem-solve how they would resolve the issue, as bystanders. After we returned from skating at Dieppe, Ms. Abbott conducted Part 1 of a two-part anti-bullying workshop. Ms. Abbott encouraged students to seriously consider how they would react if they were witnesses to or bystanders in a bullying incident. We thank Ms. Abbott for sharing her personal experiences regarding bullying and for spurring the students to problem-solve and take action should they encounter a bullying situation!
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