RCCDSB students in Douglas and Eganville have been participating in a wide range of activities over the past months, playing sports, exploring career paths, and demonstrating mercy.
On December 4, St. James Catholic School in Eganville hosted a “Christmas Family Dance” for students and their families/friends. DJ Shanon Edwards and Special Treasures Photography offered awesome music and a fun photo booth.
“The staff helped organize, baked, decorated, and danced to make the evening so much fun and very special,” says Principal Jody Weller.
The grade 7/8 students travelled to the Elder’s Lodge on the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation to participate in an exciting kick-off activity for the Pathways pilot project. Ben Rutz, fiddler for Johnny Reid, spoke to the students about his personal journey and work towards achieving his goals. Tina Noel also talked to the students about OYAP, Co-op, and SHSM and how these special programs can help them with careers and pathways.
“Students continue to work on various surveys and inventories using My Blueprint to learn about their own learning styles and interests and how these can complement and direct their career choices,” says Weller.
Additional guest speakers will be sharing information about their career choices and how they have accomplished their goals and dreams over the upcoming months.
Students in the Native Language class, along with special guest Trustee Ellis, made deer-hide hand drums. The students were taught about the importance of the drum, and how it is used in songs and prayer. Once the drums were dried they were smudged by a community Elder.
The kindergarten class has been working together to find ways to show mercy towards one another. The kindergarten team has been using various stories from the Bible and mentor texts that explicitly teach what it means to be merciful. Parents/guardians and the kindergarten team have been recognizing and applauding the students for their acts of mercy and love by documenting these acts on pink hearts, which have been displayed in the classroom.
The students earned a reward (pyjama day, popcorn and a movie) for their wonderful work in earning 100 hearts and will continue to work towards earning 200 hearts for their next reward.
Mary Catherine Brisco, newly appointed principal of St. Michael’s Catholic School in Douglas, reports “I am feeling very welcomed, and the students are challenging me to learn their names.
She notes that students have been involved in a variety of fun activities since the beginning of the New Year. The school held a winter fun day on Friday, January 22. A pizza lunch was held for all students to help raise funds for the grade 4/5 ski days, which will begin soon and take place over four Thursdays at Calabogie Peaks.
Intramural basketball at lunch recess has started for grade 3 to 8 students. Grade 3 to 5 students are learning and practicing basketball skills, while grade 6 to 8 students are playing games.
Teachers also worked with students on free throw skills to help prepare them for the Knights of Columbus Free Throw competition that was held in Eganville on January 22.
The community rink was ready in mid-January, so students have also been lacing up their skates, notes Principal Brisco.
January 25, 2016
For further information, please contact:
Michele Arbour, Director of Education
Renfrew County Catholic District School Board
499 Pembroke Street West
Pembroke, ON K8A 5P1
Phone: 613-735-1031 or 1-800-267-019l
