Welcome back to another school year! I am excited to get back in the classroom and start the learning journey with my new group of grade 3 and 4 students. I share a passion for recreational sports and spending time with family and friends. Below is a picture of me preparing to ride trails at Mount Washington. I enjoy incorporating my passions into my teaching. I look forward to going on local bike rides with students from my class again this year!
As i look forward to another school year, it is wild to think that I am already going into my tenth year with SD69! Time sure flies while having fun. This year at Springwood Elementary I am excited to have some of the same students as last year, and equally excited to meet some new bright minds. I am continuing to challenge myself and this year I will continue to explore the new curriculum. The largest shift I have observed is the emphasis on First Nations Learnings. I look forward to working with the students to get the most out of our time together! Click HERE for a link to the new curriculum website.Showing loyalty to my favourite baseball team, it is exciting to be watching meaningful baseball as school heads back into session. This summer has been the longest (10 weeks) in quite a while and we experienced weeks of dry hot weather. It is nice to have cooler weather and some water falling from the sky as teachers head back into schools. It is nice to reconnect with colleagues regardless of the time of year, although this time is especially nice after such a long summer. This year is going to be a great one thanks to all the positive energy and amazing supportive culture that was kick started last school year. I have attached a picture of our staff Wordle showing words that represent how we see our school culture beginning to emerge. All the best!
Our homeroom class has now had close to two months collaborating, sharing ideas, and most importantly growing and learning together. The group has spent time working on a number of topics. Our literacy has focused on independent reading, guided reading, and choral reading, along with spelling and handwriting so far. Our numeracy focus has been on basic number facts, addition and subtraction of two and three digit numbers, estimation, and mental math. We have recently completed a mapping unit and look forward to starting our first science unit, weather and forecasting. This week, our students have already made dreamcatchers and they will have an opportunity to make dragon bowls on Wednesday. Our many fine arts activities and various daily physical activities make for a dynamic learning experience that I hope all students have enjoyed thus far.
Returning from the Easter long weekend has staff and students in various mindsets. With potential District school reconfiguration, and recently implemented stage one of job action, staff have a lot on their minds.
Students have been very understanding during this process, all the while asking thoughtful questions. They have also been doing their best to engage in meaningful cross-curriculum multi-aged learning opportunities. As yesterday was Earth Day, our latest focus has been on our global climate and how we can make a difference. After reading over the United Nations latest climate report, my students and I were inspired to make small but significant changes to our day to day routines including biking to school, using less paper and turning off lights and electronics when not absolutely needed. Our discussions have been lively and will continue, as we all believe Earth Day should be celebrated everyday! My five year professional growth plan updated August 2013:
I am happy to be wrapping up another successful school year. I was able to see my vision of sustainable growth at the elementary program. I will be working in a different capacity next year as a middle school core course teacher with exploratory courses. The direction and vision of the school excites me as I look forward to working with the blended courses and multi-aged learner groups. Have a nice summer!
I am thrilled to be creating my first ever website! It is a classroom website that will be accessed by students and parents. I have been planing and awaiting a time to put it all together, and I am proud of my results. Enjoy, and do not hesitate to offer feedback on my homepage.
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AuthorMr. D ~ Avid recreational athlete and passionate teacher Archives
August 2018
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