Pius XII Catholic Elementary School Grade 3 students, Caterina Pastre and Braedon Albuoy read the book, “The Golden Rule” as part of teacher Ashlee Michelutti’s lesson which discussed the importance of respecting one another and working together to promote a peaceful environment. The class linked literacy, respect and peace to International Literacy Day which was on September 8th. For over 40 years, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) has been celebrating International Literacy Day by reminding the international community that literacy is a human right and the foundation of all learning. “It is important for all of our students to understand the importance of literacy,” Principal Laurie Zahra stated. “It is our job as educators to ensure that every student is given all the tools they need to be successful readers.”
Back to School at Pius XII
Pius XII Full Day KIndergarten student, Ella Murray, was excited to return to school on Tuesday and had the opportunity to paint a giraffe. Classroom teacher Jon Tourville, states that “students in full day kindergarten will have different kinds of activities to help young learners explore, discover and grow. Students will be engaged as they participate in a play-based educational program”. Ella was happy to “come to school with friends and have fun”.
Eco-Chic Clothing Swap at Pius XII
Pius XII got ready to celebrate Earth Day recently by hosting its 5th Eco-Chic Clothing Swap.
This year, a new element was introduced, books!! There was an amazing amount of student involvement. Participants were excited to recommend their previously loved items to classmates. The swap was a great success and reinforced the importance of all of the environmental R’s, Reduce, Re-use and Recycle!
Pius XII Celebrates Franco-Fun Day
Grade 4 to 8 students from Pius XII School celebrated Franco-Fun day on March 20, 2012 which included a dance featuring popular French music. A few of teacher Jill Loranger’s Grade 4 students displayed their spirit for the day by dressing in green and white, the colours of the Franco-Ontarian flag.
Shrove Tuesday at Pius XII
The students at Pius XII School celebrated Shrove Tuesday with a little help from some special guests, The Holy Redeemer Knights of Columbus Council #10888. Gerry Baronette facilitated the event and brought 9 of his brothers with him to prepare delicious homemade pancakes for the 320 students. The students were all very excited and appreciative that the Knights took the time to volunteer and donate the supplies to make them a fabulous pancake lunch. The students are already eager for the next visit from the Knights!
“Filling their Buckets” at Pius XII
Students at Pius XII school are learning how to fill their buckets! Through a school community building activity senior student, Cody Watson read to the ELK students a story about “filling their buckets” by doing good deeds, and then explored different ways to make it happen. Kindergarteners as well as all students now understand that everytime they do or say something nice for someone else they’re actually filling their own “buckets” and the other student’s “bucket”. Student council can often be heard during morning announcements giving reminder messages to keep buckets full of positivity and its catching on. The goal is to keep your bucket overflowing so that it might spill onto others!
Making the Connection with our Troops at Pius XII
“Early Learning Kindergarten students at Pius XII school received a visit from Private Scott Barbe on Remembrance Day. This authentic learning experience gave students the chance to learn about the life of a soldier and make connections to their lives. Many students shared stories and asked questions that helped them learn more about this brave soldier.”
Reading Buddies Start up at Pius XII
The reading buddies program has begun at Pius XII! This literacy program generates a strong sense of community at the school. In the program, big and little buddies read to eachother. The Reading Buddies program works to proactively prevent bullying in the school by building strong relationships across all grades.
Pius Students Learn About Fire Prevention
In preparation for fire prevention week, early learning kindergarten students and staff at Pius XII school welcomed firefighters from the Minnow Lake fire station. Students learned about fire safety, firefighters’ protective equipment and explored the cabin of the firetruck. They practiced techniques such as “stop, drop and roll” and learned about the importance of fire detectors and evacuation plans. ELK students enjoyed sitting in the driver’s seat of the firetruck and many were overheard telling friends “when I’m older I’m going to be a firefighter too!”
Pius Students Take Part in “Read With Me”
With the increased emphasis on community outreach and parent involvement in ELK classrooms, Pius XII school is pleased to announce their “Read With Me” program which offers parents the opportunity to come into the classroom to read with the children. The program was launched during Catholic Education Week and featured a comic story about the night before Mother’s Day. After the reading, students shared their plans for their Moms and made connections to other similar texts read throughout the year. ELK teams are always looking for ways to promote a love for reading and this program is doing just that!”