Are you wondering what we did in the Learning Commons all year?
Have a look!
Thanks for a great year!
See you in September in the Learning Commons!
Read. Learn. Grow.
Thursday, 11 June 2026
We are a Community of Readers!
We are a community of readers!
Every bead represents a book read by students and staff at Willow Park School.
- Does it have to be a WPS library book? No!
- Does it have to be a paper book? No!
- We read ebooks and audiobooks too!
- Can it be a book that was read to you? Yes!
- Can it be a book that you read to someone else? Yes!
- What if it was a really big book? Add 2 or 3 beads! I trust you to be fair.
- What if you didn't quite finish the book? That's okay. Add a bead!
Thank you to everyone who read and added beads this year! You helped us fill up the big bottle and start another one. Woohoo!
Don't forget to keep track of the books you read over the summer and add beads when you visit the learning commons in September!
See you in the Learning Commons!
Read. Learn. Grow.
All Library Books Due NOW
All library books are due back NOW.
Please return your books to Mrs. Dickson in the learning commons NOW.
Reminder notices went home last week. Please return the yellow form with adult signature.
If you are unable to find your library book, here is what you can do:
- Replace the book with the same book
- Replace the book with ANY book that is
- appropriate for our grades
- is less than eight years old
- is in good condition
- Pay for the replacement of your lost book
Replacement book can come from:
- Home bookshelves
- Your neighbourhood's little free library
- Used bookstore
- Thrift store
Please see Mrs. Dickson if you are think the book was returned so we can check the shelves. Hopefully it's here! If not, you are responsible for finding or replacing the book.
Please check your locker and classroom shelves if you did not take the book home. You are responsible for finding or replacing the book.
We need our library books back so students can borrow them next year!
Thank you!
Wednesday, 20 May 2026
Asian Heritage Month
May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada!
From https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/asian-heritage-month.html
Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity for us to learn more about the diverse culture and history of Asian communities in Canada, as well as to acknowledge the many achievements and contributions of people of Asian origin who, throughout our history, have done so much to make Canada the country we know and love.
The theme for Asian Heritage Month 2026 is: “Honouring Asian Canadians: Stories that Built Canada”. This theme recognizes the essential contributions Asian Canadians have made to Canada’s social, cultural, and economic life across generations. It highlights how individuals, families, and communities helped build the country—often while facing exclusion and systemic barriers—and affirms that their histories are a foundational part of Canada’s national story.
For more information, click 👇
The Groups of People Who Live in Asia
Asia is chock-full of diverse groups of people that are united by a common ethnicity and language. Each part of Asia has its own wildly different cultures, countries and climates. You could spend your whole life talking about every single unique group in Asia.
To learn more, click 👇
5 Awesome Asian Superheroes
From https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles/5-awesome-asian-superheroes
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was the first Marvel movie to feature an Asian hero in the lead. Let's celebrate Asian superheroes by taking a look at some of the coolest ones. Click 👇
Asian Heritage in Canada
Asian Heritage in Canada Quiz
Asian-Canadian Heritage: Noteworthy Events and Individuals
Learning CommonsFrom https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/collection/asian-heritage-in-canada
For Canada, Asia does not exist “over there.” It is, has been, and will continue to be, right here, contributing to and shaping our country. Canada’s citizenry includes over 7.5 million people — almost 22 per cent of the population — who were born outside Canada.
Recent immigrants to this country are more likely to have come from Asia and the Middle East than from Europe. Chinese ancestry, East Indian ancestry and Filipino ancestry are among the 20 most common ancestries reported by the Canadian population.
For more information, click 👇
Asian Heritage in Canada Quiz
From https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/quiz/asian-communities-in-canada
Create a quiz to test your knowledge of Asian Canadians and Asian Heritage! Click 👇
Asia-Canada Timeline
From https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/timeline/asia-canada
The Asia-Canada timeline presented here is a chronological record of over 200 years of history since the first Chinese settlers helped build a trading post in Nootka Sound. The timeline touches on the settlement history of various Asian groups, the discrimination that many suffered in our early history, accomplishments, firsts, biographies, and the gradual changes through which Canadian society came to accept the rights and equality of its Asian immigrants. Click 👇
Asian-Canadian Heritage: Noteworthy Events and Individuals
From https://nos-langues.canada.ca/en/quiz/asian-canadian-heritage-noteworthy-events-and-individuals-eng
Since the late 1700s, people of Asian origin have made important contributions to Canadian heritage and identity. Each year, as part of its annual Asian Heritage Month campaign, the Government of Canada encourages Canadians to learn about how Canadians of Asian origin have helped to shape Canada as we know it today.
Take this quiz to see how well you know your Asian-Canadian noteworthy events and individuals! Click 👇
Come up to the Learning Commons and borrow a book from our display! These are just some of the books that feature Asian characters or that have been written by Asian authors that we have in our collection.
See you in the Learning Commons!
Read. Learn. Grow.
Thursday, 30 April 2026
May the 4th Be With You!
Come up to the Learning Commons and borrow a book from our display!
See you in the Learning Commons!
Read. Learn. Grow.
June is PRIDE Month in Canada!
We celebrate PRIDE in the Learning Commons in May!
Pride Season is a term that refers to the wide range of Pride events that take place over the summer (June to September) when 2SLGBTQI+ communities and allies come together to spotlight the resilience, celebrate the talent, and recognize the contributions of 2SLGBTQI+ communities. Although special attention is put on the Pride events during the summer months, they happen throughout the year in many communities.
Historically, Pride gatherings emerged from the first large-scale protests for 2SLGBTQI+ rights. In Canada, the first demonstrations took place in Ottawa and Vancouver in 1971. By 1973, Pride events were held in several Canadian cities, including Montréal, Ottawa, Saskatoon, Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg. Toronto's Pride weekend in June is now among the largest Pride events in North America. Click 👇
Calgary Pride Week will be celebrated August 31 to September 6, 2026.
Pride Week will take place across Calgary through a network of venues, community spaces, and cultural hubs. From performances to panels to markets, each event contributes to the larger celebration of queer arts and community life.
In the lead-up to Pride Week we will share stories from the artists, organizers, and volunteers helping shape Pride 2026. These voices reflect the diversity, creativity, and leadership that make Pride possible.
Pride exists because of the people who build it. Whether you volunteer, host an event, perform, or attend, every contribution becomes part of the celebration. Click 👇
Kids Help Phone : 2SLGBTQI+: What does it mean? Click 👇
Kids Help Phone : What are personal pronouns and why are they important? Click 👇
Kids Help Phone : 2SLGBTQ+ youth and allies, this is your space! Click 👇
Come on up to the Learning Commons and check out our PRIDE display!
Happy PRIDE!
See you in the Learning Commons!
Read. Learn. Grow.
Thursday, 9 April 2026
Artemis II Trip to the Moon
Did you know that astronauts take plushies to space to let them know when they are in zero gravity?
Rise was designed by an 8 year old who won the competition to create the “Zero Gravity Indicator” used on Artemis II.
Click 👇
Click 👇
NASA Photos of the Moon as never seen before!
Click 👇
Learning Commons
Come to the learning commons and borrow a book from our display!
See you in the Learning Commons!
Read. Learn. Grow.
Wednesday, 8 April 2026
Earth Day is April 22nd
The future of the world is in our hands.
Earth Day: How it started and why it matters
From CBC Kids News https://www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/post/WATCH-Earth-Day-How-it-started-how-its-going/
The City of Calgary Waste Sorting Game
From The City of Calgary https://calgary.recycle.game/
Take the Climate Change Quiz
From earthday.org https://www.earthday.org/the-climate-change-quiz/
Learning Commons
Come up to the learning commons and borrow a book from our display!
See you in the Learning Commons!
Read. Learn. Grow.
April is Poetry Month
April is Poetry Month!
From League of Canadian Poets https://poets.ca/offerings/programs/npm-mnp/
Established in Canada in 1998 by the League of Canadian Poets, National Poetry Month takes place every April and brings together schools, publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, libraries, communities and poets from across the country to celebrate poetry and its vital place in Canada's culture.
Learning Commons
We have lots of poetry books in our collection. They are found at 808, 811, and 819 in non-fiction.
We also have lots of novels in verse. These are shelved by themselves at the end of General Fiction.
Who's your favourite poet?
Do you write poetry? I'm sure we have many poets in our school.
See you in the Learning Commons!
Read. Learn. Grow.
Thursday, 19 March 2026
Transgender Day of Visibility
March 31st is Transgender Day of Visibility.
From https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/669-international-transgender-day-visibility
The International Transgender Day of Visibility recognizes the struggles, sacrifices and achievements of those who fought, and continue to fight, for gender equity. This day highlights our friends, family, colleagues and neighbours who contribute to the diversity in Canada, and it encourages us to recognize that transgender and non-binary individuals continue to resist oppression by simply being exactly who they are.
Pronouns Matter
From https://kidshelpphone.ca/get-info/what-are-personal-pronouns-and-why-are-they-important/
Personal pronouns are words that replace people’s names. Each person may like to be addressed with pronouns (e.g. “they”, “he”, “she”, etc.) that reflect their gender identity.
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3Fh60GEB5E
How to be an Ally
Allies are people who aren’t part of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities, but support their rights and freedoms. They’re committed to learning about the various challenges these groups face and taking concrete steps (even small ones!) to support them. There’s no right way to be an ally, and it can look different from one person to another.
There are many ways you can be an ally, like:
- Speaking up to tell someone that making fun of 2SLGBTQI+ people is offensive.
- Telling friends what someone’s correct pronouns are.
- Sharing accurate information when presented with stigma.
- Truly listening to the experiences and views of members of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities.
Learning Commons
Come up to the Learning Commons and borrow a book from our display!
See you in the Learning Commons!
Read. Learn. Grow.
Tuesday, 10 March 2026
Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is March 16th to 20th.
From https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/
Founded by Siena Castellon in 2018, Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities, organisations, and others around the world with the opportunity to recognise the many skills and talents of neurodivergent individuals, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.
What is Neurodiversity?
From https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/neurodiversity
When it comes to inclusion, neurodiversity refers to a world where neurological differences are recognised and respected as all other human variations.
Depending on how our brains are wired we think, move, process information and communicate in different ways. Many people in our community use neurodiversity as an umbrella term used to describe alternative thinking styles such as Dyslexia, DCD (Dyspraxia), Dyscalculia, Autism and ADHD. But regardless of labels, neurodiversity is about recognising those who think differently. And no matter whether you are a school, university or organisation you can benefit from different thinkers!
Approximately 15-20% of population has a neurological difference. Instead of labelling people with deficits or disorders, when we use the term neurodiversity, we take a balanced view of an individual’s unique strengths and challenges. Many challenges neurodivergent people face are more to do with the environment and systems they are placed in, often designed by a majority population.
What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a neurodifference that affects a person's ability to read, write, and spell. It is often hereditary and affects individuals of all ages. It is not related to intelligence, and dyslexic individuals can possess many unique skills and strengths.
Fun fact: Keira Knightley has dyslexia!
What is Dyspraxia (DCD)?
Dyspraxia is a lifelong neurodifference that affects a person's ability to plan and coordinate physical movements. For some individuals, it may affect short-term memory and organisational skills.
DCD is not related to intelligence, and many dyspraxic individuals possess unique skills. With the right support and understanding, individuals can thrive and achieve their goals.
Fun fact: Danielle Radcliffe has dyspraxia!
What is Dyscalculia?
Dyscalculia is a neurodifference that affects a person's ability to understand and use mathematical skills. It is estimated that around 5% of the population have dyscalculia, which is often referred to as "number blindness", and it can affect individuals of all ages.
Dyscalculic individuals may have challenges with basic arithmetic, such as adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. They may also have challenges with more complex mathematical concepts, such as algebra and geometry. Dyscalculia can affect a person's ability to tell the time, count money, and measure distances accurately. It can also impact their ability to understand and interpret graphs, charts and other visual representations of numerical data.
It is important to note that dyscalculia is not the result of a lack of intelligence or effort. It is a neurodifference that affects the brain's ability to process and understand numerical information.
What is Tourette Syndrome?
Tourette Syndrome is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by involuntary, repetitive movements and vocalisations called tics. Tics can vary in type, intensity, and frequency and often change over time. The condition typically begins in childhood and may be accompanied by ADHD, OCD, or anxiety. While there is no cure, many people experience reduced symptoms in adulthood, and supportive strategies or treatment can help manage tics. Individuals with Tourette’s often develop strong focus, resilience, and creative problem-solving skills.
Fun fact: Billie Eilish has tourette syndrome!
What is Autism?
From https://kidshelpphone.ca/get-info/what-is-autism/
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition (i.e. uniqueness in how the brain develops and functions) that some people are born with. It can affect things like your communication and behaviour in different ways. It’s important to remember that autism can be very different from person to person. It can be a piece of your identity, just like any other part of what makes you, you!
Fun fact: Greta Thunberg has autism!
Want to Learn More?
From https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/videos
Click 👇
Online Neurodiversity Comic Book
From https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/neurodiversity-comic-book
Click 👇
Learning Commons
Come to the Learning Commons and borrow a book from our display! You'll find a printed copy of the first Neurodiverisy Comic Book on the display as well!
See you in the Learning Commons!
Read. Learn. Grow.
Wednesday, 4 March 2026
March is Nutrition Month
Nutrition Month was started in the 1970s by the Dietitians of Canada. Their goal is to promote healthy eating and nutrition.
Canada's Food Guide
From https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/
Canada's Food Guide is a great place to find healthy eating recommendations, recipes, and more!
Click 👇
Focus on Protein
From https://together4health.albertahealthservices.ca/nutrition-month
Protein supports children's growth and development. Offering protein foods at meals and snacks helps children feel fuller for longer, giving them the energy they need to learn and play.
Click 👇
Learning Commons
Come up to the Learning Commons and check out a book from our display!
See you in the Learning Commons!
Read. Learn. Grow.
Tuesday, 3 March 2026
International Women's Day
Sunday, March 8 is International Women's Day!
From https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge gender equality. Get ready for #IWD2026.
International Women's Day (IWD) has been around for over a hundred years, as have many of the issues still impacting women's advancement. Since 1911, IWD belongs to all who care about gender equality. Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to forge gender parity. All IWD activity is valid, that's what makes IWD so inclusive.
Canadian Women
From early trailblazers to today’s powerful agents of change, from the long journey for women’s suffrage towards equality of rights and opportunities for all, women have and continue to blaze a trail to create a better, more equal world for everyone.
Take a look at this timeline to discover notable events in Canadian women’s history and learn more about the powerful women who created change.
Click 👇
Women in Canadian History Quiz
From https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/quiz/cc-quiz-women-in-canadian-history
Click 👇
Jane Goodall
Known for her groundbreaking studies of wild chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania, Dr. Jane Goodall’s work extended beyond scientific innovations – encompassing a lifetime of advocacy through her international organization, the Jane Goodall Institute, which advances community-led conservation, animal welfare, science, and youth empowerment.
Click 👇
Anne Innes Dagg
From https://anneinnisdaggfoundation.org/
In 1956, before anyone, man or woman had made such a trip, 23-year-old Canadian biologist, Anne Innis Dagg, made an unprecedented solo journey to South Africa to become the first western researcher to study giraffes in the wild. When she returned home a year later armed with ground-breaking research, the insurmountable barriers she faced as a female scientist proved much harder to overcome.
Click 👇
What Would She Do?
Come up to the Learning Commons and borrow a book from our display.
See you in the Learning Commons!
Read. Learn. Grow.
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