Remembrance in November

November is a good time to reflect on our history. 

We have a great collection of fiction and non-fiction books on display in the Learning Commons to honour this month. 

Or check out these online resources . . . 

Indigenous Veterans : The First Nations, Inuit and Métis of Canada have a long and proud tradition of military service to our country. See here for more information. 

Historica Canada : Heritage Minutes are a collection of 60 second short films, each dipicting an important person, event, or story in Canadian history. Watch here. Go to "By Category" and choose "Military" for relevant videos.

Stop by the Learning Commons to check out a book!

Women's History Month in Canada

October is Women's History Month in Canada!

Come on up to the Learning Commons and borrow a book from our display!

Or check out these online resources:

Government of Canada

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.

https://women-gender-equality.canada.ca/en/commemorations-celebrations/womens-history-month/women-history-canada-timeline.html

 

Heritage Minutes

Have a look at these short video clips highlight important women in Canada’s history.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=heritage+minutes+woman&sp=mAEB

 

The Canadian Encyclopedia

Take the Women in Canadian History quiz. These questions are based on the real citizenship test taken by newcomers on the path to citizenship.

https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/quiz/cc-quiz-women-in-canadian-history-easy

 

MediaSmarts

Images of men and women in media are often based on stereotypical roles of males and femails in our society. Because stereotyping can affect how children feel about themselves and how they relate to others, it’s important they learn to recognize and understand gender stereotypes in different media. Here are some tips to help kids understand how boys and girls and men and women are stereotyped in the media.

https://mediasmarts.ca/tipsheet/talking-kids-about-gender-stereotypes-tip-sheet

 

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch

For many readers, The Paper Bag Princess with tis strong female character NOT needing the prince, nor his approval, was revolutionary. Watch Robert Munsch perform The Paper Bag Princess.

https://www.yout-ube.com/watch?v=t1TYZ5xGJRM 

Orange Shirt Day and National Day of Truth + Reconciliation

Today we honour Orange Shirt Day and National Day of Truth + Reconciliation at Willow Park. It is nice to see so many orange shirts in classrooms, hallways, the learning commons, and on the playground. Teachers and students are sharing what they know. It's a beautiful day.

Here are some resources to better help you understand.

CBE Music : For decades, Indigenous artists have documented their history through song. Here are 10 tracks that documented Canada's history of residential schools.

Gord Downie Wenjack Fund : These are just a few examples of how you can spend your time on September 30. For more ideas to work into your planning for Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth + Reconciliation look here. 

CanLit for Little Canadians (promoting children's and YA books by Canadian authors and illustrators) : For teachers looking to help their students understand National Day for Truth + Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on September 30, here is a list of 30+ books to help you get started.

CBC Kids : Great resources for kids for National Truth + Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. 

Calgary Reads : Learn more about residential schools and Truth + Reconciliation with these book picks. Read our article here. 

Welcome Back!

Great news! The Learning Commons is open for business this year! 

There are some modifications for Covid of course:

• Teachers can book the Learning Commons for one class at a time
• One class at a time can come for book exchange
• Students can browse the shelves when their class is here for book exchange
• Books are no longer required to quarantine between uses
• Students must sanitize their hands on the way in
• Students must sanitze their area before they leave
• Masks must always be worn in the Learning Commons

New Books On Display!

Come on up to the Learning Commons and check out a new book.

What are Personal Pronouns and Why are they Important?

What are personal pronouns and why are they important?

Kids Help Phone says:

"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. If you have questions about pronouns, it’s OK if you’re not sure where to start."

It is important to show our respect for all members of our community by using the pronouns they choose for themselves. 

For more information on pronouns and many other topics, visit Kids Help Phone. 

Kids Help Phone promise

Kids Help Phone is always there for you. No matter what you want to talk about, we’re here to listen. No judgment, totally private, 24/7. Find out more.

For help right now:

Start a confidential conversation with a real person you can trust.

Talk : 1-800-668-6868

Text : 686868

It's okay to need help. It's okay to reach out when you need it.

Calgary Public Library Open for In-Person Visits Beginning Monday, June 14th!

Calgary Public Library will open for in-person visits beginning Monday, June 14th!

🥳 Yay! We've missed you, CPL! We can't wait to visit and borrow books, movies, musical instruments, and more! Yay! 

📢 A message from Calgary Public Library:

We are excited to announce that 19 Calgary Public Library locations will reopen on Monday, June 14 at regular service hours. Rocky Ridge Library and Signal Hill will remain closed for in-location service. Signal Hill Library will continue to provide curbside service.

For the most up-to-date information on hours and services as we reopen, please visit calgarylibrary.ca.

Starting Monday, June 14, you will be able to:

• ·       Browse physical collections
• ·       Use study spaces
• ·       Access printing, Wi-Fi, and copying services
• ·       Access desktop computers and Chromebooks

While we look forward to welcoming you back, important new guidelines and restrictions are in place at all locations for your safety. Please take a moment to read the following information to prepare you for your next visit.

When you enter a location, we encourage you to:

• ·       Wear a mask. Masks are required inside all locations in accordance with the Temporary Face Coverings Bylaw.
• ·       Limit your visit to under one hour. We are following capacity limits. Minimizing your time in the Library will ensure more people have access to services.
• ·       Leave food and drinks at home. Eating and drinking is not permitted for visitors inside any location. 
• ·       Maintain physical distancing and sanitize your hands when you enter. We’ll have signs to guide you.
• ·       Say hello to our staff (from 2 metres away). We missed you and we are here to help!

Contactless services, including Curbside Holds Pickup, will still be available. We also encourage you to sign up for our virtual programs and events, access our extensive Digital Library from home. And, if you have kids, consider joining us for the Ultimate Summer Challenge. 

https://calgarylibrary.ca/

Learn About Residential Schools by Reading These Books

Learn about Residential Schools by Reading Books Written by Indigenous Authors 

Cree children's and YA author, David A Robertson, curated a list of 48 books to help us understand more about residential schools. 

"I think the answer starts with stories. Stories have been, and always will be, the best way to educate ourselves about the truth. You have to recognize that you have the power to be the authors of reconciliation if you read as much as you can, listen as much as you can, learn as much as you can, and then take meaningful, informed action."

Read the CBC article here for the full list of the books including author interviews when available. 

*We have many of these titles in our Learning Commons. Please let Mrs. Dickson know if you think any others should be added to our collection.*

 

https://www.cbc.ca/books/48-books-by-indigenous-writers-to-read-to-understand-residential-schools-1.6056204

All Library Books Due Now!

📅 It’s that time of year again! 

• Check your desk! 
• Check your backpack! 
• Check under your bed! 
• Check under your dog’s bed! 

📣 All library books are due NOW. 

📚 Please return them to the Learning Commons bin just inside the LC doors.

🤔 Not sure if you have a library book checked out? 

 👉 Look here for instructions to sign in your account. 

💜 Thanks!

Calgary Public Library Summer Reading Program

 

Registration is Open for the Ultimate Summer Challenge! Blast off to free summer fun with the Ultimate Summer Challenge at the Library. Kids ages 0 – 12 can explore a galaxy of reading challenges, activities, and exciting free programs. Youth ages 13 – 17 can join the Teen Takeover to track their reading and earn digital badges. All ages could win prizes that are out of this world! The challenge goes from June 1 to August 31, 2021. Registration is now open. How the Ultimate Summer Challenge works Register online Go to calgarylibrary.ca/summer to learn more about the Challenge and register through the free app Beanstack. Complete challenges Kids, families, and teens can read and enjoy creative activities throughout the summer, including fun and free Library programs. Track progress Keep track of your progress through the free Beanstack website or app, or by colouring a printed map that you can pick up at any of our curbside Library locations. Win prizes Kids and teens are automatically entered to win a grand prize when they register. Grand prizes include iPads, Chromebooks, Nintendo Switch with Mario Kart Live combos, STEM activity kits, custom storybooks, and more. There are also draws for weekly gift cards. Calgary Public Library has partnered with TD Summer Reading Club on the reading challenges this year. The Ultimate Summer Challenge is supported by J K L MacLachlan Family Fund. Get more information and register now

All Library Books Due Friday, June 4th!

👋 Welcome back to school!! I am so happy to welcome all of our students and staff back into the building. It's been lonely here without you. 

📣 Just a reminder that . . . 

ALL BOOKS DUE on FRIDAY, JUNE 4th

👀 Please look for your library books and return them to the bin inside the Learning Commons doors.

🐕 Check your backpack! Check under your bed! Check under your dog's bed! Check everywhere!

Online Resources for You

👋 Hello from the Learning Commons! It is quiet and a bit lonely without our Grade 7/8/9 students here using the Computer Lab, Conference Room, and Learning Commons. I miss you!

💻 I just want to remind you of the many online resources that CBE recommends for our students to use at school and at home. 

✅ Click here to access our eLibrary Resources for Students tab. These are great resources for students of all grades to check out.

✅ Click here to access the Calgary Public Library digital resources. Your log in info is:

• Username: Your Google ID (ex. jordank23, RileyW45)
• Password: 1234567 

💙 So be safe and stay well while learning at home! We miss you and can't wait to see your smiling eyes again soon! 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftenor.com%2Fsearch%2Fi-miss-you-gifs&psig=AOvVaw0zV-pM-PbKS-mQTMukrPuQ&ust=1619026957366000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCLCT4suvjfACFQAAAAAdAAAAABAF

New Books in the Learning Commons!

Have a look at these new books in the Learning Commons!

Although the Learning Commons is closed for book exchanges, we are still adding new books to our collection! If you see anything you like, fill in the online Book Request form. Ms. Dickson will find the book, check it out to you, and deliver it to your classroom!

Happy reading!

Pi Day!

Sunday, March 14th is Pi Day!

What is Pi Day?

Pi Day is celebrated on March 14th (3/14) around the world. Pi (Greek letter “π”) is the symbol used in mathematics to represent a constant — the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter — which is approximately 3.14159. Pi Day is an annual opportunity for math enthusiasts to recite the infinite digits of Pi, talk to their friends about math, and to eat pie.

Read more here and here.

How Can You Celebrate?

There are many ways to celebrate Pi Day. You can eat your way through Pi Day by eating only round foods. You could start with a bowl of cereal or a frozen waffle for breakfast, then a chicken pot pie for lunch, and pizza for supper. Don't forget your apple pie or cookies for dessert! What other round foods do you like?

Or try some fun family activities. More activities. And STEM activities too!

However you choose to celebrate, make the most of Pi Day! Mmmmm.

https://images.app.goo.gl/Yh757DfkMWAY48Xd8

International Women's Day

About International Women's Day

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women's achievements or rally for women's equality.

Visit the International Women's Day website.

Take the Women In Canadian History Quiz

These questions are based on the real citizenship test taken by newcomers on the path to Canadian citizenship.

Take the Quiz.

Talking About Gender Stereotypes

Images of men and women in media are often based on stereotypical roles of males and females in our society. Because stereotyping can affect how children feel about themselves and how they relate to others, it's important they learn to recognize and understand gender stereotypes in different media.

Here are some tips to help kids understand how boys and girls and men and women are stereotyped in the media.

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch

For many readers, The Paper Bag Princess with its strong female character NOT needing the prince, nor his approval, was revoluntionary. 

Watch Robert Munsch perform The Paper Bag Princess.

https://www.internationalwomensday.com/About

 

New Books in the Learning Commons

Are you looking for a new book to read? The Learning Commons has new books on display!

Have a look at the photos and see if there is a book that interests you. You can either fill in the Online Book Request form or visit Mrs Dickson in the Learning Commons to request the book in person. 

You can search for any book in eLibrary. Don't forget to set the Library to Willow Park School. 

Happy Reading!

She Governs | An opportunity for Grade 9-12 girls

She Governs : Participating in Municipal Government

About She Governs

In partnership with the City of Calgary, Equal Voice Calgary aims to equip and inspire young women to participate in the political sphere in the years and decades to come.

The objective of the She Governs initiative is to inspire young women to get involved in the political process by giving emerging female leaders within Calgary the opportunity to become familiar with the political institutions and those serving them locally.

Young women in Calgary (grades 9 to 12) are invited to virtually attend She Governs, listening to panels, asking questions of current City officials, and meeting other civically engaged young women.

When

• Friday, March 12th
• 10 am to 12 pm

Learn more about She Governs here!

https://images.app.goo.gl/GcJPFVfYN3c3X8Ys5

Bibliovideo on YouTube

The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) is taking Canadian children’s books to where youth already are: YouTube.

Bibliovideo is the destination for young readers, librarians, teachers, parents, authors, illustrators, researchers and others who want to locate and learn more about great Canadian books for young people.

 

The CCBC is committed to ensuring that there is better digital access and promotion of exceptional Canadian books to raise awareness and promote literacy.

You’ll find:

• Book awards
• Author readings
• Illustrator demonstrations
• Indigenous authors and stories
• For educators

 Check it out!

Happy reading . . . and watching!

https://images.app.goo.gl/2Cu8EmwCid5medoF6

I Read Canadian Day

Wednesday, February 17th was officially I Read Canadian Day! But I think every day is I Read Canadian Day!

Who are your favourite Candian authors?

Gordon Kormon, Cherie Dimaline, Marty Chan, Wanda Lauren Taylor, Eric Walters, Geronimo Stilton? So many great Canadian authors to read! 

Use eLibrary to choose a book. Don't forget to set the library to Willow Park School. 

Submit a Book Request Form to request a book you like. 

Watch spoken artist Wali Shah introduce a variety of middle school authors. I kinda love his poem. 💗

https://images.app.goo.gl/DgfWDfHhiEW5ZKWg6

Who is Viola Desmond?

Who is Viola Desmond? You might have her in your pocket or your wallet right now. Have you seen her face on the Canadian $10 bill? Have you wondered why she's there?

Today in History: Death of Viola Desmond - Feb 07, 1965

Viola Desmond, who helped galvanize Black Canadians against segregation, died at New York City. After a 1946 incident in which Desmond was arrested for sitting in a “Whites Only” section of a theatre in New Glasgow, N.S, she fought her conviction of defrauding the government of the difference in tax — one cent — between tickets in the racially-separated sections. Though the conviction was upheld, her struggle became a catalyst for change. In 2010, Desmond was pardoned by Nova Scotia Lieutenant-Governor Mayann Francis.                                        Historica Canada https://www.historicacanada.ca/

Learn more about Viola Desmond by watching her Heritage Minute here.

Explore more Heritage Minutes here. 

https://www.historicacanada.ca/heritageminutes

Black History Month Resources

The Canadian Encyclopedia is a wonderful resource for both students and staff. Lots of great information that is easy to search and navigate. 

http://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en

John Ware

John Ware, cowboy, rancher (born c. 1845–50 in the United States; died 11 September 1905 near Brooks, AB). John Ware is legendary in the history of Alberta for his strength and horsemanship. Born enslaved, he became a successful rancher who settled near Calgary and Brooks. He was widely admired as one of the best cowboys in the West, even at a time of widespread anti-Black racism and discrimination.

See more information here. 

Black History in Canada Education Guide

This innovative Education Guide explores seminal events and personalities in Black Canadian history through engaging discussion and interactive activities. It was made possible with the generous support of TD Bank Group, whose commitment to Black history and culture has been celebrated.

See more information here. 

Take some time to explore these fabulous resources! 

Happy reading! 😊💻

February is Black History Month

 Have a look at our Black History Month display in the Learning Commons. 

Does anything catch your eye? Are you interested in reading anything you see? Want to borrow a book? Use the online Book Request Form below! I will check the book out to you and deliver it to your classroom.

Book Request Form

Happy Reading! 😃💙📚