Orange Shirt Day and Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Today we honour Orange Shirt Day and Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is nice to see so much orange in hallways, classrooms, learning commons, and playground. Students and staff come together today to share and learn and create. 

Here are some resources to help you better understand.

Treaty 7 Land Acknowledgement from Calgary Public Library.

Canadian Encyclopedia's Indigenous Peoples Quiz.

CBC Kids News explains What is Reconciliation?

Listen to the CBC podcast This Place.

Learn more about National Day for Truth and Reconciliation from the Government of Canada.

Come up to the Learning Commons and check out a book. This display is just a small sample of the Indigenous books we have in our collection. 

Welcome to the Learning Commons

Welcome to the Willow Park School Learning Commons!

The Learning Commons is located upstairs in the middle of the school. It is a big bright space you can visit on your own or with your class.

I am Mrs. Dickson and I work in the Learning Commons. I can help you with books and technology. Or maybe you need a quiet place to work independently? I'm here for you!

You will find me in the Learning Commons . . . 

• Monday to Thursday
• 10 am to 3 pm 
• Periods 2, 3, over lunch, 4, and 5

Come visit me in the Learning Commons and check out our new books!

See you soon! 😊

National Indigenous History Month

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada. 

It is a time to recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. Click 👇

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Click 👇

What is a land acknowledgement and why is it important to learn? Click 👇

Learn more about Indigenous peoples, history, and culture through stories and activities. Click 👇

Treaties with Indigneous Peoples in Canada explained by CBC Kids News. Click 👇

Come up to the Learning Commons and check out our display of books by Indigenous authors!

PRIDE Month in Canada

June is PRIDE Month in Canada!

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 contribution of 2SLGBTQI+ communities. Click 👇

Calgary Pride Week will be celebrated August 26 to September 4, 2023. The Pride Festival will be held September 2 and 3 at Prince's Island Park. The Parade will return to Calgary on Sunday, September 3, 2023. Click 👇

Kids Help Phone : 2SLGBTQ+: 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!

 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

It's okay to not be okay. 

What is Mental Health?

For more information click 👇

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

PAT Time of Year

It's PAT time!

Are you feeling a little bit anxious about PATs? You're not alone. Almost everyone does.

The Calgary Public Library has some great digital resources to help you feel ready for your tests.

Brainfuse offers lessons, videos, and practice tests. Get personalized feedback on writing, chat with tutors, or create flashcards to help you study. Username: Library card number  Password: PIN

Solaro offers study help for Alberta Curriculum using lessons and practice tests or create notes and flashcards. Replaces The Key study guides. Username : School Email Password : 1234567

Click 👇 for more information and how to use each of these resources.

I think you'll really like the last slide! 

Come on up to the Learning Commons to borrow a book from our Mental Health Awareness display!

Jewish Heritage Month

May is Jewish Heritage Month in Canada!

From the Government of Canada . . . 

During this month, we recognize and honour the bravery and resilience that Jewish communities have shown throughout history. Diversity is one of Canada's greatest strengths and the participation of Jewish Canadians in our country's civic life is of tremendous value. This vibrant community has contributed to every aspect of life in Canada, from business and politics to arts and culture, sports, science, and much more.

For more info, click 👇

From the Canadian Encyclopedia, click 👇

For more resources, click 👇

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

Asian Heritage Month

 May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada!

From the Government of Canada . . . 

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.

For more info, click 👇

Watch this Heritage Minute about Paldi BC, click 👇

From CBC Kids News, click 👇

For more resources, click 👇

Come on up to the Learning Commons and borrow a book from our display. These are just some of the books in our collection written by Asian authors or featuring Asian characters. 

April is Autism Awareness Month

 April is Autism Awareness Month!

What is Autism?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication and behaviour in different ways. Autism is different from person to person. 

Who has Autism?

Did you know that one in 66 children has autism? 

What does Autism look like?

Each child with autism is unique and has their own strengths, gifts, and support needs.

You probably know some kids who have autism!

Kids Help Phone has more information here 👇

Want to learn more? Check out some other resources here 👇

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

Ramadan Mubarak!

Ramadan began on Wednesday, March 22nd this year. 

National Geographic Kids explains . . . 

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, which marks important holidays and events for Muslims (people who practice Islam). During Ramadan, people fast, or refrain from eating and drinking, while it is light outside. Once the sun sets, families meet for big meals which may include stew, rice, dates, lentils, and more. Poeple also have a morning meal before the sun rises. 

What do kids say?

For more resources and videos click 👇

If you are participating in Ramadan and need a place to pray or rest over lunch, please visit the Learning Commons!

Ramadan Mubarak!

March 14 is an important date for science and math!

• March 14 is Albert Einstein's birthday 🎂
• March 14 can be written as 3.14 which are the first three digits of Pi or π

But what is π ?

Pi or π represents the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter.

https://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/pi.html

 Click 👇 for more Pi Fun!

Fun Facts about Pi click 👇

For more Pi Day Resources click 👇

Happy Pi Day!

March is Nutrition Month

March is Nutrtion Month in Canada!

Good nutrition and healthy eating help us live longer and live healthier.

Check out Canada's Food Guide 👇

Kids in the Kitchen 👇

CBC Kids News 👇

Like spicy food? Watch The Science of Spice 👇

The science of cooking 👇

Come up to the Learning Commons and check out a cookbook!

Mmmmm! March is the tastiest month of all!

Bon apetite!