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News from the Nest - Feb. 14-18

February 11, 2022

Spotlight on Learning:  Mrs. Kehler’s Shakespearean SEL Insight

A big reason that I, Mrs. Kehler, start with Shakespeare every semester is because I love the comradery that is created through the final project. Students must put on their own version of the full play in five minutes or less, and things tend to descend into delightful chaos. I think I learn more about my students during this project though, than they learn about Shakespeare. I see which students take the lead. I see which students look around for the quiet kids who are too nervous to join a group. I see which students need reassurance at every step, and which students fly through the process with confidence. I see students interact outside of their peer groups as the planning process creates moments of fun within the classroom. And I see all students supporting the progress and ideas of their peers as they adapt these centuries old stories to a modern world.

The students learn too. As they transpose these characters into familiar settings, they invariably find that the characters fit. That the picture of human nature that was painted 500 years ago is not obsolete, despite the difficulty in navigating the language. That human nature has not changed, and the stories we tell today are remarkably like the stories we are studying as established literature of ages past.

And then there's the fun. There is running, and costume changes, and door slamming, and misspoken lines.  We are a class grow together building a community as we bring Shakespeare to life in the modern era, and I better understand the students in classroom as we set the course for success.

Our Character Word of the Month is INTEGRITY 

Q:  What does it look like if….

  • All your friends are going to a movie your parents don’t want you to, see?
  • You promised your friend you would keep her secret?
  • The teacher left the room during an assessment.
  • You find money on the ground?
  • You agreed to do a job and it becomes too hard?
  • Your friend asks you to hold something that you know you shouldn’t?

Graphic Arts – Who Am I?

Students in the new Graphic Arts class kicked off the semester with a fun project inspired by famous illustrator Julia Rothman. Students created their own keychains by using imagination and inquiry to design symbols and metaphors to create meaning about themselves through consumable art. There is more amazing graphic artwork to come so stay tuned and join the class if you're interested! Check out our headline image or the image below for samples. 

Career Programs Virtual Parent Night - Wed Feb 16th 7-8 pm

This will be an overview of all Career Programs we offer.  Parents of students in Gr 9-11 encouraged to register (recording will be available after)

https://careers.abbyschools.ca/announcement/career-programs-virtual-parent-night

Course Planning

  • Grade 10’s started their course planning on Thursday with an overview of selections.  The portal is open, and student may choose their classes and make changes up until next Thursday.
  • Grade 9’s begins next week.
  • Course Planning Booklet, Course Planning Sheets, and more can be found at https://wjmouat.abbyschools.ca/students/student-services

Aspire says Happy Valentine’s Day

check out the Hedgehog image below. 

Calendar

  • All Month:
    • Black History Month
    • UFV, SFU, UBC Student Teachers in the Building
  • Monday, February 14
    • ABCD
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Tuesday, February 15
    • CDAB
  • Wednesday, February 16
    • BADC
  • Thursday, February 17
    • DCBA
    • Grade 9 Course Planning
    • Grad Photo Order Day (LC)
  • Friday, February 18
    • No School
    • PD Day