News from the Nest - Sept 6-9

Spotlight on Learning:  Confidence or Content

Over the summer I, Mrs. Pollastretti, had the pleasure of reading some of the yearend/semester end reflections in one of our science courses.  The students were asked to reflect on the course with two driving questions  “what is more important confidence or content?” and “how do you use your gifts for good?”   

In response to “what is more important confidence or content?”, one student wrote:

“I actually wasn’t too sure about how it was supposed to be answered. This semester was significantly more difficult that my first semester… [Ph 11, Ch 11, LS 11, and PREC 12]… This schedule caused me a lot of stress but also a lot of engagement… I found myself super interested in class… I had assumed that my marks would take a bit of a dip.  However, my grades have never been higher.  I found myself doing so well in conjunction with a great interest in what I’m learning and it gave me a lot more confidence about what I am capable of, I started second guessing myself less and less.  I seriously considered content being the right answer but now I can say with certainty that confidence is indispensable.”

As educators we often encourage students to take risks in their learning yet students are often reticent to do so because of the impact of a poor mark on their overall grade.  It was heartwarming to hear how student “J” leaned into her difficult semester and grow as a confident learner.  A confident learner is more likely to be motivated, engaged, optimistic and have a ‘can do” rather than “can’t do” attitude to the classroom and to education.  As a leading educator, I am excited by the opportunities provided to students to take ownership of their learning journey, to find their voice and to grow in their confidence.

A second student tackled the question of “how do you use your gifts for good?”  They learned a lot about themselves in the course as they were exposed to numerous challenges and uncertainties.  They reflected on the urge to cheat on a test because they did not trust their hard work and themselves and focused more on the “right answer” than the understanding of the question being asked.   Instead, they learned to focus on their strengths while demonstrating their learning in lab experiments and prototyping.   The teacher supported their identification of their learning style which resulted in less stress “just listening” so they “could recall at home and ….open my notebook and take notes when important things were discussed.”  They have learned that learning can be “exhausting, heartbreaking, and frustrating at times but it can also be fun, energizing and amazing at other times.” 

Having read each students multiple page response to both driving questions, I was amazed by their depth of understanding, their application of what they had learned in class to the two driving questions and each students desire to learn and grow as individuals.  As we navigate to a new system of reporting expected in the coming year, I am encouraged by the ability to focus on our students’ identity (who they are and would like to become) while being creative and innovative with the curricular competencies (skills) and ultimately, connecting learning to self with a deep understanding that leads to mastery.   The clean canvas of the year ahead awaits our application of paint . . .

Welcome Grade 9’s

On August 31 was the Grade 9 Orientation. Over 300 incoming Grade 9s to were in attendance and participated in activities, discussion and a bbq lead by our Leadership students with the guidance of our very own Mrs. Bowater and Mr. McCall. A great time was had by all. We look forward to seeing all are Grade 9s on Tuesday! WELCOME TO MOUAT!

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TRYOUTS

• Senior girls Volleyball Tryouts Tuesday Sept           6 from 3-5pm,
• GRADE 9 AND Junior girls volleyball tryouts Wednesday, Sept 7 from 3-5pm AND Thursday,  Sept. 8 from 3-5pm

SEPTEMBER: HYDRATE FOR GOOD HEALTH!

Did you know that water is essential to maintain a normal body temperature, to cushion your joints and to help remove waste and other toxins from the body? Additionally, dehydration stresses the body and can increase feelings of depression and anxiety. SO, DRINK YOUR WATER TO FEEL BETTER BOTH MENTALLY AND PHYSCALLY.  It is recommended that we drink at least half our body weight in pounds in ounces of water each day.

Thank you to Ripples for donating 2 water dispensers and 10 water jugs for us for the month of September.