Graham Bell-Victoria Public School Parents Take a Seat at their Children’s Desks
This year, Graham Bell-Victoria Public School has been part of a Queen’s University and Ministry of Education initiative to build parent engagement within the school. This is the second year that the school is involved in implementing Ontario’s Renewed Mathematics Strategy, and increasing parent engagement is a key component of that strategy. A timely event in late May provided the perfect opportunity to bring together parent involvement in the Renewed Mathematics Strategy in a novel way.
“Everyone benefits from a refresher, so we hosted a workshop for parents and guardians to learn more about how math is taught,” said John Poulimenos, principal at Graham-Bell-Victoria. “The workshop presented lessons in the same way they are taught to students.”
Led by guest speaker Lynda Colgan, Associate Professor of Education at Queen’s University, the workshop touched on topics such as assisting students with math homework, and why lessons covering “the basics” – topics such as addition, subtraction, long division and fractions – look so much different than they did when parents were students. Understanding why anchor numbers, place value, and flexibility with numbers matter, and how they contribute to today’s mastery of basic skills were also a key part of the presentation.
The fun, helpful event ties into Grand Erie’s Multi-Year Plan, which includes Achievement and Community as two of its key pillars, increasing understanding of effective instruction and assessment in numeracy, while encouraging and supporting family involvement in schools and learning at home.
“The Renewed Math Strategy is about working together with students and parents to ensure success,” said Poulimenos. “Providing resources for parents, and the chance to literally learn the same way their children are learning, can be a tremendous asset.”
Healthy Bites Success for Graham Bell-Victoria Students
Graham Bell-Victoria School has been presented with a GOLD award of recognition and achievement in the Healthy Bites Program. The staff and students have worked hard and enjoyed the “fruits” of their labour as they have now been recognized with GOLD!
Throughout the year, Sonia Martin, school health nurse with the Brant County Health Unit, has lead our staff and students in a variety of healthy eating awareness activities. These included a Mystery Fruit and Vegetable contest, a trivia question in the monthly newsletter, and healthy fruit and vegetable snacks every Friday. These tasty treats, prepared by the grade 4-5 class were a big hit and helped us learn about the benefits of eating healthy.
Next year the program will be expanded to Healthy Steps and Healthy Bites, a program in which we will learn about and practice healthy eating and healthy activity. Congratulations, Graham Bell!
Voluntary Aboriginal Self-Identification
The Grand Erie District School Board recognizes the importance of school success for Aboriginal students. Our dedicated staff members are committed to improving services and programs for Aboriginal students attending school in the Board.
With a goal to improve the school experience for all Aboriginal students, the Board encourages the development of strong partnerships with Aboriginal families, communities and organizations, both on and off the reserve.
Through the Voluntary Aboriginal Self-Identification process, Aboriginal parents and students will have access to additional support services, including educational, social, and emotional supports that focus and foster Aboriginal identity, culture and values.
There are three categories of Voluntary Aboriginal Self-Identification – First Nation, Métis, or Inuit.
Your child may bring a GEDSB Voluntary Aboriginal Self-Identification form home or if not, you can contact your child’s school to receive a form. You can also, visit the Aboriginal Education section under the Program tab at www.granderie.ca for more information and a copy of the Voluntary Self-Identification form.
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