How We Organise Ourselves

The purpose of government is to enable the people to live in safety and happiness. Governments exist for the interests of the governed, not for the governors.

-Thomas Jefferson

This week in our Grade 5/6 class has been nothing short of exciting and enriching as we embarked on a new unit under the theme of How We Organise Ourselves, focusing on the concept of governance. The students dove into various activities that not only encouraged teamwork and creativity but also fostered a deeper understanding of how communities function.

We began our journey with a chalk talk in small groups, where students unpacked the meaning of "organise." This collaborative activity allowed them to express their thoughts and ideas visually, laying a solid foundation for the discussions that followed.

Next, students participated in a simulation exercise, creating a fictional country named Country Mindset—a place where growth-minded individuals live. Each student was assigned a Citizen ID and number (represented by a hat) that they were required to wear at all times, except during recess and PE. This added a fun element to the simulation and helped them feel immersed in their roles.

To ensure smooth functioning, we established several rules, including the use of a single prescribed resource (one pencil) and communication only in English. The simulation also included designated times for exercise and socialization, promoting a well-rounded experience.

A highlight of the week was our class election, where Leon emerged victorious as president, while Soichiro was elected as vice president. Our newly elected leaders quickly got to work, selecting their cabinet members and forming essential departments, including:

Department of Cleanliness

Department of Justice

Department of Language Development

Department of Education

Department of Health

The students took their roles seriously, engaging in discussions about the responsibilities of each department.

In a display of creativity and teamwork, the students participated in the Country Mindset Olympics. Each house competed to collect points, with the first challenge being the design of a flag and the writing of an anthem. This activity encouraged collaboration and allowed students to express their identities creatively.

Additionally, citizens of Country Mindset have the opportunity to propose amendments to the rules through their president. These proposals must be presented to the Council of Elders (the teachers) and require a majority vote from the citizens to be enacted. This process introduced students to the democratic principles of governance and the importance of civic engagement.

Outside of our governance unit, we also enjoyed the Christmas tree lighting activity, where we received our advent calendars and began the countdown to Christmas. A big thank you to the PTA for organizing this festive event, which brought joy to our classroom.

Furthermore, we had a visit from the Iniesta Academy, where students learned soccer skills through engaging drills. This was complemented by a gardening activity that taught them about the food chain and the importance of caring for our environment.

Overall, this week has been filled with learning, creativity, and community spirit. The students thoroughly enjoyed the activities and gained valuable insights into governance, teamwork, and environmental responsibility. We look forward to continuing this journey and exploring even more engaging activities in the weeks to come,

Have a wonderful weekend to all of you.

Your homeroom teacher, 
Ms. Pam

Creativity, Collaboration and Cookies

Cookies make the world a better place

This week in our Grade 5/6 class has been a whirlwind of creativity, collaboration, and, of course, cookies! Our students took their Maths skills to the next level by applying their knowledge of ratios and proportions in a fun and delicious way.

In our Maths class, the students learned all about how to use ratios to make sense of ingredient quantities. To put their skills to the test, we embarked on a baking challenge. The students were divided into groups, each taking on different roles to ensure a smooth baking process.
We decided to make two batches of oatmeal cookies—one with raisins and one without. Students measured ingredients carefully, calculating the ratios to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. Each group worked seamlessly together, discussing the best approaches and helping each other along the way.

Once the cookies were baked, the students shared them with our school community, including teachers and staff. They were all proud of their hard work and the joy on their faces was priceless. Not only did they enjoy their cookies, but they also experienced the satisfaction of sharing their hard work with others.

In addition to our baking adventure, the students tapped into their artistic side by creating  Christmas ornaments for the school Christmas tree. They were free to choose their designs and materials, allowing them to reflect their individual personalities and creativity in their creations. 

This week, we also wrapped up our media unit by having students post their reflections on Seesaw, where they shared their insights and learnings from the different learning engagements.

All in all, the week was a blend of Math, creativity, and community spirit. Our Grade 5/6 students truly expressed themselves while learning valuable lessons in both baking and crafting. 

Have a wonderful weekend to all of you.

Your homeroom teacher, 

Ms. Pam

Celebrating Achievements

This week has been an enriching and memorable experience for our Grade 5/6 class, filled with meaningful events that brought our community together and highlighted the importance of kindness, sharing, and creativity.

On Remembrance Day, the children had the unique opportunity to attend a solemn event at the Kobe Foreign Cemetery. They came together with fellow students from Lycée Français International de Kyoto to commemorate peace around the world. The atmosphere was filled with respect and gratitude as our children watched performances by their peers, including heartfelt songs and beautiful violin pieces played by their classmates. 

We also celebrated St. Martin, a festival that emphasizes kindness and sharing. Our students gathered in the auditorium to sing songs that resonated with the spirit of the celebration. In the morning, they shared delicious bread, reinforcing the importance of community and togetherness. As the day progressed, the excitement built up for the evening parade around Rokko Island. Our students proudly displayed their handmade lanterns, illuminating the night and creating a magical atmosphere. This parade was a joy-filled occasion where our children enjoyed connecting with the community while remembering the essence of kindness and sharing.

The week culminated with the Grade 5/6 Assembly, where our students showcased the skills and knowledge they acquired during their media unit. They created an engaging video that documented the process of gathering information and developing advertisements tailored for different classes in the school. Embracing their creativity, they used a spy theme for the movie, cleverly pretending to gather information both discretely and obviously. The assembly was not just about showcasing their work—it also included a choreographed dance that they created themselves, demonstrating their teamwork and artistic expression.

In addition to the video, our students published their own newspaper articles, sharing their experiences and insights with the entire school community. They took it a step further by reading the article aloud to their parents, fostering a sense of pride in their accomplishments.

Overall, this week has been a wonderful blend of reflection, celebration, and creativity for our Grade 5/6 class. I am incredibly proud of the students for everything they accomplished and for embodying the values of kindness and community. 

Have a wonderful weekend to all of you.

Your homeroom teacher,

Ms. Pam