Where We Are In Place and Time

Migration is an expression of the human aspiration for dignity, safety and a better future. It is part of the social fabric, part of our very make-up as a human family. 

-Ban Ki-Moon

This week in our Grade 5/6 class, we embarked on a new unit under the theme Where We Are in Place and Time that focuses on the concept of Migration. Our goal was to help students understand the reasons behind migration and the impact it has on individuals and communities. To kick off this unit, we engaged the students in two meaningful learning activities that sparked their curiosity and empathy.

We began our unit by engaging students in a creative self-portrait activity. Each student created a silhouette of themselves, which served as a canvas to express their identity. Inside their silhouettes, students illustrated symbols and images that represented their culture, from traditional clothing to favorite foods and family traditions. Outside the silhouette, they drew elements that symbolize their current living environment, such as local landmarks, nature, and community activities.

This artistic endeavor allowed students to reflect on their personal backgrounds while also recognizing the diversity within our classroom. It fostered a sense of pride in their heritage and encouraged discussions about the various cultures represented among their peers. By comparing their drawings, students began to appreciate the rich tapestry of experiences that migration can create.

To deepen their understanding of migration, we conducted a simulation activity that offered a unique perspective on the life experiences of migrants. In this activity, students were "born" into a specific country and navigated various stages of life, experiencing both positive opportunities and unfortunate circumstances that could lead them to relocate.

Through this simulation, students encountered scenarios that required them to make decisions about moving to different places for better opportunities, such as education or employment. They also faced challenges, such as being displaced due to conflicts or natural disasters, highlighting the complexities and emotional weight of migration.

This immersive experience allowed students to walk in the shoes of those who migrate, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of the reasons behind migration. By reflecting on their experiences during the simulation, students shared their feelings, thoughts, and newfound insights about the challenges and opportunities that arise from migration.

As we conclude this week’s activities, it is clear that our exploration of migration will continue to evolve. The students’ engagement and reflections have set a solid foundation for deeper discussions and learning in this unit. We will delve into historical and contemporary migration patterns, personal stories, and the impact of migration on societies.

Have a wonderful weekend to all of you!

Your homeroom teacher, 

Ms. Pam

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I would like to send my biggest thank you and congratulations to Mr. Timm and the students who joined the Math Kangaroo Competition this week. 

Culture Week

"The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people."

This week has been an enriching time for our Grade 5/6 students as we celebrated Culture Week. Our school was filled with vibrant colors, sounds, and stories as the children immersed themselves in diverse cultures from around the world.

Throughout the week, we were fortunate to have several parents generously share their time and talents by leading cultural workshops. Students engaged in a variety of activities that allowed them to explore different traditions through crafts and historical stories. From creating beautiful artwork to learning about the significance of various cultural symbols, the children had the opportunity to expand their horizons and appreciate the rich tapestry of global cultures.

As the culmination of our Culture Week festivities, we organized a parade and a delightful picnic. Students showcased their creativity by dressing in attire representing different cultures, and their enthusiasm filled the air as they marched proudly around Rokko Island. The picnic was a wonderful way to bring everyone together, allowing students and families to share in the joy of community and friendship while enjoying delicious food from various cultural backgrounds.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the parents who contributed to making this week a success. Your involvement and support helped create memorable experiences for our students, fostering a spirit of understanding and respect for diversity.

We look forward to continuing our journey of learning and celebrating cultures in the classroom. Thank you for being an integral part of our school's vibrant community.

Have a wonderful Spring Break to all of you.

Your homeroom teacher, 
Ms. Pam

Conflict and the World

Conflict is the nature of the world. Comfort is the nature of the self. Amidst the conflict, seek the comfort.

-Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

This week in our Grade 5/6 class, we inquired deeper into the concept of conflict and explored various conflict resolution styles. Through engaging discussions and activities, students began to understand the implications of unresolved conflict, not only on a personal level but also within communities and globally.

Our journey began with an examination of what might occur if conflicts remain unresolved. The students shared insights on how this can lead to deeper feelings of frustration, anger, or sadness, and how it may escalate into larger consequences. By reflecting on their own experiences and researching historical and contemporary examples through our expository writing assignment, they gained a more profound understanding of the repercussions of conflict on self, community, and the world.

After our discussions, we transitioned to a more hands-on approach by completing our unit wall, which visually represents the key concepts we have been studying. This collaborative effort allowed students to show their understanding creatively while reinforcing the significance of conflict resolution.

Now, we are excited to translate our learning into a class project: creating dioramas that reflect our initial inquiry into "What does it mean to share the planet?" Each table group is working diligently to design their own communities, incorporating the different conflicts and resolution styles we have discussed.

To enhance this project, we are also integrating our current math unit on 3D shapes. Students are creating 3D models of their communities, which will be printed out using our 3D printer. This connection between the different subject areas not only makes learning immersive but also encourages students to think critically about how their designs can represent real-world issues.

As we continue to work on these dioramas in the coming week, we look forward to seeing how students apply their understanding of conflict and resolution in their designs. This project promises to be a dynamic exploration of creativity and critical thinking, and we can't wait to share the results with our school community.

Have a wonderful weekend to all of you.

Your homeroom teacher, 
Ms. Pam

P.S. We had a visit from Myaku-Myaku from the World Expo 2025 this week, too!