by the compassionate actions of its members." -Coretta Scott King
After a cozy winter break, the Grade 5/6 classroom was abuzz last Wednesday as students returned with stories and the kind of energy that made it easy to dive straight back into learning.
Our inquiry into governance picked up where we left off. To bring the idea of public services to life, we headed out for a walk around Rokko Island. The air was cold and the students were keen observers -- spotting playgrounds, bus stops, apartment complexes, small shops, and quiet private driveways.
Back in pairs, they compared notes and carefully listed what they’d seen, sorting each item as public or private. The next step was insightful: each pair became urban planners and community leaders. They stepped into the role of decision-makers, thinking about citizens’ needs and sketching layouts for a community where people could live safe, healthy, and comfortable lives. Maps filled with parks near schools, well-placed clinics, and clear routes for buses and bikes showed thoughtful conversations and lots of empathy.
Math time was lively and full of laughter. To explore probability, the class played Twister — predicting the chance of landing on a particular color, then testing those predictions through play. Recording actual results after each round turned the game into real data, and the children loved seeing how predictions matched (or surprised) reality. It was joyful learning that made abstract ideas feel tangible.
We also returned to headline-writing. Students crafted short, catchy headlines about their winter breaks and then played a guessing game where classmates matched headlines to the right storyteller. The activity sparked curiosity and sharpened concise writing skills — and it was a wonderful way to hear about everyone’s holiday adventures.
As the week unfolds (and into next), we’re in assessment season. Amid the projects and games, students are showing what they’ve learned and reflecting on their growth. The classroom is once again filled with collaboration, thoughtful planning, and curiosity.
Welcome back to school. I hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead.
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