From the Mountain to Meaningful Research

Last week, our Grade 5/6 students headed out on their much-anticipated ski trip — and what an incredible experience it was!

From the moment we arrived at the mountain, students were stepping outside of their comfort zones. For some, it was their very first time putting on ski boots and learning how to balance on skis. For others, it was about refining their skills, challenging themselves on steeper runs, and building independence on the mountain.

Throughout the days, we saw tremendous growth. Students demonstrated resilience as they navigated tricky slopes, got back up after falls, and encouraged one another to keep trying. Their confidence visibly grew with every run. It was especially heartwarming to see classmates cheering each other on, offering tips, and celebrating successes together.

Beyond developing physical skills, students strengthened important learner qualities such as perseverance and courage. The ski hill became a classroom in its own right — one where risk-taking, problem-solving, and positive attitudes led to meaningful accomplishments.

This week on the other hand, our Grade 5/6 students began an exciting new chapter in their learning journey: research for their upcoming Exhibition.

Students started by developing and refining their inquiry questions, thinking carefully about issues, ideas, and topics they are passionate about. Once their focus areas were established, they began exploring both primary and secondary sources to deepen their understanding.

It has been wonderful to see students engage thoughtfully with their research. They are beginning to recognize the importance of gathering balanced information, comparing perspectives, and thinking critically about the reliability of their sources.

As they continue this process, students will move toward synthesizing their findings, identifying key ideas, and planning next steps in their inquiry. We are already seeing strong curiosity, collaboration, and independence emerge as they take ownership of their learning.

We look forward to sharing more about their Exhibition journey in the coming weeks!

Have a wonderful weekend to all of you.

Your homeroom teacher, 
Ms. Pam

Celebration, Movement, and Exhibition Prep

One of the highlights of the week was a vibrant Culture Day celebration that brought our entire community together. Students, families, and staff filled the school with a rich display of cultures and traditions. We had a lively parade under the Rokko Liner, food stalls offered delicious treats from around the world, and both teachers and students delivered spirited performances of dance and music. The atmosphere was festive and full of laughter, and it was wonderful to see everyone connecting while celebrating the diversity that makes our community so special.

Midweek, we had the second round of posture class with Mr. Didier. Students practiced new exercises and enjoyed movement-based games that reinforced good posture and body awareness. It was delightful to watch them engage enthusiastically — many said the activities were both fun and helpful.

Academically, this week students focused on developing their central ideas and lines of inquiry for the upcoming exhibition. They spent time researching, discussing, and refining their thinking in preparation to share their work. We’re excited for Monday’s Parents Exhibition Meeting, when students will present their ideas and progress.

Thank you to everyone who joined in the festivities and encouraged the students as they prepare for their exhibition. 

Have a wonderful weekend to all of you. 

See you on Monday for the Exhibition Parents Meeting! 

Your homeroom teacher, 
Ms. Pam

The Sustainable Development Goals

 

Sustainable development is the pathway to the future we want for all.

-Ban-Ki Moon

This week was full of curiosity, creativity, and purposeful thinking as the students dove deeper into their exhibition projects. We began by exploring the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the Step In, Step Back, Step Out thinking routine. Students used Step In to notice and connect personally with issues, Step Back to consider different perspectives and contexts, and Step Out to imagine broader implications and possibilities.

Each learner then chose one or two SDGs that resonated with their personal passion for the exhibition. They talked about real-world problems they want to investigate and began shaping the focus of their inquiries. These choices are already helping students make meaningful connections between what they care about and global challenges.

To express those connections visually, the children created original paintings. Each art piece shows how their passion links to the SDG or issue they selected — using color, symbol, and composition to communicate ideas and emotions. After creating their paintings, students wrote reflective pieces explaining their thinking process: why they chose the SDG, how the artwork represents their ideas, and what further questions or directions they want to pursue.

We also started identifying lines of inquiry and drafting guiding questions for the exhibition unit. Students are learning to use research purposefully — selecting sources, asking sharper questions, and gathering evidence that will deepen their understanding and support their final presentations.

It was rewarding to see students combine thoughtful inquiry, artistic expression, and early research skills. Their curiosity is guiding the work, and I’m excited to watch their questions and projects grow in the weeks ahead.

Have a wonderful weekend to all of you.

Your homeroom teacher, 

Ms. Pam