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"Which chair are you sitting in today?"
On January 16th, a group of parents attended Pythagoras Academy to learn more about the new Parent Resources Centre found in the Library Commons. At first, it seemed like there were some "hedgehogs" in the room, appearing a bit shy watching and listening to the introductions and purpose for the new parenting books, English language learning materials, and fun games to play while learning new words. Then, the curious "meerkats" showed up to ask questions and learn more, followed by the "dolphins" who appeared when the group started talking and interacting. Some of the parents offered advice, talked about what works at home for them and how they can read and learn new ideas.
The information session was held to introduce the new PAPO supported parent resources located at the school. April Liu, PAPO Co-President, helped welcome parents and reviewed some of the new materials available for checkout in the library. Ms. Briana Bolt, Director of Instructional Innovation at PA, shared some parent resource books that provide information about addressing parenting issues like internet safety and family relationships. Mrs. Lois Powell, PA's Director of Literacy, showed some new Ninja books to help parents and children talk about issues like being adaptable and overcoming shyness. We received many great suggestions to add to the collection and help parents continue learning at home. Come in and check out the Parent Resources shelves!
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Messages from Across the Grades
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Junior Kindergarten "JK"
Junior Kindergarten students approach the "5 Chairs, 5 Choices" with curiosity and wonder. They have been exploring each chair animal and the qualities that they represent. The children are encouraged to recognize their choices and behaviours and are being provided with other possibilities and ideas when self-regulating, resolving conflict, or expressing ideas.
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Grades K/1
In Kindergarten, students have been learning about the colour, animal, and attributes related to each of the 5 Chairs. Students enjoyed reading books that have been sorted for each chair such as the book “Brave Every Day” which is a good representation of the yellow chair. In Grade 1, students have been reviewing the attributes of each chair in the 5 Chairs by referencing the posters in the classroom. They are beginning to identify which chair they are in when expressing a variety of emotions at school.
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Grades 2/3
In grade 2, students have been learning about the "dolphin" chair. We've taken time to brainstorm all the different emotions we can name, ensuring we have the right vocabulary for when it's time to detect how we're feeling. Once we know how we're feeling, we can better problem-solve. Grade 3 students have taken their knowledge of the 5 Chairs and are applying it to their problem-solving skills. They are now ready to connect all 5 Chairs and practice moving between them with the support of their teachers.
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Grades 4/5
Grade 4 students created SMART goals centered around the "5 Chairs, 5 Choices" model. Students wrote and shared their goals which connected to how they can be more of a "meerkat," "dolphin," or "giraffe." Grade 5 students explored various aspects of decision-making using The Five Chairs. Through interactive discussions and scenarios, students developed a deeper understanding of the consequences of their decisions.
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Grades 6/7
As the Grade 6 class prepares for their assembly in March, students are noticing how the "5 Chairs, 5 Choices" paradigm connects to our theme of ‘Wonder.' Students observed that a sense of wonder helps us move into the "meerkat" chair and gives us the opportunity to choose positive behaviours. Students in grade 7 implemented the "5 Chairs, 5 Choices" ideologies through real–life experiences, by taking the time and consciously placing themselves in the "meerkat" chair. Students have also explored the method with Mr.Bouchard.
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The "5 Chairs, 5 Choices" model is inherently theatrical. The hedgehog, who is shy and insecure, presents that way as an animal. This process is similar to how we analyze and learn about characters that we are acting in theatre. For example, if my character reacts with strong emotions to a problem and lashes out at others the character would be exhibiting jackal behaviour.
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We extend this practice past the surface level to understand more about the character by asking, “Why does this character react this way?” In doing this, we can find out more information in the subtext to help us act out and understand the character physically and emotionally. This is a similar process to how we ask students to manoeuvre through the chairs themselves, but instead of having a goal of reaching the ‘connect’ chair we understand the character for the stage they are currently in. This allows us to fully understand the character's thoughts and emotions, which establishes greater social-emotional learning and a stronger musical theatre performance overall.
Mr. Nathan Purcell
Musical Theatre Teacher (Grade 2-Grade 8)
Track and Field Coach
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Wellness at Pythagoras Academy
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Social and Emotional Learning “SEL” plays a crucial role in schools as it focuses on the development of essential life skills beyond academic knowledge. The importance of “SEL” in schools is multifaceted and encompasses various aspects that contribute to the overall well-being and success of students.
At Pythagoras Academy, the "5 Chairs, 5 Choices" program, a transformative tool developed by Louise Evans, a celebrated Ted Talks speaker and author, has been used and practiced throughout the school community. It helps prepare students not only for academic success, but social and emotional challenges and opportunities they will encounter. As the first school in Canada to implement the program, Pythagoras Academy staff are choosing to lead the "5 Chairs, 5 Choices" initiative as it continues to push our commitment towards social and emotional development and mastery.
In the classroom, teachers utilize curriculum-based lesson plans and anchor books during morning meetings and Career Education sessions to discuss various aspects of the program. As a result, students have been heard using the language during their conflict-resolution encounters or when dealing with their overall well-being. For instance, you can hear students talking about how they feel like a “jackal” and then what steps they are taking to get to the “meerkat” chair.
In summary, the continuous practice and teaching of "The 5 Chairs, 5 Choices" within our school community will allow us to play a crucial role in nurturing well-rounded individuals. This approach ensures that our students are capable of navigating life's challenges with resilience and empathy.
Ms. Una Miljevic
Vice Principal of Student Life
Grade 4-7 Team Lead
Grade 4 Homeroom
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Celebrating Student Achievement at Pythagoras Academy
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Congratulations to Charles, Jamie, Zoe, and the entire Pythagoras Academy debate team for their outstanding performance at the Lower Mainland West Regional Debate Tournament! The team secured top speaker awards, first and third-place medals in the novice category, and fifth placement in the junior category, meaning we qualify for the provincials! Thank you to Mr. Kwan for supporting the team!
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Congratulations to Pythagoras Academy's FLL Junior teams who excelled at the BC/Yukon Festival, winning various awards, our FLL Challenge team, "Code Crushers," who placed third in the robot game at the BC/Yukon Qualifier Tournament.
*Please let teachers know of achievements for your chance to be showcased in an upcoming newsletter edition!*
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Upcoming School Events and Important Dates
February 2: Assembly & Groundhog Day
February 6: Lockdown Drill
February 9: Grade 4 / 5 Basketball Tournament at Fraser Valley School
February 14: Valentine's Day
February 15: Lunar New Year Celebration (No After school programs)
February 16: Pro D Day (No School)
February 19: Family Day (No School)
February 22: Earthquake Drill & Report Card Day
February 23: Pink Shirt Day
February 29: Footloose Musical Theatre Performance
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*To connect to our WeChat channel, it is important that users utilize the WeChat app to scan the code. Using just a camera might not establish a successful connection.*
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