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"G.R.O.W:" A New Year filled with Gratitude and Respect

Dear families,

This has been a very exciting month full of celebrations and meaningful events. We wrapped up the month of January with a focus on the Lunar New Year, and we welcomed February’s festivities including Valentine’s Day, our spectacular debut of Matilda and Pink Shirt Day! These social gatherings provided our school community with the opportunity to reconnect and make new friendships. It has been a pleasure watching the students prepare meaningful work, engage in creative learning, and foster valuable relationships. Our staff has been grateful for all the parent participation and support, and we are equally thankful for all the fun-filled events that PAPO has made possible.

With spring just around the corner, I am reminded of the importance of slowing down and enjoying each special moment, as the school year seems to pass by so quickly! May this month be full of wonder and gratitude for you and your families as well!

Warm Regards,

Ms. Leah Zeballos
Director of Early Learning

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Messages from Across the Grades

Junior Kindergarten "JK"

Throughout February, JK students have practiced expressing their social-emotional skills, such as responsible decision-making, social awareness, and relationship skills. Students further explored these competencies by listening to the story "Our Class is a Family" by Shannon Olsen and studying other cultures and their celebrations.

Grades K/1

In Kindergarten, students connected with a senior’s home in Quebec and crafted Valentine cards. We continue to do gratitude circles where we make sure to give thanks to our peers who have shown us kindness. In Kindergarten and in Grade 1, students have been writing about all the things they are grateful for. In Grade 1, students listened to the story “Gratitude is my Superpower” by Alicia Ortego where they thought about one person, one place, one thing, one food, and one hobby that they are grateful for. Students also wrote a statement of gratitude to a peer in the class.

Grades 2/3

Grade 2 students have been expressing their gratitude during reading buddies, where students created Gratitude Mugs and shared about the many things that they are grateful for such as their family or favourite games. Grade 3 students presented a Pink Shirt Day assembly to promote kindness and anti-bullying. As a part of their assembly, students expressed gratitude through a variety of skits where they demonstrated how you can support your classmates and thank others for standing up for you.

Grades 4/5

Grade 4 students explored the meaning of gratitude and respect by participating in various activities, such as preparing for their assembly, for which they sent out envelopes to each grade to write what or to who they were grateful for. Grade 5/6 students brainstormed ways they have shown gratitude and respect at home and at school. They learned from each other and communicated how each of these GROW values is not only a mindset, but also has corresponding actions that solidify their practice.

Grades 6-8

The Grade 6’s have been focusing on kindness and gratitude in the classroom by taking the time to write “Kindness Cards”. Students are encouraged to think of something kind to say about someone they are grateful for in the class. The cards are written anonymously and read out to the entire class once a week.

The Grade 7/8's have participated in kindness, gratitude, and respect activities throughout the whole year. In particular, the month of February was focused on showing gratitude to our classmates and ourselves. Students wrote “Kindness Cards” and worked on an activity called “A Day in my Shoes” to understand that everyone’s perspectives and stories are different, and that being respectful of others' thoughts and feelings is important.

Grateful for our Library Volunteers

The Pythagoras Academy library is fortunate to have a steady group of parent volunteers to ensure that this prominent place in our school is well-stocked and maintained. We are grateful for these individuals who have committed to coming in weekly to support both students and teachers. The parent volunteers help out in so many ways. They greet students as they enter the library and check in the books that are being returned. Students can get help finding a special book or can ask to use the Destiny System to check for overdue materials or report if they have lost a book. The library volunteers help students and teachers check out books as well. Our library always looks tidy and the colourful displays that are set up get the attention of many students. Some of these individuals are talented in creating exciting bulletin boards, interesting tabletop displays and help choose books for theme collections. We are all grateful when books are repaired and returned to the familiar places where they can be found. It takes many people to support the smooth running of the library. Thank you to Ms. Maggie, Ms. Amber, Mr. Jack, Ms. Fay, Ms. Eva, Ms. Gina, Ms. Yvonne, Ms. Lian, Ms. Monica, Ms. Amy, and Ms. Fei.

Warm regards,

Mrs. Lois Powell
Director of Literacy
Teacher Librarian

Wellness at Pythagoras Academy

Every family has unique rituals, and these family routines are fundamental because they help families organize their life, reinforce family identity, and enhance a sense of belonging. One way to do this is by participating in a gratitude journal together and instilling gratitude into your family routines. Many studies have shown that when we practice gratitude it helps us feel calmer in our lives.

This year, I have incorporated this daily routine into my life with a tool called the 5 Minutes Journal. Each morning, I take 5 minutes to ask myself questions such as: What are you grateful for today? What would make today great? Each evening, I follow up this routine by taking 5 minutes before bed, asking myself: What were your day's highlights? While I admit that I haven’t been able to commit to doing this routine every day, when I have done it, I have noticed that I felt calmer and at peace.

At Pythagoras Academy, students and staff are encouraged daily to practice and show all the letters of GROW; however, this month, I challenge you to focus on the letter G for Gratitude and R for respect.

Please follow these links for more information:

Forbes Health

Berkeley

Ms. Una Miljevic
Vice Principal of Student Life
Grade 4-8 Team Lead/ Grade 4 Homeroom Teacher
Wellness Coordinator

Gratitude and Respect in the Arts

Recently, Junior Kindergarten students were introduced to Spanish culture to understand how traditions vary around the world. The making and breaking open of piñatas is a Mexican tradition and has been around for many years. Although the meaning behind the celebratory tradition has been changed or altered over time, it is still a special activity that children and adults look forward to during celebratory events. Students were so excited to participate and break the piñata open, eagerly looking forward to the prizes inside! This cultural activity helps young children develop a positive sense of identity, creativity, imagination, teamwork and builds self-esteem.

Zoe has become the first person to earn a black belt in Recorder Karate! Her dedication, gratitude for learning and respect for new challenges has helped her succeed! Please extend your congratulations to her for this remarkable accomplishment. Starting in March, we will be offering an advanced music program for our students. This program is available at no cost and is designed to challenge our students and help them develop their musical abilities to the fullest. The focus of the program will be on playing more advanced music, as well as preparing for a band festival next year.

Upcoming School Events and Important Dates

March 2: Earthquake Drill
March 10: Last Day of Term 2 & 1/2 Day
March 11-26: Spring Break
March 27: First day of Term 3
March 30: PJ and Stuffy Day

Upcoming Community Events and Important Dates

March 1 - March 26: Oz by The Carousel for Young People- Vancouver
March 3 - May 28: Avenger's S.T.A.T.I.O.N- Burnaby
March 25 - June 24: Art in the Park - Richmond

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Our mailing address is:
8671 Odlin Crescent, Richmond, BC V6X 1G1

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