Exploring the G.R.O.W model becomes an adventure at our school library, where special baskets are filled to the brim with curated books that breathe life into concepts like gratitude, respect, openness, and wonder. The recent inclusion of the "Ninja Life Hacks Growth Mindset" series enriches this collection, offering student-friendly narratives that champion the virtues of caring, respect, curiosity, and positivity. Through these engaging books, students journey to understand and embody the values that define our community, fostering a culture of empathy, curiosity, and holistic growth.
Mrs. Lois Powell
Director of Literacy
Teacher Librarian
Excellerator Teacher
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Messages from Across the Grades
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Junior Kindergarten "JK"
Field trip visits provide hands-on learning opportunities that stimulate the senses, motivate curiosity, and advance experiential learning. Recently, Junior kindergarten and Grade 5 students had a special opportunity to visit Science World. This encourages collaboration, flexibility, and empathy in students, which aids in their social and emotional development. It fosters social and emotional development by providing opportunities for students to interact with their teachers and peers.
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Grades K/1
In Kindergarten, students connected with a senior’s home in Quebec and crafted Valentine cards to send to them. We hope that our cards will bring lots of smiles and warmth. Students continue to participate in gratitude circles where they make sure to give thanks to their peers who have shown kindness. Students in Grade 1 listened to a story called, “Have You Filled a Bucket Today?” by Carol McCloud and have been discussing the importance of being respectful and kind.
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Grades 2/3
Grade 2 and 3 students spent February investigating how to demonstrate gratitude and respect for ourselves and others. While rehearsing for their "Pink Shirt Day" Assembly, Grade 2 students considered how we can support others by being upstanders. They developed a series of short skits to teach the school community how they can recognize and stop bullying. Grade 3 classes participated in a series of activities related to Valentine's Day where they explored gratitude, including writing Valentine's Day poems.
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Grades 4/5
Grade 4 students demonstrated G.R.O.W by hosting an assembly on Gratitude and Respect where they explored the benefits of gratitude and performing acts of kindness. Students explored the letter "O" by participating in weekly reading buddies activities, like attending a field trip to the Aquarium. Grade 5 students participated in the “Open-Heartedness Card Exchange” activity where students expressed their gratitude to their peers through positive messages, compliments, or expressions of kindness.
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Grades 6/7
Students in Grade 6 demonstrated G.R.O.W by reflecting on what they are grateful for and posting their contributions on the Gratitude Tree. We are looking forward to hosting our assembly in March, where our theme is "wonder." Students in Grade 7 showed G.R.O.W by practicing their open-mindedness and acceptance of others through group work and field trips. Students participated in mini-workshops led by Mr. Bouchard, who taught the importance of being inclusive of others.
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Incorporating activities such as performing the song "I Like You" in music class, where students engage in pair-based activities, and interacting with an elastic band through various collaborative exercises, beautifully ties into the GROW matrix's aspects of respect and openness. These activities are designed to strengthen the bonds of friendship and foster a sense of teamwork and cooperation. Students reflect on respect and are encouraged to value their peers when building meaningful relationships.
The students' activity of imprinting numbers on a dragon, celebrating the Lunar New Year—a year symbolized by the dragon—embodies the G.R.O.W matrix elements of openness and wonder, while also enhancing their fine motor skills. Each number, from one to five, marked on the dragon's body, mirrors their journey of personal and educational growth. This practice, accompanied by the cheerful tunes of the "Happy Lunar New Year" song, intertwines tradition with learning and skill development. It's an instance where tradition sparks curiosity (Wonder) and opens doors to understanding and appreciating cultural diversity (Openness).
Ms. Jean Huang
Junior Kindergarten Teacher
Junior Kindergarten Music Teacher
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Wellness at Pythagoras Academy
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At Pythagoras Academy, staff and students embody the G.R.O.W matrix in their everyday interactions.
G and R: Gratitude and Respect
During a recent assembly, grade 4 students discussed the impact of gratitude and the many ways we can establish this in everyday practices. These practices vary from writing excerpts for their class gratitude jar to expressing their appreciation for their peers and teachers. On "Pink Shirt Day," students and staff have visited the “Gratitude Tree” and wrote acts of kindness that they have witnessed or participated in.
O: Openness
Students embody the letter "O" through tasks and activities, such as seeking out diverse perspectives and practicing empathy. Through the Five Chairs Five Choices, students learn how to put themselves in someone else's shoes in order to better understand their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. In addition, by seeking out diverse perspectives, from learning about the Lunar New Year Celebrations and participating in Pink Shirt Day, students explore the importance of different viewpoints and beliefs allowing themselves to cultivate a mindful approach to learning.
W: Wonder
Exploration and wonder occur by embracing curiosity and connecting with nature. For instance, students in a grade 4 classroom are exploring First People Principles of Learning through Minecraft EDU, which will help to develop an understanding of Indigenous traditional and ecological knowledge, while focusing on the interconnectedness of all living and non-living things.
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 our "Footloose" main cast, ensemble, and teachers! Tickets for the show were sold out and it's a testament to the hard work, talent, and passion everyone has poured into this production.
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Congratulations to Charles and Jamie, who participated in the LFC 2024 provincial finals, where they reached round 5 out of 36 teams!
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Upcoming School Events and Important Dates
March 6: Fire drill
March 8: Term 2 report card day
March 11-14: Pysanka week
March 15: Last day of classes (1/2 day)
March 15: Gr. 6 assembly
April 3: First day back (Term 3)
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