Being Curious about the Wait Chair
The act of questioning the thoughts that shape our reality (especially when they create stress, anger, or frustration) opens the door to living a life with more compassion, ease, and openness to new possibilities. This is applicable throughout our practice of the 5 Chairs, 5 Choices when we transition from a feeling of blame or distress to a moment of calm. When sitting in the Meerkat Chair we:
Simply notice when feeling upset or irritated. Use these emotions as a reminder to take a step back and shift out of ordinary habits.
Take time to pause, observe, think, question and stop judging before speaking. Count to 10 and ask “What am I/he/she thinking?
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Once you notice that you’re caught in a stressful emotion, shift by asking a reframing question like, “How does this situation support my learning and growth?” This question might open new possibilities. It might even lead me to feel excited, instead of overwhelmed, by the challenge.
Some of the results that come out of the wait chair:
- A conscious and purposeful pause
- Provides time to make choices
- A chance to make a decision
- Careful word choice
- A moment to breathe
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Messages from Across the Grades
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Junior Kindergarten "JK"
Junior Kindergarten students embraced inquiry-based learning within carefully designed play areas, offering real and authentic learning opportunities. By exploring these vibrant spaces, students foster curiosity and imagination. Educators guide their inquiries, creating an immersive environment where hands-on activities bridge the gap between imagination and understanding.
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Grades K/1
In Kindergarten, we have been learning about apples. In this unit the students experienced some fun (and tasty) hands-on science activities as well as opportunities for learning about life cycles and the needs and parts of plants. In Grade 1, we learned about living and non-living things. Students asked themselves whether a particular item is living and non-living by thinking of the needs of living things. They moved on to investigate the difference between two important living things: animals and plants.
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Grades 2/3
Grade 2 and 3 students celebrated the autumn season and spent time connecting with nature. Grade 2 students attended a field trip to Richmond Country Farms where they viewed the farm animals and danced to the country band as they ate crisp local apples. Students in grade 2 and 3 enjoyed investigating the schools pumpkin patch and reconnecting with nature and our school community.
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Grades 4/5
In an inquiry-driven mini-unit focused on gratitude and thankfulness grade 4 students self-directed their learning and construct knowledge about the topic. After examining documents and objects associated with two settler families from more than one hundred years ago, grade 5 students explored their cultural heritage. Students have embarked on autumn reading buddy projects and are preparing for a family inquiry project.
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Grades 6/7
Students started off the term with a Squishy Challenge, where they were given a small pet toy to take care of for the week. Students were told that they had to take the pet with them to class, keep it safe, and maintain the condition as best as possible. At the end of the week, students were informed that their care and attention to their pet was to see if they would be ready to care and take care of a potential class pet.
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IOn Friday, Oct. 27th, our grades 4/5 co-ed soccer team hosted a tournament at King George turf field in Richmond which included Richmond Christian School and Fraser Valley School. It was a perfect day for soccer without a cloud in the sky, setting the stage for a day filled with youthful dreams, wonders, and curiosities.
Our two teams played extremely well during round-robin play, winning their groups, respectively. In the semi-finals, our teams fought hard but ended up losing closely contested games. PA team 2 ended up beating PA team 1 for the bronze medal in a highly competitive consolation game where school bragging rights were on the line. This closely contested game not only showcased their soccer skills but also nurtured their dreams of becoming better players and teammates.
It was truly remarkable to see how much our students improved, many of them playing for the first time. The students had been practicing hard for the last two months, often in the rain. Their dedication and commitment to each other was something they should be proud of. There were a lot of highs and some lows during the day, but more importantly, a lot of great memories.
As we celebrate their achievements, let us continue to support and encourage their inquisitive spirits, while congratulating them on representing our school community in a manner that should make all of us proud!
Go Pythons!
Mr. Cornelius Williams
Athletic Director
Physical Health Education Teacher (Grades 2-7)
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Literacy Inquiry: Supporting our Pythagoras Academy Parents
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Embracing the power of an inquiry mindset, our school community has taken a proactive approach to support our parents by creating a dedicated 'Parent Help' section in the library. This initiative was born out of teachers' genuine wonder about how they could better support the parents of our diverse community. We extend our gratitude to Mrs. Powell and Ms. Bolt for their inquiries and to our 'PAPO' team, whose valuable assistance helped turn these ideas into a reality.
The result is a comprehensive resource hub that caters to various needs, including English Language Learning (ELL) resources, materials addressing Social Emotional Learning (SEL), guidance for families transitioning to a new country, engaging games, and a myriad of other valuable tools.
The section embodies the essence of inquiry by addressing specific queries raised by teachers, nurturing curiosity, and providing practical solutions. By encouraging parents to explore these resources, we aim to foster a sense of wonder and empowerment, enabling them to actively engage in their child's education journey.
This initiative not only aligns with our school's commitment to inquiry-based learning, but also creates a supportive environment where families can thrive, learn, and grow together, reinforcing the importance of inquiry mindset in every aspect of our community.
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Celebrating Student Achievement at Pythagoras Academy
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Congratulations to Zoe, in grade 5K, who recently took part in the 2023 Western Canada U10 Team Championships! Her hard work, collaboration and dedication won her sixth place in a very intense competition!
*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
November 8: PA 2024-2025 Information Session
November 9: Remembrance Day Ceremony
November 10: Remembrance Day (No School)
November 15: Earthquake Drill
November 16: Diwali: Celebration of Lights
November 17: Pro D Day (No School)
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