At Pythagoras Academy, we recognize the profound connection between wellness and the arts, where each enriches and promotes the other. Through diverse artistic mediums like the Footloose Musical, Psyanka, and FLL events, our students and staff engage in activities that contribute to emotional expression, cognitive function, social connection, self-discovery, physical health, and cultural appreciation. Artistic pursuits offer avenues for constructive emotional expression, cognitive development, social bonding, personal growth, physical fitness, and cultural understanding. Participation in the arts fosters holistic wellness, providing myriad benefits for our Pythagoras Academy community.
Ms. Una Miljevic
Vice Principal of Student Life
Grade 4-7 Team Lead
Grade 4 Homeroom
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Messages from Across the Grades
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Junior Kindergarten "JK"
Students created a cherry blossom tree finger paint project, drawing inspiration from the beauty of the season, bringing Spring into our classroom. Students investigated painting and textures, stimulated their senses, and developed their visual perception through these activities.
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Grades K/1
In Kindergarten, students had the exciting opportunity to learn about the Pysanka tradition of decorating Easter eggs from a special Ukrainian art teacher. It was very interesting to learn about Ukrainian culture and how others celebrate different holidays. In Grade 1, students have been learning about arctic animals. After learning interesting facts about each animal, students craft and make visual representations of their understanding. Students have also been learning about data collection and represent their collections in a variety of graphs, e.g pictograph and bar graphs.
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Grades 2/3
In grade 2, students have been learning about their senses as a way to add interest and imagery to our writing. While exploring the sense of sound, students listened to Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" and painted what they heard. Students combined their skills in literacy, music, and art to create a deeper understanding of how sound affects our experiences and how we see the world. We hope to use this in our writing to help keep our readers engaged and excited! Grade 3 students created fossils while learning about the Earth in science. They painted the fossils and shared their knowledge.
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Grades 4/5
Grade 4 students explored various forms of the arts, like musical theatre and used their creativity to make things. Students collaborated with Mrs.Vihovska to create various roller coasters where they had to communicate and rely on each other to build an amusement park. Apart from starring as the cowboys and cowgirls ensemble in the school Footloose musical, Grade 5 students utilized their arts skills in social studies class where they crafted a household for a recreation of 1940s Powell Street, Vancouver. They collaborated with Ms. Dhaliwal and are studying Japanese-Canadian immigrants and their lives before, during, and after Pearl Harbour.
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Grades 6/7
The grade six class has been busy practicing bells for our ‘Wonder’ assembly. In addition to appreciating the beautiful sounds of the handbell music, students discovered connections between music and math, including how making music develops our brains, bodies, and emotions. The grade seven class has been exploring the arts and artificial intelligence in collaboration with Ms. Bolt. Students ask themselves, “How can artificial intelligence enhance our artistic expression and push the boundaries of creativity?" Through this exploration, they delve into innovative techniques and question established norms, entering a new era of artistic experimentation and expression.
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Before our Spring Break, students and staff participated in Pysanka Week from March 11-14, 2024. Thanks to generous parent volunteers, this engaging event, now in its fourth year, is a PA tradition that is eagerly awaited by students. Grades 1 to 7 delved into Ukrainian culture, refining their skills in the art of crafting Easter eggs, or "Pysanky."
Throughout the week, our learning community explored the history of Ukrainian pioneers in Canada, but particularly the introduction of this cherished tradition. Renowned Canadian artists like Joan Brander, a celebrated pysanky maker from Richmond, BC, were highlighted. Meanwhile, Tanya Znak, an artist from Ukraine, did a presentation on Easter and Pysanky. During her visit, she brought many artifacts and taught students how to colour pysanky.
Under the expert guidance of Mrs. Yanina Vihovsa, our IT/ADST teacher, students learned the deeper significance of pysanky. They discovered its ancient roots, practiced exclusively in the 40 days before Easter, symbolizing new beginnings and protection. For many, this was their fourth year crafting pysanky, while for others, it was a thrilling first.
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Special Update: First Lego League at PA
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We're excited to announce the incredible success of our Pythagoras Academy FLL Challenge team, the Captain Ducks, at the BC/Yukon Provincial Competition in Maple Ridge, BC, on March 9, 2024! After a day filled with intense competition and three exciting robo-games, our team proudly secured the prestigious Innovation Project Award.
This remarkable achievement has earned them a special invitation to participate in the World Florida Sunshine Festival from June 19-22, 2024. We're immensely grateful to every team member for their unwavering dedication and courage throughout this journey, starting from September and leading to this moment of excellence. As they prepare for the International Festival, we eagerly await the stories of their adventure! A heartfelt congratulations to all!
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Literacy at Pythagoras Academy
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We're excited to announce the addition of a special section in our library, "The Parent Help" section dedicated exclusively to parents. This space has been thoughtfully curated with a selection of books and games designed to support English language learning, boost confidence, and foster a love of reading and learning. We invite all parents to explore this new resource during the upcoming Student Led Conferences on Wednesday, April 17, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Stop by and visit myself and Ms. Bolt where you'll have the opportunity to browse and borrow materials, allowing you to continue the learning journey at home. We look forward to welcoming you to the library and sharing these valuable resources with you.
Mrs. Lois Powell
Director of Literacy
Teacher Librarian
Excellerator Teacher
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Visual Art at Pythagoras Academy
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March was a wonderful art-filled month! Students focussed on collaborative projects that were inspired by the 2024 Lunar New Year Zodiac, as well as a multitude of local artists, such as Camilla D’Errico and Dona Kim.
As students began each new project, they naturally wove together their thoughts and ideas, resulting in stunning creations. During our conversations about overcoming challenges, they shared heartfelt stories about how pursuing art they loved nourished their mental and emotional health.
Ms. Arpan Dhaliwal
Art Education Specialist
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Upcoming School Events and Important Dates
April 3: First day back (Term 3)
April 8: Fire Drill
April 11: UA Flag Football Visit (Grades 3-7)
April 16: Teacher After School Clubs Begin
April 17: Student-led Conferences (1/2 day)
April 18: Earth Day Art Contest Submissions Due
April 22: Earth Day
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