Poetry and the Arts

During National Poetry Month, classes at Pythagoras Academy had the unique opportunity to participate in a virtual poetry writing workshop led by author Adrienne Gear. The workshop was designed to introduce students to poetry and explore its various elements such as appearance, sound, emotions, and ideas.

Mrs. Powell, a teacher at Pythagoras Academy, facilitated the workshop and hosted the winning grade 3 class in the library on Tuesday, April 18. She provided all the materials required for the lesson, allowing students to focus solely on engaging with the workshop's theme of "Beauty in Nature." During the workshop, students wrote opposite poems, which allowed them to explore the beauty and contrasts found in nature.

The workshop was a great success, with students actively participating and feeling inspired by the creative process of writing poetry. Overall, the workshop provided a unique opportunity for students to explore their creativity, express their emotions and thoughts, and appreciate the beauty of language and nature.

With warmer weather just around the corner and the blooming of cherry blossom trees, spring is the perfect time to reevaluate our wellness needs. It is also the ideal time to explore ways to be creative and appreciative of what is around us. Sometimes we just need to "stop and smell the roses." 

But what does this phrase mean?  "Stopping to smell the roses" is an act of appreciation and recognizing the source of good in our lives. It means taking time to recognize the daily moments that bring us joy and seeing what causes that emotions. The expression “stop and smell the roses” is not just about flowers or nature, but an encouragement to live life with a deeper gratefulness for the world around us. Similarly to the Meerkat in Five Chair Five Choices, Meerkats wait and watch. When we sit in the Meerkat chair, we choose to breathe and observe what is happening allowing us to reflect on the world around us. 

On that note, my words of wisdom for April is to take time and "smell the roses." Even if that means going for a walk in your local neighbourhood, visiting the local flower store or spending time playing in the rain. Whatever you chose to do, make sure to take some time and reflect on the good that is around you. 
 

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

Upon return from our spring break this year, we started to prepare for the Pysanka week on April 3rd-6th. This is our third year hosting this exciting event at Pythagoras Academy, supported by many volunteers and highly anticipated by students. Grade 1 to Grade 8 students had an opportunity to experience another culture by learning to make Ukrainian Easter eggs, “Pysanky.” Students and staff learned about Ukrainian pioneers in Canada, that settled mostly in the Prairies and brought this unique tradition to Canada. 
  
In addition, students discovered about well-known Canadian artists that made pysankas for a living. One of the most famous pysanka makers was the late Chester (Myroslav) Kuts, born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. He made around 3000 pysanky throughout his life and had multiple exhibits, including the one at the Royal Alberta Museum in 2008.  

Yanina Vihovsa, our valued IT/ADST teacher, who helped facilitate this workshop, explained to the students that making pysanky is not just a ritual. It’s an old Ukrainian tradition and skill passed from generation to generation only during the 40 days before the Easter celebration. Pysanka symbolizes the New beginning, or the rebirth, and has some protective magical and healing powers—the word “pysanka” is derived from the verb “pysaty,” which means to write. 
 
With excitement and curiosity, children were writing lines with melted beeswax using a special tool called “kistka” or “pysak” and dipping their eggs into various colours. Some students followed a given pattern of a famous star-rosette design, and some used their imagination. Regardless of the way, they all enjoyed the final result when you take off the beeswax and see all the patterns of different colours appearing on the magical egg. Please look at the amazing creativity and final products our students produced during the workshop.