October has arrived and although this past weekend brought colder weather and some snow, we have been very fortunate to have a nice fall with great weather for outdoor learning activities. Teaching and learning during a pandemic is very different and the opportunity to be outdoors is a welcomed part of the day. Now that the temperatures are colder, I want to encourage everyone to find those warm weather clothes and have them ready for your child to wear to school. Going outdoors is no longer just a Fresh Air Friday event and classes are extending their outdoor learning time throughout the week.
The gorgeous fall colours and warm temperatures have given classes a great opportunity to create some wonderful art pieces. Some of the classes have studied nature artist, Andy Goldsworthy, then created their own art pieces inspired by the work of this British sculptor, photographer and environmentalist. Our grade five and six classes have taken a hike up to Nose Hill and sketched a chosen scene. They are now following up in the classroom with watercolour paintings that are showing the beautiful fall colours. Dr. Coffin is full of great student artists!
This year has meant changes to our recycling and composting efforts in the school. Guidelines have made it difficult to continue our organics composting, however we are still recycling plastics, paper and cardboard and composting the paper towels used in the school. The Green Team is operating in a different way and with the support of each classroom, the team is able to collect these items weekly. The work of the Green Team aligns nicely with the curriculum study of Waste in our World and gives the students a better understanding of the importance of reducing our waste through composting and recycling. Thanks to our Green Team for helping to keep Dr. E. W. Coffin School environmentally aware and friendly!
Our annual Terry Fox Run this year was a little different than past years. We missed having our volunteer parents be part of the run and help our students with lap counting and cheers of encouragement. All our classes took time on September 18 to run in memory of Terry Fox and to support the Terry Fox Foundation. Donations were made online and our tiny school made a donation of $420.00 this year. Thank you to all who donated.
The month of October is half over as I finish up this message, however there are still events happening this month that I would like to share. Our S4 officer will be working with our grade five and six student in the coming weeks,talking about digital citizenship. This is a great topic especially because of the increased online presence that is part of our everyday lives these days. October 21 is “Take me Outside Day”. Dr. Coffin students go outside almost every day anyways and it seems funny for us to participate in a day that is something we do most days. It is the 10th anniversary of “Take me Outside Day” and will provide some added fun for our students. Halloween has always been a celebration at Dr. Coffin and we will do things differently this year to ensure we are following guidelines and keeping everyone safe. We will enjoy some Halloween fun on October 29. Students may wear a costume for the entire day if they would like and each classroom will be planning Halloween activities for students to engage in. A costume mask does not qualify for a proper face mask and students will still be expected to have a non-medical mask to wear while in the classroom and school. Check your child’s classroom stream for more details of the day’s events. October 30 is a professional development day and there will be no school for students this day.
During this unprecedented year, I want to extend my sincerest gratitude and the appreciation of our staff to all our families. Your support for the staff, and the teaching and learning that happens at Dr. E. W. Coffin School is truly cherished.
Take care and stay safe!
Together in education.
Cathy
