"When we walk together in a good way, we share wonder as we wander and play." Albert D. Marshall & Louise Zimanyi
As we enter Bayside School's second year, we are so happy to welcome new friends and new opportunities for learning. We have expanded our community to include grade 5 students as well as many new families in Kindergarten-grade 5 from the communities of Auburn Bay and Mahogany.
In the picture book Walking Together, by Elder Albert D Marshall & Louise Zimanyi, the authors encourage the reader to "Share your wonder and curiosity- draw, tell, write, and share your stories. Ask questions, build relationships, and look for different ways to know through your two eyes. " Each of our classes began their year with this book, seeking ways to connect our students' learning with the Land. Walking Together shares the Mi'kmaq way of being in the world and helps us to understand that we all have a responsibility to care for the world around us.
As we build our growing community and a collective sense of responsibility in the world, we are excited to expand our learning beyond the walls of the school with the Campus Calgary/ Open Minds program (https://cbe.ab.ca/ccom/Pages/Home.aspx). Campus Calgary/Open Minds is an innovative program that moves the classroom into the Calgary Community for an entire week of learning! For the 2023-24 school year, all Bayside students in grades 1-5 will have the opportunity to participate and our classes will be visiting a variety of amazing sites throughout the Calgary area. Our teachers are participating in intensive professional learning and planning to custom design week-long experiences to meet the needs of their students. Each class's week at Campus Calgary/ Open Minds will provide the catalyst for learning all year and will help our students to become engaged thinkers and ethical citizens with an entrepreneurial spirit.
Grade 1 students will explore the question "what is my story?" this year and when they go to Stampede School
Grade 2 students will be examining how they can make a positive impact on the world when they go to either Zoo School or Calgary Eco School at Ralph Klein Park
Grade 3 students will be Explorers of the world at Library School at the Calgary Central Public Library
Grade 4 students will explore the stories in our world when they visit Jube School at the Jubilee Auditorium
Grade 5 students have already begun to learn about the impacts of homelessness in our city. They will be visiting Seed School at the Mustard Seed for an incredible learning experience.
It will be an exciting year watching the learning unfold. I can't wait to see not only the impact these amazing learning opportunities have on our students, but also the impact our students will have on our community as a result.
Parents are encouraged to reach out to your child's teacher if you are able to volunteer. If you haven't already done so, please connect with our office to get started on the Volunteer clearance process.
Darby
