Vow of Silence

Today, as part of anti-bullying week at Central, Me to We organized a Vow of Silence for children's rights. This event is inspired by Free the Children and commemorates the 21st anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. As we gear up for the holidays and students make cakes and cookies to represent atoms, it is good to be reminded of those who do not have the basics, let alone the luxuries that we have here in Canada - the right to adequate nutrition, to education, to clean water and sanitation, to medical care, to an identity, to a home. Today, over 100 students took the vow to draw attention to these fundamental rights, and in the process raised over $700 for the school district's adopted village in Ecuador, Chismaute.

Div 16 started the day with a reflection on human rights and watching the John Francis video, above. It is inspiring to see such commitment: Francis was silent for 17 years! And how wisdom comes with silence.

Very few students in Divisions 15, 16 and 17 took the vow or raised funds, which is a disappointment. They could benefit from some wisdom, some commitment, some passion for something beyond themselves. As a parent and an educator I ask why is this cohort of grade 8s, who are incredible capable individuals, so self-absorbed collectively? Why do they not step up to act for the common good at school? And what can we do as adults to support them, encourage them to think beyond themselves. This is in part the role of the Huit pas rite of passage, but perhaps it is more a societal issue than an individual one. Have we empowered our youth so much that they see themselves as more important than others, beyond respecting others or taking responsibility for their actions, for others, for our shared environment. Perhaps it is only this cohort? It is something I will reflect on, discuss with the kids, and seek out transformation. It is something that need to be addressed.

Marché mondiale and other happenings

Byzantine mosaic in Ravenna, Italy

It seems like the term has flown by, and we have only a few weeks left before the winter break. After Wednesday's night's Social's project panic (for some), I am sure many of the class can't wait! Today's Marché mondiale was great, though, and the teachers were very impressed with the projects. Over the next few weeks, the project, in which the students researched one civilization/culture that existed between the years 500 and 1000, will morph into a game where the civilizations will grow, develop and interact with each other. Students will have to research at least one resource or technology from the time period to advance their civilization, gain population, trade and conquer other lands. For the game, our class will be interacting with 6 other Grade 7 and 8 Immersion and English classes.

The other big project that will take place over the next few weeks is an interview and article that students will complete as part of their Grade 8 rite of passage. The activities that comprise the rite of passage can be found at huitpas.wikispaces.com and criteria and useful resources can be found on the telecharger tab on the right. I encourage you to read the article which inspired me by SFU professor Maurice Gibbons, Walkabout<http://www.selfdirectedlearning.com/walkabout.html>. For the interview, students are to connect with and interview someone in the community that can help them better understand an aspect the world or their life path - let their interests and passions guide them. The interviewee could be a family member, neighbour, family friend, coach or teacher, colleague from your work, or other community member with knowledge or experience to share. Students will turn their interview into an article in French (with quotes in French or English) to submit by December 14th.

We have a few upcoming excursions for which you are welcome to come along. On December 7th, from 12:00-2:45, students have the opportunity to visit Vic High to see what it has to offer, both in career programs and the arts. On the 8th, we will be heading to Techtoria, a showcase of Vancouver Island Technology companies, with a side-trip to see the trees at the Empress and Conference Centre. We will be leaving late morning and returning by 2:45. More details to follow, but please email if you can come along on either trip. The swimming trip to Crystal Pool is this Friday, 12:30-2:45.

Our Division will also be coordinating the Mustard Seed Food Drive for December, collecting non-perishables from all the classes, tallying totals, making announcements and building the mountain of food in the foyer. Send in your canned goods starting on December 1st. Merci!

A note from PAC: If you would like a Thrify's Smile Card to load to raise money for Central PAC, please let me know and I will send one home with your child.

And about report cards: next week students will complete a self-reflection about their progress this term. They will also record their marks for the first term. You should receive this reflection/marks next Thursday, December 1st. Please contact me if you would like to talk about your child's progress at that time.

Finally, as we are approaching the holidays, there is no need to get a gift for me. If you do feel like giving, I would ask you to make a contribution to the school in Tanzania where Eva Fraser and Caroline Crossley will be volunteering in the winter, or donate to another local charity.