FEATURE UPDATE: KINDNESS INITIATIVE DURING CHALLENGING COVID TIMES

When COVID-19 hit, we were forced to navigate uncharted territory. However, in true P.A.C.E. fashion our students quickly adapted to our virtual teaching and learning model. We were so proud of one particular initiative that came from this time of transition.

Our (then) Grade 5 students participated in the most wonderful kindness initiative inspired by our very own Ms. De Caro!! Ms. De Caro’s cousin had been a visitor at a long-term care home back in May and noticed a lot of sorrow when walking around the home. The staff were very depleted and she learned most staff had to work on Mother’s Day. Hearing this story gave Ms. De Caro a wonderful idea – her Grade 5 students could write notes, compose poems and create pictures for the staff to thank them for everything they were doing during this time when families couldn’t visit their loved ones as they normally would!

The result was a large, fold-out book the Grade 5’s created and sent to these workers! The workers were so touched by the efforts of our students, the district manager of the long-term home reached out to arrange a virtual chat to thank the P.A.C.E. students!

SEPTEMBER + OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS

Meditation and mindfulness are at work this school year. There is so much going on in the outside world, it’s a great way to keep our inner world at peace. Our grade 2 students have learned to use meditation to help them work through worries they are experiencing during this unprecedented time. The students created a morning routine, ‘Music and Mindfulness.’

Growth mindset is something we strive towards here at P.A.C.E. Our grade 3 students were busy in September and October working on understanding themselves and developing their growth mindset! First, they set their personal Growth Mindset Goals for 2020 and, together as a class, the students are now working towards achieving their goals! We can’t wait to see where our grade 3’s end up at the end of the year!

When you have to wear masks, you should make it fun and teach a valuable lesson! Our grade 2 students really enjoyed bringing their drama skills to life while engaged in their superhero project. They stood tall and strong!! Most importantly they learned that just by wearing their mask they are all superheroes, protecting their classmates, teachers and themselves. Can you believe all these incredible costumes?!

We are finding innovative ways to conduct all P.A.C.E. activities, including our 2020/2021 student council elections! P.A.C.E. live streamed the candidates’ speeches from the gym to the grade 6-12 classrooms and to our grade 6-12 at-home learners. Contactless voting took place through Microsoft Forms.

As part of their unit on friendship “Mes Amis, Ma Vie”, the Grade 5 students introduced themselves and engaged in a discussion about friendship and what it means to them, all en Français! They also prepared a creative visual piece about themselves!

Our Grade 9 Science students had some fun with cells!  They have been actively engaged in a cell lab! The students are drawing diagrams of diseased tissue and then comparing this diseased tissue to healthy tissue in order to understand how a diagnosis would be made!

The grade 5 students “dug” cookies as an introduction to the systematic approach to archaeology! A yummy and educational exploration!

SETTING THE PACE

Following a very successful return to our in-person (and online) programs, we are ready to dive into more fantastic opportunities for our students to learn and grow! As we look forward to November and December, we are excited for:

• November 8 – Commencement (class of 2020)
• November 13 – Virtual Awards Assembly
• December 3 & 4 – Parent-Teacher Interviews
• December 12 to January 3 – Winter Break (school closes at 12 p.m. on December 11)

Keep pace with what’s going on with our students with our bi-monthly blog updates. For an insider’s view into your child’s enriched learning experience, join the P.A.C.E. community on Instagram.