THE PACE OF THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE

A new year, a new chance to shine! January marked a fresh start for everyone at P.A.C.E. – students, teachers, and parents alike. With renewed energy and goals, we’ve kicked off 2025 with curiosity and determination. Success doesn’t come easy – it’s earned one step (or science experiment) at a time! So whether you’re solving equations, testing circuits, or dancing on stage, remember: every small step forward is a leap toward greatness. Let’s keep the momentum going and make this year electrifying (pun intended)!

JANUARY + FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS

Here’s what we’ve been up to—prepare to be shocked (in the best way possible)!

Grade 6 Science: Electrifying Discoveries
Our grade 6 scientists rolled up their sleeves and powered through a lesson on wet cell batteries! They learned about the “power trio” behind every battery: cathode, anode, and electrolyte. Armed with multimeters, these young scientists tested how different electrolytes impacted voltage production. It was truly lit!

Grade 7 Science: Chemistry in Action
Our grade 7 students dove into the mysteries of the Periodic Table. They became molecule sleuths, identifying elements and observing bonds in action. This crew is truly bonding over science!

Acid or Base? Grade 8 Finds Out!
The grade 8 science students experimented with acids and bases using litmus paper and indicators. They’re now pros at identifying and classifying unknown substances. Next stop: balancing chemical equations. We’re sure they’ll react positively to that challenge!

Just Dance! A Night to Remember
On January 24th, P.A.C.E. students from grades 1 to 6 (and some grade 8s) hit the stage at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. The Just Dance! production had everyone tapping their feet and swaying to the beat.

A huge thank you to our choreographers, teachers, administrators, parents, and, of course, our superstar students! This magical night wouldn’t have been possible without you. Keep dancing to the rhythm of success!

Bravo, Musical Theatre and Ballet Stars!
Our extracurricular performers brought the magic of Mary Poppins to life. From graceful ballet moves to theatrical flair, these talented students showed us that anything is possible with a spoonful of hard work and creativity. Bravo to all involved!

Grade 6 Science: Circuit Breakers
From series to parallel, our grade 6 students explored the world of electricity by building and testing circuits. With ammeters in hand, they measured current and observed how resistors did their thing. Talk about some bright ideas!

Tech Dissection: Grade 7 Takes It Apart
Our grade 7 students didn’t just stop at chemistry – they turned into tech surgeons! By disassembling old electronics, they discovered the hidden world of circuits, components, and connections.

Highlights:

• Device Dissection: Students took apart gadgets like keyboards and clocks, learning the purpose of each piece.
• Environmental Impact Discussion: They explored how to recycle e-waste and reduce environmental impact.
• Deconstructed Tech Art: Groups created displays explaining how each part works.
• Presentation and Reflection: Presenting their findings taught them to connect science and engineering concepts.

We can confidently say, these students tinkered their way into some big ideas!

“Les Voix de la Poésie:”  Qualifying for Nationals
On February 18th, 2025 , 7 students from grade 7 and 4 students from grade 8 participated in a French poetry competition organised by “Les Voix de la Poésie” . Three students moved to the next level and competed on February 20th to qualify for the nationals. Evalyn from grade 7 was able to qualify and will participate in the nationals.

Good Luck Evalyn !

Le 18 février, 2025, 7 élèves de la septième année et 4 élèves de la huitième année ont participé à la compétition de la poésie française organisée par « Les Voix de la Poésie ». Trois élèves ont pu atteindre le niveau suivant et ont participé à une compétition finale le 20 février pour passer à la compétition nationale. Evalyn de la septième année participera à la compétition nationale.

Bonne chance Evalyn!

Grade 2: Interactive and Explorative

Our grade 2s had a wonderful field trip to Kortright Centre for Conservation, where they enhanced their knowledge of Indigenous Studies in fun, exciting and interactive ways!

SETTING THE PACE

January and February have been nothing short of amazing! From electrifying science lessons to show-stopping performances, we’ve had so much to celebrate. But this is just the beginning. We’re excited to see what the next few months have in store as we continue to learn, grow, and make memories. As we look ahead, we are excited for what’s to come:

• March 4 – Community Safety Village (grade 5)
• March 7 – Minute-to-win-it hosted by the student council (grades 1-6); report cards distributed; school closes at 12:00 p.m.
• March 10 to 23 – March Break (school closed)
• March 24 – School resumes
• March 27 & 28 – Virtual parent-teacher interviews (school closed)
• April 3 – University of Waterloo Fryer Contest (grade 8 by invitation only)
• April 8 – Badminton qualifiers (grades 5 & 6)
• April 9 – Mathematica Centrum contest (grades 3 to 8)
• April 10 – Badminton qualifiers (grades 7 & 8)
• April 15 to 17 – Ottawa (grade 7)
• April 18 – Good Friday (school closed)
• April 21 – Good Friday (school closed)
• April 22 – Badminton Championship (pending qualifications for grades 5 & 6)
• April 24 – Badminton Championship (pending qualifications for grades 7 & 8)
• April 30 – Japanese Cultural Centre (grade 5)

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.

THE PACE OF THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Your hard work, determination, and exceptional learning experiences have exceeded our expectations over the past few months. From honing your journalism skills to participating in the Caution Tape Robotics Halloween Qualifier and working on cool Micro:bit projects using Python, it’s been a joy watching you learn and develop skills that will take you soaring to new heights! P.A.C.E. Fam, you’ve worked so hard, and your break is well deserved – we hope you’re enjoying it!

NOVEMBER + DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

Our Grade 5 students had an incredible experience when CBC writer Sarah Taher visited to share insights into the world of broadcast media. Through an interactive workshop, students learned how to create headlines, choose story angles, and capture attention. Everyone took on different roles, working together to report on beats such as sports, entertainment, and weather. It was an exciting, hands-on day, and they are now one step closer to becoming young journalists!

Our P.A.C.E. Robotics team, 3314A, participated in the Caution Tape Robotics Halloween Qualifier 2024 at the Pan Am Sports Centre. Congratulations to all team members for bringing home the Innovate Award!

What an outstanding performance by our U14 flag football team at the SSAF tournament! The players showcased excellent teamwork, skill, and sportsmanship, winning 3 out of their 4 games in a highly competitive tournament. They really kicked off the competition with an impressive performance! Congratulations to the entire team!

Our Grade 7 students have been busy working on fun Micro:bit projects using Python! They’ve used the Micro:bit’s 5×5 LED grid to create custom graphics, experimented with the Micro:bit’s radio feature to send graphics, text, and audio between devices on the same frequency, and even programmed a music box by writing Python code for musical notes. The students then connected their Micro:bits to a speaker using alligator clips.​

Congratulations to our athletes who competed in the SSAF U10 soccer tournament! You made your school and coaches proud!

On November 13, our Grade 5 and 6 students visited the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts to see the performance Simone, Half and Half – a touching story about finding one’s place between identities and communities. The play broke down a complex issue into a story that many students can relate to and offered a chance for students to see themselves represented on stage.

Our Grade 6 students have been learning about the Periodic Table! In a recent classroom activity, they observed different chemicals, identified the elements within them, classified them as metals or non-metals, and made qualitative observations about each element’s characteristics. They really bonded over this hands-on experience! Great work, everyone!

Congratulations to our U12 Co-Ed Soccer Team for their performance at the SSAF Indoor Soccer Tournament! Over three games, the players demonstrated determination, teamwork, and a true love for the game. It was a fun-filled day of laughter, hard work, and team bonding!

On Wednesday, December 11th, the magical sounds of music and festive cheer filled the P.A.C.E. gym as members of the P.A.C.E. concert band and choir performed our annual holiday concert.

Ms. Fuller conducted the mesmerizing voices of the P.A.C.E. Choir as they performed a medley of All I Want for Christmas and Let it Snow.

Mr. de Lara led our resilient elementary concert band and featured our brightest music students in grades 5, 6, 7, and 8. The concert band’s selections included: The Maple Forever Leaf Forever, Hanukkah Holiday, Frosty the Snowman, and Last Christmas, just to name a few. Capturing the hearts and attention of the audience, a special solo vocal performance of Hallelujah was sung by P.A.C.E.’s very own Lauren.

It was truly a note-worthy evening filled with harmony and joy! 

On behalf of Ms. Fuller and Mr. de Lara, the P.A.C.E. Choir and #Concert Band students extend our heartfelt thanks for your continued support of the P.A.C.E. Fine Arts program!

SETTING THE PACE

What an extraordinary start to our 2024/2025 educational journey! We have many achievements to be proud of, but there is still much work to do. As we look ahead, we are excited for what’s to come:

• January 6 – School Resumes
• January 24 – Winterlude!!!
• January 31 – Musical Theatre Performance
• February 3 – Session 2 Extracurricular Activities Begin
• February 17 – Family Day (school closed)
• February 21 – CPR Training (grade 8)
• February 25 – Canadian National Mathematics League Contest (grades 6-8)
• February 26 – University of Waterloo Pascal Contest (grade 8)
• February 28 – Term 3 Begins

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.