Who's the Change?

Our unit is growing to a close. Although some teachers may not be quite done with our unit, the school-wide focus is wrapping up. On Friday March 12, we had a culminating assembly. Similar to the kick off assembly, it was something to remember. The students entered the gym in the usual fashion and had to find their chair with a bag on it with their names. Once everyone was settled, the magic began! :) Every class had the opportunity to present a short skit, play, song or something else that show cased what they learned during the six weeks. There were so many great ideas and learnings that have gone on that it was difficult to summarize everything into a short presentation. We learned that the kindergarten classes collected socks for a homeless/woman's shelter after reading the book "Lily and the Paper Man". We learned that SK/1 learned all about how small changes in our eating make a big difference in our overall health. Grades 1,2 and 3 talked about how they learned that their actions on the environment affect the animals. Grades 3 & 4 talked about how they learned about Haiti and what actions we could do to make their recovery easier. Grade 5 learned about energy conservation and how small changes like replacing our dependence on non-renewable energy sources with renewable energy sources will be a small act to help the environment in the long run. Grade 5/6 showed that they learned all about Energy conservation and how much electricity and resources are wasted. By doing things like unplugging equipment when its not being used and using GOOS (Good on one side) paper we can make a huge difference over time. They are also working on Public Service Announcements that will be shared over Radio Dufferin after March break. Every single child was invited to particpate in our EU. Every child learned something about how they can make a difference. The students watched a couple of video clips of how other schools have made a difference a little at a time. There was a multimedia show with pictures to show some of the activities that took place over the unit. (please see post with pictures). Mr. Russell spoke to the group about how, just because the EU is over, the lessons learned do not stop. The idea of small acts make a difference is something that should remain in their hearts forever. We even had a rap to practice this idea... Who's the change? I'm the change! (who knew our principal could rap.... :) Then, the students were invited to open their bags. In their bags was a bright gold t-shirt that had our EU in clear, big bold letters. On the back was a the slogan - I am the change.