December 11-15

Learning Outcomes

Wellness 

- Students reflect and relate life experiences to perseverance and well-being

- Students analyze responsibility and consider the impact on well-being

Wow! What a wonderful week we had at City Hall School. Each day brought rich learning opportunities, new experiences and conversations with experts. I am so thankful to all of our parent volunteers who helped make this week possible. Thank you for taking the time to volunteer and support the Grade 5s in their learning this week. See below for pictures and summaries of what each day looked like while we were downtown. Each day provided opportunities for us to consider our big question "How can I make a difference?" and to connect back to our mentor text, The Power of One.

Monday

On our very first day, students got to meet our mayor right away! Students asked questions ranging from what an average day looked like for Mayor Gondek to what the city is going to help those experiencing homelessness. Through a question about how students can make a difference in their communities, Mayor Gondek reminded students they have the power to make a positive impact by finding something they are passionate about and by volunteering their time in support of that cause. She reminded us that we don't need to make big gestures to make a difference. Simply shovelling someone's sidewalk, holding a door open, and showing kindness can have a huge impact. Students really enjoyed meeting her and many shared that this was the highlight of their week.

Students also had a chance to learn more about Calgary's +15 system. They were prompted to consider the space through the lens of another - called an Empathy Walk. They could take the perspective of someone with a physical disability, a senior, or someone new to the country as a few examples. Students drew and sketched their surroundings while in the +15. 

Students had an opportunity to visit the Residential School memorial in front of City Hall. They shared what the noticed, connections to Orange Shirt Day and they discussed how they felt looking at the many pairs of little shoes. 

Tuesday 

We started our day at Olympic Plaza and considered how we might redesign it. The plaza will be undergoing a redesign within the next two years. Students journalled about elements they liked and what they would like to change. Olympic Plaza was decorated for the holidays and it was lovely to see the ice rink full of skaters. 

After our time at Olympic Plaza, we ventured over to Good Neighbor, an innovative non-profit, pay-what-you-can thrift store. Click here to learn more about Good Neighbor. We also met with Alice Lam who is the Calgarian behind the project. Students had an opportunity to help the store by hanging up donated clothing ready to go on the floor and to fold up donated reusable bags. Students were so excited to help! Ask your child to tell you about how Alice Lam and Good Neighbor are examples of the Power of One and how this experience inspires them to make a difference.

In the afternoon, we spent time looking at and sketching tall buildings. We learned a lot about Telus Sky, Brookfield Place and the Bow Tower. We spent time exploring the art installation called "Wonderland". Ask your child to tell you one fact about one of the tall buildings or about Wonderland.

Wednesday

We began our day by attending a council meeting about Infrastructure Planning. Students were able to sketch and write about what they observed and heard during the meeting. During the meeting, Councillor Demong introduced the class and everyone clapped for us as a way to recognize our participation. It was such a great experience for students to see the council meeting processes. 

Terri, from Fair Entry, gave a presentation about the application process to the program. Fair Entry is a central hub located in City Hall that provides reduced rates to services to low-income Calgarians. Did you know that Calgary is the only city in Canada that has all central hub for residents to visit and apply for these services in one spot? 

In the afternoon, we walked over to the homelessness memorial. Click here to learn more about this permanent art installation. Students had an opportunity to sketch one of the elements part of the art installation. Students made very thoughtful observations and shared empathetic connections. 

Thursday

We spent our morning exploring East Village. We learned about historic buildings in the area. Students played in Bounce Park. We went over to a public art display. The 6.7-metre-tall piece of art, called Device to Root Out Evil, was created by Dennis Oppenheim. Students sketched this art and shared their thoughts about how public art can help make a difference. Students had an opportunity to play on the East Village Playground before heading over to the river to sketch. 

In the afternoon, we headed over to the Central Library. What a beautiful space! Students had a scavenger hunt to guide their exploration of the library's various spaces. Students were invited to find a CPL staff member to ask them how the library makes a difference. 

Friday

Students had an opportunity to explore the 3rd and 8th floor of the municpal building. Students learned about the architecture of the building. They also had an opportunity to observe and sketch the various art displays such as a collection of artwork and gifts from our Sister Cities, a Lego display of the Central Library and photos and artifacts from the 2013 Flood.

To close our week, we met with Councillor Demong. Students asked him questions. Students described him as funny and someone who cares about the city. Councillor Demong highlighted the power of working hard and putting effort towards projects that can help make a difference. He spoke about current projects underway and how these projects can help Calgarians. Councillor Demong is an example of the Power of One. We presented him with a copy of The Power of One that both grade 5 classes signed. He was very appreciative of the gift and spoke about the importance of volunteerism. 

What a wonderful and rich learning experience this week has been.  The students have learned so much beyond our grade five curriculum. They met with people and experts who are making a difference in our city.  During our week, students continued to learn how to be engaged, empathetic citizens and to see people for who they are, not how they appear.  They demonstrated kindness, empathy, curiosity, and amazement.  They have learned that they can make a difference and I am confident that the Grade 5 students will continue to make a positive impact in our classroom, our school community, Calgary and the world now and into the future. As our year continues, we will connect back to our City Hall School week and continue to dig into our big question and themes.

The students in the leadership group Student Voice have planned some festive Spirit Days for next week. Please see below:

Monday, December 18: Festive Hat & Hair Day  Tuesday, December 19th: Dress like an Elf Day   Wednesday, December 20th: Silly Sweater Day Thursday, December 21st: Dress like a Grinch Day  Friday, December 22nd: PJ and Bring a Stuffie Day

Upcoming: 

December 18th – 22nd Spirit Week   December 19th Winter Concert   December 20th Winter Concert   December 22nd Fun Snack    December 22nd Last day of classes before Winter Break   January 8th First day of classes after the break  January 8th – 19th Alien Inline Skating residency (K-6)  January 17th – School Council Meeting   January 23rd – Fun Lunch