Today there have been a number of connections being made here at Cleveland. Students in the grade 2 class and the two grade 2/3 classes got together and made some Halloween arts and crafts. This afternoon, students in the three grade 1 classes joined one another in combined classes to work together.

An important part of our school culture is that we work to connect children in French and English classes. Activates that bridge any gaps between French and English have included field trips (Grouse Mountain Grind – 4 classes), arts and crafts (6 classes today) and social responsibility lessons (last year and more to come) play an important part in creating a positive school.

Mrs. Simcox, Mr. Amundsen and Mme Cusanelli planned art lessons for this morning. Each teacher took a small group of children from all three classes, and taught them a different Halloween art lesson. Children heard both French and English in their lessons, and were introduced to children they may not have had the chance to meet outside at recess or lunch.

The grade 1 classes (Mme Kry, Mme Doyle and Mrs. Medilek) had a similar plan for the afternoon. The teachers, along with parent volunteers, helped students with creating their Halloween art. I saw witches, ghosts, pumpkins, and bats today. Each child had a chance to work with each teacher.

When classes get together with other classes, I see many happy faces. Children like working with other children. They enjoy the opportunities to meet new people, and to share glue or scissors with one another. The teachers have been mindful in getting children to sit with new friends and teachers and parents are helping them talk to one another and get to know each others’ names.

I look forward to seeing many more activities that connect our students with one another.

Take care.