A quick homework assignment for my English Language Arts/English First Peoples 10 students this week was to log on to the Veterans Affairs website and create an e-card for Peace. I wanted my students to reflect on what Remembrance Day means to them.  I wanted them to examine their ideas of war, peace and conflict.  I also asked them to explore whether their beliefs may have changed as they aged.

The e-Postcards for Peace  format is very simple–users can select one of 6 images for their card, type in their recipients email address, and then type a custom message.  Once cards are sent the recipient receives a notification from Veteran Affairs to pick up their e- card.

On Thursday evening I checked my district email and was excited to see many e-card notifications.  Here is a copy of an email I sent to a parent that evening:
Hello Melissa

To receive e-card notifications on Friday November11th and throughout this weekend has been an amazing personal experience for me.  I have been witness to the inner most thoughts and sensitivities of my students.  My students have taught me a great deal about themselves and Remembrance Day this weekend.

I will remember the tears my grandfather shed for his father fighting to keep his family and home safe. I will remember the fear my grandmother felt running and hiding for her life as the Germans dropped bombs on London. I will remember the blood, sweat and the tears our soldiers shed to give us the lives and freedoms so many of us take for granted today. Liam K

Remembrance Day to me means remembering people who died in the war and honoring them for fighting for us. Last year I saw a picture of my Papa’s dad and found out he was in the World War 2 for four years fighting for my family. Raileigh

Remembrance Day is the one day of the year when you are asked to pay your respects to the people who have fearlessly fought for our country. What I will be remembering this Remembrance Day is all those people who returned and didn’t return from battle, the people who lost their family in battle. I will be remembering the reason this land is free. I will also be remembering the importance of this day and to always respect it. That’s how I will remember. Christian W

School photos have arrived and can be picked up at the Office.

Students have been notified by teachers about their interim letter grades–if you are not sure ask a teacher

One day it rained in Port Hardy but we made our own rainbow.  Our English/English First Peoples 10 class walked to Eagleview Elementary School and paired up with Mrs. Soltau-Heller’s K/1 class.  We wrote a blog post with our “buddy” and then we read together.  It was a great day and we are excited to go back!

If our Grade 10 students could offer some words of wisdom to our little buddies it would be to…

“Listen to your parents.”  David

“Play to learn, learn to play.”  Cassandra

“Love school–Love reading.”  Martin

“Never give up.”  Harp

Stay young, live forever.”  Raileigh

“Once you start something good, don’t stop.”  Troy

“Never lose the kid in you.”  Christian

“Keep up in school and always do your homework.”  Jace

“I still dress up sometimes.”  Ella

“Try your hardest in everything you do.”  Brodie

“Never give up on learning to read and always have a smile on your face.”  Cheyanne

“Keep trying if you don’t succeed at something.”  Eric

“Still draw frogs when you’re older.”  Greg

“Reading isn’t hard forever.”  Liam

“Stay in school.” David B

“Never stop singing.”  Ezra

“Be curious.”  Reno

“Look for rainbows on rainy days.”  Cathie

On September 21, 2011 we walked to Eagleview Elementary to meet some new friends.  We helped our buddies write a blog post and then we read a book together!

Mrs. Soltau-Heller made this video to document our time together.

Did we really just have summer holidays?

I have also been wondering if time is going by faster or is this a natural part of the aging process? This year I will be bringing a few pieces of new technology (ipods, an ipad2, and livescribe pens) to my classroom.  One of the best things about using technology in the classroom is that it allows me to learn with and from others. Believe me, I am not an expert when it comes to technology but I am excited to share what I have learned over the summer with parents and students!   I want to invite each one of you to join and learn with me this year.

All the best, Jillian

I’m not sure if you agree with me, but I do think that September is the “most wonderful time” of the year on the North Island.  The change of season is probably most pronounced at this time as we notice a refreshing chill in the morning air.  Young people, energized after a busy summer,  return to school filled with hope and determination.   For our recent graduates I wish you the best on your chosen path.   So many times people say ” when you get into the real world” but I think it is all “real.”  Your experiences  and hard work at PHSS will  be with you– wherever you go.

All the best, this Fall.

1 pm C block In-class Exams

Tuesday June 22nd  9 am A block In-class Exams/  Eng 12 Government Exam

1 pm B block In-class Exams/  Socials 11 Gov’t Exam

Wednesday June 23rd   9 am Communications 12 Government Exam

1 pm  English 10 Government Exam

Thursday June 24th   9 am French 12 Government Exam

1 pm Biology 12 and First Nations Studies 12

Friday June 25th          9 am  Science 10 Government Exam

Monday June 28th       9 am  Math 10 Government Exam

Thursday June 17th 6:30 pm Awards Night

Friday June 18th Breakfast/ Ice Cream and Pizza D block

June 10th Walking Ceremony Practice for Grads @ 3:30

June 11th Team and Group Photos

GRAD is this Saturday

Convocation is 11 am

Walking Ceremony is 7 pm