Learning Highlights

For the latest project in Grade 4/5/6, students chose famous, historical, or influential Black Canadians and Americans to study and create a slideshow to present. The students connected with athletes, musicians, professionals, and social activists: Viola Desmond, Willie O'Ree, Ice Cube, The Rock, Claudette Colvin, Donavan Bailey and Steph Curry to name a few. The 4/ 5/6's were excited to share their slideshows during a showcase of learning where all the younger classes visited and viewed many presentations on March 17th.

Students from Grade 2-6 participated in the Whitewater Ski and Snowboarding program once in January then three more times in March.  Many students learned to ski or snowboard for the first time building their confidence and skills while other intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders improved their skills on more challenging terrain.  Many thanks to all the Whitewater Staff, Parent Chaperones, and the Winlaw Staff for providing such a wonderful winter sport activity experience for our students.

Our K/1/2 students learned how to Cross Country ski with Winlaw teacher Linda Out and Education Assistants Paul Erven and Sheila Mourer and several parent helpers. The snow conditions on the Slocan Valley Rail Trail were very good this year making it easier for these young students to learn how to glide.   We were very impressed with how quickly they learned and the great endurance they showed!

Storyteller Kenthen Thomas

 On April 5^th Secwepemc Storyteller Kenthen Thomas gave an outstanding performance at our school. He told a 35-minute story about Bear and Coyote and how light came to Earth.   Kenthen captured our K-6 audience’s attention through a dynamic and interactive telling of this traditional story.   He shared that he has been storytelling since he was a youngster. The Secwepemc stories or ‘Stsepetkwll’ – Legends That Teach” are stories that not only provide entertainment, but they also provide lessons. Here is the link if you would like to learn more about Kenthen Thomas.

https://www.nccie.ca/story/kenthen-thomas-secwepemc-storyteller/

Fine Arts at Winlaw Elementary

We are very excited about the upcoming ArtStarts Music Program which starts on April 6th with K-12 Music Educator Talon Nansel.  Talon will teach music to each of our classes on Thursdays and Fridays for the next 8 weeks.  This program is funded through a new pilot ArtStarts Residency program which brings artists and musicians into our BC schools either once a week for 16 weeks or twice a week for 8 weeks. 

During the week of April 12th, we will start theatre workshops for our upcoming spring musical with Theatre instructor Marya Folinsbee and Musician Jeremy Sauer.  Our matinee performance will be held on May 31st and evening performance on June 1st.  

Author Visit

On March 15th, our Grade 1/2 and Grade 2/3 classes met in our outdoor classroom to listen to author Sarah Elliman read her wonderful new story A Tree Just Like Me.  Sarah’s bio shares that she is a counselor, children's author, and outdoor recreation instructor in Vernon, British Columbia. Sarah has earned multiple community level awards for her efforts to promote the development of sustainable food and housing systems. Her stories reflect her love of nature and passion for the study of well-being.

Upcoming Events            

April 7              Good Friday Holiday

April 10            Easter Monday Holiday

April 11            Staff Meeting 

April 11            PAC Meeting 4:00

April 12            Spring musical workshops start

April 17            District Pro D Day

April 26            Early Dismissal Day (CBAL Parent session 12:00-1:00)

April 27            Early Dismissal Day (CBAL Parent session 12:00-1:00)

May 29             School Based Pro D Day ( no school)

May 31             Spring musical matinee performance

June 1              Spring musical evening performance

June 2              Swimming lessons start

Take care everyone,

Monica Doyle

Principal, Winlaw Elementary