Welcome back to school!
Just before the Portfolio break we had a field trip to Arts Umbrella. We spent the whole day exploring the world through art. We played drama games, drew animals and habitats with oil pastels, and used watercolour paints to represent nature.
It was such a wonderful experience for us to try new things, be brave and silly, and discover new hidden abilities hiding within us. Being open to the experiences around us allows us to learn so much about ourselves.
We are incredibly grateful to Arts Umbrella for having us! We are also grateful for the lovely goodies that one of our families brought to share. Look at these yummy and colourful macarons! Thank you for this special treat!
We continue to observe and measure our daffodils in the school garden. The growth is amazing, and we had to figure out how to measure the tallest ones, which are more than 30 cm, the length of our rulers! Luckily, we are problem-solvers, and we took this challenge in stride!
The primary cohort had their workshops this week with Young Actors who taught them that acting is “finding the truth in the moment”. We used a known object and turned it into a variety of other possibilities. We learned to stretch our imagination and turn everyday normal objects into something completely different. So, a squeegee turned into a lawn mower and a rake, a ruler turned into a moustache, and tongs became a tennis racket and flippers.
We also learned about puppeteering where we used our whole bodies and emotions, and not our voices, to become new characters. Another acting feature we learned was to embellish our stories piece-by-piece with others in an improvisational exercise. The intermediate class can look forward to working with Young Actors later this week!
Scientist/Engineer Brian from “Let’s Talk Science” came and taught our class about robots vis the “Code & Go Mice” program! Through coding, we had to guide our “mouse” to a piece of cheese, dodging traps and cats along the way. Students had to code their way through the maze!
The students really enjoyed this workshop. Perhaps they can check out programs available at the Library over Spring Break: https://vpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events?q=coding
The intermediate class has been working hard to create their own businesses with the “Young Entrepreneurs” Program. We look forward to seeing what they have been working on over the portfolio break!
District Activity:
Magee Secondary’s PAC is hosting a talk on the Teenage Brain. Join the Magee community for an insightful presentation by internationally renowned expert Kim Barthel on the fascinating world of the teenage brain. “ADOLESCENCE MATTERS: THE TEENAGE BRAIN” will explore the unique developmental changes and challenges faced by teens, providing valuable understanding for parents, educators, and anyone interested in youth development.
Location: Magee Secondary
Address: 6360 Maple St, Vancouver https://maps.app.goo.gl/kHJVXuazESYUTRWX9
Date: April 21, 2026 Time: 7:00-9:00pm
Speaker: Kim Barthel
Information: https://www.mageepac.ca/event-details/kim-barthel-adolescence-matters-the-teenage-brain
Tickets: https://vsb.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/182293/196/False/True
- General Admission tickets: $25
- Early bird tickets: $20 (before March 1st, 2026)
- *Youth admitted free with accompanying adult
Community Events:
The PAWS Book Series is a big hit with our primary class, and you can meet the authors! Kidsbooks is hosting the authors on the evening of March 5. You can ask questions about their stories, and get a signed copy of their latest book! Here are the details: https://kidsbooks.ca/events/4531120260305
Please consider getting involved in a Neighbourhood cleanup at Beaconsfield Park. It’s happening on Saturday, March 14, from 10 am to 12:30 pm. See flyer below:
