It has been an eventful week at Norway. On Monday morning, TDSB snow plowing contractors came in to make the paths wider and clear out more snow from the pavement areas. While our caretaking staff had done a great job of clearing paths and keeping them safe to walk on, Monday's snowplowing resulted in two large hills of snow that were very attractive to students. Although one was out of the supervised area, the other hill was created just beside Door 2. Students were permitted to play on the hill assuming they were playing safely, and instead of coming up with specific rules for using the hill, we simply reminded students of our Three Guiding Questions for Play ...
"Is it safe enough? Are you including others? Are you having fun? If you don't like how you are playing, then it is your responsibility to change the way you are playing. You are responsible for your own fun."
This is something that students learn in Kindergarten here at Norway, and is a part of our daily announcements each morning. Please speak with your child about this as it is an important part of keeping Norway a safe and inclusive place to be.
This week also saw a perfect winter day for outdoor play at Snow Valley for Norway's annual ski / board / tubing trip for Grades 4-6 students. A big thank you to the large number of parents who joined us on the trip, particularly those who helped out on the buses.
Today, students enjoyed the second of three Wellness Days with X Movement. Students worked in varying groups and teams on cooperative, collaborative and positive team building activities with a strong focus on self-regulation, and social-emotional learning. You can learn more about X Movement, their programs and impact here.
Chinese Heritage Month
The Toronto District School Board proudly recognizes Chinese Heritage Month each February. This year, we celebrate the Year of the Horse with the theme Play, Progress, Prosper. The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most significant celebrations within Chinese heritage. The date is based on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar, and festivities last sixteen days. This year, the first day of Lunar New Year begins on February 17. Celebrations often include family gatherings, decorative displays, and a festive meal.
African Heritage (Black History) Month
African Heritage (Black History) Month is recognized every February at the Toronto District School Board. Nationally, it has been recognized since 1996 through a motion introduced in the House of Commons by The Honourable Jean Augustine. This year’s theme, The Power of Us, guides the month’s activities. It highlights Black Student Well-Being, belonging, and Black Brilliance, and invites everyone to help build community and support Black Mental Wellness.
Periodic Table of Black Canadian History
You will likely have noticed an interactive display in our front foyer in recognition of African Heritage (Black History) Month. The display highlights the successes and accomplishments of Black Canadians from a variety of fields and professions. Designed like the periodic table of elements, this ‘Periodic Table of Black Canadian History’ has QR codes for each person on the table which links to a biography in the Canadian Encyclopedia. Come and check it out to learn more! You can read more about the Periodic Table here.
Student and Family Support Office
The TDSB’s Student and Family Support Office is available to provide students, parents and caregivers with another direct way to raise concerns, get help and find solutions faster. Learn more.