The Magna Carta at Fort York

On Oct.6th, Ms. Hille's grade 8 students traveled to historic Fort York to view a special exhibit of the 800 year old Magna Carta.

King John of England was forced by the rebellious barons, to place his seal on the Great Charter as it came to be called on June 15th, 1215, thus limiting the king's autocracy and power over the people.

The Magna Carta is highly significant because it creatied the very concept of human rights, the idea that "all men are equal". Its lasting iconic value as the foundation of so many world democracies lies in the power of an idea - a principle, which states that nobody, including the King, is above the law of the land.

                                         
                                                         King John of England

                                                Magna Carta - The Great Charter 1215

BMO Showcase at First Canadian Place

Students auditioned to attend the BMO Showcase for the Entrepreneurial Adventure.

We took the TTC down to King St. and were welcomed outside by Ian who led us to our table where the grade 5s quickly got to work setting up their goods to sell.

Students in front of First Canadian Place at 100 King St. W

Elowyn talking to the presenter about her
business venture and role as CEO.

We walked over to the stage area where introductions were made and students chosen from a few schools were interviewed by the media and talked about their business venture.

Awards were given out in four categories from schools across Canada.  
We went back to our table and the real entrepreneurial spirit took over.

Our board looked colourful and eye-catching and told our story in words and pictures.

The students took product and mingled with the 'suits' asking them to buy and telling them about our charity. One man bought a whole tray of cookies! He knew a good thing when he tasted it! Students also remembered to thank their customers for their business.

Salsa Verde sang their jingle and danced to get attention and attract customers.

Many people generously made donations as well without receiving a product. The kids did some hard core selling until 1:15pm when it was time to pack up.

Our plaque for participating. It's hanging by the office now.

Total sales downtown was $170. followed by more sales back at school that day and to the end of the week.

Each venture, happily counted their revenue, then rolled hundreds of toonies, loonies, quarters, dimes and nickels for deposit. 

Our total profit was a grand total of $1281.40 which will be going to The Stop Food Community in the form of a big cheque and a ceremony!

Many thanks to Derek Luksun our amazing business partner from BMO and Sue Pfeffer of the Learning Partnership who made this all possible.

And last, but not least, thank you to our grade 5 parents who helped with seed money, baking, advice and generous donations of your time. You are wonderful!

The grade 5s will not soon forget this wonderful learning experience  that will help them in the future as entrepreneurs.

Please enjoy our pictures.

Growing a forest...one tree at a time.

On May 4th the Grade 5s with the Gr. 6/7 class took an excursion to Downsview Park to partake in cooperative games in the morning, then tree-planting in the afternoon. Students were taught how to dig the proper sized hole, how to handle a tree, how to pack the soil in tightly, how to mulch around the tree to keep in moisture and keep down weeds, and finally, how to protect their tree from rodents and mark it so that it won't be cut down. They had a great time getting their hands dirty and planting an urban forest as good stewards of the Earth. Well done!

Gr. 5 Environmentalists at Downsview Park.

Ms.Ventrella and Ms. Hille supervising the tree planting festivities.

Receiving instructions.

Precious applies casing to protect her sapling from mice.

Sean prepares to plant his pine tree.

Jude is really 'digging' this activity!

Rochelle adds some leverage to the shovel while Sueleka balances it.

Kate and Naila prepare the ground for their tree.

Madison protects her young tree with casing.

Enthusiastic students shovel mulch into pails for their trees.

Saffron  carries mulch over to her planted tree to protect it from weeds and to conserve moisture around the base.

Nicolette prepares to dig while Saffron supervises.

Nicole and Melissa break up the soil.

Kline and T.J. on their second hole.

Carl and Zayron protect their sapling.

Today a field, tomorrow a forest.

Growing a forest...one tree at a time.

Sean and Tyler, proud tree planters!

Visit to the Ontario College of Art and Design's 100th Year Anniversary Graduate Exhibition

Students learning about advertising, marketing and design.

You are what you eat!

Students creating their own art.

Selfie!

Ontario College of Art and Design University 100 year Anniversary