School Story in Action 2023-2024

 

An Introduction to the First People’s Principles of Learning 

 

The First Peoples Principles of Learning describes a set of learning principles specific to First Peoples. These were articulated by Indigenous Elders, scholars, and knowledge keepers to guide the development of the curriculum created by the BC Ministry of Education and First Nations Education Steering Committee.

 

They represent an attempt to identify common elements in the varied teaching and learning approaches that prevail within particular First Nations societies. It must be recognized that they do not capture the full reality of the approach used in any single First Peoples’ society.

 

From The First Nations Education Steering Committee www.fnesc.ca

 

December 22, 2023

We would like to highlight our Library Learning Commons where we have a thoughtful and deliberate collection of diverse and inclusive books that reflect our school and greater community. Many of these books are available at our local public library and you may be interested in checking them out over the winter break.

“When there are enough books available that can act as both mirrors and windows for all our children, they will see that we can celebrate both our differences and our similarities, because together they are what make us all human.” Source: By Rudine Sims Bishop, The Ohio State University.

 

This links to our School Story focus in the following way:

Learning is embedded in memory, history, and story.

Learning requires exploration of one’s identity.

(First Peoples Principles of Learning)

 

 

December 15, 2023

This week, we would like to highlight the Rainbow Club. The Rainbow Club is a safe and inclusive space where students may get together to play games, build with Lego and Keva, draw, do crafts and read. They can interact with peers and adults from different classes and grades.

 

A Rainbow Club is a GSA (Gay, Straight Alliance or Gender and Sexuality Awareness) for an elementary school community. It provides a safe and supportive space for all including: 2SLGBTQA+ students, allies, those who have questions and are curious, those who need a space to be and those who want to join the activities. 

 

This links to our School Story focus in the following way:

Learning requires exploration of one’s identity.

(First Peoples Principles of Learning)

 

 

December 8, 2023

This week we would like to feature Division 9’s exploration of their own cultural identity. Everyone has a name, and it is one way to embrace your culture, language, ancestors, generational connections, and identity. We can include each other by learning how to pronounce names correctly. This is a way that students can connect with other cultures. Learning about other culture it brings us together, encouraged understanding and brings peace.

 

 

This links to our School Story focus in the following way:

 

Learning requires exploration of one‘s identity.

(First Peoples Principles of Learning)

 

December 1, 2023

This week we went on our first community walk, immersing ourselves in the outdoors. This is the part of our journey to create and enrich our connection to the land. Students had the opportunity to reflect on what they notice and felt during their time together. Many students noticed how the fog affected their observations and feelings.

 

This links to our School Story focus in the following way:

 

Learning is holistic, reflexive, reflective, experiential, and relational (focused on connectedness, on reciprocal relationships, and a sense of place).

(First Peoples Principles of Learning)

 

 

November 24, 2023

This week we would like to feature a daily routine called a “soft start.” Each morning in Division 7, students begin by preparing their mind, body, and environment for the school day. This could be finding a calm activity to do on their own or finding a safe space to check in with others. Part of their soft start is mindfulness time.  During mindfulness time, they get their bodies and minds calm and ready for the day. The time is used engaging in a topic they are currently interested in or setting their intention and tone for the day.

 

This links to our School Story focus in the following way:

Learning is holistic, reflexive, reflective, experiential, and relational (focused on connectedness, on reciprocal relationships, and a sense of place).

(First Peoples Principles of Learning)

 

November 17, 2024

This week we would like to share the Salish Weaving Kit. The kit shares 9 pieces of Coast Salish art that weaves together the distinctive art form, designs, and style of established and emerging Coast Salish Artist. Students were asked to approach the art thinking about the following questions:

• What do you see?
• What makes you think that?
• What connections are you making?
• Do you like this work of art? Why or why not?
• What similarities do you see between the works of art?

 

After examining the art, the students were able to use some Coast Salish shapes to create their own works of art in a similar style. 

 

This links to our School Story focus in the following way:

Learning recognizes the role of Indigenous knowledge.

(First Peoples Principles of Learning)

 

November 24, 2023

This week we would like to feature a daily routine called a “soft start.” Each morning in Division 7, students begin by their preparing their mind, body, and environment for the school day. This could be finding a calm activity to do on their own or finding a safe space to check in with others. Part of their soft start is mindfulness time.  During mindfulness time, they get their bodies and minds calm and ready for the day. The time is used engaging in a topic they are currently interested in or setting their intention and tone for the day.

 

This links to our School Story focus in the following way:

Learning is holistic, reflexive, reflective, experiential, and relational (focused on connectedness, on reciprocal relationships, and a sense of place).

(First Peoples Principles of Learning)

 

November 10, 2023

Each week, we will try to share a part of our School Story and how it applies to our community's daily learning. Our School Story is based on the Core Competencies found in the BC Curriculum and a focus on The First Peoples Principles of Learning.

 

This week we would like to highlight the use of a circle as a learning or sharing tool. The circle is a powerful way to connect and build community as everyone has an equal voice and responsibility. Being in a circle has it owns protocols such as speaking one at a time and listening to all as everyone (children and adults) is both a learner and a teacher. Many First Nations communities in Turtle Island use the circle which where we have learned this practice from.

 

This links to our School Story focus in the following way:

Learning is relational (focused on connectedness, and on reciprocal relationships).

...

(First Peoples Principles of Learning)

 

 

 

November 2, 2023

Each week, we will try to share a part of our School Story and how it applies to our community's daily learning. Our School Story is based on the Core Competencies found in the BC Curriculum and a focus on The First Peoples Principles of Learning.

 

This week we would like to highlight the Volleyball Team. The Volleyball Team is a safe space for grade 6 and 7 students to learn how to be part of a team and have an opportunity to try something new. It is a safe place for students of all abilities to learn everything from being good sports to volleyball skills. This space has been thoughtfully designed to be gender neutral and accepting of neuro diversity.

 

This links to our School Story focus in the following way:

Learning involves patience and time.

(First Peoples Principles of Learning)

 

October 27, 2023

Each week, we will try to share a part of our School Story and how it applies to our community's daily learning. Our School Story is based on the Core Competencies found in the BC Curriculum and a focus on The First Peoples Principles of Learning.

 

This week we would like to highlight our Weekly Breakfast Club. A group of staff and student volunteers welcome all students to share a meal and time together on Friday mornings. Students can connect with students from different grades, classes, and programs.

 

This links to our School Story focus in the following way:

Learning ultimately supports the well-being of the self, and the community.

Learning is holistic, and relational.

                                                            (First Peoples Principles of Learning)

 

 

October 19, 2023

Each week we will try to share part of our School Story and how it applies to our community’s daily learning. Our School Story continues to be based on the Core Competencies found in the BC Curriculum. This year, we are going to add the First People’s Principles of Learning as a lens through which we create a supportive environment for all.

 

 

An Introduction to the First People’s Principles of Learning 

 

The First Peoples Principles of Learning describes a set of learning principles specific to First Peoples. These were articulated by Indigenous Elders, scholars, and knowledge keepers to guide the development of the curriculum created by the BC Ministry of Education and First Nations Education Steering Committee.

 

They represent an attempt to identify common elements in the varied teaching and learning approaches that prevail within particular First Nations societies. It must be recognized that they do not capture the full reality of the approach used in any single First Peoples’ society.

 

From The First Nations Education Steering Committee www.fnesc.ca

 

 

In the coming weeks, we look forward to sharing how the First People’s Principles of Learning is used a lens to guide our teaching practices and activities as well as the school-wide activities that allow us to embody and live our School Story.