Grade 9's: as promised here are your Slam Poetry examples that you performed! You did an excellent job writing about progress and perceptions, in light of International Womens Day March 8th.
She was a flame
warm and welcoming
Bringing light to those around her
But she burned anyone who came too close
to the point where she would keep her distance
in fear of causing others pain
so she burned alone
bright and ambitious
Fury, a seething red, too full of determination
she never let anything get in her way
and overcame every obstacle
But just like any fire
her flame went out
leaving no trace behind
apart from the charred remains
left in her wake - Hana Ballum
Imagine living in the sky away from problems as high as possible
This is how my friend lives, up in the sky away from his worst fear, acceptance
This is where he can get away from the world he fears won't accept him for who he is
When he visits the ground he is overwhelmed with feelings
He digs his head into his pillow hoping he's dreaming; he hates himself, feels selfish bothering someone with his problems
One day while he's visiting the ground, he gathers courage from the sky and talks to his mom
He tells her about his boyfriend that strictly lives on the ground. His mom supports him and now he can be living happily on the ground
He still visits the sky but no longer lives there. He misses the quiet of the clouds but no whe knows the loveliness of the ground. - Brendan Batista
How many pills can I take to be considered cool?
How many friends do I need to be popular?
How many wins do I need to be a man?
How far do I have to scroll?
How many people do I need to serve?
How many logos do I need to wear
How many shoes do I need to own
How many likes do I need to get
How many years are left? - Andrew Mrak
Friday, 9 March 2018
Monday, 26 February 2018
Race Matters Conference March 7th
Check out the poster and if this is a conference that you would like to attend please see me, as there are only a few spots per school. Very inspiring speakers and learning:) https://racemattersd36.wordpress.com/
Tuesday, 23 January 2018
CAPSTONE SURVEY LINK
New Media 11 Students: Here is the link, for you to complete a survey for the CAPSTONE Projects feedback. Please share your thoughts to help us improve the process! thanks and there will be a draw for a subway gift card:)
Friday, 9 June 2017
They're ready to fly ...
With only 2 weeks of teaching my Crossroads Co op on the horizon, I'm starting to feel really nostalgic- while reflecting on an amazing semester full of learning, laughs, growth and love.
Having the same group of 24 students every day, all day.... for a whole semester can open up so many opportunities for flexible learning and sharing. It can also be physically & emotionally daunting for us at times. Its an understatement to say we're like a family - because we actually feel and act like one! After all, we practically live in that room for 7 hours a day, and it's evident when there are students clothes, stuffies, supplies & binders that live there permanently too! (What? Why would we use lockers?!!)
Every day in class there are displays of love and encouragement, lots of jokes and affection, and of course every family comes with the odd small disagreements which require me stepping in to console, care and correct. A family should have a circle of support surrounding it and in my case that includes our social worker, counsellors, LST staff and admin.
But how often in a regular 1.5 hour class can I fully get to the core of my students' needs and emotions? How often can they feel so comfortable sharing with each other their struggles, anticipations and hopes - therefore their identity? Its not impossible. I strive for it with every class. Often I'm left wishing I had more time. But honestly, it's much more conducive in a co-op class where students are together for a longer period. Moreover, I get a glimpse into my students in the working world when I visit them on work placements over 3 weeks. That "real world" experience is so eye opening for both of us. Many of them come back appreciating school a bit more ;)
The growth that the students experience is so rewarding. Students who walked in with a "tough guy" facade the first week, now openly discussing their hopes and dreams and fears. Students who were so anxious to speak at all, now sharing proudly. Students labeled with disabilities, dyslexia, defiance, and dysfunction who in my eyes are simply pure beings just wanting to contribute, connect & belong; To tell their evolving story and be heard.
The growth that I have experienced in these co-ops as an educator over the years is immense and continuously rewarding. I've learned to relax the rules, to listen carefully, to follow my intuition, to really dig deep into my patience threshold. I've learned it takes more work from BOTH of us. I've learned that in a family, everyone needs a different approach and I must tailor that for each student to be at the center of their learning. I've grown to feel more comfortable to challenge students to do better and worry less about being in the comfort zone for too long. After all, this is where the magic happens. When I believe in them and hold them accountable so much that they don't stand a chance to say "I can't do this."
Of course there is the rare student who will have other priorities. Who will be in a place in his or her life that only they understand. Whose journey includes being at school when they can, and moving on. But when each and every one is here, they're present for a reason. I've learned to greet them the same regardless. They are valued when they're here and They are missed when they are not here.
What impresses me the most about these students year after year, is the love they show each other. The compassion when someone is sick, away for a few days, or having a hard time at home. Sharing circles on Monday mornings provide that platform for expressing the love and concern for each others' well being. Also for expressing issues that are lingering....Its something so beautiful and such an essential life skill. They're connecting and communicating ...and asserting themselves...many of them learning along the way the various nuances and unwritten rules of conduct as well as effective communication skills.
As this school year comes to an end I am both proud and sad. Proud of their growth and accomplishments. Proud of their genuine smiles that were once few and far between, their compassion for each other, their contributions and their evidence of learning. However I'm also quote honestly sad.
Like any family, the nest grows empty at one point and that time is coming close. Its an emptiness I'm not ready for yet... But while wanting to hang on and protect them is a natural extension of family woes, I believe they're ready to fly. To fly into those other worlds for the other 17 hours of the day. The worlds of work, home, friends, and their families. I hope for them to continue to carry themselves with this confidence, pride and compassion for others that I was so fortunate to witness daily. I try not to worry they might lose their swagger in the normalized world of academics here. But all I can do is remind them of this: You are special...this Crossroads family is special and you are ready to go out now. Just remember who you are, who you were, and who you have become.
Mrs. Kambo
Having the same group of 24 students every day, all day.... for a whole semester can open up so many opportunities for flexible learning and sharing. It can also be physically & emotionally daunting for us at times. Its an understatement to say we're like a family - because we actually feel and act like one! After all, we practically live in that room for 7 hours a day, and it's evident when there are students clothes, stuffies, supplies & binders that live there permanently too! (What? Why would we use lockers?!!)
Every day in class there are displays of love and encouragement, lots of jokes and affection, and of course every family comes with the odd small disagreements which require me stepping in to console, care and correct. A family should have a circle of support surrounding it and in my case that includes our social worker, counsellors, LST staff and admin.
But how often in a regular 1.5 hour class can I fully get to the core of my students' needs and emotions? How often can they feel so comfortable sharing with each other their struggles, anticipations and hopes - therefore their identity? Its not impossible. I strive for it with every class. Often I'm left wishing I had more time. But honestly, it's much more conducive in a co-op class where students are together for a longer period. Moreover, I get a glimpse into my students in the working world when I visit them on work placements over 3 weeks. That "real world" experience is so eye opening for both of us. Many of them come back appreciating school a bit more ;)
The growth that the students experience is so rewarding. Students who walked in with a "tough guy" facade the first week, now openly discussing their hopes and dreams and fears. Students who were so anxious to speak at all, now sharing proudly. Students labeled with disabilities, dyslexia, defiance, and dysfunction who in my eyes are simply pure beings just wanting to contribute, connect & belong; To tell their evolving story and be heard.
The growth that I have experienced in these co-ops as an educator over the years is immense and continuously rewarding. I've learned to relax the rules, to listen carefully, to follow my intuition, to really dig deep into my patience threshold. I've learned it takes more work from BOTH of us. I've learned that in a family, everyone needs a different approach and I must tailor that for each student to be at the center of their learning. I've grown to feel more comfortable to challenge students to do better and worry less about being in the comfort zone for too long. After all, this is where the magic happens. When I believe in them and hold them accountable so much that they don't stand a chance to say "I can't do this."
Of course there is the rare student who will have other priorities. Who will be in a place in his or her life that only they understand. Whose journey includes being at school when they can, and moving on. But when each and every one is here, they're present for a reason. I've learned to greet them the same regardless. They are valued when they're here and They are missed when they are not here.
What impresses me the most about these students year after year, is the love they show each other. The compassion when someone is sick, away for a few days, or having a hard time at home. Sharing circles on Monday mornings provide that platform for expressing the love and concern for each others' well being. Also for expressing issues that are lingering....Its something so beautiful and such an essential life skill. They're connecting and communicating ...and asserting themselves...many of them learning along the way the various nuances and unwritten rules of conduct as well as effective communication skills.
As this school year comes to an end I am both proud and sad. Proud of their growth and accomplishments. Proud of their genuine smiles that were once few and far between, their compassion for each other, their contributions and their evidence of learning. However I'm also quote honestly sad.
Like any family, the nest grows empty at one point and that time is coming close. Its an emptiness I'm not ready for yet... But while wanting to hang on and protect them is a natural extension of family woes, I believe they're ready to fly. To fly into those other worlds for the other 17 hours of the day. The worlds of work, home, friends, and their families. I hope for them to continue to carry themselves with this confidence, pride and compassion for others that I was so fortunate to witness daily. I try not to worry they might lose their swagger in the normalized world of academics here. But all I can do is remind them of this: You are special...this Crossroads family is special and you are ready to go out now. Just remember who you are, who you were, and who you have become.
Mrs. Kambo
Thursday, 29 September 2016
POETRY PROJECTS!
I am so excited to see your final projects and the themes that you have chosen! As you complete your in class projects here are some tips for you:
CRITICAL INTERPRETATION: Remember to use the thesis pieces sheets to help you form a meaningful personal connection as opposed to a plot summary for each of your 3 paragraphs. Avoid using I or you in formal paragraphs!
PERSONAL RESPONSE: For these paragraphs you may use I and YOU language. This is basically like a diary response...you are saying what you liked and connected with. Here are some sentence starters: " I chose this poem because...."
"I connect or do not connect with this poem because..."
"This poem reminds me of...."
" When reading this poem, I feel...."
"I think this poet is ..... because of the language such as....."
DEVICES: Please remember you do not need to explicate each poem, and its just showing an understanding of all 10 devices, 5 that you choose. About 10 examples maximum per section, so that you are not repeating and doing more unnecessary work.
FORMAT: Digital formats such as storyjumper, prezi, powerpoint or any others are completely fine, as are printed versions or scrapbook version are great too. Its your project and your choice!
Can't wait to see all your learning demonstrated in this project! Mrs. Kambo
CRITICAL INTERPRETATION: Remember to use the thesis pieces sheets to help you form a meaningful personal connection as opposed to a plot summary for each of your 3 paragraphs. Avoid using I or you in formal paragraphs!
PERSONAL RESPONSE: For these paragraphs you may use I and YOU language. This is basically like a diary response...you are saying what you liked and connected with. Here are some sentence starters: " I chose this poem because...."
"I connect or do not connect with this poem because..."
"This poem reminds me of...."
" When reading this poem, I feel...."
"I think this poet is ..... because of the language such as....."
DEVICES: Please remember you do not need to explicate each poem, and its just showing an understanding of all 10 devices, 5 that you choose. About 10 examples maximum per section, so that you are not repeating and doing more unnecessary work.
FORMAT: Digital formats such as storyjumper, prezi, powerpoint or any others are completely fine, as are printed versions or scrapbook version are great too. Its your project and your choice!
Can't wait to see all your learning demonstrated in this project! Mrs. Kambo
Thursday, 7 January 2016
Finals are never final...
As we end our semester, please remember that our final and provincial exams are never "final" and not something to stress about day in and out. Know your stuff, be confident that you have worked to your ability as best as you can, and seek help if needed. But finals are not the end of your world! Here is some inspiration for you!
"For the days that play on repeat I've been told its my role to turn dreams into a reality. For the sake of purpose.
That we call life. What position do I play? What position can I play?
I'm the person constantly being asked what to say but my heart, night and day being tossed to a new corner searching for identities.
My father once said "you need a conclusion, you need answers" but all I have are options.
Options that venture for the epitome of success. Yet still I'm searching for identities.
Wondering why I don't stress out enough.
I'm the type of person who needs water because this pill called conscience is simply not going down and here I am still searching for identities.
I'm the type of person who completes homework, assignments and succeeds in all tests.
But I've come to a realization that..
the finals we do will never really be final. Because are we not all unfinished?
Don't we all need some fixing? And are we all not praying?
Praying for someone to tell us "you're perfect"
But not all of us feel it. Not all of us make sense.
Because I know my life has just commenced, not knowing what to expect begs the fact that I am
Still here, searching for identities.
- Lucinda Grade 10
Saturday, 5 December 2015
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