CPS News June 2016

Aboriginal Awareness Week

The Grades 7 and 8 Cree Heritage class led many of the events during Aboriginal Awareness Week, which is recognized between May 24-27. With the help of Summer Rickard and Tracy Kerr from the Ininew Friendship Centre, some of the students took on the ambitious goal of making a traditional treat for the entire school - bannock! Students learned how to make bannock and then served bite size pieces to each and every grade.

Aaron Chokomolin, Gr. 7 Cree student, serves bannock to the Gr. 5's.
Students from Mrs. Belisle's Gr. 5 class enjoy a taste of bannock!

One of the goals of Aboriginal Awareness week is to share aspects of Aboriginal culture with others who may not have a good understanding of what it means to be a member of a First Nation. To help with this, different presenters were invited into the school to share their own unique knowledge of Aboriginal traditions. Tracy Kerr and Summer Rickard who are responsible for the Akwe-go program at the Ininew Friendship Centre, explained the Medicine Wheel to some of the classes from Gr. 2-6. Gerald Chum spoke to some of the Gr. 7 and 8 students about traditional practices and ceremonies. Gerald also raised our teepee in preparation for elder Madeline Vincent from Taykwa Tagamou First Nation, who shared stories from her own childhood and described what life was like for her growing up. Thank you to our visitors! We are very appreciative of all who took the time to come in and help with our understanding.

Madeline explains that she used this very tikanagan to carry her own child.

Checking out the tikanagan up close!

Madeline shows a piece of moose hide and explains how it was used and continues to be used today.

Mme. Colton and Mme. Charron's JK/SK class were very interested in everything Madeline shared!

Madeline also described each part of the Medicine Wheel and the importance of the circle to First Nations people.

Our beautiful teepee looks great at the front of the school.

Mr. Yade's Gr. 4 gym class learned how to play lacrosse as part of Aboriginal Awareness Week. The game of lacrosse originated as a First Nations game.

Some classes learned how to write their names in Cree Syllabics! Thank you to Mrs. Rickard and the 7 & 8 Cree students!

Jump Rope for Heart 2016

Jump Rope for Heart is an event that raises money for heart disease and stroke by having students collect pledges from the community in exchange for them having fun and jumping rope. This year, we had about 30 students take part from Kindergarten to Gr. 6. This group of students raised $3628! Cain Pope, a Gr. 1 student, collected $375 in pledges alone. Thank you to all of the students who took part!

The Day of the Event!
A great group of jumpers!
We raised $3628.00 for this great cause!
Cain Pope collected $375 in pledges!

Music Festival in Iroquois Falls

Cochrane Public School students did very well at the recent Music Festival in Iroquois Falls. Their dedication and practice was well rewarded. Congratulations to all who performed!

Cochrane Public School Band students who performed at the Iroquois Falls Lions Music Festival included: Olywn Farquhar, Tori-Lynn Marin, Abby DeJoseph, Reanne Chapleau, Mackenzie Parent, Heaven Vaillancourt and Sarah Wiseman. Christa Cassivi is the Band Director (top left) and Lynn Foley is the Piano Accompanist (top right).

Diamond Lalonde on the piano.

Olywn Farquhar performed on her flute with Mrs. Foley accompanying.

Sage Bellaire played "Pony Trot" on the violin.

Sarah Wiseman played Trumpet Voluntary.

Sarah Wiseman (left) was the Most Outstanding Intermediate Performer.

Abby and Sarah with their Strings Awards.

Reanne receiving her medal from former Principal, Roy Takayesu.

Instrumental Award Winners included: Mackenzie Parent (woodwind trophy), Heaven Vaillancourt (medal flute), Jayme Marcotte (flute trophy), Sarah Wiseman (brass trophy), Reese Byron (Instrumental Class Award), Olwyn Farquhar (medal flute) and Reanne Chapleau (medal trombone).

Messages in a Bottle

Mr. Bertrand's Gr. 8 students wrote positive messages and along with candy, placed them in mason jars for the youth of Attawapiskat. These "Messages in a Bottle" will be added to the items that a group in the highschool will be sending to this Northern community that is currently facing challenges.

Butterflies and Baby Chicks and Tadpoles

Some of our Primary classes are eagerly awaiting the arrival of some new friends. Mrs. Meaden, Mrs. Desormeau and Mrs. Foley's classes are learning about life cycles and the needs of butterflies, chickens and frogs at various points in their life cycles.

Mr. Martin and Mrs. Foley's class continued their adventures beyond the classroom walls and did many exciting things in May. Below are some highlights of their different activities and excursions.
We have a birch tree in our courtyard and the students - along with local expert Craig Tallman - tapped it, collected the sap and made syrup. Amazing student discussion and product - including a great procedural writing piece, resulted from the experience!
Local trappers, Carl Cashmore and Ken Cosens, taught us all about beaver dams.
The students collaborated to create a beaver dam of their own!
Sucker Spawining at Lillabelle Lake! Since water levels were so low this spring, the classes teamed up with the MNRF to help transport sucker fish to their spawning grounds.
Forest Harvest in the Spring

Education Week/Mental Health Awareness Week

This year's Education Week theme was "Promoting Well-Being". This aligned nicely with Mental Awareness Week. Thank you to Lana Kershaw, our Child and Youth Worker, who helped plan and coordinate many of our activities during this week! Enjoy some of the pictures of the events!

Primary students excited for the Morning Movie!
Afternoon at the Opera was a success!
Julie and Shelby were in charge of popcorn!
Mental Welll-Being Trees adorn our front entrance!
Gr. 6 students spell out "Be Kind!"

The Grade 7 and 8 students participated in activities with the high school that promoted their Mental Well-Being. Students chose activities that involved sports, art, meditation/yoga, cooking and self-care.

The Self-Care workshop was a hit!
Some students played games!
Others did Art!

CPS students also stopped and participated in mindfulness activities. Participating in mindful activities helps students develop self-awareness and concentration. Have you checked out the mental health resources and supports for parents and students on the District School Board Ontario North East webpage?

Mindful Colouring
Yoga in Gr. 1/2
Relaxation activities in Kindergarten!
Mental Imagry in Gr. 6
Visualization Activities in Gr. 3
Yoga in Gr. 4

Technology 101

On May 3, the School Council hosted "Technology 101", an evening geared towards parents to learn more about how technology is used to support students at school. With the 1:1 iPad program being extended to Grades 5 and 6 this year, more of our students will have access to iPad technology in their classrooms. Families participated in a variety of workshops and were treated to student demonstrations from our Robotics team and a coding presentation by Mr. Martin's students. As well, Constable Stephanie from the OPP was on hand to talk about Internet safety and cyber-bullying. It was an informative and engaging evening!

Mrs. Niemi welcomed all the families!
Ardis Chedore, from the Cochrane Public Library, explains how the educational benefits of Minecraft!
Mr. Dionne , Mr. Gillespie and Lucas Doucette showcased our Robotics program.
iPad tunes cards were drawn every 20 minutes!
Constable Stephanie presented on Internet safety and cyber bullying!
Congratulations to Melanie Chum who won an iPad Air 2 and ITunes cards in our grand prize draw!

Welcome to Kindergarten/Get Ready for Grade 1!

On June 16, we invite all current, registered and prospective Kindergarten students and their families to our Welcome to Kindergarten/Get Ready for Grade 1 event. Come out and:

  • Ride the school bus to the school. There will be four locations to be picked up at: TTN Community Complex, Tim Horton Event Centre, Transfiguration Church/Apitisawin and the Cochrane Curling Club/Fair Grounds. A representative from the bus company will give a short bus safety presentation and students will have the opportunity to get their "jitters" out about riding the bus to school BEFORE the first day!
  • Participate in a variety of learning stations that promote literacy, numeracy and social development with your child!
  • Meet community partners and learn about various programs they offer to families. The following agencies have agreed to be a part of this event: Ininew Friendship Centre, Taykwa Tagamou F.N. Health Families/Healthy Babies program, Cochrane Child Care Centre/Early Years, Porcupine Health Unit, Cochrane Public Library, Cochrane Infant Development Program and Northeast Commmunity Access Care Centre.
  • Tour our Kindergarten and Grade 1 classrooms and meet our Early Learning Team.
  • Leave with a bag full of learning materials that you can use at home to support early learning!

With transportation and dinner provided, this event promises to be a great time! We look forward to beginning a positive home-school partnership with you. Please spread the word!

Aboriginal Awareness Bulletin Boards

During Aboriginal Awareness Week, our classes showcased many aspects of First Nations culture by displaying student work centred around Aboriginal content and themes. Enjoy the following pictures of our bulletin boards:

Mrs. Beaupre's Grade 4's!

Mrs. Rickard's Grade 5/6 showcased their names in Syllabics!

Mrs. Farmer/Mrs. Gemmel's class!

Mme. Colton/Mme. Charron's JK/SK class!

Mme. Penney/Mme. Reinemo's JK/SK Class!

Office Display

Mrs. Belisle's Gr. 5's and Cree 7/8 students!

Mrs. Foley's Gr. 2's!

Mrs. Meaden's Gr. 1's!

June Calendar

There are many events in June! Please keep our calendar handy.

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