“Written by award-winning Indigenous author Monique Gray Smith, this magazine, which is based on the Seven Sacred Teachings, is aimed for students in grades 5–12 and is available in both English and French. Each chapter teaches children about residential schools, Treaties, and the historic and current relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Accompanied by supplementary educational resources, the magazine is both a guide and a journal for young people as they explore their feelings, build confidence, and foster greater respect and empathy throughout their reconciliation journeys.”
“Content Warning (CW)/Trigger Warning (TW): Viewers are advised that the following website may contain/contains images, names and voices of people who have passed away”.
K-12 Residential School Curriculum for SD75: “The Elders would like all visitors to this website to know that “none of these teachings are forced upon you. These lessons are not meant to offend but are offered with Respect, Honour and Trust”. This entire Website and All learning resources are the result of the courageous efforts of Elders and Survivors. We Thank you for sharing the Truth with us!”
Below are some of the professional learning opportunities that Mission Public School District is offering in the 2022/2023 school year. These can be used in-lieu of the May 19th, 2023 professional development day.
Open to All Educators:Early Learning – Gr. 12
Virtual Author Café – Legacy: Trauma, Story & Indigenous Healing
Please join us virtually for a series of four learning sessions with author Suzanne Methot, author of Legacy: Trauma, Story & Indigenous Healing. Using her book as a guide and through an Indigenous lens, Suzanne will walk us through the following:
Session #1: Trauma-Informed Practice (November 17, 2022) In this session, we will learn about the impact of trauma on our brains, bodies, spirit, and emotions; the difference between intergenerational trauma and complex trauma; and how complex trauma relates to colonization and colonialism.
Session #2: Healing-Informed Strategies for Working With Youth and Families (January 12, 2023) During this session, teachers will try out and practice 3-5 strategies that they can use when working with students and families who have experienced, or are experiencing, trauma.
Session #3: Self-Care for Helpers (March 2, 2023) This session will consider the impacts of intergenerational trauma on helpers and on the teacher-student relationship, and how Indigenous culture-based strategies for creating meaning and connection can minimize triggers and alleviate vicarious trauma, burnout, and compassion fatigue.
Session #4: Expressive Writing for Health and Wellness (May 4, 2023) During this workshop, teachers will use expressive writing to engage in self-care and achieve greater emotional, psychological, physical, and spiritual wellness.
Details: This learning opportunity also may count towards May in Lieu, if you commit to all four learning sessions.
Dates: November 17, January 12, March 2, May 4
Time: All sessions will start at 315pm and end at 445pm.
Location: Virtual
Capacity: 100 participants
Click here to register. You will be provided the book free of charge.
Registration Deadline: Please sign up before Friday, November 4, 2022, in order to receive the book beforehand.
Please join us for an inspirational evening with sɬə́məxʷ, Rain Pierre, highly acclaimed artist and motivational speaker from Katzie First Nation.
“Five years ago, I was dedicating my time and energy to a career working in the civil engineering realm. I was working extensive overtime and travelling around British Columbia, Canada inspecting multimillion-dollar projects building bridges and highways. I gave up my free time and weekends, dedicating everything to my career. I was making a name for myself within the industry, as well as a very good salary for my age. I worked on pursuing and growing this career for 7 years. I had made it… and I should have been happy, right? But I wasn’t. I had worked myself into a state of depression without knowing it. I knew deep down something was wrong. I could feel that my internal self wasn’t happy. I felt like I was committing spiritual suicide. At the end of a long day, I asked the Creator, is this what I should be doing? Because I’m not really quite sure. That evening I got some answers. I was sitting on the couch scrolling Facebook and saw a video someone had shared about spray paint art. It was the first time my heart fluttered for anything. I felt more alive and awake than I ever did. “IT’S CRAZY TO THINK ABOUT WHERE I ONCE WAS IN MY LIFE. I HAD TO LET GO OF WHAT I THOUGHT I “SHOULD” BE DOING AND TOOK A LEAP TOWARDS SOMETHING THAT MAKES ME TRULY HAPPY.”
Details: 3.5 hours toward May in lieu
Date: Thursday, January 26th
Time: We will begin with a brief dinner from 330pm to 430pm, followed by an inspirational presentation from 500pm until approximately 700pm.
The Secret Pocket: Book Launch and Learning Session with Author Peggy Janicki
The true story of how Indigenous girls at a Canadian residential school sewed secret pockets into their dresses to hide food and survive
Mary was four years old when she was first taken away to the Lejac Indian Residential School. It was far away from her home and family. Always hungry and cold, there was little comfort for young Mary. Speaking Dakelh was forbidden and the nuns and priest were always watching, ready to punish. Mary and the other girls had a genius idea: drawing on the knowledge from their mothers, aunts and grandmothers who were all master sewers, the girls would sew hidden pockets in their clothes to hide food. They secretly gathered materials and sewed at nighttime, then used their pockets to hide apples, carrots and pieces of bread to share with the younger girls.
Based on the author’s mother’s experience at residential school, The Secret Pocket is a story of survival and resilience in the face of genocide and cruelty. But it’s also a celebration of quiet resistance to the injustice of residential schools and how the sewing skills passed down through generations of Indigenous women gave these girls a future, stitch by stitch.
Details: 2.5 hours toward May in lieu
Date: Thursday, March 30th
Time: 3:30-6:00
Location: HPMS Cafetorium for meal and presentation to follow in the Clarke Theatre
Capacity: 100 participants
This session is full.
________________________________________
This is a virtual learning series, offered by the Edith Lando Virtual Learning Centre at UBC. Organizers are Dr. Cynthia Nicol, Dr. Jo-Ann Archibald and Janice Novakowski Open to all educators, free of charge.
Details: All sessions run from 3:30-4:45 (all three sessions would count for 3 hours for May in lieu)
Dates: Wednesdays – November 2nd, January 25th, February 22nd.
Understanding and Developing Executive Functions in the Classroom
Hosted By: Lisa Stevens
Part 1: December 5 2022, 3:30 – 6:00
This workshop is designed to introduce the concept of executive functions and how to support their development in a classroom setting. Part 1 of the workshop focuses on introducing different aspects of executive functions, how they affect everyday functioning, and strategies to support their development. We will also discuss Get Ready, Do, Done, as a strategy to facilitate the development of executive functions. At the end of Part 1, the participants will be asked to design and implement Get Ready, Do, Done in their classroom. Participants should be ready to share their implementation in Part 2.
Understanding and developing executive functions in the classroom
Part 2: January 9 2023, 3:30 – 6:00
In Part 1 of this workshop, the concept of executive functions and how to support their development in a classroom setting was introduced. The focus was on introducing different aspects of executive functions, how they affect everyday functioning, and strategies to support their development. The participants discussed Get Ready, Do, Done, as a strategy to facilitate the development of executive functions. At the end of Part 1, the participants were asked to design and implement Get Ready, Do, Done in their classroom and be ready to share their implementation in Part 2.
Part 2 provides an opportunity for the participants to bring questions regarding their Get Ready, Do, Done strategy and its implementation.
The Competing Behaviour Pathway Model: Understanding and Managing Challenging Behaviours
Hosted by: Lisa Stevens
Part 1: February 9 2023, 3:30 – 6:00 (Virtual session, link will be sent to registrants)
A competing behaviour pathway model is designed to better understand why a challenging behaviour might occur. The model also helps design a comprehensive, multi-component treatment plan to make the challenging behaviours irrelevant, inefficient, and ineffective. At the end of Part 1, the participants will be asked to design and complete a competing pathway diagram for a student they have in mind. Participants should be ready to share their diagram in Part 2.
The Competing Behaviour Pathway Model: Understanding and Managing Challenging Behaviours
Part 2: April 17 2023, 3:30 – 6:00 (Virtual session, link will be sent to registrants)
In Part 1 of this workshop, the competing behaviour pathway model was introduced to better understand why a challenging behaviour might occur. The model also helped participants design a comprehensive, multi-component treatment plan to make the challenging behaviours irrelevant, inefficient, and ineffective. At the end of Part 1, the participants were asked to design and complete a competing pathway diagram for a student they had in mind.
Part 2 is a chance for the participants to share their competing pathway diagrams and receive feedback, suggestions, and ideas to polish their treatment plan.
Details: 5.0 hours toward May in lieu
Dates: Thursday, February 9th & Monday, April 17th
Time: 3:30-6:00
Location: To be determined
Click here to register. School teams are encouraged to attend together.
Six module, self-paced course. Let’s complete this together!
Hosted by: Sandra Norum
Suitable for: LST, ISP, Classroom Teachers, EA’s
Description – FASD 101 On-Demand course is an online, free, self-paced course for BC Educators. This 6-module course provides foundational information to enhance educators’ capacity to support students with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Educators who complete the 3-hour course will receive a certificate of completion. (Link to course: www.fasdoutreach.ca/training)
Details: Two 1.5 hour sessions (3 hours towards May in lieu)
Dates: Monday, February 27th & Monday, March 6th
Time: 3:30-5:00
Location: To be determined (in-person or virtual options available)
This professional development opportunity is all about exploring math manipulatives. We will follow two new books published by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and look at everything from Cuisenaire rods and base ten blocks to geoboards and pattern blocks. Two sessions are available (primary and intermediate plus) – feel free to attend one or both. The first 50 people who register will receive a copy of the book at the session!
Details: 2.5 hours toward May in lieu
Primary: Monday, February 6th, 3:00 – 5:30
Intermediate Plus: Monday, February 13th, 3:00 – 5:30
Suitable for Elementary LST, or anyone interested!
Description: How can you use the SoR to help struggling readers on your caseload? Tips for pull-out groups, as well as classroom supports to offer teachers at your site.
Details: 1.5 hours toward May in lieu
Date: Thursday, April 13th
Time: 3:00-4:30
Location: To be determined (in person or virtual options available)
Suitable for Middle and Secondary LST, or anyone interested!
Description: How can you use the SoR to help struggling readers on your caseload? Tips for your enrolling support blocks, as well as classroom supports to offer teachers at your site.
Details: (1.5 hours toward May in lieu)
Date: Monday, May 1st
Time: 3:30-5:00
Location: To be determined (in person or virtual options available)
Attend the National Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day Event on Sept. 30:
This event is timely in that, as per the website XYÓLHMET YE SYÉWIQWÉLH (TAKING CARE OF OUR CHILDREN), “Stó:lō Nation Chiefs’ Council (SNCC), under the leadership of Chief David Jimmie, President of the SNCC, launched a broad-based and inclusive initiative to investigate potential unmarked graves and missing children related to three of the former Residential School sites within S’ólh Téméxw. This initiative includes the former St. Mary’s (Mission), Coqualeetza (Chilliwack), and All Hallows institution (Yale), in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia.”
This work began in early September 2022 at St. Mary’s in Fraser River Heritage Park and will continue every Thursday and Friday of each week in September, as long as the weather cooperates (i.e., no heavy rain). As the rain impacts the accuracy of the equipment, the work will stop for the rainy months and resume in late Spring 2023. There are a few different sites within the former St. Mary’s grounds that will need to be investigated over the course of the next year or so. Once the work is complete a report will be generated and findings shared.
The event is presented in partnership by Siwal Si’wes Indigenous Education Advisory Council and Members of local Nations, including Sq’éwlets, Leq’á:mel, and Kwantlen.
Every Child Matters – Educator Guide English French “Written by award-winning Indigenous author Monique Gray Smith, this magazine, which is based on the Seven Sacred Teachings, is aimed for students in grades 5–12 and is available in both English and French. Each chapter teaches children about residential schools, Treaties, and the historic and current relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Accompanied by supplementary educational resources, the magazine is both a guide and a journal for young people as they explore their feelings, build confidence, and foster greater respect and empathy throughout their reconciliation journeys.”
“Content Warning (CW)/Trigger Warning (TW): Viewers are advised that the following website may contain/contains images, names and voices of people who have passed away”.
K-12 Residential School Curriculum for SD75: “The Elders would like all visitors to this website to know that “none of these teachings are forced upon you. These lessons are not meant to offend but are offered with Respect, Honour and Trust”. This entire Website and All learning resources are the result of the courageous efforts of Elders and Survivors. We Thank you for sharing the Truth with us!”
K’was hoy to Siwal Si’wes Indigenous Education for sharing these learning opportunities and resources:
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: Walking the Path to Reconciliation in 2021
“This year, we gained a deeper collective understanding of the devastating and ongoing impacts of Canada’s residential school system. The recognition of unmarked graves at the sites of former residential schools reopened the wounds that Survivors and their families have been tending for generations.
It also sparked a new conversation across the country as more people learn, engage, and reflect. Truth and Reconciliation Week is an opportunity to bring together people from nations and cultures across the country to continue this reconciliation journey.
In the week leading up to September 30, Orange Shirt Day, we will honour the children who were sent to residential schools and the many who never came home. We will come together to embrace the hope we see in this renewed conversation as we work to ensure the truth of this country’s history is known. Truth and Reconciliation Week would not be possible without the Survivors, the children of Survivors, Indigenous Elders, and Knowledge Keepers who continue truth-telling to advance reconciliation through education.”
Truth and Reconciliation Weekruns from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1, 2021. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is planning week-long learning opportunities for educators and students.
Over the course of five days, teachers will share videos created by Indigenous storytellers, which show traditional ceremonies and artistic performances, alongside conversations with Elders and knowledge keepers, survivors, and children of survivors of residential schools. There will also be a moving tribute to the missing children that never returned home from the residential schools. On September 30, Orange Shirt Day, a special program will be held to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Registration is accessible on the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website.
Every Child Matters – Educator Guide English French “Written by award-winning Indigenous author Monique Gray Smith, this magazine, which is based on the Seven Sacred Teachings, is aimed for students in grades 5–12 and is available in both English and French. Each chapter teaches children about residential schools, Treaties, and the historic and current relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Accompanied by supplementary educational resources, the magazine is both a guide and a journal for young people as they explore their feelings, build confidence, and foster greater respect and empathy throughout their reconciliation journeys.”
K-12 Residential School Curriculum for SD75. “The Elders would like all visitors to this website to know that “none of these teachings are forced upon you. These lessons are not meant to offend but are offered with Respect, Honour and Trust”. This entire Website and All learning resources are the result of the courageous efforts of our Elders and Survivors. We Thank you for sharing the Truth with us!”
______________________________________________________________________________________________________Shared by the Residential School History and Dialogue Centre
3 Crows Productions takes you on a visual journey of what Orange Shirt Day means to them. Elders and Residential School Survivors Cyril Pierre and Joseph Ginger return to the grounds of St. Mary’s Indian Residential School located in Mission, BC. Indigenous storytellers Dallas Yellowfly and Alysha Collie accompany them. They explain why Orange Shirt Day is Everyday, and why this day is so important. Their messages aim to bring hope to future generations of youth, educators and communities. The Orange Shirt featured in the video is created by our own Indigenous artist Alysha Collie. For more information about 3 Crows Productions, visit our website: https://www.3crowsproductions.com/
Xyólheméylh recognition of Orange Shirt Day:
“Today is Orange Shirt Day, a day when we honor the Indigenous children who were sent away to residential schools in Canada and we are reminded of the shameful and cruel part of Canada’s history and the terrible legacy that resulted.
Between the 1860s and the 1990s, approximately 150,000 Métis, Inuit and First Nations children were sent to residential schools. The children were removed from their families, forced to speak English or French instead of their ancestral languages, and disconnected from their culture and traditions. Orange Shirt Day was started by Phyllis Webstad to educate people about residential schools and fight racism and bullying. When Phyllis was a child, she was given a new orange shirt by her grandmother for her first day of school at St. Joseph’s Mission residential school in British Columbia. When Phyllis got to school, they took away her clothes, including her new shirt. It was never returned.
To Phyllis, the colour orange reminded her of her experiences at residential school and, as she has said, “how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared and I felt like I was worth nothing. All of us little children were crying and no one cared.”
Orange Shirt Day was started by Phyllis to educate people about residential schools and fight racism and bullying and to emphasize that Every Child Matters.
At Xyólheméylh we deal with the impact of colonialism and residential schools, and the intergenerational pain that has resulted. Every day we work with the impacts of this legacy but are also reminded of the resiliency of Indigenous people. On Orange Shirt Day we encourage all staff and caregivers to wear orange, and to attend an event, perhaps virtually this year.
We have prepared a video to commemorate the day with a few of our Elders that we hope you watch:”
Listen in as Phyllis Webstad and Joan Sorley from the Orange Shirt Day present their new book – Orange Shirt Day. Please find a link to a publicly shared conversation with Residential school survivor and founder of Orange Shirt Day, Phyllis Webstad and Cariboo Regional Area F director Joan Sorley (56 minutes).
It is a Facebook link (it is not yet available on other video platforms).
The NFB is proud to partner with Every Child Matters, an online youth event that honours Residential School Survivors, their families and communities. This virtual event provides an opportunity to learn first hand from Residential School Survivors, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, artists and leaders from nations and cultures across the country.
Designed for students in Grades 5 through 12, this virtual event provides an opportunity to learn first hand from Residential School Survivors, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, artists and leaders from nations and cultures across the country. Educators can select the events they wish to livestream for their students and download free educational resources. Click here to register your class.
Produced in collaboration with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Written by award-winning Indigenous author Monique Gray Smith, this magazine, which is based on the Seven Sacred Teachings, is aimed for students in grades 5–12 and is available in both English and French.
Each lesson is based on one of the seven teachings, reminding all of us that love, truth, wisdom, humility, courage, respect, and honesty truly matter. It is our hope that these lessons help you and your students live out these teachings, in your classrooms, in your actions, and in your everyday lives.
Click on the image below to access the lesson plans:
“Canadian Residential Schools: The Survivors & Their Descendants”
(Educators: Please preview first. Best suited for high school students.)
This 22 minute video shares the history of Residential Schools as well as the impact that continues to be experienced by their descendants today in an enlightening and engaging manner that students can relate to. We have also included a music video by N’we Jinan Artists that was written and recorded by youth from Opchapowace First Nation, Saskatchewan.
The Ballantyne Project was founded in April 2019 by Dwight Ballantyne, a 25 year old Indigenous man who spent his first 21 years growing up in a remote northern Saskatchewan First Nation. His mission is to bring awareness to Canadians about life in remote Indigenous communities by sharing his personal experiences in order to bring attention to this segment of our nation that rarely makes it into textbooks, popular media or social conversation.
Listen to stories shared by Elders, organized by grade level.
Peggy Janicki, Indigenous Mentor Teacher, has shared a folder of documents pertaining to residential schools. (Internal to SD75 educators.) I.R.S. Indian Residential School
A friendly reminder that all School Libraries in Mission School District have BCTF’s “Nlaka’pamux Blanket Exercise” and all materials included.
This playlist features films that confront racism. They are a small selection of films from the NFB collection that look at instances of racism in Canada, and support dialogue on equality and diversity. Age suggestions are listed for each film.
This collection looks at the fight against discrimination and racism in Canada. It includes examples of ongoing efforts across the country to remove barriers to equity, diversity and inclusion and to reduce inequities in all sectors of society.
4. @janemount created this graphic of anti-racist books:
Spring Scavenger Hunt:
“As you explore the outdoors … try to take a moment and really think about the world around you. Keep an eye out for details and see what you can find.” (SD 42 Aboriginal Education Department via Twitter)
(Shared by SD 42 Aboriginal Education, Created by Jessica Knott)
Monique Gray Smith, Susan Nielsen, and other Canadian writers share writing tips and perspectives.
Kids in the Know: K-12 safety education program uses age-appropriate lessons to increase children’s personal safety skills to reduce their risk of victimization online and offline. Lessons are matched to the outcomes mandated by departments of education across Canada and are purposefully designed to create a common language to help facilitate the way we teach kids about their own personal safety. Topics covered by KIK include safe and responsible use of technology, healthy relationships and boundaries, daily safety habits, as well as knowing when and how to seek help.
Grade 9/10 Digital Lesson: An engaging new lesson, includes videos and online activities, covers topics such as body and sexual boundaries, consent, and healthy and unhealthy relationships, as well as where to go for help. This lesson is free for educators for a limited time (in English and French).
Big Feelings Come and Go Storybook: Available for download in six different languages, as well as a read-aloud video series, this storybook teaches kids about freeze, flight and fight and helps them learn some basic self-regulation skills.
We’ve been busy getting ready for FVRL Express. We’ve pulled over 3,000 holds and packed 550 bags with full of people’s holds.
🛍️📚 Beginning June 1 you can start picking up library holds using FVRL Express – Click, Pick, Go. www.fvrl.ca/fvrlexpress
The new contactless service offers customers a physically distanced way to pick up library holds and return items at all 25 locations.
YMCA Launches New Online Resource for Teachers:(available in English and French)
Looking for a fun way to keep your students active? The YMCA has launched YGym, a free virtual physical activity program for young people and families across Canada. Offered in both English and French, YGym includes a variety of physical activity and sports skills videos for students aged 5-9 and 10-15. A fundamental movement video will also be launched soon.
YGym is a great resource for teachers looking for ways to encourage their students to continue developing their physical literacy. Each video is instructed by a YMCA certified fitness coach and features content based on YMCA Canada’s Health & Fitness programs and Canada’s Physical Activity Guidelines.
Canada Learning Code offers free, live workshops that students and educators can access that help students as young as nine years old learn how to code in different forms. This includes creating websites, online games and generative art, among others.
In addition, Canada Learning Code is also planning a virtual coding conference that students will be able to take part in this summer.
“We’ve reimagined our popular in-person learning experiences to create live online classes that are optimized for project-based, highly collaborative and interactive learning opportunities,” said Melissa Sariffodeen, CEO of Canada Learning Code. “At each workshop, there is a team of instructors to help youth discover the power of technology to solve problems and become builders – not just consumers of technology.”
Along with learning resources, the website also includes helpful guides to maintain routines and stay safe online, giving parents information about how to talk to their children about COVID-19, along with other mental health resources to manage stress or anxiety. (Source: BC Gov News)
Locally Developed Resource by MPSD educator Susan O’Soup:
5 Moore Minutes Special Edition: Home Learning Series:
Shelley Moore (storyteller, inclusive education advocate and PhD candidate) offers tips for home learning in this evolving series. Two videos will be released each week during the rest of the school year.
Designed for families who have children with disabilities, much of the information is useful for all families.
The playlist is embedded below and also on the Inclusion page of this website for future reference.
“As the world adapts to the new realities of digital engagement, we adapt with it. To support the work of teachers, parents and caretakers, MOA’s Education department has been busy compiling lesson ideas that bring world cultures, new ideas and new experiences into the home classroom. We hope that these resources can help students stay engaged while staying home.”
“We can still keep the First Peoples Principles of Learning at the centre of our instruction while students are learning at home. We have taken the activities provided in the Everyday Learning Activities section of the Ministry’s Keep Learning site and matched them with the First Peoples’ Principles Of Learning.”
Resources on this page are provided by educators and families from around the world. We are collaborating to support the needs of students with significant disabilities during the COVID 19 pandemic. These materials are open source and may be adapted to fit your child or student’s need. They may not be used for purchase.
See the Inclusion page on Curriculum Connections for more resources to support remote learning for students with diverse needs.
CBC Resources: include articles, activity ideas, videos, shows, and games. No advertising!
Learning Portal: “The Learning Portal is for learners of all ages but much of it aligns with BC K-12 school curriculum. Designed with a constructivist approach, it is a non-linear, learner-centred, inquiry-based and interactive website.” (Account creation is not required to access content. Educator page with some French resource links here.)
YouTube Channel (scroll down the page for RBCM@Home recent uploads on a variety of topics)
Junior Library Guild: (K-12, American, fiction and non-fiction e-books and audiobooks)
“FREE access to our JLG Digital online reading platform! With JLG Gold Standard eBooks for Elementary, Middle School and High school students, JLG Digital gives you and your readers access to read books online from any device. There is no limit to the number of users and titles enter and exit the digital stream regularly, so there are always new picks available. Using a computer? Usernames & passwords are not needed! Simply click your book-stream choice below and you’ll be automatically logged in! Full instructions and passwords for using the app version are available here.”
NFB Campus:In the fall of 2019, MPSD purchased a district K-12 license to access CAMPUS, the National Film Board’s video streaming service for the classroom and the primary source for Canadian film and media content across a wide range of subject areas. This includes access to authentic Indigenous films and resources in French and English.
Educators can access everything that students do, as well as all the tools and resources that make CAMPUS unique. Here are some of the educator features:
Thousands of films and other media
A curated library of Learning Bundles
Tools to create and share your own chapters and playlists
Educational summaries that draw links to Pan-Canadian curricula
In-depth Educator’s guides
Search filters by subject area and age level
Access via the web with no hardware or server space requirements
Easy integration into the classroom
To access to these features, MPSD educators need to activate their individual accounts. Contact your teacher librarian for the steps to activate your educator account.
2. Siwal Si’wes Digital Library: K-12 curated Indigenous resources
Created by Peggy Janicki, Indigenous Teacher/Mentor SD 75, Jan. 2020
With this teaching in mind, here are some additional resources to consider when planning remote learning opportunities for students:
“Why use this website?”
“There are two main reasons for teachers to use the Sq’éwlets website.
This site was designed with the Sq’éwlets community rather than about them. The Sq’éwlets people, who live where the Fraser River meets the Harrison River, approached archaeologists from the University of British Columbia to help investigate and support their claim that their local territory included an ancient burial ground. The researchers and archaeologists worked with the Sq’éwlets people to ensure that artifacts, or “belongings,” and other archaeological materials were excavated and treated respectfully. The content of the website respects Indigenous protocols regarding sacred information and procedures. The information is not just about the Sq’éwlets people, it is coming to you from the Sq’éwlets people using their own voices, language, and understandings.” (Source: Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre / Stó:lō Nation)
LesPlan Educational Services: Our team of classroom teachers, writers, and illustrators select the previous month’s top news stories, then craft age-appropriate, leveled stories summarizing the key points and perspectives for students. We include the background information often lacking from traditional news stories – as well as key vocabulary definitions – to help students understand the issue, and strive to present all sides of any debate. Our aim is to foster understanding and develop critical thinking so that students can develop their own positions on each story we cover. (Canadian, Gr. 3-10)
Currents4Kids.com / Infos-Jeunes.com is an engaging, online interactive current events resource for students in grades 3 and up. Educators and parents can sign up for a free-30 day trial. Once you create your account, LesPlan will automatically convert your trial to a free subscription until the end of the year.
Low tech everyday ideas and online resources available.
JUMP Math Essential Lesson Packs: these resources contain the most essential lessons to focus on for the remainder of the year, and preparing students for the next grade. (Canadian, K-8)
As the country and the world respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19), we are all feeling a range of emotions. At CASEL, we understand how important it is to attend to the social and emotional needs that arise during times like these. SEL offers a powerful means to explore and express our emotions, build relationships, and support each other – children and adults alike – during this challenging time. CASEL CARES is a new initiative that connects the SEL community with experts to address how SEL can be most helpful in response to today’s circumstances.
We Schools @ Home: We’re committed to helping you navigate the world of distance learning during this challenging time. WE Schools @home offers free online tools and resources to complement and support at-home learning. Developed for Grades K through 12, this weekly lesson package includes interactive and experiential curriculum-based resources, materials and lesson plans with an emphasis on well-being, social and emotional learning, service-learning and fostering resiliency.
Click here for detailed information. Sign up is required for access to some of the resources.
“We know that educators have come to rely on us for high quality materials that take a thinking approach to teaching and learning. You can be confident that in the transition to online learning we will never sacrifice educators’ goals of nurturing student thinking and building important competencies. Everything you find here is true to our mission of supporting efforts to create thinking learning environments and opportunities.
On this dedicated web-page you will find:
how to support and nurture thinking through play and everyday activities
how to engage with your children in meaningful ways that nurture thinking when reading with them”
Digital Literacy and Social Media: Resources for Families
Common Sense Media: includes resources for understanding news coverage, apps for staying calm, free online events, app reviews and more. *Educators, please follow MPSD District digital resource and app selection guidelines if you are considering using any of the apps listed here with families.* (American)
Canadian Geographic Education is announcing the launch of its new Online Classroom, created to support students in finishing the school year from home and to offer fun activities that families can do together.
For years, Can Geo Education has worked to develop engaging, innovative and accessible online educational resources for classrooms and its more than 23,500-member network of educators. Can Geo Education now prides itself in being able to support parents, students and teachers by offering free, bilingual educational content that they can access from home. The new Online Classroom initiative will feature activities and materials all geared toward providing long-distance learning while also connecting Canadians virtually.
Can Geo Education’s Online Classroom will host online webinars, drawing from our extensive archive of educational content (such as what lessons can be learned from the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918), live Google Hangouts with adventurous explorers, challenging online trivia, and much more.
Follett Lightbox Interactive E-books: Follett is the provider of MPSD’s library system, Destiny
Follett is making all of 1,200+ LightBox/AV2 World Language interactive eBooks available to schools for free. (American)
Press play to listen to a brief message regarding the resources posted below:
Below are some digital resources that have recently been released free of charge:
Curio (K-12, Canadian, Indigenous Content, Bilingual and Accessibility features)
Curio.ca is a subscription-based educational streaming platform targeting educational institutions from primary through to post-secondary levels across Canada. You can now access thousands of programs, documentaries, audio content and archival material from CBC/Radio-Canada on a provisional basis. This includes complimentary access to Curio.ca. (BBC, National Geographic, News in Review and Curio info channels not included.)
We’ve gone through all of our K-5 science lessons, collected the easiest ones to do from home, and put them on a single page to make things easier. Share this page with any teachers who may be planning for school closures. This page and all the lessons are public and free. No signup or student login is needed—we just want to help.
We’re here to help! Scholastic Education is committed to supporting children, parents, and educators. Access these Scholastic digital platforms for a limited time for free at home and keep your kids reading, thinking, and learning. Complimentary access available until June 30, 2020.
Bookflix (K-3) is a curated database that pairs fiction and non-fiction books, and a great tool for reading aloud with your child. The resource reinforces reading skills while introducing children to a world of knowledge and exploration.
Literacy Place Shared E-Reading (K-3) is a compilation of digital books with reading prompts and audio for children to follow along with. Teaching plans also included.
TrueFlix (Gr.3-5) helps children strengthen literacy skills, build science and social studies knowledge, and cultivate 21st-century skills. Watch, read, and learn cool facts about people, science, and history.
ScienceFlix (Gr.4-9) offers teachers and parents hands-on projects, activities, videos, and more to help kids learn about science.
Scholastic Go! (Gr. 2-12) Scholastic GO! makes searching simple and learning authentic. A digital search engine full of articles, videos, and age-appropriate content, kids can learn about their favourite topics in meaningful ways.
The site supports students with approximately three hours of learning opportunities per day, including projects, articles and stories, virtual field trips, reading and geography challenges, and more. These daily learning opportunities were carefully curated by our editors to reduce the burden on teachers and families needing to create meaningful learning experiences.
The Scholastic Learn at Home website does not require a username or password and is open freely to all, on any device. They are designed to limit the need for printing and allow students to learn independently or with their families.
The SD 75 Virtual K-6 learning commons is open for students, families and educators. Check back often for new resources including weekly featured activities, literacy and numeracy resources, free e-books and more!
Welcome back to another year of learning! We are very pleased to share some professional learning opportunities that are taking place early this fall for educators in Mission.
Introduction to Joyful Literacy: Special Event October 25th
For this year only, Dr. Janet Mort and Mission educators Chelsea & Nathan Reist will be sharing an introduction to Joyful Literacy on the Provincial Pro-d Day in Mission. This session is for anyone who would like to learn more about the framework including EAs, parent volunteers, StrongStart facilitators, teachers, support staff, administrators and more.
We are anticipating high demand for this learning opportunity, so please sign up as soon as possible if interested. This will help us secure a location that can accommodate everyone who is interested.
Grades: Early Learning – Gr.3
Date: Friday, October 25th (Provincial Pro-d Day)
Time: 8:30-3:00
Location: Hatzic Middle School
This session is now full. Confirmation notes will be sent to all participants by October 21st. Please contact Jen Lane if you have any questions.
Trauma, Attachment and Neuroscience
Videos and discussion: Bessel A. van der Kolk, M.D. and Dr. Bruce Perry
8 sessions X 75min (attend at least 4 sessions to earn May in-lieu Pro-D)
Grades: Early Learning – Gr.12
Dates: Oct 3, Nov 7, Nov 28, Dec 12, Jan 16, Feb 6, Feb 27, April 2
Time: 3:30-4:45
Location: SBO
Topics include: Affect Regulation, overcoming helplessness, human connections, memory processing, complex trauma, developmental trauma disorders, neglect, child maltreatment, neurobiology of the developing brain
Limit: 25 participants
This series is now full.
Pulling Together 2019: Building the Resilient Brain
Come join Mission’s educators, support workers, social service personnel and others who work with children and youth for a day of learning and networking.
Children or youth who have experienced trauma, can often present with challenges of emotionally demanding and difficult behavior. Learn to keep calm and keep caring for them even when facing perceived resistance, Find balance, learn strategies and focus on providing healing attachment experiences.
Mission Public School District offered a wide range of professional development and learning opportunities this year. Thank you to everyone who facilitated and participated. It was wonderful to see educators from diverse areas come together to share, learn and collaborate with each other.
Here is just a sample of what was offered:
Many people contributed to the planning and facilitation of these sessions, but one person in particular made it all possible. Thank you to Assistant Superintendent Larry Jepsen, our “Fearless Leader” and “Prince of a Man”, for your visionary ideas, leadership, and support of learners in Mission. We will miss you and wish you a happy retirement!
Planning for 2019/2020:
Please click on the link below to share feedback that will help us plan learning sessions for next year.
Earlier this month, Silverdale Elementary students and staff engaged in some powerful interactive learning.
Indigenous Mentor Teacher, Peggy Janicki, a BCTF facilitator, was able to bring Canadian Geographic’s Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada Giant Floor Map to Mission. This 11m x 8m Giant Floor Map is a resource to help understand the ‘past, present and future of Indigenous Peoples in Canada’ (Source: Canadian Geographic).
Silverdale’s Teacher Librarian, Angela Bout, along with Peggy and Jennifer Lane from Curriculum, collaborated with teachers to plan activities for every class. They were joined by Halq’eméylem Cultural Worker, Pipte, and Aboriginal Liaison worker, Joe Kelly to bring about this learning for the entire school. This initiative provided opportunities for students and staff to view Canada, and the Indigenous peoples of Canada through a new interactive lens.
Please see the resources below that outline this powerful work. Contact Peggy Janicki and Shannon Bowsfield if you are interested in bringing the giant floor map to your school.
Click on the image below for a slideshow that demonstrates the collaborative process of planning the learning opportunities.
Click here to see the day plan of activities at Silverdale Elementary School.
Below are some of the professional learning opportunities that Mission Public School District is offering in the 2018/2019 school year. These can be used in-lieu of the May 17th 2019 professional development day.
Core French Learning Series (first session begins October 25th):
Shauna Néro is Mission’s French Program Coordinator and Vice Principal at École Mission Central Elementary. She is also a sessional instructor for teacher-learners at Simon Fraser University and is the President of the BC Languages Coordinators Association. She has experience teaching secondary Core French, Sciences Humaines and Français langue 8-12. Shauna’s experience as Surrey School District’s International Languages and Zonal Support Helping Teacher has given her the opportunity to work with teachers from K-12 in connecting their instructional practices to quality formative and summative assessment practices. She has worked with teachers at all grade levels from different disciplines to develop assessment practices that honour students’ learning.
Click here to register for the Core French Learning Series.
Siwal Si’wes Professional Learning Opportunities:
As we embark on the Year of Respect, it is a good time to set personal and professional goals for acts of reconciliation that extend on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission 94 calls to action.
Below are three professional learning opportunities and some additional resources that focus on acts of reconciliation.
1. UBC Massive Open Online Course: Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education
(First session begins October 25th)
Facilitated by Peggy Janicki and Vivian Searwar, (K-12) (Maximum 30 participants)
We have received information from UBC, regarding a free online course called Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education. This course has been offered for a few years now and is both informative and transformative. Best of all, it’s free, and you have the option of receiving a certificate of completion at the end!
As part of the May In-Lieu Pro-D Opportunities, we would like to offer registrants of this course time to gather in Portable 6 (Camille Anderson’s work space) at MSS from 3:30-5:00 pm on the following dates:
Thursday, Oct 25
Thursday, Nov 1st
Thursday, November 8
Thursday, November 15
Thursday, November 29th.
Note that there will be NO scheduled class during the week of November 20th.
We plan to view one (or if time permits more than one) video presented in the week’s module followed by discussion and dialogue. Snacks will be provided.
The intention is that you attend a minimum of four of the sessions, which would then fulfill your obligation for the May In-Lieu Pro-D.
2. Feast on Local Knowledge with Naxaxalhts’i, Albert (Sonny) McHalsie:
November 14th, 3:30-6:00, HPMS Cafetorium & Clarke Theatre
(K-12) (2.5 hours) (Maximum 150 participants)
Enjoy an evening of learning over a catered meal with esteemed Stó:lō knowledge keeper, Naxaxalhts’i, (Sonny McHalsie). Listen and learn about the unique relationship between the Stó:lō, “the River People”, their land and their environment. Discover (and re-discover) local resources to use in the incorporation of Aboriginal Worldviews and Perspectives in your classroom.
Naxaxalhts’i, Albert (Sonny) McHalsie – Cultural Advisor/Historian and Honorary Doctorate of Law, University of Victoria.Dr. Naxaxalhts’i is the Cultural Advisor/Historian of the Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre. Naxaxalhts’i has worked for the Stó:lō as a researcher in cultural heritage and aboriginal rights and title issues since 1985. He is a much cited author of several publications focusing on Stó:lō culture and history. His areas of expertise include Halq’eméylem Place Names, Fishing, and Stó:lō Oral History. He has also been featured in many television documentaries for the CBC, APTN and Omni. He currently acts as the cultural advisor on the Treaty Negotiation Team for the Stó:lō Xwexwilmexw Treaty Association. He is a member of the Shxw’ow’hamel First Nation, the proud father of two girls and six boys, and has six grandchildren. He continues to fish at his ancestral fishing ground at Aseláw in the Stó:lō Five Fishery in the lower Fraser River canyon.
The First Peoples Principles of Learning as a Framework for Transformation and Equity
February 5th, 3:30-8:30, HPMS Cafetorium & Clarke Theatre
(K-12), (5 hours), (Maximum 150 participants)
Enjoy an evening of learning over a catered meal with respected educator and presenter, Jo Chrona.
How do we create an education system that supports the success and well-being of ALL learners? What are our individual roles within this process? The First Peoples Principles of Learning (FPPL) are making an impact on our education system, but we have only begun to understand how they can be used as a framework to build a stronger education system for all learners by building on the strengths that we each bring. Join us for a discussion about how we can take our individual and collective next steps in our own learning journeys. Through a combination of presentation and small group conversation we will explore such questions as:
What do our schools and classrooms look and sound like when they are grounded in the FPPL?
How can we use the FPPL as a framework for our work to support an equitable education system for Indigenous learners
What assumptions do we need to challenge in order to do this work?
What does it feel like for students? For families? For you as an educator?
What is your personal/professional role in this transformation?
Competency-based IEPs (first session begins November 19th):
Facilitated by: Sheri Montgomery and Shannon Bowsfield
In lieu of May pro-d, the four sessions offered are: November 19, 2018, and January 7, February 4, and March 11, 2019 from 3:30-5:00 at Riverside College. Snacks provided.
(K-12) (Maximum 30 participants) (These sessions are now full.)
Now that we have developed an understanding of the history behind the design of the competency based IEP- we are ready to put the structures in place to support the implementation. During these four sessions you will:
Gain access to My Ed, (including FOIPA training)
Learn some basic Navigation tools in My Ed BC
Obtain access to the CB IEP;
Develop an understanding how to support students to write a strengths-based student profile, including how to write both Core and Curricular competency goals,
Gain access to templates, examples and resources and self assessment tools.
Outdoor Education Series (first session begins November 30th):
Facilitated by: Sue McLeod
(K-9) (Maximum 20 participants) (Location: HPMS) Three of five sessions are required for May in-lieu.
Inquiry-Based Learning with Rebecca Bathurst-Hunt:
January 17, 2019, 3:30-6:00, HPMS Cafetorium
(K-9) (Maximum 100 participants.)
Join Rebecca Bathurst-Hunt, co-author of Inquiry Mindset: Nurturing the Dreams, Wonders and Curiosities of our Youngest Learners, in exploring how to adopt the inquiry process into your K-9 practice. You will leave understanding how to use various tools to provoke your learners and allow their interests to guide the direction of your inquiry. Rebecca will help you unpack the types of student inquiry and look at the inquiry cycle of a unit. This session will be full of practical ideas and ways to empower your learners and to feel confident implementing inquiry into your practices. Additionally, you will leave with the access to resources to further explore and use when designing inquiry experiences for your learners.
Rebecca Bathurst-Hunt is a French Immersion Kindergarten teacher in the Greater Victoria School District, BC, Canada. Rebecca co-authored Inquiry Mindset: Nurturing the Dreams, Wonders and Curiosities of our Youngest Learners with Trevor MacKenzie published by EdTechTeam Press.
1. Gathering Evidence: Assessment of the Curricular Competencies and Content Learning Standards K-9
(K-9) April 15 *new date* 3:30-6:00, Location: Heritage Park Cafetorium
The BC curriculum redesign is based on a “Know-Do-Understand” model to support a concept-based competency-driven approach to learning. Since assessment and instruction are interconnected, we need to honour K-9 students’ learning and understanding. As we design learning experiences that connect to the curricular content and competencies, we need to design a framework for quality assessment that focuses on the learning process by providing multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning.
Competency-based assessment is a process that collects evidence based on observations, conversations and products that are connected to the curricular and content learning standards. Our report card language is shifting to support the curriculum redesign, but it is just as important to connect our assessment practices to the instructional shift. During this introductory session, participants will reflect on their past and present assessment practices and explore meaningful questions to deepen their understanding of competency-based assessment. Participants will leave the session with theoretical knowledge and some practical examples to design a framework for quality assessment.
2. Connecting Curriculum Design to Competency-based Assessment: Rethinking Percentages and What They Mean for our Learners in Grades 10-12
(Gr. 10-12) February 26th, 2019, 3:30-6:00, Mission Secondary School, Portable 6
The BC curriculum redesign is based on a “Know-Do-Understand” model to support a concept-based competency-driven approach to learning. Since assessment and instruction are interconnected, we need to honour grade 10-12 students’ learning and understanding. As we design learning experiences that connect to the curricular content and competencies, we need to design a framework for quality assessment and focus on the learning process by providing multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning.
Competency-based assessment is a process that collects evidence based on observations, conversations and products that are connected to the curricular and content learning standards. During this introductory session, participants will reflect on their past and present assessment practices and explore meaningful questions to deepen their understanding of competency-based assessment. Participants will leave the session with theoretical knowledge and some practical examples to design a framework for quality assessment. It’s time to rethink percentages and letter grades to make our assessment and reporting meaningful for our learners!
Shauna Néro is Mission’s French Program Coordinator and Vice Principal at École Mission Central Elementary. She is also a sessional instructor for teacher-learners at Simon Fraser University and is the President of the BC Languages Coordinators Association. She has experience teaching secondary Core French, Sciences Humaines and Français langue 8-12. Shauna’s experience as Surrey School District’s International Languages and Zonal Support Helping Teacher has given her the opportunity to work with teachers from K-12 in connecting their instructional practices to quality formative and summative assessment practices. She has worked with teachers at all grade levels from different disciplines to develop assessment practices that honour students’ learning.
We are pleased to announce the following professional learning opportunities for the October 5th Curriculum Implementation Day.
Shape of the Day:
Coffee and refreshments will be provided at each location from 8:00-8:30.
AM Sessions will begin promptly at 8:45-10:15
Break 10:15-10:30
AM cont’d 10:30-11:30
Lunch 11:30-12:30 (on your own)
PM Sessions will begin at 12:30-2:45
Topics/Presenters:
Inquiry-based Learning with Rebecca Bathurst-Hunt:
AM K-9 educators, PM K-9 educators (repeat of AM session)
Join Rebecca Bathurst-Hunt, co-author of Inquiry Mindset: Nurturing the Dreams, Wonders and Curiosities of our Youngest Learners, in exploring how to adopt the inquiry process into your K-9 practice. You will leave understanding how to use various tools to provoke your learners and allow their interests to guide the direction of your inquiry. Rebecca will help you unpack the types of student inquiry and look at the inquiry cycle of a unit. This session will be full of practical ideas and ways to empower your learners and to feel confident implementing inquiry into your practices. Additionally, you will leave with the access to resources to further explore and use when designing inquiry experiences for your learners.
Rebecca Bathurst-Hunt is a French Immersion Kindergarten teacher in the Greater Victoria School District, BC, Canada. Rebecca co-authored Inquiry Mindset: Nurturing the Dreams, Wonders and Curiosities of our Youngest Learners with Trevor MacKenzie published by EdTechTeam Press.
Location: MSS Cafeteria
Core Competencies with Julie Bertrand:
AM Session: Gr.7-12 educators
During this session, Julie will explore various practical ways of integrating the self-assessment of the core competencies in a Middle School/Secondary setting. Resources such as templates, posters and activities will be shared with teachers in order to support the integration of the CC in the classroom all year round.
PM Session: K-6 educators
During this session, Julie will explore various practical ways of integrating the self-assessment of the core competencies in an Elementary classroom. Resources such as templates, posters and activities will be shared with teachers in order to support the integration of the CC in the classroom as soon as Monday morning!
Julie Bertrand is currently the District French Facilitator for the North Vancouver School District. The last three years, Julie has worked with the NVSD leadership team to develop and lead many Professional Development opportunities to help support teachers in the implementation of the redesigned BC curriculum. She also teaches in French Immersion and is passionate about helping Second Language Learners.
Julie Bertrand est conseillère pédagogique pour le programme d’immersion française dans la commission scolaire de North Vancouver. Elle est aussi une enseignante d’immersion au secondaire où elle s’engage a partager sa passion pour la langue française avec ses élèves en leur offrant des occasions de communication authentique et engageantes. Étant francophone de milieu minoritaire, Julie comprend bien les enjeux des enseignants d’immersion et francophones en milieux minoritaires.
Location: MSS Bandroom
POPARD Super-Workshop: Self-Regulation Skills for School
This is a two dayK-12 super-workshop. You must register for October 5th and October 19th to participate. There is a maximum of 60 participants.
Overview: Open to all BC School District and independent school personnel, participants will become familiar with a variety of strategies and curriculum resources for structuring the classroom environment and improving students’ self-regulatory abilities.
Objectives:
Participants will develop a deeper understanding of the construct of self-regulation
Learn five different domains associated with self-regulation and how characteristics associated with ASD may impact individuals functioning in each domain
Explore strategies and curriculum resources for concerns related to challenges in sensory-related self-regulation, emotional self-regulation, cognitive self-regulation (executive functioning), and social & prosocial self-regulation
Complete several activities using: sensory motor toolkit and movement breaks, The Incredible 5-Point Scale, Superflex, The Zones of Regulation
**Please note: there is a $25.00 fee for learning materials.**
Bad Rock Place Names Tour with Naxaxalhts’i, Albert (Sonny) McHalsie:
Full day, off site session: K-12 educators (30 participant maximum)
Enjoy the majestic mountains and waterways of the Upper Fraser Valley on a tour destined for the scenic Fraser Canyon above historic Yale B.C. Listen and learn about the unique relationship between the Stó:lō, “the River People”, their land and their environment.
Naxaxalhts’i, Albert (Sonny) McHalsie– Cultural Advisor/Historian and Honorary Doctorate of Law, University of Victoria.Dr. Naxaxalhts’i is the Cultural Advisor/Historian of the Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre. Naxaxalhts’i has worked for the Stó:lō as a researcher in cultural heritage and aboriginal rights and title issues since 1985. He is a much cited author of several publications focusing on Stó:lō culture and history. His areas of expertise include Halq’eméylem Place Names, Fishing, and Stó:lō Oral History. He has also been featured in many television documentaries for the CBC, APTN and Omni. He currently acts as the cultural advisor on the Treaty Negotiation Team for the Stó:lō Xwexwilmexw Treaty Association. He is a member of the Shxw’ow’hamel First Nation, the proud father of two girls and six boys, and has six grandchildren. He continues to fish at his ancestral fishing ground at Aseláw in the Stó:lō Five Fishery in the lower Fraser River canyon.
Location: Confirmation note to registrants will include bus location and times. Participants will need to bring a bagged lunch.
myBlueprint Webinars:
AM Session: Gr. 7-12 educators (Education Planner)
PM Session: K-6 educators (All About Me)
Interested in using myBlueprint for Career Education, Core Competenies, Subject Areas and Authentic Assessment? These introductory webinars will explore the basics of what myBlueprint can offer to students and teachers.
Location: MSS (Room 223 or 225, TBD)
JUMP Math with Rebekaah Stenner:
AM Session: K-6 educators
This workshop is for teachers interested in learning more about how to implement JUMP Math in the K-6 classroom. We will take a closer look at how to use the resource to build a classroom community that promotes mathematical discussion and curiosity. Specifically we will look at how to use JUMP to
– build confidence
– engage students in mathematical thinking and discussion
– differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners
– build computational fluency
Location: MSS (Portable 6)
Self-Regulation & Social Emotional Learning with Kiran Sidhu:
Full day Session: K-6 Teachers, Youth Care Workers, Counselors, ISP teachers, Educational Assistants
This workshop will examine the change in lifestyles of children, comparing millennials of the past to our current Generation Z students. It becomes critical for all educators to understand how environmental influences and change in lifestyles have created different learners. These learners come with many unique strengths and curiosities, and yet struggle in the constructs of a classroom and the stressors that are associated with this environment. Understanding these stressors through better self-awareness and self-management from us and for our students will foster increased opportunity to engage our Gen Z learners.
Location: MSS Small Gym
Teaching for Thinking in Social Studies with Stefan Stipp:
Full Day session: Gr. 7-12 Social Studies teachers (30 participant maximum)
Join Stefan Stipp from the Critical Thinking Consortium for a day of hands-on professional learning designed specifically for Social Studies teachers. Teachers will have the opportunity to create frameworks for mini-units that align with the redesigned curriculum.
Location: MSS (Portable 7)
Implementing the Redesigned Curriculum in Secondary Math & Science:
Marc Garneau & Chris Hunter
PM Session: Gr. 10-12 Math and Science teachers
This is an opportunity to go in depth with the curriculum design for Science and Math secondary courses. Innovative practices and resources will be shared.
Chris Hunter has been teaching in Surrey for twenty years. For the last eight, Chris has been collaboratively working with—and learning from–teachers of mathematics from Kindergarten to Calculus; it is his privilege to be invited to teach in many different classrooms throughout Surrey. Chris is passionate about providing opportunities for students to develop and communicate their mathematical ideas. Chris is also an active member of the “MathTwitterBlogoSphere,” an online community of math educators; he blogs at reflectionsinthewhy.wordpress.com and tweets at @ChrisHunter36.
Location: MSS (Portable 6)
Joyful Literacy with Dr. Janet Mort:
The six school teams will be working with Dr. Janet Mort on October 4th and October 5th.
Location: Heritage Park Middle School
Project Based Learning (SET-BC) :
AM session only, K-12 educators,30 Participant maximum.
This session will provide an overview of project-based learning (PBL) and examine how it integrates with the redesigned curriculum. Participants will explore how PBL can enhance their teaching practice to create authentic learning experiences. They will also gain insights and resources to support them in implementing PBL in their practices.
Location: MSS, Room 217
Competency-based IEP:
PM Session: K-12 educators
Join MPSD’s Inclusion Mentor teachers, Sheri Montgomery and Shannon Bowsfield, for an introduction to Competency-based IEPs.
During this session, Sheri and Shannon will take you on a journey to understand the history behind the design of the competency-based IEP. This was created in collaboration across the Province with over 42 participants from school districts and education partners in 28 districts, including the BCTF and Ministry of Education. Located in My Ed BC, this strength-based IEP is an entrance point for teachers to access the redesigned curriculum and support all learners in the classroom.
As an extension of this professional learning opportunity, for those interested, we are hoping to form a small pilot group to test out the most recent template, and to provide feedback and direction.
Location: SBO Boardroom
French Immersion Retreat with Shauna Néro:
K-12 French Immersion teachers have the opportunity to participate in an off-site retreat that begins the evening of October 4th and continues for the full day on October 5th.
A. All About Me: How to make the most of Digital Portfolios in the K-6 Classroom
There are a number of benefits to implementing student portfolios in the classroom:
1) Student portfolios are an effective learning and evaluation tool. These individualized collections of work help students develop and reflect on their skills and prepare them for their future.
2) Portfolios allow students to document learning through diverse mediums – writing, photography, videos, audio recordings, etc. This provides a fulsome view of a student’s development, giving teachers many opportunities to discover strengths and areas that need attention for diverse learners.
3) Portfolios document student growth over time. As students contribute to their portfolio throughout the year, teachers can understand how their work is evolving and how they are progressing through course material.
4) Finally, using digital portfolios will ensure that students do not lose their work and with live artifacts year-to-year, students can easily reflect on their growth and progress from kindergarten through to grade 12 (and beyond).
Want to learn more about the resources that you have access to? Want to create e-Portfolios with your students?
School boards using All About Me across Canada are using Portfolios to promote inquiry-based learning, self-reporting on the 21st century or Core Competencies, and showcasing growth and achievement over time. After feedback from students and educators, All About Me has been refined to provide:
Student Tags for easy organization and teacher filtering (without having to go into each student portfolio)
Teacher Comments to provide summative feedback throughout the year
Audio Recording to ensure young students can easily reflect on their learning
Teacher Activities to support inquiry-based learning
New iOS Class Pass App to support easy artifact building, even when there is only one iPad or iPhone in the classroom. To learn more about Class Pass, click here!
Looking for e-Portfolio Exemplars? Check out a few samples below:
myBlueprint has also been hard at work on the brand new counsellor account (to be released October 2018). All Elementary Administrators and School Leads will have access to a faster, more intuitive designed account to support students with their education. Stay tuned for more information regarding these exciting updates.
B. Education Planner (7-12) How to make the most of Digital Portfolios in the 7-12 Classroom and exciting updates to myBlueprint
There are a number of benefits to implementing student portfolios in the classroom:
1) Student portfolios are an effective learning and evaluation tool. These individualized collections of work help students develop and reflect on their skills and prepare them for their future.
2) Portfolios allow students to document learning through diverse mediums – writing, photography, videos, audio recordings, etc. This provides a fulsome view of a student’s skills, giving teachers many opportunities to discover strengths and areas that need attention for diverse learners.
3) Portfolios document student growth over time. As students contribute to their portfolio throughout the year, teachers can understand how their work is evolving and how they are progressing through course material.
4) Portfolio building can also help students prepare for the world of work as many employers and post-secondary institutions request portfolios as part of the application process. The practice of compiling work samples and revisiting their past projects also help students hone skills necessary for resume building and cover letter writing.
5) Finally, using digital portfolios will ensure that students do not lose their work and can easily reflect on their growth and progress year-after-year.
Want to learn more about the resources that you have to create e-Portfolios with your students?
School boards using myBlueprint across Canada are using Portfolios to promote inquiry-based learning, self-reporting on the 21st century or Core Competencies, and showcasing growth and achievement over time. After feedback from students and educators, myBlueprint revamped their existing 7-12 portfolio to include a number of exciting upgrades, including:
Student Tags
Teacher Comments
Audio Recording
Better Organization and Filtering
Brand New Sharing Options like Slideshow Mode and Interactive Share
These updates have been released, so all students can make use of the exciting new features immediately!
Looking for e-Portfolio Exemplars? Check out a few samples below:
myBlueprint has also been hard at work on the brand new counsellor account (to be released October 2018) and a companion app to make creating 7-12 portfolios even easier! The new Counsellor Account will include a fresh, intuitive design and much faster load times. Stay tuned for more information regarding these exciting updates.
Peggy Janicki, MPSD Indigenous Mentor teacher, has been working in K-12 schools and sharing resources:
Teacher Librarian Curriculum Highlights:
Click on the image below to see how K-12 school libraries are supporting the implementation of the redesigned curriculum.
Early Learning:
MPSD Early Learning Coordinator, Diana McCall, has supported Ready, Set, Learn, Welcome to Kindergarten, Empower Learning Series, Little Readers, visits from the Public Library and more!
Math Mentor Teacher, Rebekaah Stenner, has been supporting schools with JUMP Math and Building Thinking Classrooms:
Joyful Literacy:
Every Elementary school has sent a team of educators to a Joyful Literacy Summit. In addition, 50 educators from six schools have embarked on a three year initiative and participated in 8 days of professional development with Dr. Janet Mort’s Joyful Literacy Interventions.
Approximately 600 students from these six schools will be going home with a summer reading packages to support the literacy skills they have been mastering this year!
Other Curriculum and Student Services Pro-D:
Visit the Pro-D page to see all of the workshops and learning sessions that were offered this year.
There is still time to register for upcoming Professional Learning Series opportunities. (These contribute to in-lieu time for the May Pro D day.)
Coming up….
SET-BC Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Part 1 (January 15th), Part 2 (January 29)(3:30-4:45, Riverside College) (K-12) (Limited space available. Visit our new Pro-D page to register)SET-BC Digital Storytelling and Math Apps sessions are FULL.
Stefan Stipp: Critical Thinking and the Redesigned Curriculum
February 27th, 3:30-6:00 (K-12) (Visit our new Pro-D page to register)
Stefan brings a classroom teacher’s perspective in his journey with the re-designed curriculum. Using Critical Thinking as a foundation and the TC2 model and resources, Stefan demonstrates how to help students become thoughtful, active citizens. He has pioneered a global perspective program which uses an inquiry-based approach to integrate psychology, history, film studies and social justice courses and has taught and mentored students as a faculty associate with Simon Fraser University. Stefan received the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence.
Stefan’s work with TC2 (a resource available to all Mission educators) includes authoring and contributing to various publications. He facilitates workshops on promoting self-regulated learning, student engagement, critical thinking and historical thinking. Stefan’s work is grounded in his day to day experience with students in the classroom.
Peter Liljedahl: Building Thinking Classrooms
April 23rd and May 14th, 2018 (3:30-6:00, HPMS Cafetorium)(Grade 7-12) Attendees must attend both sessions. (Limited space available. Visit our new Pro-D page to register)
Peter Liljedahl, Professor of Mathematics, Simon Fraser University, is offering two sessions for 7-12 Math and Science Educators. Dr. Liljedahl is a former high school mathematics teacher who has kept his research interest and activities close to the classroom. His research interests are creativity, insight, and discovery in mathematics teaching and learning; the role of the affective domain on the teaching and learning of mathematics; the professional growth of mathematics teachers; mathematical problem solving; numeracy; and engaging student thinking. He consults regularly with schools, school districts, and ministries of education on issues of teaching and learning, assessment, and numeracy.
For Educators: 
Kids in the Know:
Shauna Néro is Mission’s French Program Coordinator and Vice Principal at École Mission Central Elementary. She is also a sessional instructor for teacher-learners at Simon Fraser University and is the President of the BC Languages Coordinators Association. She has experience teaching secondary Core French, Sciences Humaines and Français langue 8-12. Shauna’s experience as Surrey School District’s International Languages and Zonal Support Helping Teacher has given her the opportunity to work with teachers from K-12 in connecting their instructional practices to quality formative and summative assessment practices. She has worked with teachers at all grade levels from different disciplines to develop assessment practices that honour students’ learning.
Julie Bertrand is currently the District French Facilitator for the North Vancouver School District. The last three years, Julie has worked with the NVSD leadership team to develop and lead many Professional Development opportunities to help support teachers in the implementation of the redesigned BC curriculum. She also teaches in French Immersion and is passionate about helping Second Language Learners.
Interested in using myBlueprint for Career Education, Core Competenies, Subject Areas and Authentic Assessment? These introductory webinars will explore the basics of what myBlueprint can offer to students and teachers.
This workshop will examine the change in lifestyles of children, comparing millennials of the past to our current Generation Z students. It becomes critical for all educators to understand how environmental influences and change in lifestyles have created different learners. These learners come with many unique strengths and curiosities, and yet struggle in the constructs of a classroom and the stressors that are associated with this environment. Understanding these stressors through better self-awareness and self-management from us and for our students will foster increased opportunity to engage our Gen Z learners.
Join Stefan Stipp from the Critical Thinking Consortium for a day of hands-on professional learning designed specifically for Social Studies teachers. Teachers will have the opportunity to create frameworks for mini-units that align with the redesigned curriculum.
This session will provide an overview of project-based learning (PBL) and examine how it integrates with the redesigned curriculum. Participants will explore how PBL can enhance their teaching practice to create authentic learning experiences. They will also gain insights and resources to support them in implementing PBL in their practices.
Curriculum Connections 