Human & Social
Our students will study personal and human social skills and as they relate to students' identity in the world - both as individuals and as members of their community. We are learning that personal and human social skills encompass the abilities students needs to thrive as individuals, to understand and care about themselves and others, and to find and achieve their purposes in the world.
McMillan students started the year with a combined fundraiser for Cops for Cancer, and Terry Fox, in support of all people fighting cancer. They learned about these two very important causes and participated in a run of their own to raise funds that were split between the two.
Diwali offered students of all backgrounds an opportunity to learn together. Our fabulous McMillan Families supported our learning through donations of food and story. Students proudly dressed in traditional clothing. An amazing day of learning and community!
Remembrance Day gave us all the opportunity to reflect on the history of our Nation, and the contributions made by so many people and diverse groups. Our Grade 5 students stepped up to the challenge of leading our student body through the program of Remembrance, while a variety of classrooms contributed through song, poem and art.
The Joy of the Season was felt throughout our school at Christmas time, when students and families came together to celebrate in the form of our annual Christmas Concert. Student performances ranged from classical to contemporary with many different aspects of the season represented. Our crowd pleasing grand finale featured planned and spontaneous performances by McMillan students that were appreciated by all.
This year we have placed a focus on student sense of belonging in our school community. We began by deciding collectively that all classes would begin the day with a "soft start" focused on student choice, allowing teachers the opportunity to connect with and get to know students at a more personal level. Many students need time at the beginning of the day to socialize, ground themselves, and relax before facing the challenges of learning. Many also need to eat. McMillan staff built upon the Ministry "Feeding Futures" funding to create the Hungry Husky Cafe. This is a place where students in need can get a good breakfast to start their day, but also, it is a place where any student can seek connection and a positive comment from the staff.
Recognizing the need to support students and their families with food security evolved into the creation of our Community Pantry. The Community Pantry is a place where families that have can donate non-perishable food items and toiletries, for families who are experiencing food insecurity in these difficult and expensive times. Our pantry supports anyone from our community and is appreciated by all. Through the pantry and the cafe, along with feeding students, we have built connections and increased sense of belonging within our school community.
Our commitment this year was to recognize and honor students for who they are, and one way to do that is to learn and celebrate along with our families. Diwali, Halloween, Christmas, Lunar New Year, Easter, Ramadan and Vaisakhi were all learning opportunities at McMillan this year. We also recognize students monthly for the strengths they show with our Husky Tags, representing the character traits we value as a school community. Honesty, Respect, Kindness, Cooperation, Creativity, Empathy, Courage and Perseverance.
