What’s New in our Elementary Schools? (Besides Sex Ed)

Karen Graham

After absorbing the students from South Monaghan Public School last September, enrolment at Millbrook South Cavan has stabilized and sits this month at 416 students. Principal Sheryl Hunter believes the school day schedule with two 40 minute breaks is very beneficial for students, as it allows the school to offer different outdoor play times for different age groups of students, as primary grades play outdoors while grades 4 to 8 eat inside, then they rotate. Called the “Balanced Day” format, this is the only schedule many of their students have known.

Millbrook South Cavan Principal Sheryl Hunter. Photo: Karen Graham.

Millbrook South Cavan Principal Sheryl Hunter. Photo: Karen Graham.

The early start with the opening bell at 8:10 has been part of the Millbrook school routine for several years as well. It was originally put in place to facilitate double runs with our buses.   While it may be difficult for some students to rise and shine at that hour, it allows more time after school for appointments and after school activities for both staff and students.

One of the biggest changes in curriculum at the elementary level involves the use of technology. Technology is an everyday part of life for students —regardless of whether they are just starting in Kindergarten or are finishing off their Grade 8 year and heading to high school next September. They use technology on a daily basis in their personal lives and staff is trying to involve the use of this same technology in the classroom as it engages them and suits their learning styles. Technology purchases including classroom SMARTBoards and ipads are arriving at the school to be used for student learning.

North Cavan Public School Principal Bob Sinclair in action at their welcoming Corn Roast. Photo: Karen Graham.

North Cavan Public School Principal Bob Sinclair in action at their welcoming Corn Roast. Photo: Karen Graham.

One of the most key concepts being incorporated into curriculum at school is the role of positive mental health. During the past school year, Millbrook staff spent a great deal of time learning about strategies to share with students about how to keep mentally healthy which sets the optimal conditions for learning. Staff offers practical ways to develop and maintain good mental health, including getting plenty of sleep, eating healthy foods, participating in physical activities and exercise, listening to music, finding hobbies, etc. Recognizing signs of anxiety has also been on the staff agenda, and tools have been shared with parents and school council members. Hunter believes that “promoting positive mental health really is a partnership between home and school. Increasing awareness and open discussion has really been powerful in helping us all to learn. When we have good, positive mental health it helps each of us as we learn each day.”…

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