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The Arts: Creative Expression and Reflection

At Pythagoras Academy, students show their creative expression in many various ways, whether it be through their stories they create in the story studio, their art drawings, improvised dances or made up games at recess there are many ways that students can express themselves creatively. Artistic expression was explicitly celebrated this month during Arts Week, with a special visit from an artist and a field trip to the Richmond Art gallery. All students and staff are working together on our annual school musical that will also be showcasing students' creative expression in May. 

We have an incredibly gifted and dedicated staff who assist in making PA the wonderfully expressive and creative place it is. A special thank you to Ms Vihovska for sharing part of her Ukrainian culture with us, for our amazingly creative arts teachers Mr. Purcell, Mrs. Rich, Ms. Dipa and for the parent volunteers who helped with these wonderful events. It was a memorable time that was enjoyed by all involved.

See you around the school,

Mrs. Leanne Ho
Vice Principal of Curriculum 

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Pysanka "To Write": Traditional Arts

During the week of April 11-14th, Kindergarten to Grade 8 students participated in an exciting workshop. They had an opportunity to experience another culture by learning how to make Ukrainian Easter eggs A.K.A “Pysanky.” Students and staff learned about Ukrainian pioneers in Canada, that settled mostly in the Prairies, who brought this unique tradition to Canada. 

Mrs. Yanina Vihovska, an IT/ADST specialist, who ran this workshop, explained to the students that making pysanky is not just a ritual, it’s an old Ukrainian tradition and a skill that was passed from generation to generation, only to be created during the 40 days before traditionally observed Easter. Pysanka symbolizes the New beginning, or the rebirth and is considered to have some protective magical and healing powers. The word “pysanka” derived from the verb “pysaty” which means to write. 

With excitement and curiosity children were writing lines with melted beeswax, using a special tool called “kistka” or “pysak” and dipping their eggs into a variety of coloured dyes. Some students followed a given pattern of a famous star-rosette design, and some were using their imagination. We hope to make this workshop a tradition in our school that will be done every year before the Easter long weekend. Please take a look at the amazing creativity and final products that our students have produced during the workshop.  

Messages from Across the Grades

Junior Kindergarten "JK" 

Our Junior Kindergarten classes have been excited to see the results of our walking water science experiment, frog life cycle projects and creating fun learning experiences outdoors. Students made predictions of what they thought would will happen, what they observed and what the various outcomes were!
 

Grades K/1

In Kindergarten, we will be ending our Shapes Unit by creating shape monsters as well as venturing outside to explore all the shapes we can find in our environment.   We continue to use the Story Studio to create stories to share with our friends. In Grade 1, parents have been invited back into the school to work cooperatively with students to create origami. The Grade 1’s went on a field trip to Richmond Art Gallery as part of Arts week.

Grades 2/3

Grade 2 students have been exploring chemical and physical changes in science. They incorporated art into their unit by painting with Epsom salt dissolved in water. When the water dried, they discovered that the salt was still there. Grade 3 students learned about creative writing using poems, slogan and letters. Meanwhile, in social studies, students learned about symbols used by global Indigenous cultures. So, for this Mother’s Day celebration we collective decided to incorporate both ideas together by creating a symbolic rustic frame and writing an accompanying short poem. 

Grades 4/5

Grade 4 students explored core creative thinking and social awareness competencies when preparing for the upcoming Earth Day virtual assembly. They advocated and acted to express gratitude for nature and the environment through various messages. Grade 5 students explored the essential question, How do machines (natural and human-made) transfer force and energy? Using Tynker, students generated and compared multiple possible solutions to creating a simple lever machine based on how well each met the constraints of the challenge. 

Grades 6-8

Grade 6-8 students explored how language and poetry can be a source of creativity and joy. Through various lessons, students learned how to use poetry as a medium to discover personal awareness. Students studied famous poets like Robert Frost and his passion for nature and arts for the upcoming Arts Week. 

Arts Week: K- 8

Arts Week was celebrated from April 25th-29th. During this week, teachers planned workshop art lessons and activities during art class, including: clay and sculpture projects, painting on glass and canvas painting. Students had the opportunity to create mosaics with seeds and beads, spin abstract paintings, foil paper sculptures, bubble paintings and use a wide variety of materials and tools. We scheduled artist zoom workshops for students- including local artist, author and illustrator Roz MacLean. Roz MacLean has written and/or illustrated such books as "The Body Book," "Violet's Cloudy Day," and "I Am Odd, I am New," which deals with messages of body positivity and self compassion, diversity, special needs and diverse learning challenges. Her books are very inspiring and convey powerful messages of acceptance, empathy, and the beauty of being different. This is a fun week for students to learn to express their creative side, problem solve, make strong connections and form a deeper appreciation and love of the arts.

Kind regards, 

Ms. Rebeccah Rich
Visual Arts Specialist

Play and Expression in the Arts: JK
Recently, students participated in projects like, "Mixed Media Painting on Canvas." This project explored a variety of mixed media techniques, such as learning to enrich artwork with dramatic colors, textures and dimensions. Students formed compositions using wigs, bark, sea shells and modelling paste. Students were having fun exploring water colors, acrylic inks, and metallic paint. Being allowed to "play" in art is one of the best forms of expression! The students learned that, by working together to create beauty in the world, they can discover ways to express themselves and find continued peace. Some of these wonderful art pieces are included in our annual auction so be on the lookout if you would like to bid on one...or two!
Featured Teachers: Adventuring into the Story Studio
During the month of April, JK Teachers Ms. Cherie, Mr. Edgar and Ms. Stephanie invited students to Pythagoras Academy's Story Studio. Teachers guided students through learning experiences with loose parts and natural materials, meanwhile asking "What story can you create here?"

After carefully selecting their loose parts, often resembling people, places, experiences, or previously known stories, students placed their items in accordance with their imaginative adventures. When asked about her story, Ariya stated, "I'm in the garden with my Baba. We are picking flowers together." Although maybe not noticeable to her at first, Ariya has just named the characters and setting in her story! By intentionally prompting students with thought provoking questions and paraphrasing their learning students expand their vocabulary while considering appropriate ways to express stories. 
Featured Teachers: Literacy and Music
Students continue to learn about the 5 Chairs, 5 Choices mind tool program, this time through Music and Literacy. This change accelerating program allows for a better understanding of oneself and strategies for effectively communicating with others. Knowing and understanding your needs and how to communicate them in the best way possible is key to mastering our own behaviour and cultivating successful relationships with others. Our Director of Literacy, Mrs. Powell and Music specialist Ms. Welk have taken the strategies of this program and intertwined them within poetry and music. Students created jingles, based off of their understanding of each chair, correlating animal, and personal experiences. Students examined and reflected on questions like, "What impact am I having on the people around me?" and "What am I feeling and how do I want to communicate that?" If you are interested in getting your own copy of 5 Chairs, 5 Choices by global coach and speaker Louise Evans click here.  
Social Emotional Learning: The Importance of Arts

Throughout the year, high importance is placed on the incorporation of Arts. Research shows that students who actively participate in the Arts develop a range of positive effects, including improvements in self-regulation, the development of empathy, patience and co-operation skills and abilities. When engaging in creative experiences, students have the opportunity pursue their passions and interests. These experiences can also include reflecting on prior experiences, expressing difficulties in healthy ways, exploring symbolism and incorporating values and beliefs into unique artistic expressions. By examining the Arts students foster a greater understanding of themselves and others. During Arts Week, Pythagoras Academy students and staff pay homage to the important role the Arts play in our lives. 

 Upcoming and Important Dates 

May 6: JK Mother's Day Tea Party
May 9: Fire drill
May 9-11: High School Musical Rehearsals
May 12-13: High School Musical Filming
May 20: Pro D Day (No School)
May 23: Victoria Day (No School)
 Upcoming Community Events 
 
April 29 - October 10 
Richmond- Richmond Night Market; Summer Magic Rainbow 
May 5 - 8 
Vancouver - Art Vancouver 

May 7
Surrey - Mother's Day Market
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