Dickens Annex Students Inspired to Help Victims of Typhoon Haiyan

In response to the tragedy of Typhoon Haiyan, the teachers at Dickens Annex collaborated to prepare a powerful language lesson using the wordless picture book The Flood written by Alvaro F. Villa.

Students used their critical thinking skills to ask questions, empathize with the characters in the book, and make connections to current events. 

The students made the connection to Typhoon Haiyan and deepened their understanding of the tragedy there by viewing and responding to photographs of typhoon victims. 

As a result of this powerful lesson, students chose to take action by earning a toonie by doing chores at home to donate to the Red Cross. Students earned $257.

Three brothers in our school were inspired to continue fundraising over the weekend by holding a hot chocolate sale in their neighbourhood. The boys were overwhelmed by the response, which included many neighbours with family in the Philippines stopping to thank them for their efforts. The boys raised over $400.

With the government doubling these donations, Dickens Annex students will have contributed over $1300 to the Red Cross.

The teachers at the Annex were so excited to see a critical literacy lesson inspire social action, and felt so proud of our students!

How Lucky I am!

This past Friday, my daughter arrived home with a tub full of what I can only call LOVE!

As I begin to look at the posters, cards, drawings, special notes and flowers, my heart feels so full.  When people ask me about my job, I tell them it's exhausting and I do it because I love it.  When a child runs out the door at the end of the day and says, "I love you, Jacquie!", nothing else tops it.

Many, many thanks for all the good wishes.  I am feeling pretty good, taking naps and working hard at doing nothing, which is NOT easy.

Here are some of the beautiful creations by Division 1.