For the most up to date school and system information, check out the new Hawkwood School Website.
Vaping !?! But My Child is in Elementary School!
Indeed, vaping is not an issue at Hawkwood School. It does, however, present itself as a concern among our families as our students move on to middle school and junior high. One of the toughest lessons we learn as parents is the one where we cannot protect our children from some of the bad decisions they will eventually make from time to time. This is, in fact, an important part of their growth and development, just like it was for us.
With this in mind, what can we do to prevent or decrease the chances of our children vaping? Our colleagues at Alberta Health have some ideas that they shared in their recent edition of Healthier Together. Among other things, AHS outlines the impacts of role models, staying connected and building life skills as ways to minimize the chances of your child engaging in vaping.
Check out their article, How To Help School-Aged Kids Stay Vape-Free.
What Does a “2” Mean on a Report Card?
The process of assessing student learning and reporting it to families has changed significantly over the past several years. The amount of “Edu-speak” integrated into the process has not, however. The outcomes that we report on are provincial and tied to the curriculums that we teach. Each school system (CBE) creates their own report card format.
The CBE has recently shared some information that should help families understand the upcoming report cards. With the absence of percentages and letter grades, it can sometimes be hard to determine how well your child is doing. The link below should help and you can always reach out to your child’s teacher for additional information.
Link: CBE Assessment & Reporting
Can Playing Be About More Than Just Fun?
Your Brain on Play: The Science of How Fun Can Fuel Well-Being | Dr. Greg Wells' Blog
"Your Brain on Play: The Science of How Fun Can Fuel Well-Being", delves into the transformative power of fun and play on health, well-being, and performance. Highlighting research that shows the positive effects of happiness on physical health and productivity, Wells advocates for integrating fun into daily life to foster sustainable high performance.
He suggests dedicating time to enjoyable activities and incorporating small bursts of joy and playful activities to enhance neurodevelopment and mental health. The blog emphasizes that happiness, a skill that can be cultivated, significantly contributes to a fulfilling life, highlighting that play is not just beneficial for children but crucial for adults' health and professional success. Go have some fun!
Have a great week!