Exploring Nepal with Merrick

Our Visit to Nepal

Merrick’s presentation about Nepal was full of amazing facts and stories! He told us about the towering Himalayas, home to Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world. We also learned about Nepal's rich culture, with colorful festivals and ancient temples.

Merrick shared stories about the yaks and snow leopards that live in the mountains and the delicious dishes like momos (dumplings) that are popular in Nepal. Merrick’s research made us want to explore the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture of Nepal!

Exploring Ukraine with Logan

Logan’s presentation about Ukraine was very interesting! He brought in authentic Ukrainian Easter eggs (Pysanka), beautifully decorated with intricate patterns. We also got to taste a delicious apple cake (Yabluchnyk) he shared, which was a real treat. 

We learned that the Ukrainian flag is blue for the sky and yellow for the wheat fields, representing the country’s rich farmlands. From the colourful festivals to the warm hospitality, Logan’s research made us appreciate the beauty and culture of Ukraine even more!

Discovering Indonesia with Sameerah

She taught us that Indonesia is made up of over 17,000 islands, making it the largest archipelago in the world. We also learned about the country's rich culture, with hundreds of languages spoken and diverse traditions. Sameerah told us about the beautiful rice terraces in Bali, the active volcanoes, and the incredible wildlife, including orangutans and Komodo dragons. Sameerah's research made us all want to explore the amazing islands of Indonesia someday!

Exploring China with Reyna

 

Reyna’s presentation about China was full of interesting facts and stories! She taught us about China’s rich history, incredible landmarks like the Great Wall, and its fascinating traditions.

We learned that China is home to giant pandas and has the world’s largest population. Reyna also told us about the vibrant celebrations during the Lunar New Year, with red lanterns, dragon dances, and fireworks lighting up the sky.

From the delicious food to the beautiful landscapes, Reyna’s research made us all want to learn more about China’s amazing culture!

Discovering Iceland with Piper

Piper’s presentation about Iceland was full of fascinating facts—and tasty treats! We got to try rolled pancakes covered in sugar, and they were delicious.Did you know that all students in Iceland are taught to swim? With 130 volcanoes, this country is a land of fire and ice. Piper also told us that Iceland is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights dancing across the sky.

We learned about the Blue Lagoon hot springs, where the water stays at a cozy 38 degrees Celsius. Surprisingly, the most popular fast food in Iceland isn’t burgers or pizza—it’s hotdogs made from lamb meat! Piper’s research made us want to explore this unique and beautiful country for ourselves.

Exploring Turkey with Willow

 

Willow took us on an exciting journey to Turkey with her presentation! She showed us some Turkish liras and a cool hat her dad got while traveling there. The highlight was definitely tasting the delicious Turkish delights she brought—they were a hit!

We also learned some fun facts about Turkey. It’s famous for hot air balloon rides over the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia, beautiful beaches along the Mediterranean coast, and the vibrant celebrations of Ramadan. Willow's presentation made us all want to pack our bags and explore Turkey’s rich culture and history!

Exploring Madagascar: Lemurs, Coffee, and Fun Facts with Aspen!

Aspen introduced us to Madagascar, a country with a population of about 30 million - surprisingly close to Canada's! We learned about the lemur, a unique animal found only in Madagascar, and how the popular Madagascar movie brought the island into the spotlight. To make the experience even more real, Aspen brought Madagascan coffee for us to smell, giving us a small taste of this incredible country!

 

Discovering Brazil with Sage

 

Olà, amigos! Sage took us on an exciting journey to Brazil, teaching us about its Portuguese language, the vast Amazon Rainforest, and the country's deep passion for football (futebol). From wildlife to world-famous players like Pelé, we got a glimpse of Brazil's rich culture and energy!

Japan: Land of the Rising Sun

 

Tomoki presented Japan, part of his heritage, and brought a flag, coins, and snacks to share. We learned that Japan has over 6,800 islands and a population of 123,103,479. He also introduced us to Mount Fuji, Japan’s iconic mountain. We watched videos about sumo wrestling, the country’s national sport.

Philippines: Pearl of the Orient

 

Katniss presented the Philippines, her birthplace. We listened to the national anthem and learned that the country is famous for its stunning beaches and islands. Surprisingly, it has more volcanoes than towns! Christmas and New Year's are the most celebrated holidays. We also got to taste pancit (rice noodles with chicken), lumpia (spring rolls), and leche flan (a pudding-style dessert).

Australia: The Land Down Under!

 

Markus kicked off our country project presentations with Australia. He taught us that Australia is both a country and a continent, and it’s the flattest and driest country in the world. We also learned that Christmas happens during summer there since it's on the other side of the world from Canada! Plus, kangaroos are the national animal!

Roots of Empathy with baby Everly

We are participating in the Roots of Empathy program this year, with visits from Everly and Mrs. Charron. It's amazing to observe Everly's behaviors, growth, and changes over time. We make predictions about how she would react to different situations and discussed the importance of empathy in understanding others. It's a wonderful learning experience that is helping us build connections and gain a deeper understanding of emotional growth.

December 2

December 16 - During our second Roots of Empathy visit, Everly slept the whole time! It was still a great opportunity for us to reflect on her growth and development, even if she was resting. We talked about how babies need a lot of sleep and how important it is for their development.

Santa is a Real Cool Guy

We had a blast performing at the Christmas concert, where we sang "Santa is a Real Cool Guy" and added some fun air saxophones to the mix! It was a lively and entertaining performance, and everyone had a great time getting into the holiday spirit with music and laughter.

Kandinsky Christmas Trees

 We learned about the famous artist Wassily Kandinsky, who had a unique ability to see colors when he heard music. Inspired by his use of shapes and vibrant colors, we incorporated his signature circles into our Christmas tree project. It was a fun way to blend art and music, creating a colorful and dynamic holiday masterpiece!