Friday, May 13, 2016

St. Martin's Free Store

The Grade 5 and 6 students at St. Martin's School have been researching Childhood Poverty in Alberta and have determined that it is a problem that they were interested in addressing.  Through their research, they found out that 10-20% of students in Alberta live below the poverty line.  They did some calculations and figured out that based on these statistics, anywhere between 30 and 60 students at our school could be affected.  It really hit home when they visualized 1 or 2 entire classes in our school could face life without the basic necessities (food and clothing) needed to get by.

The solution that the students came up with is a FREE STORE. The idea of the FREE STORE is that is a student or family is in need of clothing, shoe, outerwear, toiletries or food, they can come to the store and get the items that they need at no cost to them.  Any teacher, support staff or administrator can take the student to the store and help them shop.

Students have volunteered to clean the space and set up the store.  They spent time sorting, folding and hanging clothing and clearing out clutter in the mezzanine where the FREE store is located. They will also be volunteering their time to restock shelves and keep the store clean.  The FREE Store is now open for business!

Of course, the FREE store will be running on a zero budget so it will rely on the generosity of donations from our community. The store will be stocking new and gently used clothing for children, both boys and girls ages 5 to 12 (sizes small , medium, large and extra large), new toiletry times (soap, shampoo, body wash, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc) and non-perishable food items (cereal, soups, granola bars, juices, etc).  If you are able to donate items to the store, please bring them to the school.

To watch our video about the FREE Store, please visit this link:  https://youtu.be/LLPCMNgTfxQ

Monday, November 30, 2015

First Blog of the 2015/2016 School Year

This is my second attempt at a Blog.  I thought this was something that I would keep up but it has been a long time since I last posted.

This year, I am back at St. Martin's teaching French to Grades 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6.  We've almost done it.  Next year, all of the students should be receiving FSL instruction from Grades 1 through 6.  That is remarkable!  Growing up in Quebec, it was important that we as Anglophones learned to speak, read and write French fluently.  That has been a great blessing to me.  It has allowed me to gain employment with the Federal government, to easily communicate with French speakers and now, to be able to share my love of the French language and culture with my students here in Vegreville.


Monday, February 2, 2015

About Me

I'm currently the French teacher at St. Martin's School for Grades 1, 4, 5 and 6.  I also teach grade 2 Science and help with Grade 2 Math.

I grew up in rural Quebec, where I enjoyed playing sports and spending time with my family.  I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher.  I never imagined I would end up in rural Alberta teaching French (but I love it)!

Since the start of my teaching career in 1994, I have taught in a large regional high school, a small international boarding school, a small K-12 school, in a colony school and in a K-6 school.  I have taught all elementary subjects (including FSL), high school math, some high school science and Linear Algebra.  I have been a department head, a dormitory supervisor, a coach, a mentor, an academic advisor, a committee representative (local and provincial), a lead teacher and a workshop facilitator.  Now I can add blogger to the list!

This year, it is my goal to improve my understanding of two things…the PAX good behaviour game and the use of technology in the classroom.  This blog is a step in the right direction for the second goal.

As I mentioned earlier, I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher.  It is one of the most rewarding careers on the face of this planet.  The way a student's eyes light up when they understand a concept is pure magic.  I'm glad I get to continue my journey at St. Martin's School.

St. Martin's Free Store

The Grade 5 and 6 students at St. Martin's School have been researching Childhood Poverty in Alberta and have determined that it is a pr...