The Olympics is a common theme that is often used in classrooms to increase student engagement. St. Agnes has formed a mission which possesses the Olympic theme, but involves the entire school community in a full day event - a school wide Math Olympics, which strengthens relationships across grade levels, and values curiosity, integration and collaboration. Our goal was to create, organize, and document an event electronically so it could be preserved and used as a model for all schools. Additionally we wanted to model the power of technology based learning in relation to collaboration, organization, and brainstorming among our staff and students. We have done so in an effort to:
· Enhance student engagement.
· Encourage participation in leisure and fitness activities for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
· Strengthen relationships, and form greater relationships between grades.
· Value curiosity.
· Encourage collaborative contributors - challenge students/staff to work effectively as interdependent team members.
· Encourage reflective and creative thinking.
· Integrate faith with life.
· Provide opportunity for students to take initiative and demonstrate Catholic leadership.
· Develop attitudes and values founded on Catholic social teaching.
· Promote social responsibility, human solidarity and the common good.
· Build confidence, and a positive sense of self – respect and dignity of others.
· Think critically about the meaning and purpose of work.
· Highlight the importance of community.
· Contribute to the common good.
· Enhance student engagement.
· Encourage participation in leisure and fitness activities for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
· Strengthen relationships, and form greater relationships between grades.
· Value curiosity.
· Encourage collaborative contributors - challenge students/staff to work effectively as interdependent team members.
· Encourage reflective and creative thinking.
· Integrate faith with life.
· Provide opportunity for students to take initiative and demonstrate Catholic leadership.
· Develop attitudes and values founded on Catholic social teaching.
· Promote social responsibility, human solidarity and the common good.
· Build confidence, and a positive sense of self – respect and dignity of others.
· Think critically about the meaning and purpose of work.
· Highlight the importance of community.
· Contribute to the common good.
The St. Agnes' Olympic flame serves as a symbol of the strength and resilience of an interdependent community of learners, and highlights how that strength and resilience is grounded in, and guided by our Catholic faith.
John 8:12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
As the Olympic flame travels from classroom to classroom, it is accompanied by morning announcements which highlight the importance of faith and Catholic values in relation to decision making and our relentless support for all. We challenge students to think critically about how light represents the direction and guidance of God, and encourage all students to grow in support for one another, stay grounded in their faith, and find support and inspiration from scripture.
Pslam 119:105
"Gods word is a lamp to the feet and light to our path."
Through living out our faith in the classroom, and calling students to think critically about the word of the Lord we continue to foster a safe and welcoming learning environment that serves as a strong example of Christian community. This is a vital part of the Mission Statement of the Toronto Catholic District School Board. As Catholic educators this is our vocation, by incorporating the Catholic Graduate Expectations in all activities leading up to, and within this school wide event we continue to grow as a Catholic Community of learners by grounding all of our lessons, and subjects in our faith.
John 8:12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
As the Olympic flame travels from classroom to classroom, it is accompanied by morning announcements which highlight the importance of faith and Catholic values in relation to decision making and our relentless support for all. We challenge students to think critically about how light represents the direction and guidance of God, and encourage all students to grow in support for one another, stay grounded in their faith, and find support and inspiration from scripture.
Pslam 119:105
"Gods word is a lamp to the feet and light to our path."
Through living out our faith in the classroom, and calling students to think critically about the word of the Lord we continue to foster a safe and welcoming learning environment that serves as a strong example of Christian community. This is a vital part of the Mission Statement of the Toronto Catholic District School Board. As Catholic educators this is our vocation, by incorporating the Catholic Graduate Expectations in all activities leading up to, and within this school wide event we continue to grow as a Catholic Community of learners by grounding all of our lessons, and subjects in our faith.