In the Loop – March 30, 2023

March 30, 2023

KEY RESOURCES IN LANGLEY

HONOURING TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

Announcing the Walking in Good Relations Launch Event & Game Demo for Educators! | April 13, 2023 | More info
Join Ta7talíya Nahanee, Squamish Designer & Changemaker, and Sheila Maracle, Mohawk Education Resource Consultant, on April 13 from 3 pm to 6 pm in person or from 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm Pacific virtually. Register to attend the event in person at the UBC Boathouse in Richmond here: https://nahaneecreative.com/registerforwalking.
Want to join us virtually? Here is the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89922007736
Walking in Good Relations, a Sínulkhay & Ladders game for unlearning anti-Indigenous racism, is the new 24-inch by 24-inch vinyl board game, but it’s more like an unlearning kit with decolonial vocabulary cards and prompts for life-changing discussions and activities. The game is based on my original Sinulkhay & Ladders but written for people ages 14 and up. The kits are available in single-game, four-game and eight-game packs for house or school unlearning and play. Order the Walking in Good Relations Board Game here: https://nahaneecreative.com/ta7taliyas-shop

DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
To see our full calendar of offerings, visit www.thinklangley.com

A Conversation with the Nations: Matsqui, Kwantlen, Katzie & Semiahmoo | On-Demand Learning Feature
The Langley School District is situated on the traditional, ancestral, unceded territories of the Matsqui, Kwantlen, Katzie, and Semiahmoo First Nations. We are guided by the Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement (EA), a working agreement between a school district and all local Aboriginal communities to enhance the educational achievement of Aboriginal students. The first step in establishing a trusting, respectful partnership is getting to know each other. The opening session of Odyssey is an opportunity to have a conversation with representatives from the local land-based Nations.

SD35’s Read-Speak-Champion Virtual Author Series | April 4 | Register
As contemporary educators, we have a responsibility to share diverse stories and varied perspectives with our students.  The Read-Speak-Champion Virtual Author Series is dedicated to spotlighting Canada’s BIPOC and LGBTQ21AS+ authors. Register your classes for this interactive, live session with writer and poet Isabella Wang as she speaks about her writing, her poetry and answers your students’ questions.

Insignia Library Software Training for TLs & LTs | May 19 | Register
This training is for all district staff (library technicians and teacher librarians) who work with out library software.  This full day face-to-face session will provide you the knowledge and the hands on experience to learn the key features of the Insignia Library System so you can manage your library following the training.  There will be time to learn together, experiment and ask questions about the new system.

 ACT CPR and AED Training Workshop | May 19 | Register
Local CPR instructors will train phys. ed teachers in CPR-A followed by our Opioid Overdose Response Training and train-the-trainer session, enabling teachers to deliver the ACT High School CPR and AED program at their schools. Certificates provided by the training agency and ACT Foundation.

EXTERNAL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Pro-D Opportunity – Student Mental Health Toolkit | Stigma-Free Society | More info
The Stigma-Free Society is a Canadian registered charity dedicated to reducing and eliminating stigma of all kinds, with a focus on mental health. We provide preventative education and information on subjects connected to mental health and stigma and share our valuable school programming with staff.  Our Professional Development Day sessions walk educators through our Student Mental Health Toolkit, a hub of valuable educational online resources for students in grades 4-12. We also present our student-based Virtual Stigma-Free Presentations program with a live virtual presentation. Stigma-Free presenters share lived experience with their personal mental health challenges and triumphs. Sessions are unique, engaging and have demonstrated success across various districts in British Columbia and Manitoba.

Bursaries available for BC Teachers | Learn French Online or In-person with UBC Extended Learning this Summer | More info
Reminder that applications for bursaries are still open for certified BC teachers to attend the 2023 Online or In-Person French Summer Institutes at UBC Extended Learning. One, two or three-week options available in either format to suit summer plans. Classes start July 10.
Eligible teachers and non-certified teachers classified under Group 3 can apply for a bursary that covers the full tuition amount for our one, two and three-week Summer Institutes. Register in Beginner 2/Lower Intermediate to Intermediate/Advanced levels. A placement test will be used before the programs start to place teachers in a more specific level.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF/STUDENTS/CLASSES

Educational Tours and Programs |Stable Harvest Farm | More info
Stable Harvest Farm is a local farm located across from the Langley Airport near Langley Secondary School.  They offer immersive, hands-on educational programs for classes grade 1-12 where students can explore topics such as soil health, pollination, water conservation, greenhouse farming and invasive species.  To learn more and to register a class, go to https://stableharvestfarm.com/registration/.

Celebrating Cross-Cultural Stories Livestream for Grades 9-12 | | April 19, 2023 | REEL CANADA | More info
This FREE livestream event will showcase the uplifting sports comedy Breakaway – a fun and inspirational story of self-discovery and perseverance, and a favourite among REEL CANADA audiences. After watching the film, students will engage in a live, virtual Q&A discussion with the film’s star and co-writer, Vinay Virmani, and with student peers across the country, all presented as part of the 10th anniversary of National Canadian Film Day. While watching, students will use our online platform to submit their questions for our special guest, and participate in polls, chat, discussion boards, and more. This event is also a great opportunity to celebrate Sikh Heritage Month in April. Teachers will receive lesson plans and support resources geared specifically toward this event, to enrich student learning. This livestream is suitable for both in-class or virtual learning, for Grades 9-12. It’s presented as part of the tenth annual National Canadian Film Day, but even if the live date (Wed. April 19) doesn’t work for teachers’ schedules, they can still watch an interactive recording afterwards.

Student Essay Contest | $12,000 in Prizes | Fraser Institute | More info
An amazing opportunity for Canadian Students! The 2023 Student Essay Contest asks this question: “What would our Essential Scholars say about the world today?” This encourages students to engage with a current case study of their choice and examine it through the lens of economic theories presented by some of history’s greatest economic scholars. Through this experience students get to learn more about core economic concepts and winners have the opportunity for their work to be published, peer-reviewed and receive a great cash prize. Check out the Essential Scholars webpage here.

STOP! Collaborate and Listen!  “Save – The Other – Plastics” baby!
Did you know….. that you can recycle shiny wrappers like granola bar wrappers, fruit snacks, chip bags and even ziplock bags? The bad news is that they cannot yet be placed into our regular recycling at this time, so most of these types of plastics end up in the garbage and in landfills. The good news is that YOU (and your class) can do something about this! At Belmont, we have turned this into a school-wide initiative, with 24 divisions taking part and one teacher overseeing the collection and disposal. All it takes is for one adult who is willing to start small (like in their own classroom).
Did you know….. As long as the wrappers are empty – shiny plastics can be easily put into a separate classroom bin and then brought to a larger collection bin by students. One staff member will need to drive the larger collection to the recycling depot once per week.
The recycled wrappers are converted into engineered fuel and turned into pellets which can be used as a cleaner burning fuel alternative. It’s easy, rewarding, and a great way to teach students about new ways to recycle at school and the students can teach their families at home. It is also a great initiative to start around Earth Day, April 22, 2023! To learn more, please email Karyn Howieson at: khowieson@sd35.bc.ca.

CPA Canada Financial Literacy Program | More info
The Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) has a Financial Literacy program that delivers unbiased financial literacy education for all people of Canada. We have created over 50 sessions that are available both in-person and virtually. These sessions are conducted by CPA volunteers across the country and continue to be offered at no cost. They typically last about an hour, including a 15-minute Q&A with a Chartered Professional Accountant.  Session topics are geared towards: Newcomers to Canada, Women, Seniors, Low-Income, Persons with disabilities, Students and more. Below is a copy of the updated Catalogue in English and French which provides brief descriptions of the 50+ sessions that are offered – and are curated for all ages of Canadians and Newcomers to Canada.
CPA Canada-Financial Literacy Program Overview – English
CPA Canada-Financial Literacy Program Overview – French

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2023 is now open for entries | Deadline 30 June, 2023 | More info
The theme for 2023 is ‘A Youth-Powered Commonwealth’.
To mark the 50th Anniversary of the Commonwealth Youth Programme, Commonwealth Heads of Government declared 2023 a year dedicated to youth-led action for sustainable and inclusive development and called on a renewal and strengthening of our commitment to youth engagement and empowerment.  Of the Commonwealth’s population of almost 2.5 billion people, 60% are under the age of 30. This young demographic represents a dynamic ‘youth force for change’, made up of exceptional young people who are increasingly involved in advocacy, decision-making and action.
The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2023 asks entrants to explore the power young people hold within the global community and consider how this power can be harnessed to make a meaningful impact in the world.

Hero in You: Youth Education | BC Sports Hall of Fame | More info
Would your class like to meet an acclaimed BC athlete? Learn about our province’s rich sport history? Be inspired and empowered by amazing stories? Then Hero In You is the program for them!
Hero In You is a province-wide youth educational outreach program, operated by the BC Sports Hall of Fame. The program is dedicated to showcasing the incredible stories, challenges, and triumphs of the province’s renowned athletes, and connecting these athletes with BC youth. Inspiring the next generation of leaders and athletes is part of our DNA. Hero in You’s athlete ambassadors visit classrooms all across BC to deliver presentations and talk face-to-face with students. There are also virtual presentations available for remote learners and a series of lesson plans for educators. If you are interested in booking a classroom visit and have your students meet an inspiring Hall of Fame inductee, please email nina@bcsportshall.com.

LEARNING RESOURCES

Digital Literacy: Exploring Russian and Ukrainian History in Canada | Historica Canada | Download the Magazine here!
Teachers here is an opportunity to explore the History of the Ukrainian and Russian Communities in Canada with your students. In February 2022, Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine put the Ukrainian and Russian communities of Canada at the forefront of people’s mind. While many Canadians raised blue and yellow flags in support of Ukraine, sanctions against Russia evolved into broader restrictions on Russian people. This digital magazine features five stories of notable Russian and Ukrainian Canadians who persevered to make Canada a more inclusive country. To accompany the digital magazine, there are two interactive timelines on The Canadian Encyclopedia.
Russian Canadian History and Settlement Timeline
Ukrainian Canadian History and Settlement Timeline

Teaching Resource | Carbon: The Unauthorized Biography | More info
With Carbon in the news every day, you might think you know everything about her. But you’d be wrong. This spectacular and surprisingly unorthodox documentary reveals the paradoxical story of the element that builds all life, and yet may end it all. Narrated in first person by Sarah Snook (Succession), Carbon tells of her birth in the violent core of an exploding star and of turbulent sagas through the fabric of our evolving Earth. Accompanied by celebrated scientists, unique animations, and a stunning orchestral score, Carbon reminds us of our humble participation in the most extraordinary story in the universe.  View the film and a copy of the Teacher’s Guide for free from the Carbon website: https://www.thecarbonmovie.com/, along with more information about the movie. Inside the study guide, find links to fully editable Google Worksheets that are downloadable for students. The film is best suited for Grades 6 to 12.

Instructional Services | #Think35

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