Goodbye September, Hello October.
As the month of September disappears behind us in our rear-view mirror, the road into October is straight and filled with Gratitude. Our focus word for the month.
On the morning of Oct 3rd, the Grade 5/6 class along with Mrs. Ryznar and Ms. Robinson, bussed to the Brandon Riverbank Discovery center to take part in their Truth and Reconciliation week. We had the opportunity to listen to a Residential School Survivor speak of his experiences and spread the great message to be kind to others and not to be a bully, use kind words and think about the impact being unkind can do to another. We took part in a few of the many stations they had, Bannock making/tasting, Metis display, beadmaking, and listened to a story huddled safely away inside a tipi from the windy day we were navigating through. We were so grateful for the kind heart of a lady who was handing gloves out to staff and students there that day. Everyone was so appreciative of her kind gesture.
In Library, Ms. Robinson read a story called The Little Things, Finding Gratitude in Life’s Simple Moments by Nichole Thomson to the grade ¾ class. The story brings our attention to those little things that we may take for granted. The grade three/four students were gifted a Gratitude Journal. Every library class they start off by opening their Journal and write about something that they are grateful for, The Little Things.
We had the pleasure of listening to the musical talents of Matt Epp and JD Corston who visited our school on the 18th of October. They spent time with the whole school singing a few of their songs, talking about their experiences and life journey that directed them to the path of becoming a musician, and answered many questions. Then they spent the rest of the afternoon visiting each class either creating a song or playing instruments together.
On Oct. 22nd we wore green in support of International Phelan McDermid Syndrome Day to help raise awareness about this rare genetic disorder. Mrs. Ryznar visited each class to speak more about it and answer any questions the students may have had.
OES celebrated Halloween on the afternoon of the 31st. Our little one hallway school was filled with the hustle and bustle of students and staff wearing a variety of classic, trendy, homemade, and original costumes. Our morning was business as usual, but you could feel the excitement in the air!! Noon was kicked off with a yummy helping of spaghetti/vegs/fruit and dessert served by members of the Onanole Parent Group. Then after burning off a little steam outside at recess, students and staff took part in the annual Halloween Parade with some parents and family members looking on, each class took turns parading up and down the hallway showing off their wonderful costumes to everyone. After the parade, students split into their Spirit Groups and took part in the Halloween Stations created by Miss Cable’s grade 7/8 class. The variety of stations consisted of a Halloween video, Obstacle course, minute to win it games, Escape room and more…
Everyone had so much fun and were ready to go trick or treating that evening with their flashers on that the school received from MPI. Safety first!! It was a lovely day and the weather was perfect for the kids to Trick or Treat.