t is a wonderful sight to see the interaction of the different age groups working and sharing their knowledge and experience. This is the idea behind our "Buddy Program" at Corpus Christi. Classes are twinned with each other and meet often to assist each other with different programs and curriculum areas. As an example, our junior kindergarten class is "buddied" or partnered with the grade five class, who help on special occasions, and our grade one class has had the assistance of the grade six class to write letters. Buddy activities include reading, exploring math concepts and experimenting with science materials.
Enhancing appreciation of the importance of culture and the arts is important at Corpus Christi. In partnership with local artists, teachers and community members, students are exploring the curriculum through our "Heroes" theme using visual arts, music movement and drama. Thanks to a grant from the ArtsSmart program, the children are participating actively in the arts with support from their teacher and local artists. The halls and classrooms are ringing with excitement.
Classrooms have been paired with local artists to work together on a project, which will integrate arts activities in non-arts subject areas. Some of the events include the kindergarten children creating masks for a dramatization of the story The Blue Bird, with visual artist Missy Fraser, Early Education Programmer Cathy Brown and Children's Librarian Susan Townley. The grade two classes are working with Chris White, who is introducing them to songwriting and performing. The grade four students, along with artist Lisa Thomas, are completing an artistic perspective of themselves based on the concepts of chivalry and heroism, a perfect complement to the grade four Medieval Unit. Throughout this term all classes will be involved in this extra arts component.
Our Lenten project this year included support for the Canadian Hunger Foundation's Project in Bati, in the Amaraha region of Ethiopia. As a way of getting involved and becoming globally aware, the students participated in classroom, home and school-wide math activities and a final math quiz. Students gathered pledges for their participation in the math assignments and cannot wait to present a cheque to Sandra Adamchuk of the Canadian Hunger Foundation for their hard work and accomplishments.
This has been a great opportunity for the students to enhance their math ability and assist other children and families to lead more healthy, productive and environmentally friendly lives in Bati. We believe that the community enriches the educational undertaking at Corpus Christi as we work together in providing a challenging learning environment.
Staff and students always extend a sincere welcome to the community to visit Corpus Christi. Visit us at our web site at Corpus_Christi@ occdsb.on.ca.