A goat named Darth Vader
Last week, Senior School students exchanged a day of timetabled classes for ‘Mini-Mesters'. Mini-Mesters allow students to spend long periods of time immersed in all sorts of fascinating activities. Grade 12s launched their upcoming grad season and enjoyed ballroom dancing with their parents. Our Grade 9s took part in a mock parliament, run by Adrienne Tessier '13, and the Grade 10 and 11 students focused on course selection, gym activities and drop-in Art and Drama sessions. Judging by the positive feedback from students, faculty and parent-dancers alike, everyone had a great learning experience.
Extending their Mini-Mester schedule into Monday and Tuesday, the students took part in a two-day Design Thinking Challenge. Led by an expert in this field of study, John Spencer, students explored and solved problems and learned new ways of thinking. The term ‘design thinking’ begins with the premise of tapping into student curiosity and allowing them to create, test and re-create ideas until they present what they produce to a real audience. The process encourages risk-taking and creativity. Ms. Burroughs and I were thrilled to offer this innovative and imaginative learning experience to students. Senior School will be hosting a Parent Evening on Thursday, March 1 in celebration of their learning. We hope parents will join us for this special event to listen to John Spencer, watch videos of the students’ work and see the fruits of their endeavours.
Extending their Mini-Mester schedule into Monday and Tuesday, the students took part in a two-day Design Thinking Challenge. Led by an expert in this field of study, John Spencer, students explored and solved problems and learned new ways of thinking. The term ‘design thinking’ begins with the premise of tapping into student curiosity and allowing them to create, test and re-create ideas until they present what they produce to a real audience. The process encourages risk-taking and creativity. Ms. Burroughs and I were thrilled to offer this innovative and imaginative learning experience to students. Senior School will be hosting a Parent Evening on Thursday, March 1 in celebration of their learning. We hope parents will join us for this special event to listen to John Spencer, watch videos of the students’ work and see the fruits of their endeavours.
Middle School students took a break from their regular routine for their Winter Activity Days. Students enjoyed a vast array of activities such as learning DJ techniques with Mama Cutsworth, playing sledge hockey, immersing themselves in Winnipeg’s vibrant art culture, volunteering in the community, unlocking their potential in a chess academy, and spending time in high energy and engaging activities like laser tag and parkour. Phew! Mr. Burns said that “every student, whatever their temperament or talents, learned new skills in a cross-grade activity of their choice.”
Next week is the turn of our Junior School students. Mr. Buduhan reports that “everyone is excited to take part in a variety of fun winter activities. Winter in Manitoba is a unique experience, and our Winter Activity Day celebrates the many fun activities available at this time of year. The learning activities vary by grade, and include a sleigh ride, a visit to Fort Whyte, a field trip to Oak Hammock Marsh, and a day of curling and skating in La Salle. Our activity day encourages students to be active and try something new, even on a cold winter day in February.”
These programs encourage students to explore opportunities, take risks in a safe environment, and discover their areas of passion. Being able to shrug off the constraints of the timetable and learn outside the classroom brings to life many facets of our Portrait of a Learner and offers plenty of scope for leadership, friendship, and wellbeing.
Reading news stories on our website is the perfect way to find out more about how we demonstrate our core values. Currently, you can read about Grade 8 student Angela who, much to our collective pride and delight, recently performed at the American Protégé International Music Competitions at Carnegie Hall in New York; the SJR sports teams making the MHSAA Top 10 rankings; and a Senior School lesson involving a goat named Darth Vader.
Jim Keefe
Head of School
View the Head of School's Blog
Jim Keefe
Head of School
View the Head of School's Blog
SJR is proud to be accredited and affiliated with several local, national and international educational organizations.
St. John’s-Ravenscourt School was founded in 1820 principally to serve the children of the Selkirk settlers. By 1834 there were forty students, evenly split between boys and girls. SJR has inevitably grown and changed over the years since, though its success throughout has been unimpeachable. Today the programs are as strong as our reputation. A strong academic program is paired with an equally strong attention to the values of stewardship, ethical leadership, and excellence in all areas of academic, social and athletic life.