Classroom Learning is for Teachers, too!

Over the last weeks our classroom teachers had an opportunity to visit with fellow teachers at the French American School in Portland.
The purpose of these visits was to offer an opportunity to learn more about the Primary Year Program that runs successfully at FAIS.
Our teachers met with the school's program coordinator (a role that we at GSP will fill very soon) and observed instruction. in various classroom settings.
While we learned about the PYP (Primary Year Program) in shorter workshops during staff development days and meetings, this was the first time our teachers had an opportunity to see the program in action.
We all took away ideas about how this could look like in our unique GSP setting. Here is a link with more information about the Primary Year Program: IB Primary Year Program
Starting in January GSP will be able to officially apply for candidacy with the IB program and I am planning to share more information with you about these exciting developments very soon!

Compassion

In second step our students are learning and practicing compassion this month. 

After initial classroom discussions students started to create meaningful activities through which we can all show compassion.

Our grade school classes learned about an orphanage in Ghana and are writing messages and holiday cards for the students at the school.They watched a video to learn about life for the orphans at the Bukesa children’s home in Kampala, Uganda, Africa. This is an orphanage supported through the HALO Portland non-profit Halo Worldwide Frau West's husband is one of the project coordinators.

Our 5th grade students initiated the coat drive that started this week. If you have walked through the lobby this week you can attest to the success of their efforts! The donations will go to the Portland Rescue Mission Portland Rescue Mission 

The clothes drive continues for the next 2 weeks, so there is still time to go through your closet and help somebody in need. I am amazed by the compassion I see here at school everyday and am proud I can be part of a community that strives to help others in need.