Posts

Blended pencil workshop with Jill Doyle

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Today we were fortunate to welcome the beloved artist and educator, Jill Doyle to our school for a very special drawing workshop. Guiding our grade 7s step by step, Jill led us in a blended pencil tutorial, inspired by the scenic landscape paintings of Gustav Klimpt. Jill made it clear at the get go that we were using aspects of his form as a template for the creation of our visions - emphasizing that we had total freedom to explore and invent new techniques in the process. What started out with a few simple lines on a page was soon transformed into striking pastoral perspectives of houses on rolling hills, stretched between skies of swirling clouds and the rippling waters where danced the reflections of charming trees. Check out some of the finished drawings below and transport yourself to a tranquil time and place...
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Big and little buddy building session

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Q: What happens when you challenge 4 teams of primary and intermediate students to assemble a mechanical structure with only one instruction book and a two hour time limit? A: One booming and spirited Learning Commons. This collaboration allowed the buddied groups to work with simple machines and mechanical toys in order to learn about some basic laws of physics. Of all the findings today, no law was better realized than good old universal law of gravitation - often with cataclysmic results.
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Not your average doodles..

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Today I came across this amazing animated sequence on Reddit, by Japanese manga artist, Shinrashinge (translated to 'New Medium'). To watch it, click ->  HERE     Make sure you view to the end to see how he makes it!
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Owl About Birds with the Greater Vancouver Zoo

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Today we welcomed two members of the Vancouver Zoo into our Learning Commons for a wild and fascinating presentation. Gary Worley and 'Hagred', the Great Horned Owl, were in attendance along with several of our Primary and Intermediate students to ask questions and learn all about the predatory bird's habits and extraordinary personality. Some of us were even lucky enough to see what it was like to be a falconer by having the bird perch on our hand. The experience was gripping to say the least..
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Spring is in the air and in the earth..

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Is there anything more fun than playing in the dirt? How about playing with soil! Our garden club has been enjoying this sunny weather as we gear up for the growing season. The Kindergarteners have planted the herb and vegetable seeds that will soon flourish in the planter boxes that are being designed and built by grade 6 and 7 students. Stay tuned as our garden takes shape⚘
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New graphic novels in stock!

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The Learning Commons has recently received "The Olympians" book set by George O'Connor! This series is a great way for upper level readers to learn about Greek mythology through the heritage of gritty comic book illustration. Click on O'Connor's website  ->  right here  -  to find out more about his work. Come and check out one of these books and find out which god or goddess is ruler of the shelves!
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Discovering community and creativity through skateboarding culture

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My first skateboard was a 70's cruiser that was lovingly refurbished by my grandpa to give to me at Christmas. Unbeknownst to me at the time, that little red board was the catalyst for so much learning and self-discovery. This week I've had the joy of reading and sharing @myfirstskateboardthebook with our William Watson students. Karl Watson's messages of perseverance and inclusivity are accentuated with charming illustrations by Henry Jones. I also owe a big thanks to Eric Eckert for allowing us to colour his captivating maze drawings like this one of skate legend, Danny Way. "Whether you are male or female, big or small, short or tall, skateboarding accepts us all" - K. Watson. #myfirstskateboard #librarytime #williamwatsonlearningcommons
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