It’s been another fast week here at GCHS! Classes are continuing to go very well. Here’s a quick update of what’s been going on:

AVI 3O – Grade 11 Art: We have transitioned into drawing and shading techniques. We’ll spend a few classes discussing concepts of line, value, and shading with various objects, using various techniques. I will also be introducing terms and concepts such as underdrawing, contour/blind contour drawings, etc. In this unit we will also talk about figure drawing and dimensions. Students got right into it with a short pencil drawing assignment:

ENG 1D – Grade 9 English: Writing is a definite process, which involves several drafts, editing, and feedback. Students are beginning to understand that as we work through the development of the personal essay. We have been focusing on grammar within the essays, as well. We are now transitioning to the short story unit. Students and parents can find information on this unit in the Grade 9 English of the site.

NBV 3E – Grade 11 Aboriginal Values & Beliefs: We continue to examine issues of identity and worldview. Students are learning key concepts like perspective, bias, and identity as they research and respond to a number of items.

Sorry for the short update but it’s been busy. Have a wonderful week!

Since my art students have a variety of artistic backgrounds, (some have never taken art before) I thought I’d start the semester having them explore colour, line, shape, and space using acrylics. Here’s some examples of what they’ve come up with:

So far, so good. Thanks for a great first week, art students!

Wow. What an awesome first week. So many awesome students. It’s going to be a great semester.

In AVI3O – Grade 11 Art we spent the first week working on an introductory acrylic painting assignment that introduces students to elements of colour, line, shape, and space. Students have a whole mix of artistic background in the class and all of the assignments are coming together nicely. We’ll take another day or two next week to wrap things up before moving on to looking at value and colour theory a little closer. Then: shading and drawing techniques.

In ENG1D – Grade 9 English we have spent some time focusing on paragraphs and writing. Students have also set up individual WordPress Blogs, which are accessible by clicking on the ‘Student Sites’ link on the menu. Check them out! Also, thanks to Mr. Griffin for allowing us to use his class set of laptops. Should make for some good opportunities this semester. I’m psyched.

Finally, NBV3E – Grade 11 Aboriginal Beliefs is shaping up to be pretty stellar this semester. I had a meeting with some folks from the Thunderbird Friendship Centre yesterday to discuss some learning opportunities for later in the Spring. Should be great. In the meantime, we’ve been talking about IDENTITY as an opener for the course. Today, students spent some time answering these questions: 

1. What factors influence the way a person views the world?
2. What challenges do First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples face in reclaiming and renewing their traditions and beliefs?
3. Why is the world the way it is? (Think of both the good and the bad)
4. What is the right way to behave?
5. How do you relate to other people and the world around you?

The class came up with some really cool answers:

We will continue on the topic of IDENTITY next week!

Thanks to all students for a great first week. If you have any questions or concerns about class, let me know! 🙂