April 13th - 17th

April 17, 2026

April 13th - 17th

Hello families!

A big thank you to our volunteers for making the Aggie Days trip a success. It was a big day of exploring, learning, and cheering. The rodeo was a highlight, as were the newborn piglets.

Learning Intentions

Grade 3:

I can demonstrate respectful and safe practices during observations of plants and animals in local environments
I can discuss First Nations, Métis, and Inuit connection with environments and their knowledge of and relationships with plants and animals

Grade 4:

I can demonstrate respect when interacting with plants and animals in local environments
I can relate the sensory organs of animals to their survival

Aggie Days allowed us to transfer our knowledge of local plants and animals to a new setting. We were fortunate enough to have a visit from Sandra Manyfeathers this week as well, where she shared a game that expanded our knowledge of local animals and languages. Students have been busy working on their habitats and using their imaginations to design and build their dioramas. This week students conducted research, designed their plan, and began to build. They were very engaged as they brought their creations to life.

Learning Intentions

Grade 3:

I can explain the evolution of Francophone communities in Alberta
I can explore stories about symbols of diverse communities in Alberta

Grade 4:

I can model the fur trade’s system of exchange.
I can discuss interactions between First Nations, Métis, and Europeans that occurred as part of the fur trade.
I can identify the contributions made by a woman, or a group of women, to the fur trade.

A lot of fun was had during Grade 3 and Grade 4 Social Studies this week. The Grade 3s continued to engage with learning about different communities, including the Francophone community, as they explored the diversity that makes Alberta. They were invited to visit the ‘Cultural Artifact’ museum in Grade ½ and showed respectful leadership as they explored the ways the Grade ½ students are diverse and special Albertans.

This week the Grade 4s continued learning about the fur trade. We modeled what we learned and got to experience it first hand through playing the “Fur Trade Game”. Students were divided into groups of First Nations or Europeans and then into teams. By rolling the dice they got the goods they would carry in their canoe. Then they met at trading posts where they tried to get the most valuable goods for the best deal from each other. After a round of trading they calculated how well they did during the trading season! We had a wonderful discussion about how each group perceived value and how their needs were being met; the Europeans earned money from the quality furs while the Indigenous groups earned prestige in their communities from metals and fabrics that were not available to them otherwise. It was great to see their negotiation skills and teamwork! We will finish off next week with our final auction.

Reminders and Important Dates: