Instructional Capacity

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This week, teachers from across our district met to learn how to use the UFLI reading assessments so we can better understand each child’s current reading level and know exactly where to take them next on their learning journey. By practicing the assessments together and discussing what the results mean, teachers strengthened our shared approach to teaching foundational reading skills.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This collaboration helps ensure that students experience cohesive and continuous literacy instruction—no matter which class or grade they are in. It also reflects the Circle of Courage: Belonging through working and learning side by side, Mastery as we deepen our knowledge of early reading development, Independence by planning next steps tailored to each student, and Generosity as teachers share ideas, strategies, and expertise to support every child in our district.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Together, we are committed to helping every young reader grow with confidence.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/b4632a3b-d25b-4c31-a4f1-43517b539a32" alt="Building STrong Readers 2 crystaldawn langton" width="377" height="212" style="width:377px;height:212px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Last Monday's Pro-D session, led by the knowledgeable Charlotte Lundeen, brought our South End educators together to deepen our understanding of UFLI assessment practices. This shared learning is an important step in our commitment to building the strongest possible foundation for our early learners.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As we refine how we assess phonemic awareness, phonics, and early decoding skills, we are working intentionally to ensure our instructional decisions are clear, responsive, and aligned across classrooms. Charlotte’s guidance helped us look closely at what our youngest readers need—and how consistent assessment practices can support them in moving forward with confidence.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This work matters. By strengthening our collective approach to foundational literacy, we are helping our students develop the skills, strategies, and belief in themselves that they will carry throughout their schooling.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/2f96615a-d08d-4750-9574-defc3b823c0e" alt="UFLI In the South crystaldawn langton" width="549" height="309" style="width:549px;height:309px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Teachers and principals from our South End elementary schools gathered this Saturday to mark the Foundational Skills Assessments—a meaningful opportunity to collaborate, connect, and deepen our shared understanding of early learning across the district.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For us at École 100 Mile Elementary, this work aligns closely with our school-wide focus on cohesive foundational practices in the primary years. By sitting alongside colleagues from neighbouring schools, we gain valuable perspective on how foundational literacy and numeracy skills are developing in classrooms beyond our own. This helps us refine our approaches, align practices, and better understand the needs of South End learners as a whole.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Joint marking not only strengthens consistency and calibration, but also reminds us that we are part of a broader learning community. When educators come together—sharing insights, comparing trends, and reflecting on student learning—we build a stronger, more unified foundation for every child.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Collaboration. Connection. Cohesive practice.</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">All in service of our youngest learners and their growing confidence.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/d051694a-8833-43fd-a61a-4f699facb0bb" alt="South End Collaboration crystaldawn langton" width="336" height="336" style="width:336px;height:336px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Many SD27 educators recently participated in a four-week Outdoor Learning course designed to strengthen Social Emotional Learning (SEL) practices. Each 60-minute session offered practical strategies to support student wellbeing through nature-based experiences.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Over the four weeks, educators explored:</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-Mindfulness and self-awareness through sit spots, nature observation, and journaling.</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-Social awareness and communication through cooperative outdoor play and group activities.</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-Emotional regulation and perseverance through outdoor challenges that require patience and problem-solving.</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-Ethics, stewardship, and community-building using Indigenous pedagogies and land-based learning.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This learning series expanded instructional capacity by equipping teachers with simple, powerful routines that connect SEL and the outdoors—strengthening both classroom practice and student engagement.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/8bc725e3-8479-48f0-ba37-56d1d04107f5" alt="Outdoor SEL kimberley ikebuchi" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/e2c06472-82a6-4430-bb57-6126fd91a38d" alt="Outdoor SEL 2 kimberley ikebuchi" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">French Immersion educators from École 100 Mile Elementary, Nesika, Lake City Senior Secondary, and Peter Skene Ogden recently engaged in a cross-school professional learning session designed to strengthen instructional practice. Opportunities for French Immersion staff to collaborate across sites are limited, making this gathering a valuable forum for connection and shared growth.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The session emphasized the exchange of resources, strategies, and classroom innovations aimed at sustaining student engagement in French language learning within a minority-language environment. Educators highlighted effective practices in oral language development, cultural integration, and instructional design that contribute to high-quality learning experiences.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This collaboration directly enhances instructional capacity across the district. By aligning approaches and leveraging collective expertise, French Immersion teachers are better positioned to provide consistent, engaging, and rigorous programming from the elementary level through to secondary graduation. The initiative underscores a district-wide commitment to professional excellence and to the long-term success of French Immersion education.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/815af35a-b477-408c-8fb7-8cd01d4cc921" alt="Advancing Instructional Capacity In French Im crystaldawn langton" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">All grade 3/4 and 6/7 teachers on our staff were joined by teachers from other schools as well as the helping teachers to engage two learning rounds with Carole Fullerton. Students enjoyed a hands-on learning experience with either Cheerios and place value (3/4), or crazy dice and multiplication (6/7). Having a team of teachers dedicated to working together using the same language helps create a strong foundation for success in numeracy for our students.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/4979e239-f171-5ec7-bf73-3913fe97c37b" alt="Fullerton%201_crystaldawn%20langton.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Carole Fullerton engaged Mrs. Helmer's grade 6/7 class in a lesson about multiplication concepts; she provided multiple methods to reach a diverse group of learners and everyone had fun participating. Carole helped the students understand and explain numeracy concepts by using various manipulatives such as dice and base ten blocks. It was wonderful to see all students feeling proud when explaining their learning to the adults helping in the classroom.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/112c0442-5fa8-5127-b987-9ee7ace36d27" alt="pvj15r4a.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/47bf8fd6-7d55-5fd7-91ae-920defea73ff" alt="gnsxywyh.png" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p></div></div>