Through this “news broadcast,” Pine Glen students saw photos and watched live footage of Wema’s teachers and students (the African school they helped), meeting real people, and getting a glimpse of what life is like in Africa, and how their donations (over $1,000 raised!) helped. All the small change (a lot of it in pennies) added up. It also created a math opportunity! “We did some math activities around pennies and money,” Mrs. Brunner explained. Students also donated their time counting it all up and preparing it for the bank on snow days. Their hard work is paying off.

The donations are already covering needs such as school supplies, cleaning supplies, and contributing to the cost of medical needs, food and tuition. It was only in November, that Mrs. Brunner’s Bunch inspired their school to action with their “Pennies for Wema” campaign. A few months later, Mrs. Brunner’s friend, Andrea, a nurse who volunteers her time in Nairobi, Africa, was able to take the $1,000 check directly to the Wema school.

Andrea will return in April, with more African gifts for Pine Glen students to win. Prizes were drawn on Thursday, and for every $3.55 that students raise, they’ll continue to receive a ballot for the next draw! Pine Glen’s principal, Mr. Crawford, will treat the class that generates the most money, with a pizza party, too!

It is also through Andrea, that Mrs. Brunner’s Bunch, received live footage and photos of the teachers and students in Wema, and with their creativity of a “news” presentation, Pine Glen students and staff could “see that their money is being put to good use,” Mrs. Brunner shared. The goal is to raise another $2,000 by May 31^st for Wema. For more information, you can visit http://jiraniwema.kbo.co.ke/ or www.facebook.com/WemaSchool

Students studied a variety of communities and displayed their findings with colourful pictures, maps, graphs, and artefacts. Some students made traditional treats, while others painted their faces and wore headdresses to represent the indigenous people they studied.  Students highlighted many different indigenous communities including: the Algonquin, Cherokee, Huli Wigmen, Kanaka Maoli, Mayans, Mohawk, Plains Cree, and Sea Gypsies.

The Issues of Indigenous People in a Global Context class provides students with an overview of the issues and challenges that confront indigenous people worldwide.  Students develop an understanding of the concerns and aspirations of the world’s indigenous population through the research of global issues.

On Friday, January 18, 2013, Dr. George Hall PS delivered 18 bags filled with pennies to the Royal Bank of Canada after their successful penny drive. The event was organized by the school’s Me to We team in response to Free the Children’s “We Create Change” campaign. Free the Children’s goal is to provide permanent access to clean water for 100,000 people by encouraging Canadians to donate their retired pennies.

Each class at Dr. George Hall PS was challenged to fill one bag with pennies during their campaign. One filled bag contains 2,500 pennies, which is $25, enough money for one person to receive clean drinking water. Together, the school collected enough pennies to give 18 people access to clean water!

Special guests at the assembly included school Trustee Tony Armstrong, registered dietician Mary Ellen Deane, and Community Garden coordinator Susan Biehn Smith. With the continued support from Mary and Susan and the Green Apple Grant, Bracebridge PS’s salad bar will encourage students to make better food choices and adapt a healthier lifestyle.

For more information about the Metro Green Apple Grant visit www.greenapple.metro.ca

Carson’s grandmother visited Haiti after the devastation and brought her back a pop-tab bracelet; little did she know that this simple bracelet would help change lives in Haiti. Carson immediately began creating replicas of the bracelet and selling them to friends and family for $4 each. All the proceeds Carson receives for each bracelet is donated directly to Haiti relief efforts. So far, Carson has made hundreds of bracelets and donated $2000 to help bring hope to Haiti.

If you are interested in purchasing a pop-tab bracelet to support Carson’s cause contact Monck Public School at 705-645-9986.

The Lounge is a student leadership initiative to help stop bullying by bringing students together in a non-threatening and bully free environment. Dozens of students visit this lounge every Monday to unwind and enjoy the friendly atmosphere. The Lounge has had such a positive impact on the school community that the student organizers hope to continue this initiative next school year.

 During the “Give a Little Learn a Lot” campaign students create a community service project and either fundraise for a charity of their choice or raise awareness to a local, national, or global issue. Each week, throughout the school year, groups of 3 or 4 students will complete a fundraising/awareness project and present their learning outcomes to their peers during Friday’s weekly circle. Since the campaign was launched in early October, over $100 has been raised for charities. One group organized a week long bake sale during their first break, and all the proceeds were donated to their charity of choice, Harambee 4 Humanity. So far, two groups have completed their community service project and the results have been inspiring. Students who haven’t shared their project are eager to join in the campaign and grow the good in their school community!

Last year alone, people across Canada donated a total of 833,648 pounds of food to the We Scare Hunger! For more information on the campaign, visit Free The Children