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Hello and welcome to this addition
of the Voices of Hope. Our schools recently celebrated Family Literacy Day.
Some schools organized evening events for parents or invited
authors to speak to their communities. St. Francis de Sales for example held
a Dr. Seuss themed day,
inviting parents in to read Dr. Seuss story to their children.
To quote Dr. Seuss "the more that you read
the more things you'll know. The more that you learn the more places you'll go."
No matter how it was celebrated though it was an opportunity to support and
encourage
our parents and students about the benefits reading,
and more importantly comprehension and critical thinking.
Literacy is not just about reading and writing however.
It's about mastering 21st century competencies
that reach into every aspect of the curriculum.
Today more than ever we know that we need literate scientists and
mathematicians
just as much as we need literate journalists and authors.
We are committed to improving their mathematics scores by developing the
mathematical literacy of our students
and our educators. But what does literacy and mathematics mean
and how are mathematics and literacy interconnected. Mathematics literacy
includes critical thinking and problem solving.
It is grounded in an understanding of mathematical concepts
as well as being fluent and confident in carrying out procedures.
Most importantly we must believe that mathematics is sensible
useful and worthwhile. Llikewise,
our students learn and use mathematics most effectively.
When they connect mathematical concepts and procedures
with their own experience. By solving problems
students come to a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.
Equally important is that students come to an understanding
that problems can be solved using a variety of different strategies.
The student who may be using LEGO to solve a problem in math
may one day be manipulating a strand of DNA.
Similarly the students understanding social and economic inequities to
mathematical analysis
may one day be leading the change that our Social Teachings call for.
Our commitment to our students shows in our professional learning
through math study groups, working groups focused learning sessions,
and leadership development. Our Mathematics Department provides regular
education updates
sharing effective practices and strategies.
We are making an additional financial investment in building the mathematical
capacity of our teachers,
by providing funding for sixty teachers to take additional qualification courses
in the teaching of mathematics. As always
and research bears this out, parental involvement is paramount to the success
of our students.
Our own site called thinkMATH@home
is a resource for parents that provides tips on how to participate in a child's
learning of mathematics.
Inviting parents to participate in Family Literacy and Math events,
early learning programs and intervention on-line tips and strategies
and support from our teachers are just some of the ways we can work together
for our students.
Watch for news about our Math Olympics on April 5th.
Students from grade 7&8 will compete in mathematics challenges
with their counterparts from various schools within our board
and the TDSB. Top-scoring students will be invited to participate in the
Provincial Competition on May 30th
and 31st at the Lakehead University campus.
Until next time.