Shepherd Elementary celebrated its annual International Day on December 12, 2014.   International Day was so much fun and all students got to participate. Each class made a presentation on a different country from around the world that meant you didn't have to go to a room and see the same thing as another room. Each class had different themes, posters and signs. Each class had different foods and music.  People dressed up and had performances about their countries.  My class did Panama.  

I brought chips and salsa which is one of my favorite foods.  International Day was also in the evening so parents could participate too by sharing information on their family culture.

I hope you came to International Day to learn about different world cultures and HAD A GREAT TIME!  

Holidays Around the World 

Welcome to December, a month filled with many multicultural celebrations around the world. It could be Ramadan (Muslim), Kwanza (African American), Hanukah (Jewish), Three Kings Day and Christmas (Christian), Fiesta of our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexican), St Lucia Day (Swedish), Boxing Day, (Australian, Canadian, English and Irish), or Omisoka (Japanese). Chances are we each may celebrate one or more than one of these holidays. It is a month filled with holidays across cultures so let's use the opportunities to teach and learn from each other.

Did you know? Dec. 12 was Jamhuri Day in Kenya?  On the 12th of December 1964, the country of Kenya gained full independence from the United Kingdom. One year earlier on December 12^th, 1963, Jamhuri Day was so named because it was the day Kenya was established as a Republic. The celebration is a double event with numerous cultural festivities. This day represents Kenya's most important holiday and celebrates the country's cultural heritage.

 This month, the Learner Profile trait is Open-minded. An open-minded person is someone who understands and appreciates their own cultures and personal histories. They are open to perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities.  They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.  An open minded person is comfortable with differences, and has a variety of lenses to view issues.

International Day

Last week was a busy one with the planning and the preparation for International Day. Thank you to all of our families that helped out with the planning or participating with a display, or the sharing of a favorite international food dish or the performance of a song or dance. It was a great success and we could not have done it without you. Bravo! Some of the countries that were represented:  Russia, Panama, Germany, Jamaica, Guyana and Tanzania, Puerto Rico, USA, Ethiopia, Trinidad, and Ireland.

Programme of Inquiry

Unit 3 began on December 1, 2014. This unit will continue until January 23, 2015.  The themes may vary for each grade level and include: 

• Sharing the Planet 
• How we Express Ourselves 
• Who We Are 
• How we Organize Ourselves 

More detailed information about each unit will be in the class Newsletter.

Our Holiday concert will take place on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at 6:00 PM. I hope to see everyone there!

Happy Holidays!  

Sandra Hart

IB Coordinator