Pride, achievement, and tradition were the words of the day when Kikino Elementary School celebrated their annual awards night last Wednesday. Young students from kindergarten to grade eight were recognized for success in their studies, as well as the contributions they made to the school as a whole.
Besides achieving top marks in the usual subjects – science, math, physical education, English, health, and so on – students also received awards for perfect attendance, most improved, best writer, and most books read. Each class was asked to nominate a peer for the Fathers of the Federation Citizen Award, meant to honour the student who best demonstrated the school’s code of virtues: respect, self control, empathy, kindness, caring, fairness, and tolerance.
The nominees each read an essay they wrote about how they do their best to personify the school virtues. In the end, Grade (WHAT GRADE?)Nadia (WHAT’S HER LAST NAME?) received the Fathers of the Federation Citizen Award, because even though she is new to the school she has done her best to respect and appreciate her teachers, peers, and elders.
“Tonight is a celebration of our children,” said grade three/four teacher Arin Jasmin. “And it’s a chance for the parents to meet the teachers.”
The night started with an open house, giving parents a chance to meet teachers and see the school. A quick tour through the building showed classrooms with high-tech SMART boards, a well-equipped gym, kitchen facilities, a loft-tower space for studying, and a stage filled with instruments for learning traditional Métis fiddling.
Besides fiddling, the students enrolled in Kikino Elementary enjoy special classes in dance, home economics, industrial arts, and can learn leadership skills by participating in student council. One initiative the student leaders are working towards is raising $5,000 towards donating a water well to a needy village in Africa.
“So far we’ve raised $1,300 – and that’s just since January,” said school counsellor Kristen Shewchuk.
Kikino Elementary School opened in 1989 and currently has 86 students enrolled in kindergarten through grade eight classes.
