Events, Storywalk

Fun Spelling Books, Spelling Bee Team, and New Storywalk

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our world is a family cover.jpeg

Our new Storywalk is up in the wetlands behind the school! Students, parents, and community members may walk from stop to stop, reading the pages and doing the suggested activities.

I am excited to announce that I will be starting a grade 3 and 4 Spelling Bee team! We will practice at school and will then have the opportunity to take a top scoring pair of spellers to a regional tournament at another Christian school! I hope that we will have enough interest in starting this new extra-curricular activity at HHCS.

Buzzing with Words: Books About Spelling and Spelling Bees

Spelling can be tricky, but it’s also a skill that can be fun, engaging, and even competitive! Whether students love spelling or find it challenging, picture books can help make the journey more enjoyable. From stories about spelling bees to playful word adventures, here are some fantastic books to check out.

 A Bee in Your Ear by Frieda Wishinsky
A fun and engaging story about a young girl who dreams of competing in a spelling bee but struggles with confidence. This book provides encouragement for young readers who might be nervous about spelling. A Bee in Your Ear

The Spelling Bee Before Recess by Deborah Lee Rose
A humorous look at a school spelling bee where kids compete for the grand prize—extra recess! The rhyming text and playful energy make it a fun read for any student preparing for a spelling challenge.

Oxford Reading Tree TreeTops Reflect: Oxford Reading Level 14: Spelling Bea - Oxford Reading Tree TreeTops Reflect - Catherine Bruton - Books - Oxford University Press - 9781382008068 - January 6, 2022

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An Inconvenient Alphabet

Henry Heckelbeck Spells Trouble

Captain Awesome and the Ultimate Spelling Bee

Spelling Queen

The Most Marvelous International Spelling Bee

How Books Support Spelling

These books don’t just tell great stories—they also help kids develop a love for words! Books reinforce spelling patterns, introduce new vocabulary, and show that even mistakes are part of learning. Whether students are preparing for a spelling bee or just trying to master tricky words, these stories offer inspiration and encouragement.

 

 

 

Authors, Events

Author Spotlight: Shannon Olsen

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Author Spotlight: Shannon Olsen

Shannon Olsen is a beloved children’s author known for her heartwarming books that celebrate classroom communities, kindness, and connection. Her books, including Our Class is a Family, A Letter From Your Teacher,  A Letter From Your Teacher on the First Day of School, and Collaboration Station, have resonated with students, teachers, and families alike.

Through her writing, Shannon captures the importance of belonging and the special bond between teachers and students. Her stories remind us that classrooms are more than just places of learning—they are places where friendships grow, encouragement thrives, and everyone has a valued place.

Shannon’s work is especially popular among young readers and educators for its uplifting messages and engaging storytelling. With her background as a teacher, she understands firsthand the importance of fostering a supportive and welcoming environment in schools, and that passion shines through in her books.

Her stories have become classroom staples, helping educators build strong classroom communities while inspiring children to embrace kindness, empathy, and self-confidence. Whether it’s through a heartfelt letter from a teacher or a reminder that a class is like a family, Shannon Olsen’s books continue to make a meaningful impact in schools around the world.

For those who haven’t yet discovered her books, they are a wonderful addition to any home or classroom library. Her storytelling reminds us all of the power of connection and the lasting influence of positive relationships in education. Grades 1-4 at HHCS are looking forward to a virtual author visit with Shannon Olsen on Tuesday!

Check out Shannon’s website here!

Home

Building Belonging- diversity, Special Days/Weeks/Months

Black History Month

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Celebrating Black History Month in the Library

February is Black History Month, a time to recognize, honor, and celebrate the contributions of Black Canadians and individuals worldwide. This year’s theme, Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations, encourages us to reflect on the impact of Black leaders throughout history and to inspire the next generation.

Exploring Black Canadian History

Black Canadians have played a vital role in shaping our country’s culture, society, and history. From Viola Desmond’s stand against racial segregation to the artistic achievements of Oscar Peterson, their contributions continue to enrich our nation. This month provides an opportunity to highlight these stories, amplify Black voices, and encourage learning beyond the month of February. This month, I invite you to explore, read, and learn together. Let’s celebrate Black history—not just in February, but every day.

Here are some resources for your families:

  • Ontario Museum Association’s Black History Month Events
    Explore events, exhibitions, and tours celebrating Black History Month 2025 across Ontario.
    Visit their website
  • Canada.ca – Organizations and Educational Resources on the History of Black Communities in Canada
    This government resource provides a comprehensive list of organizations and educational materials dedicated to preserving and promoting Black Canadian history.
    Visit the resource
  • Canada’s History – Black History Educational Package
    This educational package offers lessons that encourage students to explore Afro-Indigenous ancestry and the role of media in expressing ideas about justice and ethnicity.
    Explore the package
  • Facing History and Ourselves Canada – Black History Month Resources
    A collection of on-demand webinars and resources to support learning about Black history and its relevance today.
    View the resources
  • “#BlackInSchool” by Habiba Cooper Diallo
    A memoir that provides insight into the experiences of a Black student navigating the Canadian school system.
    Find it on 49th Shelf
  • “The Journey of Little Charlie” by Christopher Paul Curtis
    A historical novel that explores themes of slavery and freedom through the eyes of a young boy.
    Available on Amazon
  • “Trailblazers: The Black Pioneers Who Have Shaped Canada” by Tiyahna Ridley-Padmore
    A collection of stories highlighting the achievements of Black Canadians throughout history.
    Available on Amazon
“Malaika’s Costume” by Nadia L. Hohn

Enjoy the vibrant tale of Malaika’s Carnival preparations in this read-aloud:

  • The Imago Dei (Image of God) – Every person, regardless of race or background, is created in God’s image and has inherent worth and value (Genesis 1:27).
  • Justice and Righteousness – The Bible calls believers to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8). Recognizing and addressing historical injustices aligns with God’s heart for justice.
  • Unity in Christ – In Christ, we are one body, and we are called to love one another deeply (Galatians 3:28, John 13:34-35). The church is enriched by the contributions of Black Christians throughout history.
  • Remembering and Learning from History – Scripture calls us to remember and learn from the past (Deuteronomy 6:12, Psalm 78:4-7). Black History Month is a time to reflect on the perseverance, faith, and contributions of Black individuals, especially those who have shaped the church and the world.

Black History and the Church

Throughout history, Black Christians have played a crucial role in spreading the gospel, fighting for justice, and strengthening the global church. Some key figures include:

  • Augustine of Hippo (354–430) – A North African theologian whose writings shaped Christian doctrine.
  • Phillis Wheatley (1753–1784) – An enslaved woman who became the first published Black poet and used her writing to reflect on faith. Portrait of Phillis Wheatley, attributed by some scholars to Scipio Moorhead
  • Harriet Tubman (1822–1913) – Known as the “Moses” of her people, she was a devout Christian who trusted God in her mission to free enslaved individuals through the Underground Railroad. Portrait photo of Harriet Tubman
  • Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929–1968) – A Baptist pastor and leader in the Civil Rights Movement who championed justice through peaceful activism, guided by Christian principles. Black and white portrait of Martin Luther King Jr. wearing a suit

How to Engage in Black History Month as Christians

  1. Pray for Racial Reconciliation and Justice – Ask God to heal racial divides, bring justice, and help us reflect His love.
  2. Read Stories of Black Christians – Explore biographies and writings of influential Black theologians, missionaries, and leaders.
  3. Incorporate Diverse Voices in Worship and Study – Include hymns, spirituals, and sermons from Black Christian traditions.
  4. Act Justly and Love Others – Support initiatives that promote justice and seek ways to uplift and encourage diverse communities.

What a wonderful opportunity for us to live out our school theme for this year- “Walk with Jesus!”

Bruce the Moose's Book Nook

Moose on the Loose- Bruce the Moose Explores the Library!

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Moose on the Loose: Exploring the Library with Bruce!

Hi there, friends! It’s Bruce the Moose here, your favorite library adventurer, and I’m on the loose! Today, I’m taking you on a grand tour of our library, the place where every adventure begins. Let’s explore all the fantastic spaces and treasures our library has to offer. Antlers ready? Let’s go!

Picture Book Paradise
Our picture book section is perfect for readers who love colorful illustrations and fun stories. From giggle-worthy tales to heartfelt adventures, this area is a moose-approved favorite. Sit on the cozy carpet nearby and dive into a story—it’s the best spot for young adventurers!

Easy Chapter Book Fun
For early readers who are ready to take the next step, the easy fiction section is filled with books that are just right for growing readers. I’ve found some great stories here—like ones about animals and magical friendships—and I’m sure you will too.

Fiction Forest
Step into the fiction section, where the shelves are brimming with adventures, mysteries, and epic tales! Whether you’re into fantasy, realistic fiction, or something in between, this is the place to let your imagination soar. I always feel like a brave moose knight when I’m here!

Nonfiction Nook
Curious minds will love the nonfiction section. From history to science, animals to space, it’s a treasure trove of real-world knowledge. I even found a book about moose here—pretty cool, right? Don’t forget to check out our Favourite Nonfiction on top of the shelves for the most popular picks!

Graphic Novel Greatness
Our graphic novel section is packed with colorful, action-packed stories. Whether it’s superheroes, funny adventures, or heartfelt tales, this spot is always buzzing with excitement. Even I’ve tried my hoof at reading some graphic novels—they’re moose-tastic!

Library Check-Out Desk
Ready to take your next adventure home? The check-out desk is where the magic happens. And don’t forget to grab a free bookmark to save your place in your next great read. The library desk also has book-related coloring and activity sheets. Take a seat, grab some crayons, and let your creativity shine.

 

Library Displays and Announcements
Don’t miss our library bulletin board and whiteboard! Here, you’ll find fun displays, book recommendations, and announcements about upcoming library events. It’s your go-to spot to stay updated and inspired.

Adventure Awaits!
Our library truly is where the adventure begins. I hope you’ll explore all the amazing areas and find your next favorite book. And if you spot me, Bruce the Moose, on the loose, don’t forget to say hi—I’d love to hear about your library adventures.

See you in the stacks!
Antlers up,
Bruce the Moose

 

Bruce the Moose's Book Nook, Scholastic Book Club

Bruce the Moose’s Book Nook, January Scholastic Flyers

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Happy New Year HHCS! We have a guest blog post this week! Our mascot Bruce the Moose is here to talk about what he is reading these days!

Bruce the Moose’s Book Nook: January Recommendations!

Hi, friends! It’s Bruce the Moose here, your friendly school mascot, with some moose-tastic book recommendations to kick off your January reading adventure. Whether you’re looking for a story to warm your antlers or a thrilling read to keep you on the edge of your log, I’ve got something for everyone. Let’s dive in!

For the Adventurer:
“Fortunately, the Milk” by Neil Gaiman
Looking for a hilarious and wild ride? Follow a dad who just wanted to get some milk but ends up saving the world instead. This story has pirates, time travel, and even aliens—perfect for anyone who loves a laugh and a bit of chaos.

Why Bruce Loves It: “I can’t resist a story with so many twists and turns! Plus, I’d totally want to time travel if moose could do that.”

For the Animal Lover:
“The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate
Meet Ivan, a gorilla who lives at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade. This touching story about friendship, freedom, and art will have you cheering for Ivan and his friends.

Why Bruce Loves It: “Ivan reminds me of my forest friends—loyal, creative, and always there for each other.”

For the Mystery Solver:
“The Westing Game” by Ellen Raskin
Think you’ve got what it takes to solve a millionaire’s mystery? This classic whodunit is packed with puzzles, quirky characters, and unexpected twists.

Why Bruce Loves It: “I’m a curious moose by nature, and this book keeps me guessing every time I read it!”

For the Fantasy Fan:
“The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan
Dive into the first book of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, where a modern-day demigod battles Greek monsters and uncovers ancient secrets. It’s an epic tale of heroism and humor.

Why Bruce Loves It: “I may not be a demigod, but I’d love to have some of Percy’s powers—especially controlling water. Imagine how great that would be in a hot summer!”

For the Poet-at-Heart:
“Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein
This classic collection of playful and profound poems will make you laugh, think, and maybe even write a poem of your own.

Why Bruce Loves It: “I’m not much of a poet, but these poems make me want to try…‘Bruce the Moose, loose on the spruce!’ How did I do?”

Your Turn!
What are you reading this month? Stop by the library and let me know, or leave a comment below! I’m always on the lookout for new books to browse while I’m hanging out in the library.

Happy reading, and remember: life’s an adventure when you’ve got a book by your side!
Antlers up,
Bruce the Moose

Picture of English January/February Flyer

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My Class Code
RC391237

Christmas, Growing Readers Tips

Pictures of Library Christmas Ornaments, and Read-Aloud Tips

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Thank you to all the students who created ornaments for our library Christmas tree! It’s looking very Christmas-y and cozy in the library!

 

Check out this article from Growing Book by Book about Reading Aloud Strategies and Tips!

tips for reading aloud to children

Try These Read Aloud Strategies and Tips with Young Children

Have a cozy, merry, filled-with-books, and blessed Christmas, everyone!

Christmas, Events, Growing Readers Tips

Volunteers Needed for Jolabokaflod, Student Challenge- Book Character Christmas Ornaments, and Resources from Growing Book by Book

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I am looking for volunteers! Do you like to read? Do you like Christmas? Do you like kids? We are looking for parent or grandparent volunteers to guest read to classes on Thursday, Dec. 19 for a special celebration of JOLABOKAFLOD- the Icelandic tradition of ‘flooding’ with books on Christmas Eve! We will be reading in different ways and enjoying hot chocolate and pajamas. Please email Mrs. B. if you can help out- L.Baillargeon@hh-cs.org.

Check out these amazing family literacy resources from Growing Book by Book!

spend more time reading together with these family literacy activities

9 Family Literacy Activities

over 150 book lists of children's books on lots of topics

Book Lists

 

Events, Scholastic Book Club, Storywalk

New Storywalk, Pictures from Tissue Box Contest, and Scholastic Digi-Flyers for the Holidays

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Picture of November/December Flyer

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Picture of French November/December Flyer

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My Class Code
RC391237

A new Storywalk is up! Enjoy Our School is a Family as you walk by our school wetlands at the back of the property! Each Storywalk stop has a discussion question and an action activity to go with the pages of the book that have just been read.

Thank you to all students who entered the Tissue Box Book Character contest! The results were so cute! Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy.

Digital Literacy, Events, Media Literacy, Special Days/Weeks/Months

Screen-Free/Digital Citizenship Week, and Christian Book Fair

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Screen-Free Week/Digital Citizenship Week is here! During this time, we’re inviting your child to take part in a fun challenge by signing a pledge to go entertainment screen-free for 5 days (Monday-Friday). Pledges will be available at school and proudly displayed on the wall across from the gym. Last year, we had 100 students take the pledge, and this year, we’re hoping to break that record! We’d love for parents to join in the fun too! Teachers are also using lessons from Common Sense Media to instruct about media balance, being safe and kind online, giving credit when doing research online, and using reliable websites.

Here are some conversation starters and other resources from Common Sense Media to help you out as parents!

SELF-AWARENESS IN DIGITAL LIFE

Talk About How Your Child’s Behavior Online Affects Themselves and Others

Your child is learning how their behavior online can affect themselves and others. Use these questions to talk with

them about what it means to be their best selves online.

Ask these three questions:
1. I hear you learned about the Rings of Responsibility in school. Can you tell me about them?
○ Listen for:
■ Self: Responsibilities you have to yourself, such as keeping yourself safe and healthy.
■ Community: Responsibilities you have to your community. This includes the people you know well, like
friends and family, and people you might not know as well, like a clerk in a grocery store.
■ World: Responsibilities to the larger world, including people you don’t know but who might be affected
by your actions.

2. What are some things we value in our family? Are there any similarities to the Rings of Responsibility?
3. How could you use the Rings of Responsibility to help you think through the choices you make when you’re online?

RELATIONSHIP SKILLS IN DIGITAL LIFE

Talk About How Your Child Can Keep Online Interactions Fun and Friendly

Your child is learning how to keep their online games, texts, and other interactions fun and healthy. Use these

questions to talk with them about how to stay positive online and avoid risky situations.

Ask these three questions:
1. I hear you watched a video about some kids who were playing an online game. Can you tell me about the video?
What happened?
2. How do you (or your friends) interact with others online? Does it look different if it’s a group text versus an online
game or social media, etc.?
3. What are some ways you can keep online interactions fun and friendly?
○ Listen for:
■ Be kind to people you interact with.
■ Report and/or block someone who is being mean or disruptive.
■ Avoid strangers online if they make you feel uncomfortable.

I had a mini-assembly with grades K-3 to talk about Screen-Free week and to share this book with them- Rocket Says Look Up! Rocket is so excited to see the Phoenix Meteor Shower, but her older brother Jamal is more interested in looking down at his phone all the time. Will Jamal miss the beautiful event in the sky because he is too busy on his screen?

The Living Books Christian book fair starts this week! Ann the Book Lady will have the fair open at school during parent-teacher conferences on Thursday this week. Students may have a preview on Thursday or Friday this week to make a list of what they might like to purchase. Then classes will come to shop on Monday Oct. 21. Ann will also be open for shopping on Grandparents’ Day on Oct. 23. Check out the website to start making your list !

https://livingbooks.ca/home