Safe, Caring & Inclusive Learning Communities

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The students of Likely Elementary are practicing the concept of “filling someone’s bucket,” inspired by the book Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud. Through activities that encourage writing kind notes and sharing positive actions, students learn that their words and choices can uplift others. This practice promotes a caring environment where everyone feels valued and respected, reinforcing the school’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive community. By focusing on kindness and empathy, these activities help build strong relationships and a culture where every student belongs.</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/7ab06a8f-4c98-4c53-a351-2584e2a092e6" alt="Likely Filling Buckets and Building Communi Sari Small" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/4ada2c8e-60f5-4778-a2c0-d9d45d77ed26" alt="Likely Filling Buckets and Building Communi 2 Sari Small" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This display, featuring colorful paper lights arranged on a tree with the message “We light up our school with kindness,” celebrates the power of positive actions and words. Each light represents a student’s commitment to spreading kindness, creating a collective symbol of care and respect within the school community. By contributing their ideas, students learn that generosity is not only about material gifts but also about offering support, compassion, and goodwill—values that strengthen relationships and nurture a culture of giving.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/e881fc1f-33d1-4f09-8904-d8cd67752b92" alt="December Generosity and Kindness Sari Small" width="580" height="773" style="width:580px;height:773px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Likely Elementary’s gratitude tree display highlights how the students contribute their own voices while being part of a shared classroom community. Each leaf represents something meaningful to an individual student, encouraging personal reflection and responsibility for expressing what matters most—an example of Independence through inquiry and choice. At the same time, these individual contributions come together to form a vibrant collective artwork, creating a welcoming environment where every perspective is valued. This activity embodies the Indigenous principles of Belonging and Independence by fostering inclusion and empowering students to take ownership of their learning.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/7176f389-786a-433b-aba6-6e0ac206cd77" alt="Likely October Gratitude Sari Small" width="584" height="779" style="width:584px;height:779px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Created by students in September, this collaborative display at Likely Elementary - features rays of hope written by each student surrounding a bright sun. This reflects a classroom culture where every voice matters. By inviting students to share their personal hopes for the year, the activity creates a space where individual contributions come together to form a unified message of optimism. Each piece adds to the whole, symbolizing that our community shines brightest when everyone is included and valued.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/20257b66-2d89-4cca-b770-875984deefe4" alt="Likely Rays of Hope Sari Small" width="606" height="807" style="width:606px;height:807px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Today educators in a variety of roles and responsibilities within the school setting came together to train or re-train on non-violent crisis intervention strategies with district principal Kristina Beaulne. The verbal and non-verbal behaviours, actions and strategies that educators use can have a profound de-escalating effect with youth and with grown-ups in our learning communities. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this learning round today.</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/b92c04fb-4915-4e59-bd6c-12396a44229e" alt="Non violent Crisis Intervention Training1 holly zurak" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/43f81bc7-7a97-49b2-8814-9de760f68238" alt="Non violent Crisis Intervention Training2 holly zurak" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>