Local Soapstone Carver Bonnie Gosse has been teaching the art of soapstone carving to our Grade 3 classes for many years.
Soapstone is metamorphic rock largely composed of the mineral talc. It’s called soapstone because of its soapy feel. Originally soapstone was made into oil lamps, pots, kettles, charms and children’s toys. It’s often associated with Northern Canada and Alaska as the inhabitants of the north have used soapstone for traditional carvings.
View the slideshow of the Grade 3 girls working diligently on their soap stone carvings, with direction from Bonnie.
Bonnie teaches the girls how to make their own carvings:
To mark International Women’s Day, Gr. 11 student Breanne B. decided to also make Thursday, March 8th “Mirrorless Thursdsay.” Her campaign involved covering every single washroom mirror in the senior school with paper. She did this to encourage students to “take a break from the mirror and be good to yourself and your body, regardless of appearance.”
Mirrorless Thursday on International Women's Day
Our junior school librarian Ms. Shepherd also had some great resources to share about media awareness, self-esteem and body image:
I like myself by Karen Beaumont Howard B. Wigglebottom listens to his heart by Howard Binkow It’s ok to be different By Todd Parr Swimmy By Leo Lionni Not all princesses dress in pink By Jane Yolden The paper bag princess By Robert Munsch Girl, you’re amazing! By Virginia Kroll Players in pigtails By Shana Corey Ruby’s wish By Shirin Yim Bridges Beautiful warrior : the legend of the nun’s kung fu By Emily Arnold McCully Mary’s Penny By Tanya Landman I know who I am By P.K. Hallinan
Fiction:
Stay true: short stories for strong girls compiled and edited by Marilyn Singer
Non-Fiction:
Made you look : how advertising works and why you should know by by Shari Graydon Me and my amazing body By Joan Sweeney The care and keeping of you: the body book for girls By Valorie. Schaefer What do I need? By Bobbie Kalman In your face: the culture of beauty and you By Shari Graydon Girls think of everything : stories of ingenious inventions by women By Catherine Thimmesh Hero Girls By Annie Buckman Girls who rocked the world: heroines from Sacagawea to Sheryl Swoopes By Amelie Welden Canadian girls who rocked the world By Tanaya Llyod Fearless girls, wise women, and beloved sisters : heroines in folktales from around the world By Kathleen Ragan Not one damsel in distress : world folktales for strong girls collected and told by Jane Yolen More spice than sugar : poems about feisty females compiled by Lillian Morrison
