Email: lo-ellen_attend_s@rainbowschools.ca
Website: https://loellen.rainbowschools.ca/
Location: 275 Loachs Road, Sudbury, ON, Canada
Phone: 7055222320
Twitter: @loellenpark

Hello LEP, Mr. Monti here....

I've been teaching mathematics, robotics, engineering for the last 14 years at Lo-Ellen Park (time flies!). I am also proud to teach as a part of the IB program at the school. The thing that I enjoy most about being a teacher is that I never stop learning new things. As a part of the EDIT program, I get to work with robots, 3D printers, CNC machines and other awesome technology. Also, I get to work with some great students and staff at LEP, which I'm super grateful for!

Fun Fact #1: Did you know that Mr. Monti used to host a radio show at university? Shout outs to Sarah and 'sma! Further to this, did you know he was a DJ in a past life? His two children are already following in his footsteps.

Fun Fact #2: Mr. Monti is a coffee snob. His love of robotics begins early each morning with his semi-autonomous espresso machine.

Fun Fact #3: Mr. Monti was the original founder of the "LEP Shape Club". He still can't decide on his favourite time shape. Is it a circle or is it a triangle? Depends on the day.

Kalila Bachiu's work "Wings" is a social justice mixed media piece about the struggles that underprivileged youth face trying to rise to their potential. The wings are made of paper and receipts representing the fragility in their struggle to reach their goals and dreams.

"A bird with one injured wing can be compared to a bird with no wings at all: neither can fly. In order for the injured bird to succeed, both wings must be equal in strength and in development. In this case, one wing represents privileged, the other represents the unprivileged, and the bird represents humanity. In society, it is clear that youth from lower income families do not get nearly the same amount of opportunities as opposed to youth from higher income families. Due to this social injustice issue, youth from lower income families face formidable obstacles in their flight to success. How can they fly when their wings are made of paper? What will happen when it rains?

I reflected this concept in my artwork by creating wings of paper and a background of rain. The wings are composed of 22 pieces (not including the feathers) of paper and styrofoam. The blue background is painted on a large canvas drop sheet with orange accents.

My goal in this project is to raise awareness of the struggles of youth who face economic obstacles, and to motivate those who have more privilege to give back."

Kalila Bachiu, A Bird Without Wings, 2020, Mixed Media, 104” x 65.5”

This week in EDIT class, Grade 9 and 10 students are wrapping up their final projects. As a part of the course, students are required to build a custom Arduino circuit to control a semi-autonomous golf-bot that delivers a golf ball to various holes on the course. The robots are designed completely by students and are controlled using an Arduino, bluetooth and a smartphone device. All of their models are also designed in Fusion 360 CAD software. Check out some of the images/video below!

Students will receive their second semester timetables in their homeroom on Monday, January 25th.

If they wish to change any of their classes, they are asked to see Guidance before the semester begins on February 8th.

As we head into exams, performance tasks, and culminating demonstrations we thought we would share some studying tips and strategies for success from our fantastic teaching staff.

From Ms. J. Dupuis:

"Yes, you can study for English exams! Spend time reviewing characters, plot, setting and themes in the main pieces in the course. Then, try to find connections between the pieces."

From Ms. Mathew:

"Make sure your study strategies match the type of evaluation!

Are there facts to memorize? Try using colour-coding, flash cards, mnemonics, setting things to music/rhythms, or reading facts aloud.

Are there certain skills to practice (such as in math, chemistry, and physics)? Practice solving a variety of problems. Do any assigned review. Try redoing problems from your notes/homework/evaluations (with the solution hidden), then check your work. Swap problems with friends. Think of which strategies work with which types of questions.

One size does NOT fit all when it comes to studying!"

From Ms. Best:

1) Find a quiet place where you can concentrate

2)Review all notes, past quizzes, and tests to create your study guide (If your teacher provides you a study guide - use it)

3)Review notes nightly

4) Get someone to test you orally from your study notes

From Ms. Darling:

"End of semester tip: Employ self-compassion. Turn off your inner critic and practice speaking to yourself like you would speak to your best friend. Say things like "It's okay. You're okay;" or "You have studied and you are prepared. You have done all you can to be successful." Students who practice self-compassion have been shown to be not only more resilient, but also ultimately more successful. You can do this! Remember to be kind to yourselves."

From Ms. Boudreau:

"Use your google calendar and reminders to set up a study schedule."

From Ms. Bourget:

1. Be prepared. Review your notes, put in the work and study. Seek clarification on anything you don't know, don't be afraid to ask for help.

2. Take care of yourself. Eat well, sleep well, be well. Be sure to take breaks: listen to music, get some fresh air, watch something on netflix (no binge watching:)

3. Think positively. Have a positive mindset. Be confident. Say to yourself, "I've got this."

4. Embrace the challenge. Here is your chance to demonstrate your learning, to show how you can connect the dots, solve a problem, express your thoughts and ideas. Have fun:)