 We are born with the ability to smile, yet as we age, we smile less often. Research shows that children smile an average of 400 times per day, compared to the typical adult who smiles only 20 times per day. Why is smiling important? Smiling not only offers a mood boost but helps our bodies release cortisol and endorphins that provide numerous health benefits, including: reduced blood pressure, pain and stress, increased endurance and a strengthened immune system. Furthermore, studies show that people who smile appear more likeable, courteous and competent. Smilers tend to be more productive at work and make more money. So the next time you’re feeling like a pick-me-up, try busting out a toothy grin and it could give you the lift you’re looking for. And if you’re already in a good mood, why not flash those pearly whites at a stranger and pass along the good vibes?
Don't forget that Thursday is our Jump Rope 4 Heart afternoon. The children were sent home with envelopes for fundraising a few weeks ago and they need to be turned into the office this week. If you still have your child's envelope, please send it to the school by Thursday at the latest. We will be spending the afternoon outside on the field so please dress the children appropriately- hats, sunscreen and water bottles are a good idea if it looks like it will be warm. We will participate in six or so stations that involve jumping in some way, shape or form so expect Team Awesome to come home tired.
We learned how to play 'What Time Is It Mr. Wolf' in Secwepemctsin with Ms. Manywounds. The chickens yelled, "What time is it Wolf?!" and the wolves would say a number, all in Secwepemctsin. Then the chickens counted out the steps while Ms. Manywounds kept track with her drum. When the wolves yelled, "Supper time!!" the chickens shrieked and turned and ran while being chased by the wolves. Then we started all over. We loved every minute of it!! I actually attack the concept of happiness. The idea that—I don’t mind people being happy—but the idea that everything we do is part of the pursuit of happiness seems to me a really dangerous idea and has led to a contemporary disease in Western society, which is fear of sadness. It’s a really odd thing that we’re now seeing people saying “write down three things that made you happy today before you go to sleep” and “cheer up” and “happiness is our birthright” and so on. We’re kind of teaching our kids that happiness is the default position. It’s rubbish. Wholeness is what we ought to be striving for and part of that is sadness, disappointment, frustration, failure; all of those things which make us who we are. Happiness and victory and fulfillment are nice little things that also happen to us, but they don’t teach us much. Everyone says we grow through pain and then as soon as they experience pain they say, “Quick! Move on! Cheer up!” I’d like just for a year to have a moratorium on the word “happiness” and to replace it with the word “wholeness.” Ask yourself, “Is this contributing to my wholeness?” and if you’re having a bad day, it is.
—Hugh MacKay, author of The Good Life
We are planning an AWESOME (!) Fresh Air Friday for June and as the river will be too high to go down and explore, FAF will take place outside at the school and will involve gadgets and contraptions. But we need your help collecting a few things. We would like a few defunct small appliances (or big ones if you are willing to transport to and from the school) that the children can dismantle. Toasters, blenders, mixers, alarm clocks, stereos, etc. We have some tools the children can use to help them in their deconstruction of these items. Thanks in advance for your help.
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