Organized by Mr. Silcock, Grade 5 students visited Middle School with their Grade 6 friends recently.  The Sixth Graders shared one part of their study of Biodiversity:  The Kingdoms of Life. Sixth Graders demonstrated how to prepare slides of pond water and view them using a compound light microscope.  The 5th Graders were amazed to see microscopic protists swimming through the field of vision! Continue reading Grade 5 students get ready for Middle School!

On Tuesday 28th May the last period of the day was reserved for a much publicized soccer match between Elementary School staff and students. Donations collected at the door were for the Giraffe Project. The enthusiastic supporters filled the bleachers in the Sports Arena chanting supportive slogans for both teams. The excitement was high when Coach Marc whistled for the game to begin. The staff team were the first to score and the noise the supporters made was fit to raise the roof of the arena! A second staff goal gave wings to the staff team whose star players Coach … Continue reading Elementary School Staff Student Soccer Match

The history of Belgian chocolate began 2,000 years ago in the rain forests of South America where the cacao tree was first discovered. Native South Americans found that the pods of the cacao tree contained seeds with a new and unusual taste. Spanish explorers returned from South America with cacao seeds and popularized the new drink in the royal court. Soon, imported cacao became a trade, new recipes were invented and shared, and within 100 years, chocolate spread throughout Europe. During the 17th century, Belgium was ruled by Spain and thereby introduced to chocolate. Many royalty, artists and others of nobility … Continue reading The history of Belgian chocolate

  Family Day is only a couple of days away. Regardless of the weather, it will be a great afternoon for the whole family. We are hoping for dry weather but are prepared for rain with additional activities planned in the gym so please do come out on Sunday and enjoy our biggest community event of the year. In order to prepare for Sunday, please see below all activities on offer.We hope to see you there! Continue reading Join us for Family Day this Sunday!

In Belgium, beer is more than just a frothy beverage – it is a culture. With over 450 different varieties, many Belgian beers have personalized beer glasses in which only that beer may be served. The shape of each glass enhances the flavor of the beer for which it is designed. This tradition may seem like behavior reserved for wine snobbery, but Belgians take their beer seriously – and with good reason. The country has enjoyed an unparalleled reputation for specialty beers since the Middle Ages. Connoisseurs favor Belgian beers for their variety, real flavor and character. There are almost … Continue reading Knowing your Belgian beers

Congratulations to Min-Gi in 7th grade who won first prize at the Olympiade Mathématique Belge 2013! An amazing achievement, even more since he was one of very few 7th graders who participated in this prestigious math event. The Olympiade Mathématique Belge is a math competition which aims at promoting “Out of the Box” mathematical thinking through gradually challenging questions. Starting with 10th graders, this competition also selects students who will follow a rigorous two year preparation with university teachers towards taking part in the International Math Olympiad. At the level of 7th and 8th grade, students are encouraged to express themselves in an … Continue reading St. John’s 7th grade student wins Belgian Math Olympiad!

On Thursday 16th May, the 10th Grade History classes visited Bastogne, the site of the German’s last major counter-attack of the Second World War in December 1944. We visited a museum in the centre of Bastogne which examines how it was to live in Bastogne during the winter of 1944/45. We then went to the German cemetery in Racogne, the wet weather did not dampen the students spirits. Near to the German cemetery is the village of Foy – you may recall the Band of Brother’s episode when they charge the village of Foy – we walked to the woods … Continue reading Grade 10 World War 2 history trip to Bastogne

Toddlers and parents are singing, dancing, playing and having great fun together during “Kindermusic” classes. Mette Österberg, a licensed Kindermusic Instructor and Early Childhood Development specialist, now offers these classes on Tuesday mornings from 9.30-10.30am in Saint John’s Dance Studio. Kindermusic (www.kindermusik.com) is the world’s leading provider of music and movement programs for young children. It has been developed 30 years ago and is now taught to 1.5 million families in over 70 countries. Kindermusic classes for toddlers, babies, big kids and families include fun, age-appropriate music and movement activities. The songs and activities help children develop social, emotional, physical, … Continue reading Kindermusic at St. John’s: For a Child’s Brain, Body, Heart & Soul

One morning one of the students came into the classroom and started dancing, telling her classmates all about a song she listened in her car with her sisters. Coach Simon came to pick them up for gym from Cedar class and thought that the little girl was dancing to the ‘’Harlem Shake’’ song. We all listened to the original ‘’Harlem Shake’’ song on You Tube. The children were so enthusiastic and started dancing while listening to the song. We all decided that when we would have a sunny day, we could do our own ‘’Harlem Shake’’ to celebrate the fact … Continue reading Cedar style Harlem Shake

  Getting one’s hands dirty in the garden is an easy and effective way to help maintain both physical and emotional well-being. Additionally, when done in a community setting, it helps promote a greater sense of purpose and belonging among participants.  Since gardening is highly therapeutic, we have transformed the St. John’s bridge into a productive and aesthetically pleasing container garden area. The Health and Wellness committee wants to encourage its staff members to bring in a window-box planter. The committee will provide soil and space. Staff members are then asked to plant and maintain Spring vegetables, flowers, and/or herbs. The committee hopes that … Continue reading The Green Bridge initiative