Congratulations to our most recent course completions!

Jades Roberts' Poem

A Part of Me

An Aboriginal Canadian
A different breed some would say.
We may have different traditions but
You'd think by now the discrimination would wash away.

Throughout the years
We've faced a hard time.
Even today, in the year 2011
We still have to climb.

The fact is, in this country we're all Canadian
In a perfect world we'd work as one.
Not worrying about race, religion, gender or age
Don't you think that could be kinda fun?

I'm proud to be Aboriginal and Canadian
I be the best I can be.
I am not the only one who is proud
There were others who paved the way, there were others before me.

Congratulations to Jeri on completing Science 10 !

Jeri Laliberte has recently completed Science 10 and is moving on to another online class. She wrapped up with a small study on the Tar Sands and it's effects on northern Aboriginal communities. Well done Jeri and good luck in your next class!

Jeri's Tar Sands Paper

Earthquake Math

The most memorable earthquakes for me are the resent 8.9 magnitude in Japan (2001/03/11) and the 9.2 magnitude in the Indian Ocean (2004/12/26). Both of these earthquakes triggered a tsunami and caused immeasurable destruction.

But what do the numbers mean? How can we compare the magnitude of the two earthquakes?

The Richter magnitude scale assigns a number to quantify the amount of energy released by an earthquake. For example, an earthquake of magnitude 5.0 is 10 times stronger than an earthquake of 4.0. This is done using a base 10 logarithmic scale.

If we compare the two earthquakes from above, we see that one was 0.3 larger than the other. That means that it was 10 ^ 0.3 (10 to the power of 0.3) times stronger, which is very close to two times stronger.

Enroll yourself in Math B30 at edcentre.ca to learn more about logarithms.

Japan hit by deadly quake, tsunami

Our Prayers extend to those affected through this crisis...

New Semester 2 Student - Jason Bonneau

When it comes to my identity, the only thing that is absolute is my name. I'm a very diverse person. When you have strong roots in the north and in the south, different things influence you. I'm definitely Canadian. I love Canada. It's gorgeous, and the people here are the most down to earth, and rational people I think on the whole planet. I definitely get offended when people call me American when I'm abroad! Music is a big part of my life. I love all genres, but some of my favorites would have to be northern country like Ernest Monias, and New Horizon, and I LOVE southern country straight outta Nashville! Another favorite music genre of mine is Hip hop. I love fast beats and all the different sounds that you hear in hip hop music. Aside from listening to music, I also play music. I first took on the piano back in Gr. 4, and then went on to take Saxophone in Gr. 6. Another big part of my identity is my family.They teach me a lot of things. One thing that I enjoy is northern hospitality. I'm sure you know what I mean. Walk right in, have at the fridge, take a seat, stay a while! I don't really participate in many activities, but I do enjoy volleyball, badminton, helping out, and learning. I used to volunteer at the hospital in Prince Albert and that is one thing that really made me feel accomplished and appreciated. It's really nice knowing that you're needed and that you're doing it out of the goodness of your heart. I played club badminton for a few years, and once was actually a part of the Smashing Bananas volleyball team in Prince Albert. All around I'm a nice guy, love to help, love listening, learning, being with family and friends, smiling, and life itself.

Congratulations Jolene Ballantyne!

Congratulations to Jolene Ballantyne for passing her GED!
Jolene started in September 2010 and wrote her GED in January 2011. Good Job Jolene!

Did you achieve your goal?

During the first week of January I set a dream goal of skiing 55 km in the Saskaloppet. My realistic goal was to ski 35 km and I did it! There were obstacles during the day including frostbite (-30 at the start), a blister and really slow conditions.

I had a lot of time to think while I was skiing (almost 6 hours). I thought about the accomplishments of my students and the obstacles that they overcome along the way.

Make sure you celebrate all that you have done so far this year and push to finish strong in your remaining classes.

Road Warrior

Sometimes you just need to step away from the computer screen and get on the road.

Rita Lowenberg, Literacy Developer extraordinaire, has been on the road lately to connect with learners. This means braving the elements, spending time behind the windshield and best of all meeting interesting people.

The most important benefit of connecting with learners face to face is that the reality of the person behind the screen shifts the nature of our communication.

Rose LaPrise, (left) is now working on GED preparation after completing Literacy program requirements with Rita.