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haviors, bullying and exclusion by developing notions of tolerance and
respect.

To manage this program, Catherine Combres, specialized teaching as-
sistant, attended a workshop in Vancouver organized by Roots of Em-
pathy and the CSF. As an instructor, she now regularly comes fo the class
to meet the children. Following a precise course plan, she briefs them
about the next visit of baby Logan and leads discussions after each
visit.

We asked Catherine a few questions:

Q. How did the children respond to Logan’s first visit?

They were ready. It was fantastic! They were fascinated by the baby.
They observed him according to the predictions we had made before
the meeting about what a four-month old baby is able to do. They ob-
served his feelings and recognized some they feel themselves.

Q. How long does the program last?

The program includes twenty-seven classes based on nine themes
(meeting, cries, sleep, specific toys, etc.) which are designed to help the
children understand the physical and psychological development of the
baby. Each time there is a preparation class. The week after the baby
comes to the class and the week following the visit the class is about how

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NANAIMO

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Ecole Oceane

Notre populaire levée de fonds « Biére et
Burger ») fut de nouveau un grand succés.
Grace 4 la générosité et la participation
des familles de notre école, nous avons
réussi G amasser au-deld de 3,000$. Les en-
fants ont participé en créant de merveilleux
paniers-cadeaux sur un theme de leur choix
pour noire encan silencieux.

Nous avons célébré le retour des vacances
par une amusante aprés-midi a la patinoire
locale. Les familles d’Océane se sont ren-
contrées au Nanaimo Ice Ring pour enfiler
leurs patins et se délasser. Par la suite, elles
se sont retrouvées a un restaurant pour casser la crotte et célébrer |’ami-
tié qui regne au sein de leur communauté. L'école Océane a été éga-
lement sélectionnée par le « School Community Connections Program »
pour l’amélioration du terrain de jeux, les sentiers, le terrain de soccer,
ainsi que les terrains 4 usage multiple entourant |'école. Les étudiants,
parents et enseignants sont tous invités a participer aux procédures.

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Février 2008

— Clin doeil

des communauteés-écoles

the children respond to it.

Q. Are there surprising reactions or comments from the children?

Some children who do not have siblings are particularly fascinated by
the baby. Overall observing Baby Logan brings feelings the children felt
when they were babies themselves.

Q. And how does the baby react?

Logan looks thrilled. He adapted very well to the situation. He is sensitive
to the song the children sing for him each time he arrives and each time
he leaves. He seems to have accustomed to the class very fast.

Q. Did experiences in other schools bring noticeable changes of be-
havior?

The Roots of Empathy have been gathering statistics that tend to prove
the efficiency of the program. Some universities (such as UBC) and prov-
incial governments have led research projects to study the effects of the
program. The results show that a better knowledge of one’s own emo-
tions and social relationships help decrease aggressiveness.

Q. How can a school apply to this program?
Schools that are interested can find information on the association's
website: hitp://www.rootsofempathy.org

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Once again, our popular Beer and
Burger fundraiser was a resound-
ing success. Thanks to the gene-
rosity and assistance of our school families,
we managed to raise more than $3000. The
children helped by designing and creating
magnificent gift baskets for our silent auc-
tion.

We celebrated the close of the holiday
season with a fun afternoon at a local
skating rink. Océane families met at the
Nanaimo Ice Ring to don their skates and
have some fun. Everyone met afterward at
a restaurant for a bite to eat and a chance to celebrate the friena-
ship within their community. Ecole Océane has also been selected by
the School Community Connections Program for improvements to the
playground, pathways, soccer field, and multipurpose grounds surround-
ing the school. Students, parents, and teachers are all invited to get in-
volved in these efforts.

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