At The Priory, fieldtrips are an integral part of the learning experience. Fieldtrips expand children's learning through hands-on experiences and add realism to the topic being studied. Read about all the wonderful field trips our students have participated in this year.
 

Vista Seniors’ Residence - May 3

Proving that even the youngest of us can make a difference in the lives of others, The Priory Kindergarten once again made its way to Vista Seniors’ Residence to perform for former Priory principal, Teresa McConnon, and her friends living there. Poetry, songs and chants learned by the Kindergarten throughout the school year were shared with the residents as was milk and home-made cookies. A beautiful Mother’s Day plant was presented to all the “Moms and Grandmas” as a parting gift. Twenty-four five year olds left Vista with smiles on their faces and a good feeling in their hearts because they had done something special for someone else!

Maison Symphonique de Montréal - April 25

On Wednesday, April 25, the students from The Priory School received a musical treat when they visited the new Maison Symphonique de Montréal for a dynamic performance of both music and dance. They heard older masterworks by Beethoven and Shostakovich as well as three newer works by composers still living. Most exciting was a movement from a violin concerto by Michael Daugherty performed by the talented Alexandre Da Costa on a Stradivarius violin from 1727! Members from Montréal's "Solid State" breakdancing group performed during another piece by Quebec composer Julien Bilodeau. Sitting in the choir section behind the musicians, the students could feel what it was like to be part of the orchestra, watching the gestures and facial expressions of the conductor and enjoying the best view in the house of the enlarged percussion section that was in full swing for all of the newer works. It was a musical experience that will be remembered for a long time to come.
 

CEPSUM, le complexe sportif de l'Université de Montréal – March 30

A Love For Opera - February 28

On Wednesday, February 28, the students of the Grade 5 and 6 classes received a treat for the ears when they attended a workshop and performance on the subject of Opera. Students from the Schulich School of Music of McGill University worked with smaller groups singing and talking about their studies and their love of Opera. How much do opera students practice each week? How many years does it take to start singing professional Opera? What is so fascinating about the history of Opera? These and many more questions were answered before a final performance where students of The Priory listened to live performances of arias from composers such as Mozart, Bizet, Verdi, Johann Strauss II and Kurt Weill while beautiful piano accompaniment unfurled around the voices.
 

Gravity and Space Travel - February 22


After studying 'Gravity and Weightlessness' with Ms. Trionfo, the Grade 3 class embarked on a journey to the Cosmodôme Space Centre where students got to experience a sampling of astronaut training. Once there, the class learned more about space flight and what it takes to become an astronaut. Each student went on a space flight simulator ride where he/she experienced close to weightlessness. As an additional bonus and treat, the Priory students were asked to try out the newly built section of the Cosmodome, which allows students to experience a virtual launch to Mars mission. This is one trip the class will never forget!

 

Classe-Neiges (Le P'tit Bonheur) - January 25-27, 2012

Students in Grades 4, 5 and 6 enjoyed a three day fun-filled ski trip as they hit the trails for some cross country skiing, snowshoeing and tubing. They also had the opportunity to learn survival skills in the woods by building shelters and campfires. They returned from their adventure with big smiles and many exciting stories. Thank you to all the teachers who attended and for making this trip an enjoyable and memorable experience!
 

A Visit to the Science Centre - January 19

Kindergarten and Grade 1 children visited the amazing ‘Dinosaurs Unearthed’ exhibit at the Montreal Science Centre on Thursday, January 19th. These life-like creatures put on a thrilling show by moving and making sounds as we walked past them. The Tyrannosaurus Rex terrified anyone who dared come near him as he roared and showed us his huge jaws filled with long sharp teeth. We were also impressed with the fossil displays where we learned many new facts and were astonished at the size of these creatures’ teeth and claws. The discovery of many new dinosaur types was an impressive find! After a quick snack we rushed back to visit the twenty-six interactive science exhibits where touching, trying, playing, laughing and learning were abundant in every corner of the room. Whether it was musical, physical, cerebral or creative, the science activities were entertaining and educational for child and adult alike!

The Nutcracker - November 30

Excitement was high on November 30th, as Grade 6 students went to see the Ballet Ouest production of The Nutcracker. The entire class sang songs on the bus ride to the theatre. Students could not wait to see their classmate, Rosalia Poplawski, perform on stage as one of the soldiers. The show was captivating. Students were enchanted by the dancers, and enjoyed the opportunity to wave goodbye to the performers up close on their way back to school.

Le Château Ramezay - November 29

On November 29, the Grade 4 students stepped into history and enjoyed a hands-on visit in the 18th century. Guides lead baking activities in the kitchen, cloth making, fur trading, and exploration of Amerindian traditions. During their visit, the children prepared, cooked and ate a sourdough bread, tried blowing out a storm lantern, started making a ceinture fléchée, learned how to card wool, wrote with a quill pen, practiced paddle strokes to a voyageur canoe song, learned how to carry an Amerindian cradleboard, worked an Amerindian fire drill and tried to grind corn. It was a great opportunity to relive history!


A Visit to the Biosphere - November 10

The Grade 2 students spent a fun-filled afternoon at the Biosphere. They learned all about the Earth’s water sources and how the oceans affect our climate. An interactive demonstration taught them about how our actions are creating pollution and green house gases that are rapidly changing weather all around the world. They also learned about various forms of extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes. They watched a video about how people around the world are affected by extreme weather conditions, and how to stay safe. The children were fascinated to learn about how innovative inventions such as “Cloud Catchers” can help communities collect the water they need to survive. The afternoon ended with the exploration of a variety of hands-on activities about water. The children left having solidified concepts they’d learned, acquired new information, and with an eagerness to “come back again another day!”
 

Exploring the Botanical Gardens - October 28

The Grade 1 children took a trip to the Botanical Gardens. The students began their morning at the “Tree House” where they participated in a very interesting tree workshop. We learned about the parts of a tree and their functions as well as the importance of trees for animals and people. We obtained more information through a slide show and some hands on activities. We realized how much animals and people depend on trees for survival. The children left the tree house with tons of knowledge and admiration for these amazing living things called trees! Although it was a chilly day, snacks were enjoyed outdoors surrounded by the beauty of nature. The trip ended with a visit through the green houses where the annual pumpkin decorating contest had been held. We were delighted at the originality and creativity demonstrated in the hundreds of pumpkins displayed for our viewing pleasure.


Discovering the First Nations Garden - October 28

On Friday October 28th, the Grade 3 students, teacher and parent volunteers were greeted at the First Nations Garden by Elizabeth, an Algonquin, living in Montreal. She shared her customs and spoke about how her ancestors survived the harsh winters, planted crops, cared for their families and passed down traditions. The children were involved in asking questions, acting out 'The Three Sisters' (beans, corn and squash) and tasting medicinal Aneda tea made from organic white cedar branches. The tea was a satisfying treat on this cold autumn day. This visit enhances the Social Studies unit on Life in Quebec in the 1500's. We left feeling much more enriched and appreciative of the ways of life of the First Nations People.


Kindergarten Visits the Ecomuseum - October 12

Did you know that porcupines do not actually throw their quills and are very gentle animals; that black bears are not always black - they can be brown and learn to climb trees as infants; that fishers are one of the few animals that can eat porcupines? The Priory Kindergarten does after their amazing visit to Ste. Anne de Bellevue’s Ecomuseum! On a perfect autumn morning, 23 kindergarteners and four adults went on a nature walk with a very knowledgeable guide through the Ecomuseum grounds. We were treated to an “up close and personal” experience with foxes, otters, bears, coyotes, caribou, wolves, rabbits, deer and snowy owls that made us all realize what a balance nature really is.


Observing the Ecosystems Around Us - October 6

After studying the different elements of an ecosystem, the Grade 4 students left their classroom for an afternoon of scientific observation on Mount-Royal. Just like real scientists, they observed plants and animals in their natural environment and collected information for future identification. There is no better way to describe the afternoon than by the student's request: "Can we do this every day?"


Teambuilding at Camp Papillon - October 3 - 4

A wonderful time was had by all at Camp Papillon! Grade 5 and 6 students had a blast participating in teambuilding and leadership activities. The two day retreat wrapped up with our very own Amazing Race. Students used new found strategies and techniques to overcome multiple challenges to help their teams succeed. This was an experience they won't soon forget!


Born to be Wild (Saving Endangered Species) - September 28

On Wednesday, September 28th, the Grade 5 class went to see an amazing Imax film: Born to be Wild. It was about two ladies who wanted to make a difference. They created special places where they nursed orphaned Orangutans and Elephants. When the ladies thought they were healthy and grown up enough, they sent them back to the wild, but in safer environments, and with the skills they would need to survive.
~ Written By Mara de Carolis

This field trip gave the Grade 5 students the opportunity to see real people making real differences in the world, an element of the Ethics and Religious Culture curriculum, as well as provided them with information to form a viewpoint on whether or not animals should be held in captivity – for any reason.