California Ogilvy dressed in her cowboy best and displayed photographs of her horse Jake and eight other pets last Wednesday, to show that her biggest passion, riding, contributes to her identity. (Michele Weisz photo)
Osoyoos Elementary School held its first Identity Day last Wednesday.
The students were asked to present, to their teachers, fellow students and community members, something about which they are passionate and which, in turn, is a component of their identity.
Several students creatively decorated, tri-fold, display boards or posters with photographs and text, while others created unique, video presentations on their tablets. Many brought in artifacts.
There was no shortage of distinctive and varied interpretations of the assignment that revealed their individualism.
Some students chose to highlight one or several hobbies or something that they want to do or be when they grow up.
California Ogilvy said that she wants to be a barrel racer when she grows up. She wore her cowboy hat and decorated her display with photographs of her horse Jake, as well as her seven other pets.
There were presentations featuring an interest in visual arts like drawing, painting and photography.
One student made a video presentation about turtles. He said he was not sure if he wanted to become a marine biologist and said he had no turtles at home, but he brought in turtle stuffed animals.
Many displays exhibited medals and trophies from competitive sporting events and students brought in equipment such as a BMX bike, figure skates, dance shoes, hockey jerseys and a riding saddle.
There were many photographs of beloved pets, even if it was not the subject of presentation, and one live horse.
“How can I say no to a Grade 3 student wanting to bring her horse as her passion for Identity Day? We worked with family to make it happen,” said Principal David Foster.
Several students had a passion for baking and, to the delight of their fellow students, passed out home-baked items. Some even provided recipes on their displays. Amrik Sandhu passed out chocolate chip cookies.
Adriene Clark, who baked macaroons, said, “For me, when I bake, it’s a time where I can let go and have fun.”
Brody Knight wore his welding coveralls and displayed his equipment and helmet. He said he wants to be a welder when he grows up.
“My grandpa welded and I always wanted to get a helmet and do it,” he said.
The presentations explained why the students chose the subject matter and, usually, how they came to be passionate about it. A lot of students inherited or learned their interest from other family members like a parent or grandparent.
Students were not the only ones who participated. All teachers and administrative staff participated with displays of their own. Teacher Kristin Maxwell, who has a passion for travel, decorated her display with artifacts from her many journeys.
The students were divided into three groups. The youngest set of students displayed their Identity Day projects at the school, while the remainder of the students set up their displays at the Sonora Centre.
New school board Trustee Brenda Dorosz, who attended all three sessions, asked the students questions as she browsed their displays. “I’d love to see this every year!” she said.
Foster called Identity Day “a huge success” and said he had plans to discuss repeating it in the future and “ways to make it better,” at the staff meeting this week.
MICHELE WEISZ
Osoyoos Times
Ten year old Brody McLean brought his BMX bike and equipment to school last Wednesday to show that his biggest passion, being a BMXer, contributes to his identity. (Michele Weisz photo)
