On September 15th, Collège Champittet celebrated a significant milestone with the official inauguration of The Village, the school's newest building housing the Early Years Centre. The event welcomed parents of preschool, Grade 1, and Grade 2 students for a community breakfast and ribbon-cutting ceremony. This specially designed facility has been created to nurture the learning and development of the school's youngest learners, providing an environment tailored to their educational needs. The inauguration coincided with International Dot Day, creating a dual celebration that brought together families, students, and staff in a vibrant community event. The day's activities were inspired by Peter H. Reynolds' children's storybook The Dot, which emphasizes themes of creativity, courage, and collaboration. Students and parents alike embraced the spirit of the occasion by dressing in dot-inspired outfits and participating in dot-themed creative activities. The celebration provided an opportunity for the school community to come together while highlighting the importance of the new educational facility. The event demonstrated Collège Champittet's commitment to providing exceptional learning environments that support holistic child development from the earliest educational stages.
International Dot Day served as more than just a festive occasion—it provided valuable lessons aligned with the school's educational philosophy. The story of The Dot follows Vashti, a young girl who initially believes she lacks artistic talent. When her teacher encourages her to "make a mark and see where it takes you," Vashti begins with a simple dot on her paper. Her teacher's act of framing and displaying this initial effort sparks Vashti's creative journey, ultimately leading her to explore her artistic abilities and inspire her peers. This narrative powerfully connects with Collège Champittet's Learner Ambitions, particularly the development of la créativité, building meaningful connections, and finding the courage to embark on new journeys. The dot-themed activities, including special treats and artistic projects, gave students practical opportunities to express their creativity while understanding the importance of taking that first step in any endeavor. These qualities also tie into the school's annual theme of la compassion, encouraging students to support one another in their individual creative processes. The celebration reinforced the institution's educational approach that values not only academic achievement but also personal growth and character development. The event successfully blended fun activities with meaningful learning experiences that will continue to resonate throughout the school year.
