May was crazy busy, and June is looking even busier! I can't believe it is already June, and the year is almost over. This year has gone by so fast!
This month has a lot of special activities planned. Please see below:
Mon, June 3 - weather permitting, the junior students will participate in Track and Field tryouts for the OCSB track meet which takes Tuesday, June 18. The events, which we have practiced on previous mornings, will include 100m and 200m running events, as well as long jump and ball throw. The 400m running tryout will take place during a lunch time, and our school does not participate in high jump as we no longer have equipment that meets OPHEA safety guidelines. Please come dressed for outdoor play - comfortable clothes, running shoes, hat and sunscreen and (labelled) water bottle.
Tues, June 4 - is the rain date for track and field tryouts. The Gr. 4 and 5 students will also have a half hour tennis lesson from Capital Camps.
Thursday, June 6 - the Gr. 5 students will be going on their Field Trip to the OAC for the day. Remember to dress for a day filled with activity - activewear, sunscreen, hat, running shoes, and bring a lunch, extra snacks, water bottle, bathing suit and towel. Weather permitting, we will be swimming and participating in outdoor sports.
Friday, June 7 is a PD day, there is no school for students.
Monday, June 10 is Fun Fair! Always a good time - see you there!
Tuesday, June 11 - in the morning, the junior students are going to a movie matinee at Silver City Theatre to see Asterix and Obelix. While students will not be able to purchase popcorn or snacks at the theatre, they are welcome to bring a water bottle and small snack with them to eat during the movie.
Thursday, June 20 at 9:30 a.m. is our Year End Mass. Parents are always welcome to attend.
Thursday, June 27 is the last day of school.
Fully Alive:
Both Religion teachers have informed me that they have covered the first 2 units of the Fully Alive program, and are ready for me to teach Unit 3. Fully Alive is a Family Life education program sponsored by the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario. In Theme 3: Created Sexual, Male and Female, the students learn that each person is precious, we are all made in the image and likeness of God, and created in a loving relationship. Each year builds on information from previous years, and is given at an age appropriate level. The terms used and topics covered can be found here, in each grade's letter from the ACBO (Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario):
Grade 4 Parent Letter
Grade 5 Parent Letter
Please read the letters and discuss the topics with your child, so that they can be prepared. We will begin next week. Don't hesitate to contact me if there are any questions or concerns.
Math:
Both groups have moved into fractions, and some students are finding the topic challenging. Seeing fractions both as part of a whole (for example, some slices of pizza have been eaten, what fraction is left?) and as part of a set (what fraction of students are boys, and what fraction are girls?) can be confusing. As well, fractions greater than 1, (example, I have 14 slices of cheese pizza and 18 slices of pepperoni, how many pizzas do I have? Show an improper fraction and a mixed number). We will continue to work on these concepts this month.
Language:
The students have just completed a Media report on a movie or game of their choice, that they have watched and / or played and are familiar with. They had to tell what it was about, and research what it is rated in Canada and why. They then had to tell whether they agree with that rating, and justify their answer. There was a wide range of movies and games! Most were great movies and interesting, creative games. However, I can say I am truly surprised and concerned by the number of students allowed to play games well outside of their age range.
We will be using Language time to teach Unit 3 of Fully Alive for the next little while, in between events and field trips.
Sunday 2 June 2019
Wednesday 8 May 2019
Rooftop picture tomorrow!
Don't forget: Wear your grade spirit colours tomorrow for our rooftop picture!
Grade 4 - Green
Grade 5 - Blue
Sunday 5 May 2019
Week 33: May 6-10 Catholic Education Week!
Next week is Catholic Education Week in our schools. The theme this year is Living As Joyful Disciples, and we have a lot of activities planned! This year is especially exciting, as it is the 25th anniversary of St. Clare School. Please see the spreadsheet below:
All week long we will be participating in Mindfulness activities, including meditation. As well, each day we will have a "Drop and Bop" activity.
On Tuesday, at a special liturgy with our Director of Education, we will be opening the Time Capsule, that was sealed into the wall when the school was built in 1994. We will also be choosing items to seal into our own Time Capsule, to be opened at the 50th Anniversary of St. Clare in 2044 at a later date. Students are asked to wear their St. Clare spirit wear, if they have any, particularly Anniversary Wear! This will be followed by an Open House for parents to tour the school, visit their child's classroom, and see the many photo displays around celebrating St. Clare's history.
On Wednesday, we will be doing Mother's Day crafts and cards. Shhh.
On Thursday, we will be taking a whole-school photo, of all of the students dressed in colours by grade from the roof of the school. The Grade 4 students should wear a green t-shirt or top, and the Gr. 5 students are asked to wear blue on that day.
On Friday, we will get together with our Faith Buddies in Mrs. Marchant's class to do activities related to the Gospel Value of Excellence.
It should be a very exciting week, highlighting Catholic Education and St. Clare's 25th Anniversary!
Wednesday 1 May 2019
Once On This Island, Jr.
St.Clare Presents Once On This Island Jr. Please see link below for our trailer. Come see this wonderful show on Thursday or Friday at 7:00 pm. Ticket prices are $3.00 per student, $5.00 per adult or $15.00 per family.
Sunday 28 April 2019
Week 32: April 29-May 3
Well, there certainly was a lot of excitement over the book fair! The students had a lot of fun shopping during the week.
This week, the excitement is all about the play! On Thursday morning, the Drama Club will perform the play "Once On This Island Jr." as their Dress Rehearsal in front of the school. They will then perform the play for parents and families in the evening on May 2nd and 3rd. Please see the poster below for details:
This week, the excitement is all about the play! On Thursday morning, the Drama Club will perform the play "Once On This Island Jr." as their Dress Rehearsal in front of the school. They will then perform the play for parents and families in the evening on May 2nd and 3rd. Please see the poster below for details:
The following week is Education Week, and the 25th Anniversary Celebration of St. Clare School. We are hoping as many former students, staff and parents as possible will be able to join us for the activities we have planned.
Monday 22 April 2019
Week 31: April 22-26, Happy Easter!
Happy Easter! I hope you had a lovely Easter weekend with your family, and that the joy of the Resurrection of Jesus continues through the 50 days of Easter. Spring is finally on the way!
We have a number of events happening this week:
Tomorrow is our turn at the book fair (Gr. 4, morning class). We are the very first class to shop the wonderful selection of books at the fair, and are very excited! The Gr. 5 students will be going on Wednesday (Mme Joly's class) or Thursday (Mrs. Moorman's class). Don't forget your money if you want to buy a book, or a pencil, or other item!
This week is also Earth Week, and the EcoTeam has asked that we pack a litterless lunch all week. We will be taking a class tally of litterless lunches all week. If it can be recycled or reused, it counts as litterless.
Friday is Spring Picture Day! It is the day that sibling pictures are taken as well, so if you would like a sibling group picture, please send a note with the oldest child and we will arrange that for you.
On Friday as well, the Public Health Nurse will be in to do a presentation with the Gr. 4's about tobacco use and smoking, and the health effects of each. This links directly with the health curriculum, and is very informative.
Here's what we are up to in language and math:
Language: Both grades have started a "Book Club" reading group activity. The Grade 4 were assigned one of 4 books on the topic of "Kids Can Do It!", and the Gr. 5 were assigned to one of 4 books on the topic of "Bully-Free Zone". Each day they are responsible for reading an assigned number of pages, discussing the characters, unfamiliar vocabulary, and answering 2 or 3 questions on the reading of the day. The information they gather is collected in a Google Slide available for you to look at in their Hapara Workspace, which you can look at anytime. My comments on each page are written in the "Speaker Notes" of each slide. This book club will take us approximately 2 more weeks to complete.
Math: We are working on Measurement activities in both grades; estimating and measuring linear distances in mm, cm, (dm,) m and km, and converting between them. We will also be looking at perimeter and area, then measuring mass, capacity and volume (Gr. 4) and relating volume to linear measurements (Gr. 5).
We have a number of events happening this week:
Tomorrow is our turn at the book fair (Gr. 4, morning class). We are the very first class to shop the wonderful selection of books at the fair, and are very excited! The Gr. 5 students will be going on Wednesday (Mme Joly's class) or Thursday (Mrs. Moorman's class). Don't forget your money if you want to buy a book, or a pencil, or other item!
This week is also Earth Week, and the EcoTeam has asked that we pack a litterless lunch all week. We will be taking a class tally of litterless lunches all week. If it can be recycled or reused, it counts as litterless.
Friday is Spring Picture Day! It is the day that sibling pictures are taken as well, so if you would like a sibling group picture, please send a note with the oldest child and we will arrange that for you.
On Friday as well, the Public Health Nurse will be in to do a presentation with the Gr. 4's about tobacco use and smoking, and the health effects of each. This links directly with the health curriculum, and is very informative.
Here's what we are up to in language and math:
Language: Both grades have started a "Book Club" reading group activity. The Grade 4 were assigned one of 4 books on the topic of "Kids Can Do It!", and the Gr. 5 were assigned to one of 4 books on the topic of "Bully-Free Zone". Each day they are responsible for reading an assigned number of pages, discussing the characters, unfamiliar vocabulary, and answering 2 or 3 questions on the reading of the day. The information they gather is collected in a Google Slide available for you to look at in their Hapara Workspace, which you can look at anytime. My comments on each page are written in the "Speaker Notes" of each slide. This book club will take us approximately 2 more weeks to complete.
Math: We are working on Measurement activities in both grades; estimating and measuring linear distances in mm, cm, (dm,) m and km, and converting between them. We will also be looking at perimeter and area, then measuring mass, capacity and volume (Gr. 4) and relating volume to linear measurements (Gr. 5).
Sunday 7 April 2019
Week 29: April 8-12
We had a very busy week last week!
-On Monday, a very knowledgeable volunteer from the National Art Gallery came to our classroom, and brought prints of several works of art from the Gallery as part of the Looking at Pictures program. She pointed our various features of the pictures, and led a discussion about the art and artists.
-On Tuesday, the entire school gathered out front to raise the flag for Autism Awareness Day, which we followed up with a discussion about autism and how it can affect people. The students were interested to hear that 2 of my 3 children are on the autism spectrum, and are affected very differently.
-On Wednesday, we said a special prayer for our Grade 6 class, who were on retreat at Divine Infant parish for the day.
-On Thursday, we had a very busy day of math problem solving, thanks to a wonderful program called Mathletics. They ran an amazing day of math, where students rotated in groups between 4 centres, and solved many challenges and problems. The St. Clare Mathletes solved a total of 4 366 math problems over the course of the day! Wow!
-On Friday, we did some catch-up work, and some 3D geometry.
Next week, we will begin a book club style reading activity, where each group will be assigned a book at their level, and have an assignment to complete each day. We will also complete our geometry unit, with 3D shapes, their attributes, and movement on a coordinate grid. Most students seem very familiar with the concepts so far! Also next week, the public health nurse will be in to discuss grade appropriate health topics with the students. Grade 4 students will discuss tobacco and smoking; Grade 5 students discuss alcohol and drinking.
-On Monday, a very knowledgeable volunteer from the National Art Gallery came to our classroom, and brought prints of several works of art from the Gallery as part of the Looking at Pictures program. She pointed our various features of the pictures, and led a discussion about the art and artists.
-On Tuesday, the entire school gathered out front to raise the flag for Autism Awareness Day, which we followed up with a discussion about autism and how it can affect people. The students were interested to hear that 2 of my 3 children are on the autism spectrum, and are affected very differently.
-On Wednesday, we said a special prayer for our Grade 6 class, who were on retreat at Divine Infant parish for the day.
-On Thursday, we had a very busy day of math problem solving, thanks to a wonderful program called Mathletics. They ran an amazing day of math, where students rotated in groups between 4 centres, and solved many challenges and problems. The St. Clare Mathletes solved a total of 4 366 math problems over the course of the day! Wow!
-On Friday, we did some catch-up work, and some 3D geometry.
Next week, we will begin a book club style reading activity, where each group will be assigned a book at their level, and have an assignment to complete each day. We will also complete our geometry unit, with 3D shapes, their attributes, and movement on a coordinate grid. Most students seem very familiar with the concepts so far! Also next week, the public health nurse will be in to discuss grade appropriate health topics with the students. Grade 4 students will discuss tobacco and smoking; Grade 5 students discuss alcohol and drinking.
Sunday 24 March 2019
Week 27: March 25--29 - Spirit Week!
There is a lot going on this week! It's Spirit Week at St. Clare, to raise money for our Lenten Initiative, Arise and Shine Uganda. Bring a donation, or send one through cash online and participate in the following events:
Monday: Colour Day
Monday: Colour Day
Tuesday: Book Character Day
Wednesday: City Vs. Country
Thursday: Past Vs. Future
Friday: Board Game Day
Don't forget - this week is also Luv 2 Groove week! Grade 4 will be going on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; Grade 5 will be going on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Students should wear comfortable clothes and make sure they have indoor running shoes!
Sunday 17 March 2019
Week 26: March 18-22 - Welcome Back from March Break!
I hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable March Break! The weather was up and down, but some days were great for outdoor activities.
Here's what is coming up this week:
On Thursday, Fr. Tavis and other priests from our Parish will be here for Lenten Reconciliation. They will hear individual confessions of students who have already received their First Reconciliation. Here is a copy of the Children's Examination of Conscience, for you to go over with your child in preparation for the sacrament if you wish. It also has a reminder of what to say during the Sacrament of Reconciliation and an Act of Contrition, for reference.
Math: We will be starting a short unit on Algebra in both grades. As we have done several algebra activities during our math warm-ups over the year, this unit should be relatively easy for students. The Mash Up Math website has many free puzzles that take only a minute or two to practice algebra, and are fun to do. Bedtime math also has many fun activities to do together.
Language: As we wrapped up both read-alouds before the break, we will take the opportunity to complete another CASI. We will review what makes a good summary, what "main idea" means, and character traits before writing.
Don't forget - the week of March 25-29 is Spirit Week at St. Clare! There are many activities planned to raise money for pit latrines for our Lenten Initiative, Arise and Shine Uganda.
Here's what is coming up this week:
On Thursday, Fr. Tavis and other priests from our Parish will be here for Lenten Reconciliation. They will hear individual confessions of students who have already received their First Reconciliation. Here is a copy of the Children's Examination of Conscience, for you to go over with your child in preparation for the sacrament if you wish. It also has a reminder of what to say during the Sacrament of Reconciliation and an Act of Contrition, for reference.
Math: We will be starting a short unit on Algebra in both grades. As we have done several algebra activities during our math warm-ups over the year, this unit should be relatively easy for students. The Mash Up Math website has many free puzzles that take only a minute or two to practice algebra, and are fun to do. Bedtime math also has many fun activities to do together.
Language: As we wrapped up both read-alouds before the break, we will take the opportunity to complete another CASI. We will review what makes a good summary, what "main idea" means, and character traits before writing.
Don't forget - the week of March 25-29 is Spirit Week at St. Clare! There are many activities planned to raise money for pit latrines for our Lenten Initiative, Arise and Shine Uganda.
Sunday 24 February 2019
Week 24, Feb. 25-Mar 1, 2019
Winter Walk Day / iWalk Day was a great success! A nice morning for a walk (despite the on-and-off drizzle), and delicious hot chocolate afterwards! We were joined by Phyz from the Ottawa Health Dept, some representatives from Active Transportation, and various community members. Thanks to everyone who walked to school, or did the Drive to 5, we appreciate your support!
Here's what we have been up to, academically:
Math - in both grades, we are linking division with multiplication. Students really need to know their math facts - whether they memorize their multiplication tables or use strategies such as doubles, doubles plus one group, skip counting, etc. (read: multiplication tables). When students can find their facts quickly rather than looking it up on a chart, they can perform multiplication and division calculations so much more quickly and accurately. Keep on trying!
Language Arts - The Gr. 4 have just started listening to and making predictions about a read-aloud named To the Top of Everest. This non-fiction book, written by Laurie Skreslet, is his story of being the first Canadian to summit Everest, and the struggles he overcame to do so. The students are enjoying it so far, and making very interesting predictions. The Gr. 5 are almost finished their read-aloud, Kensuke's Kingdom, and have written a "message in a bottle" to their parents, just like the main character Michael did to his. At the end of the book, they will have to decide whether this book is fiction or non-fiction.
Here's what we have been up to, academically:
Math - in both grades, we are linking division with multiplication. Students really need to know their math facts - whether they memorize their multiplication tables or use strategies such as doubles, doubles plus one group, skip counting, etc. (read: multiplication tables). When students can find their facts quickly rather than looking it up on a chart, they can perform multiplication and division calculations so much more quickly and accurately. Keep on trying!
Language Arts - The Gr. 4 have just started listening to and making predictions about a read-aloud named To the Top of Everest. This non-fiction book, written by Laurie Skreslet, is his story of being the first Canadian to summit Everest, and the struggles he overcame to do so. The students are enjoying it so far, and making very interesting predictions. The Gr. 5 are almost finished their read-aloud, Kensuke's Kingdom, and have written a "message in a bottle" to their parents, just like the main character Michael did to his. At the end of the book, they will have to decide whether this book is fiction or non-fiction.
Monday 18 February 2019
Week 23: February 18-22, Happy Family Day!
I hope everyone is enjoying their long weekend, and spending Family Day doing something with their family! The weather this weekend has been a little cold, but great so far!
Last week was a very short one, academically!
-Monday was Faith Buddy Day, so both grades spent a block with their Kindergarten Faith Buddies talking about Kindness, Love and helping others. We then made a "Quilt block" for our kindness quilt, which we hung in the hallway by the Kindergarten pod. I posted a picture on Twitter.
-Tuesday we squeezed in some math! We worked on division (both grades), Religion (Gr. 4) and then did Zumba with Paco! So much fun!
-Wednesday, the school was closed due to heavy snow.
-Thursday, the Gr. 4 were on a field trip to the Museum of Science and Technology, and the Gr. 5 spent the morning working in the morning class, then watched a movie in the afternoon. We returned in time to exchange Valentines and hand out report cards.
-Friday was a PD Day
-Monday is Family Day
Next week, things should return to normal.
Last week was a very short one, academically!
-Monday was Faith Buddy Day, so both grades spent a block with their Kindergarten Faith Buddies talking about Kindness, Love and helping others. We then made a "Quilt block" for our kindness quilt, which we hung in the hallway by the Kindergarten pod. I posted a picture on Twitter.
-Tuesday we squeezed in some math! We worked on division (both grades), Religion (Gr. 4) and then did Zumba with Paco! So much fun!
-Wednesday, the school was closed due to heavy snow.
-Thursday, the Gr. 4 were on a field trip to the Museum of Science and Technology, and the Gr. 5 spent the morning working in the morning class, then watched a movie in the afternoon. We returned in time to exchange Valentines and hand out report cards.
-Friday was a PD Day
-Monday is Family Day
Next week, things should return to normal.
Our Winter Walk Day is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 21. Walk, wheel or snowshoe to school on Thursday, and join the school for a morning walk. Active school transportation supports healthy brain development, reduces stress, anxiety and depression, and improves cardiovascular health as well! Join us for Winter Walk Day and make active school travel a part of your day. After our walk, we will enjoy a cup of hot chocolate in the school yard. If you do not want your child to have hot chocolate, please let me know through the blog, or a note. We have ensured it is peanut/nut free (Carnation), and we have also purchased milk-free (Nesquick) for those with milk allergies.
Sunday 10 February 2019
Week 22: February 11-15, 2019
We had a great time at Junglesport! Each day got better and better, with more challenges added each time we visited. There was truly something for everyone, and they all came away tired after each session.
This week will also be a busy one! We have a number of events this week:
Monday is Faith Buddy Day. We will be teaming up with our Kinder partners to participate in activities that promote the Gospel Value of Love. We will watch a short video, read a book, then make a Kindness and Love Quilt (paper) with our Faith Buddies.
Also on Monday, we will be participant observers in the Grade 6 Saint Walk. Each Grade 6 student has researched the life of a Saint, and will take on the persona (in costume, even!) of that Saint in the gym on Monday afternoon. The students in our class will choose a Saint to sit in front of, listen to their story, and ask a question or 2, then move on to another. It is a very interesting activity.
On Tuesday, we have Zumba with Paco! From 2:40-3:30, the junior students will participate in this high-energy dance and exercise fun! Children are encouraged to wear loose, comfortable clothing and make sure they have running shoes!
On Wednesday, the girls are supposed to have their Handball Tournament. However, we are expecting a really big snowstorm, so if it is a snowday, that will be cancelled. Miss Rhodes will also finish the bio poems she started with the Gr. 4 last week.
On Thursday, we have our Field Trip to the Museum of Science and Technology. Again, if it is a snowday, the trip will be cancelled. However, we are really hoping it isn't! Thank you to all of the parents who acquired the Police Check and are able to volunteer with us on the trip. We wouldn't be able to go without your help! We are really looking forward to a fun day! It is pizza day, but please pack a lunch for your child. Pizza will be waiting for your child when they return to school. We will also hand out Valentines and Report Cards, when we return to school.
Friday is a PD Day for all elementary students.
In the Report Card is a form for interviews. You are welcome to request an interview, should you wish to discuss your child's progress with any of his/her teachers. The teacher may also request an interview.
***Don't forget - Papa Jack Popcorn orders are due by Wednesday. Please see the flyer on the website, and order through Cash Online
This week will also be a busy one! We have a number of events this week:
Monday is Faith Buddy Day. We will be teaming up with our Kinder partners to participate in activities that promote the Gospel Value of Love. We will watch a short video, read a book, then make a Kindness and Love Quilt (paper) with our Faith Buddies.
Also on Monday, we will be participant observers in the Grade 6 Saint Walk. Each Grade 6 student has researched the life of a Saint, and will take on the persona (in costume, even!) of that Saint in the gym on Monday afternoon. The students in our class will choose a Saint to sit in front of, listen to their story, and ask a question or 2, then move on to another. It is a very interesting activity.
On Tuesday, we have Zumba with Paco! From 2:40-3:30, the junior students will participate in this high-energy dance and exercise fun! Children are encouraged to wear loose, comfortable clothing and make sure they have running shoes!
On Wednesday, the girls are supposed to have their Handball Tournament. However, we are expecting a really big snowstorm, so if it is a snowday, that will be cancelled. Miss Rhodes will also finish the bio poems she started with the Gr. 4 last week.
On Thursday, we have our Field Trip to the Museum of Science and Technology. Again, if it is a snowday, the trip will be cancelled. However, we are really hoping it isn't! Thank you to all of the parents who acquired the Police Check and are able to volunteer with us on the trip. We wouldn't be able to go without your help! We are really looking forward to a fun day! It is pizza day, but please pack a lunch for your child. Pizza will be waiting for your child when they return to school. We will also hand out Valentines and Report Cards, when we return to school.
Friday is a PD Day for all elementary students.
In the Report Card is a form for interviews. You are welcome to request an interview, should you wish to discuss your child's progress with any of his/her teachers. The teacher may also request an interview.
***Don't forget - Papa Jack Popcorn orders are due by Wednesday. Please see the flyer on the website, and order through Cash Online
Sunday 3 February 2019
Week 21: February 4-8, 2019
Sorry for not blogging last week - with 2 snowdays, then a PD Day the previous week, there didn't seem to be much to write about!
It's hard to believe we are already just past the halfway point of the school year. Report cards are being written and printed, ready to go home on Feb. 14.
We have a busy couple of weeks coming up!
*On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, students will be participating in Jungle Sport! This huge climbing apparatus is a lot of fun for students, and really helps them to develop their gross motor skills and coordination. They have a lot of fun with it! Please remember to make sure your child has running shoes that tie or velcro securely, and are wearing loose, comfortable clothes that they can move all around in (turn upside down, etc.).
*On Wednesday, the Gr. 6 classes are going skiing for the second time, so Gr. 5 will be with me for the whole day. Gr. 4 students will be placed in other classrooms, just like they were on Friday last week, to work on French and other assignments. They will participate in Junglesport as usual.
*On Monday, Feb. 11 we will have our next Faith Buddy day on the theme of Love. We will partner with our Kindergarten Faith Buddies and complete an activity on the theme of love together.
*On Tuesday, Feb. 12 we have Zumba Day! Students will participate in a block of Zumba with Paco. They usually really enjoy this high energy dance / exercise activity!
*Wednesday is the Girl's Handball tournament, for those who tried out and made the school team
*Thursday, Feb. 14 (Valentine's Day) is our Field Trip to the Canadian Science and Technology Museum. Thank you to the parents who submitted their completed Police Check, and volunteered to accompany us on this trip. If you have not yet returned your child's permission slip, please do so as soon as possible.
*Friday, Feb. 15 is a PD Day for elementary schools.
*Monday, Feb. 18 is Family Day!
Thank you to everyone who participated in Litterless Lunch last week. We don't yet have our totals, but we had a high participation rate!
In between all of these events and snow days, we have tried to fit in some academics. Both grades are working on multiplication, with gr. 4 working on single digit by single digit, and Gr. 5 on 2 digit by 2 digit. Both groups are allowed to use whatever method works best for them, (other than a calculator!), whether it is drawing a picture, using base 10 blocks, making an array, using the algorithm, skip counting, repeated addition, or using the windowpane method (Gr. 5).
In Language Arts, Grade 5 are listening to the read-aloud Kensuke's Kingdom. Michael has just washed up on shore on a deserted island, and Kensuke has found him, but not befriended him. Gr. 4 have just completed the last of their How To slide shows. Both groups are also working on a Genius Hour idea to share with the class. Have them explain Genius Hour to you, or email me for more information.
Hopefully the rain / freezing rain / ice pellets / snow combination that has been falling most of the day doesn't impact school tomorrow!
It's hard to believe we are already just past the halfway point of the school year. Report cards are being written and printed, ready to go home on Feb. 14.
We have a busy couple of weeks coming up!
*On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, students will be participating in Jungle Sport! This huge climbing apparatus is a lot of fun for students, and really helps them to develop their gross motor skills and coordination. They have a lot of fun with it! Please remember to make sure your child has running shoes that tie or velcro securely, and are wearing loose, comfortable clothes that they can move all around in (turn upside down, etc.).
*On Wednesday, the Gr. 6 classes are going skiing for the second time, so Gr. 5 will be with me for the whole day. Gr. 4 students will be placed in other classrooms, just like they were on Friday last week, to work on French and other assignments. They will participate in Junglesport as usual.
*On Monday, Feb. 11 we will have our next Faith Buddy day on the theme of Love. We will partner with our Kindergarten Faith Buddies and complete an activity on the theme of love together.
*On Tuesday, Feb. 12 we have Zumba Day! Students will participate in a block of Zumba with Paco. They usually really enjoy this high energy dance / exercise activity!
*Wednesday is the Girl's Handball tournament, for those who tried out and made the school team
*Thursday, Feb. 14 (Valentine's Day) is our Field Trip to the Canadian Science and Technology Museum. Thank you to the parents who submitted their completed Police Check, and volunteered to accompany us on this trip. If you have not yet returned your child's permission slip, please do so as soon as possible.
*Friday, Feb. 15 is a PD Day for elementary schools.
*Monday, Feb. 18 is Family Day!
Thank you to everyone who participated in Litterless Lunch last week. We don't yet have our totals, but we had a high participation rate!
In between all of these events and snow days, we have tried to fit in some academics. Both grades are working on multiplication, with gr. 4 working on single digit by single digit, and Gr. 5 on 2 digit by 2 digit. Both groups are allowed to use whatever method works best for them, (other than a calculator!), whether it is drawing a picture, using base 10 blocks, making an array, using the algorithm, skip counting, repeated addition, or using the windowpane method (Gr. 5).
In Language Arts, Grade 5 are listening to the read-aloud Kensuke's Kingdom. Michael has just washed up on shore on a deserted island, and Kensuke has found him, but not befriended him. Gr. 4 have just completed the last of their How To slide shows. Both groups are also working on a Genius Hour idea to share with the class. Have them explain Genius Hour to you, or email me for more information.
Hopefully the rain / freezing rain / ice pellets / snow combination that has been falling most of the day doesn't impact school tomorrow!
Sunday 20 January 2019
Week 19: January 21-25
Well, that was quite the storm this weekend! I hope the weather is not as cold next week! There will be lots of fresh snow to play in tomorrow in the school yard, as long as the windchill doesn't keep the children inside.
The next math unit, for both grades, is multiplication and division. We will be reviewing strategies for mental math (doubles, doubles plus one, halving and doubling, etc) before moving into larger numbers. Whether your child has their times tables memorized, or has strategies for multiplication of single digits to 10x10 (Gr. 4) and 12 x 12 (Gr. 5) for fast recall is an individual choice; both are effective.
Don't forget - Friday is a PD day!
Sunday 13 January 2019
Week 18: Jan 14-18
On Friday afternoon, we had a lovely New Year's Liturgy led by the Gr. 6 class, to celebrate the birth of Jesus and Epiphany. During the week, we also took some time to reflect on things we were proud of and wanted to "highlight" about 2018, as well as things we want to look forward to accomplishing in 2019 in the form of Emojis. These will be up on display in the classroom for the next little while.
In math, the gr. 4 class have completed their data management unit, and had a quiz for understanding. Those who did not demonstrate a reasonable level of understanding of the material sat with either myself or my parent volunteer to go over the concepts in detail, to see what needed to be reinforced and/or retaught. We have now moved on to quadrilaterals and their attributes. In gr. 5, we are wrapping up the data management unit, and will be moving on to polygons and their attributes.
In language arts, we will be starting a new unit on Sequencing in both groups.
Good luck to the badminton team! I will be accompanying the girls' team to the tournament on Tuesday, the boys will be going with Mr. Dourian on Thursday. Both tournaments will be held at St. Dominic school.
In math, the gr. 4 class have completed their data management unit, and had a quiz for understanding. Those who did not demonstrate a reasonable level of understanding of the material sat with either myself or my parent volunteer to go over the concepts in detail, to see what needed to be reinforced and/or retaught. We have now moved on to quadrilaterals and their attributes. In gr. 5, we are wrapping up the data management unit, and will be moving on to polygons and their attributes.
In language arts, we will be starting a new unit on Sequencing in both groups.
Good luck to the badminton team! I will be accompanying the girls' team to the tournament on Tuesday, the boys will be going with Mr. Dourian on Thursday. Both tournaments will be held at St. Dominic school.
Sunday 6 January 2019
Week 17: January 7-11 Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas holiday, and a great start to 2019! I am looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow, and getting back into routines.
As report cards will be going home in mid-February, we will be spending the next 5 weeks making sure we have covered everything we need to have covered by this point in the year. We did not complete our Data Management unit before the break, and so will be working on that in math in both grades. In Language Arts, we will be doing some writing, then reading short novels in Book Club groups.
A reminder that the weather can change dramatically at this time of year, so be sure to check the forecast before setting out in the morning. Students are encouraged to keep an extra dry pair of socks and mittens in their school bags in case they are needed, and to make sure they are dressed appropriately for the weather. Also, don't forget to bring back indoor shoes!
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