March Classroom Update

March is upon us!

February has been an exciting month, but we are definitely ready for Spring!

Help! We need magazines with colour pictures for our next art activity! Please send in any magazines with your child to school. These magazines will not be returned. Thank you!

Olympics 2018

Grade 5 and 6 students read the Toronto Star to keep up with everything happening in Pyeongchang this February. Students researched sports that they found interesting and wrote morning announcements to keep the whole school in the Olympics loop. We were so excited to see Canada earn their best ever medal count. Congrats Team Canada!

Young Writers of Canada - Writing Contest!

http://youngwritersofcanada.ca/contests/

Visit the Young Writers of Canada website to learn more about the Annual Young Writers Creative Writing Contest, open to students ages 5 - 18 years.

Theme is open, 360 words or less and one entry per writer. DEADLINE: MARCH 15, 2018.

Upcoming Dates and Events:

March 1 - Movie Night! 

- Doors open at 5:30pm

- movie begins at 6pm

- tickets can only be purchased at the door

- Your $8 donation gets you admission to the movie (Coco), 1 slice of cheese pizza, 1 bottle of water

- ALL CHILDREN REQUIRE ADULT ACCOMPANIMENT!

March 5 - Raising Confident Competent Children workshop @ 9:30 am in the Gym 

March 5 - School Council Meeting - 7pm in the Library

March 7 - Wellness Night 5:30 - 7pm 

- paper agenda has been sent home

- wellness professionals will be joining us for presentations on many interesting topics including: posture awareness, homeopathy for mental health, appropriate footwear for joint paint, and many more!

- classrooms will be open for exploration

- our classroom will have a focus on "Healthy Eating for Children"

March 7 - Student Council PJ Day

March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17 -- Grade 6 VIP with YRP Officer Alex Hon -- 1:20 - 2:20pm

- more information to follow shortly

In our classroom...

Literacy

1. Book Talks
Students are in the process of presenting their second book talk. If you have not seen it already, ask your child to see their rubric from their first book talk. The rubric provides clear expectations, positive feedback, and steps for improvement.

Please ask your child when they are presenting their second book talk and ask them to practice with you at home. As a reminder, due to privacy issues, the schedule cannot be posted to this blog.

2. Newspaper Article Presentation

Each Monday we listen to two presentations about current events from around the world. Students are working on these presentations at home. Students are marked on their Oral and Visual Communication. The expectations, the rubric, and teacher sampled were shared with students. Please ask your child when they are presenting and ask them to practice with you at home. Due to privacy issues, the schedule cannot be posted to this blog.

Math

Our units on Linear Measurement and Addition and Subtraction are complete. We are currently working on Multiplication and Division. This unit will be completed by March Break.

Science

We are continuing with our Science Units.

Grade 5: Properties and Changes in Matter
Big Ideas:
- There are three states of matter. (Overall expectations 2 and 3) 
- Matter that changes state is still the same matter. (Overall expectations 2 and 3) 
- Physical change refers to the fact that a substance can be changed from one form to another. (Overall expectations 2 and 3) 
- Chemical change implies the formation of a new substance. (Overall expectations 2 and 3) 
- The properties of materials determine their use and may have an effect on society and the environment. (Overall expectation 1)

Grade 6: Electricity and Electrical Devices
Big Ideas:
- Electrical energy can be transformed into other forms of energy. (Overall expectations 2 and 3)
- Other forms of energy can be transformed into electrical energy. (Overall expectations 2 and 3) 
- Electrical energy plays a significant role in society, and its production has an impact on the environment. (Overall expectation 1) 
- Society must find ways to minimize the impact of energy production on the environment. (Overall expectation 1)

Homework Reflection Sheets - As discussed in September, students may have some homework each night. Generally, homework is work that has not been finished in class, but may be supplemented. Students who do not complete their homework in a timely or efficient manner will be asked to fill out a Reflection Sheet. This sheet will come home for a parent to sign and must be returned to school the following day.

Please remember...
©      Homework is always be written on the white board at the front of the classroom, and students are expected to record their homework in their agenda books daily.  The students are expected to come home with students at the end of the day, and must accompany them to school each morning.  Please look over your son’s/daughter’s agenda book with him/her each evening, and if necessary, aid him/her in completing the required homework.
©      Students should be spending between 30 and 60 minutes completing homework each weeknight. 

©      In addition to homework, students are also expected to read a text (e.g., books, magazines, newspapers, instruction manuals), for 30 minutes each evening. 

©      Homework will be checked for completion regularly. Failure to complete assigned homework on a regular basis will affect student’s Learning Skills, as per the Ontario Report Card, and has a strong impact on student learning.

©      If students do not have assigned homework for the evening, it would be beneficial for them to practise their math skills or their keyboarding skills.  Free websites are available online.  Some examples are http://www.sense-lang.org/typing/, and http://www.nimblefingers.com

©      If students are unable to complete their homework due to extenuating circumstances, they are expected to have a note in their agendas from parents explaining the circumstances.

Thank you for your interest in our classroom and in your child's learning! 

Mrs. Longo

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Heart-o-Grams will be on sale starting Friday February 9 until Tuesday 13th, or until sold out.  Heart–o-Grams are either a Valentine’s lollipop or a pencil that will be delivered on your behalf to a special friend.

Heart-o-Grams will cost 50₵ each and will be sold at morning recess beginning this Friday. Get yours before they run out! Send a ‘Heart-o-Gram to show someone that you are thinking about them!

Proceeds will be shared equally between our Grade 6 Team Building Trip and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Thank you for your support!

Mrs. Longo, Ms. Curci, Ms. Kemp and the Student Council

December Classroom Update

How is it already December?! The countdown is officially on -- there are 15 days left of school until the Winter Break and you can feel the excitement in the air! 

There are a lot of events happening in the next 3 weeks...

School Council - School Council is looking for a Community Volunteer member

Please check the school blog to learn more about this position. As well, the next school council meeting is Monday December 4th @ 7pm in the school library. Items on the agenda include: Winter Open House, Sick Kids hosting Science workshops, parking and signs, cost share technology, outdoor classroom and playground, PRO-grant night, Subway lunch, and movie night.

Food Drive - Our food drive is well underway! Please help out by donating non-perishable food items such as canned and boxed foods.

Coats For Kids - This year we are collecting  winter coats/jackets/snowpants for men, women, and children. The Lions and Lioness Club runs a program called Coats for Kids. Please send in your gently used and clean winter coats/jackets/snowpants. We are collecting for men, women, and children. We will be collecting from November 27^th  through to December 15^th

Holiday Open House - Our Holiday Open House is on Thursday December 14th, beginning at 5:30pm. The classrooms will be open from 5:30 - 6:30pm for you to enjoy and then we will be heading outside to the front lawn with hot chocolate to sing holiday songs together as a community. Dress warm! We hope to see you there!

Student Council - Our grade 6 students have been invited to join student council. Through this leadership opportunity, students are able to have a say in their learning and what happens in their school. Students who participate on student council help by being MC's for assemblies, running spirit days, and announcing cultural, religious, and spiritual days, and much more! Student council is a great leadership opportunity -- ask your child if they joined!

And finally... in our classroom...

Student Led Conferences

Our first round of student led conferences were a great success! Here is some of the feedback... straight from the mouths of the students! 

There were some great "positive" moments...

"I liked getting feedback from my parents."

"I like that I got a chance to speak. I was involved in the conversation."

"I got to control how the meeting went"

"It was just me and my dad. He listened to me. He didn't listen then go to the teacher, he actually listened to me".

"I like how I know what my mom is thinking."

"I liked that I could tell my mom what to focus on"

And, of course, there are the learning curves...

"I was uncomfortable talking about myself"

"I was nervous, but I don't know why"

"I liked hearing what my parents had to say, but I didn't like writing it down."

If you have any feedback you would like to share, please email me! 

Literacy

1. Book Talks
Students have begun to present their book talks. They worked on these for 2 weeks during their in-class Literacy periods, and are reminded daily to practice at home. Students receive two marks for this presentation -- one in Reading and one in Oral and Visual Communication. The expectations, the rubric, and teacher samples were shared with students prior to their work periods. Please ask your child when they are presenting and ask them to practice with you at home. Due to privacy issues, the schedule cannot be posted to this blog.

2. Newspaper Article Presentation
Each Monday we listen to two presentations about current events from around the world. Students are working on these presentations at home. Students are marked on their Oral and Visual Communication. The expectations, the rubric, and teacher sampled were shared with students. Please ask your child when they are presenting and ask them to practice with you at home. Due to privacy issues, the schedule cannot be posted to this blog.

3. Literature Circles
We have begun Literature Circles. Students in both grade 5/6 classes have been divided into groups of 5 or 6. Each group reads a book, and completes a section of work. On Tuesdays and Thursdays students get together in their groups to discuss the reading and share what they have worked on for that meeting. Each student was provided an individualized package that reflected their book, and their jobs for each meeting. They are encouraged to read this book and work on their job at school during Independent Reading each day. Please ask your child to see their Literature Circles package.

Math
1. Data Management 
Our unit on Data Management (Graphing) is complete. Grade 6 students were given their feedback last week and asked to bring it home to share it with you and get it signed. Many students have not returned their unit. Please ask your child about this.

2. 2D Geometry
We are well into our unit on 2D Geometry. We are learning to use protractors correctly to measure angles, and construct regular and irregular polygons. As well, we are thinking about real-life applications where we might need to estimate or measure angles.

3. Measurement
Our next unit will be on Linear Measurement. This includes measuring lines, calculating area and perimeter, and converting units in the metric system. (km, hm, dam, m, dm, cm, mm)

Social Studies
1. Canada's Actions at Home and in the Global Community
Students in grade 5 are working on National Issues, such as First Nations Education, First Nations Water, and the Lac Megantic Disaster. Students in grade 6 are working on International Issues, such as the Indian Ocean Tsunami, Clean Water in Haiti, and Education in Afghanistan. We have also discussed the Rights of Children, according to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and how some children's rights may not be being met due to these issues. Please ask your child which issue they are working on becoming an expert in, and discuss other National and International Issues of interest.


NEW
Homework Reflection Sheets - As discussed in September, students may have some homework each night. Generally, homework is work that has not been finished in class, but may be supplemented. Students who do not complete their homework in a timely or efficient manner will be asked to fill out a Reflection Sheet. This sheet will come home for a parent to sign and must be returned to school the following day.

Please remember...
©      Homework will always be written on the white board at the front of the classroom, and students are expected to record their homework in their agenda books daily.  The agenda book will come home with students at the end of the day, and must accompany them to school each morning.  Please look over your son’s/daughter’s agenda book with him/her each evening, and if necessary, aid him/her in completing the required homework.

©      Students should be spending between 30 and 60 minutes completing homework each weeknight. 

©      In addition to homework, students are also expected to read a text (e.g., books, magazines, newspapers, instruction manuals), for 30 minutes each evening. 

©      Homework will be checked for completion regularly. Failure to complete assigned homework on a regular basis will affect student’s Learning Skills, as per the Ontario Report Card, and has a strong impact on student learning.

©      If students do not have assigned homework for the evening, it would be beneficial for them to practise their math skills or their keyboarding skills.  Free websites are available online.  Some examples are http://www.sense-lang.org/typing/, and http://www.nimblefingers.com

©      If students are unable to complete their homework due to extenuating circumstances, they are expected to have a note in their agendas from parents explaining the circumstances.

Thank you for your interest in our classroom and in your child's learning! I hope you have a happy and safe holiday season with your family and friends!

Mrs. Longo

Food Drive

On Monday November 27^th our school began our annual food drive to support the Ministerial Association.  All donations gathered will support local families in need.  Students are encouraged to donate by bringing in non-perishable food and personal care items (deodorant, soap, toothpaste…) and depositing them in their classroom donation boxes.  Please note that donation items must not be expired, or close to expiring.  We are also unable to accept donations of toys and/or clothing 

This initiative will run until Friday December 8^th, and is an excellent opportunity for students to practice empathy.

Thank you for your kind donations!

Student Council

Are you in grade 6? Do you want to help make decisions for the school?  Join student council!  Meet Mrs. Cockburn in the library on Wednesday November 1st at morning recess in the library.

Happy Halloween!

Halloween is TOMORROW -- Tuesday October 31st, 2017!

Costumes - If you are choosing to wear a costume please bring your costume to change into at lunch. Please remember, no masks or toy weapons of any kind.

Halloween Dance - School Council is sponsoring a Halloween Dance for Gr 1-6 on Tuesday October 31, 2017 . The dance will starts at 1:20 pm and go until 2:45 pm. 

Treats - Please refrain from bringing food related treats to share with the class.


Have a safe and spooky Halloween! 

Our First Few Weeks...

We've had a great first few weeks in grade 5 and 6!

Lots of new and exciting things have happened...

- Our grade 6 class turned into a 5/6 combined class -- we are very excited to meet new friends and to be working so closely with Ms. Kemp's grade 5/6 class!

- We've moved back inside the school from the portable! Our classroom is clean and bright and ready to be filled with learning!

- Our Health unit is on making healthy choices, including the foods we eat, and how we treat our bodies

- Our grade 6 Science unit is on Space. This week we created sundials. Last week, we conducted an experiment to simulate the effect of ____ on the moon

- Our grade 5 Science unit is on Natural Resources. We are enjoying learning about Conservation of Energy and Resources.

- We've begun our first read aloud -- Hoot, by Carl Hiaasen. We are really enjoying it so far!

- We are working on Number Sense in Math. We are working with numbers up to 100 000 (grade 5) and 1 000 000 (grade 6)

- In Phys Ed. we are playing cooperative games and Ultimate Frisbee. We love playing "Hit the Deck!". We are getting ready for team sports, like volleyball.

And still more to look forward to...

- Our Meet the Teacher BBQ is on Wednesday October 4, 2017 from 4:30 - 6:30pm.
First Session: 4:30 - 5:10pm
Second Session: 5:40 - 6:20pm
BBQ: 4:30 - 6:30pm
Please come visit our classroom!

- Our Terry Fox Run is on Friday October 6. Our grade 5 and 6's are excited to help out!

- Cross Country is here! The Area meet is on Wednesday October 11, 2017. Good luck to all participants!

- Our "Fresh From the Farm" fundraiser has been extended! Please check in with school cash online for details.



Happy Learning! :)
Mrs. Longo

Class Basket Fundraiser

To help fundraising efforts at this year's annual Community Party on Friday June 16th, 2017, Parent Council has put together an AMAZING Class Basket Fundraiser!

Each class will collect items for their own basket.

Our class will be making a "We Love Reading!" basket. Some items may include:
- Books (any age level!)
- Magazines
- Indigo/Chapters Gift Cards
- Reading Light
- Book Stand
- Book Marks
- anything else that relates to a love a reading! 

Be Creative!

The requested budget for the item(s) you send in is $10 or less. You can join forces with a friend to purchase a larger item.

The items in the basket will be put together by the Parent Council. The beautiful baskets will be displayed and raffled off at the Community Party.

Thank you for participating in this exciting fundraiser. If you have any questions, please call the school office.

Thank you!

School Raffle

We are pleased to announce that we are starting our BGPS raffle today! 

Envelopes with tickets and a flyer regarding price and prizes you could win went home yesterday.

Note: The letter asks you to return the money and stubs to the teachers by May 5^th.  That should read JUNE 5^th .

Thank You & Good Luck!