Thursday, October 30, 2008

October: Canadian Women Hisory Month

Well, I really missed the boat on this one. October is a dedicated month to celebrate the advancements of women in Canadian society (and I've only just found out tonight). Although the month is very nearly through, I do think that it is worthwhile to spend a few minutes looking at the amazing achievements of Canadian Women in our History!

Spelling word reminder

...in case that pale yellow sheet is nowhere to be found!

  • remembrance
  • respect
  • veteran
  • fought
  • rescued
  • guard
  • peaceful
  • carve
  • annual
  • amusement
  • celebration
  • surprise
  • terrifying
  • disguise
  • consensus
  • appointed
  • citizen
  • intention
  • prejudiced
  • their, there, they’re

Norval Morrisseau!


Hey 5G - check out the photograph of the new federal cabinet posed inside the majestic Rideau Hall in Ottawa (the Governor General's house - I've been skating on her outdoor ice rink!).




Notice any significant art work in the photograph? Morrisseau's piece looks absolutely stunning in the front hall and I'm so glad that we as a class have spent a bit of time with his beautiful work, vibrant images and incredible representation of energy and of the important connections between all living things. It's always exciting when the things we study in class come alive in the real world!

Hallowe'en countdown!

It's almost here! Tomorrow is going to be a great day - remember to bring a $2 donation to UNICEF to wear civvies (non-uniform clothing) in the morning, and bring your Hallowe'en costume to change into at lunch for our party! I am so excited!

Congratulations for completing the Canadian Government unit - it was a wonderful exploration of our country and how the government functions. I feel proud of 5G for developing such outstanding citizenship behaviour! I know that I am teaching amazing kids who will undoubtedly grow into our leaders of the future.

There is likely math homework tonight (my group will be completing the second section of the first page of three digit multiplication, and the odd numbers of the third section - long division!). Reviewing basic facts up to the 12 times table is still an important fundamental skill. Simple skills like adding and subtracting with some regrouping is a small but deadly step that can make or break a math test. Practice makes perfect, so get to it! :)

Our discussion about Remembrance Day this morning turned to code breaking in the military (my Grandfather was a code breaker in WWII). I've linked some fun websites on the left for kids to play around with this exciting form of communication. It is always a great lesson to play with language, numbers and letters and to deduce patterns. Problem Solving is everywhere!

I am excited to see you all tomorrow to cap off this great week together!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Wednesday!

I look forward to seeing the families that can join us tonight for our parent social - it will be a great time! If you can't make it tonight, hopefully you can join us for the Hallowe'en party on Friday afternoon in 5G (not the same with the munchkins around...kidding! :) )

Tonight, the primary focus should be reviewing for the Government test tomorrow. There is likely math homework, and given the momentum we are gathering for the end of the term, it is so, so important that you understand the concepts we are covering. Multiplication and Long Division are two concepts BEST understood with loads and loads of practice, and the beautiful thing is that you are able to generate your OWN questions to help you practice!

Enjoy your night!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Tuesday night

Congratulations to the Boys Soccer Team for their impressive wins today at Soccerfest! We can't wait to hear all about it tomorrow.

Tonight, students should continue to review for the Socials test on Thursday. There is likely additional math work to be completed, so do your best to stay focused and stay positive - you can do it! :)

See you in the morning!

Monday, October 27, 2008

Homework tonight!

What a gorgeous day - I hope that you enjoyed the sunshine with your loved ones!

The novel study project guide was handed out today - the projects will focus on character development in Underground to Canada and students have a choice of three projects, each worth 50 marks (as outlined in the grading criteria in the package). Students chose their three projects today, and we both signed the yellow contract. The third piece of the puzzle will come tonight when you sit with your child and review the expectations and sign the yellow contract as well. If students are working on the project at home, they must set goals on the sheet and record how they stand in relation to those goals at the end of the work period. You should then initial the sheet to ensure that they have worked, and that the work was completed independently. The final product will be due on Friday, November 14th - early submissions welcome!

New spelling words were handed out today - a mix of Hallowe'en, Remembrance and Social Study words. Quiz on Friday, October 31st.

On Friday morning, students are invited to bring a $2 donation to UNICEF and wear their civvies in the morning (all children are free to change into costumes after lunch on Friday for our party). UNICEF is a great organization - learn more here! http://www.unicef.org/

Government test on Thursday, October 30th!

Parent social night on Wednesday, October 29th.

Tuesday, October 28th - no wrestling practice in the morning, and soccer boys should meet on the tarmac at 7:40 am.

Looking ahead into the coming weeks...

Monday, November 3rd - IMAX trip to see The Human Body. Students are required to wear Number One uniform as we go out and represent our school.

Operation Christmas Child should be handed in by Monday, November 24th. Please see an earlier post to learn more.

That's it for now!

Capliano Bridge Adventures!

Ms. Murphy and I went to Capilano Suspension Bridge this weekend to check out the beautiful Harvest display with your incredible pumpkins! All of the visitors to the bridge were impressed with your hard work, and I am so happy that we were a part of this event. The winner will be announced sometime this week!






Well done, Grade 5's!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Long, loooooong weekend...

...for you!

It's going to be a fun two days as I sit down with the fabulous 5G parents to talk about the wonderful kids in my class! On Friday, Ms. Brown and I are going to an all day workshop about how to teach math like teacher superstars (we're going to learn from Greg Tang, the author of all kinds of wonderful books about Math, like Math-terpieces, The Grapes of Math and Math Fables!).

And since I'm going to be hard at work, you're not off the hook! This weekend, you should review for your Government Test on Thursday, October 30th. The red review sheet is tucked inside your agenda, and that outline should guide your thinking this weekend. Use the textbook (that needs to be returned on Monday), your Socials binder and the fun websites posted to the left to ensure that you understand the material. Complete the Aboriginal government worksheet "A Special Relationship" for Monday to make sure that you have read the entire chapter! You do not need to memorize the dates of that worksheet - refer to the red review guide for what you need to know!

Most of you have finished Underground to Canada, but for those who have not, that is part of your weekend check-list! Next week we will begin our final novel study projects, so get reading!

It was a short, but great week together. Have a wonderful time with your family and friends, and I can't wait to see you all on Monday! :)

Pumpkin Carving Fun!

Here are a few photos from our pumpkin carving party! I took just under a gazillion, so expect to see the others in a slideshow coming to a blog near you!



























Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Homework

What a day! Thank you all SO MUCH for your help with pumpkin carving today - there is no way we could have done it without you! It was really fun and we will waited with baited breath to see them all lit up at the Suspension Bridge on October 25th and 26th. After the results of the votes roll in, one lucky carver will be chosen to win 4 movie passes and a $250 donation to the charity of their choice! I am so grateful for the generosity of the Capilano Suspension Bridge people, and I do hope that you can use the two free passes that were sent home tonight to follow up with this great activity! Photos to follow later tonight!

Tonight:
  • Dress in Number One uniform tomorrow, and bring Spirit wear.
  • Complete any assigned math homework (check out the links to the left for great math games to help you understand any challenging concepts!). Be sure to get your math test signed, and return to your math set teacher.
  • Government Test on Thursday, October 30th. Blue Socials binders were sent home tonight (please return tomorrow) for initial review. A proper review sheet will be sent home tomorrow but for now...
** Name the three levels of government, the job title of the leader of each level, and some responsibilities.

** Understand the importance of the constitution, particularly the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Be prepared to discuss some rights from this document, and the related responsibilities of each.

** Discuss the differences between a minority and majority federal government. Your answer will include some numbers, so be thorough!
  • Hallowe'en class party will be on Friday, October 31st from 1:30 - 3:00! It's going to be a great time!

Monday, October 20, 2008

Hallowe'en Recipes

Looking for some disgusting recipes for family fun? Itching to bring some extra special (or extra gross) treats to our class party next Friday?

Check out Vancouver Science World's website for really great ideas - Blood Juice, Severed Fingers Cookies, Jelly Eyeballs, Slime, Goop, fake vomit and blisters - the fun goes on!

http://www.scienceworld.ca/pdf/FSN/PALS_CSC_FamilyScience-Body.pdf

Homework

The French Exchange kids will be back late tonight, and we can't wait to see them! They will surely entertain us with exciting stories of Quebec and Ottawa!

For tonight:
  • Grammar booklet due tomorrow.
  • Come in P.E. kit for the morning, and bring uniform to change into.
  • Bring pumpkin carving kit, smock and ideas for carving party 11:00 to 12:30 tomorrow!
  • Pumpkin Run tomorrow at Ambleside Park
  • Operation Christmas Child due November 24
  • Soccer boys need to return yellow St. George's Soccerfest sheet by Wednesday, October 22nd
Enjoy your night!

Operation Christmas Child

Coming home tonight with your child is a shoebox from Operation Christmas Child. Attached is a small brochure explaining the ethos behind the project and what can be included in the shoebox.

In a nutshell - if you choose to participate, you have six choices for what type of child you would like to prepare a present for. The age categories are 2-4 years old, 5-9 years old or 10-14 years old for either a boy or a girl. Cut out the label from the back of the pamphlet and place it on top of the box so that the box is correctly distributed. Instructions explaining the contents of the box are included, and can also be found at their website : http://www.samaritanspurse.ca/

Completed shoeboxes are due by Monday, November 21st. More boxes are available for your giving pleasure!


The shoeboxes are given to children in areas of the world where the joy and simplicity of the celebration of light (as so many holidays are connected to the joy found in the light and hope of the world) may be difficult to see in the darkness. There are plenty of opportunities in our own community to spread the feelings of love and hope during the holiday season as well! The YWCA Vancouver have really beautiful projects for the season, and to read more, follow the link!

http://www.ywcavan.org/content/Holiday_Giving_/138

Thank you, as always, for your support towards our school endeavours to cultivate in your children a desire to help others in a meaningful way.

Pumpkin Carving 101

It's that time!! I really do hope that you can join us for some pumpkin carving excitement on Tuesday, October 21st from 11:00 until 12:30 in 5G.

Students need to come to school with their own pumpkin carving kit and a painting smock (if not already at school).

Reminder: Students are responsible for all of the designing and carving - parents will be helping scoop out the pumpkin insides, and assisting students with any help they may need with the tools.

It's a great idea to plan out your design before the big day, and here are some sites to get your mind thinking!! Some of these sites say to pay money to download the pattern, but I suggest just looking, and being inspired to create your own pattern!

http://www.pumpkincarving101.com/pumpkin_carving_basic.html

http://www.pumpkinlady.com/pattern.htm

http://www.canucarve.com/

(check out the Gallery at this site!)

Capilano Suspension Bridge will be transporting the pumpkins in a van from the school to the display site at the bridge, so there is no guarantee that any additional materials you attach to the 'kin will stay on for the ride. The pumpkins will be displayed outdoors, as well, so be sure that your pumpkin will look just as awesome if it were to rain. Consider really creative designs that will hold up to the elements!

Friday, October 17, 2008

Happy weekend!

The rain hasn't quelled the excitement and fun in 5G. Today we turned our artistic explorations to the Group of Seven, and reimagined our national autumn landscape with the help of some Lawren Harris models and colourful paint. Grade 5 is responsible for the foyer art work next month, and these beauties will certainly be worthy of display!

Some pretty heavy homework for the weekend:
  • Be kind to others, especially those for whom it is difficult for you to extend kindness to (siblings, perhaps?)
  • Be grateful for three things in your life (our Giving-Thanks circle this week produced some beautiful sentiments of gratitude - 5G kids sure are thankful for their loving families, caring friends and our free country!)
  • Spend time being creative - writing, art, thinking - it doesn't matter! Push yourself to see the world around you through a different lens in some way, and enjoy the process of creating!

Happy weekend!

Love stretches your heart and makes you big inside.
Margaret Walker

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Homework for Wednesday, October 15th

It has finally warmed up and the kids are thawing out. Yesterday was awfully cold! Today is International Handwashing Day - check it out! http://www.globalhandwashing.org/

Tonight, students should...
  • read up to Chapter 14 in Underground to Canada.
  • Complete math homework (5G math will complete up to page 62 in the Jump book)
  • Complete the bright yellow government home study, due Friday.

Please review the hot pink Parent Teacher Interview request confirmation sheets sent home tonight.

Enjoy your night!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Homework clarification

And we're back! I hope that everyone had a restful and beautiful Thanksgiving weekend - it flew by and we're in the final stretch for this term!

Tonight, student should...
  • complete math set homework
  • complete the Government work sheet, listing at least five responsibilities of each level of government. There are many resources to help with this, but I recommend the phone book!
  • come dressed in Number One uniform with clothes to change into for Spirit
  • read for 20 minutes

It's going to be a great week!

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.
Chinese Proverb

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Tonight...

What a week! Thank you so much for all of the generous birthday wishes poured out this week - the kids were fantastic (and sugary) and we had a great time!

Many children are leaving for Victoria tomorrow, so our class will be very small. This is a great opportunity for us to delve into our studies in a closer way, and we're lucky enough to have some kids from 5BR joining us, as well!

Homework for tonight is very light, because of the smaller numbers in the morning. Children should read up to Chapter 12 in Underground - even soccer kids! As an activity of awareness, students should also learn where three things in their home are made - one item of clothing, one pair of shoes and one rug (if you have one). This is an exercise to learn about production, environmental impact and consumerism. We checked the labels of our NHL jerseys today and only a handful were actually made in Canada. The question we want to consider is why - and the answer isn't simple or quick! There are many factors that go into the equation of importing and exporting, and at this stage, we just want to learn more.

Last call for Scholastics, wrapping paper and parent/teacher interview forms!

The mock election was great today and the results will be broadcast on CBC after the official results of the federal election are released. We are a part of a larger movement called "Student Vote", and it is going to be a great experience to be connected with our national movement of democracy. So far this week, 60, 000 student votes have been cast in 303 schools across the country. The number will soar tomorrow and the student election results will be telling about what our youth expect from our leaders and hope for our country. Stay tuned!

Enjoy your night!

This just in -- Canucks Jersey Day a flop!

We need to say a big thank you to Mr. Hatch and Mrs. Richmond who organized the annual Canucks Jersey Day. Wires must have been crossed in 5G, though, because the kids showed up in their Maple Leaf pride! Sorry to all the Mum's and Dad's for whom this might come as a shock -- but your kids BeLeaf!




















Monday, October 6, 2008

Homework for Monday, October 6th

What a week! Thank you so much for bringing your children to the school so punctually for 6:30 this morning! The kids were great and certainly represented the school brilliantly to kick off the Round Square Conference.

Here's a look into their fantastic performance:



Tonight, please note the change in pick-up times on Wednesday, October 8th after the exciting Craig Kielburger discussion at Morven. Grade 5 students will return to Wentworth at 3:50 pm. Younger siblings are invited to enjoy the after school daycare service until we return from Morven. Regular shuttle bus children will board the Morven shuttle straight from this event. We have discussed Mr. Kielburger in class, and have looked into his great book "Kid's Guide to Active Citizenship". Here is his website to learn more! http://www.freethechildren.com/aboutus/theteam/craigkielburger.php

There will be a Patterning and Algebra Math quiz on Thursday, October 9th. 5G has soared through this unit and will doubtlessly succeed on Thursday. In preparation, students need to create one word problem tonight (look to pages 13, 19 and 20 in Jump for inspiration and guidelines to content and format). This word problem should be logical and clearly laid out on one standard piece of paper. This problem should NOT be solved on the paper, but students should understand how to solve their own creative problem. Tomorrow, I will photocopy a class set of these problems so that each student will have 20 fun and exciting patterning and algebra word problems to solve. Remember that number lines and t-charts are helpful tools!

We had a pop quiz in our Government unit today, with varying results. It is clear students need to review the branches of federal government and the responsibilities associated with each. Tonight for homework, students will complete the blank federal government flow chart, using the complete flow chart for guidance.

Please continue to keep up the wonderful practice of reading for twenty minutes and recording the title and author in agendas. I love learning what great novels everyone is reading!

Reminders:
  • House assembly is Wednesday, October 8th. Students should wear their house t-shirt with their Number One uniform. Because of our trip to Morven in the afternoon, packing proper Number One is necessary. We won't need gym kits as we won't be having Spirit.
  • Canuck jersey day will be on Thursday, October 9th. Wear your jersey/t-shirt/sweat shirt with pride over your regular uniform shirt (Ms. Gretzinger will be wearing her Leaf-gear)
  • Mock federal election is on Thursday, October 9th. Be prepared to make an informed choice on the big day, and be proud to be participating in a democratic society!
  • Scholastic and wrapping paper orders due Friday, October 1oth
  • Pumpkin carving on Tuesday, October 21st. Parents are totally welcome to join us for the fun! 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Please also prepare your child with their own individual carving kit - pumpkins will be generously provided by the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Min Jee



Part of our art time slot on Friday was spent learning from Judith Jordan about Min Jee's upcoming cochlear implant. We are so thankful for Judith for sharing her knowledge and passion with us, and we wish Min Jee the best of luck on Wednesday! We'll miss you, Min Jee, and can't wait for you to come back to school and tell us all about your journey of "Freedom"!


Thank you, Don Bell!



Don Bell (MP for North Vancouver) came to speak with the Grade 5's on Friday, and outlined for us the role of an MP in our society - his weekly schedule (what a whirlwind!), his passion for our country, how MPs work to ensure life is as good as it can be for Canadians and what life is like in the House of Commons. Mr. Bell presented Collingwood with a Canadian flag to be proudly hung in our halls as well as Canadian pins for each student and an MP report so that we can learn even more about how Members of Parliament help communities.

Thank you, Don Bell!

Parent & Teacher Interviews

Forms were sent home on Friday to schedule the upcoming interviews. Please do complete and return these forms by Thursday, October 9th if you would like a formal interview with me concerning your child's progress in the year to this point.

Thank you!

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Rain gear

As the rains fell today, so too did the faces of 5G students as they realized that they would not be able to enjoy recess with their friends without adequate rain wear.

Please, please, please pack a rain jacket with a hood for sloppy days like today!
Rain boots are also a fun addition to any uniform wardrobe.

There are loads of great things to do in the rain - start up a hopscotch tourney under the covered tarmac, play freeze tag, play on the swings and dodge the raindrops, create a dance routine to The Monster Mash for our upcoming celebrations, make a hackey sack and play keep-it-up -- and I'm sure you all have other great ideas. I occasionally allow students to stay in with me but when an important meeting comes up or I decide I do actually need the 15 beautiful minutes of silence that recess offers, I need the children to be able to be outdoors. I support the decision when an indoor recess is called, of course, but it is a rare occasion. Students need to be prepared to be outside in most weather conditions. So embrace the Vancouver-ite inside of you and get out in that rain!

Thank you!

Number One uniform reminders

Hello all,

On Friday, October 3rd Don Bell is speaking to all Grade 5 students. Because of this special occasion, all students are expected to bring Number One uniform to change into after P.E. in the morning.

Number One uniform is also expected on our Monday trip to UBC.

Thank you!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

September in Review



Here is a glance back at our first month together...turn your speakers up!

Homework

Tonight the children need to read Chapters 9 and 10 of Underground to Canada. We will work on developing a dialouge between Julilly and Liza tomorrow in class, so children should connect with the characters and infer a bit about their emotional journey.

Students should ensure that they have completed their Math Set homework - it will be our first class tomorrow morning!

Because of the early morning start next Monday, after school choir practice is canceled on the 6th.

Letters to Terry Fox were sent home tonight - take a moment to reflect on the excellent pieces of writing that were created and then it's yours to keep!

Enjoy your night!

Hope for Resolution


The hard work has paid off - here are the fabulous Grades 4 and 5 as they perform with the Morven choir the song "Hope for Resolution". This dress rehearsal sounded fantastic, and Monday's early morning performance at UBC will surely be a delight.

**Reminder** Please bring your child to Wentworth at 6:30 am on Monday, October 6th!