Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Speed


Day 6
We began our day with an assembly this morning. Well done to Arya for receiving the Open-Minded Award this morning. We also had our pancake eating contest this morning. Needless to say it was a filling experience. Well done to Kappa for winning the game, and Theta and Zeta for coming in second and third place respectively.

We had math class earlier in the day. We took up Friday’s homework on patterns in figures and solids. Our new lesson was about relating distance, average speed, and time. Students understand average speed to be the distance travelled in a unit of time, e.g. 100 km/h or 2 m/s. They also learned that distance can be calculated as follows: distance = average speed X time. Students used a formula (average speed = distance/ time), tables and graphs to find average speed. Students have receive grid paper and are asked to complete practice questions on p. 395 – 396 of the MMS textbook. The unit test will be written on Monday, March 6th.

Explorer inquiry time was up next. Students have been looking forward to this project. They will be creating an RSA Animate to teach the class about their chosen explorer (Jacques Cartier or Samuel de Champlain) or topic (the fur trade). This will be a challenging project that will allow students to show their learning in an interesting and creative way using technology! Today’s (and tomorrow’s) goal was to get as much research done as possible using devices and the books available in the classroom. Students have received organizers where they are recording their research notes. Devices will be needed tomorrow.

Here are some more pictures from our trip to Crawford Lake.




 
The timelines were due today. Students who did not complete this task on time need to do so as soon as possible. Students should include the following explorers on their timeline:

  • Asians (Hwui Shan)
  • Irish (St. Brendan)
  • Vikings ( Bjarni Herjolfsson, Leif Eriksson, Thorfinn Karlsefni)
  • Portuguese ( Bartholomew Diaz, Vasco da Gama)
  • Spanish (Christopher Columbus)
  • English (John Cabot, Henry Hudson)
  • French (Giovanni da Verrazano)

Towards the end of the day we worked on our novel study. We discussed the questions for chapters 17 and 18 of Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt as a class.  Students are asked to read chapters 19 and 20 and complete response pages 48 to 52 for tomorrow. Their final project for the novel study is to write a summary of the book. This is due on Tuesday, March 7th. Students may begin working on this now if they wish. The summary prompts can be found on pages 69 – 72.

At the very end of the day we worked on out Viking art project.

Students attended French, gym, and music class today.

Remember to return the Ski trip permission forms that went home yesterday.

The speech contest against The Maples Academy takes place tomorrow. We are all rooting for Leah who is representing our class in this contest. Parents who would like to attend are welcome to do so. The contest runs from 11:30 – 1:00 tomorrow.
 
Homework & Reminders

  • Math. P. 395- 396, Math unit test on Monday, March 6
  • Explorers
    • Timelines are past due
    • Devices are needed for researching tomorrow
  • Novel Study
    • due tomorrow
    • Read chapter 19 & 20
    • Complete response pages 48 – 52
    • Summary report due on Tuesday, March 7
  • Wednesday, March 1 - SJA/Maples Interschool Oral Competition
  • March 6 – 10: Spirit Week
  • Monday, March 6 – Patterns in Number and Geometry Unit test, Pyjama Day
  • Tuesday, March 7 – Tuck Everlasting Book Report is due, Colourful Outfit and Crazy Hair Day
  • Wednesday, March 8 – Ski Trip, Princess and Super Hero Day
  • Thursday, March 9 - Ski Trip, House colours day
  • Friday, March 10 – St. Patrick’s Day – wear green
  • March 13 - 24 March Break

Monday, February 27, 2017

Crawford Lake


Day 5

 We had perfect weather and a wonderful time at Crawford Lake today.






When we got back to school students were placed into groups for their final project for the explorers unit. Students have chosen the topic for their group too. We will begin researching tomorrow. Students will need their devices for research purposes.

The timelines are due tomorrow. Students should include the following explorers on their timeline:

  • Asians (Hwui Shan)
  • Irish (St. Brendan)
  • Vikings ( Bjarni Herjolfsson, Leif Eriksson, Thorfinn Karlsefni)
  • Portuguese ( Bartholomew Diaz, Vasco da Gama)
  • Spanish (Christopher Columbus)
  • English (John Cabot, Henry Hudson)
  • French (Giovanni da Verrazano)

Ski trip permission forms went home today.

It’s our annual pancake eating contest tomorrow.

 Homework & Reminders

  • Math. P. 390- 391
  • Explorers
    • Timelines are due tomorrow
    • Devices are needed for researching tomorrow
  • Novel Study
    • due Tuesday, February 28th
    • Read chapter 17 & 18
    • Complete response pages 47 - 48
  • February 28 - Pancake Tuesday
  • March 1 - SJA/Maples Interschool Oral Competition
  • March 8 – Ski Trip
  • March 9 - Ski Trip
  • March 13 - 24 March Break

Saturday, February 25, 2017

Speech Finals


Day 4

In today’s math lesson we took up yesterday’s homework on relating graphs to Input/Output machines. Our new lesson was about patterns in geometry. Students examined the number of faces, vertices, and edges in prisms. They were amazed at how many patterns there were between these features. We focused on Euler’s Formula and a few other patterns. Students understand what detail they need to include in their homework this weekend. Students have receive dot paper and 0.5 cm paper and are asked to complete practice questions on p. 390 – 391 of the MMS textbook.

Students had music with Mr. Oliver this morning.

We had the Grade 4 – 8 speech contest in the middle of the day. Our girls did well in front of such a large audience. Well done for placing as follows for Grade 6:

First: Leah

Second: Alffino

Third: Husmeen

During the first portion of explorer time, students wrote their unit test. At the end of the day we had explorer inquiry art time. This was not smart thinking on my part as we had paint all over our class tables and floor resulting in a frenzied clean-up time at the end of the day. Students worked on their Viking art piece. They used dry brushing techniques to create the sea portion of the art. Students that finished up this part began working on their longboat. For homework, students should be working on their timelines. The timelines are due on Tuesday, February 28th. Students should include the following explorers on their timeline:

·         Asians (Hwui Shan)

·         Irish (St. Brendan)

·         Vikings ( Bjarni Herjolfsson, Leif Eriksson, Thorfinn Karlsefni)

·         Portuguese ( Bartholomew Diaz, Vasco da Gama)

·         Spanish (Christopher Columbus)

·         English (John Cabot, Henry Hudson)

·         French (Giovanni da Verrazano)

Remember that we are on a field trip on Monday. Students are to dress for the weather on that day. Don’t forget to bring a packed lunch.

 Homework & Reminders

·         Math. P. 390- 391

·         Explorers

o   Timelines are due on Tuesday

·         Novel Study

o   due Tuesday, February 28th

o   Read chapter 17 & 18

o   Complete response pages 47 - 48

·         February 27 – Crawford Lake trip

·         February 28 - Pancake Tuesday

·         March 1 - SJA/Maples Interschool Oral Competition

·         March 8 – Ski Trip

·         March 9 - Ski Trip

·         March 13 - 24 March Break

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Henry Hudson


Day 3

In today’s math lesson we took up yesterday’s homework and then we learned how graphs are related to Input/Output machines. Students used graphs to create Input/Output charts, and then used Charts to create Input/Output machines and graphs. They also found the number of tiles in a later frame using the graph or pattern rule. Students have receive grid paper and are asked to complete practice questions on p. 386 – 387 of the MMS textbook.

Next up was novel study time. We discussed the questions for chapters 15 and 16 of Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt as a class.  Students are asked to read chapters 17 and 18 and complete response pages 47 to 48 for Tuesday.

Students attended French class with Mme. Stella.

During explorer inquiry time we reviewed yesterday’s work and then learned about English explorers that tried to find the Northwest Passage. Students did a map work activity related to these explorers. We then focused on Henry Hudson. Ask your child to tell you all they know about Henry Hudson. Students used the remainder of explorer time to work on their timelines. The timelines are due on Tuesday, February 28th. Students are writing their explorers test tomorrow. They got some hints on what to focus on while studying for the test.

March Hot Lunch Orders

The lunch ordering system is open for March. Parents you may log in with your created emails and passwords and order for the month. A reminder that the system closes on Feb. 24th at 4:00pm.  All lunch payments must be received by Feb 27th in order for the orders to be processed. If you have any questions you can contact bsmith@stjudescademy.com 

 Homework & Reminders

·         Math. P. 386 - 387

·         Speech:

o   Finals on Friday for the three class winners (wear or bring your full uniform)

·         Explorers

o   Study for your unit test

o   Unit test on Friday, February 24th

·         Novel Study

o   due Tuesday, February 28th

o   Read chapter 17 & 18

o   Complete response pages 47 - 48

·         Friday, February 24

o   Explorers test

o   Oral Presentations (Grade 6s present from 12:00 – 1:30 pm)

o   Mock Trial Casual Day Fundraiser $2

o   Parent Guild Movie & Dance Night

·         February 27 – Crawford Lake trip

·         February 28 - Pancake Tuesday

·         March 1 - SJA/Maples Interschool Oral Competition

·         March 2 – Ski Trip

·         March 9 - Ski Trip

·         March 13 - 24 March Break

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Cabot and da Verrazano


Day 2

We finished up speeches today. The Grade 6s did an outstanding job in their speeches. This made choosing the three finalists a very difficult task. Congratulations to everyone in my class on their hard work. The following three students have been chosen to represent our class on Friday: Leah, Alffino, and Husmeen.

Next up was novel study time. We discussed the questions for chapters 13 and 14 of Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt as a class.  Students are asked to read chapters 15 and 16 and complete response pages 42 to 46 for tomorrow. Now that speeches have been completed, we will try have novel studies daily where possible.

After recess we started a new math unit on Number Patterns. We discussed how to find the number of tiles in a frame using a pattern rule or using a graph. Students have receive grid paper and are asked to complete practice questions on p. 382 – 383 of the MMS textbook.

Students attended French class with Mme. Stella.

We ended our day learning more about Christopher Columbus’s voyages and more about the explorations of John Cabot and Giovanni da Verrazano. Students should be studying for Friday’s test on explorers.

March Hot Lunch Orders

The lunch ordering system is open for March. Parents you may log in with your created emails and passwords and order for the month. A reminder that the system closes on Feb. 24th at 4:00pm.  All lunch payments must be received by Feb 27th in order for the orders to be processed. If you have any questions you can contact bsmith@stjudescademy.com 

 Homework & Reminders

·         Math. P. 382 - 383

·         Speech:

o   Finals on Friday for the three class winners

·         Explorers

o   Study for your unit test

o   Unit test on Friday, February 24th

·         Novel Study

o   due tomorrow

o   Read chapter 15 & 16

o   Complete response pages 42 - 46

·         Friday, February 24

o   Explorers test

o   Oral Presentations

o   Mock Trial Casual Day Fundraiser $2

o   Parent Guild Movie & Dance Night

·         February 27 – Crawford Lake trip

·         February 28 - Pancake Tuesday

·         March 1 - SJA/Maples Interschool Oral Competition

·         March 2 – Ski Trip

·         March 9 - Ski Trip

·         March 13 - 24 March Break

 

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Speech Semi-Finals


Day 1

Today was a tough day for all of us. It was tough for students because they had to recite their speech to an audience of 40 people. It was tough for the audience who had to keep still and pay attention for a long time. It was tough for the judges who had the difficult task of choosing the best speeches when everyone did so well. Well done to everyone who spoke and listened today. The three finalists will be announced tomorrow.

Students had a break from speeches when they attended French class with Mme. Stella.

Students ended the day writing the unit test for the Transformational Geometry unit. Those who finished early worked on their Viking art project.

A few students have not yet returned their City of Ember books. Please do this as soon as possible.

We did not have time for novel study work today. We will do this tomorrow. Please remember your novels and Duo-Tangs.

March Hot Lunch Orders

The lunch ordering system is open for March. Parents you may log in with your created emails and passwords and order for the month. A reminder that the system closes on Feb. 24th at 4:00pm.  All lunch payments must be received by Feb 27th in order for the orders to be processed. If you have any questions you can contact bsmith@stjudescademy.com 

Uniforms

A quick reminder in regards to our uniforms for the different grade groups.

 JK- Grade 2 gym uniforms are to be worn on Mondays and Wednesdays. After a weekend where Monday is a holiday students will return to school on the Tuesday in their dress uniform. 

 For grades 3 and up students are asked to come dressed each day in their dress uniform and bring their gym uniforms daily to change.

 Grades 4 and up should be wearing the blazer (or house hoody) each day. They will wear it in the hallways and on trips but have the option of removing it in the classroom. 

 Lastly, our spring uniform will be in effect when we return from the Easter Holiday weekend

Kiss and Ride, Parking Policy Changes

Dear SJA Families, 

We have updated some of our policies and procedures in regards to Kiss and Ride and Parking. If you could please familiarize yourselves with them, as they are currently in effect, we greatly appreciate it. We thank you for cooperating with our Kiss and Ride and parking procedures to ensure a safe environment for all persons on school grounds.

Kiss and Ride Policy and Procedures

 ·       During morning Kiss and Ride please do not drop your JK/SK child off if there is not a staff member present.  Please park your vehicle in the designated parking lot and enter the school with your child.

·       Please stay in your vehicle always while in the Kiss and Ride line up. The driver is NEVER to exit the car to assist students to exit or enter the vehicle.  Kiss and Ride should only be used if your child is independent at getting in and out of the vehicle.

·       When dropping off a student, the student remains in your vehicle until you reach the "blue drop-off zone", Students are not to get out of vehicles unless in this area or as directed by a staff member.

·       Please remain in the kiss and ride line.  Drivers will be asked to move up once space becomes available or directed by a kiss and ride supervisor.

·       Do Not BACK UP at any time.

·       The parking lot is only able to hold 20 vehicles in the 'waiting' lane prior to Kiss and Ride opening at 3:30. If you arrive before Kiss and Ride begins, and the lot is full, you must park your car around the perimeter of the roundabout to wait for access to the parking lot.  Cars may not block the entrance/exit of the school parking lot by waiting to turn left into the school while the lot is full.  A sign will be put on the driveway to indicate when the lot is full. You can park at Meadowvale 4 Rinks until the lot re-opens.

·       Cars must have access to drive up and down Torquay Mews and in and out of the driveways- our own and the driveways of other businesses.  This is to ensure safety of all individuals and to respect municipal bylaws. 

·       The 5 supervisors on duty are there to ensure the safety of everyone. Please follow their directives to ensure this safety. 

 Inclement Weather and Kiss and Ride

·      In the case of extreme weather conditions such as but not limited to; freezing rain, heavy snowfall, torrential rain storms and lightning storms our Kiss and Ride service will be closed.

·      Parents will receive an email by 2:00pm informing them of the closure. In the case of morning kiss and ride a closure sign will be posted in the kiss and ride drop off zone (blue painted area).

·      When unforeseen weather circumstances arise that are outside of the 2:00pm time frame a closure sign will be posted informing parents to park. In this case the doors will be open at 3:30 for parents to come into the building to pick up from the gym. 

 Parking Procedures

·      If you do not wish to participate in the Kiss and Ride pick-up, we encourage you to park in the lot next door (Meadowvale 4 Rinks) and take the short walk over to SJA.  Parents have access into the building beginning at 3:40pm.

·      Please do not walk through the kiss and ride lane or the drive through lane. You are encouraged to follow the laid-out path and lines marked for safety during this time.

·      We ask that you please do not crowd the entrance door but rather wait at the outside eating area until 3:40.

·      We ask that parents please do not drive around the parking lot full sign and enter the parking lot. You are asked to park at Meadowvale 4 Rinks until the lot re-opens at 3:40pm.

·      Please do not block the bus lane so the buses may enter at any time. 

·      Please do not park in the paraplegic spots as we do have families who need them and have been finding it difficult to use one of these spots lately.

Parent Guild Movie & Dance Night
Tickets can still be purchased

 Homework & Reminders

·         Math. Study. Unit test on Tuesday, February 21st

·         Speech:

o   Semi-Finals wrap up tomorrow

o   Winners will be announced tomorrow

o   Finals on Friday for the three class winners

·         Explorers

o   Study for your unit test

o   Unit test on Friday, February 24th

·         Novel Study

o   due Wednesday, Feb. 22nd

o   Read chapter 13 & 14

o   Complete response pages 39 - 42

·         Wednesday, February 22

o   Crawford Lake Trip Forms & Payment is past due

o   Speech Semi-Finals, winners announced

o   Anti-Bullying Day – wear pink

o   Casual Day

o   Bake sale

·         Friday, February 24

o   Explorers test

o   Oral Presentations

o   Mock Trial Casual Day Fundraiser $2

o   Parent Guild Movie & Dance Night

·         February 27 – Crawford Lake trip

·         February 28 - Pancake Tuesday

·         March 1 - SJA/Maples Interschool Oral Competition

·         March 2 – Ski Trip

·         March 9 - Ski Trip

·         March 13 - 24 March Break