Strategies

We had a long convocation as students who were recognised as being principled were awarded certificates this morning. Congratulations to Carter for being nominated as our class representative and Rachel for our school's representative in French!

We had a fun house game this morning where students had to "catch the dragon's tail". Participants and the audience had a lot of fun with this game. Well done to Zeta for getting first place.

Once in class we had our list 29 spelling test. Tests are coming home today. Please take time to review the test with your child.

In math we had a strategy lesson where we used "draw a picture" and "guess and check" as ways to solve very tricky word problems. We went over each problem as a class once everyone had had the opportunity to attempt them as many students had trouble today. Ask your child about today's problems and tell them how you would have solved them.

In our inquiry unit on plants and soils, we continued with our experiment to discover how  stems function through an experiment with celery, water, and food dye. Students saw definite changes in the celery leaves and in the cross section of the stem. They used their observations to explain how the stem functions. They explained what had happened to the water level and dye too. Ask your child what they learned.

I met with students to hear their science fair questions. Please check to see if your child's question has been approved. We ended the day discussing the next steps in the scientific method - doing background research. Students worked on the "Background Research Plan Worksheet" that will be help when looking for sources at the library. Please plan to visit the library once this worksheet is completed as students need 3 written sources on their topic. This worksheet is due Monday.

We ended our day discussing International Day. The format for the day has changed and this affects some of our class' ideas. Ask your child what they need to do for International Day.

Students attended French, art, and gym class today.

Our school's phone lines are not working at the moment. The emergency number to contact the school if this happens is: 647-233-7820.

A message from Ms. Malan:

Dear Parents,

 As part of being an IB school we encourage students to show ‘International Mindedness’. At St. Jude’s Academy, we value and make productive use of the diversity of cultures and perspectives that exist in our school and in the local, national and global communities to enhance student learning.

 This year, St. Jude’s Academy will be having our first International Mindedness Day. The event will take place on Friday, April 4, 2014. Each PYP class will be representing one country. Students will be inquiring and presenting their research about various countries from around the world! Students will present on topics such as food, clothing, art and music from the countries they have been studying.

We are inviting SJA friends and families to attend the event to have a chance to view the class displays and speak to the students about the learning that has taken place. Friends and families are invited to attend the event from 3:00 - 3:30pm on April 4th.

 For any questions or requests for more information please contact Mrs. Padovan at kpadovan@stjudesacademy.com or Ms. Soroka at ssoroka@stjudesacademy.com.

Homework & Reminders

• Term 2 Report cards are coming home today. Student portfolios and storage binders are coming home too. Have a look at the work we did in term 2. Please complete the comments page of the report card and return the card. I will make a copy of this page and return the report card to you. Return portfolios and storage binders by Friday, April 4th.
• Complete Science Fair Background Research Plan. Visit the library if you can to find 3 written sources on your topic
• Sign and return spelling tests
• There was a mix up with boys' pants after changing after gym yesterday. Please check that your son has the correct grey pants.
• Ms. Barber is going to be running a boys literacy club for grade 3 and 4 boys on Tuesday after-school from 3:45 - 4:30. 
• She is also starting a Mathletes club on Thursdays for all grade 3 and 4 students during recess time.
• Red or white poster board for International Day, research your topic for International Day
• International Day is on Friday, April 4
• The SJS under 10 soccer team was announced today. Many of our class made the team  (Braeden, Zain, Adam, Clara, Maria, Lukas, Carter). The plan is for them to attend a soccer tournament on Thursday, April 10. Look out for information coming soon.
• Information about SJA's exciting new summer camps will be coming home today