Spirit Day

There was a definite buzz in their air this morning at SJA and lots of interesting looking students. At this morning's convocation we heard which students had won the learner profile attribute of knowledgeable for each grade. Well done to Jessica for being our Grade 6 Knowledgeable student and Shannon for being our school's Action Star this month. Students participated in a fun house game that involved eating 'ghost poo', drinking swamp water, mummifying a teacher, and building a skeleton. We heard that Theta is still in the lead for the house game.

In today's math lesson, we finished up yesterday's lesson on isometric drawings of 3-D solids. Remember that the Geometry unit test is on Wednesday, November 5.

Despite this morning's convocation lasting an hour, we managed to squeeze in time for our novel study. Students discussed chapter 12 of Shannen and the Dream for a School. Students then had class time to read chapter 13 and answer discussion questions relating to chapter 13. Students will need to watch the following video clip in order to answer question 2 if they did not get done in class. Here is the link for question 2.

Grade 6s reported that the had a lot of fun at squash and gym today.

We ended the day watching a couple of government videos about kinds of government and municipal government in Mississauga.

Homework & Reminders:

• Novel Study: Chapter 13
• MMS Geometry unit test on Wednesday, November 5.
• Science Fair: Building and testing continues next week. Remember to bring in your materials if you haven't already done this. Bring in a camera or device to take pictures of your materials, procedure, progress, etc
• Bring in your Janet Wilson author and Queen's Park trip form
• Support the SJA food drive by donating non-perishable food items. Food will be donated to the Eden Community Food Bank. Food drive ends Monday, Nov. 3 

Sergeant-at-Arms

In today's math lesson, we learned how to draw isometric drawings of 3-D solids on triangular grid paper. Students found this very challenging at first, but then it seemed to get easier as we went along. Students who did not use a ruler to do this, had their work erased and they had to start all over again. We used snap cubes to create the solids. Students were also expected to use 1-cm grid paper to draw the top, front, and side views of the solid. Because students need the snap cubes to complete the practice questions, we will continue with this lesson tomorrow, as nobody finished all questions in the time that was given. This means that there is no MMS homework today and our Geometry unit test will be pushed to Wednesday, November 5.

In our inquiry time, students worked on being inquirers by reading to learn about the role of the Sergeant-at-Arms and the history and symbolism of the Mace. Students found the history of the Mace particularly interesting. We took up today's work in class and there is no government homework too. We watched a CBC news broadcast showing our current Sergeant-at-Arms, Kevin Vickers, receiving applause from the House of Commons following last week's terrorist attack in Ottawa. This drove home the idea that his role is not only ceremonial but practical too

.

In our novel study time, we met in groups to discuss chapter 11 of Shannen and the Dream for a School. Students then had class time to read chapter 12 and answer discussion questions relating to chapter 12. Students had a harder time with today's questions. If you have time, discuss these questions with your child tonight.

Mme. Blanco was away today. Students who have their science fair materials at school used French time to work on their science fair projects. Students who do not have their science fair materials at school today worked on their MMS practice work.

 

Grade 6s attended Gym class today.

Homework & Reminders:

• MMS Geometry unit test on Wednesday, November 5.
• Science Fair: Building and testing continues all week. Remember to bring in your materials if you haven't already done this. Bring in a camera or device to take pictures of your materials, procedure, progress, etc
• Grade 6s are playing squash/tennis this tomorrow. They will need to change out of their costumes into their gym clothes for tennis/squash
• Bring in your Janet Wilson author and Queen's Park trip form
• Support the SJA food drive by donating non-perishable food items. Food will be donated to the Eden Community Food Bank. Food drive ends Monday, Nov. 3
• Tomorrow is Spirit Day - Friday. Students may wear costumes to school. Remember no toy weapons or gory masks.
• Tomorrow is the last day for the MYP We Day Bake Sale. Proceeds go toward housing in Ecuador
• Visit St. Jude's on Facebook
• Keep practicing your multiplication tables

Rock Climbing

We had a lot of fun at rock climbing today.

 

 

When we got back to school, students had lunch, went to French class and then worked on finishing off yesterday's practice math questions on nets. Students are asked to complete any outstanding questions for homework.

 Homework & Reminders:

• MMS p. 100 - 101
• MMS Geometry unit test on Monday, November 3 or Tuesday, November 4 depending on how long it takes us to get through our review work
• Science Fair: Building and testing continues all week. Remember to bring in your materials if you haven't already done this. Bring in a camera or device to take pictures of your materials, procedure, progress, etc
• Grade 6s are playing squash/tennis this Friday, Oct 31
• Bring in your Janet Wilson author and Queen's Park trip form
• Support the SJA food drive by donating non-perishable food items. Food will be donated to the Eden Community Food Bank. Food drive ends Monday, Nov. 3
• Spirit Day - Friday, October 31. Students may wear costumes to school. Remember no toy weapons or gory masks.
• MYP students are hosting a We Day Bake Sale all week. Proceeds go toward housing in Ecuador
• Visit St. Jude's on Facebook
• Keep practicing your multiplication tables

The Speaker

We started the day joining Ms. Eisele's class for a tutorial on how to use iMovie. Mr. Monaghan taught students how to use some of the features in iMovie. Students in Grade 5 & 6 will be using Movie Maker or iMovie to create an advertisement for their summative government project. In today's math lesson we continued constructing figures.

In our inquiry time, we took up the work students completed for homework on the role of the House of Commons in Canadian government. We also labelled the diagram of the House of Commons. In today's class, students were inquirers as they read about the Speaker. We had a class discussion on yesterday's Ontario Municipal Elections. We compared the actual results to our poll and found that our poll had accurately predicted the mayors for Mississauga and Toronto. Students shared news of speeches they had heard yesterday. We also discussed the voter turnout in Toronto and Mississauga, and how voting is a right and a responsibility.

Students then met in groups to discuss chapter 10 of Shannen and the Dream for a School. Students should read and complete the discussion questions relating to chapter 11 if they did not get done in class.

Students who have their materials at school continued working on building and testing their science fair project today.

In math, we reviewed what nets, pyramids, and prisms are. We took apart boxes to see the faces that make up the solid. Students were given figures that they had to examine and determine if they would make a 3-D figure if folded. They had to name the solid too. We did not get done with this lesson. We will complete it if there is time after rock climbing tomorrow.

Grade 6s attended French and Gym class today.

 Homework & Reminders:

• MMS Geometry unit test on Monday, November 3 or Tuesday, November 4 depending on how long it takes us to get through our review work
• Novel Study: Read chapter 11 and answer the discussion questions
• Science Fair: Building and testing continues all week. Remember to bring in your materials if you haven't already done this. Bring in a camera or device to take pictures of your materials, procedure, progress, etc
• Tomorrow is Casual Day - wear something comfortable for rock climbing
• Grade 6s are playing squash/tennis this Friday, Oct 31
• Bring in your Janet Wilson author and Queen's Park trip form
• Support the SJA food drive by donating non-perishable food items. Food will be donated to the Eden Community Food Bank. Food drive ends Monday, Nov. 3
• Spirit Day - Friday, October 31. Students may wear costumes to school. Remember no toy weapons or gory masks.
• MYP students are hosting a We Day Bake Sale all week. Proceeds go toward housing in Ecuador
• Visit St. Jude's on Facebook
• Keep practicing your multiplication tables

Vote. It's the Right Thing to Do

In today's math lesson we continued constructing figures. Students learned how to construct squares, triangles, parallelograms, and hexagons using a ruler and protractor when you are given the length of sides and two angles. We watched a YouTube clip to help us understand how to do this. An area of difficulty we encountered was the different way to name angles e.g.< A or < BAC. Students are asked to complete the remaining questions on p. 94 & 95 of the MMS textbook if they did not get done in class.

In our inquiry time, we took up the work students completed for homework on the role of Parliament in Canadian government. In today's class, students were inquirers as they read about the Senate and the House of Commons. We took up the Senate in class today. Incomplete House of Commons pages need to be completed at home if students did not get done in class. We will label the diagram in class tomorrow. Look out for two letters coming home today. The first is about an author visit by Janet Wilson and the second is about our trip to the Legislative Assembly in Toronto.

Students then met in groups to discuss chapter 9 of Shannen and the Dream for a School. Students should read and complete the discussion questions relating to chapter 10 if they did not get done in class.

Students began working on building and testing their science fair project today.

Grade 6s attended Drama, French, and Gym class today.

Homework & Reminders:

• Parents, remember to go out and vote if you are eligible ;-). Take your child with you. Talk to them about the electoral process.
• MMS p. 94 & 94, remaining questions
• MMS Geometry unit test on Monday, November 3 or Tuesday, November 4 depending on how long it takes us to get through our review work
• Government: Read and answer questions about the House of Commons if you did not get done in class p. 49 - 50
• Novel Study: Read chapter 10 and answer the discussion questions
• Science Fair: Building and testing continues all week. Remember to bring in your materials if you haven't already done this. Bring in a camera or device to take pictures of your materials, procedure, progress, etc.
• Look out for author visit and trip letters coming home today
• Bring in your rock climbing forms if you haven't already
• Casual Day & rock climbing this Wednesday, Oct. 29
• Grade 6s are playing squash/tennis this Friday, Oct 31
• Support the SJA food drive by donating non-perishable food items. Food will be donated to the Eden Community Food Bank. Food drive ends this Friday, Oct. 31
• Spirit Day - Friday, October 31. Students may wear costumes to school. Remember no toy weapons or gory masks.
• MYP students are hosting a We Day Bake Sale all week. Proceeds go toward housing in Ecuador
• Visit St. Jude's on Facebook
• Keep practicing your multiplication tables

The Cabinet

This morning, our school was treated to a presentation by Ms. Sandhu's Grade 3/4 class. This was followed by another presentation from Christina of the Eden Community Food Bank. We also got to hear that Theta is in the lead for the House Cup, followed by Kappa and then Zeta.

In today's math lesson we practiced constructing figures. We did this in two ways. For the first way, students used tans to construct as many figures as possible that met specified requirements, e.g. a quadrilateral made of 2 or more tans and that has two 135⁰ angles.  In the second way, students used a ruler, a compass, and 3 given sides to construct a triangle. We watched part of a YouTube clip to help us understand how to do this. Students are asked to complete only question 2, 3, and 5 on p. 94 & 95 of the MMS textbook. They have been instructed to bring home their geometry sets and tangrams in order to complete their homework. Remember to bring geometry sets back to school on Monday.

In our inquiry time, we took up the work students completed for homework on the role of the Prime Minister in Canadian government. Students found the answer to one of the questions they had asked at the beginning of this unit, "If the President Obama lives in the White House, where does Prime Minister Stephen Harper live?" Ask your child if they remember the answer. In today's class, students were inquirers as they read about the Cabinet. We took this work up in class. They also began learning about Parliament. Incomplete Parliament pages need to be completed at home.

Before we had our novel study discussions, we watched Shannen's Video. Students then met in groups to discuss chapter 8 of Shannen and the Dream for a School. Students should read and complete the discussion questions relating to chapter 9.

We had a special guest visiting our class today. Mr. Alex, one our Oakwood teachers, visited our class. He has several years experience teaching on reserves in rural areas in Manitoba. He shared pictures he had taken during his work there and shared with the class what life on a reserve was like. Grade 6s thoroughly enjoyed his presentation. Ask your child to tell you what they learned during the presentation.

Grade 6s attended French and Gym class today.

 Homework & Reminders:

• MMS p. 94 & 94, questions 2, 3, and 5
• Government: Read and answer questions about Parliament if you did not get done in class
• Novel Study: Read chapter 9 and answer the discussion questions
• Science Fair: Prepare to bring in materials. Building and testing begins on Monday
• Bring in your rock climbing forms if you haven't already
• Monday, Oct. 27 is Picture Day - wear full uniform
• Casual Day & Rock climbing, Wednesday, Oct. 29
• Grade 6s are playing squash/tennis Friday, Oct 31 and Thursday, Nov. 6
• Support the SJA food drive by donating non-perishable food items. Food will be donated to the Eden Community Food Bank. Food drive ends Friday, Oct. 31
• Spirit Day - Friday, October 31. Students may wear costumes to school. Remember no toy weapons or gory masks.
• MYP students are hosting a We Day Bake Sale on Monday, Oct.27 - Friday, Oct. 31. Proceeds go toward housing in Ecuador
• Visit St. Jude's on Facebook
• Keep practicing your multiplication tables

The Governor General

In today's math lesson we watched yet another great YouTube clip by Math Antics. This one was about quadrilaterals. The clip reminded us that quadrilaterals are figures with four sides. It discusses how we classify quadrilaterals depending on the number of parallel or equal sides and the presence or absence of right angles. We learned that the sum of the interior angles of a quadrilateral add up to 360⁰. In today's math lesson, we worked on a strategy lesson called reflect and check. We used this strategy to solve problems involving geometry and division. Students do not have math homework today as we completed and took up all questions in class.

In our inquiry time, we discussed what happened on Parliament Hill yesterday. We took some time to reflect on what we have learned so far in this unit competition style. Students then set out to learn about the role of the Governor General. They had free choice to do this independently, in pairs, or in a group. They had to choose the scenario that worked best for them. We took up this work. For homework, students are asked to continue by learning about the role of the Prime Minister.

Students met in groups to discuss chapter 7 of Shannen and the Dream for a School. Students should read and complete the discussion questions relating to chapter 8. Please visit the following link to answer question 1 - Shannen's Video

Grade 6s attended Drama, French, and Gym class today.

 Homework & Reminders:

• Government: Read and answer questions about the Prime Minister
• Novel Study: Read chapter 8, watch Shannen's Video, answer the questions
• Science Fair: Complete the work that was assigned to you today. Begin collecting and bringing in materials. Building and testing begins on Monday
• Lunch forms & payment are due tomorrow
• Bring in your rock climbing forms if you haven't already
• Monday, Oct. 27 is Picture Day - wear full uniform
• Casual Day & Rock climbing, Wednesday, Oct. 29
• Grade 6s are playing squash/tennis Friday, Oct 31 and Thursday, Nov. 6
• Support the SJA food drive by donating non-perishable food items. Food will be donated to the Eden Community Food Bank. Food drive ends Friday, Oct. 31
• Spirit Day - Friday, October 31. Students may wear costumes to school. Remember no toy weapons or gory masks.
• MYP students are hosting a We Day Bake Sale on Monday, Oct.27 - Friday, Oct. 31. Proceeds go toward housing in Ecuador
• Visit St. Jude's on Facebook
• Keep practicing your multiplication tables

Federal Governement

In today's math lesson we watched another great YouTube clip by Math Antics. This one was about triangles.

 

The clip reminded us that triangles can be classified by their angles

-acute triangles have only acute angles

-right triangles have one right angle and 2 acute angles

-obtuse triangles have one obtuse angle and 2 acute angles

Triangles can also be classified by their sides

-equilateral triangles have all equal sides, also all equal, acute angles

-isosceles triangles have two equal sides

-scalene triangles have sides of different lengths

We learned that the sum of the interior angles of a triangle add up to 180⁰.

We continued tackling practice questions from yesterday's lesson in our MMS textbooks. Students had to use dot paper (and a ruler - no free hand figures!) to draw figures with specified attributes. Students found it especially challenging to draw a figure with all equal sides and no right angles. They also had to find the sum of the interior angles of quadrilateral figures. This was challenging work when the figures were small and protractors are large in comparison. Students are asked to complete questions on p. 89 of the MMS textbook for homework if they did not get done in class.

In our inquiry time, we took up the worksheets about provincial and territorial government we worked on yesterday. Today we tackled the federal level of government. This meant reading and understanding many difficult terms. Ask your child to explain what it means when we say Canada is ...

-a democracy

-a parliamentary government

-a federal government

-a cabinet government

-a responsible government

Students met in groups to discuss chapter 6 of Shannen and the Dream for a School. I shared a bit of what it was like growing up in apartheid South Africa with the class. Ask your child what they remember. Students then had class time to read chapter 7. We watched a YouTube clip of Charlie Angus raising the issue of the cancelled plans to rebuild the J. R. Nakogee school in the House of Commons. Seeing this clip helped the Grade 6s to fully realise the book we are reading is not fictional. Students who are interested may want to visit Charlie Angus' NDP site or his page on the Parliament of Canada website.

I met with students to discuss their science fair progress. We are getting to or are at the point where students need to collect and bring in their materials. We begin building/testing on Monday. Sayal Electronics on Matheson Blvd. in Mississauga is a store you may want to visit if your local store does not have what you need. Be sure to check the online catalogue before you visit.

Grade 6s attended French & Gym class today.

Homework & Reminders:

• MMS p. 89
• Science Fair: Complete the work that was assigned to you today. Begin collecting and bringing in materials. Building and testing begins on Monday
• Lunch forms & payment are due Friday, Oct. 24
• Bring in your rock climbing forms if you haven't already
• Monday, Oct. 27 is Picture Day - wear full uniform
• Casual Day & Rock climbing, Wednesday, Oct. 29
• Grade 6s are playing squash/tennis Friday, Oct 31 and Thursday, Nov. 6
• Support the SJA food drive by donating non-perishable food items. Food will be donated to the Eden Community Food Bank. Food drive ends Friday, Oct. 31
• Spirit Day - Friday, October 31. Students may wear costumes to school. Remember no toy weapons or gory masks.
• MYP students are hosting a We Day Bake Sale on Monday, Oct.27 - Friday, Oct. 31. Proceeds go toward housing in Ecuador
• Visit St. Jude's on Facebook
• Keep practicing your multiplication tables

Classifying Polygons

In today's math lesson we watched a great YouTube clip about angles and polygons by Math Antics. The clip reminded us that polygons

-are 2-D figures

-have only straight sides

-are closed figures

-are named for the number of sides/angles

-may be regular (all sides/angles equal) or irregular

We picked up from the clip to discuss polygons further. Students learned that convex polygons have all angles less than 180⁰ while concave polygons have one or more reflex angles (>180⁰). Students  used a Venn diagram to classify polygons according to attributes they chose. They also named figures and listed their attributes in detail. Students are asked to complete questions 2 & 3 on p. 88 & 89 of the MMS textbook for homework. All students have been given a copy of the polygons in question 3.

In our inquiry time, we began learning about provincial government and continued learning about municipal government. Students read an information sheet, watched a video titled Lets Learn About Local and Provincial/Territorial Governments, and used internet sources to learn about government. Students are asked to complete the quiz on provincial government for homework.

We did not have time to meet to discuss our novel today.

Grade 6s attended Drama, French & Gym class today.

Homework & Reminders:

MMS p. 88 & 89, question 2 & 3

Government research: Complete Provincial Government quiz

Science Fair: Complete the work that was assigned to you yesterday

Lunch forms & payment are due Friday, Oct. 24

Bring in your rock climbing forms if you haven't already

Grade 6s are playing squash this Friday, Oct 24

Monday, Oct. 27 is Picture Day - wear full uniform

Casual Day & Rock climbing, Wednesday, Oct. 29

Support the SJA food drive by donating non-perishable food items. Food will be donated to the Eden Community Food Bank. Food drive ends Friday, Oct. 31

Spirit Day - Friday, October 31. Students may wear costumes to school. Remember no toy weapons or gory masks.

MYP students are hosting a We Day Bake Sale on Monday, Oct.27 - Friday, Oct. 31. Proceeds go toward housing in Ecuador

https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Judes-Academy/392663204140440

Keep practicing your multiplication tables:

 

 

 

Conferences

In today's math I spent time conferencing with each student regarding the assessment piece they completed last week about angles and quadrilaterals. Students heard what their strengths and weaknesses were. They had the opportunity to correct their work to have a perfect score. We took up Friday's class work and angles on measuring and constructing angles. Students are asked to correct and incorrect work for homework today.

In our inquiry time, students had class time to finish up their research about their community. Any incomplete work will need to be completed at home. I also met with students to check on science fair progress and to discuss next steps. Everyone had class time to keep working on their science fair project.

We continued working on our novel study. Students met in their discussion groups to discuss chapter . Class time was given for the reading of chapter 6 and the answering of discussion questions. Incomplete reading and answering of questions will need to be completed at home. In order for groups to have productive discussions, students need to bring their books and novel study notebooks to school each day.

Grade 6s attended French & Gym class today.

Homework & Reminders:

• MMS p. Correct Friday's homework
• Novel study: Complete the reading of chapter 6 and answer the discussion questions if you did not get done in class
• Government research: Complete your community research
• Science Fair: Complete the work that was assigned to you today
• Lunch forms & payment are due Friday, Oct. 24
• Monday, Oct. 27 is Picture Day - wear full uniform
• https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Judes-Academy/392663204140440

Poll Results

In today's math we reviewed acute, right, obtuse, and straight angles. Students were introduced to reflex angles that are greater than 180⁰ but less than 360⁰. Students measured angles using a protractor. They also used a ruler and a protractor to construct reflex angles. Areas of difficulty with today's lesson were measuring and constructing reflex angles. Strategies we used were

·         first create a straight angle and then extend the straight line by the amount required

·         subtract the reflex angle amount from 360⁰ to find the smaller angle. Use the ruler and protractor to construct the smaller angle. The larger angle is the reflex angle.

In our inquiry time, we discussed students' experiences at yesterday's poll. Students shared that many parents were not familiar with Mississauga's mayoral candidates, and were uncertain on who to vote for. Despite this, Bonnie Crombie and Steve Mahoney were the clear winners. Students also heard that Bonnie Crombie has been endorsed by Mayor Hazel McCallion. We wondered if this was why she won the poll the Grade 6s conducted. Students spent time counting ballots for our poll on the top 3 mayoral candidates running in Toronto. Students worked in 3 groups to do this, and we got different counts. We did not have time for a recount, but discussed that in a real election a recount would be necessary. Despite the count discrepancy, we still had results we trusted. John Tory won, followed by Olivia Chow, and then Doug Ford. We ended the government inquiry time researching information about  our communities. Students are asked to get half way through this work over the weekend.

 

We continued working on our novel study. Students met in their discussion groups to discuss chapter 4. Class time was given for the reading of chapter 5 and the answering of discussion questions. Incomplete reading and answering of questions will need to be completed at home. In order for groups to have productive discussions, students need to bring their books and novel study notebooks to school each day.

Grade 6s attended Drama & French class today.

Homework & Reminders:

• MMS p. 84 & 85
• Number Pattern performance tasks are coming home today. Please review with your child, sign, and return on Monday
• Novel study: Complete the reading of chapter 5 and answer the discussion questions if you did not get done in class
• Government research: Get half way through your community research
• Check out St. Jude's Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Judes-Academy/392663204140440

Polls

In today's math time student's were introduced to a checklist of expectations they will be expected to meet in the geometry unit test. We spent some time reviewing geometry concepts from previous grades and explored our geometry sets. Students completed an assessment piece to show their understanding of the properties of quadrilaterals and angles.

In our inquiry time, we spent a lot of time discussing the definitions for the types of government students looked up. We discussed how important it was to not write down a definition we do not understand. We tried to define the government types in ways we found easy to understand.  We then began discussing municipal levels of government in Mississauga, Milton, and Brampton. Students have been asked to poll their families in regards to this month's municipal elections. In addition, we are polling parents coming in to the school building about the Mississauga and Toronto municipal elections. Students were very excited about doing this, and preparations for this poll hijacked a lot of class time. We did not get to meet about science fair progress today.

 

We continued working on our novel study. Students met in their discussion groups to discuss chapter 3. Class time was given for the reading of chapter 4, but there was not enough time to answer the discussion questions. Incomplete reading and answering of questions will need to be completed at home. In order for groups to have productive discussions, students need to bring their books and novel study notebooks to school each day.

Grade 6s attended French class today.

Homework & Reminders:

• Number Pattern tests are coming home today. Please review with your child, sign and send the test back tomorrow
• Novel study: Complete the reading of chapter 4 and answer the discussion questions if you did not get done in class
• Review your 12 x table
• Poll your family and the school
• Is Putin a dictator? Who rules the United Arab Emirates?
• Return your squash forms if you haven't already

The Elements of Government

In today's math time, we finished up our Number Patterns unit. Students partnered up with someone to solve a problem about a turtle's race. Students were encouraged to read the problem carefully and then use appropriate strategies to solve the problem. They also understood that it was okay to disagree with their partner. Tomorrow we begin a new unit on geometry. Each student will need a protractor for tomorrow's lesson.
In our inquiry time, students learned that there are 5 common elements found in all governments. This (especially the vocabulary) was challenging work for students. Parents, please help us out by asking your child to explain the following terms to you: rules of conduct, authority, acceptance, jurisdiction, and law enforcement. We began exploring different types of government found in the world. Students practiced using their dictionary skills to find definitions for the following types of government as well as examples of countries that practice these types of government: anarchism, totalitarianism, pluralism, democracy, communism, constitutional democracy, parliamentary government, monarchy, dictatorship. Students who did not get done in class as asked to complete this work at home.
We also used inquiry time to work on our science fair projects. Students doing the scientific method worked on constructing a hypothesis. Students doing the engineering design method worked on writing a design brief. Incomplete work needs to be completed at home.
Grade 6s did not have gym class today. We used this time to discuss chapter 2 of Shannen and the Dream for a School. Students also had time to read chapter 3 and answer questions relating to chapter 3.
Grade 6s attended French and Drama class today.

Homework & Reminders

• Be sure to have protractors/geometry sets at school tomorrow
• Complete definitions for types of government if you did not get done at school
• Scientific Method students: Complete your hypothesis construction if you did not get done in class
• Engineering Design students: Complete the write up of your design brief if you did not get done in class
• Look out for lunch forms coming home today. Lunch forms are due Friday, October 24
• Look out for Picture Day forms coming home today. Picture Day is Monday, October 27
• Bring in your squash letter if you haven't already

How We Organise Ourselves

In today's math time student's wrote the unit test for number patterns.

In our inquiry time, we began working on a new unit titled Vote. Its the right thing to do. This unit falls under the transdisciplinary theme How We  Organise Ourselves. The central idea for this unit, that will direct everything we do, is The governing system in a society is responsible for managing citizens and establishing rights. Our lines of inquiry are:

·         The structures, functions, and interactions of local government

·         The rights and responsibilities of members of society

·         The role of government in society

To begin this unit, we read about life in Troll Country, where there is little government. Ask your child to tell you about this story. As a class, listed all the problems in Troll Country and the people affected by these problems. We compared the beliefs and values of the trolls in Troll Country to those we have in Canada and the societies and organizations that help people in need. The Grade 6s prefer to live as we do in Canada.

At the end of the day, we had a little time to come back to this unit and complete a KWL chart on government. Students shared what they already know about government and the questions they have about government.

Also in inquiry time, I met with students to review their research papers and discuss next steps. Students who are doing the scientific method project are required to identify the variables for their project. They need to identify the independent, control, and dependent variable for their projects. Students doing the engineering design project are required characterise the physical and conceptual properties of their design. They worked on creating a chart showing the features and functions that their design should have. Everyone should be working on typing up the good copy of their research paper. Students had time to work on their projects in class. Any incomplete work should be completed at home.

We continued working on our novel study. Students met in their discussion groups to discuss chapter 1. Class time was given for the reading of chapter 2 and the answering of discussion questions. Incomplete reading and answering of questions will need to be completed at home. In order for groups to have productive discussions, students need to bring their books and novel study notebooks to school each day.

Grade 6s attended French and Gym class today.

 

Homework & Reminders:

• Type up the good copy of your research paper.
• Scientific Method students: Identify your variables
• Engineering Design students: Identify your design requirements in a chart.
• Novel study: Complete the reading of chapter 2 and answer the discussion questions if you did not get done in class
• All Grade 6 students looked very smart in their winter uniforms today. Well done Grade 6s!
• Be sure you have a geometry set at school this week
• Return your squash forms if you haven't already

Happy Thanksgiving

In today's math time we continued working on reviewing number patterns. Most students completed the review work, but did not correct it all. Everyone is asked to correct all questions in the package over the weekend to be well prepared for the unit test on Tuesday.

In our inquiry time, I met with each student to go over the rough draft of their research paper. Students spent the rest of inquiry time writing up their second draft. Incomplete work needs to be completed at home. Some students are working on their good copy. This one is being typed up and saved and kept for latter when we will need it for display boards.

We continued working on our novel study. Students met in their discussion groups to discuss the prologue. Class time was given for the reading of chapter 1 and the answering of discussion questions. Incomplete reading and answering of questions will need to be completed at home. In order for groups to have productive discussions, students need to bring their books and novel study notebooks to school each day.

Grade 6s attended Drama, French and Gym class today.

Homework & Reminders:

• Complete the second draft of your research paper by Tuesday if you did not get done in class
• MMS Number Pattern unit test on Tuesday, Oct. 14. Complete and correct review questions 1 - 13.
• Novel study: Complete the reading of chapter 1 and answer the discussion questions if you did not get done in class

• Tomorrow is a PD Day for teachers - there is no school for students
• Monday, Oct. 13 is Thanksgiving Day - there is no school - Happy Thanksgiving!
• Students should be in winter uniform beginning Tuesday, Oct. 14
• After Care invoices were sent home on Friday. Please send payment by cash, cheque (made payable to St. Jude's Academy), or on-line plastique website (please note additional banking fees may apply.)  Payments are due by Oct. 17th, after this date late fees will be applied. Please keep in mind after-care begins at 3:45 and ends at 6. If your child is in a program that starts at 4 they will be charged (as stated on program sign up page) for the time before their program (3:45 - 4:00pm). If you have any questions regarding your invoice  please feel free to email bsmith@stjudesacademy.com 

Novel Study

In today's math time we began review work on number patterns. Each student received a review package to work through with the goal of getting half way through  it, i.e. to complete question 6.  Students receive individual support where needed. Students are asked to complete and correct question 1 - 6 if they did not get done in class.

In our inquiry time, students used the graphic organiser they generated yesterday to begin writing the paragraphs of their research paper.  A misconception that has surfaced is that students have been starting and ending their research paper as a speech, greeting judges and thanking the audience for listening. We discussed how the research paper is only a retell the facts of what others have discovered, invented, and used regarding the science fair topic. All students were challenged to write the first draft of their paper in one sitting and to do it quickly. Students who did not complete their first draft in class are asked to do so for homework. We will begin revising the first draft in class tomorrow.

We began working on our novel study for term 1. The book we are reading is a non-fiction text called Shannen and the Dream for a School by Janet Wilson. Today we examined and located the features of a non-fiction text. Ask your child what these features are. We read the author's note and prologue. We will work on the novel study each day. Class time will be allocated for discussion of the previous chapter and the discussion questions in small groups. Students will then be assigned the next chapter and new discussion questions. Incomplete reading and answering of questions will need to be completed at home. In order for groups to have productive discussions, students need to bring their books and novel study notebooks to school each day.

Grade 6s attended French and Gym class today.

Homework & Reminders:

• Complete the first draft of your research paper by tomorrow if you did not get done in class
• MMS Number Pattern unit test on Tuesday, Oct. 14. Complete and correct review question 1 - 6. Please bring the package back to school tomorrow.
• Novel study: Complete the reading of the prologue and answer the discussion questions if you did not get done in class

• Friday, Oct. 10 is a PD Day for teachers - there is no school for students
• Monday, Oct. 13 is Thanksgiving Day - there is no school
• After Care invoices were sent home on Friday. Please send payment by cash, cheque (made payable to St. Jude's Academy), or on-line plastique website (please note additional banking fees may apply.)  Payments are due by Oct. 17th, after this date late fees will be applied. Please keep in mind after-care begins at 3:45 and ends at 6. If your child is in a program that starts at 4 they will be charged (as stated on program sign up page) for the time before their program (3:45 - 4:00pm). If you have any questions regarding your invoice  please feel free to email bsmith@stjudesacademy.com