Decimals

Grade 6s attended Art class with Ms. Kerr and Gym class with Ms. Kominek this morning.

After gym, Grade 6s began work on this term’s Ontario Writing Assessment text form – a persuasive letter. They were given a writing prompt to write about. They used the time before recess to brainstorm and plan their writing. When they got back from lunch they launched into writing the letter. Students were allocated 1 hour maximum to complete this task. Once this was done, students completed the preassessment test for our next math unit – Decimals. They also began work on their portfolios by creating a cover to reflect their Grade 6 year.

We had little time, but managed to get across the first lesson on decimals. Students learned that ½, ¼, and ¾ may be represented by decimals 0.5, 0.25, and 0.75 respectively. Using this knowledge and knowledge form our Whole Numbers unit, students converted large numbers represented in whole number and decimal or fraction form to standard form, e.g., 3.8 million = 3 800 000 or 1 ¼  billion = 1 250 000 000. The unit test for this unit will fall in the last day of school before the holidays with no time for review. We therefore began working through the review package in class today. All students were required to complete and correct (if applicable) Q. 1. For homework, students are asked to complete practice questions on p. 116 of the MMS textbook.

We ended the day with our first preparation for the Christmas Concert.

Look out for gift cards coming home today if you ordered from the parent guild fundraiser.

Picture retakes and picture orders are coming home today.

January hot lunch order forms are coming home today.

Homework & Reminders

·         MMS p. 116

·         Please return comments page from the report card. I will make a copy of the comments and return this page to you.

·         Thursday – Parent-Teacher Conferences, Hatch programing forms are due

·         Friday – Last day to return electric car parts

·         Wednesday, December 16 – Bake Sale, Christmas Concert, 6:30 – 8:30 pm

·         Thursday, November 17 – Spirit Day (wear red, green, and white), last day of school

Enjoy some pictures from last week's St. Jude's Museum of Ancient Civilizations:

 

 

 

 

Grand Prix

Grade 6s attended French class with Mme. Villeneuve and Gym class with Ms. Lovan this morning.

Yesterday's math test was interrupted by the science fair judging. Students received time to finish up the test today.


We had our final literature circle discussion of The Lightning Thief. The class has thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Some class members have already started reading the next book in the series. To celebrate the end of term and hard work, we watched about half of the movie.


We took time to reflect on the design engineering process where students built cars and on the ancient civilizations unit. Students will add these reflections to their portfolios next week.


Finally it was time for our Grand Prix. We all had immense fun putting the cars to the ultimate tests of good looks, speed, and linear motion. Congratulations to the following winners:
Best looking car: Adam
Fastest car: Justin
Car that traveled furthest: Audrey


Students are bringing their cars home today. Please return the motor, battery holder, wires, and pulley by the end of next week.


Look out for report cards coming home today. Please complete the comments page and return the report card. I will copy the comments page and return the report card to you.

Homework & Reminders

Report cards are coming home today
Please return the completed comments page of the report card
Thursday, December 3: Parent-Teacher Conferences
Friday, December 4: due date to return electric car components
Wednesday, December 16: Casual Day, Christmas concert 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Thursday, December 17: Spirit Day, Last Day of School

Science Fair

Grade 6s attended French class with Mme. Villeneuve and Gym class with Ms. Lovan this morning.

After gym, Grade 6s reflected on term 1 and wrote their report card comments.

After first recess and lunch, it was time to write the unit test on Data Management.

Right after the test, we headed to the auditorium for the judging of our electric cars.

We just had time to pack up before parents arrived to view this year’s science fair projects.

Homework & Reminders

·         Science Fair: Bring your cars. We will have our Grand Prix tomorrow

·         We will discuss chapter 22 tomorrow – we did not have time to do this today

·         Report cards are coming home tomorrow

Getting Ready for Science Fair

Grade 6s attended Art class with Ms. Kerr and Gym class with Ms. Lovan this morning.

The last group got to present their project on ancient Aztecs. I am very happy with the work that was done for these projects by the Grade 6s. Students received feedback on improvements that have been made since their power sources projects during our first inquiry unit on electricity. We discussed aspects the whole class needs to work on and additional components that will be required in the exhibition project.

In today’s math time students completed all review questions. As a class we took up all review work. Students are bringing this work home with them today in order to prepare for tomorrow’s test.

Students were handed the rubric that the judges will use to grade their science fair projects tomorrow. We discussed what students need to say to the judges and how they should show how their car works. Students paired up and practiced their science fair presentations. I have asked students to keep their speaking part to 2 minutes. They used timers to ensure they could do this. Everyone should be in full uniform tomorrow for science fair – no hoodies. Judging will take place during the day. At the end of the day, families are invited to come and view the projects, from 2:30 – 3:15.

 

We had literature circle time where students discussed chapter 21 of The Lightning Thief using their roles. Some students had time to read chapter 22 in class.

At the end of the day, we got to visit Ms. Kominek’s Grade 5 class, where they had their own museum exhibits on display. The Grade 6s got to enjoy being the audience.

The bake sale has been extended another day. Bring $2 for the bake sale that takes place tomorrow

Homework & Reminders

·         MMS review Unit test tomorrow

·         Science Fair: Bring your cars in. Wear full uniform – no hoodies

·         Read and respond to chapter 22 of The Lightning Thief

·         Tomorrow: Day & Bake Sale

·         November 26 - Science Fair, 2:30 – 3:15 pm

St. Jude's Museum of Ancient Civilizations

Grade 6s attended French class with Mme. Villeneuve and Gym class with Ms. Lovan this morning.

We had literature circle time where students discussed chapter 20 of The Lightning Thief using their roles. Some students had time to read chapter 21 in class.

We then had inquiry time, and groups presented their projects on ancient China, the ancient Vikings, and ancient Rome.

We then had math time. We used today’s math time to continue working on review. Students were challenged to complete and correct questions 6 – 7. I met with some students to discuss their progress on the review work. Students who did not get done in class are asked to complete these questions at home.

We then prepared our classroom for the St. Jude’s Museum of Ancient Civilizations. The room became filled with visitors quickly, and students had the opportunity to share their learning. Thank you to all you visited today. We appreciate you taking time to see what we are doing in the classroom.

Bring $2 for the bake sale that takes place tomorrow

Homework & Reminders

·         MMS review questions 6 - 7, Unit test on Thursday, November 26

·         Science Fair: Bring your cars in

·         Read and respond to chapter 21 of The Lightning Thief

·         Tomorrow: Day & Bake Sale

·         November 26 - Science Fair, 2:30 – 3:15 pm

Presentations

Grade 6s attended Art class with Ms. Kerr and Gym class with Ms. Lovan this morning.

During math time, we took up Friday’s homework on surveys. We used today’s math time to work on review. Students were challenged to complete and correct questions 1 to 5. I met with students to discuss their progress on the review work. Students who did not get done in class are asked to complete these questions at home.

We had literature circle time where students discussed chapter 19 of The Lightning Thief using their roles. Some students had time to read chapter 20 in class.

Before inquiry time began, we took time to set up our classroom to look like a museum. Three groups got to present their ancient civilization project to the class during today’s inquiry time. We will continue presentations tomorrow.  St. Jude’s Museum of Ancient Civilizations will be open to the public tomorrow, from 2:30 – 3:15. All are welcome!

Look out for parent-teacher conference letters coming home today.

Bring $2 for the bake sale that takes place tomorrow and Wednesday

Homework & Reminders

·         MMS review questions 1 - 5, Unit test on Thursday, November 26

·         Science Fair: Bring your cars in

·         Read and respond to chapter 20 of The Lightning Thief

·         Be sure you device is at school for your ancient civilization project tomorrow

·         Tomorrow: SJA Museum of Ancient Civilizations, 2:30 – 3:15 pm, All welcome. Bake sale

·         Wednesday, November 25 – Casual Day & Bake Sale

·         November 26 - Science Fair, 2:30 – 3:15 pm. All welcome, Cookie dough and gift card sales are due

Survey

Grade 6s attended Art class with Ms. Kerr and Gym class with Ms. Lovan this morning.

We used our writing time to work on our design reflection # 5 where students described what they would do differently if they did this project again. I am happy to report that everyone has completed all reflections. Some students did stay in first recess to accomplish this.

During math time, we took up yesterday’s homework on scatter plots. Today’s lesson was about surveys. We spent time discussing the steps in a survey, particularly asking acceptable, neutral questions and how to collect data that is not biased. Ask your child to explain what bias is to you. Students ended the lesson by constructing a survey question and tally chart. They then conducted the survey on their classmates. Students are asked to complete practice questions on p. 199 of the MMS textbook.

We had literature circle time where students discussed chapter 18 of The Lightning Thief using their roles. Some students had time to read chapter 19 in class.

Today was the last day that students had class time to work on their ancient civilization project. Groups will be presenting on Monday. St. Jude’s Museum of Ancient Civilizations will be open to the public on Tuesday, from 2:30 – 3:15.

Thank you to all Grade 6 parents for supporting the Parent Guild fundraiser.

Homework & Reminders

·         MMS p. 199, Unit test on Thursday, November 26

·         Science Fair: Bring your cars in

·         Read and respond to chapter 19 of The Lightning Thief

·         Be sure you device is at school for your ancient civilization project on Monday

·         Tuesday, November 24: SJA Museum of Ancient Civilizations, 2:30 – 3:15 pm, All welcome

·         Wednesday, November 25 – Casual Day

·         November 26 - Science Fair, 2:30 – 3:15 pm. All welcome, Cookie dough and gift card sales are due

Scatter Plots

Grade 6s attended French class with Mme. Viileneuve and Gym class with Ms. Lovan this morning.

We used our writing time to work on our design reflection # 4 where students described challenges with building a full-sized car. Some students are right on track, but some are behind with their design reflections # 2, 3, and 4. Students who are behind remained in class during first recess to get caught up. Those who are still not caught up are asked to catch up this work as homework. In preparation for tomorrow’s reflection, students are asked to think what they would do differently if they did this project again. Saying, “Nothing” will not be accepted. Students are asked what they could do to make to the car go faster, further, straighter, or about improvements that could be made to the structure, stability, wiring, or switch.

During math time, we discussed and practiced constructing scatter plots as well as interpreting the data in scatter plots. Students described the relationship, if there was one, as an upward or downward trend. Students who did not complete the practice work in class, are asked to complete practice questions on p. 192 & 193 of the MMS textbook.

We had literature circle time where students discussed chapter 17 of The Lightning Thief using their roles. Some students had time to read chapter 18 in class.

We ended the day with students breaking into their UOI groups to research their ancient civilization. I visited with each group to check on their progress. Students were challenged to complete their artefact poster board before the end of the day. I am very proud of the commitment of the many students who chose to stay in during recess and work on their projects.

Please support the efforts of the SJA Parent Guild through gift card and cookie dough sales – these are due tomorrow.

Homework & Reminders

·         MMS p. 192 – 193, Unit test on Thursday, November 26

·         Science Fair: Design reflection # 2, 3, and 4 are past due. For tomorrow, think about what yu would do differently

·         Read and respond to chapter 18 of The Lightning Thief

·         Bring a device from now on to work on your ancient civilization project

·         Bring in supplies to make your artefact

·         Tomorrow –  Dec. hot lunch orders due, Scholastic orders due, cookie dough & gift card orders due

·         Tuesday, November 24: SJA Museum of Ancient Civilizations, 2:30 – 3:15 pm, All welcome

·         Wednesday, November 25 – Casual Day

November

Design Reflections

Grade 6s attended Art class with Ms. Kerr and Gym class with Ms. Lovan this morning.

We used our writing time to work on our design reflection # 3 where students described the advantages and disadvantages of battery-operated vehicles. Some students are right on track, but some are behind with their design reflections #1, 2 and 3. Students who are behind remained in class during first recess to get caught up. Those who are still not caught up are asked to catch up this work as homework. In preparation for tomorrow’s reflection, students are asked to think about challenges with building a full-sized car.

Grade 6s then had fun skating with Ms. Lovan and the Grade 5 class. Students who remained behind worked on their UOI projects.

We had literature circle time where students discussed chapter 16 of The Lightning Thief using their roles. Some students had time to read chapter 17 in class.

We ended the day with students breaking into their UOI groups to research their ancient civilization. I visited with each group to check on their progress.

Please support the efforts of the SJA Parent Guild through gift card and cookie dough sales – these are due Friday

Remember that tomorrow is picture retake day. Wear full uniform if you have not had your picture taken yet.

Look out for letters coming home today about computer coding classes.

Homework & Reminders

·         Please return parent-teacher conference forms ASAP

·         Science Fair: Design reflection # 1, 2 and 3 are past due. For tomorrow, think about challenges with building a full-sized car.

·         Read and respond to chapter 17 of The Lightning Thief

·         Math: Unit test on Thursday, November 26

·         Bring a device from now on to work on your ancient civilization project

·         Bring in supplies to make your artefact

·         Tomorrow – Picture retakes. Wear full school uniform

·         Friday - Dec. hot lunch orders due, Scholastic orders due

·         Tuesday, November 24: SJA Museum of Ancient Civilizations, 2:30 – 3:15 pm, All welcome

·         November 26 - Science Fair, 2:30 – 3:15 pm. All welcome, Cookie dough and gift card sales are due

Scatterplots

Grade 6s attended French class with Mme. Villeneuve and Gym class with Ms. Lovan this morning.

We used our writing time to work on our design reflection # 2 where students explained how vehicles can be changed to make them environmentally friendly. Some students are right on track, but some are behind with their procedure writing, post-construction sketches, and design reflection #1. Students who are behind remained in class during first recess to get caught up. Those who are still not caught up are asked to catch up this work as homework. In preparation for tomorrow’s reflection, students are asked to research the advantages and disadvantages of battery-operated vehicles.

In math, we spent more time discussing Friday’s graphing homework and yesterday’s coordinate work. We then began a new lesson on scatter plots. Students had difficulty understanding this work and we did not have much class time to address student concerns. As a result, we will continue this lesson on Thursday after tomorrow’s skating trip. If all goes according to plan, we should be ready to write the unit test next Thursday, November 26.

We did not have literature circle time today, as students were in an assembly at this time.

We ended the day with students breaking into their UOI groups to research their ancient civilization. I visited with each group to check on their progress.

Please support the efforts of the SJA Parent Guild through gift card and cookie dough sales.

Homework & Reminders

·         Please return parent-teacher conference forms ASAP

·         Science Fair: Good copy of your procedure, post-construction sketches, design reflection # 1, and design reflection # 2are past due. For tomorrow, please research ideas on the advantages and disadvantages of battery-operated vehicles

·         Math: Unit test on Thursday, November 26

·         If you are able to, pick up some library books about your ancient civilization

·         Bring a device from now on to work on your ancient civilization project

·         Bring in supplies to make your artefact

·         Tonight- Parent Guild Forum, 5:30 – 6:30 pm

·         Tomorrow: Skating trip with Ms. Lovan. Remember to bring your skates, helmet and gloves. Students who are not attending the trip will be working on their projects during this time

·         Thursday, November 19 – Picture retakes. Wear full school uniform

·         Friday - Dec. hot lunch orders due, Scholastic orders due

·         Tuesday, November 24: SJA Museum of Ancient Civilizations, 2:30 – 3:15 pm, All welcome

·         November 26 - Science Fair, 2:30 – 3:15 pm. All welcome

Coordinates

We used our writing time to work on our design reflection # 1 where students explained how energy is transformed in their car to produce linear motion. Some students are right on track, but some are behind with their procedure writing and post-construction sketches. Students who are behind remained in class to get caught up. Those who are still not caught are asked to catch up this work as homework,

In math, we took up Friday’s graphing homework. We then began a new lesson on coordinates. Most students found this work easy and some finished all practice questions in class. Students received grid paper to complete practice questions. For homework, complete practice questions on p. 188 & 189 of the MMS textbook.

We had literature circle time where students discussed chapter 15 of The Lightning Thief using their roles. Some students had time to read chapter 16 in class.

We ended the day with students breaking into their UOI groups to research their ancient civilization. I visited with each group to check on their progress.

Please look out for parent-teacher conference letters coming home today. My apologies that these are coming home so late. Please return them ASAP.

Look out for letters coming home about the Parent-Guild Fundraiser. Please support the efforts of the SJA Parent Guild through gift card and cookie dough sales.

Homework & Reminders

·         Please return parent-teacher conference forms ASAP

·         Science Fair: Good copy of your procedure, post-construction sketches, and design reflection # 1 are past due. For tomorrow, please research ideas on how cars can be made to be more environmentally friendly

·         Math: complete practice questions on p. 188 & 189

·         Read and respond to chapter 16 of The Lightning Thief

·         If you are able to, pick up some library books about your ancient civilization

·         Bring a device from now on to work on your ancient civilization project

·         Bring in supplies to make your artefact

·         Tomorrow - Parent Guild Forum, 5:30 – 6:30 pm

·         Wednesday, November 18 – Skating trip with Ms. Lovan. Remember to bring your skates, helmet and gloves. Students who are not attending the trip will be working on their projects during this time

·         Thursday, November 19 – Picture retakes

·         Dec. hot lunch orders due, Scholastic orders due

·         Tuesday, November 24: SJA Museum of Ancient Civilizations, 2:30 – 3:15 pm, All welcome

·         November 26 - Science Fair, 2:30 – 3:15 pm. All welcome

Constructing Graphs

Grade 6s attended French class with Mme. Villeneuve and Gym class with Ms. Lovan this morning.

Once in class students were challenged to complete the good copy of their electric car building procedure. Students who did not get done used first recess time to complete this work. Students who had their good copy done worked on their post-construction sketch. Any incomplete work needs to be completed for homework.

In math, we took up Monday’s strategy homework. We then began a new lesson on constructing and interpreting graphs. We compared data displayed in different types of graphs and with different scales. We discussed how the same data may be manipulated to give the audience a different impression depending on the scale used. Students had time in class to begin the practice work. Students also received grid paper to complete practice questions. For homework, complete practice questions on p. 180 & 181 of the MMS textbook.

We had literature circle time where students discussed chapter 14 of The Lightning Thief using their roles. Some students had time to read chapter 15 in class.

We ended the day with students breaking into their UOI groups to research their ancient civilization. I visited with each group to check on their progress.

Homework & Reminders

·         Science Fair: First Draft or Good copy of your procedure are past due. Post-Construction sketches are due Monday. Students who did not complete their sketches in class are bringing their cars home today.

·         Math: complete practice questions on p. 180 & 181.

·         Read and respond to chapter 15 of The Lightning Thief

·         If you are able to, pick up some library books about your ancient civilization

·         Bring a device from now on to work on your ancient civilization project

·         Bring in supplies to make your artefact

·         Tuesday, November 17 - Parent Guild Forum, 5:30 – 6:30 pm

·         Wednesday, November 18 – Skating trip with Ms. Lovan. Remember to bring your skates, helmet and gloves. Students who are not attending the trip will be working on their projects during this time

·         Thursday, November 19 – Picture retakes

·         Tuesday, November 24: SJA Museum of Ancient Civilizations, 2:30 – 3:15 pm, All welcome

·         November 26 - Science Fair, 2:30 – 3:15 pm. All welcome

Skating

Grade 6s attended French class with Mme. Villeneuve and Gym class with Ms. Lovan this morning.

Once in class students were challenged to complete the draft of their electric car building procedure. Students who did not complete the first draft are asked to complete this for homework. Students who did complete the first draft and have had their work edited, are asked to complete the good copy in their design portfolios by tomorrow.

Many Grade 6s were away skating today. Students that remained at school used this extra time to work on their inquiry project. Once students returned from skating, groups reformed and continued working on their research.

Look out for math tests coming home today. Please take time to review these with your child, then sign and return the tests.

Homework & Reminders

·         Science Fair: First Draft or Good copy (depending on how far you got in class) your procedure due tomorrow

·         Math: review, sign, and return tests

·         If you are able to, pick up some library books about your ancient civilization

·         Bring a device from now on to work on your ancient civilization project

·         Photos payments are due Nov. 16

·         Child-Care payments are due November 16

·         Tuesday, November 17 - Parent Guild Forum, 5:30 – 6:30 pm

·         Wednesday, November 18 – Skating trip with Ms. Lovan. Remember to bring your skates, helmet and gloves. Students who are not attending the trip will be working on their projects during this time

·         Thursday, November 19 – Picture retakes

·         Tuesday, November 24: SJA Museum of Ancient Civilizations, 2:30 – 3:15 pm, All welcome

·         November 26 - Science Fair, 2:30 – 3:15 pm. All welcome