Term 2 Begins

The start of the second term today was accompanied by a lot of work. We began a new inquiry unit. We discussed the following:

Transdisciplinary Theme: Where we are in place and time

An inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; the discoveries, explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationships between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.

Title: To Bravely Go Where No One Has Gone Before

Central Idea: Exploration has changed and will continue to change people’s lives.

Concepts: Causation, Change

Lines of Inquiry:

·         First Peoples and their interaction with the environment

·         Early explorers

·         The various groups and communities that make up Canada’s identity

Students have been made aware of the formative and summative tasks for this unit. They will produce a PowToon next week. They will need devices and a PowToon account for this project. Students should NOT use their real names for their PowToon account as these accounts are public. They should try a few PowToon tutorials to prepare them for the work next week.

Students have been told that they will be developing an understanding of “Canadian Identity” throughout this unit. They have been asked to discuss what is meant by “Canadian Identity” with their families and where they fit in this identity. Students will be sharing their ideas in class tomorrow.

Finally, students were asked “Who was the first person/people that discovered the Americas? How did they get here?” Students have recorded their ideas on a chart. We will be revisiting this question throughout this unit. Students will have the opportunity to change or keep or modify their answer. They then completed a diagnostic quiz to determine what they already know about Canada’s First Peoples.

We began work on our novel study for this term. Students will be reading Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt. Our goal is to complete this novel study before the holidays. Students have received a copy of the book, a reading schedule, and a study guide. They have been assigned the following reading: Prologue and Chapters 1 & 2. They need to complete discussion pages 1 – 12 in the study guide. This work is due tomorrow. Any incomplete novel study work needs to be completed as homework.

Students then worked on the comprehension portions of the 2^nd term DRA. A number of students have completed this work. Remaining students will continue to work on it tomorrow.

We spent a little bit of time on our Christmas concert performance. The North Pole team needs to come up with improved 2^nd and 3^rd moves. The South Pole needs better moves for all 3 sections. Please come to class prepared to share moves with your team.

Grade 6s attended math and French class today. In math students practiced questions on building objects from nets. For homework they should complete Page 92 Questions 5-7 of the MMS 7 textbook and complete the worksheet.

Remember to use the Pick-A-Time information to book student-led conference times. Conferences take place on Thursday, December 6^th. Grade 6 students are required to attend.

We are curling tomorrow. Students should come to school in their gym uniform, jacket, hat, and gloves. They should bring their gym shoes along in a bag.

Forms and payment for the SJA Parent Guild Fun Skate event are due this Friday.

 

Homework & Reminders

·         UOI: Discuss with your family the following questions

o   What is a “Canadian Identity”?

o   Where do you fit in a Canadian Identity?

Set up a PowToon account for yourself. Try some of the PowToon tutorials to prepare yourself for next week’s project.

·         Math: Complete the worksheet and Q. 5 – 7 on p. 92 of the MMS 7 textbook.

·         Tuesday, December 4^th -  Curling from 12 noon – 3 pm (Come in gym uniform, jacket, hat, gloves, bring gym shoes in a bag)

·         Thursday, December 6^th  - PYP Student-Led Conferences

·         Friday, December 7^th – Parent Guild Fun Skate form and payment due

·         Monday, December 10^th – Primary (JK – Grade 2) Christmas Concert Rehearsal

·         Tuesday, December 11^th - Primary (JK – Grade 2) Christmas Concert Rehearsal

·         Thursday, December 13^th – Oakwood Christmas Concert

·         Monday, December 17^th – Grade 3 - 8 Christmas Concert Rehearsal

·         Tuesday, December 18^th – Grade 3 - 8 Christmas Concert Rehearsal and performance

·         Wednesday, December 19^th

o   Casual Day,

o   Bake Sale

·         Thursday, December 20^th

o   Spirit Day – wear green, red, and white,

o   Bake Sale

·         Friday, December 21^st – Christmas holidays begin – no school

·         Wednesday, January 9^th - Back-to-School