We survived our first week back!

Chers élèves,
Didn't that feel like a long first week back - despite only being 4 days? Next week is bound to be easier. :)

I went into school for a few hours today to do some marking, and had hoped to update the blog then; however, my classroom computer wouldn't turn on, so hopefully - if you need the following reminder - you check your email before tomorrow.
**Please remember to bring in your permission forms for our social justice film study!**
We will be starting to watch our first movie tomorrow.

Parents - because I'm still missing so many permission forms, I have a back-up G rated film that I can substitute in for the first film, if necessary. It is called "Spirit," and it's an animated film about a horse seeking freedom. I would prefer to show and discuss the films outlined on the permission form, and so I would very much appreciate you reminding your kids to bring those in, so we can have more sophisticated content to discuss.

One parent asked for some clarification of what will happen during this unit of study, and just in case you are also curious, I've copied and pasted my description here:
"In the past, I've found that this unit reaches children in a different way to traditional literature, starting with a media that they are familiar and comfortable with, but encouraging reflection and critical thinking about what is put before them.

... I will be screening the kids from some of the scenes. I'm lucky enough to have an excellent scene by scene guide for each of the movies we'll be seeing, with thought-provoking discussion questions geared towards this age group and the grade 8 curriculum. We'll be pausing the movies every 3-4 scenes for discussions that require students to reflect on what they are seeing, and break down the social justice issues presented in the scenes we just watched. At the end of each film, there will be further activities about character development and other literary terms, as well as the social justice issues that come up in our discussions."

Thanks again for your support, and all of your thoughtful comments on this next English endeavor.

In science, we have just started studying optics, and the students will be/have been introduced to the joint socials/science project we will be undertaking this month and next. Students will have the choice to complete the project as an in-class requirement, take it further and use it as the basis for a science fair project, or complete the in-class project, and do an additional science fair project. Whatever their choice, they will have class time in both science (1 class per week) and socials to work on the project. The remaining science blocks will be used to continue the science curriculum. The project focuses on socials content, but uses the scientific process - a required learning outcome for science. FYI - the Central Science Fair has been scheduled for February 23/24.

One final update: Reece in Div 15 has successfully completed the 2010 Optimist Worlds competition in Malaysia with excellent results: he finished 114th out of 231! This is higher than any Canadian has ever placed in a world competition in Opti sailing, and is an incredible result in his first international event. Congratulations, Reece!

Have a wonderful Sunday night,
Mme O