Well, it's a busy time, isn't it? Tomorrow, students will be performing their versions of fables read in class, and I'm very excited to see them meet and exceed the criteria we set in class a couple of weeks ago, including having their lines all memorized, speaking with animation and confidence, and of course, using props/costumes in the telling of their story. Should be fun! Also tomorrow, the Vic High R&B band will be performing for our school - always a fantastic show. Friday, we'll be heading to Crystal Pool to swim in the afternoon.
Our goal for the next couple of weeks is to wrap up our studies on prehistoric humans, as well as our study of rocks and minerals. At my Action Research meeting this morning, I planned some fun activities to meet this goal, and it looks like Mme Balabuch might even get to co-teach with me for one of our mini-projects! It will require focus and hard work in class to get us to the point of being able to do the project, so please take the time to do active and energetic activities in your free time and in gym so that you can concentrate in class!
Parents - please note that Term 1 self reflections will be completed in class before winter break. These reflections will include student-driven goal setting based on how they felt first term went, as well as an in-progress grade from me, communicated via an in-class discussion with each student. This is not a report card, but merely a check-in, so students know where they stand, and can focus on areas for improvement, and continued success for term 2.
After my meeting this morning, I watched a very cool "Ted Talk" about science and dance, and I think I've come across an awesome science project idea for the second term. Below is the winning entry for the 2011 "Dance your PhD" contest, where contestants had to explain the scientific concept they're studying for their PhD in dance, with minimal text. Hilarious - and very clearly stated!
Microstructure-Property relationships in Ti2448 components produced by Selective Laser Melting: A Love Story from Joel Miller on Vimeo.
On a completely different note, I've had a couple of kids and parents ask about my upcoming concerts, so FYI: I have 2 choral concerts this weekend on Friday and Saturday nights, 2 concerts with the Victoria Symphony singing the Messiah in mid-December, and a lovely family show of "A Child's Christmas in Wales" on December 24th. If you're interested, please check out www.voxhumanachoir.ca.
Have a lovely evening,
Mme O
mercredi 30 novembre 2011
vendredi 18 novembre 2011
School trustee elections
Hi parents,
Today in class, students independently read descriptions for each of the school trustee candidates (as listed in today's Times Colonist), and determined their own criteria for who they would vote for, given the opportunity. They then engaged in a lively debate amongst themselves as to which issues they see to be most urgent, and who they believed would best represent their interest in those issues.
Municipal and school trustee elections are tomorrow, and I urge you to discuss these issues with your children, and to get out and vote.
All the best,
Mme O
If you would like information on teachers' job action, please visit http://gvta.net/.
Today in class, students independently read descriptions for each of the school trustee candidates (as listed in today's Times Colonist), and determined their own criteria for who they would vote for, given the opportunity. They then engaged in a lively debate amongst themselves as to which issues they see to be most urgent, and who they believed would best represent their interest in those issues.
Municipal and school trustee elections are tomorrow, and I urge you to discuss these issues with your children, and to get out and vote.
All the best,
Mme O
If you would like information on teachers' job action, please visit http://gvta.net/.
dimanche 6 novembre 2011
Cool upcoming projects
Hi folks,
As many of you know, we have been studying prehistoric (hu)man in class. We've talked a lot about Australopithecus and Homo Habilis, and will be moving on to Homo Erectus next week. The videos we've watched on the topic are embedded on the "Homme préhistorique" page.
Next week, we'll also be starting a really neat, hands on project. We'll have 4 double blocks in the tech ed room to try to create our own replica prehistoric tools. We spent a block in the computer lab on Friday looking at pictures and info about prehistoric tools (again, links are on the "Homme préhistorique" page), and I've asked the kids to make a plan, outlining what materials they might need to complete their project.
One unfortunate thing about this project based learning opportunity is that there is no funding for materials, so I've asked the kids to see if they can find materials they might need at the beach, or in parks. For example, if they want to make a chopper, they'll need to find a hand-sized rock to shape. If they want to make something with a handle, they'll need to find a branch to use and adapt. Twine will be available, and the kids will be learning some lashing techniques to connect different elements of their replica tool. Please remind kids that any replica weapons, such as arrows, must be miniature!
Thanks for your support! If any parents are interested in helping out in the classroom, this would be a great time. Send me an email if you're interested!
On a completely different note, we will be having a very cool French presentation this Wednesday afternoon, when the Quebecois hip hop band Radio Radio comes to perform for our students! This was originally planned to be a field trip, but due to budget and "wish list" issues, the original venue pulled out. We've managed to arrange to have our gym turned into a sound stage, and will be inviting hundreds of French Immersion students from around the district to come to the show. We've also been studying some of their music in class so that it is familiar to students - just to give them an edge. It's always more fun to watch rock/hip hop concerts where you can sing along!
Now, for all of those socially responsible go-getters in the class, I just heard about this terrific opportunity to be recognized for your efforts through Free the Children:
That's all for this Sunday night! Take care, folks, and thanks very much for all of the great communication.
Mme O
If you would like information on teachers' job action, please visit http://gvta.net/.
As many of you know, we have been studying prehistoric (hu)man in class. We've talked a lot about Australopithecus and Homo Habilis, and will be moving on to Homo Erectus next week. The videos we've watched on the topic are embedded on the "Homme préhistorique" page.
Next week, we'll also be starting a really neat, hands on project. We'll have 4 double blocks in the tech ed room to try to create our own replica prehistoric tools. We spent a block in the computer lab on Friday looking at pictures and info about prehistoric tools (again, links are on the "Homme préhistorique" page), and I've asked the kids to make a plan, outlining what materials they might need to complete their project.
One unfortunate thing about this project based learning opportunity is that there is no funding for materials, so I've asked the kids to see if they can find materials they might need at the beach, or in parks. For example, if they want to make a chopper, they'll need to find a hand-sized rock to shape. If they want to make something with a handle, they'll need to find a branch to use and adapt. Twine will be available, and the kids will be learning some lashing techniques to connect different elements of their replica tool. Please remind kids that any replica weapons, such as arrows, must be miniature!
Thanks for your support! If any parents are interested in helping out in the classroom, this would be a great time. Send me an email if you're interested!
On a completely different note, we will be having a very cool French presentation this Wednesday afternoon, when the Quebecois hip hop band Radio Radio comes to perform for our students! This was originally planned to be a field trip, but due to budget and "wish list" issues, the original venue pulled out. We've managed to arrange to have our gym turned into a sound stage, and will be inviting hundreds of French Immersion students from around the district to come to the show. We've also been studying some of their music in class so that it is familiar to students - just to give them an edge. It's always more fun to watch rock/hip hop concerts where you can sing along!
Now, for all of those socially responsible go-getters in the class, I just heard about this terrific opportunity to be recognized for your efforts through Free the Children:
Finally, parents, please remember to vote in the upcoming Trustee elections. These are the folks who have all the power over our district's education system, so it's important to have your voice heard.
That's all for this Sunday night! Take care, folks, and thanks very much for all of the great communication.
Mme O
If you would like information on teachers' job action, please visit http://gvta.net/.
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