June 19-26

As I sit down to write this, it's hard to believe that this is the last week of the school year! It has flown by and it's truly been a pleasure. 

This week students have worked on culminating activities. In math students have been working on designing board games that involve probability. They've come up with some very creative ideas for board games. In language students we discussed the fact that music, including hip hop and rap are forms of poetry. Students are working on a final poem of their choice to perform at our upcoming poetry cafe on Tuesday.

In social studies students presented their projects on a First Nations group, European explorer or Canadian immigrant group. Students taught each other about their topic and answered questions from the class. These projects will be on display at our poetry cafe. 

In science grade 5s learned about the states of matter. We performed a couple of fun experiments involving freezies and popcorn to illustrate the "big ideas" in this strand of science. 

Finally, our grade 6s graduated today. I confess to having shed a tear more than once. Congratulations, Domenic, Ellie, Ben, Fiona, Isabella, Kalsia, Devin and Taylor. :-)

Important upcoming dates:

Tuesday, June 23rd: poetry cafe and celebration of learning (Parents are invited to attend.) 8:35- 11:25; Conquer Cancer with a Kick 3:45-4:30

Thursday, June 25th: last day of school- a bittersweet day :-)

Friday, June 26th: PA day

Homework for this week:

There is no homework for the rest of the year; however,  I spoke with the class this week about the importance of continuing to practise their skills over the summer. Simple workbooks used for even 10 minutes a day can help students retain their skills, particularly in math. These skills can be forgotten if they're not practised. I picked up a couple of Canadian Curriculum workbooks from Costco for my own children to use during the summer, and will ensure that they continue to read. The textbook Jump at Home, by John Mighton is also a good math text to use for extra practice. I don't suggest using these kinds of books for hours on end daily, as we want to develop our children into life-long, enthusiastic learners, but merely as a means to keep up the skills that the students have acquired. 

Best,

Bronwyn Davidson