Wednesday 27 March 2013

What We Learned Today...March 27th

Our Seder Meal today.

Battle of the Classes update: I'm very pleased to say our class is now up to 13.3 AR Points Per Student.  The students have really kicked it into high gear this past week and have really been piling on the AR points which is awesome!  With one more day and two classes right behind us, only time will tell who the ultimate winner will be of the Battle of the Classes.  However, I would like to say that regardless of the outcome I am very proud of our class in this competition. Everyone did their part this month and we managed to beat our goal initial goal of 10 AR Points which is outstanding!

This morning we started out our day with our usual AR period from 9:00 - 9:30 before we headed to the Library for a very special class.  Today the students were treated to a  Seder Meal prepared by Mr. Meyers.  We were very fortunate to have him come visit today as he taught the students all about the Jewish Passover and how it connects to our faith as Catholics through the sharing of this meal.  The Seder meal consisted of numerous parts: Grape Juice (Symbolize Wine), Parsley, Apple Chunks, Horseradish and Unleavened bread.  If you would like to read more about a Seder Meal please click on the hyper-link above.

During Grade 8 Math we finished up our Mission Possible activity with all "Mission Teams" discovering all 6 Mystery Locations as well as the final Extremely Mysterious Location.  After we finished up with Mission Possible the students continued to work on Handout 6.5.  *Note: We will have our Unit test on Friday, April 12th. 

After Lunch the students had Arts. Ed and the students created various tableau's on different Fairy Tales that were read to them last class. At 1:15 we switched French for Social and started Stage Three of our Colinization Unit, which was WAR!  This was by far the biggest scale event so far in this unit as the French and the Algonquian waged war against the British and the Plains.  While the British and the Plains came out victorious, there were many casualties on both sides that will have a large impact on the rest of the unit. 

During the last hour of the day the students had Phys. Ed and played a couple rounds of trash can basketball before heading back to the class.  To end their day the students spent the last part of Phys. Ed working through some handouts dealing with the skeletal system. 

Here are some more pictures from our Seder Meal today:




Due Dates & Homework:
Math:
Handout 6.4 is due on tomorrow, March 27th

Pg. 227-228 (Due tomorrow)

a)5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12
b)5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 18, 19
c)5, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23

Overdue Assignments:
1) Lenten Booklet Plan & Service
2) Cinquain Poems
3) Science Cell Drawings (The first one)
Reminders:

- We have no school this Friday because it is Good Friday.
- Grade 8 Unit 6 Test on Friday, April 12th

Tuesday 26 March 2013

What We Learned Today...March 26th


The scene today during our AR hour.


With both Mr. Csada's and Mr. McCulloch's classes hot on our heels in our Battle of the Classes competition, the students in our class asked for some extra time to read this week and their wish was granted.  After announcements the students moved their desks and we brought in gym mats as well as bean bag chairs and had our own little AR reading party for the first part of the morning.  The students really impressed me during this hour with how dedicated their were to reading and testing and in the end it really payed off as our class is now at 11.7 AR Points Per Student. 
At 10:45 the students had Phys. Ed with Ms. Norris and they continued to work on thier Stuntnastics routines in the gym. 

After lunch we had Religion and to keep in theme with Holy Week, students were split up into teams and played a game of Easter Trivia to help review some of the key components of Holy Week and Easter.  We will continue to look at Easter tomorrow when Mr. Meyers visits in the morning. 
At 1:15 the students had Career Guidance with Mr. McCulloch and

During the last hour of the day we had an extra hour of Religion.  We quickly discussed some of the key terms that were reviewed during our earlier Religion class and then watched episode 8 of The Bible T.V. series.  (This is a brand new T.V. series airing on the History Network) Episode 8, entitled "Betrayal", depicted the biblical accounts of Jesus from Palm Sunday up until the Last Supper. 

I would also like to make a shout out to our Battle of the Books teams who participated in the City Meet today! Our school team managed to place 4th out of the 43 teams competing today.  Congratulations to all the students on the Battle of the Book Team!  We are very proud of you!

Here are a few more pictures from our AR period today:




Due Dates & Homework:
Math:
Handout 6.4 is due on tomorrow, March 27th

Pg. 227-228 (Due on Thursday)
a)5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12
b)5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 18, 19
c)5, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23
 

Overdue Assignments:
1) Lenten Booklet Plan & Service
2) Cinquain Poems
3) Science Cell Drawings (The first one)

Reminders:
- We have no school this Friday because it is Good Friday.

Monday 25 March 2013

What We Learned Today...March 25th


We started off our week with a wonderful Lenten Liturgy this morning that was prepared by Ms. Hischebett's and Ms. Sutherland's classes.  They did an absolutely wonderful job with this and I would thank both classes for all their hard work.  Once we got back to the classroom the students had the rest of our ELA period to silent read.  As it stands today, we are currently at 9.3 AR Points Per student, which is oh so close to our goal of 10 Points! I have no doubts we will reach our goal by Thursday.  However, our other goal of winning Battle of the Classes just got a lot more interesting as Mr. Csada's class has taken a huge jump in the standings and now sits at just over 7 AR Points Per Student.  They are hot on our heels and we need to ensure we continue to read and test this week if we want that Classroom Pizza Party!

In Grade 8 Math the students spent the hour reviewing the concepts they have learned so far this unit.  However, this was no ordinary review as they had to become Secret Agents for the DIA (Deshaye Intelligence Agency) in order to accomplish their Mission Possible.  Students were placed into Mission Teams and had to work their way through each Mystery Location, solving math problems and decoding their answers in order to uncover all 6 Mystery Locations in our school.  This was their mission and they chose to accept it!

After lunch the students went to the Library and had Arts. Ed with Ms. Norris.  At 1:15 Mr. Csada stopped by to teach Science and the students began to work on their next Cell Drawing.  (Due date TBA).  During the last hour of the day the students had Social Studies and through a Power Point, learned about Medical Practices and Travelling during the time of Colonization. 

Due Dates & Homework:
Math:
Handout 6.4 is due on Wednesday, March 27th

Pg. 227-228 (Due on Thursday)
a)5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12
b)5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 18, 19
c)5, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23


Health:
Business Card is due Tuesday, March 26th

Overdue Assignments:
1) Lenten Booklet Plan & Service
2) Cinquain Poems
3) Science Cell Drawings

Reminders:
- We have no school this Friday because it is Good Friday. 

Friday 22 March 2013

What We Learned Today...March 22nd

The French & Algonquaian working hard!

Well that time of the year is finally back again....Report Card Day! 


To start our day we had a brief discussion about Battle of the Classes before moving on to AR.  Apparently our competitors have taken notice of our lead in this competition and are now putting in overtime reading to try and close the gap.  We are presently sitting at 7 AR points per student (which is very close to our goal of 10)  and we need to make sure we are all doing our part next week.  With only 6 days left in this competition I think we can easily make our goal as long as we keep up all our hard work!
In ELA we discussed the questions "What does it mean to be green?" and "How do our actions affect the natural world?".  Students then contemplated and wrote down a choice they could make in order to help build a better community.  We will be posting these choices on our class Truffula Tree next week!  During the second half of ELA we learned about literary conflict and conflict resolution.  To gain a better understanding of these concepts students got into groups and each read a different picture book and were tasked with documenting all the conflicts they read in each book.  Next week we will come together as a class and discuss the conflicts found in each book and note the similarities and differences between each.

In Grade 8 Math the students continued to learn about "Dividing Fractions and Mixed Numbers" and practiced this concept by working on Pg. 227-228.  (Full assignment is posted below).

After lunch we had French and students were asked to document all the various foods they have eaten yesterday and find the French word for each.  They then were tasked with grouping each food into the appropriate French food group. 
During the last hour of the day we had Social Studies and students got into their Colonization Simulation Groups.  However, today there was a bit of a twist as each First Nations group merged and became allies with one of the European groups.  These new groups will be extremely important in the coming week as we approach Stage 3 next week. 

*A quick note about report cards:


For the first report card, I also sent home a detailed progress report to supplement the report card. I felt that this would help clarify your child's marks and help you understand the style of assessments I used in class. I do not want to waste paper and create extra unwanted reading for you so I will not be automatically sending the progress report with this second report card. Should you want a copy of your child's progress report, however, please let me know and I can send one home every few weeks for you to look at with your child.

As always, should you have any questions about the report card or concerns about your child's progress please contact me at the school or by email at m.j.bresciani@rcsd.ca



Due Dates & Homework:

Math:
Handout 6.4 is due on Monday, March 25th
Assignment for tomorrow:
Pg. 227-228
a)5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12
b)5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 18, 19
c)5, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23

Science:
Cell Drawings are due on Monday, March 25th

Health:
Business Card is due Tuesday, March 26th


Overdue Assignments:
1) Lenten Booklet Plan & Service
2) Cinquain Poems



Reminders:
- Report Cards go out Friday, March 22nd


Thursday 21 March 2013

What We Learned Today...March 21st

In the middle of our debate!
This morning we started our day with usual AR period from 9:00 - 9:30.  We are now up to 6.6 AR Points Per student, so we are steadily climbing to our goal.  However, the McCulloch Mashers and Shady Csada's are right on our heels so we need to keep the pedal to the medal if we want that Pizza Party at the end of the month!
At 9:30 we had ELA students helped brainstorm a list of problems and causes that they noticed when reading and watching The Lorax.  They were then broken up into two teams, one to speak on behalf of the Once-ler and the other to speak on behalf of the Lorax, and were asked to create arguments as to why their team made the correct choices.  After about ten minutes we came back together as a class and both sides had a chance to argue their points in the form of a formal debate.  After some great points from both sides, the class eventually voted and decided that the Lorax's side had won the debate.  The students did an excellent job with this activity and we will definitely be doing more of them in the future!

In Grade 8 Math we started our next concept for Unit 6, "Dividing Fractions and Mixed Numbers".  If students would like to get a head start on the assignment I have posted it below.  I have also posted two videos that will help to explain the concepts we learned today if anyone needs a refresher:



After Lunch we continued our Food Unit in French by discussing the Four Healthy Food Groups (Produits Laiters, Viandes et Substituts, Fruits et Legumes, Produits Cerealiers).  Students were then given an assignment that asked them to look at various meals and determine what food group was missing and add a food from that partiular group to complete the meal. 
At 1:30 we headed down to the gym for an "Examination of Conscience" liturgy prepared by Ms. Kondzielewski and the liturgy team.  During the last hour of the day the students had Arts. Ed with Norris and continued to participate in various activities for their Drama Unit. 

*Remember to bring any change to school tomorrow if you would like to donate to the Missionary Childhood Association

Due Dates & Homework:
Religion:
The entire package (Service hours included) is due tomorrow, March 22nd.

Math:
Handout 6.4 is due on Monday, March 25th
Assignment for tomorrow:
Pg. 227-228
a)5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12
b)5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 18, 19
c)5, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23

ELA:
Cinquain Poems are due on Tomorrow, March 22nd

Science:
Cell Drawings are due on Friday, March 22nd

Health:
Business Card is due Tuesday, March 26th

Overdue Assignments:
1) Lenten Booklet Plan
2) Grade 8 Math pg. 220-221
3)


Reminders:
- Report Cards go out Friday, March 22nd

Wednesday 20 March 2013

What We Learned Today...March 20th

Our new French Unit!

This morning we started out our day with our usually AR period from 9:00 to 9:30.  As we near the final stretch of Battle of the Books our class is up to 6.1 AR Points per Student.  This is getting close to our goal of 10, but were not there yet.  We need to make sure that we are all doing our part and reading diligently at school and home in order to reach our goal!
At 9:30 we had ELA and continued to watch the movie, The Lorax.  Once the movie ended we still had a little time before recess so we created a class list on the board of all the choices that were made by the characters.  We then discussed how each choice influenced on another and the idea that one person really can make a difference. 

In Grade 8 Math students continued learn about Multiplying Improper Fractions and Mixed Numbers and were assigned Handout 6.4 to work on. 

After Lunch Ms. Norris came to our class and continued to work with the students in their new Drama unit in Arts. Ed.  At 1:15 the students had French and we began our new unit of study: Food.  As a class we brainstormed a list of all the foods we already knew in French and then categorized them into the 6 main food groups.  Students were then given a short assignment involving the categorizing of foods. 

During the last hour of the day the students had Phys. Ed with Ms. Norris and continued to learn more gymnastic exercises.  (Congrats to Matt on pulling off a One-Handed Cartwheel!)

Due Dates & Homework:

Religion:
The entire package (Service hours included) will now be due on Friday, March 22nd.

Math:
Pg. 220-221 is due Tomorrow, March 21st
) 4-9
b)4, 5, 6, (a,d), 8 (b,c), 10-15
c) 4, 5, 13-21

ELA:
Cinquain Poems are due on Tomorrow, March 21st

Science:

Cell Drawings are due on Friday, March 22nd

Social Studies:
Fur Trade Drawing and Base Layout is due on Tomorrow, March 21st

Overdue Assignments:

2) Word Work
3) Cinquain Poems

Reminders:
- Report Cards go out Friday, March 22nd

Tuesday 19 March 2013

What We Learned Today...March 19th




Good News! We are officially up to 5.6 AR Points Per Student in Battle of the Classes and well on our way to our goal of 10 Points Per Student.  We continued to earn some more points this morning during our AR period from 9:00 - 9:30.  After we completed AR we moved on to ELA and the students began to view the movie version of The Lorax. While watching the movie students have also been tasked with writing down any choices the characters make throughout the movie.  We will continue to view the movie in class tomorrow. 
At 10:45 the students had Phys. Ed with Ms. Norris and continued thier gymnastics unit by practicing rotations.

After lunch we had Relgion and continued to learn about the Missionary Childhood Association as well as the Pillars of our Faith.  At 1:15 the students had Career Guidance with Mr. McCulloch and spent time working on "After Work" on the Real Game. 
During the last hour of the day we had Social Studies and the students got back into their Colonization Simulation Groups and continued to work on their tasks from yesterday.

Due Dates & Homework:

Religion:
The entire package (Service hours included) will now be due on Friday, March 22nd.

Math:
Pg. 220-221 is due Thursday, March 21st
a) 4-9
b)4, 5, 6, (a,d), 8 (b,c), 10-15
c) 4, 5, 13-21

ELA:
Cinquain Poems are due on Thursday, March 21st

Science:
Cell Drawings are due on Friday, March 22nd

Social Studies:
Fur Trade Drawing and Base Layout is due on Thursday, March 21st

Overdue Assignments:
2) Word Work
3) Cinquain Poems


Reminders:

- Report Cards go out Friday, March 22nd

Monday 18 March 2013

What We Learned Today...March 18th


This morning we began our week with a quick half hour AR/ELA period.  Duirng this time students were given the time to finish up their Cinquain Poems from last week.  Once the students finished their Poems they had the rest of the period to silent read.  At 10:30 we had ELA and we began our new unit, "Doing Our Part for Planet Earth".  To kick off this unit, students were asked to contemplate the statement "The Choices I Make Influence Others".  They had to decide how the they felt about it (Absolutely, Yes, Maybe and No) and then present their arguments to the rest of the class.  After this we went outside and participated in an activity that highlighted the idea that one person can make a difference.  With both of these ideas in mind, we came back into class and read the Dr. Seuss book, The Lorax and the students were asked to document any of the choices the characters made.  We will continue to look at choices and The Lorax in our lesson tomorrow. 

In Grade 8 Math we continued to practice the concept "Multiplying Improper Fractions and Mixed Numbers" and students were given the hour to work on their textbook assignment.  If you are having any trouble with this Math, I've posted the video from Thursday in this post below:


After lunch the students had a brief Arts. Ed class with Ms. Norris before heading to the gym for a Lenten Liturgy prepared by Ms. Steranko's class.  It was an absolutely wonderful Liturgy and I would like to thank Ms. Steranko and her class for all their hard work!  Once we got back to class it was time for Science with Mr. Csada.  Students continued to learn about cells and if I'm not mistaken were assigned a Cell Poster assignment.  ( I will clarify the full expectations of this assignment tomorrow).
During the last hour of the day  we had Social Studies and the students got into their Colonization Simulation groups and debriefed what had happened during the Fur Trade last class.  * Remember you groups Fur Trade picture and Base/Camp layout is due on Thursday.
Due Dates & Homework:

Religion:
The entire package (Service hours included) will now be due on Friday, March 22nd.

Math:
6.3 Handout is due Tuesday, March 19th


ELA:
Cinquain Poems are due on Thursday, March 21st

Social Studies:
Fur Trade Drawing and Base Layout is due on Thursday, March 21st

Overdue Assignments:
1) Lenten Booklet Plan
2) Word Work
3) Cinquain Poems

Reminders:
- Report Cards go out Friday, March 22nd



Thursday 14 March 2013

What We Learned Today...March 14th

Our new seating plan!

This morning we started our day with our usual AR period.  In the spirit of Battle of the Classes I even took an AR test on a Taylor Swift book one of the students found for me!  We are currently at 2.78 Points Per Student, which is well on the way to our goal of 10 Points Per Student.  At 9:30 we had ELA and the students learned all about Cinquain Poems through an interactive Mimio Lesson.  Students were then asked to create a Cinquain Poem of their own on the topic of their choice.  I was very impressed with how engaged the students were in writing their poems.  We seem to have a room full of Poets this year!
In Grade 8 Math we moved onto the next concept of Unit 6, "Multiply Improper Fractions and Mixed Numbers". I've posted a video below that helps to explain the concept as well if students are having some trouble with their homework:



After lunch the students had French and each spent the half hour finalizing their projects and exporting them to mp3 format so we can upload them to our Soundcloud account.  (I should have all the podcasts up and running by next week!) In Career Guidance Mr. McCulloch continued to work through the Real Game with the students by examining numerous jobs and careers. 
Earlier in the week I had promised the students we would switch our seating arrangement up, and since this wasn't related to their homework, they had perfect memories.  Ensuring that I followed through on my promise, we spent the last hour of the day brainstorming then organizing our classroom into a new arrangement. 

*Remember: Students do not have school tomorrow because it is a TPD for teachers.

Due Dates & Homework:

Religion:
The entire package (Service hours included) will now be due on Friday, March 22nd.

Math:
6.3 Handout is due Tuesday, March 19th

Overdue Assignments:
1) Lenten Booklet Plan
2) Word Work

Reminders:
- Report Cards go out Friday, March 22nd

Wednesday 13 March 2013

What We Learned Today...March 13th

Some of our class members at the Pep Rally!
This morning we began our day with a senior assembly in the gym.  As we are now a BYOT (Bring your own technology) school Ms. Grad talked to the students about the responsibility of using their devices properly especially when it comes to interacting with their peers online.  She discussed how important it is to ensure that we are following the "Golden Rule" in person and online.
Once we got back to the class at 9:30, the students spent the hour working on their Word Work assignments in ELA.  *Reminder: Word Work is due tomorrow!
In Grade 8 Math, the students continued to on "Multiplyng Proper Fractions" and spent the hour working on Handout 6.3.

After lunch the students were given one final period to complete their French Music Critiques on the Macbooks. *This assignment will be due at the end of the day tomorrow.  If anyone needs to make any tweaks to their project, they will need to spend recess time finishing it up.
At 1:15 Mr. Csada came by to teach Science and the students continued to work on their Cell Diagram Illustrations. 
During the last hour of the day Ms. Norris came by to teach Arts. Ed before we headed to the gym for a Pep Rally for our Boys Basketball team.  The boys will be playing in the City Championship game tonight at 5:15 at O'Neil High School. 

Due Dates & Homework:

Religion:
The entire package (Service hours included) will now be due on Friday, March 22nd.

ELA:
**Word Work will now be due on Thursday, March 14th

Math:
Pg. 214-215 (Due on Thursday)
a) 3-8
b) 3-11
c) 3-11, 15

Overdue Assignments:
1) Lenten Booklet Plan
2) Math handout 6.2
3)

Reminders:
-Friday, March 15th is a TPD and there will be no school for students. .
- Report Cards go out Friday, March 22nd

Tuesday 12 March 2013

What We Learned Today...March 12th


 


Holding a position in Phys. Ed!
This morning we had AR from 9:00 - 9:30 and we are really progressing quite well in our Battle of the Books competition.  It's actually quite amazing, we went from having .94 Points per student yesterday to having 2.25 points per student at the end of today.  I'm incredibly impressed that we were able to make that big of a jump in only one day! Well done everyone, lets keep this up and we will be at our goal in no time!
At 9:30 Mr. Csada came in and taught an extra Science lesson for the hour.  During this time students worked on finishing their Cell Illustrations.  In Grade 8 Math we reviewed how to Multiply Proper Fractions.  Students then had the rest of the hour to work on their assignment from Pg. 214-215.  (Entire assignment is posted below)

After lunch the students had Arts. Ed with Ms. Norris and they continued thier Drama unit by participating in various improv related activities.  From what I was told by the students, they took part in a pretty intense staring competition like activity!  In French the students spent the entire hour working on their French Music Critique's.  At this point most students are now adding the final touches to their projects and we should be good to go when the Macbooks go back on Thursday. 
During the last hour of the day the students had Phys. Ed and worked on some different gymnastic exercises. 
Check out some pictures from Phys. Ed below:



 
Due Dates & Homework:

Religion:
The entire package (Service hours included) will now be due on Friday, March 22nd.

ELA:
**Word Work will now be due on Thursday, March 14th

Math:
Pg. 214-215 (Due on Thursday)
a) 3-8
b) 3-11
c) 3-11, 15

Overdue Assignments:

2) Math handout 6.2
3)

Reminders:
-Friday, March 15th is a TPD and there will be no school for students. .
- Report Cards go out Friday, March 22nd

Monday 11 March 2013

What We Learned Today...March 11th

Playing Garbage Can Basketball
This morning we started out our day today with our usual AR period.  While taking AR tests is always important, it is even more important now that we are competiting with Mr. McCulloch's and Mr. Csada's classes in Battle of the Classes.  The early results have all three classes very close with our class ahead with .94 points per student.  Our goal as a class is to get that number to about 10 points per student by the end of the month.  We've got a good start, we just need to make sure we are all doing our part in order to reach our goal by the end of the month!
At 9:30 we had ELA and the students worked on their Word Work assignments from their Daily Three duotangs.  Most students are very close to finishing this assignment and we have set a due date for Wednesday, March 13th.  In Phys. Ed Mr. Krammer took the students to the gym and they participated in some skipping activities and played an epic game of Trash Can Basketball!

After lunch we went to the gym and participated in a wonderful Lenten Liturgy that was led by Ms. Postma and Ms. Bachiu's class.  They did a great job and I would like to thank them for all their hard work into putting it together.  Once we got back to our classroom it was time to switch so Mr. McCulloch came by and taught Career Guidance.  During the last hour of the day the students had the hour to work on their French Music Critiques.  These assignments will need to be completed by Thursday as the Macbooks need to be returned on Friday.  Most groups are nearing completion and should have no problem meeting the deadline. 

Some more pictures from today:





Due Dates & Homework:

Religion:
The entire package (Service hours included) will now be due on Friday, March 22nd.

ELA:
Word Work is due on Wednesday, March 13th

Overdue Assignments:

1) Lenten Booklet Plan
2) Math handout 6.2
3)

Reminders:
-Friday, March 15th is a TPD and there will be no school for students. .
- Report Cards go out Friday, March 22nd

Wednesday 6 March 2013

What We Learned Today...March 6th

The Plans and French Successfully Completing a Trade
This morning we spent the first half hour of our morning signing up for an account on Edmodo.  Edmodo is a safe online learning platform that allows students to connect and collaborate with other students in our classroom.  On this website students are able to pose questions, participate in online class discussions, access and submit homework and monitor  all upcoming events and due dates using our class calendar.  I've heard about this website from other educators and thought our class could give it a try as well.  It seems to have a lot of upside and I feel that it's worth trying out for the next couple of months.

From 9:00 to 9:30 the students worked on their French Music Critique Podcast's.  Most groups are on the last leg of this assignment and it looks like everyone will be done before I have to return the Macbooks.  Phew!  In Grade 8 Math we continued our Fraction unit by learning how to Multiply Proper Fractions.  Students were also assigned an assignment from Pg. 213-214.  (Full assignment will be posted tomorrow)

After Lunch we had a bonus French class and students continued to work on their Music Critique Podcast assignments.  At 1:15 Mr. McCulloch came by to teach Career Guidance and the students continued to work on their Dream Clouds and spent some time working on the Real Game online.

In Social Studies we continued our Colonization Simulation Unit with our Stage Two event, The Fur Trade.  For this simulation the Europeans set up their bases in the hallway and were given a select amount of items to trade to the First Nations Tribes while the First Nations had to play games of Rock, Paper, Scissors in order to acquire furs.  Once the First Nations Tribes had Fur to trade (Buffalo, Otter and Beaver)  they were then able to visit both the French and British and negotiate trades for items such as Guns, Dogs and other cool nick-knacks.  At the end of the lesson we looked at how many animals were killed for their furs during the course of the hour.  Shockingly our class, more specifically 16 students, "killed" 158 animals for the fur trade.  We discussed how this large number helped to represent the incredibly large number of animals that were killed for furs during the actual Fur Trade.

Here's some pictures from our Fur Trade:

Desperately trying to win a fur.
The British had their hands full!

Our chief fur trader, Brian.
Posing while negotiating with the British.


Trying to win another fur...Better Luck Next Time!
















The French taking a second to pose with their goods.


Due Dates & Homework:

Religion:
The entire package (Service hours included) will now be due on Friday, March 22nd.

Math:
Grade 8: (This will be due on Tomorrow, March 7th)
Pg. 208-209
a) 4, 5, 7, 8
b)4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, 13
c) 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, 15

Overdue Assignments:

1) Lenten Booklet Plan
2) Grade 8 Handout - 6.1
3) Name Blog Self Reflection

Reminders:
- We are downhill skiing tomorrow, March 7th at Mission Ridge.
- Friday, March 8th is Teacher Convention and there will be no school for students. .

Tuesday 5 March 2013

What We Learned Today...March 5th

No this isn't  Deshaye's version of The Bachelor, It's our ELA Class!

This morning we started out our day with a quick French class from 9:00 - 9:30.  During this time the students continued to record their French Music Critiques on the Macbooks.  At 9:30 we had ELA and in honour of International Women's day on March 8, we read about Rose Schnieder and her fight for Women's Rights at the beginning of the Twentieth Century. We also read the poem, "Bread and Roses" by James Oppenheim and deconstructed the lyrics of the poem in relation to Rose Schnieder and the Womens Union Movement.  The students also worked together to uncover the symbolism behind the slogan "Give us Bread and Roses". In honour of this movement we all ate some bread at the conclusion of our lesson and students were also given roses to take home.
In Grade 8 Math the students continued to work on their textbook assignment from Pg. 208-209.  If students finished their assignment early, they began working on their 6.2 handout. 

After lunch we spent the first 15 minutes listening to a wonderful presentation over the intercom identifying our school alms giving focus for Lent: Missionary Childhood Association.  We then spent the rest of class working on the French Music Podcasts until Mr. Csada came by to teach Science. 
During the last hour of the day Ms. Norris came by to teach Arts. Ed and students continued to work on various drama exercises. 

Due Dates & Homework:

Religion:
The entire package (Service hours included) will now be due on Friday, March 22nd.

Math:
Grade 8: (This will be due on Thursday, March 7th)
Pg. 208-209
a) 4, 5, 7, 8
b)4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, 13
c) 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, 15

Overdue Assignments:

1) Lenten Booklet Plan
2) Grade 8 Handout - 6.1
3) Name Blog Self Reflection

Reminders:
- We will be downhill skiing on Thursday, March 7th at Mission Ridge.
- Friday, March 8th is Teacher Convention and there will be no school for students. .

Monday 4 March 2013

What We Learned Today...March 4th

Playing some Fox & the Rabbit in Phys. Ed today!

Welcome back winter! Isn't this always how winters go in Saskatchewan?  Just when the snow begins to melt and you think spring is almost here, Old Man Winter comes back with a vengance and hits us with yet another snow storm! However there's always a silver lining and at least we will have plenty of new snow when we go Skiing at Mission Ridge on Thursday!

We began our week with an absolutely wonderful Lenten Liturgy this morning that was prepared and presented by our class as well as Mr. Csada's class.  The students from both classes did an excellent job and really demonstrated the amazing leadership we have here at Deshaye from our senior students.  After the liturgy we also presented our Mother Teresa awards for the month of February.  This month Kaleigh, Lundy and Cody were presented the award for their demonstration of caring for others!  Congratulations to those three students!

Once we got back to our classroom the students worked on their French Music Podcasts until recess. Students have really impressed me with how efficiently they have used their time for this assignment.  They understood that they would only have access to the macbooks for a short time and have really done a great job planning accordingly. 

In Grade 8 Math we moved on to our next concept for our unit on fractions, "Dividing Whole Numbers and Fractions". 
Below I have posted another video that covers what we learned today:


After Lunch Ms. Norris came by to teach Arts. Ed and the students worked on some more Drama activities over the half-hour.  At 1:15 we had French once again and the students continued to work on their Music Critique Podcast assignments. 
During the last hour of the day the students had Phys. Ed with Ms. Norris and played Fox and the Rabbit as a warm up and also participated in various activities related to the essential skill of balance. 

Notes:
I would just like clarify a few things about the students Lenten Service Project.  For the actual Service Component of the assignment students only need to complete four hours of Service.  The service itself does not necessarily need to be done at an outside organization.  This component focuses on "serving others" so it can just as easily be done by helping parents or grandparents, shoveling snow for your neighbours, volunteering to babysit etc. They key thing is that the students are spending time serving someone else.
Also students may complete all four hours of service for the same person/organization.  The signature sheet I sent home on Friday provided more than one area for signatures in the event that the student volunteered at more than one location. However students can get all four hours at the same location. 
I'm sorry for any confusion this may have caused!

Here are a few more pictures from Phys. Ed today:






 Due Dates & Homework:

Religion:
The entire package (Service hours included) will be due on Friday, March 15th.

Math:
Grade 8: (This will be due on Thursday, March 7th)
Pg. 208-209
a) 4, 5, 7, 8
b)4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, 13
c) 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, 15

Handout 6.1 is due tomorrow, Tuesday, March 5th

Overdue Assignments:

1) Lenten Booklet Plan
2) Acrostic Poems
3) Name Blog Self Reflection

Reminders:
- We will be downhill skiing on Thursday, March 7th at Mission Ridge.
- Friday, March 8th is Teacher Convention and there will be no school for students. .

Friday 1 March 2013

What We Learned Today...March 1st

Our Colonization Unit Board after Stage 1
We started out our morning with our first AR period as part of Battle of the classes and I was quite impressed with the effort from our class already.  We had some students who read like crazy last night in order to finish their book and were already taking AR tests today.  Keep up the good work!
From 9:30-10:30 the students continued to work on their French Music Critique assignments.  For only starting this assignment this week, it's impressive how many groups have completely finished their scripts and have moved on to the recording portion of the Podcasts.
At 10:30 Mr. Pringle (who is in for Ms. Norris) stopped by to get the students ready for Phys. Ed in the gym.  From what I've heard, they played a pretty epic game of chain tag to warm up before today's class so you'll have to ask your child about it!

After lunch we had Religion for a half hour and students viewed two videos and were asked to identify where they saw Christ present in each one.  (We watched "Amazing Moment in High School Basketball Inspires the Internet" and The Violinist in the Subway" We also spent some time discussing ways that we can give during Lent and how even the smallest thing like holding a door for someone can truly make a difference.  As Mother Teresa said, "We can do no great things, only small things with great love".
At 1:15 the students had Career Guidance and worked on their wishlist for The Real Game as well as the dream cloud handout.
During the last hour of the day the students had Social Studies and they got into their colonization simulation groups and worked on their camp drawings and any outstanding journal enteries. 

Due Dates & Homework:

Religion:
The entire package (Service hours included) will be due on Friday, March 15th.

Math:
Grade 8: (This will be due on Monday, March 4th)
Pg. 202-203
a)1-5, 5, 6, 7
b)1-4,6, 8-12
c) 1-3, 9-15

Handout 6.1 will be due Tuesday, March 5th

Overdue Assignments:

1) Lenten Booklet Plan
2) Acrostic Poems
3) Name Blog Self Reflection

Reminders:
- We will be downhill skiing on Thursday, March 7th at Mission Ridge.
- Friday, March 8th is Teacher Conventions and there will be no school for students.