Important Events & Dates:

- Our Cross Country Skiing date is Tuesday January 24th, 2012. All payments have been made and thanks to the volunteers attending our trip
- There is a PD day next Monday January 23rd, 2012; there will be no classes
- Our curling trip is February 16th; permission form has not been sent home yet; please collect and send to school milk bags (the outside bag which holds the 3 milk sacs)
- Please collect pop tabs for the kindergarten classes; thanks for your support!

In class this week,
Reading:

- We are finishing our reading focus: Making Inferences & Interpreting Texts (1.5), specifically in logos, slogans and non-fiction books containing themes of conserving energy, alternative sources of energy and the effects of Global Warming
- Reading units will be completed this week and an independent assignment will be completed in class
- Library is this week Friday; please send books to school that need to be exchanged

Writing:

Students are,
- finishing report on,
a). Grade 5 - The Effects of Smoking
b). Grade 6 - The Effects of Drug Abuse (a.k.a. DARE Report)
- Students are writing the good copy of their report
- A “Report Unit” was handed out containing copies of organizers and examples of Level 3 and 4 reports written by Grade 5 and 6 students; this unit is intended to help you support your child at home
- Students are writing the rough copy of speech; double space in language notebook

Working With Words:
- Practising new subject related spelling words and prefixes
- Continuing to work on “Idioms Unit” 

Math:
- Calculating area and perimeter of: square, rectangle and parallelogram

Other:
- Every student will be expected to research and write a speech, but do not need to compete as a speech finalist in our school and legion competition
- Students wishing to compete (at the legion) will be given more information of dates and expectations when provided to me
- Student not wishing to compete will present their speech in class; tentatively scheduled for the second week of February 

At home please...

Reading:

- Read 20 minutes each night
- Library and book exchange this Friday. Please ensure that books needing exchanged or renewed are sent to school

Writing:
- Students are finishing good copy of report and starting rough copy of their speech
- Ensure that rough copy (double spaced) of speech is done in language notebook
- Conferencing with teacher of rough draft of report will finish this week

Working With Words:
- Study new subject related spelling words and prefixes
- Pre-dictation of words will be this Monday
- Final spelling test will be on Friday
- Students are asked to categorize and complete “connection” organizer

Math:
- Calculating area and perimeter of: squares, rectangles and parallelogram
- Homework questions were assigned in class and written in agenda

Other:
- On Wednesday of this week 2 rubrics will be sent home:
a) A reading rubric entitled, Demonstrating Understanding (1.5): Main Idea and Summarizing Rubric
b) A math rubric entitled: Translations (Flip, Slide and Turn)
- Please sign both rubrics and return to school this Friday

 

Happy New Year to you and your family!

Important Events & Dates:

- Our Cross Country Skiing date is Tuesday January 24th, 2012. Please ensure that permission form has been returned and payment made

In class this week,
Reading:

- Our reading focus is: Making Inferences & Interpreting Texts (1.5), specifically in logos, slogans and non-fiction books containing themes of conserving energy, alternative sources of energy and the effects of Global Warming
- Library resumes this week. We are scheduled for a visit this Friday

Writing: 
Students are,
- asked to have a speech topic chosen
- finishing report on,
a). Grade 5 - The Effects of Smoking
b). Grade 6 - The Effects of Drug Abuse (a.k.a. DARE Report)
- Students are writing the good copy of their report
- A “Report Unit” was handed out containing copies of organizers and examples of Level 3 and 4 reports written by Grade 5 and 6 students; this unit is intended to help you support your child at home

Working With Words:
- Practising new subject related spelling words and prefixes
- Continuing to work on “Idioms Unit”

Math:
- Calculating area of a square and rectangle

Other:
- We are finishing our reports and starting speech writing this month.
- Every student will be expected to research and write a speech, but do not need to compete as a speech finalist in our school and legion competition
- Students wishing to compete (at the legion) will be given more information of dates and expectations when provided to me
- Student not wishing to compete will present their speech to our class

At home please...

Reading: - Read 20 minutes each night
- Library and book exchange this Friday. Please ensure that books needed exchanged or renewed are sent to school

Writing:
- Students are asked to have a speech topic chosen
- Students finishing good copy of report and will start their speech organizer as well as rough copy
- Ensure that rough copy (double spaced) of DARE and tobacco report is done and proofread
- To help your child revise and edit their rough draft at home, please refer to the proofreading checklist provided on the last page of the Report Unit
- Conferencing with teacher of report will happen this week

Working With Words:
- Study new subject related spelling words and prefixes
- Pre-dictation of words will be this Monday
- Final spelling test will on Friday
- Students are asked to pick 10 of the 15 words and provide its definition (meaning)

Math:
- Calculating area of squares and rectangles
- Homework questions were assigned in class and written in agenda

Other:
- This Wednesday, Science unit entitled, David Suzuki Speaks (Grade 5) and Inconvenient Truth (Grade 6) will be collected
 

 Important Events & Dates:  

- Cross Country Skiing form and money due; permission form was sent home last week
- Theatre Orangeville workshop this Monday, from 1:45 pm to 3:00 pm. This workshop will take place in our school gym and end with an activity in our classroom
- Grade 6 DARE Graduation is Thursday December 22, 2011, in the Gym from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
- Red and green day is this Friday December 23rd, 2011; please have your child dress in red and green colours

In class this week,
Reading:

- Our reading focus is: Making Inferences & Interpreting Texts (1.5), specifically in logos, slogans and non--fiction books containing themes of conserving energy, alternative sources of energy and the effects of Global Warming
- No library this week as we are busy with assemblies and other activities

Media Literacy:
- Finishing 2 reading comprehension questions, in class. Student are attempting to determine the overt and implied message(s) of the different slogans and illustrations on their agenda cover

Writing:
- Teacher-student revision and editing of rough copy of Myths & Legends will continue
- Students are organizing a report on,
a). Grade 5 - The Effects of Smoking
b). Grade 6 - The Effects of Drug Abuse (a.k.a. DARE Report) 
- Students are writing as well as revising and editing their rough copy
- A “Report Unit” was handed out last week containing copies of organizers and examples of Level 3 and 4 reports written by Grade 5 and 6 students; this unit is intended to help you support your child at home

Working With Words:

- No spelling words or activity this week
- Continuing to work on “Idioms Unit” in class

Math:
- Working on: Geometry & Spatial Sense: Creating 2-Dimensional Polygons

Other:
- Grade 5 students have and continue to present their “PPP” or Primary Poster Projects to their assigned primary class
- keys and a certificate will be awarded upon full completion of all the projects

At home please...
Reading:

- Read 20 minutes each night

Writing:
- Any Grade 6 student who wishes to be chosen as a presenter at the DARE Graduation this Thursday, must be ready to present their final report and pledge by this Wednesday, otherwise rough copy of report is due this Friday - To help your child revise and edit their rough draft, please refer to the proofreading checklist provided on the last page of the Report Unit
- Sign the outline of the “Report Unit” found in language duo-tang
- No library this week

Working With Words:

- No spelling words to review

Math:

- Constructing, naming and classifying 2D-Geometric Polygons
- Homework questions were assigned in class and written in agenda
- Students need a protractor, ruler and compass set

Other:
- A certificate along with “Y” and “S” keys will be awarded upon full completion of the "PPP" project(s)
- No homework will be assigned over the holidays; all I ask is that students think of a speech topic
- If you wish to practise some skills over the holiday, please explore our Boards website:

 https://www.ugdsb.on.ca/ug2go/logon.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fug2go%2f
- Your child will have his/her password written in their agenda

Seasons Greetings and best wishes for the New Year!
 

Important Events & Dates:
- Cross Country Skiing form and money due this Friday
- Pizza Day this Friday
- Theatre Orangeville workshop is Monday December 19, 2011 from 1:45 pm to 3:00 pm
- Grade 6 DARE Graduation is Thursday December 22, 2011, in the Gym from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm

In class this week,
Reading:  

- Our reading focus is: Making Inferences & Interpreting Texts (1.5), specifically in logos, slogans and non-fiction books containing themes of conserving energy, alternative sources of energy and the effects of Global Warming
- Our library time is this Friday. Please ensure that books needing to be exchanged are sent to school

Media Literacy:

- Finishing the second question on logos, called the “The Recycling Symbol” in a Guided Reading (small group) setting

Writing: - Teacher-student revision and editing of rough copy of Myths and Legends will continue
- Students are organizing a report on,

a). Grade 5 - The Effects of Smoking
b). Grade 6 - The Effects of Drug Abuse

- Students are filling in a “Gathering Grid” or outline of their report, using jot notes from their “telegram” notes (Cue Cards)
- “Gathering Grid” will be checked by teacher in a Guided Writing (small group) setting
- A “Report Unit” was handed out last week containing copies of organizers and examples of Level 3 and 4 reports written by Grade 5 and 6 students; this unit is intended to help you support your child at home

Working With Words: - Students are revising and editing their spelling paragraph
- Continuing to work on “Idioms Unit”

Math:
- Working on: Geometry & Spatial Sense: Creating 2-Dimensional Polygons

- Math questions to practised at home are reviewed and written in agenda 

Other: - Grade 5 students are arranging to meet with their assigned Primary class to schedule a time and date as when to present their “PPP” or Primary Poster Project

At home please...
Reading:
- Read 20 minutes each night
- Review student copy of Reading Focus Board: Making Inferences and Interpreting Texts (1.5) placed in Language Duo Tang
- Return library books to school this Friday

Writing:
- Ensure that the “Gathering Grid” is filled out, in jot note format, by this Friday
- Sign the outline of the “Report Unit” found in language duo-tang

Working With Words:
- No spelling list to study this week
- Students are asked to edit and revise their funny paragraph (maximum of 3 paragraphs) using 10 of the 15 spelling words; good copy is due this Wednesday

Math:
- Constructing, naming and classifying 2D-Geometric Polygons
- Students need a protractor, ruler and compass set

Other:
- Grade 5 Earth Keepers are scheduling a date and time with their assigned Primary class to present their “PPP” project and summary of results 
- “Y” and “S” keys will be awarded this week upon full completion of project(s)

Important Events & Dates:  

• Thank you to the parents that attended and supported the Lions Club “Breakfast with Santa” event this past Saturday. All proceeds will be used to fund school events and activities
• I have changed the layout and format of the weekly newsletter and Blog. You will notice that there are 4 main sections,
  a). Important Events & Dates...continues to list and explain important events and dates occurring in class as well as the school
  b). In class this week...outlines the learning focus’ and activities happening in class
  c). At home please...outlines how you, the parent(s) can support the learning and activities happening in class and school
  d). Other...listing and describing assignments due in other subjects such as: Science, Social Studies, French etc.
  
  In class this week,
  Reading:  
• Student copy of Reading Focus Board: Making Inferences and Interpreting Texts (1.5) provided and placed in Language Duo Tang
• Our library time is this Friday. Please ensure that books needing to be exchanged are sent to school
  
  Media Literacy:  
• Finishing the second question on logos, called the “The Recycling Symbol” in a Guided Reading (small group setting)
  
  Writing:  
• Teacher-student revision and editing of rough copy of Legends will continue this week; students have written lengthy narratives which are taking some time to proofread
• Continue lesson on developing and organizing an informational report, with a particular focus on creating “Telegram Notes” (Cue Cards with jot notes) and using a “Gathering Grid” to organize research
• Research Questions, Telegram Note and Gathering Grids will be checked by Teacher in a Guided Writing setting

         Working With Words:  

• Spelling Word List 5 has been handed out and pretest given
• Students will practise these new words by writing 10 of the 15 words in a funny paragraph (maximum 3 paragraphs); this paragraph is due on Wednesday
• Final Dictation of Spelling Word List 3 will be this Friday
• Students are continuing to work on “Idioms Unit” in class
  
  Math:  
• Starting our math focus: Geometry & Spatial Sense: Creating 2-Dimensional Polygons
• Math test on Translations (slide), Rotations (turn) and Reflections (flip) this Friday
  
  Other:  
• Finish checking rough copy of paragraphs for the Earth Keepers “PPP” project
• Students are to have collected their images for poster which is due this Friday
  
  At home please... 

      Reading:

• Read 20 minutes each night
• Review student copy of Reading Focus Board: Making Inferences and Interpreting Texts (1.5) placed in Language Duo Tang
• Library books returned to school this Friday
  
  Media Literacy:  
• Both questions on “The Recycling Symbol” are done; a copy of the questions can be found in language duo tang
• Check final answers using Success Criteria(s) (checklist); ensure that the “S” columns are checked off
  
  Writing:  
• Students have been assigned a research project,
  
  a). Grade 5's are working on a research report describing the effects of Tobacco
  b). Grade 6's are working on their DARE report on the effects of Drug abuse

• Read and sign the outline found in language notebook
• Students have developed 3 to 5 research questions, in class and are now researching and jot noting important information on Cue Cards referred to as “Telegram Notes”
• “Telegram Notes” (or Cue Cards) are due this Friday
• Some suggested sites are,
  
  a). Centre for Addiction and Mental Health:
  
  http://www.camh.net/
  
  b). D.A.R.E Canada
  
  http://www.dare.com/home/International/StoryPage64e3.asp?N=International/
  
  Working With Words:  
• Practise Spelling Word List 5; spelling test will be this Friday
• Students are asked to organize and use 10 of the 15 words in a funny paragraph (maximum of 3 paragraphs); this activity is due Wednesday
  
  Math:  
• Translation (slide), Rotation (turn) and Reflection (flip) test this Friday
• Review,
  a). Overview sheet, listing important BIG IDEAS and math vocabulary; sheet can be found in math duo-tang
  b). Review package also found in math duo-tang
  c). Questions and examples of answers in math grid book
• When reviewing the answers to these questions ask your child,
  a). Did you use related math vocabulary listed in your “Overview” sheet (provided in math duo-tang)
  b). Does your answer(s) seem reasonable?
  c). Did you justify your answer(s)?
  
  Other:  
• The Grade 5 Earth Keepers projects, outlined in the Training Manual (yellow covered book, pp. 26-32) were due last Friday; some students will receive their “Y” and “S” keys this week
• Many students have chosen to complete the “PPP” project (aka Primary Poster Project) in which students are collecting data on the amount and type of waste primary students generate
• The poster, with images and good copy of summary (2 paragraphs) is due this Friday
   

Important Events & Dates:

• Breakfast With Santa this Saturday December 3, 2011 from 7 am to 11 am at East Garafraxa Public School
  
  Reading:
• Read 20 minutes each night
• Our library time is this Friday. Please ensure that books needing to be exchanged are sent to school
  
  Media Literacy:
• Started new reading unit containing comprehension questions on logos, called the “The Recycling Symbol”; a copy can be found in language duo tang
• Students are completing both of these questions, in a Guided Reading setting (small group instruction)
• Please ensure that these questions, on “The Recyling Symbol” and related Success Criteria(s) are checked and handed in by this Friday
  
  Writing:
• Teacher-student revision and editing of rough copy of Legends (Grade 6) will continue this week; students are writing lengthy narratives (some 23 to 26 pages in length!) which is taking some time to proofread
• Continue lesson on developing and organizing an informational report, with a particular focus on developing “Thick & Thin” Research Questions
• Students have been given a question developing chart, called “The Q-Chart” which will help them to create richer and stronger research questions related to an upcoming report assignment on the effects of Tobacco (Gr. 5) and Drugs (Gr. 6)
• Good copy of Peace Paragraph is to be completed by this Friday; all rough copies have been checked and related success criteria provided
  
  Working With Words:
• Spelling Word List 3 will be handed out and a pretest given this Tuesday
• Students will practise these new words by creating a crossword; a crossword template will be handed out on Tuesday and due on Wednesday
• Final Dictation of Spelling Word List 3 will be this Friday
• Students are continuing to work on “Idioms Unit” in class
  
  Math:
• A review package on Translations (slides) and Reflections (flips) of Polygons was handed out on Monday and is due this Wednesday
• This package contains 3 questions that students are asked to revisit and consolidate their understanding The questions in this unit are called,
  
  a). Translation’s & New Co-ordinates?
  b). Shape P Reflected and Rotated
  c). Triangle Reflections
• When reviewing the answers to these questions ask your child,
  
  a). Did you use related math vocabulary listed in your “Overview” sheet (provided in math duo-tang)
  b). Does your answer(s) seem reasonable?
  c). Did you justify your answer(s)?
  
  Examples to follow from can be found in a math grid book
  
  Other:
• The Grade 5 Earth Keepers are continuing to work on their tasks to earn their “Y” and “S” keys
• An outline of these projects can be found in the Training Manual (yellow covered book, pp. 26-32)
• Many students have chosen to complete the “PPP” project (aka Primary Poster Project) in which students are collecting data on the amount and type of waste primary students generate
  
  Students are to,
  
  a). analyse collected data and develop 2 to 3 paragraph summary of their results
  b). share conclusions and results with the primary class they chose
  c). Use the data to create recycling posters for their particular class; a great internet site to copy pictures from is google images,
  
  http://www.google.ca/imghp?hl=en&tab=wi
  
  All Earth Keepers projects are due by this Friday
  
  For the month of December Grade 5 and 6 students will be expected to organize and complete a report on the effects of tobacco (Gr. 5) and drugs (Gr. 6)
  Some suggested internet sites to visit are:
  
  a). Centre for Addiction and Mental Health:
  
  http://www.camh.net/
  
  b). D.A.R.E Canada
  
  http://www.dare.com/home/International/StoryPage64e3.asp?N=International/ 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   

Important Notes & Dates:

• Thank you to all of the parents who attended interview nights last Thursday and Friday; it was worthwhile talking about your child’s progress and the higher expectations of Grade 5 and 6
• Picture retake day is this Tuesday, 9 am in the Gym
• Please return bottom portion of the Progress Report by this Friday
  
  Reading:
• Read 20 minutes each night
• Book exchange will be this Friday; please ensure that books needing to be exchanged are sent with your child
• Started new reading focus, Making Inferences and Interpreting Text (1.5); we will be developing Success Criteria and starting an independent question regarding logos and slogans, called the “Green Bag” question in class
  
  Writing:
• Teacher-student revision and editing of rough copy of Legends (Grade 6) will continue in class this week
• Students will be finishing an assessment task, on Expository text (report writing), this Tuesday
• Lesson on developing and organizing an informational report, with a particular focus on developing “Thick & Thin” Research Questions
• Rough copies of Peace Paragraph will be handed in on Monday
  
  Media:
• Media unit called News Casts & Newspaper Articles is due no later than Wednesday of this week
• Rough copy to main idea question and summary is to be done in ½ book and signed by me
  
  Working With Words:
• Final Dictation of Spelling Word List 2 will be this Monday
• Spelling Word List 3 will be handed out and a pre-test completed on Tuesday
• Students will practise these new words by creating a word scramble
• Students are asked to study the spelling of words they have spelled incorrectly in the pre-test
• Final Dictation of Spelling Word List 3 will be this Friday
• Students are also continuing to working on an “Idioms Unit” in class
  
  Math:
• Continuing our focus: Geometry & Spatial Sense: cardinal directions, translations (slide), co-ordinates (x, y) and rotations (turns)
• Lessons will be on Translations (slides) and Reflections (flips) of Polygons
• Questions and sheets will be assigned in class and written in agenda
  
  Other:
• The Grade 5 Earth Keepers tasks for the “Y” and “S” key have been assigned
• An outline of these projects can be found in the Training Manual (yellow covered book, pp. 26-32)
• Many students have chosen to complete the “PPP” project (aka Primary Poster Project) in which students are collecting data on the amount and type of waste primary students generate.
  
  Students will,
  
  a). organize their data into a table (table of values)
  b). collect primary data
  c). analyse the data and come to some conclusions
  d). share conclusions and results with the primary class they chose
  e). use the data to create recycling posters for their particular class
  
  The Earth Keepers projects will be done and handed in by next Friday