Wednesday November 10th

Homework
It is now the end of term 1
I will be writing report cards and completing Term 1 assessment this 'long' weekend
NO NEW HOMEWORK

Did you see the top of our Diamond Head mountain? It is breathtaking- the snow really stood out in the sunshine and blue sky. I just sat and took it in after I parked my car this morning. I need to get a picture to show off on this Blog so our international visitors can see how pretty our setting is.

It has been a beautiful day weather-wise and to top that, the grade sevens did a fabulous job of  managing, reading, singing and proving their role as leaders at today's Remembrance Day assembly. I was not surprised as I knew they had it in them to be amazing; however, what I hope is that they are proud of themselves for pulling it iff so well. I wish you could have all been there with us. I had thought earlier this week that some of them are afraid of their own success so they sometimes sabotage group efforts because they are afraid to shine. Sound a little backwards but it does happen especially with 12 and 13 year olds in a social setting!

Of course there was a small glitch but nothing that spoiled the assembly- it is my relationship with technology again! I found a perfect song, put it to some pictures of  troops form today and yesterday, copied it, downloaded it to CD-R and was very pleased with myself. BUT, yes, you guessed it- try as we might - try as we may the darned thing wouldn't open or play. Apparently it needed a codec (?) that would help recognize the system or something- I don't know. It worked on my computer but not the school system!!

I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and it was just as well that the video glitched as I cried every time I watched it. Me, I got myself all choked up reading the poem In Flanders Fields and one of our staff members cried during the students' choir as they sang Imagine by John Lennon so I think we might have been a big, bubbling mess (I'll speak for myself) after the video tribute to the soldiers. I am sure my husband and son will be grateful that I am not sitting at the computer crying another night!! LOL

General Day
We spent the first part of the day after running through the agenda in the gym getting the assembly chairs set up, practising the song as a choir using the risers,  working on the logistics of microphone placements and people movement so we wouldn't have any accidents or awkward moments or movements. Each reader or presenter had a chance to use the mic twice. When students are nervous voices tend to be timid and the main issue was to encorage good projection of words. IT was nice to have the help of Ms. Sorban.

 This happened from about 9:30-10:20am and although it was a lot of sitting and listening for the most part the students handled it all in stride. I tried to ensure everyone had a bit part to play but there is always one or two that aren't sure about the part they have been asked to take on!
After snack and a much needed break, students came back ready (and nervous- a good sign) to make the Remembrance Day assembly theirs.

The assembly went ahead and we were homoured to have Deanna Lewis to offer her song/prayer of welcome and drum us into the gym past our smart in-uniform cadets Raiden and Callista who looked great. Deanna's grandfather served in the second World War.
Everything went well and our students who were our audience were respectful and appreciative.

The choir accompanied and arranged by Ms. Sorban sounded great and the HSSS singers added the harmony which worked very nicely. I think the students suprised some staff members as well as themselves. For Ms. Sorban and I it was a matter of working with what we had and together we made it work.

Back in class the grade sevens enjoyed the congratulations and enjoyed the postive aftermath of a job well done- we had a couple of parents and a couple of staff members visit us and offer their appreciation for the hard work and leadership role they played in the assembly. At ten minutes to lunch time, we decided we had earned to eat a bit earlier than usual!!! [Some students were too nervous to eat at snack!]

Afternoon
DEAR time - students really needed it and did a great job

Discussed the new seating logistics for after the weekend as we are having a new student (Antonio) join us on Monday Nov. 15th. With 28 it gives us a couple of different scenarios. Students had a chance to make a request but it is always difficult to 'please 'em all'. We decided to try 4 groups of 5 and 2 groups of 4??? Not sure but I'll try anything once... (well most things!)

Computers- finishing up any last minute assignments and then some free time- most enjoyed some game time!!

Phys. Ed Line Soccer completed the day. Better class than yesterday as everyone moved into their teams and roles quickly so we had the best part of half an hour to get in some exercise!!!

Pack up and dismissal- have sent home the last fundraiser idea from PAC- pies and cookie dough- you received the Purdy's earlier this week- don't be overwhelmed just chose one or the other (or both) if you are interested.
Remeber there is no school tomorrow or Friday so I'll see you all again on Monday Nov 15th. Have a good long weekend and remember to observe a  moment of silence at 11am on Remembrance Day.
Mrs. J.