December 3rd Friday

Excitement was the word for today- the students started with our annual writing day and the majority ended the day (the boy's team left at 1:30pm) with volleyball tournaments. The girls' are playing at HSSS and the Boys' team at Don Ross. Boy they were 'pumped'. Good luck to both teams - we know you will play well:) Enjoy it and play like a team that's together and determined- no whining!! :)

Homework today (this weekend)
Nothing new for this weekend - there are a few who have work owing - another chance to complete the coordinate graphing activity (translations)?
Please do encourage your son/daughter to read more at home.
Report card return envelopes and reflections
Reminder that Monday is the Band instrument rental evening at 5:30pm the Tom Lee music company will be at the school from 5:30pm to rent out the instruments for the band program.

General Day
Our class agreed to have a class meeting on Monday in order to discuss together some of the things we need to all be 'on the same page' for over the next couple of exciting weeks as we get ready for Christmas concert and the Christmas vacation.

Writing Day 9-10:20pm Annual Christmas card writing day- thank you grade sevens (and others) for the kind notes and cards that were sent to me- know that I do appreciate your encouragement. I have to share that one of the precious grade three students sent me a message that said that she hoped I didn't retire until she had a chance to be in my class- so sweet! It makes me wonder though how old I must be looking to a grade three student that she is considering my retirement so soon!!! They are precious aren't they?

snack

Socials - today we followed up yesterday's activity and I did a mini-introduction to the Ancient Civilizations research project which we will be undertaking as a class over the next couple of weeks and into January 2011.
It is an extensive project due January 17th. We discussed the parameters and each student received a booklet of the criteria and expectations for the research report. Each student had the chance to draw at random an ancient civiilization from Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China and Mayan and then they had a chance to 'barter' and exchange with classmates. I have drawn up a list now of which students are doing or researching which civilzations. I can share that in a future Blog or perhaps a letter home.
I think it might be a good idea to also send home a copy of the project criteria too so there will be one for parents to refer to if and when needed. To come...I'll try to make it available on the blog- just need to learn how to do that :)
There will be research time assigned in class and there is an expectation that there will need to be work for the project at home too (maybe even over the holiday when they are 'bored' already!!).
I will be checking in with every student individually throughout the time assignned in class to ensure that the work is not left until the last minute as sometimes happens with projects like these.
More later about this BIG assignment...
Computers- time to check out information available on line for their ancient civilization, work a bit more on the Virtual Adventure activity and perhaps fit in 10 minutes of free time!!! Busy, busy, busy!!

DEAR time was used quite well- lots of growing excitement with the boy's leaving for volleyball.
10 boy's left to travel to Don Ross for the tournament at 1:30PM
That left 18 of us to have an extended Art session- we have so many art assignments on the go- the soda pop labels, the advent caledars and the decor for Christmas concert.
We have finally managed to get some assignments completed and up for display- YEAH!!

Excitement grew as the girls changed into their volleyball uniforms for the tournament. We cleaned away art and played a class cooperative game for the last ten minutes.
3pm Dismissal
Have a good weekend. See everyone Monday.
Mrs. J.