June 21st

First day of summer after the solstice- who knew? At least it wasn't raining.

Reminder that tomorrow morning is our annual Pancake Breakfast- please join us if you can.
Also Mrs. Cardiff will be taking the BFF pictures rain or shine- indoors or out.

our day today
Today was another different kind of day with a twist :)

A representative from the Squamish Public Library visited and made a presentation about the free summer reading programs. There are some exciting author visits planned and a reading record draw to enter for every six books read. I thought that it was curious that one question from the students was about people who cheat and don't read but just fill in the record. Her answer was, "Why would you bother? You are only cheating yourself!"

In the morning we discussed the details of what we'd like to see and do together on the Monday, June 25th field trip that we are trying to organize together. I have been encouraged by the students interest. The only thing that would upset the applecart is the weather. Fingers crossed (and legs!). There is a sign up sheet in class for students to organize the potluck part of our lunch.

Then we set about doing a reflection activity which had us all chatting and talking taking a little trip down 'memory lane'. I wanted the students to think about what was memorable about the year and had prepared a 'survey' which guided them to think about favourite occasions and the things we said and did that made us laugh.
Sometimes I have to be careful with these kind of activities as students are tired and tend to forget about people's feelings so I had to remind them that the intent was to have people share and enjoy the memories NOT to laugh at or hurt any one's feelings. Most of the 'jokes' were on me!

After that we watched another 20-25 minutes of the movie Eragon (see yesterday's post)

After snack and the Math class switch, the grade seven class was all together for an overview of the 5x8 timetable schedule, organizational tricks and some pointers for our visit to Don Ross this afternoon. We had an early lunch in class as the bus was picking us up at noon.

We picked up the grade sevens at the Garibaldi Highlands and then to DRS.

We spent the afternoon there being met by the leadership students (many of whom our students knew :)) and then into the gym for a sit down power point presentation by Mr Pascuzzi and Ms. Ross the vice principal.

Next a mingling activity to encourage the soon the be high schoolers to meet and introduce themselves to each other and meet some new faces. It is interesting to watch how difficult that is for some students who have been together since kindergarten! There were tears and apprehension but in the end I heard lots of positive comments.

They fed them (pizza and a drink) and then everyone received a giant freezie for the school tour. The one stipulation in the half hour tour with the leadership students was to ensure freezie wrappers ended up in the right place. It was a treat to get a chance to visit with the other grade 7 teachers in our district and chat with our high school colleagues.
I was impressed with the leadership students at DRS. Great job.

By then it was 2:30pm and time to get back to Squamish Elementary.
We loaded onto the buses home where they were given more information about bus schedules and timing by Pam Temple-Hurley. Some of our students have never had to travel to school by school bus.

Timetable schedules will be mailed home in August.

It was a positive and busy introduction to Gr 8. I heard some students say that they were excited to be going to school there next year. I think lots of fear was quelled and they are ready to make the journey this September.

There will be a parents' Open House in September for all grade eight students' parents.
Meanwhile you can check out the website at the following link

donrosssecondary.com

We arrived back at school on time for dismissal which was great BUT I was unable to get to class on time before students left without their fieldtrip forms!!
Have no choice but to hand them out tomorrow.

Have a good evening.
Mrs. J.