Health Fair

UBC students presented a health fair to the Grades 4 and 5 students.  The students learned about

body image, the cons of smoking and alcohol, and how to choose nutritious drinks and snacks through fun interactive activities.

This is Earth Month

Miss Salloway's Last Day is Next Friday

Our class has been lucky to have had Miss Salloway working with us as a student teacher.  Her energy, enthusiasm, and care for the children has been obvious.  Next Friday (April 17th) is her last day with us.  The students will be making her a thank you booklet.  I would appreciate each student bringing 1 or 2 flowers from your gardens on Friday April 17th.  I will fill a vase with these for her.  It might also be nice to have a few treats to add to our celebration.  If you are able to send a dessert item or a fruit plate, please let me know by e-mail.

Thank you for your support with this.

Space Voyage

Actually space came to us.  Bill from the planetarium taught us lots of interesting facts

as we sat inside a bubble with stars, planets, etc. travelling above us.

Student Led Conferences

I'm sure you'll agree that your children have worked hard over the 1st and 2nd terms and that there has been a lot of growth academically, socially and physically. They have a lot to be proud of.  I know they appreciated having a special time with their parents as they showed you their accomplishments and maybe even taught you a few things.  Thank you for supporting them in this way.

Math Fair at Capilano University

Who says Math can't be fun?  The students enjoyed solving puzzles using mathematical reasoning.  In the words of one student, "It was funner than I thought it would be."

A big thank you to Peggy (Naomi's mom), Lisa (Bruce's mom), Amrit (Lakshmi's mom), Clare (Sian's mom), Tamara (Aidan's mom), Valla (Laleh's mom), and Mrs. Enright for driving.

Happy Holiday!

Have a wonderful holiday!  Be safe, have fun, and relax, just like these cozy, cuddly cats!

Unclaimed Scholastic Books

There is a package of 3 books that need an owner.  There was no name on the order form and no one in the class remembers wanting them. The books are Adventure Time and I Even Funnier (2 books).  If you remember ordering these last month, please let me know.

SNAP Math Fair Field Trip

Hopefully by now parents have received the field trip notice.  We are going to Capilano University this Friday (March 6th) to have fun doing Math!  There is no cost, but drivers are needed.  If you can drive, please let me know as soon as possible.  We leave at 8:50 and will return by 10:45.

Thank you

Multi Culture Day

The students had a chance to show off the dance they learned.  Skirts swished and feet stamped as Div. 5 students performed

"The Mexican Hat Dance." We all enjoyed an amazing lunch which included dishes from around the world.  Thank you for your contributions.

No Bullying in Division 5

The students have been listening to stories about exclusion and teasing that ultimately end in compassion and understanding by the characters.  I've been impressed by the students' empathy for the characters and their determination not to be unkind and to stop unkind acts in their own lives.

Valentine's Day Plans

We will have simple celebration on Friday.  The students who want to decorate a paper lunch bag will be given one.  They can work on these in their spare time.  If your child is planning to bring cards, it is important that there is a card for each student in the class.  The only name not in the school directory is Ronik.  If you would like to send treats, please remember we are nut free, (and egg and dairy free if possible).  Most treats will be sent home to share with you!  Thank you.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Soapstone Carving

The students had the opportunity to learn to carve the softest rock, soapstone, with a professional sculptor.  Come and see their carvings in the trophy case by the main office.  They're beautiful, and the students are very proud.

Time to Start Practising Times and Division Facts

Time to Start Practising Times and Division Facts

Time to Learn Our Times Facts and Division Facts Too

Every Thursday starting soon the students will have a multiplication and division facts quiz.  We are starting soon with 2X up to 2X10 and ÷ 2 up to 20 ÷ 2.  Your child will write what she/he needs to study in the planner on Mondays.

Help your child by having him/her
1.  skip count forward and backwards ie. 0, 2, 4 ... 20 and 20, 18, 16 ... 0
2.  draw a clock (your child can explain) and say the facts in order then out of order.  Time him to show the improvement.
3.  use flash cards
4.  use multiplication and division apps (math drills lite has been recommended by a parent)
5.  complete the handouts I provide
6.  continue to review the tables (a few minutes a day is most effective)

Thank you for your support!

Novel (Chapter Book) Assignment

The students have just learned about this assignment.  Please read over the paper copy with your child, help him/her set up a schedule for reading the novel and completing the assignment, and sign the assignment so I know you've seen it.

We will discuss the expectations often throughout the month.  An example of a finished report is at the front of the room to look at, and please feel free to ask any questions you have.

Thanks for your support with this.

Novel Report Assignment

The novel you choose must be at least 100 pages long or approved by Ms. Reichert.  The report must include the following:

Part 1: due Mon. Jan. 12th / 5
Choose a novel and complete a timeline on the calendar showing chapters you will read, assignment parts you will complete, and tentative due dates
Note:  The novel should be read by approximately the end of the third week.  Some parts of the assignment can be completed before you finish reading the book.

Parts 2 to 7: due Fri. Jan. 30th

Part 2:                              / 3
title page              
- on unlined paper
- Include title of novel, author, an appropriate hand drawn picture, and your name. 

Part 3:                                / 2               
a) name of publishing company, b) date of publishing, c) category of book (see balanced reading wheel)

Part 4:                                / 10
a)  Main Characters:  Choose 5 words or phrases to describe each of the main characters.
b)  Setting:  Choose 5 words or phrases to describe the setting.
c)  Plot:  Complete the Plot handout.

Part 5:                              / 3
a brief (5 sentences) comment about the book
How did it make you feel?
Was it interesting?  Why or why not?
Was it an appropriate reading level?  Why or why not?
Would you recommend it to others?  Why or why not?

Part 6:                               /1
an example of a good description (fancy writing) from the story.  Copy the exact words.

Part 7:                              /1
List 5 new (or interesting) words and their meanings.  Use a dictionary, but write the definitions in your own words.

Spelling, Punctuation, Word Order, and Neatness:     / 5

Total:                                 / 30
Note:  You will be given some time to read in class and work on the report.  However, most of the work is to be completed at home.

Welcome Back!

Welcome back and Happy New Year!    I hope you all had a pleasant holiday.  It's great to be back with the students this week.  The students seem refreshed and eager to get busy at school.

Thank you for all your generous and thoughtful gifts.  Please ask your child to share the welcome back / thank you card in his / her planner pocket with you.