February already!

Hello, Everyone!

Where has the time gone?  I can't believe February is already here.  We have had a very busy January, and my apologies for not keeping the blog as up-to-date as I would like.  Here are some of the exciting things we've been doing:

Language - we've been enjoying some excellent Young Adult novels (which you can see on our Literature Circles page).  Students have been working in groups of 3-4 to read, discuss, and analyze their novels.  Many of the activities required students to think creatively or analytically, and what a joy it was seeing what our students are capable of! Students should have their novel read by Monday, February 4th, and will need to complete the online book completion survey by Friday, February 8th.

Math - To complete our Measurement unit, we've given the students the task of building a mansion.  They are responsible for designing the interior and exterior of the structure, and using their measurement skills to create scale floor plans and 3-D representations.  They are also building a Community Center (using their circle-skills), and estimating land plots for gardens and a 3-hole golf course.  Please ask your child about this project - although a challenge, students have been having a lot of fun!

Science - Students have been looking into the controversial Canadian Seal Hunt.  On Friday, they were involved in a video conference with local Anti-Sealing lawyer, Nicholas Wright, who shared his views on the Seal Hunt. We encourage students to decide which side of the debate they are on, but to consider that all points of view they are shown may have a certain bias. Links will be added to our Science Links page this week.

History - We are learning about the controversial Canadian figure, Louis Riel.  On our History Links page, there are some links to videos that share the story of Louis Riel and how he fits in with Canadian History.  Students will make the decision as to whether they think Louis Riel is a hero or a villain, and they will create a short story book to share his story (bias included and required!).

Geography - Students are learning about the basics of Economics.  More information to come!

HIGH SCHOOL UPDATE!
With Report Cards right around the corner, students are strongly encouraged to think about what classes they will be signing up for for the 2013-2014 school year.  Mr. Shank was in to visit us earlier this month, and students received course selection information.  We will be having another visit with him with regards to how to fill out the course selection sheet.  This information will go home and we ask that you go through it with your child, fill it out, and send it back.  I will be adding a new page to our blog with pertinent links and Frequently Asked Questions about high school.  If you would like to discuss your child's high school pathway, please feel free to call or e-mail me at anytime.

Updates will happen more frequently - please check back often!  Thanks for your interest and involvement!

Miss Skelton :)