Wednesday, 14th June 2016
4D’s End of Year Newsletter
Here we are at year’s end again. Of course it has come upon us all too quickly. The Wentworth campus opened in September 1997 so we have now been open for nearly a score of years. You have heard from me before about children who have gone through 4D. I was lucky enough to witness so many of them a fortnight ago at the BC Boys Rugby Provincials. There were young men on that field who were in this class in 2008, 2009 & 2010. I was grocery shopping this week and I ran into a mother whose daughter is now a graphic artist in California. I have channel surfed the TV and seen Griffin Reinhart lift the Memorial Cup in hockey and his brother, Samson, racking up the points for the Buffalo Sabres in his rookie season. I am hearing about the Harvard graduate who is going to work for the Minnesota Wild in the NHL. As the campus turns 20 years of age so will the first 4Dears turn 30!
So what should be said about the current crop. I could churn out all the trite comments about them being the best ever, about them being the future (of course they are that!), about them embracing every moment and every opportunity both inside and outside the school. These statements are all true as they were for previous 4Ds. The most recent truth is that they have been faced with a 64 year old teacher on a daily basis who will never have seen it all before but has seen a good deal in his 40 years or so in the classroom. It might be understandable that the job could have become a bit stale, a mite ‘old hat’. There might be ‘ho hum’ days when he doesn’t really feel like entering the portals of his place of work. Of course there are moments of that, only the insane are happy all of the time after all! Sooo, early in the morning, as is my inevitable arrival, the start of the day may be slow, there may be a mood that needs to be shrugged off. The real truth, however, is that it is hard not to smile when your children walk through the door. Their joy, their energy and, most of all, their humour, are uplifting to me. If they have shown me inordinate respect because I am their homeroom teacher then they should know that the feeling is mutual. It has been such a pleasure and privilege to have taught your children this year. Thank you for entrusting your most precious possessions to my charge.
I hope that 4D are excited for their summer holidays but I also hope that some time in August they are desperately keen to get back to school. I feel that if that is the case and can continue to be the case for the years of the children’s education then the institution has done its job.
Good luck and safe holidays to you all.
Sincerely, Peter Davidson.
Here we are at year’s end again. Of course it has come upon us all too quickly. The Wentworth campus opened in September 1997 so we have now been open for nearly a score of years. You have heard from me before about children who have gone through 4D. I was lucky enough to witness so many of them a fortnight ago at the BC Boys Rugby Provincials. There were young men on that field who were in this class in 2008, 2009 & 2010. I was grocery shopping this week and I ran into a mother whose daughter is now a graphic artist in California. I have channel surfed the TV and seen Griffin Reinhart lift the Memorial Cup in hockey and his brother, Samson, racking up the points for the Buffalo Sabres in his rookie season. I am hearing about the Harvard graduate who is going to work for the Minnesota Wild in the NHL. As the campus turns 20 years of age so will the first 4Dears turn 30!
So what should be said about the current crop. I could churn out all the trite comments about them being the best ever, about them being the future (of course they are that!), about them embracing every moment and every opportunity both inside and outside the school. These statements are all true as they were for previous 4Ds. The most recent truth is that they have been faced with a 64 year old teacher on a daily basis who will never have seen it all before but has seen a good deal in his 40 years or so in the classroom. It might be understandable that the job could have become a bit stale, a mite ‘old hat’. There might be ‘ho hum’ days when he doesn’t really feel like entering the portals of his place of work. Of course there are moments of that, only the insane are happy all of the time after all! Sooo, early in the morning, as is my inevitable arrival, the start of the day may be slow, there may be a mood that needs to be shrugged off. The real truth, however, is that it is hard not to smile when your children walk through the door. Their joy, their energy and, most of all, their humour, are uplifting to me. If they have shown me inordinate respect because I am their homeroom teacher then they should know that the feeling is mutual. It has been such a pleasure and privilege to have taught your children this year. Thank you for entrusting your most precious possessions to my charge.
I hope that 4D are excited for their summer holidays but I also hope that some time in August they are desperately keen to get back to school. I feel that if that is the case and can continue to be the case for the years of the children’s education then the institution has done its job.
Good luck and safe holidays to you all.
Sincerely, Peter Davidson.
Friday, 3rd June 2016
Friday, 3rd June 2016
‘We have a system of beliefs that is so successful we don’t understand that it’s belief any more. We think of it as knowledge.” John Gray.
All of us who work at Collingwood School have a very strong belief in the ethics, traditions and mores of our institution. The content of our knowledge is, however, in a continuous state of movement. Indeed the way in which we deliver that knowledge is always varying. Despite the large discrepancies in ages between various members of our team we pride ourselves that we are always learning and always adapting. We are consistently in a state of flux, inconsistently adaptable. This may seem to be so much bafflegab but the point is that our team is professionally engaged at all times trying to better the learning and SEL development of your children. Knowledge is very useful but it is the use of that knowledge that is the real learning.
Our ‘Explorers’ unit is a prime example. It can be so much factual knowledge and not enough thinking outside of the box learning if we let it be. For example some of the children have been developing timelines of the last 1000 years of exploration. They have seen crowded areas around about Columbus discovery of the ‘New World’. Asking the children to surmise why suddenly there were such busy periods of exploration can lead into discussions about population booms and food shortages at home and new developments in the technologies of navigation and boat design. The old maxim ‘children learn by doing, not by watching and queuing’ may ‘bear the gree’ here. Fractions and unaided writes and RAD comprehension assessments continue apace. And yes, your children have made massive developments in these spheres since they were last tested back in the distant, misty past when they were little Grade III students only pretending to be rufty-tufty Grade IV characters. They have grown up a great deal since then.
Last weekend, Peter Davidson trekked out to Abbotsford to watch the senior rugby team contest the provincial rugby final. It has been 8 years since Richelle Forbes, Lise Middleton and he had taught the oldest of these young men. (Grant Harder was a very, very young chap in those days!) They didn’t win. They lost to St. Michaels University School but they did so with courage, dignity, grit and class. It was so wonderful to know what they were and to see how magnificent they have turned out. Sport is only sport except that so often it is so much more than that. It was so much more last Saturday.
Have a good weekend. Sincerely, The Grade IV team.
‘We have a system of beliefs that is so successful we don’t understand that it’s belief any more. We think of it as knowledge.” John Gray.
All of us who work at Collingwood School have a very strong belief in the ethics, traditions and mores of our institution. The content of our knowledge is, however, in a continuous state of movement. Indeed the way in which we deliver that knowledge is always varying. Despite the large discrepancies in ages between various members of our team we pride ourselves that we are always learning and always adapting. We are consistently in a state of flux, inconsistently adaptable. This may seem to be so much bafflegab but the point is that our team is professionally engaged at all times trying to better the learning and SEL development of your children. Knowledge is very useful but it is the use of that knowledge that is the real learning.
Our ‘Explorers’ unit is a prime example. It can be so much factual knowledge and not enough thinking outside of the box learning if we let it be. For example some of the children have been developing timelines of the last 1000 years of exploration. They have seen crowded areas around about Columbus discovery of the ‘New World’. Asking the children to surmise why suddenly there were such busy periods of exploration can lead into discussions about population booms and food shortages at home and new developments in the technologies of navigation and boat design. The old maxim ‘children learn by doing, not by watching and queuing’ may ‘bear the gree’ here. Fractions and unaided writes and RAD comprehension assessments continue apace. And yes, your children have made massive developments in these spheres since they were last tested back in the distant, misty past when they were little Grade III students only pretending to be rufty-tufty Grade IV characters. They have grown up a great deal since then.
Last weekend, Peter Davidson trekked out to Abbotsford to watch the senior rugby team contest the provincial rugby final. It has been 8 years since Richelle Forbes, Lise Middleton and he had taught the oldest of these young men. (Grant Harder was a very, very young chap in those days!) They didn’t win. They lost to St. Michaels University School but they did so with courage, dignity, grit and class. It was so wonderful to know what they were and to see how magnificent they have turned out. Sport is only sport except that so often it is so much more than that. It was so much more last Saturday.
Have a good weekend. Sincerely, The Grade IV team.
Friday, 27th May 2016
“How did it get so late so soon?
It’s night before its afternoon.
December is here before June.
My goodness how the time has flewn.
How did it get so late so soon?” Dr. Seuss
There always is the inevitability of June for teacher and student. Next week we will be well and truly ensconced in the last month of the school year! For the children in last September, it seemed a lifetime away. For teachers it represents the busiest of times. We have to live with the impact of a sudden stop. On the Friday after the children have left we will have the strange, unsettling experience of being in a school without children. It is not why we entered the profession!! We will not be bereft or sad at their going because we will see them all again, albeit in a Grade V capacity. It will simply be strange to dash headlong towards the wall of a sudden ending and then have to recover enough to begin our job of reflection and planning for next year. We will have to place your child,ren in their Grade V classes, balancing gender, ability and personality, mixing and matching children as they head towards Grade V. We will be playing with a new curriculum. We will be writing report cards. We will be easing gently into our summer break.
For the next three weeks, however, we hope to accomplish a great deal with your children. We will learn more about ‘Explorers’ and we will test the children’s knowledge of them. We will continue writing creatively in English. In Math, the children will have been taught equivalent fractions, improper fractions, how to find the Lowest Common Multiple and how to add and subtract fractions of like denominators.
Have a wonderful weekend. The Grade IV team.
It’s night before its afternoon.
December is here before June.
My goodness how the time has flewn.
How did it get so late so soon?” Dr. Seuss
There always is the inevitability of June for teacher and student. Next week we will be well and truly ensconced in the last month of the school year! For the children in last September, it seemed a lifetime away. For teachers it represents the busiest of times. We have to live with the impact of a sudden stop. On the Friday after the children have left we will have the strange, unsettling experience of being in a school without children. It is not why we entered the profession!! We will not be bereft or sad at their going because we will see them all again, albeit in a Grade V capacity. It will simply be strange to dash headlong towards the wall of a sudden ending and then have to recover enough to begin our job of reflection and planning for next year. We will have to place your child,ren in their Grade V classes, balancing gender, ability and personality, mixing and matching children as they head towards Grade V. We will be playing with a new curriculum. We will be writing report cards. We will be easing gently into our summer break.
For the next three weeks, however, we hope to accomplish a great deal with your children. We will learn more about ‘Explorers’ and we will test the children’s knowledge of them. We will continue writing creatively in English. In Math, the children will have been taught equivalent fractions, improper fractions, how to find the Lowest Common Multiple and how to add and subtract fractions of like denominators.
Have a wonderful weekend. The Grade IV team.
Friday, 20th May 2016
“We shall not cease from exploration and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” T.S.Eliot.
Was not the concert a great success? We all looked across at your children, saw them standing with pride, singing with enthusiasm, standing still and perfect. We were proud and I am sure that you were as well. We think that the quotation above is so true of the practice for the occasion and the occasion itself. But, of course, it was chosen mainly because we have started our study of ‘Explorers’ in Social Studies.
The beauty of energetic youth is that it is so much more curious, more inquisitive, more adventurous and more exploratory than its mentors and teachers. Our job is to give the children the understanding of the geography, history and technology of the early explorers but, more importantly, to foster the aforementioned skills that they already have; to allow them to experiment safely in a safe environment both intellectually and spiritually.
In Mathematics, we are moving forward with our study of fractions. The children are developing a good understanding of equivalent fractions. We are trying to take small steps and encouraging deeper understanding in the process.
Our athletic seasons are coming to an end. Rugby, football, track and field and swimming are coming quickly to a conclusion. How do we measure success? We measure it in the joy of the pass, the tackle, the throw, the jump, the putt and the run. It is good to win and, of course, the players want so badly to win. The coaches, however, are there for the joy of the chase and the raising of the ability bar and the developing camaraderie. Sport is as much about the individual and the team as it is about the result. We hope that your young athletes have enjoyed their sporting experience so much that they will keep coming back to it.
Many of us were able to attend the Lifer’s Luncheon on Thursday. It is an event that celebrates those students who are graduating from Collingwood and have spent the whole of their school careers at the school! Quite an achievement. 8 years ago Peter Davidson and Richelle Forbes shared this group of 2016 graduates. It was great to see 10 members of that ex-4DF class having lunch at the Lodge. It is really quite wonderful to leave the current crop of 9 year olds and walk over the road and see these young men and women and draw that short line between what they are and what they were. Then we return for an afternoon with the little characters again, knowing that in 8 years it will be them reaching for the glittering prizes beyond Collingwood School.
It being the Old Queen’s birthday weekend, we wish you all a happy Victoria Day on Monday.
The Grade IV team.
Friday, 13th May 2016
Friday, 13th May 2016
“You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” – Christopher Columbus.
Science ended this week in a welter of weather. We were able to complete our Science tests. We are now ready to move onto our Explorers’ unit, thus the Columbus quotation. In Mathematics we have completed our kites and have started to fly them. Fractionally less fun than this is our study of fractions! In English we are preparing for Grandparents Day which takes place next Friday.
Grandparents Day is an opportunity for the children to share their Grade IV experience with their Grandparents; a chance to show off their classroom to wonderful people who dote on them. We do realise that not every child has a grandparent who can attend and we do not want the children to be left out. If that is the case you are welcome to bring in an adult who has meant much to the children as they are growing up, a surrogate grandparent. Apart from anything else Grandparents Day is a chance for Mr.Davidson to meet and talk with people his own age!!
We are looking forward to seeing you all at the Grade IV concert next week. The children have practiced long and hard with their music teachers to make this experience so enjoyable for you all.
On another note it seems a bit early in the term to be talking to the children and parents about little irritations which are starting to manifest themselves in our classrooms. Friendship issues, teasing and bullying have started to rear their ugly heads. We have dealt with some tears and some tales of woe over the last week or so. We know that this always comes at the end of a term and the end of a year but we are surprised that it has arrived with a large chunk of the term still to go. You can help by letting us know if there is anything which is making your child unhappy which we may not know about.
Have a good weekend. The Grade IV team.
“You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” – Christopher Columbus.
Science ended this week in a welter of weather. We were able to complete our Science tests. We are now ready to move onto our Explorers’ unit, thus the Columbus quotation. In Mathematics we have completed our kites and have started to fly them. Fractionally less fun than this is our study of fractions! In English we are preparing for Grandparents Day which takes place next Friday.
Grandparents Day is an opportunity for the children to share their Grade IV experience with their Grandparents; a chance to show off their classroom to wonderful people who dote on them. We do realise that not every child has a grandparent who can attend and we do not want the children to be left out. If that is the case you are welcome to bring in an adult who has meant much to the children as they are growing up, a surrogate grandparent. Apart from anything else Grandparents Day is a chance for Mr.Davidson to meet and talk with people his own age!!
We are looking forward to seeing you all at the Grade IV concert next week. The children have practiced long and hard with their music teachers to make this experience so enjoyable for you all.
On another note it seems a bit early in the term to be talking to the children and parents about little irritations which are starting to manifest themselves in our classrooms. Friendship issues, teasing and bullying have started to rear their ugly heads. We have dealt with some tears and some tales of woe over the last week or so. We know that this always comes at the end of a term and the end of a year but we are surprised that it has arrived with a large chunk of the term still to go. You can help by letting us know if there is anything which is making your child unhappy which we may not know about.
Have a good weekend. The Grade IV team.
Friday, 6th May 2016
Friday, 6th May 2016
“A man watches his pear tree day after day, impatient for the ripening of his fruit. Let him attempt to force the process and he may spoil both fruit and tree. But let him patiently wait and it will fall into his lap”. Abraham Lincoln
Maybe slavery would have ended without a civil war??!! Nevertheless as far as education is concerned there are moments when the teacher needs to back off a little. Many mathematical concepts are not understood before we have to move on to new ones need to be taught. Certainly it would be possible to carry on with our geometry unit a week or two longer but then we run risks. We sell our fractions unit short; we don’t give it the attention it deserves and needs. Similarly in English, inferential skills do not come easily for some children. There are many examples in our ‘Number the Stars’ novel study where the children can reach logical conclusions through discussion and questioning. The deer hiding in the woods representing the Jewish people; the dog, Trofast, representing steadfastly the Danish people’s patient wait for the return of their Jewish population. Leading these thoughts out of the children is what the teacher can do but it will take time for some of them to be able to do it themselves. It won’t happen instantly. As teachers and parents we have to wait for the fruit to fall into our laps!
Our fractions unit has begun. We are making tetrahedron kites in our Math unit. If we are lucky enough to get a draft of wind, they will fly. We are about to test our Weather unit in Science.
Thanks to all who contributed to the success of Jeans Day.
Grandparents Day is coming up on Friday, May 20th. The children are greatly looking forward to showing off their work places to their grandparents.
Regarding a certain nameless event that occurs this Sunday, we, the teachers, have two pieces of advice for all Dads and children of Grade IV.
#1: Your mother is always right.
#2: Your mother is never wrong.
Happy Mother’s Day.
The Grade IV team.
“A man watches his pear tree day after day, impatient for the ripening of his fruit. Let him attempt to force the process and he may spoil both fruit and tree. But let him patiently wait and it will fall into his lap”. Abraham Lincoln
Maybe slavery would have ended without a civil war??!! Nevertheless as far as education is concerned there are moments when the teacher needs to back off a little. Many mathematical concepts are not understood before we have to move on to new ones need to be taught. Certainly it would be possible to carry on with our geometry unit a week or two longer but then we run risks. We sell our fractions unit short; we don’t give it the attention it deserves and needs. Similarly in English, inferential skills do not come easily for some children. There are many examples in our ‘Number the Stars’ novel study where the children can reach logical conclusions through discussion and questioning. The deer hiding in the woods representing the Jewish people; the dog, Trofast, representing steadfastly the Danish people’s patient wait for the return of their Jewish population. Leading these thoughts out of the children is what the teacher can do but it will take time for some of them to be able to do it themselves. It won’t happen instantly. As teachers and parents we have to wait for the fruit to fall into our laps!
Our fractions unit has begun. We are making tetrahedron kites in our Math unit. If we are lucky enough to get a draft of wind, they will fly. We are about to test our Weather unit in Science.
Thanks to all who contributed to the success of Jeans Day.
Grandparents Day is coming up on Friday, May 20th. The children are greatly looking forward to showing off their work places to their grandparents.
Regarding a certain nameless event that occurs this Sunday, we, the teachers, have two pieces of advice for all Dads and children of Grade IV.
#1: Your mother is always right.
#2: Your mother is never wrong.
Happy Mother’s Day.
The Grade IV team.
Friday, 29th April 2016
Friday, 29th April 2016.
“There are known knowns. There are things that we know that we know. There are known unknowns. That is to say there are things that we know we don’t know. But there are also unknown unknowns. There are things we don’t know we don’t know.” Donald Rumsfeld.
We knew that we was going to be a geometry test but we didn’t know how the children would do. We thought that they knew all that they had been taught and it surprised us when we discovered that they knew more than they had been taught. Bottom line from Rumsfeld’s quotation is that there much that we can plan for and equally much that can fail in our plans. When we see major engineering projects such as the Evergreen Line not meeting their deadlines and going over costs by years and by millions of dollars, it gives us a different picture as teachers when it takes so long for our students to understand like we and you would wish. Hopefully there are no sinkholes on the way though!
This week the curricula had progressed nicely in all of our classes. We have been giving our children some historical backgrounds to ‘Number the Stars’, plugging along with ‘Voice’ and learning more about the weather.
Jeans Day was a success. The sun has shone. 4D did ‘The Walrus and the Carpenter’ in Assembly. Rugby and Track and Field are in full flow as is Senior Soccer. Richelle Forbes and Ms.Humphries did a fantastic job of making Earth Week kid aware earthen. Poetry month was a great success. Some of your children have been helping out with early morning traffic while the Grade Vs are at Camp Squeah.
Sincerely, The Grade IV team.
“There are known knowns. There are things that we know that we know. There are known unknowns. That is to say there are things that we know we don’t know. But there are also unknown unknowns. There are things we don’t know we don’t know.” Donald Rumsfeld.
We knew that we was going to be a geometry test but we didn’t know how the children would do. We thought that they knew all that they had been taught and it surprised us when we discovered that they knew more than they had been taught. Bottom line from Rumsfeld’s quotation is that there much that we can plan for and equally much that can fail in our plans. When we see major engineering projects such as the Evergreen Line not meeting their deadlines and going over costs by years and by millions of dollars, it gives us a different picture as teachers when it takes so long for our students to understand like we and you would wish. Hopefully there are no sinkholes on the way though!
This week the curricula had progressed nicely in all of our classes. We have been giving our children some historical backgrounds to ‘Number the Stars’, plugging along with ‘Voice’ and learning more about the weather.
Jeans Day was a success. The sun has shone. 4D did ‘The Walrus and the Carpenter’ in Assembly. Rugby and Track and Field are in full flow as is Senior Soccer. Richelle Forbes and Ms.Humphries did a fantastic job of making Earth Week kid aware earthen. Poetry month was a great success. Some of your children have been helping out with early morning traffic while the Grade Vs are at Camp Squeah.
Sincerely, The Grade IV team.
Wednesday, 27th April 2016
Good afternoon parents, Here are your wonderful characters in Assembly this morning! Have fun.
Friday, 22nd April 2016
Friday, 22nd April 2016.
“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them-that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” Lao Tzu
I suspect that you read this wonderful quotation and thought to yourself that you were paying all of this money to come to our school and your child’s teacher wants to ‘let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like’!! I’m sure that’s not what he meant. Such sayings always bring us back to the definition of teachers as being people who educate and coaches as being those that coach. ‘Educate’ from the Latin means literally to ‘lead out’. It is our job to ‘lead out’ skills from your children which they already have. They may not know that they have them, they may not believe that they can understand a certain concept but we will give them the ‘can do’ confidence, the self-belief that allows them to see possibilities.
During this week along with a progression through our various curricula, the children have been engaged with our resident artist, Sunny Assu, (now finished his work here); they have had their sexual health talk with our nurse Andrea Kelsall; they have been to the dance performance led by our excellent colleague, Cara Tench; they have had an author talk from David Bouchard. Those are the enriching realities of our school and make it such an exciting and productive place to work and learn.
Talking of which, we hope that you all had the chance to see ‘Beauty and the Beast’. If that was not the best school run event of the year then it was close to it. Magnificent to see 53 children on stage, performing with such confidence, humour and professionalism. Talking of excellent events, it was so wonderful to see the return of the Spring Fair after a hiatus of several years. Did your child dunk a teacher? Is there still a teacher with the sweet, sickly taste of whipped cream out there? It was good to see the Spring Fair back, wasn’t it?
We don’t mean to nag and talk again about clothing for outdoors but now we seem to be faced with the opposite of rain and cold. All of us have done duty outside this week and it has been hot. Without stating the obvious, it is time that the children brought in a ball cap or an head covering of some description. Ridiculous though it may seem at this time of year there would seem to be a real risk of sunburn!!
Have a wonderful weekend. The Grade IV team.
“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them-that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” Lao Tzu
I suspect that you read this wonderful quotation and thought to yourself that you were paying all of this money to come to our school and your child’s teacher wants to ‘let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like’!! I’m sure that’s not what he meant. Such sayings always bring us back to the definition of teachers as being people who educate and coaches as being those that coach. ‘Educate’ from the Latin means literally to ‘lead out’. It is our job to ‘lead out’ skills from your children which they already have. They may not know that they have them, they may not believe that they can understand a certain concept but we will give them the ‘can do’ confidence, the self-belief that allows them to see possibilities.
During this week along with a progression through our various curricula, the children have been engaged with our resident artist, Sunny Assu, (now finished his work here); they have had their sexual health talk with our nurse Andrea Kelsall; they have been to the dance performance led by our excellent colleague, Cara Tench; they have had an author talk from David Bouchard. Those are the enriching realities of our school and make it such an exciting and productive place to work and learn.
Talking of which, we hope that you all had the chance to see ‘Beauty and the Beast’. If that was not the best school run event of the year then it was close to it. Magnificent to see 53 children on stage, performing with such confidence, humour and professionalism. Talking of excellent events, it was so wonderful to see the return of the Spring Fair after a hiatus of several years. Did your child dunk a teacher? Is there still a teacher with the sweet, sickly taste of whipped cream out there? It was good to see the Spring Fair back, wasn’t it?
We don’t mean to nag and talk again about clothing for outdoors but now we seem to be faced with the opposite of rain and cold. All of us have done duty outside this week and it has been hot. Without stating the obvious, it is time that the children brought in a ball cap or an head covering of some description. Ridiculous though it may seem at this time of year there would seem to be a real risk of sunburn!!
Have a wonderful weekend. The Grade IV team.
Friday, 15th April 2016
Friday, April 15th 2016
“It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.” Confucius
Having had the recent area and perimeter test or quiz or assessment in our Math unit, it is important again to look at success and failure. Of course, being children of different skills, level and abilities there are varying degrees of success. Some are going slowly, some are racing along. All we ask as teachers is that they and you do not stop. We will not be revisiting area and perimeter again this school year but the building blocks of math will continue and they will see it again. At some point in your child’s future the lights will go on and they will smile, you will pat them on the back and they will experience the real success that only comes when concepts do not come easily. Now in Mathematics we are moving into our geometry unit. It is the world of polygons (a ‘polygon’ is not an ‘escaped parrot’!), we will learn about the 4 different triangles, the variety of angles, the protractor and , in crowning glory, the children will make kites. Of course, they will have the opportunity to fly them and, of course, they will fly with greater or lesser degrees of success. Who knows what vagaries of wind and weather will impact their flight paths? Who knows what experimental design flaws and flourishing flight patterns will emerge? The trick as with all learning is to view it all with a smile, a joy and, as Confucius says, to proceed slowly and not to stop.
In English, we are immersed in ‘Number the Stars’. We are learning how authors and poets use the subtlety of ‘voice’ to convey meaning. Any child who has heard Mr. Harder’s masterly reading of the book ‘Dude’ understands how voice works in writing! In English we are so busy that we really need to extend the academic year! Would you agree to allowing us to extend the school year into July?!
In Science, we are making the metamorphosis from our weather unit into our history study of “Explorers”. It is Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s theory of flow in action! Not sure who or what that is then ask Mr. Harder?! What can be more linked than the weather and explorers?
The wonderful initiatives of Sunny Assu, Backpack Buddies and the magnificence of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ came and went. What wonderful enrichment eh!?
Don’t forget the Spring Fair tomorrow. Be there or be square!
Have a wonderful weekend. The Grade IV team.
“It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.” Confucius
Having had the recent area and perimeter test or quiz or assessment in our Math unit, it is important again to look at success and failure. Of course, being children of different skills, level and abilities there are varying degrees of success. Some are going slowly, some are racing along. All we ask as teachers is that they and you do not stop. We will not be revisiting area and perimeter again this school year but the building blocks of math will continue and they will see it again. At some point in your child’s future the lights will go on and they will smile, you will pat them on the back and they will experience the real success that only comes when concepts do not come easily. Now in Mathematics we are moving into our geometry unit. It is the world of polygons (a ‘polygon’ is not an ‘escaped parrot’!), we will learn about the 4 different triangles, the variety of angles, the protractor and , in crowning glory, the children will make kites. Of course, they will have the opportunity to fly them and, of course, they will fly with greater or lesser degrees of success. Who knows what vagaries of wind and weather will impact their flight paths? Who knows what experimental design flaws and flourishing flight patterns will emerge? The trick as with all learning is to view it all with a smile, a joy and, as Confucius says, to proceed slowly and not to stop.
In English, we are immersed in ‘Number the Stars’. We are learning how authors and poets use the subtlety of ‘voice’ to convey meaning. Any child who has heard Mr. Harder’s masterly reading of the book ‘Dude’ understands how voice works in writing! In English we are so busy that we really need to extend the academic year! Would you agree to allowing us to extend the school year into July?!
In Science, we are making the metamorphosis from our weather unit into our history study of “Explorers”. It is Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s theory of flow in action! Not sure who or what that is then ask Mr. Harder?! What can be more linked than the weather and explorers?
The wonderful initiatives of Sunny Assu, Backpack Buddies and the magnificence of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ came and went. What wonderful enrichment eh!?
Don’t forget the Spring Fair tomorrow. Be there or be square!
Have a wonderful weekend. The Grade IV team.
Friday, 8th April 2016
Friday, 8th April 2016.
‘A day without sunshine is, you know, night’. Steve Martin.
We have had some wonderful days of sunshine over the first week back inside the classrooms as well as outside of them. As teachers we have the pithy sayings. ‘life is what you make it’, ‘smile and the world smiles with you’. We always try to practice what we preach, be the lights at the end of the tunnel, spread joy through our teaching. It really hasn’t been that difficult for us this year! There is a lot of enthusiasm from most of the children when they come to school in the morning. One might see dry ice as a boring, inanimate mass lying in the bottom of an ice box, then Mr. Harder and Mr. Parker get their hands on it and suddenly the whole world becomes a livelier and more exciting place!
Area and perimeter were tested today in Mathematics. Weather projects are on the go. Novel studies and studies in ‘Voice’ are happening in English. Education is continuing apace. Outside of official hours, there is track and field. Rugby will begin for Grade IV/V at 7.15 a.m. on Tuesday, 12th April. All is right with the world when rugby begins don’t you know! Mr. Harder’s, Mr.Vo’s and Mr.Davidson’s sun comes up when the rugby season begins! Mr. Style’s rugby season began a week ago. The world is waiting for Ms. MacKinnon, Ms. Gould, Ms.Forbes and Mrs. Middleton to be a part rather apart from our rugby programme. They always pick up the pieces of the rugby season as we progress chaotically forward!
Back Pack Buddies has been taking place this week. Please send your children in with non-perishable, canned, kid-friendly (No sardines please!) goods.
Don’t forget to buy your tickets for ‘Beauty and the Beast’ on Wednesday and Thursday of next week. We had a taster of this excellent production at Assembly this week. It looks to be a treat!
No more news for now. Have a weekend. The Grade IV team.
‘A day without sunshine is, you know, night’. Steve Martin.
We have had some wonderful days of sunshine over the first week back inside the classrooms as well as outside of them. As teachers we have the pithy sayings. ‘life is what you make it’, ‘smile and the world smiles with you’. We always try to practice what we preach, be the lights at the end of the tunnel, spread joy through our teaching. It really hasn’t been that difficult for us this year! There is a lot of enthusiasm from most of the children when they come to school in the morning. One might see dry ice as a boring, inanimate mass lying in the bottom of an ice box, then Mr. Harder and Mr. Parker get their hands on it and suddenly the whole world becomes a livelier and more exciting place!
Area and perimeter were tested today in Mathematics. Weather projects are on the go. Novel studies and studies in ‘Voice’ are happening in English. Education is continuing apace. Outside of official hours, there is track and field. Rugby will begin for Grade IV/V at 7.15 a.m. on Tuesday, 12th April. All is right with the world when rugby begins don’t you know! Mr. Harder’s, Mr.Vo’s and Mr.Davidson’s sun comes up when the rugby season begins! Mr. Style’s rugby season began a week ago. The world is waiting for Ms. MacKinnon, Ms. Gould, Ms.Forbes and Mrs. Middleton to be a part rather apart from our rugby programme. They always pick up the pieces of the rugby season as we progress chaotically forward!
Back Pack Buddies has been taking place this week. Please send your children in with non-perishable, canned, kid-friendly (No sardines please!) goods.
Don’t forget to buy your tickets for ‘Beauty and the Beast’ on Wednesday and Thursday of next week. We had a taster of this excellent production at Assembly this week. It looks to be a treat!
No more news for now. Have a weekend. The Grade IV team.
Friday, April 1st 2016
“The sun was warm but the wind was chill. You know how it is with an April day.”
Robert Frost.
Welcome back, parents. We hope that you had an excellent Spring Break and were able to have some quality time with your children.
All of you should have received your child’s FSA booklet back. You should also have received their online report card.
April is poetry month so you can expect some creations and performances from your children.
In English, we will begin our reading of the novel “Number the Stars”. We always leave this marvelous piece of historical fiction for the last term of the school year. It is based on the true story of the attempt of the Danish people in the Second World War to save their Jewish population from the invading Nazis. This deals with tolerance, stereotyping, kindness, courage and human frailty. We always look on this story as a marker of how our children have matured over the year. We look on how they were in September when we first met them and know that very few of them would have the maturity to have gained the fullest benefit of this story back then. In short, your children have come a long way since September.
In Science, we are coming to the end of our mass and volume unit. We will, however, be spending a fortnight or so studying the weather.
After our weather study we will be beginning our study of ‘Explorers’ as part of our Social Studies curriculum.
You will, therefore, be receiving both a Social Studies and a Science report in the June report card together for the first time this year.
In Mathematics, we are working on Area and Perimeter.
On other issues, Ian Kennedy has asked us to be vigilant about students eating in the hallways and students wearing hoodies which are not Collingwood uniform ones. Please do not send your children to school with civvie hoodies as they will be asked to take them off. Leave the eating in the hallways issue to us to deal with!! We have also reminded our children about the weather. The term has begun with sun. It has perhaps lulled us into a false sense of security. It may not be as cold but it will rain! Therefore please encourage your children to park a waterproof in the locker area so that they are prepared, antediluvian-style, for the inevitable inundation.
Finally it was so very pleasant to see the happy smiling faces arriving back at school on Tuesday. It is bitter-sweet for us as teachers because we know that we are greeting this extremely delightful bunch of characters for the last time as Grade IVs. Next term they will be at a different end of the corridor. We are very pleased and proud of them. We will miss them when June ends. Thank goodness we have almost three months left to enjoy their quirks, quibbles and questions; their smiles, smirks and smoothies. You see already poetry month is less than a day old and their teachers are waxing poetic!!
Have a wonderful weekend. The Grade IV team.
Friday, 4th March 2016
“Spring won’t let me stay in this house any longer. I must get out and breathe the air deeply again.”
Gustav Mahler
This is the last newsletter of your child’s penultimate term in Grade IV. Hasn’t the time flown! How many of us are still thinking and writing 2015 instead of 2016? Only now are teachers no longer having to think when they write the date on the board!
What have your children achieved this term? Well they have written their FSA; they have completed their Social Studies 1st Nations curriculum; they have attended and made us very proud at the Museum of Anthropology; they have begun their mass and volume Science curriculum; they have had messages from our resident artist, Sonny, ‘Living on a dollar a day’ Chris Temple,; they have performed at Mini-We day; they have had, this week, David Walliams the author and actor visit. They have worked on their basic skills and have numerous enriching experiences. Your children have done it all with smiling energetic exuberance. They have enthused their teachers as their teachers have enthused them. They are continuing delight to teach.
Next Friday, you will receive their report cards on line. Please emphasize the children’s effort grades more than the letter grade. Efforts are what every child can make, letter grades are a smidge more difficult to achieve.
Gustav Mahler had it right did he not? Outside there is still the rain and the wind but there are also daffodils, crocus and snowdrops. There are lighter mornings and longer evenings. There are birds twittering and snow melting. There is a regiment of regimen seekers walking the seawalls. There has been an outbreak of cyclists. Still snowboarders and skiers are making the most of the last of the snows. Let us wax lyrical no more! Mahler said it better. Enjoy the time with your children.
Happy Spring Break. The Grade IV team.
Gustav Mahler
This is the last newsletter of your child’s penultimate term in Grade IV. Hasn’t the time flown! How many of us are still thinking and writing 2015 instead of 2016? Only now are teachers no longer having to think when they write the date on the board!
What have your children achieved this term? Well they have written their FSA; they have completed their Social Studies 1st Nations curriculum; they have attended and made us very proud at the Museum of Anthropology; they have begun their mass and volume Science curriculum; they have had messages from our resident artist, Sonny, ‘Living on a dollar a day’ Chris Temple,; they have performed at Mini-We day; they have had, this week, David Walliams the author and actor visit. They have worked on their basic skills and have numerous enriching experiences. Your children have done it all with smiling energetic exuberance. They have enthused their teachers as their teachers have enthused them. They are continuing delight to teach.
Next Friday, you will receive their report cards on line. Please emphasize the children’s effort grades more than the letter grade. Efforts are what every child can make, letter grades are a smidge more difficult to achieve.
Gustav Mahler had it right did he not? Outside there is still the rain and the wind but there are also daffodils, crocus and snowdrops. There are lighter mornings and longer evenings. There are birds twittering and snow melting. There is a regiment of regimen seekers walking the seawalls. There has been an outbreak of cyclists. Still snowboarders and skiers are making the most of the last of the snows. Let us wax lyrical no more! Mahler said it better. Enjoy the time with your children.
Happy Spring Break. The Grade IV team.
Friday, February 26th 2016
“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.” Charles Dickens
It is not timed as such but the end of FSA comes at the end of February. It has been a balancing act as ever. We have tried to tailor our mathematical and English teaching to give the balance between ‘teaching to the test’ which no teacher likes to do and teaching proper curriculum studies. So we have begun to march into March with Mass and Volume as part of our Science curriculum, having left behind our indigenous people studies. We have almost completed our ‘Hatchet’ novel study. In Mathematics, we are working on multiplication and division.
During this week we have celebrated ‘Kindness’ week. Children have had the opportunity to wear the shirt of their choice for Assembly on Wednesday. Of course, kindness is an everyday expectation of all of our children and staff. So when we celebrate it we are not permitting the children to be unkind for the rest of the year! Kindness could really be labelled as ‘awareness’. Teachers frequently have had to stop children barreling through doorways while an adult is coming the other way often carrying a young child. They are not being unkind simply unaware. So we want the children to be aware that there may be a reason why their friend does not want to play at recess, they may be recovering from an illness. We are guiding the children towards empathy. As was so eloquently mentioned by senior students at our Mini-We Assembly, ‘apathy needs to change to empathy.’ Most of your children are so well parented that they are very kind already.
On a practical note and referring to the Dickens quotation. Yes, it soon will be March. The days are getting brighter for longer but Winter doesn’t end until March 21st. Some days are warm but the wind can be cold. Please don’t allow your children to abandon the winter clothing yet. We are having bouts of flu edging the way through our population so let’s continue to wrap up warm and dry.
Have a good weekend. The Grade IV team.
It is not timed as such but the end of FSA comes at the end of February. It has been a balancing act as ever. We have tried to tailor our mathematical and English teaching to give the balance between ‘teaching to the test’ which no teacher likes to do and teaching proper curriculum studies. So we have begun to march into March with Mass and Volume as part of our Science curriculum, having left behind our indigenous people studies. We have almost completed our ‘Hatchet’ novel study. In Mathematics, we are working on multiplication and division.
During this week we have celebrated ‘Kindness’ week. Children have had the opportunity to wear the shirt of their choice for Assembly on Wednesday. Of course, kindness is an everyday expectation of all of our children and staff. So when we celebrate it we are not permitting the children to be unkind for the rest of the year! Kindness could really be labelled as ‘awareness’. Teachers frequently have had to stop children barreling through doorways while an adult is coming the other way often carrying a young child. They are not being unkind simply unaware. So we want the children to be aware that there may be a reason why their friend does not want to play at recess, they may be recovering from an illness. We are guiding the children towards empathy. As was so eloquently mentioned by senior students at our Mini-We Assembly, ‘apathy needs to change to empathy.’ Most of your children are so well parented that they are very kind already.
On a practical note and referring to the Dickens quotation. Yes, it soon will be March. The days are getting brighter for longer but Winter doesn’t end until March 21st. Some days are warm but the wind can be cold. Please don’t allow your children to abandon the winter clothing yet. We are having bouts of flu edging the way through our population so let’s continue to wrap up warm and dry.
Have a good weekend. The Grade IV team.
Friday, February 19th 2016
“Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit, wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad’. Anon
As adults I don’t know that we can teach wisdom. We can teach knowledge and demonstrate how that knowledge applies to certain situations but being wise is more of a metamorphosis, an accumulation of good and bad experiences which give us the experience to make decisions of logic and sense. Most of us like the idea of experimenting, of putting the tomato in the fruit salad and seeing how it tastes.
During this week the children have had the excellent presentation and documentary from Chris Temple who has shown what it is like for 1.1 billion people to live on $1.00 per day. They have had the excellent initiative of ‘Jump Rope for Heart’. Both of these are examples of creating awareness and fostering empathy, something which Collingwood School does so well over the years. We are encouragers of enrichment but our regular work on the basics is continuing.
Next week the children will be soapstone carving and beginning our scientific studies of mass and volume.
Have a good weekend. The Grade IV team.
As adults I don’t know that we can teach wisdom. We can teach knowledge and demonstrate how that knowledge applies to certain situations but being wise is more of a metamorphosis, an accumulation of good and bad experiences which give us the experience to make decisions of logic and sense. Most of us like the idea of experimenting, of putting the tomato in the fruit salad and seeing how it tastes.
During this week the children have had the excellent presentation and documentary from Chris Temple who has shown what it is like for 1.1 billion people to live on $1.00 per day. They have had the excellent initiative of ‘Jump Rope for Heart’. Both of these are examples of creating awareness and fostering empathy, something which Collingwood School does so well over the years. We are encouragers of enrichment but our regular work on the basics is continuing.
Next week the children will be soapstone carving and beginning our scientific studies of mass and volume.
Have a good weekend. The Grade IV team.
Friday, 12th February 2016
“You should have a fear of some things. That doesn’t mean it incapacitates you from your ability to figure out a way to deal with it.” Colonel Chris Hatfield.
Welcome back to our newsletter parents.
Teachers were privileged to hear Colonel Chris Hatfield speak last Friday during our professional development. He was the icing on the cake of an excellent, uplifting two days. His quotation above has us thinking about children and learning. Fear is such a stultifying emotion, it is a barrier to adventurous understanding, indeed certain older teachers will admit to their trepidation when dealing with new technology! But we use it and when we do so, we feel the joy of accomplishment which only comes when something is hard earned. Mathematics is a classic example of a subject which causes some level of fear in some children. Truth is, however, that the creation of a fearless approach, a feeling of ‘can do’ can overcome most difficulties. In many cases, the teacher is acting a little bit like a mathematical placebo. As parents, you can help by not giving your children the get out clause by stating that ‘I was no good at Math at school.’ So we are in the middle of FSA at the moment. It is not the ‘Fearful Skills Assessment’! Teachers are so relaxed about it that we are almost asleep! Your children are not treating it as fun exactly but they are not grasping for the Kleenexe either.
In other news we are coming to the end of our 1st Nations unit and moving towards Mass in Science. The experiments will be fun and exciting. Writing skills continue apace, with metaphor and simile bursting out all over the place. The novel ‘Hatchet’ is reaching its climax.
In other news, we are having Mini We day next week in Assembly.
Don’t forget to send in your contributions for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. The fund-raiser itself will take place on Friday, 19th February. Your children will be skipping on Friday, 19th February. That day will be ‘Jump Rope for Heart Day’.
Have a wonderful weekend. Sincerely, The Grade IV team.
“You should have a fear of some things. That doesn’t mean it incapacitates you from your ability to figure out a way to deal with it.” Colonel Chris Hatfield.
Welcome back to our newsletter parents.
Teachers were privileged to hear Colonel Chris Hatfield speak last Friday during our professional development. He was the icing on the cake of an excellent, uplifting two days. His quotation above has us thinking about children and learning. Fear is such a stultifying emotion, it is a barrier to adventurous understanding, indeed certain older teachers will admit to their trepidation when dealing with new technology! But we use it and when we do so, we feel the joy of accomplishment which only comes when something is hard earned. Mathematics is a classic example of a subject which causes some level of fear in some children. Truth is, however, that the creation of a fearless approach, a feeling of ‘can do’ can overcome most difficulties. In many cases, the teacher is acting a little bit like a mathematical placebo. As parents, you can help by not giving your children the get out clause by stating that ‘I was no good at Math at school.’ So we are in the middle of FSA at the moment. It is not the ‘Fearful Skills Assessment’! Teachers are so relaxed about it that we are almost asleep! Your children are not treating it as fun exactly but they are not grasping for the Kleenexe either.
In other news we are coming to the end of our 1st Nations unit and moving towards Mass in Science. The experiments will be fun and exciting. Writing skills continue apace, with metaphor and simile bursting out all over the place. The novel ‘Hatchet’ is reaching its climax.
In other news, we are having Mini We day next week in Assembly.
Don’t forget to send in your contributions for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. The fund-raiser itself will take place on Friday, 19th February. Your children will be skipping on Friday, 19th February. That day will be ‘Jump Rope for Heart Day’.
Have a wonderful weekend. Sincerely, The Grade IV team.
Friday, February 19th 2016
Friday, 29th January 2016
“I had one toy and it was a stick.” Dog
Welcome to the week, Parents.
Over years in teaching we see the children go through crazes and fads. Who among us do not remember Pokemon?! Whether we remember it with affection is in the eyes of the beholder. The current craze of getting the ball on the string to land in the cup or on the spike, the kendama, seems to be a really good one. It encourages movement and coordination and, best of all, experimentation. Like all of these crazes, it is a phase that will not last but it is very pleasant to watch it and, occasionally, try it ourselves when it is a la mode. Sometimes there is too much stimulation, too many different distractions so this current unique focus is lovely to see.
FSA has begun this week.
In Social Studies, we are working on the Inuit as part of our 1st Nations studies. In English, writing skills, FSA and ‘Hatchet’ are the skills at hand. In Maths, we are all about FSA practice.
Your children will have an extended weekend next week with teachers at Professional Development on Thursday and Friday. (We get to hear Chris Hadfield, the astronaut, speak amongst other outstanding people). On Monday, 8th February, the Provincial government has given us ‘Family Day’.
There will be no Grade IV newsletter on Friday, 5th February.
Happy Family Day.
The Grade IV team.
Friday, 22nd January 2016
“O wad the power the giftie gie us, To see ourselves as others see us” Robert Burns (1786).
January 25th is Robbie Burns’ birthday. He was a famous poet who was born over 250 years ago. Around the world his anniversary is celebrated on or near to this date. This week, 87 children and sundry Collingwood parents and teachers were present at the Museum of Anthropology. If other visitors were seeing ‘ourselves as others see us’, then they would have seen polite, enthusiastic, engaged learning. There would definitely have been a ‘wow’ factor if one was a stranger looking in on Collingwood School on this field trip. Thanks so much to all of the parent volunteers who contributed to making the day such a success.
Meanwhile back at the ranch we have been plugging on with FSA practice, reading ‘Hatchet’, playing with metaphors, dabbling in fractions and following up on our experiences of the indigenous peoples of Canada from the museum.
In the greater world of the whole school there have been a few issues from some of the children at recesses and lunch. Some are the result of not looking before they leap, acting without heed for the consequences. Unless we are a witness to the event itself it does take some digging before we reach some form of the truth. As ever please don’t believe everything that you hear at home. Believe us that if it was something really dramatic then you would be hearing from us. With the best will in the world there are people, sometimes children, who won’t allow the truth to spoil a good story!!
Enjoy the weekend. The Grade IV team.
“I had one toy and it was a stick.” Dog
Welcome to the week, Parents.
Over years in teaching we see the children go through crazes and fads. Who among us do not remember Pokemon?! Whether we remember it with affection is in the eyes of the beholder. The current craze of getting the ball on the string to land in the cup or on the spike, the kendama, seems to be a really good one. It encourages movement and coordination and, best of all, experimentation. Like all of these crazes, it is a phase that will not last but it is very pleasant to watch it and, occasionally, try it ourselves when it is a la mode. Sometimes there is too much stimulation, too many different distractions so this current unique focus is lovely to see.
FSA has begun this week.
In Social Studies, we are working on the Inuit as part of our 1st Nations studies. In English, writing skills, FSA and ‘Hatchet’ are the skills at hand. In Maths, we are all about FSA practice.
Your children will have an extended weekend next week with teachers at Professional Development on Thursday and Friday. (We get to hear Chris Hadfield, the astronaut, speak amongst other outstanding people). On Monday, 8th February, the Provincial government has given us ‘Family Day’.
There will be no Grade IV newsletter on Friday, 5th February.
Happy Family Day.
The Grade IV team.
Friday, 22nd January 2016
“O wad the power the giftie gie us, To see ourselves as others see us” Robert Burns (1786).
January 25th is Robbie Burns’ birthday. He was a famous poet who was born over 250 years ago. Around the world his anniversary is celebrated on or near to this date. This week, 87 children and sundry Collingwood parents and teachers were present at the Museum of Anthropology. If other visitors were seeing ‘ourselves as others see us’, then they would have seen polite, enthusiastic, engaged learning. There would definitely have been a ‘wow’ factor if one was a stranger looking in on Collingwood School on this field trip. Thanks so much to all of the parent volunteers who contributed to making the day such a success.
Meanwhile back at the ranch we have been plugging on with FSA practice, reading ‘Hatchet’, playing with metaphors, dabbling in fractions and following up on our experiences of the indigenous peoples of Canada from the museum.
In the greater world of the whole school there have been a few issues from some of the children at recesses and lunch. Some are the result of not looking before they leap, acting without heed for the consequences. Unless we are a witness to the event itself it does take some digging before we reach some form of the truth. As ever please don’t believe everything that you hear at home. Believe us that if it was something really dramatic then you would be hearing from us. With the best will in the world there are people, sometimes children, who won’t allow the truth to spoil a good story!!
Enjoy the weekend. The Grade IV team.
Friday, 15th January 2016
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit”.
Will Durant.
Happy New Year parents, we hope that you had a wonderful holiday. It has been wonderful to be greeted by the happy smiling faces of the children when we arrived at school yesterday morning.
Over the next few weeks we will be practising and completing our annual ‘Fundamental Skills Assessment’. Every Grade IV child in the province goes through this process. The activities are based on Math and English skills. They are very, very useful for us as teachers. They help us to compare ourselves to a mean standard. They help us to assess standards compared to the expectations of the Ministry of Education and look at levels of children in the province. You will as parents eventually have your children’s booklets returned to you and you will see your child having one of three levels. As teachers we really enjoy preparing the children for this event, we become passionate about the group marking process and relish sharing with you what your children achieve. It is a stimulating and fun-filled process.
On next Tuesday, January 19th, we will be making our annual field trip to Museum of Anthropology at UBC. It is a full day experience. Your children will need to have the following:-
#1 uniforms
Waterproofs and warm clothing.
Rubber boots.
A day pack including recess snack and bagged lunch (No microwave available).
The whole wonderful ambience of MOA is complimented by the excellent and passionate guides. The emphasis is, of course, on west coast 1st Nations but there is also an opportunity to examine Inuit artefacts also part of our curriculum. Part of the experience will be outdoors. Lunch will be held in the Long House. We have asked Class Mums to provide us with two parent chaperones per class (one in the case of Ms.MacKinnon and Mr. Style’s class).
If you are kind enough to volunteer for this or any other field trip please ensure that your security check is up to date.
Have an excellent weekend.
Sincerely, The Grade IV team.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit”.
Will Durant.
Happy New Year parents, we hope that you had a wonderful holiday. It has been wonderful to be greeted by the happy smiling faces of the children when we arrived at school yesterday morning.
Over the next few weeks we will be practising and completing our annual ‘Fundamental Skills Assessment’. Every Grade IV child in the province goes through this process. The activities are based on Math and English skills. They are very, very useful for us as teachers. They help us to compare ourselves to a mean standard. They help us to assess standards compared to the expectations of the Ministry of Education and look at levels of children in the province. You will as parents eventually have your children’s booklets returned to you and you will see your child having one of three levels. As teachers we really enjoy preparing the children for this event, we become passionate about the group marking process and relish sharing with you what your children achieve. It is a stimulating and fun-filled process.
On next Tuesday, January 19th, we will be making our annual field trip to Museum of Anthropology at UBC. It is a full day experience. Your children will need to have the following:-
#1 uniforms
Waterproofs and warm clothing.
Rubber boots.
A day pack including recess snack and bagged lunch (No microwave available).
The whole wonderful ambience of MOA is complimented by the excellent and passionate guides. The emphasis is, of course, on west coast 1st Nations but there is also an opportunity to examine Inuit artefacts also part of our curriculum. Part of the experience will be outdoors. Lunch will be held in the Long House. We have asked Class Mums to provide us with two parent chaperones per class (one in the case of Ms.MacKinnon and Mr. Style’s class).
If you are kind enough to volunteer for this or any other field trip please ensure that your security check is up to date.
Have an excellent weekend.
Sincerely, The Grade IV team.
Here is a FSA schedule and more importantly a practice website, should you wish your children to have an holiday practice.
Grade FSA Testing Schedule-Collingwood School
(2016 Foundation Skills Assessment) January 25 – February 19, 2016
Date
Time
Location
Test
Monday January 25th
8:40-9:35 (4S/Mc)
Homeroom
Reading Comprehension Part 1
FSA – Short Writing
Tuesday January 26th
11:15-12:20 (4F)
IT Centre
Reading Comprehension Part 1
Short Write
Wednesday January 27th
1:35-2:50 (4M)
IT Centre
Reading Comprehension Part 1
FSA – Short Write
Friday January 29
1:35-2:45 (4D)
IT Centre
Reading Comprehension Part 1
FSA – Short Write
Monday February 1st
1:35-2:45 (4H)
IT Centre
Reading Comprehension Part 1
FSA – Short Write
Tuesday February 2nd
All Classes -Varies according to Language Block
Homerooms
Reading Comprehension
Part 2
Wednesday February 3rd
11:55-12:40 (4S/Mc)
Homeroom
Reading Comprehension
Part 2
Tuesday February 9th
Varies according to Language B.
Homerooms
FSA – Long Writing
Wednesday, February 10th
Varies according to Language B.
Homerooms
FSA – Long Writing
Thursday, February 11th
8:40-9:45 (4S/Mc)
Homeroom
FSA – Long Writing
Friday, February 12th
8:40-9:45 (4M)
IT Centre
Numeracy (Part 5)
Monday February 15th
8:40-9:35am (4S/Mc)
Homeroom
FSA – Long Writing
Tuesday February 16th
11:55-12:45 (4H)
IT Centre
Numeracy (Part5)
Wednesday February 17th
8:40-9:35 (4D)
IT Centre
Numeracy (Part 5)
Thursday February 18th
8:40- 9:40 (4F)
IT Centre
Numeracy (Part 5)
February 18th
Homeroom
Make up Session
February 18th
11:55-12:45pm
IT Centre
Make up Session
February 19
8:40-9:40
IT Centre
Make up Session
Practice Tests: https://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/assessment/fsa/ Scroll down to Sample, Grade 4, Multiple Choice Questions, Select School District (West Vancouver 45), Grade 4 Reading, Logon, Yes, then Complete. Follow same Directions for Numeracy
Grade FSA Testing Schedule-Collingwood School
(2016 Foundation Skills Assessment) January 25 – February 19, 2016
Date
Time
Location
Test
Monday January 25th
8:40-9:35 (4S/Mc)
Homeroom
Reading Comprehension Part 1
FSA – Short Writing
Tuesday January 26th
11:15-12:20 (4F)
IT Centre
Reading Comprehension Part 1
Short Write
Wednesday January 27th
1:35-2:50 (4M)
IT Centre
Reading Comprehension Part 1
FSA – Short Write
Friday January 29
1:35-2:45 (4D)
IT Centre
Reading Comprehension Part 1
FSA – Short Write
Monday February 1st
1:35-2:45 (4H)
IT Centre
Reading Comprehension Part 1
FSA – Short Write
Tuesday February 2nd
All Classes -Varies according to Language Block
Homerooms
Reading Comprehension
Part 2
Wednesday February 3rd
11:55-12:40 (4S/Mc)
Homeroom
Reading Comprehension
Part 2
Tuesday February 9th
Varies according to Language B.
Homerooms
FSA – Long Writing
Wednesday, February 10th
Varies according to Language B.
Homerooms
FSA – Long Writing
Thursday, February 11th
8:40-9:45 (4S/Mc)
Homeroom
FSA – Long Writing
Friday, February 12th
8:40-9:45 (4M)
IT Centre
Numeracy (Part 5)
Monday February 15th
8:40-9:35am (4S/Mc)
Homeroom
FSA – Long Writing
Tuesday February 16th
11:55-12:45 (4H)
IT Centre
Numeracy (Part5)
Wednesday February 17th
8:40-9:35 (4D)
IT Centre
Numeracy (Part 5)
Thursday February 18th
8:40- 9:40 (4F)
IT Centre
Numeracy (Part 5)
February 18th
Homeroom
Make up Session
February 18th
11:55-12:45pm
IT Centre
Make up Session
February 19
8:40-9:40
IT Centre
Make up Session
Practice Tests: https://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/assessment/fsa/ Scroll down to Sample, Grade 4, Multiple Choice Questions, Select School District (West Vancouver 45), Grade 4 Reading, Logon, Yes, then Complete. Follow same Directions for Numeracy
Friday, 18th December 2015
“If you want your children to be intelligent, read them a fairy tale. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.” Albert Einstein.
I am lucky enough to have worked with 4D since September, 1997. For me it has been a wonderful 18 years. I don’t know whether it is age or experience or attitude or my frame of mind but I really believe that this has been the best classroom experience this term. Here I have to offer apologies to all the siblings who have gone through 4D before! Why does this need to be said? It needs to be said because your children are kind, humorous, well meaning, committed to their learning. Rarely have we had tears. I have occasionally been through the speech writing process without tears so that is not new. I have never before had a tearless Halloween party. Your children have learned a great deal. It may seem to you that they have not done enough, that I have not pushed them as hard as I should or indeed stretched their abilities to their maximum potential. Believe me that I often think about this but frequently look at the questions which ask whether they are learning enough and whether they are enjoying the process. I believe that consistently for the last 3 or so months they have consistently performed well in the classroom. That aside, 4D’s Grade IV teacher is but a ship that passes in the night, their real success lies in the fact that your children are extremely well balanced because they are extremely well parented. They are a reflection of you and a credit to you.
Taking a politically incorrect viewpoint and with all due respect to you Dads out there, they are extremely well mothered. (May I say that and get away with it because I am a Dad?) With that in mind, I have found this rather wonderful definition of what it takes to be a mother. I wish you all safe travels, wonderful family time and season’s greetings. I will leave you with it.
“When God Created Mothers"
When the Good Lord was creating mothers, He was into His sixth day of "overtime" when the angel appeared and said. "You're doing a lot of fiddling around on this one."
And God said, "Have you read the specs on this order?" She has to be completely washable, but not plastic. Have 180 moveable parts...all replaceable. Run on black coffee and leftovers. Have a lap that disappears when she stands up. A kiss that can cure anything from a broken leg to a disappointed love affair. And six pairs of hands."
The angel shook her head slowly and said. "Six pairs of hands.... no way."
It's not the hands that are causing me problems," God remarked, "it's the three pairs of eyes that mothers have to have."
That's on the standard model?" asked the angel. God nodded.
One pair that sees through closed doors when she asks, 'What are you kids doing in there?' when she already knows. Another here in the back of her head that sees what she shouldn't but what she has to know, and of course the ones here in front that can look at a child when he goofs up and say. 'I understand and I love you' without so much as uttering a word."
God," said the angel touching his sleeve gently, "Get some rest tomorrow...."
I can't," said God, "I'm so close to creating something so close to myself. Already I have one who heals herself when she is sick...can feed a family of six on one pound of hamburger...and can get a nine year old to stand under a shower."
The angel circled the model of a mother very slowly. "It's too soft," she sighed.
But tough!" said God excitedly. "You can imagine what this mother can do or endure."
Can it think?"
Not only can it think, but it can reason and compromise," said the Creator.
Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek.
There's a leak," she pronounced. "I told You that You were trying to put too much into this model."
It's not a leak," said the Lord, "It's a tear."
What's it for?"
It's for joy, sadness, disappointment, pain, loneliness, and pride."
You are a genius, " said the angel.
Somberly, God said, "I didn't put it there.”
― Erma Bombeck, When God Created Mothers
Sincerely, Peter Davidson.
Friday, 11th December 2015
“We do not remember days, we remember moments”. Cesare Pavese.
Hopefully your children gave you some moments to remember this week. Through the Book Fair and the concert, the decorations in the classrooms and the preparations for Secret Santa and the potlatch, we have found some calm amidst the storm.
Our potlatch day in Grade IV is Tuesday, 15th December. All of the gifts should be at school by Tuesday. Please ensure that if you are leaving for an early holiday that your child’s gift has been delivered before you leave. We want NO child left giftless.
The following is a message from Mr. Kennedy:-
Monday
-K-5 Festive Store Wentworth Library
Tuesday
-Gr. 6-9 CAROL SERVICE at West Van United - All Grade 6-9 students Must be in # 1 Uniform
Wednesday
-Wentworth Festival of Lights Assembly
-FESTIVE SWEATER DAY – students, faculty and staff are invited to wear their festive sweaters and accessories over # 2 uniform
Thursday
-Gr. K-5 CAROL SERVICE - West Vancouver United Church- All Grade K-5 students Must be in # 1 Uniform
-JKC Winter Celebration Concert
Friday – No School for Students – Start of Winter Break
The following is a message from the front desk:-
You may use the online attendance notification system by going to the following link: http://www.collingwood.org/page.cfm?p=2485
Alternatively the link can be found by accessing the Attendance Notification system by going to the www.collingwood.org website and following the online prompts on the left side of the page, under the tab quick links.
If you have any questions please call me on 604 925-8375, Wentworth Reception.
Thank you,
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely, The Grade IV team.
Friday, December 4th 2011
“Great events make me quiet and calm; it is only trifles that irritate my nerves.” Queen Victoria.
There are going to be several great events over the next week or so and it will be important that we do not allow the trifles to get in the way of all the good that the children are trying to accomplish.
In Social Studies next week, we will begin to make our traditional button blankets as part of our 1st Nations studies. Of course, there will be rehearsals for the concert on Wednesday, 9th December. We are looking forward to seeing you all there promptly for a 5.30 start.
On Tuesday, 15th December we will having our annual potlatch celebration, details of which you have on a separate hand-out.
We will also be building Gingerbread longhouses details of which are in the separate entity of your child’s homeroom.
Have a good week.
The Grade IV team.
“We do not remember days, we remember moments”. Cesare Pavese.
Hopefully your children gave you some moments to remember this week. Through the Book Fair and the concert, the decorations in the classrooms and the preparations for Secret Santa and the potlatch, we have found some calm amidst the storm.
Our potlatch day in Grade IV is Tuesday, 15th December. All of the gifts should be at school by Tuesday. Please ensure that if you are leaving for an early holiday that your child’s gift has been delivered before you leave. We want NO child left giftless.
The following is a message from Mr. Kennedy:-
Monday
-K-5 Festive Store Wentworth Library
Tuesday
-Gr. 6-9 CAROL SERVICE at West Van United - All Grade 6-9 students Must be in # 1 Uniform
Wednesday
-Wentworth Festival of Lights Assembly
-FESTIVE SWEATER DAY – students, faculty and staff are invited to wear their festive sweaters and accessories over # 2 uniform
Thursday
-Gr. K-5 CAROL SERVICE - West Vancouver United Church- All Grade K-5 students Must be in # 1 Uniform
-JKC Winter Celebration Concert
Friday – No School for Students – Start of Winter Break
The following is a message from the front desk:-
You may use the online attendance notification system by going to the following link: http://www.collingwood.org/page.cfm?p=2485
Alternatively the link can be found by accessing the Attendance Notification system by going to the www.collingwood.org website and following the online prompts on the left side of the page, under the tab quick links.
If you have any questions please call me on 604 925-8375, Wentworth Reception.
Thank you,
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely, The Grade IV team.
Friday, December 4th 2011
“Great events make me quiet and calm; it is only trifles that irritate my nerves.” Queen Victoria.
There are going to be several great events over the next week or so and it will be important that we do not allow the trifles to get in the way of all the good that the children are trying to accomplish.
In Social Studies next week, we will begin to make our traditional button blankets as part of our 1st Nations studies. Of course, there will be rehearsals for the concert on Wednesday, 9th December. We are looking forward to seeing you all there promptly for a 5.30 start.
On Tuesday, 15th December we will having our annual potlatch celebration, details of which you have on a separate hand-out.
We will also be building Gingerbread longhouses details of which are in the separate entity of your child’s homeroom.
Have a good week.
The Grade IV team.
“Good done anywhere is good done everywhere.”
Maya Angelou
Welcome to the week, parents.
We are in that season where we are working to create greater awareness amongst your children. Self-awareness as usual is out there because it is becoming very, very cold. As staff we are still seeing children outside at Recess time in inappropriate clothing. Toques, gloves and thick coats are the order of the day. There is no problem with keeping this clothing at school if you so wish. It is part of our ‘in loco parentis’ duties to keep your children warm so we will have to keep your children indoors if they are inappropriately dressed. This will be a boring experience for your children!
We are also trying to create further awareness of the needs of others. There are people who are very cold because they do not have a winter coat. The children are asked to bring in any coats of which you may have no further need in your household. Also you have received the notice about the ‘Children’s Christmas Charity Project’, please spend some time this weekend buying an unwrapped gift for a child who otherwise will not have one.
In curricula matters, we have moved from the first into the second term. We are beginning our Social Studies unit which is the 1st Nations Peoples of Western Canada. This will included history, culture, myths and relationships with the environment. In Mathematics, we are moving into multiplication and division. In Language Arts, we are returning to our basic writing skills learning after the hard work of the speeches. We will also begin the novel ‘Hatchet’, a marvelous story of a boy’s attempt to survive alone in the wilderness.
In addition to all of this, our routines will be broken with several music rehearsals but one that requires a great deal of work from all concerned.
As December is just around the corner it is important to reiterate that breaks in routine + tired children + cold weather + early and late darkness are frequently a recipe for tiredness and tears. Obviously we want to prevent this. This should be a particularly happy time. How can you help? You can continue to ensure that your children have good sleeps, nourishing food and, most importantly, let your homeroom teacher know if there is an inkling of unhappiness for any reason with your children. Let us all work together to prevent tears so that we don’t have to dry them.
If this newsletter seems less than positive, it is not meant to be. We all want to anticipate the bad so that the good can flourish. Prevention is better than cure. The real concern at this time of year is that teachers suffer an outbreak of clichés! Originality and initiatives fade into the ether as we fall back on the tried and trusted techniques which have worked for years. We are still educational innovators, of course, just not in December!
Have a good weekend.
The Grade IV team.
Collingwood School Wentworth Campus
Grade 1 and Grade 4 children’s 2015 Christmas Charity Project
Dear Grade 1 and Grade 4 Parents,
Project history - In 2003, Collingwood’s Grade 4 classes initiated a charitable endeavor which became appropriately named ‘The Gift of Giving’ project. News of this project quickly spread to their Grade 1 Buddy classes, who joined forces with the Grade 4s to prove that working together can make a great difference. The concept was to create an opportunity for the children to earn money at home by doing extra chores and with that money purchase a gift for a less fortunate child from the Lower Mainland.
Initially, we were connected with an elementary school in Burnaby. As this original program is no longer available, we have decided to continue with our idea, and for the second year, make our donation more locally, to the North Shore Family Services Christmas Bureau. Unfortunately, in making this change, we are faced with the challenge of a very short timeline to work within as all gifts must be delivered by December 4th. While we understand that this project may or may not work for your family, we know that whatever contribution we make will be appreciated as each gift we give means something under the tree for the less fortunate children of our community at Christmas. We believe that our children are empowered by the opportunity to make such a difference in the community and ultimately, in our world.
The power of time - In 2003 when this project began seventy gifts were placed in bags and assembled for delivery to our recipient school. Since then, Collingwood children in Grade 1 and Grade 4 have sent over one thousand gifts! Please join us in teaching our children that even a child has the power to make a difference by performing an act of kindness!
To participate – please create opportunities for your child to ‘earn money’ and purchase a gift in the range of $20.00 - $25.00 in value. The gift may be a toy or book, or anything that your child believes would be appreciated and enjoyed by another child. While we are targeting children between the ages of 5 and 12, in the past it has been mentioned that ‘teenager gifts’ are always welcomed as well as those for younger children. Please bring the unwrapped gift into your class by December 4th. All gifts will be delivered to the North Shore Christmas Bureau by a volunteer group of parents later that day.
We will need volunteers to deliver these gifts to the North Shore Christmas Bureau at 129 West Esplanade, North Vancouver on the morning of December 4th. If you would like to volunteer to assist with this project and deliver the gifts on December 4th please email [email protected] and she will organize a schedule.
We know that there are many venues for giving at this time of year and you may already be involved in several. We recognize that all of these requests add up and would like you to understand that this project is strictly voluntary.
For more information, please contact your child's homeroom teacher. J
Grade 1 and Grade 4 children’s 2015 Christmas Charity Project
Dear Grade 1 and Grade 4 Parents,
Project history - In 2003, Collingwood’s Grade 4 classes initiated a charitable endeavor which became appropriately named ‘The Gift of Giving’ project. News of this project quickly spread to their Grade 1 Buddy classes, who joined forces with the Grade 4s to prove that working together can make a great difference. The concept was to create an opportunity for the children to earn money at home by doing extra chores and with that money purchase a gift for a less fortunate child from the Lower Mainland.
Initially, we were connected with an elementary school in Burnaby. As this original program is no longer available, we have decided to continue with our idea, and for the second year, make our donation more locally, to the North Shore Family Services Christmas Bureau. Unfortunately, in making this change, we are faced with the challenge of a very short timeline to work within as all gifts must be delivered by December 4th. While we understand that this project may or may not work for your family, we know that whatever contribution we make will be appreciated as each gift we give means something under the tree for the less fortunate children of our community at Christmas. We believe that our children are empowered by the opportunity to make such a difference in the community and ultimately, in our world.
The power of time - In 2003 when this project began seventy gifts were placed in bags and assembled for delivery to our recipient school. Since then, Collingwood children in Grade 1 and Grade 4 have sent over one thousand gifts! Please join us in teaching our children that even a child has the power to make a difference by performing an act of kindness!
To participate – please create opportunities for your child to ‘earn money’ and purchase a gift in the range of $20.00 - $25.00 in value. The gift may be a toy or book, or anything that your child believes would be appreciated and enjoyed by another child. While we are targeting children between the ages of 5 and 12, in the past it has been mentioned that ‘teenager gifts’ are always welcomed as well as those for younger children. Please bring the unwrapped gift into your class by December 4th. All gifts will be delivered to the North Shore Christmas Bureau by a volunteer group of parents later that day.
We will need volunteers to deliver these gifts to the North Shore Christmas Bureau at 129 West Esplanade, North Vancouver on the morning of December 4th. If you would like to volunteer to assist with this project and deliver the gifts on December 4th please email [email protected] and she will organize a schedule.
We know that there are many venues for giving at this time of year and you may already be involved in several. We recognize that all of these requests add up and would like you to understand that this project is strictly voluntary.
For more information, please contact your child's homeroom teacher. J
Friday, 20th November 2015
“All moanday, tearsday, wailsday, thumpsday, frightsday, shatterday”.
James Joyce
Hello there, parents, do you feel a little bit like James Joyce’s jaundiced view of the past few weeks. They have been to us, the teachers, a little bit like the two bits of string. Just when we thought that we were going to make the ends meet, somebody moved the ends. At last we thought we were going to get a full week in school with your children when suddenly one of the weather gods zapped our system. Oh well, there was some good news and here it is.
All of your “Famous People” increased their fame magnificently by performing as they did in front of you on Thursday. Believe us when we say the children over the years have become so much more confident, so much more at ease as public speakers. They are going to be so impressive in this very important aspect of their education as they travel through their school years. Well done you Grade IVs! Without wanting to influence your parenting in any way might we suggest a no-holds- barred trip to Dairy Queen with a turn- a- blind- eye view of the unhealthiness of the treat! Just a thought.
Some of our Math sets have had to postpone the problem solving test but the remaining groups will do this next week.
The Science test was also subject to postponement, not due to any power cut but rather an overwhelming congregation of too many things at once. Depending on your child’s homeroom, it will happen on one day of next week. Glogsters and Biome buckets are also coming together.
The ‘We are silent’ initiative happened today. We are at one of those seminal moments in history when we need to recognize our right to speak, to state our opinions, to walk our streets with impunity and without fear of reprisal. We need to protect those rights and be vigilant if for no other reason than that our girls and women can have an education, vote and drive a car! Participants and non-participants have been given this message at some time during the teaching day.
James Joyce’s message at the beginning of this newsletter may have seemed a bit pessimistic and depressing so maybe we should end on George Eliot’s statement of human possibilities, particularly as we now expect 9 year olds to produce 3 minute speeches with probable rather than possible excellence.
“Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds” George Eliot.
Have a good weekend.
The Grade IV team.
Friday, November 13
“It’s impossible,” said Pride.
“It’s risky,” said Experience.
“It’s pointless,” said Reason.
“Give it a try,” said the Heart.
It has been a very productive week in Grade IV. The children have worked very hard to bring their speeches together. They have reviewed for their Science unit test They have worked hard on their addition and subtraction strategies over the week. Speeches and a problem solving test are coming up next week. We are all looking forward to seeing you at your class’s speech performance next Thursday, 19th November. The Science test will take place in the week beginning Monday, 23rd November.
We are approaching the time of year when we will be doing multiplication and division. We would like to ensure that your child knows his or her multiplication. www.multiplication.com is an excellent programme from which to practice.
The piece of potted philosophy above is positively prompted about how we are feeling about your children here as we approach the second half of November. The last of the 4 quotations the ‘Give it a try’ one is mostly where we sit with your children. It is perhaps fair to say that we as teachers often find things that you children do which we thought were not possible are indeed possible. All risks we take with your children are calculated and safe. There may be perceived danger as far as your children are concerned such as the high ropes course at Camp Summit but perception belongs to the children and not the teachers. Some academic tasks cause children and adults to wonder whether or not the task, the homework, the knowledge is relevant. Good habits, methods of learning, healthy routines are always relevant. It may or may not be remembered that an husky has a nictitating membrane on its eyelid to protect it against driving snow but the combination of interest and habits is a good thing for children we feel.
Have a good weekend.
Sincerely, The Grade IV team.
“It’s impossible,” said Pride.
“It’s risky,” said Experience.
“It’s pointless,” said Reason.
“Give it a try,” said the Heart.
It has been a very productive week in Grade IV. The children have worked very hard to bring their speeches together. They have reviewed for their Science unit test They have worked hard on their addition and subtraction strategies over the week. Speeches and a problem solving test are coming up next week. We are all looking forward to seeing you at your class’s speech performance next Thursday, 19th November. The Science test will take place in the week beginning Monday, 23rd November.
We are approaching the time of year when we will be doing multiplication and division. We would like to ensure that your child knows his or her multiplication. www.multiplication.com is an excellent programme from which to practice.
The piece of potted philosophy above is positively prompted about how we are feeling about your children here as we approach the second half of November. The last of the 4 quotations the ‘Give it a try’ one is mostly where we sit with your children. It is perhaps fair to say that we as teachers often find things that you children do which we thought were not possible are indeed possible. All risks we take with your children are calculated and safe. There may be perceived danger as far as your children are concerned such as the high ropes course at Camp Summit but perception belongs to the children and not the teachers. Some academic tasks cause children and adults to wonder whether or not the task, the homework, the knowledge is relevant. Good habits, methods of learning, healthy routines are always relevant. It may or may not be remembered that an husky has a nictitating membrane on its eyelid to protect it against driving snow but the combination of interest and habits is a good thing for children we feel.
Have a good weekend.
Sincerely, The Grade IV team.
Science Review Sheet
Science review sheet.
There will be a unit test on our ‘Habitats and Communities’. You will be using your “Probe’ and ‘Scavenger Hunt’ to help you review for the test. The information in the Science text is from pages 150 to 220. Please take particular note of the terms that are highlighted in yellow. Use your Scavenger Hunt to help with learning this information.
The test will take place on Wednesday, 18th November.
In your review, the following information is particularly important:-
The four things animals and plants need to survive.
The difference between structural and behavioural adaptations. (You will need to know some examples of these.)
The difference between a food chain and a food web and examples of this.
Definitions such as population, community, organisms, habitat, consumers, producers, carnivores, herbivores, insectivores and omnivores, predators, prey, scavengers, threatened and endangered.
Your teachers are here to help with this but we cannot learn the information for you.
Above all have fun reviewing.
The Grade IV team.
There will be a unit test on our ‘Habitats and Communities’. You will be using your “Probe’ and ‘Scavenger Hunt’ to help you review for the test. The information in the Science text is from pages 150 to 220. Please take particular note of the terms that are highlighted in yellow. Use your Scavenger Hunt to help with learning this information.
The test will take place on Wednesday, 18th November.
In your review, the following information is particularly important:-
The four things animals and plants need to survive.
The difference between structural and behavioural adaptations. (You will need to know some examples of these.)
The difference between a food chain and a food web and examples of this.
Definitions such as population, community, organisms, habitat, consumers, producers, carnivores, herbivores, insectivores and omnivores, predators, prey, scavengers, threatened and endangered.
Your teachers are here to help with this but we cannot learn the information for you.
Above all have fun reviewing.
The Grade IV team.
Friday, November 6th 2015
“In the book of life, the answers aren’t in the back”. Charlie Brown.
Welcome to another abbreviated week, Grade IV parents.
Many events are coming together at once for you and your children. You have been asked to eat copious amounts of ice cream so that your children can have a bucket in which to build the biome of their choice. The speeches are coming together nicely. The children are greatly looking forward to presenting them to you. In Mathematics, we have been studying how much easier addition is if one makes groups of ten first.
Outside of school, your children have been working on their Remembrance posters and writings for the competition. The ‘We are Silent’ message is being planned by Jackie Johnson.
Thanks to all of you parents who were able to attend for our parent/teacher interviews. We hope that you found the experience as beneficial as we did. As Charlie Brown states above, life is not an exact science and we do not have all the answers for helping children to grow up effectively. We do, however, have the ‘village’ in place which every child needs to help him and her on the way.
Next Wednesday is the November 11th ‘holiday’. It is so important that we, adults, teachers and children, recognize this day with the solemnity and respect it deserves. We often read about sporting events that have been organized for this day, for example. Such things would seem to be inappropriate. It is a day to talk about the sacrifice of others for a cause, the setting aside of selfish interests for the common weal, respect for our elders and reflection and appreciation of the fact that we live in a country where we can make our mark on an election ballot, we can voice our opinions with impunity and women and girls can drive a car and obtain an education. We urge you to pay a visit to a cenotaph for a ceremony and, if that is not possible, to take a moment of stillness and silence at 11 a.m. to reflect on where you are and how you arrived there.
Sincerely, The Grade IV team.
“In the book of life, the answers aren’t in the back”. Charlie Brown.
Welcome to another abbreviated week, Grade IV parents.
Many events are coming together at once for you and your children. You have been asked to eat copious amounts of ice cream so that your children can have a bucket in which to build the biome of their choice. The speeches are coming together nicely. The children are greatly looking forward to presenting them to you. In Mathematics, we have been studying how much easier addition is if one makes groups of ten first.
Outside of school, your children have been working on their Remembrance posters and writings for the competition. The ‘We are Silent’ message is being planned by Jackie Johnson.
Thanks to all of you parents who were able to attend for our parent/teacher interviews. We hope that you found the experience as beneficial as we did. As Charlie Brown states above, life is not an exact science and we do not have all the answers for helping children to grow up effectively. We do, however, have the ‘village’ in place which every child needs to help him and her on the way.
Next Wednesday is the November 11th ‘holiday’. It is so important that we, adults, teachers and children, recognize this day with the solemnity and respect it deserves. We often read about sporting events that have been organized for this day, for example. Such things would seem to be inappropriate. It is a day to talk about the sacrifice of others for a cause, the setting aside of selfish interests for the common weal, respect for our elders and reflection and appreciation of the fact that we live in a country where we can make our mark on an election ballot, we can voice our opinions with impunity and women and girls can drive a car and obtain an education. We urge you to pay a visit to a cenotaph for a ceremony and, if that is not possible, to take a moment of stillness and silence at 11 a.m. to reflect on where you are and how you arrived there.
Sincerely, The Grade IV team.
Friday, 30th October 2015
Halloween edition
‘When witches are riding and black cats are seen,
The Moon laughs and whispers ‘tis near Halloween.’
Busy times are ahead for you all. Next week you will be involved in parent/teacher interviews. We are looking forward to meeting you on Tuesday evening or Friday morning. Please book off the morning of November 19th,4D and 4H will be presenting their speeches to parents from 9.00 a.m. and 4M and 4F will be presenting from 11.00 a.m. Come along and enjoy your children’s presentations. Your presence serves as the children’s final practice, their speeches will be judged at a time of the homeroom teachers choosing between November 20th and November 24th. The semi-finals will be on November 26th.
In Mathematics, we have tested Data and Graphing and are moving on to addition and subtraction. We are approaching the end of unit test for our Science project, a review sheet and test date will follow soon. English, of course, is devoted to our ‘Famous People’ speeches and our novel study at the moment.
Of course, Halloween at school is today and on the weekend for the rest of you. We are all very grateful that we are not involved in educating your children the day after Halloween! We have counselled your children to wear something bright when they are out and about on the night and to be safe.
Finally, in our search for some thoughts to consider prior to parent/teacher interviews we found some good ideas that you may want to consider discussing with your children:- They are entitled ‘7 Lovely Logics’. Here they are:-
Make peace with your past so it doesn’t spoil your present.
What others think of you is none of your business.
Time heals almost everything, give the time some time.
No one is the reason for your happiness except you yourself.
Don’t compare your life with others, you have no idea what their journey is all about.
Stop thinking too much, it’s alright not to know all the answers.
Smile, you don’t own all the problems in the world.
Have a happy and safe Halloween.
Sincerely, The Grade IV team.
‘When witches are riding and black cats are seen,
The Moon laughs and whispers ‘tis near Halloween.’
Busy times are ahead for you all. Next week you will be involved in parent/teacher interviews. We are looking forward to meeting you on Tuesday evening or Friday morning. Please book off the morning of November 19th,4D and 4H will be presenting their speeches to parents from 9.00 a.m. and 4M and 4F will be presenting from 11.00 a.m. Come along and enjoy your children’s presentations. Your presence serves as the children’s final practice, their speeches will be judged at a time of the homeroom teachers choosing between November 20th and November 24th. The semi-finals will be on November 26th.
In Mathematics, we have tested Data and Graphing and are moving on to addition and subtraction. We are approaching the end of unit test for our Science project, a review sheet and test date will follow soon. English, of course, is devoted to our ‘Famous People’ speeches and our novel study at the moment.
Of course, Halloween at school is today and on the weekend for the rest of you. We are all very grateful that we are not involved in educating your children the day after Halloween! We have counselled your children to wear something bright when they are out and about on the night and to be safe.
Finally, in our search for some thoughts to consider prior to parent/teacher interviews we found some good ideas that you may want to consider discussing with your children:- They are entitled ‘7 Lovely Logics’. Here they are:-
Make peace with your past so it doesn’t spoil your present.
What others think of you is none of your business.
Time heals almost everything, give the time some time.
No one is the reason for your happiness except you yourself.
Don’t compare your life with others, you have no idea what their journey is all about.
Stop thinking too much, it’s alright not to know all the answers.
Smile, you don’t own all the problems in the world.
Have a happy and safe Halloween.
Sincerely, The Grade IV team.
Friday, 23rd October 2015
“I’ve learned so much from my mistakes I think I’ll make a few more.” Anon.
Your children have picked a Famous Person and are about to write a 3 minute speech about him or her. They will be working on this monumental task in class. It is a wonderful lesson in proof reading, learning to make a priority of different information, learning about to include and what to admit; learning what words or phrases work and what do not. At the end of it all, each child will have a speech of which they can be rightly proud. As a Grade IV team we have been encouraging the making of mistakes, the little failures which so many people especially children fight shy off. It is indeed our goal to have our children so comfortable in our classrooms, so comfortable with their peers that our classrooms should be a frequent show of hands, a constant flurry of children telling us what they know and, more importantly telling us what we don’t know.
Next Friday is Halloween. The Grade IV classes will be doing something to celebrate within their own classrooms. Your children should bring their costumes into school but NOT wear them in. The tradition is that we will do something at the end of the school day. Children’s costumes will be looking somewhat bedraggled by the time the afternoon comes otherwise. Besides which we would like them to experience the joy of surprise when their peers see them. Witches and warlocks arriving in the morning reduces the impact of the event, don’t you think. We would prefer a ghostly parade of horrors throughout our classrooms rather a sorry show of moist, running make-up as a result of an outdoor recess.
During this week the children have been working on their biographies (some interesting characters are out there); in Mathematics, they are working on their data management skills otherwise known as graphing; in Science, they are developing their biome glogsters and creating their animals.
On Friday, your child’s teachers are out on professional development and Monday is a day off for half-term. Those of us who have worked at the school for a while have witnessed many things. There is something slightly incongruous and amusing in a teacher waiting at school for her professional development to begin and there arrives, immaculately dressed in his or her uniform, a child ready for school on his or her holiday! The message is:- Please do NOT send your child to school on Friday, 23rd October or Monday, 26th October. Failures in education may be great learning experiences except for failures to take your holidays when they are given!!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely, The Grade IV team.
“I’ve learned so much from my mistakes I think I’ll make a few more.” Anon.
Your children have picked a Famous Person and are about to write a 3 minute speech about him or her. They will be working on this monumental task in class. It is a wonderful lesson in proof reading, learning to make a priority of different information, learning about to include and what to admit; learning what words or phrases work and what do not. At the end of it all, each child will have a speech of which they can be rightly proud. As a Grade IV team we have been encouraging the making of mistakes, the little failures which so many people especially children fight shy off. It is indeed our goal to have our children so comfortable in our classrooms, so comfortable with their peers that our classrooms should be a frequent show of hands, a constant flurry of children telling us what they know and, more importantly telling us what we don’t know.
Next Friday is Halloween. The Grade IV classes will be doing something to celebrate within their own classrooms. Your children should bring their costumes into school but NOT wear them in. The tradition is that we will do something at the end of the school day. Children’s costumes will be looking somewhat bedraggled by the time the afternoon comes otherwise. Besides which we would like them to experience the joy of surprise when their peers see them. Witches and warlocks arriving in the morning reduces the impact of the event, don’t you think. We would prefer a ghostly parade of horrors throughout our classrooms rather a sorry show of moist, running make-up as a result of an outdoor recess.
During this week the children have been working on their biographies (some interesting characters are out there); in Mathematics, they are working on their data management skills otherwise known as graphing; in Science, they are developing their biome glogsters and creating their animals.
On Friday, your child’s teachers are out on professional development and Monday is a day off for half-term. Those of us who have worked at the school for a while have witnessed many things. There is something slightly incongruous and amusing in a teacher waiting at school for her professional development to begin and there arrives, immaculately dressed in his or her uniform, a child ready for school on his or her holiday! The message is:- Please do NOT send your child to school on Friday, 23rd October or Monday, 26th October. Failures in education may be great learning experiences except for failures to take your holidays when they are given!!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely, The Grade IV team.
Friday, 16th October 2015
“Let’s eat Grandma. Let’s eat, Grandma. Commas save lives”.
Dear Parents,
We hope that you all had an Happy Thanksgiving with your families.
The above quotation is designed to show the importance of the little things, be they punctuation or decimal points in a sum of money. Your children have just completed the Place Value test in Mathematics. They have achieved a mark of some description. Little errors will have lost them marks and they will have been disappointed. Particularly in Mathematics, it is important to look at the big picture, the many happy years of Maths yet to come, the many opportunities that they will have to revisit concepts. It was the ancient Greeks who came up with the word ‘crisis’ and, of course, words change their meanings. The Greeks saw the word ‘crisis’ as a positive word that led to opportunity rather than the panic ridden feel that we have for the word today. So certainly the comma is important in the saving of Grandma’s life but sound common sense and the checks and balances of our own code of ethics would have intervened anyway.
Ms. Val Gautier led us in an excellent Assembly on Wednesday. It was about mindfulness and about how we need to engage certain parts of our brain to release a relaxed confident feeling about our approaching tasks. Seeing our children pulled constantly from pillar to post is a source of concern. We all know the proverbs about idle hands leading to mischief and we also know the importance of children being healthily busy. Like everything else there is a balance. It is an equilibrium which we as Grade IV teachers are always trying to reach.
Your children’s comfort kits have now made their way into the bunker. Thanks to all of you for making sure that they came in.
Backpack buddies was a great success.
Our English curriculum is now moving us towards biography and speech preparation. Biomes and animal adaptations continue to absorb the interest of the children in Science.
Thanks to Mr. Paul Klintworth in IT for providing the following video of our time at Camp Summit:-
W:\Wentworth\Grade 4
Have a wonderful weekend.
The Grade IV team.
Thanksgiving edition Friday, 9th October 2015
“A mind once expanded can never return to its original dimensions.” P.James.
Hasn’t the Thanksgiving Weekend come upon us quickly? How have the minds of your children been expanded? It is probably not quantifiable at this point but they have settled into a grade level where they are starting to realise that independence and responsibility are part of the new expectations of them. Most of the time they are delighted with the steps that they are taking, proud to be maturing. They are learning that they are responsible for getting themselves from A to B with respect for others and without incident.
During this week the children have completed their place value unit with the unit quiz. The children are moving into their data analysis unit. This includes mean, median, mode, range and spread. They have completed their camp writing, are working on ‘Poppy’ and are moving slowly into the biography unit as a build up to their upcoming ‘Famous Person’ speech. Panic not about the latter, the bulk of the work will be completed in class. In Science, they have worked on their animal adaptations, some have designed their own fish. Ms. Middleton and Ms. Forbes completed their ‘Recipe for Success’ cookie project. Work has been completed on their Thanksgiving poems.
In the bigger Collingwood world, the children have been involved in the ‘Backpack for Buddies’ initiative. They have also been involved in the election of their house captains.
On the horizon are parent/teacher interviews. It’s time to think about what you would like to ask and discuss with us. 15 minutes of our time is always short when we are talking about your most precious possession so we need to make the most of it.
Enjoy Thanksgiving with your family.
Sincerely, The Grade IV team.
Parent Newsletter
Week beginning: Friday, 2nd October 2015
“When the wheels are going round it is a mistake to stop them”. Thomas Hardy.
It is always a temptation for teachers to be a presence rather than an absence, to interfere rather than to leave alone, to help rather than not to help. Sometimes it is best that the adult step back from the situation, allow the children to experiment, to play with their own ideas, to work out for themselves the best way towards accomplishment. It is true that we planned and carried out our annual Outdoor week with care and attention, Health and Safety would not allow us to be otherwise, but the beauty of the experience often lies in the adult stepping away from the situation and allowing learning to take place by ‘doing rather than watching or queuing’. The hidden agenda of our week is that there is plenty of time for children to experience learning through play, to dance in a native longhouse, to overturn a rock on a seashore, to build a shelter in the woods. As adults during the outdoor week we were given the gift of time and the ability to step back when the wheels were going around.
Here are some student quotations for you to enjoy:-
“I am like a bear, I don’t feel the weather”. Haven Sam.
“I got two bullseyes”. Jessica Young.
“My arrow was like Courtney and Jessica’s combined. It went so fast.” Stella McPherson.
“Just to rub it in their face that they will not let me use a spoon, I will eat my grilled cheese with a spoon.” Max Martinez.
“I think that I’m just going to think of a song while I keep going.” Ava Danaei.
“The afternoon was more quiet than nature at midnight”. Aidan Snyman.
“Camp Summit was a challenging high ropes course trying your very best to reach your goal.” Kendall Zimmerman.
There is a bulletin board that is going to appear which will include pictures from the week. Take a look when you are taking a wander, nay a wonder, in the Grade IV hallways.
We are back immersed in class. Our animal adaptations are coming along nicely. We are using our camp experience to write in English. ‘Poppy’ is proceeding with new found vigour. The children will be having a place value test in Mathematics next week.
As teachers we need your children to learn to embrace failure. Every infant in their early years has stood up, tried to walk and fallen over. Such is the beauty and wonder and curiosity of their lives that they are untrammeled by negative thoughts during the process. Society dances around the word ‘failure’, flirting with euphemisms, struggling to find ways to paint it with rose coloured spectacles. We need to remind ourselves that if there was no such thing as failure there would be no need for teachers and parents. We don’t want to be out of a job and nor do you. Some of your children will not do very well in their place value tests which is an opportunity for us to look at how it was taught and how the children learned. Mathematics is a series of building blocks over many years. Success will come but maybe not as quickly as would like. Your role must be to look at the positives, to be phlegmatic and philosophical, to show that you care but also to shrug your shoulders as if you don’t! Please don’t say to your children that you were no good at Mathematics so it is fine for them to be the same. Embrace the steps, like the fact that your children are not perfect and continue to give them the unconditional love which they so obviously have.
Elections Collingwood
On Wednesday we had our house assemblies as you know. The children were witness to political speeches from some very eloquent Grade VII students. By Friday a leader of their various houses will be elected.
The Terry Fox Experience
As ever the Terry Fox Run was a joyous experience. Lisa Bremner and Timber Monteith were out in force with the Terry Fox flag, encouraging and smiling the children along their various runs. Thanks to parents for their support and financial contributions. Please check online for how to contribute. As ever preparation for this event was a team effort and Richelle Forbes would be the first to admit that. It must be noted that she is our leader in this and she does a wonderful job year after year.
Have a good weekend. The Grade IV team.
Week beginning: Friday, 2nd October 2015
“When the wheels are going round it is a mistake to stop them”. Thomas Hardy.
It is always a temptation for teachers to be a presence rather than an absence, to interfere rather than to leave alone, to help rather than not to help. Sometimes it is best that the adult step back from the situation, allow the children to experiment, to play with their own ideas, to work out for themselves the best way towards accomplishment. It is true that we planned and carried out our annual Outdoor week with care and attention, Health and Safety would not allow us to be otherwise, but the beauty of the experience often lies in the adult stepping away from the situation and allowing learning to take place by ‘doing rather than watching or queuing’. The hidden agenda of our week is that there is plenty of time for children to experience learning through play, to dance in a native longhouse, to overturn a rock on a seashore, to build a shelter in the woods. As adults during the outdoor week we were given the gift of time and the ability to step back when the wheels were going around.
Here are some student quotations for you to enjoy:-
“I am like a bear, I don’t feel the weather”. Haven Sam.
“I got two bullseyes”. Jessica Young.
“My arrow was like Courtney and Jessica’s combined. It went so fast.” Stella McPherson.
“Just to rub it in their face that they will not let me use a spoon, I will eat my grilled cheese with a spoon.” Max Martinez.
“I think that I’m just going to think of a song while I keep going.” Ava Danaei.
“The afternoon was more quiet than nature at midnight”. Aidan Snyman.
“Camp Summit was a challenging high ropes course trying your very best to reach your goal.” Kendall Zimmerman.
There is a bulletin board that is going to appear which will include pictures from the week. Take a look when you are taking a wander, nay a wonder, in the Grade IV hallways.
We are back immersed in class. Our animal adaptations are coming along nicely. We are using our camp experience to write in English. ‘Poppy’ is proceeding with new found vigour. The children will be having a place value test in Mathematics next week.
As teachers we need your children to learn to embrace failure. Every infant in their early years has stood up, tried to walk and fallen over. Such is the beauty and wonder and curiosity of their lives that they are untrammeled by negative thoughts during the process. Society dances around the word ‘failure’, flirting with euphemisms, struggling to find ways to paint it with rose coloured spectacles. We need to remind ourselves that if there was no such thing as failure there would be no need for teachers and parents. We don’t want to be out of a job and nor do you. Some of your children will not do very well in their place value tests which is an opportunity for us to look at how it was taught and how the children learned. Mathematics is a series of building blocks over many years. Success will come but maybe not as quickly as would like. Your role must be to look at the positives, to be phlegmatic and philosophical, to show that you care but also to shrug your shoulders as if you don’t! Please don’t say to your children that you were no good at Mathematics so it is fine for them to be the same. Embrace the steps, like the fact that your children are not perfect and continue to give them the unconditional love which they so obviously have.
Elections Collingwood
On Wednesday we had our house assemblies as you know. The children were witness to political speeches from some very eloquent Grade VII students. By Friday a leader of their various houses will be elected.
The Terry Fox Experience
As ever the Terry Fox Run was a joyous experience. Lisa Bremner and Timber Monteith were out in force with the Terry Fox flag, encouraging and smiling the children along their various runs. Thanks to parents for their support and financial contributions. Please check online for how to contribute. As ever preparation for this event was a team effort and Richelle Forbes would be the first to admit that. It must be noted that she is our leader in this and she does a wonderful job year after year.
Have a good weekend. The Grade IV team.
The Grade IV weekly newsletter.
Friday, 18th September 2015.
“We need a certain degree of comfort with discomfort”. Amanda Lang.
On Monday, the Grade IV cohort begins its Outdoor Week. You attended our ‘Meet the Teacher’ evening. We trust that you feel well informed about our plans for the week, particularly with the Camp Summit presentation being so well articulated by Parkee/Emily Kalil. All of the Grade IV team have attended many, many camps and expeditions over their careers, indeed one of our number has been to well over one hundred such events. We understand what it is to remove people, in this case very young people, from their comfort zone. Let us assure you that all nervousness is about the unknown, perceived discomforts where none exist. There will be anxiety from the children and concern from the parents about the upcoming venture. You will be keen to have them back, anxious to hear their stories. Of course, they will be keen to share their experiences with you. Please don’t be offended, don’t be concerned when the excited voice in the back of the car on the way home is suddenly silent. They will be tired. You may need to wait until the Saturday for the full debriefing.
We began our Math sets this week, storming into our unit on place value. Our settings are not random, nor are they set in stone. There is movement throughout the year from set. We will endeavour to place your child in the set which best suits his or her learning style. We have begun our novel study, “Poppy’, a wonderful study in human nature although the characters are animals. In Science, we have begun our study of animal adaptations.
Here are some details you need to have prior to Outdoor Week.
Monday, 21st September…. Depart school at 8.45 a.m. ----Arrive back at school at 4.00 p.m. (Bag lunch required) School uniform required.
Tuesday, 22nd September….Depart school at 8.45 a.m.-----Arrive back at school at 4.00 p.m. (Bag lunch required) Civilian dress required.
Wednesday, 23rd September….ARRIVE AT SCHOOL AT 7.30 A.M. SNACK BUT NO BAG LUNCH REQUIRED. CIVILIAN DRESS REQUIRED.
Friday, 25th September—Arrive back at school at 4 p.m.
NOTES:
On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, your child will need to be wearing walking shoes, boots or wellies. They will need a day pack which should contain waterproofs, food and drink.
For your arrival at 7.30 a.m. for Camp Summit on Wednesday, please drop your child’s bag outside Mr.Davidson and Mr.Harder’s classroom whence the peer counsellors will load them onto the bus.
Any questions, please contact your homeroom teacher.
Have a good weekend. Sincerely, The Grade IV team.
Friday, 18th September 2015.
“We need a certain degree of comfort with discomfort”. Amanda Lang.
On Monday, the Grade IV cohort begins its Outdoor Week. You attended our ‘Meet the Teacher’ evening. We trust that you feel well informed about our plans for the week, particularly with the Camp Summit presentation being so well articulated by Parkee/Emily Kalil. All of the Grade IV team have attended many, many camps and expeditions over their careers, indeed one of our number has been to well over one hundred such events. We understand what it is to remove people, in this case very young people, from their comfort zone. Let us assure you that all nervousness is about the unknown, perceived discomforts where none exist. There will be anxiety from the children and concern from the parents about the upcoming venture. You will be keen to have them back, anxious to hear their stories. Of course, they will be keen to share their experiences with you. Please don’t be offended, don’t be concerned when the excited voice in the back of the car on the way home is suddenly silent. They will be tired. You may need to wait until the Saturday for the full debriefing.
We began our Math sets this week, storming into our unit on place value. Our settings are not random, nor are they set in stone. There is movement throughout the year from set. We will endeavour to place your child in the set which best suits his or her learning style. We have begun our novel study, “Poppy’, a wonderful study in human nature although the characters are animals. In Science, we have begun our study of animal adaptations.
Here are some details you need to have prior to Outdoor Week.
Monday, 21st September…. Depart school at 8.45 a.m. ----Arrive back at school at 4.00 p.m. (Bag lunch required) School uniform required.
Tuesday, 22nd September….Depart school at 8.45 a.m.-----Arrive back at school at 4.00 p.m. (Bag lunch required) Civilian dress required.
Wednesday, 23rd September….ARRIVE AT SCHOOL AT 7.30 A.M. SNACK BUT NO BAG LUNCH REQUIRED. CIVILIAN DRESS REQUIRED.
Friday, 25th September—Arrive back at school at 4 p.m.
NOTES:
On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, your child will need to be wearing walking shoes, boots or wellies. They will need a day pack which should contain waterproofs, food and drink.
For your arrival at 7.30 a.m. for Camp Summit on Wednesday, please drop your child’s bag outside Mr.Davidson and Mr.Harder’s classroom whence the peer counsellors will load them onto the bus.
Any questions, please contact your homeroom teacher.
Have a good weekend. Sincerely, The Grade IV team.