Hello grade 6 parents .... I have sent out the invitation to the live portion of graduation tomorrow. Please check your emails. If the RSVP button is not working for you, that's fine. As long as you have the link, you'll be golden!
Please join us before 3 so you can get settled and talk to the families who are already waiting. We are the last class. We always close the show at St Anne, so depending on how things are going in the class ceremonies before us, ours might be delayed but it will not be early.
Before 1pm, an email from the school with the prerecorded portion of graduation will be released to you. That leaves you with some time to celebrate your graduate before coming back at 3 for the live event.
The grade 6 slide show will also be shared at that time for you to watch. Thank you Ms James for putting that together.
I will also be sending out the collection of quotes they put on their yearbook assignment. It's different than the concept idea. Thank you Mme Garvey for putting it together.
And, on the last day of school our virtual clap out video will be sent. I just need to make it :)
Monday 22 June 2020
Tuesday 16 June 2020
Google Grid Meet View - Graduation
I will email this out to parents, but I am posting it here as well for those still checking.
Because there will be a large amount of guests and students online, it is recommended that you use the Google Grid View so you can see as many people as possible. Most of your children already have this set up on their account and have been using it during their class Hangouts.
Here is the link that will allow your view to look like the photo view. Please warn your guests who may be in the witness protection program that their name will be displayed by default under their image.
Because there will be a large amount of guests and students online, it is recommended that you use the Google Grid View so you can see as many people as possible. Most of your children already have this set up on their account and have been using it during their class Hangouts.
Here is the link that will allow your view to look like the photo view. Please warn your guests who may be in the witness protection program that their name will be displayed by default under their image.
Monday 15 June 2020
Graduation
Grade 6 parents, please check for an updated email from me about graduation. They fixed the link to register up to 3 emails (your child, +2 guest emails). For those who already registered before the form was changed, you are probably unable to revise it. In that case, please email me to provide the additional addresses and I will ask the school to add them to the guest list.
It was nice seeing many of you today. The nicest thing I have heard in months is when you or your child tells me how much they miss me. I miss them too! I saw a few smiling faces peeking out of car windows today and it was a much needed boost to push through the next couple of weeks.
Please make sure to check the table in the gym if you ordered a grade composite photo. This is the large graduation picture of all the students and teachers that you would see up on the wall in front of the lion mural. I've waiting 6 years to get up on the wall and I can't think of any better company to be up there with than this gang!
It was nice seeing many of you today. The nicest thing I have heard in months is when you or your child tells me how much they miss me. I miss them too! I saw a few smiling faces peeking out of car windows today and it was a much needed boost to push through the next couple of weeks.
Please make sure to check the table in the gym if you ordered a grade composite photo. This is the large graduation picture of all the students and teachers that you would see up on the wall in front of the lion mural. I've waiting 6 years to get up on the wall and I can't think of any better company to be up there with than this gang!
Thursday 11 June 2020
Birthday Invite Gr 5
Gr 5 parents, please have your kiddo check their email as there is a birthday invitation from one of their classmates. There is a sign up link to a virtual martial arts activity.
Tuesday 19 May 2020
Graduation Hoodies Gr 6
Hello Gr 6 Parents,
I sent out a reminder email to a few gr 6 parents today about their child's graduation hoodie. I doubled down and sent reminder emails to those students too. I would hate for them to miss out on their gift from the school, so my apologies if they come bothering you about ordering it :)
The email contains a link to the letter the school already emailed out to parents. It only went to one parent so it's very possible that it was simply missed. Please check with the other parent before ordering. The process will move a lot faster if we don't have to follow up to sort through duplicates.
The deadline to order is May 22 and if you have questions to contact Ms O'Halloran. Her email is in the letter. If the link I sent doesn't work, let me know. I am not the owner of the Doc, I am simply the messenger today but I should be able to sort that out.
Hopefully after our next team meeting we will have more information about your grade 6.
I sent out a reminder email to a few gr 6 parents today about their child's graduation hoodie. I doubled down and sent reminder emails to those students too. I would hate for them to miss out on their gift from the school, so my apologies if they come bothering you about ordering it :)
The email contains a link to the letter the school already emailed out to parents. It only went to one parent so it's very possible that it was simply missed. Please check with the other parent before ordering. The process will move a lot faster if we don't have to follow up to sort through duplicates.
The deadline to order is May 22 and if you have questions to contact Ms O'Halloran. Her email is in the letter. If the link I sent doesn't work, let me know. I am not the owner of the Doc, I am simply the messenger today but I should be able to sort that out.
Hopefully after our next team meeting we will have more information about your grade 6.
Monday 18 May 2020
Still Working On Stuff
Some language was added to Workspace last week and I am working on math units. I slowed it down a little because we are waiting to hear if/what the government will announce this week about school. I'm in 'wait to see what is going to next' mode. I also needed to take a bit of the stress and my high expectations of myself off my shoulders.
As well, I've been focusing on the grade 6 class as we wait and see what we are allowed to do for graduation. I have a meeting about that this week and hopefully will have some information.
I believe the school sent out emails about graduation hoodies and a link to a virtual trip to Holy Trinity. If you think you are missing out on something, please let me know or email the school. The ladies at the front remain awesome!
I know people want their belongings. Especially those lunch boxes that by now have spawned spores throughout the room. Come to think of it, we left our room with red paint smeared handprints and crime scene clues everywhere. Not to mention the dead vegetation in there too. Did we empty the compost bin? The school probably smells lovely right now :) Good thing I took the fish and snail home with me!
Mr Spindler's morning class parents, if you have questions let me know. I think he is supposed to be back this week.
As well, I've been focusing on the grade 6 class as we wait and see what we are allowed to do for graduation. I have a meeting about that this week and hopefully will have some information.
I believe the school sent out emails about graduation hoodies and a link to a virtual trip to Holy Trinity. If you think you are missing out on something, please let me know or email the school. The ladies at the front remain awesome!
I know people want their belongings. Especially those lunch boxes that by now have spawned spores throughout the room. Come to think of it, we left our room with red paint smeared handprints and crime scene clues everywhere. Not to mention the dead vegetation in there too. Did we empty the compost bin? The school probably smells lovely right now :) Good thing I took the fish and snail home with me!
Mr Spindler's morning class parents, if you have questions let me know. I think he is supposed to be back this week.
Wednesday 22 April 2020
Helping at Home
Hello Parents,
So, it's day what? I don't know about you but my brain aches.
The grade 4 and 5's will need some help doing their perimeter and area work at home. Many of them said in our Hangout today that they have rulers or measuring tapes at home. That's important because they will need them! If not, have them try and figure out how they can get around having a traditional 30 cm ruler to use. They should be able to estimate and use benchmarks to compare to in order to make their own, but if they are stumped, you can find online rulers that look pretty accurate. They can use it to make their own ruler out of cardboard or wood.
I explained in their work that they also need your help in marking the work :)
I can assess the math, but the measurement I cannot do through the screen. If you wouldn't mind helping me out by checking their accuracy and providing some measuring guidance, that would be very helpful.
This is a more hands on unit so feel free to come up with some activities on your own. Have them find the perimeter (distance around) and area (space something covers) of rooms or furniture in your home. Give them measurements to follow and have them recreate it using Legos, blocks, drawings, wood, cardboard, whatever you can think up.
This unit comes with a project and depending on the student, it might be done with minimal effort or they might engage and build a fort in your kitchen. The creative, artistic child should enjoy it. I've told them you are allowed to help them but the math should be left up to them to tackle.
A reminder that they have access to many apps and platforms I have set up online for them. I have assigned language work on Epic and Newslea for them. They also have assigned work and assessment tasks on Mathletics.
So, it's day what? I don't know about you but my brain aches.
The grade 4 and 5's will need some help doing their perimeter and area work at home. Many of them said in our Hangout today that they have rulers or measuring tapes at home. That's important because they will need them! If not, have them try and figure out how they can get around having a traditional 30 cm ruler to use. They should be able to estimate and use benchmarks to compare to in order to make their own, but if they are stumped, you can find online rulers that look pretty accurate. They can use it to make their own ruler out of cardboard or wood.
I explained in their work that they also need your help in marking the work :)
I can assess the math, but the measurement I cannot do through the screen. If you wouldn't mind helping me out by checking their accuracy and providing some measuring guidance, that would be very helpful.
This is a more hands on unit so feel free to come up with some activities on your own. Have them find the perimeter (distance around) and area (space something covers) of rooms or furniture in your home. Give them measurements to follow and have them recreate it using Legos, blocks, drawings, wood, cardboard, whatever you can think up.
This unit comes with a project and depending on the student, it might be done with minimal effort or they might engage and build a fort in your kitchen. The creative, artistic child should enjoy it. I've told them you are allowed to help them but the math should be left up to them to tackle.
A reminder that they have access to many apps and platforms I have set up online for them. I have assigned language work on Epic and Newslea for them. They also have assigned work and assessment tasks on Mathletics.
Thursday 16 April 2020
Hapara Info Session
If you are looking to understand Hapara please fill out this form. The session should help you support your child’s learning at home.
Every grade 6 in the school should be an expert by now since 75% of the entire population has been taught by me and my french partners (Caminiti, Garvey, Cacchiotti) My current gr 4 and 5’s should be well practised as well.
What may be of help to you and your kiddos is how to submit work. I’ll make sure to ask them to include that in the sessions.
I’d also like to thank all former members of our currently on hold Brilliance Bar who used to run our ‘How To’ use technology sessions at school. Times like these validate all the work we use to put into that club.
Every grade 6 in the school should be an expert by now since 75% of the entire population has been taught by me and my french partners (Caminiti, Garvey, Cacchiotti) My current gr 4 and 5’s should be well practised as well.
What may be of help to you and your kiddos is how to submit work. I’ll make sure to ask them to include that in the sessions.
I’d also like to thank all former members of our currently on hold Brilliance Bar who used to run our ‘How To’ use technology sessions at school. Times like these validate all the work we use to put into that club.
Workloads
We had some teacher meetings this morning and discussed some of the concerns we hear from parents. One thing we are hearing is that some are finding the workloads sent to be kind of heavy and people are stressing a bit.
No need to stress it. I get it, I'm stressing trying to preparing it all. We are trying to keep everyone happy and you will have to find the balance at home. I've also heard from friends who have kids at other schools who complain their kids teachers aren't doing much (my own child included).
Remember there are no deadlines, no due dates. Personally, with math I have to put lots out there because I am building units of work and much of it is interconnected. It's scaffolded where I have to build the lessons to lead to the next topic. What is in their math workspaces are lessons within an entire unit, so yes it does look like a lot because everything is there for them to hopefully do on their own and with your guidance. Whereas, we would take a month or so to get through each unit in class, it is now mostly all out there for them to tackle on their own.
There is no happy medium for everyone with too little or too much. Have them work on what they can when they can. If something doesn't get done, it doesn't get done. Teachers are giving you options of what they can do.
Thank you again to those who have been sending photos and videos of your children and families doing projects at home. They look really fun so that's why I sent out the Minute to Win it Challenges to the students to design at home and try on you.
Hang in there everyone and don't let the school work bring you down!
No need to stress it. I get it, I'm stressing trying to preparing it all. We are trying to keep everyone happy and you will have to find the balance at home. I've also heard from friends who have kids at other schools who complain their kids teachers aren't doing much (my own child included).
Remember there are no deadlines, no due dates. Personally, with math I have to put lots out there because I am building units of work and much of it is interconnected. It's scaffolded where I have to build the lessons to lead to the next topic. What is in their math workspaces are lessons within an entire unit, so yes it does look like a lot because everything is there for them to hopefully do on their own and with your guidance. Whereas, we would take a month or so to get through each unit in class, it is now mostly all out there for them to tackle on their own.
There is no happy medium for everyone with too little or too much. Have them work on what they can when they can. If something doesn't get done, it doesn't get done. Teachers are giving you options of what they can do.
Thank you again to those who have been sending photos and videos of your children and families doing projects at home. They look really fun so that's why I sent out the Minute to Win it Challenges to the students to design at home and try on you.
Hang in there everyone and don't let the school work bring you down!
Tuesday 14 April 2020
Next Math Strand
All 3 grades have been working on number sense and numeration. The 6's still have more to cover but the gr 4/5's will be sent new stuff soon. We'll take our multiplication, division, and fraction skills and put them to use next with measurement.
Depending on the grade, this will cover perimeter, area, and volume and should be an easy one for some hands on activities at home.
All students have also been emailed a challenge. They have been asked to copy or reconfigure an existing Minute to Win It challenge to try out on home. You do not need to go out and buy anything for this task. Use what you have at home. They will also need to record the action and share the video.
Both classes also have a Hangout out this Thursday.
Depending on the grade, this will cover perimeter, area, and volume and should be an easy one for some hands on activities at home.
All students have also been emailed a challenge. They have been asked to copy or reconfigure an existing Minute to Win It challenge to try out on home. You do not need to go out and buy anything for this task. Use what you have at home. They will also need to record the action and share the video.
Both classes also have a Hangout out this Thursday.
Tuesday 7 April 2020
Work is Being Created
Some language was released on Monday for grades 5 and 6 and I am currently building some math for grades 4 and 5. Please keep patient as it's a lot of work and I cannot follow a weekly schedule that starts on a Monday.
The gr 4/5 math set up takes longer because the 2 grades are linked together and I have to build each grade separately. I asked for them to be separated virtually but they cannot undo things at this point in the year. I have been trying to build both gr 4 and 5 at the same time, but I cannot publish once one of the grades is finished. I have to finish both first and then publish.
The gr 4/5 math set up takes longer because the 2 grades are linked together and I have to build each grade separately. I asked for them to be separated virtually but they cannot undo things at this point in the year. I have been trying to build both gr 4 and 5 at the same time, but I cannot publish once one of the grades is finished. I have to finish both first and then publish.
Thursday 2 April 2020
A Tribute
Now that the family has released the news of their unfortunate loss, I'd like to express my most sincere condolences to the Belanger family. They have lost an incredible person, mother and I am deeply saddened that she will not be with us to see Noah graduate from St Anne.
Noah is not in our class this year (there is an unofficial you can't have me as your teacher for 3 years straight rule), but he was my student for 2 years and I have coached him the last 3 years on various school teams. If he knew I was writing this, he would probably put his head down and shrug his shoulders if I were to ask him if he minded. But, his mom? Oh boy, she'd be proud you knew why this loss affects me.
I get to see all different types of children and witness how they behave as little humans, and Noah stands out for his kindness and his good soul. I first met him when he came to me in grade 4 and while he doesn't talk a lot, he leads by example. When I misplaced things in class he would be the first to not only find the item, but he would also say "Don't worry Ms Leblanc, I will get it for you!"
Any time I knocked something over or dropped papers (I'm really not that clumsy but our rooms are crowded to manoeuvre through) he would always be the firs out of his seat to pick them up. Impeccable manners, respectful, he's a really good person.
Yet, those things aren't what impressed me most about Noah. Our morning class that year was an interesting mix of needs on top of them being in a large junior class trying to figure out the transition. Noah is a pretty good athlete and he can kick it into high gear fairly fast, but he is very aware of the physical abilities of some of his peers and would slow things down to give them a chance to participate in gym class. He would make sure to pass and encourage everyone. He just does what so many other children, people actually, don't do.
The topper was the day another student forgot her money on a raffle day. It was a really big thing that she had forgotten and without hesitation, he gave her all his money (at least $20) so that she could buy tickets. He knew that it meant more to her than it did to him.
For much of that year, I didn't know that his mother was sick. By the time we first met, she was doing better and was starting to participate at school with us. Noah never said a word through most of 4th grade about what he was experiencing. He's the strong, stoic type and after meeting mom a few times, I could see where he gets it from. In our parent meetings, his mother was incredibly pleased to hear all the things I've just shared with you about her son. Along with her husband, she was determined to raise a compassionate and caring child. One who doesn't shy away from doing the right thing and who is respectful. You did well, he's a great kid!
Most boys by the time they are in grade 5 get a little strange about having mom around them at school. Noah, on the other hand, would light up when his mom was with us. I'm pretty sure he knows how proud she was of him because it was always all over her face. I have to applaud her for making it to his school and outside of school sports. I know it was a challenge for her and I am going to miss her presence on the sidelines. I have literally marked out a path at the soccer tournaments with my pacing but would find affirmation by looking over and see Mrs Belanger also shaking her head and moving around.
Noah is part of the reason why I moved to grade 6 and agreed to teach 3 grades this year. I truly adore the grade 6 cohort. That's not to say I don't like the other grades, but these guys are special and we've been together 3 years. I've watched them grow up. Many of their older siblings I taught before them and a few of their younger siblings I taught in my brief stint as a kinder gym teacher. This was meant to be a year we all experienced together as their final time at St Anne but, we all know how this year has gone! Our grade 6's have missed out on so many big highlights in their graduating year. I feel for them. All their teachers do. It has been frustrating not being able to give them what was meant to be theirs. And, in the midst of all this has been Noah going through the inevitable loss of his mother.
Not many students have known what he was going through, but those that did, I thank you for being there for him all year. He has 3-4 really good friends in my morning class and I realise it has been hard on them too. They cried along side with him some days at school. They were never too far away from him to lend support or try to make him smile. Even now they are still there for him in this world of self isolation. They are checking in on him, spending time with him online. Doing what they can for a friend. In what can be a selfish world, it overwhelms my heart to see the love and kindness that the others have given him. Thank you grade 6's. I know that if we were at school and able to all be together, that you would be supporting Noah too. Hopefully that day will come before the end of June, but in the meantime please keep Noah and his family in your thoughts.
Rest easy Mrs Belanger. I will truly miss you as a parent in our school community. Your beautiful photographic gift remains a fixture in my home. I appreciate everything you've done to help Noah academically (including the booklets of work he was doing at home with you that he showed me last June). Again, you did a fantastic job with both your kids!
https://ottawacitizen.remembering.ca/obituary/darlene-belanger-1078952279?fbclid=IwAR0TdRZZwd0m-LaSfVQgA5Ue_GVmt0cf671VthD8ui53HiG4QGxeSfltHu4
Noah is not in our class this year (there is an unofficial you can't have me as your teacher for 3 years straight rule), but he was my student for 2 years and I have coached him the last 3 years on various school teams. If he knew I was writing this, he would probably put his head down and shrug his shoulders if I were to ask him if he minded. But, his mom? Oh boy, she'd be proud you knew why this loss affects me.
I get to see all different types of children and witness how they behave as little humans, and Noah stands out for his kindness and his good soul. I first met him when he came to me in grade 4 and while he doesn't talk a lot, he leads by example. When I misplaced things in class he would be the first to not only find the item, but he would also say "Don't worry Ms Leblanc, I will get it for you!"
Any time I knocked something over or dropped papers (I'm really not that clumsy but our rooms are crowded to manoeuvre through) he would always be the firs out of his seat to pick them up. Impeccable manners, respectful, he's a really good person.
Yet, those things aren't what impressed me most about Noah. Our morning class that year was an interesting mix of needs on top of them being in a large junior class trying to figure out the transition. Noah is a pretty good athlete and he can kick it into high gear fairly fast, but he is very aware of the physical abilities of some of his peers and would slow things down to give them a chance to participate in gym class. He would make sure to pass and encourage everyone. He just does what so many other children, people actually, don't do.
The topper was the day another student forgot her money on a raffle day. It was a really big thing that she had forgotten and without hesitation, he gave her all his money (at least $20) so that she could buy tickets. He knew that it meant more to her than it did to him.
For much of that year, I didn't know that his mother was sick. By the time we first met, she was doing better and was starting to participate at school with us. Noah never said a word through most of 4th grade about what he was experiencing. He's the strong, stoic type and after meeting mom a few times, I could see where he gets it from. In our parent meetings, his mother was incredibly pleased to hear all the things I've just shared with you about her son. Along with her husband, she was determined to raise a compassionate and caring child. One who doesn't shy away from doing the right thing and who is respectful. You did well, he's a great kid!
Most boys by the time they are in grade 5 get a little strange about having mom around them at school. Noah, on the other hand, would light up when his mom was with us. I'm pretty sure he knows how proud she was of him because it was always all over her face. I have to applaud her for making it to his school and outside of school sports. I know it was a challenge for her and I am going to miss her presence on the sidelines. I have literally marked out a path at the soccer tournaments with my pacing but would find affirmation by looking over and see Mrs Belanger also shaking her head and moving around.
Noah is part of the reason why I moved to grade 6 and agreed to teach 3 grades this year. I truly adore the grade 6 cohort. That's not to say I don't like the other grades, but these guys are special and we've been together 3 years. I've watched them grow up. Many of their older siblings I taught before them and a few of their younger siblings I taught in my brief stint as a kinder gym teacher. This was meant to be a year we all experienced together as their final time at St Anne but, we all know how this year has gone! Our grade 6's have missed out on so many big highlights in their graduating year. I feel for them. All their teachers do. It has been frustrating not being able to give them what was meant to be theirs. And, in the midst of all this has been Noah going through the inevitable loss of his mother.
Not many students have known what he was going through, but those that did, I thank you for being there for him all year. He has 3-4 really good friends in my morning class and I realise it has been hard on them too. They cried along side with him some days at school. They were never too far away from him to lend support or try to make him smile. Even now they are still there for him in this world of self isolation. They are checking in on him, spending time with him online. Doing what they can for a friend. In what can be a selfish world, it overwhelms my heart to see the love and kindness that the others have given him. Thank you grade 6's. I know that if we were at school and able to all be together, that you would be supporting Noah too. Hopefully that day will come before the end of June, but in the meantime please keep Noah and his family in your thoughts.
Rest easy Mrs Belanger. I will truly miss you as a parent in our school community. Your beautiful photographic gift remains a fixture in my home. I appreciate everything you've done to help Noah academically (including the booklets of work he was doing at home with you that he showed me last June). Again, you did a fantastic job with both your kids!
https://ottawacitizen.remembering.ca/obituary/darlene-belanger-1078952279?fbclid=IwAR0TdRZZwd0m-LaSfVQgA5Ue_GVmt0cf671VthD8ui53HiG4QGxeSfltHu4
Monday 30 March 2020
Workspace Updates & A Time Out
Hello parents, a math workspace was sent out to all grades last week. An update for students on how to submit work more efficiently will be sent out too (at some point).
Every student has been sent an invitation for their class Google Hangout with me this Thursday. Many have already replied.
There is also a language assignment coming as well to work on. I've just been a little sidetracked with finishing it today. Which leads me to the next bit of information to pass on. Grade 6 parents in my class have already been emailed about it, but we experienced an unfortunate loss in our grade 6 parent community last night. It has been a challenge today trying to process this sad news and figure out how to be there for our students in the isolated world we find ourselves in. There may be a slowing of work coming out as our grade 6 team talks about how we can support our 6's. My thoughts and heart are currently being filled up by this student and his family, so work may take a sideline for a bit. It's more important that I find ways to be there with the grade 6's right now.
Every student has been sent an invitation for their class Google Hangout with me this Thursday. Many have already replied.
There is also a language assignment coming as well to work on. I've just been a little sidetracked with finishing it today. Which leads me to the next bit of information to pass on. Grade 6 parents in my class have already been emailed about it, but we experienced an unfortunate loss in our grade 6 parent community last night. It has been a challenge today trying to process this sad news and figure out how to be there for our students in the isolated world we find ourselves in. There may be a slowing of work coming out as our grade 6 team talks about how we can support our 6's. My thoughts and heart are currently being filled up by this student and his family, so work may take a sideline for a bit. It's more important that I find ways to be there with the grade 6's right now.
Saturday 21 March 2020
Parent Email
Hello Parents! I hope you’re all staying healthy and enjoying your time together. I’m taking a break from my hectic schedule....... to ask you to check your emails at the address you provided to the school.
I have already contacted my homeroom grade 6 parents to check in with them. I picked one parent per family so make sure both parents take a look. Grade 4/5 , your homeroom teacher will be contacting you. Be patient, they may have a lot on their plates too. I still need to gather up all your parent emails and will be emailing the p.m class soon.
Students will be receiving emails from me very soon too, so please try and make sure they are able to check.
We really don’t have any answers for you at the moment. We’re still waiting to hear the plan. Just know that we all care about your families and if you, or anyone else in our St Anne community, is struggling please contact the school. Msgs will be passed on to our principal.
We’ll figure this out as we truly get to work together in education!
I have already contacted my homeroom grade 6 parents to check in with them. I picked one parent per family so make sure both parents take a look. Grade 4/5 , your homeroom teacher will be contacting you. Be patient, they may have a lot on their plates too. I still need to gather up all your parent emails and will be emailing the p.m class soon.
Students will be receiving emails from me very soon too, so please try and make sure they are able to check.
We really don’t have any answers for you at the moment. We’re still waiting to hear the plan. Just know that we all care about your families and if you, or anyone else in our St Anne community, is struggling please contact the school. Msgs will be passed on to our principal.
We’ll figure this out as we truly get to work together in education!
Wednesday 18 March 2020
EQAO
Hey Grade 6! The Ministry of Education has cancelled EQAO tests for the year. We have been waiting for this to happen. Sorry to those who enjoy taking tests and great news for those who were dreading them.
These standardised tests have no impact on your school year and you are absolutely fine not taking them.
All 3 grades might start receiving emails from me. Grade 6 has already started. I’ve been exploring all the free resources that have opened up and seeing what might be fun to try out.
The emails right now are invites to join so I can set up the classes. Later on they might be activated for work.
Hope you’re all staying healthy!
These standardised tests have no impact on your school year and you are absolutely fine not taking them.
All 3 grades might start receiving emails from me. Grade 6 has already started. I’ve been exploring all the free resources that have opened up and seeing what might be fun to try out.
The emails right now are invites to join so I can set up the classes. Later on they might be activated for work.
Hope you’re all staying healthy!
Friday 13 March 2020
Enjoy The Break
To the students who weren't at school today I'd like to wish you a most excellent extended March Break holiday.
We are not sure at this time if work is to be added online for you. If it is, you will find it in Workspace.
Grade 6 can always do practice questions off the EQAO website for both math and language. We left off at percentages so if you want to follow along using the curriculum, we'd be finishing that and ratio up.
Writing and reading are always encouraged at home as well.
Grade 4 can work on 2 digit x 1 digit multiplication and 2 digit divided by 1 digit long division.
Grade 5 can continue working on 2 digit x 2 digit and 3 digit divided by 1 digit division.
If you are travelling outside of the country, stay safe!
We are not sure at this time if work is to be added online for you. If it is, you will find it in Workspace.
Grade 6 can always do practice questions off the EQAO website for both math and language. We left off at percentages so if you want to follow along using the curriculum, we'd be finishing that and ratio up.
Writing and reading are always encouraged at home as well.
Grade 4 can work on 2 digit x 1 digit multiplication and 2 digit divided by 1 digit long division.
Grade 5 can continue working on 2 digit x 2 digit and 3 digit divided by 1 digit division.
If you are travelling outside of the country, stay safe!
Our Farm
Unfortunately, due to the extended school closure, only janitorial staff is allowed inside the building.
This bad news means I am not allowed to come in during the 3 weeks to water and keep our farm alive.
This school year has been absolutely mind boggling !
This bad news means I am not allowed to come in during the 3 weeks to water and keep our farm alive.
This school year has been absolutely mind boggling !
Thursday 12 March 2020
Talent Show
Unfortunately, we are no longer permitted to gather in large numbers due to virus concerns. Friday’s talent show has now been postponed.
Wednesday 11 March 2020
General Update
This Friday is the school's talent show. It currently is scheduled from 1:15-2 so please join us if you'd like to catch the show. A reminder that if you haven't been to St Anne in a while for an event, the gym gets filled pretty quickly. Parking? Well, good luck!
Gr 6 - still no word on what might happen with EQAO this year. We haven't been allowed to do practice questions or prep work for the test because of job action. Keep in mind that a standardised test is not an accurate reflection of your child's knowledge/abilities and most of the time this test result matches their class assessment and test results. You can do practice questions with your grade 6 at home by going to this EQAO site and pulling sample questions to use.
Grad Photo Retakes - there seems to be multiple options as to when this day actually is. Once I get the word on which day it is, I will post it.
There is grade 6 language assessment meant to go home soon, but I keep forgetting to hand it back.
Grade 6 apparently finished up family life in one block. I've asked their religion teacher to give them at least another block worth because it's important. There definitely is a change in the air and it's been extremely interesting watching how their social interactions are changing.
In language the 6's have been working on building their inferring skills and in math they are learning about percentages.
Grade 4/5
Mrs O'Neil has wrapped up family life with the 4's and the grade 5's and I are still working our way through things. Their content is more in depth and needs additional time.
After teaching this content off and on to gr 4 and 5 the last few years, I can honestly tell you that it is so important that you take the time to check in with them about what they have learned. They have picked up a lot of knowledge the last 2 weeks and some have said they don't feel comfortable going to you and talking about things.
Hand Sanitizer - we knew the COVID-19 virus would eventually find its way to us and with the first case being confirmed today in Kanata, no doubt the talk will ramp up at school. We have been encouraging students to wash their hands. Some students have been bringing in and using hand sanitizer. No problem doing that, but would you mind sending them with not so heavily scented types please?
In language, they are still presenting their research projects and we are working on developing candy brands inspired by Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. In math, we started multiplication so please practice with your child at home and if you want to get a head start on long division , please do over the break.
And if you are travelling over the break, have a wonderful time and stay safe!
Gr 6 - still no word on what might happen with EQAO this year. We haven't been allowed to do practice questions or prep work for the test because of job action. Keep in mind that a standardised test is not an accurate reflection of your child's knowledge/abilities and most of the time this test result matches their class assessment and test results. You can do practice questions with your grade 6 at home by going to this EQAO site and pulling sample questions to use.
Grad Photo Retakes - there seems to be multiple options as to when this day actually is. Once I get the word on which day it is, I will post it.
There is grade 6 language assessment meant to go home soon, but I keep forgetting to hand it back.
Grade 6 apparently finished up family life in one block. I've asked their religion teacher to give them at least another block worth because it's important. There definitely is a change in the air and it's been extremely interesting watching how their social interactions are changing.
In language the 6's have been working on building their inferring skills and in math they are learning about percentages.
Grade 4/5
Mrs O'Neil has wrapped up family life with the 4's and the grade 5's and I are still working our way through things. Their content is more in depth and needs additional time.
After teaching this content off and on to gr 4 and 5 the last few years, I can honestly tell you that it is so important that you take the time to check in with them about what they have learned. They have picked up a lot of knowledge the last 2 weeks and some have said they don't feel comfortable going to you and talking about things.
Hand Sanitizer - we knew the COVID-19 virus would eventually find its way to us and with the first case being confirmed today in Kanata, no doubt the talk will ramp up at school. We have been encouraging students to wash their hands. Some students have been bringing in and using hand sanitizer. No problem doing that, but would you mind sending them with not so heavily scented types please?
In language, they are still presenting their research projects and we are working on developing candy brands inspired by Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. In math, we started multiplication so please practice with your child at home and if you want to get a head start on long division , please do over the break.
And if you are travelling over the break, have a wonderful time and stay safe!
Tuesday 3 March 2020
Missing Child
Please keep your eyes open for this former student.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/missing-youth-ottawa-police-1.5484276
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/missing-youth-ottawa-police-1.5484276
Presentations
All 3 grades are now presenting their interesting research presentations. This is now homework for those who have not finished their work.
A reminder please that students should be creating their own presentations. I have seen a few this week that I cannot properly assess because there has been too much adult help. I really do appreciate when you support your child at home, but I need to be able to evaluate their abilities.
A reminder please that students should be creating their own presentations. I have seen a few this week that I cannot properly assess because there has been too much adult help. I really do appreciate when you support your child at home, but I need to be able to evaluate their abilities.
Tuesday 25 February 2020
Grade 6 Confirmation
The grade 6 religion teacher sent home a letter for confirmation today. Here is the link if your copy didn't make it home.
Please return the form along with the permission form for Theme 3 of family life and I will pass them along to Ms Ferguson.
Please return the form along with the permission form for Theme 3 of family life and I will pass them along to Ms Ferguson.
Sunday 23 February 2020
Boys Handball Cancelled
If your son made the boy's handball team, then you should have received a note home telling you that it has been cancelled. Unfortunately, due to the shortage of supply teachers, the school board has decided to cancel extracurriculars, as they cannot guarantee that teachers will have these days covered.
Hopefully things will have been settled by April when basketball tryouts are set to happen.
Hopefully things will have been settled by April when basketball tryouts are set to happen.
Friday Fun For Gr 6
My favourite teaching colleague, Mrs Mason will be spending the morning with us on Friday. Some of the 6's had her as their grade 2 teacher before she moved on to work in the gifted program.
Her visits are to share a glimpse into the world of the enriched program that our classmate Finn goes to each week. Last year's visit had us creating Rube Goldberg Machines. I can't wait to see what we'll be doing this time!
Her visits are to share a glimpse into the world of the enriched program that our classmate Finn goes to each week. Last year's visit had us creating Rube Goldberg Machines. I can't wait to see what we'll be doing this time!
Wednesday 19 February 2020
Jellybean Jar
Tomorrow (sorry first I've heard of it) there is a jelly bean jar guessing contest. Please send your kiddos with some cash to raise money for breast cancer. This is a disease that has broken the hearts of many of our St Anne community and students, so your support is greatly appreciated
Tuesday 18 February 2020
February Update
This afternoon the gr 4/5 class went through their writing assessment (which they were to bring home) and we took a few steps back and reviewed the basics. Many are still not doing the essential things like using capital letters, punctuation, writing across the paper on the lines, writing in complete sentences, writing in the correct tense, and more. Those should all be a given by now. You can help at home with writing by making sure they have all those things perfected.
We also spent time building up our sentences and using conjunctions and transition words to improve our writing.
Both classes are nearly finished pitching their presentation in order to persuade their classmates that their 3d shape deserves to be rewarded the Shape of The Year award.
We are about to start number sense (decimal numbers, fractions, multiplication, division) in all grades. You will be doing your child a huge favour by working with them at home with these skills. The exception is the grade 6's who are allowed to use calculators. More specific expectations for math will eventually be posted on the math pages when I get a chance.
Both classes are working on their research skills again. They have chosen an interesting topic from the list and are researching it. What they uncovered will be presented in either a Powtoon or a Google Slide to the class.
A lot of the students have excellent presentation and video editing skills. Ask to see their Wevideo or their Slide presentations. You might need their help at work one day!
We also spent time building up our sentences and using conjunctions and transition words to improve our writing.
Both classes are nearly finished pitching their presentation in order to persuade their classmates that their 3d shape deserves to be rewarded the Shape of The Year award.
We are about to start number sense (decimal numbers, fractions, multiplication, division) in all grades. You will be doing your child a huge favour by working with them at home with these skills. The exception is the grade 6's who are allowed to use calculators. More specific expectations for math will eventually be posted on the math pages when I get a chance.
Both classes are working on their research skills again. They have chosen an interesting topic from the list and are researching it. What they uncovered will be presented in either a Powtoon or a Google Slide to the class.
A lot of the students have excellent presentation and video editing skills. Ask to see their Wevideo or their Slide presentations. You might need their help at work one day!
Wednesday 12 February 2020
Virtual Field Trip Gr 4/5
We've been enjoying our virtual field trips so much that the 4/5's will be doing another one on Feb 20th. This time we will be meeting up with bat biologist Kirsten Lear to learn about bats and how we can help contribute to bat conversation in our own backyards.
A Few Reminders
The grade 4/5’s will hopefully be skating Thursday (tomorrow). The 6’s will eventually go too.
Report cards will also be going home on Thursday. Grade 6 will return their envelopes and signed slips to me. A reminder that due to job action, there will be no comments (grades only). If you have any questions or would like to discuss math and language, then I am the teacher you are looking for.
Students are suppose to be taking home their assessment folder after returned work. This will help you get a better understanding of their abilities. There will be a general overall language assessment coming home next week for you to see.
Happy Hearts Raffle is tomorrow. I still have extra tickets if the grade 6’s bring in money.
Friday is a PD day.
No school Monday (Family Day)
Tuesday is grad photo day for the grade 6’s. Try and wear a white collared shirt if you can.
Also due to job action, you are encouraged to check the school website to keep up to date with school and board planned activities. I can only post classroom related information.
Report cards will also be going home on Thursday. Grade 6 will return their envelopes and signed slips to me. A reminder that due to job action, there will be no comments (grades only). If you have any questions or would like to discuss math and language, then I am the teacher you are looking for.
Students are suppose to be taking home their assessment folder after returned work. This will help you get a better understanding of their abilities. There will be a general overall language assessment coming home next week for you to see.
Happy Hearts Raffle is tomorrow. I still have extra tickets if the grade 6’s bring in money.
Friday is a PD day.
No school Monday (Family Day)
Tuesday is grad photo day for the grade 6’s. Try and wear a white collared shirt if you can.
Also due to job action, you are encouraged to check the school website to keep up to date with school and board planned activities. I can only post classroom related information.
Tuesday 11 February 2020
Valentine's Day
In case you are wondering how many students there are to send in cards for:
Grade 6 - 24 students
Grade 4/5 - 28 students
Grade 6 - 24 students
Grade 4/5 - 28 students
Grade 6 Grad Photos
The grade 6's will be taking their graduation photos on Tuesday, Feb 18th.
They are encouraged to wear a white shirt that has a collar. If you don't have one, I believe the photographer has a fake collar that they can put under the robe for their photo.
They are encouraged to wear a white shirt that has a collar. If you don't have one, I believe the photographer has a fake collar that they can put under the robe for their photo.
Family Life Permission Forms
Mrs O'Neill will be sending home a letter that requires your signature for family life. This is the created sexually theme that involves the discussion about puberty and human sexuality.
This is for the grade 4/5 class.
This is for the grade 4/5 class.
Thursday 6 February 2020
Grade 4/5 Language Update
We are back to researching and writing with Interesting Research Presentations. Students chose an interesting topic off a list to research and will create either a Powtoon or a Google Slide presentation.
Checklists and criteria for them to follow are in their Workspace.
Checklists and criteria for them to follow are in their Workspace.
Wednesday 5 February 2020
Family Life Gr 4/5
Mrs O'Neill will be starting Theme 3 of Family Life in religion shortly with the 4/5 class. This is the created sexually unit and a letter will be going home to notify you. Here is the letter with the links to the content that will be covered. I think you should be able to access the letter.
I just checked out the site and it's not really a quick read. I gave up and I'm use to these documents. I'll try to find a more user friendly and to the point one to post.
Because this is a split grade and the content for grade 5 is more mature, I will be joining in and taking the grade 5 class while Mrs O'Neill will focus on the grade 4's.
The grade 5 content is very important as some of your children might have already started puberty or will be soon enough. Please know that you are the most important source for them to go to with questions. It's a perfect time to break the ice and start having these conversations with them (if you haven't started already). While I try and be as honest, inclusive, and informative as possible with them, I may ask them to take their questions home to you to answer.
I'm not sure yet when the grade 6's will start their unit with their teacher. I think it will be happening soon. Their teacher will be covering the content with them on their own.
I just checked out the site and it's not really a quick read. I gave up and I'm use to these documents. I'll try to find a more user friendly and to the point one to post.
Because this is a split grade and the content for grade 5 is more mature, I will be joining in and taking the grade 5 class while Mrs O'Neill will focus on the grade 4's.
The grade 5 content is very important as some of your children might have already started puberty or will be soon enough. Please know that you are the most important source for them to go to with questions. It's a perfect time to break the ice and start having these conversations with them (if you haven't started already). While I try and be as honest, inclusive, and informative as possible with them, I may ask them to take their questions home to you to answer.
I'm not sure yet when the grade 6's will start their unit with their teacher. I think it will be happening soon. Their teacher will be covering the content with them on their own.
Tuesday 28 January 2020
Thursday 23 January 2020
Unfinished and Overdue Work
Please check with your grade 4, 5, or 6 student to see if they have finished
1) reading their book club book
2) written their summary
3) finished their project
These were all suppose to be finished the week after we returned from the Christmas Break. We have had to move on and those who are not done are falling further behind.
This week we have broken down paragraphs by writing introductions. Have them practice this by giving them topics to write 4-5 sentence introductions.
1) reading their book club book
2) written their summary
3) finished their project
These were all suppose to be finished the week after we returned from the Christmas Break. We have had to move on and those who are not done are falling further behind.
This week we have broken down paragraphs by writing introductions. Have them practice this by giving them topics to write 4-5 sentence introductions.
Monday 20 January 2020
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)