Baby, Baby, Baby...

It's that time of year!  Preparations are underway and we are gearing up for the big celebration next Friday!  In light of this special occasion, we are asking for each student to send in a baby photo (somewhere in the range of newborn to 4) for a special project.  Some of you have sent them in already and oh my were you ever cute!  Can't wait to see the rest of them!

Have a fabulous night,
 Mme Charles

Today's awesome

Ice cream Sandwiches

Ice cream - delicious.  Cookies - so tasty!  Whoever decided to put these two together for the first time definitely deserves our respect and gratitude.  Mmmm...mmmm...AWESOME!

PS  Here's a couple of photos from me as a baby (yes!  There were cameras back then!).  Apparently my parents enjoyed taking pictures of me eating ;)

EQAO is upon us...

Time has just flown!  It is hard to believe that tomorrow is the beginning of our EQAO testing! Using their powers of persuasion, the students managed to convince Mrs. Fitzgerald that they should be allowed to chew gum during the testing as it shall help them increase their focus and obtain better results.  Having said that, don't forget to bring in your sugarless gum (I hear peppermint and spearmint are the real testing champions)!  See below to read the letters that were chosen for Mrs. Fitzgerald.  Super work!

I just know you are all going to do wonderfully tomorrow!  Now is your time to shine and show all that you have learned over the past three years! :)  Best of luck!

Persuasive letter # 1
Persuasive Letter # 2
Persuasive Letter # 3

Star light, star bright

On Friday, French Immersion students in my afternoon class were assigned a project on a constellation.  Everyone has chosen their constellation and has the written guidelines for what the project requires.  Don't forget to use the graphic organizer to help you stay on topic!  Can't wait to see your presentations (your choice of a media presentation such as Notebook, Glogster, Pic Collage or a bristol board).  You can even get more creative if you like, diorama, pre-filmed presentation, homemade animation, etc.  This is YOUR project, just make sure that you have all the required info :)  Don't forget to learn lots and have fun!

Read below to see the project requirements:
Projet sur les constellations

Today's awesome

Bedtime Stories

What could be better than reading a bedtime story to your child you ask?  Having your child read you the bedtime story instead.  Perhaps "reading" is not quite the right term since Autumn can't actually read yet, however, she told me the whole story and then proceeded to ask me comprehension questions.  "What did you discover Mommy?", she asked.  After hearing my response, she told me I was wrong although my answer was still a good one.  I think I may have created a reading monster ;)  Awesome! 

Legend has it..

Today we learned all about legends, what they are, how they started and why they are so important. We will be reading more examples of legends in the next little while and you will even have the chance to write your very own legend (more details to follow!).  Can't wait to read them!

Today's awesome

When you roll up the rim and you actually win!

So this year's Roll up the Rim campaign seems to have brought twice the grief.  I roll once, I lose.  I roll twice, I lose again.  Talk about depressing!  However, nothing can match the excitement of rolling that second rim to actually win!  Sure, it may just be a free coffee, but it still feels exhilarating and just plain awesome!

Social Justice Fair

What can I say but, WOW! WOW! WOW! I was blown away by your participation in St. Emily's first ever Social Justice Fair. Your booths looked great and you were all very knowledgeable about the children's right you were presenting as well as the organization that protects it. I know that everyone that came through that gym was impressed with all the work you had done, students, teachers, parents and Mrs. Fitzgerald. Your fundraising efforts really paid off too!  All together we raised a little over $2100 as well as about 180 cans of food!  You proved today how we each have the power to change the world!  I can't tell you how proud I am to be the teacher of such an amazing group of students :) Thanks for your commitment to such a wonderful event, it surpassed all of my expectations (which were in fact quite high already!)! Way to go!  

Today's awesome

Being proud of someone

You know the feeling. Your heart swells up and your eyes get a little teary. In that moment, all you can think of is how lucky you are to be a part of that person's life. I'd like to thank all of you, because on Friday, I felt that feeling in a very strong way. I am very blessed to get to spend this year-long journey with you! AWESOME!

Friday Folders

Hopefully everyone has seen our Friday Folders by now.  They went home with the students this past Friday, along with an introductory letter explaining what it is and its' purpose.  I was glad to see so many of them come back today (with the papers removed that were not supposed to be in there and the other papers returned with signatures).  Thank you for taking the time to go through this with your child every week.  Through the folders, we hope the students will take on greater responsibility for their learning and will be able to set realistic and  achievable goals for the following week.

**Please do not forget to bring in your signed permission form for the St. Monica Retreat tomorrow (if you haven't already)!  Remember to bring your bible please!**

Today's awesome

Finishing a book challenge

Well, I am used to handing out the reading challenges, but this time I was on the receiving end.  Back at the end of January, Autumn was given a 100 book challenge!  We have been working away every day and finally over the weekend, we finished.  Finishing a challenge and seeing the look of pride on your little girl's face?  AWESOME! 

Short week ahead!

We have a short week ahead of us (don't forget March break starts Friday!), but it is jam packed with learning!  Here are some of things that are going on this week:

Monday: Grade 6 photos
Million Dollar Project due (can't wait to see them!!)
Healthy snack initiative (bananas and soda crackers provided)

Tuesday:  Shrove Tuesday
St. Joseph Teacher visiting with two grade 8 students

Wednesday: Ash Wednesday

We will be having a multiplication quiz this week.  Make sure you are brushed up on: multiplying 1 by 1 digits right up to four digits by two digits and multiplying decimals.  Some of you seem to still be struggling with your math facts.  Please practice at home by having Mom and Dad quiz you.

Since it is a short week, your homework will be your Social Justice project (all posters must be completed this week).  For Math, I would like all of you to spend a minimum of 15 minutes on Khan academy exploring different math skills (this would be a great time to test yourself on multiplication).  You have all received an invitation to join through your school account.  Some of you have already started and I am amazed by your mad math skills!  What Mathe-magicians I have in my class ;)

See you all tomorrow morning!  Can't wait to see how handsome and beautiful you all look for those photos!

Mme Charles

Exciting Project!

Well, you have probably already heard about the exciting project that the grade 6s are working on, but I thought I would let you in on a little more detail about exactly what it is they are doing.  Last week, through a beautiful picture book and a captivating video, the students learned all about children's' rights around the world. Every student has been put into a group, and every group will be researching and presenting an organization that helps promote and protect a different right of the child. The group will be preparing a poster as well as an accompanying piece of their choice (Photostory, video, poem, skit, song, etc.) to help promote their chosen right and organization. This info will all be shared during our first ever, Social Justice Fair on March 28th (don't worry, parents are invited!)! I am so impressed with all of you so far!  Many of you have taken the initiative to contact your chosen organization and have already had positive responses from them! I am very proud of the level of commitment you are showing to this project! I can't wait to see all the creativity that each group brings to the fair!

Today's awesome

Children's RightsI think that children's rights are by far the most important rights there are. Children need special protection and care and they must be able depend on adults to protect their rights, look after them and help them reach their full potential. The United Nations have ensured this by creating the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Together, St. Emily students will help spread the word about these rights and organizations that protect them. Children spreading the word about this convention? Awesome!

3D Printing Demo

Today was very cool as Luc Lalande came in to demonstrate a 3D printer in action!  Talk about cool!  The students had tons of great questions for him and were very impressed by the demo (Minecraft creeper) that he did.  He will be giving demos (where you can get your very own creeper) at the following locations and times:

Nepean Centrepointe -  March 1st - 1:30pm
                                   
Ruth E Dickinson -  March 29 - 1:00 pm

Best of all?  It's free!  Don't forget to check out some books for the 30 book challenge while you are there ;)

Today's awesome

3D Printers 

A printer that uses Cartesian coordinates to move along the X, Y, and Z axis while printing?  Now that's an example of real-life geometry that is just plain.. Awesome!   

The Million Dollar Project

Congratulations!  You are all now instant millionaires! Your job?  To spend as much of this money as you can while following certain guidelines.  Don't worry though; you have a full 3 weeks to spend the money before you lose it :)  To find out more details about the project or to print another copy, you can click on the link below.  Can't wait to see how you all choose to spend your million!

Million Dollar Project
Information Page Example
Today's awesome

Sharing books

What a great way to save money and help the environment at the same time! You're almost guaranteed it is a good read since someone recommended it. Plus, it helps you get ahead in your 30 book challenge! AWESOME!

The Biggest Problem in The World

A few weeks ago, I asked the students what the biggest problem in the world was. We brainstormed a huge list of ideas and began to formulate our own opinions on the matter. Each student wrote an opinion piece on what they thought the biggest problem in the world was. We have also been reading books about Social Justice; poverty, war, discrimination, slavery, global warming, human rights violations, etc. While these are not always easy books to read (especially when they don't have the happy ending we long for!), they all provide us with signs of hope for the future. When I look around the classroom, I see my very own signs of hope through your words and more importantly your actions. You have the ability to change the world, together we can all make a difference :)
 
Today's awesome

The sound of a bird chirping in the middle of Winter

Such a beautiful sound, especially when you least expect it. Look up in the sky, chirp, chirp...AWESOME!

Brrrrr....

Wow!  What a chilly week we are having!  We've been keeping warm inside by staying very busy!  In Language we've been improving our writing skills by learning about homophones and how to avoid using run-on sentences.  In Math, we have been all about geometry, looking at angles (stayed tuned for our MART!) and also learning all about the quadrilateral family tree :)  We have been learning about electricity and are very excited to have Scientists in the School coming in this Thursday for some hands-on demonstrations.  Can't wait!

Today's awesome

Mash ups

Whether in music or dance, they bring a smile to my face and a spring to my step.  AWESOME! 

Country in a box

We have been very busy presenting our "countries in a box".  I am very impressed with all that you have learned about other parts of the world!  Great job!  Can't wait to see the rest of the presentations!

Today's awesome

When someone does something before you even have to ask
Could you please...Oh, you've already done it?  Awesome!

Yesterday's awesome

Snowy Owls
Such a majestic creature!  Having one hang out near you for the day?  Well, now that is just plain AWESOME!

Happy New Year!

What a way to start the New Year!  Such an icy day found us with very few people in the classroom.  Those of us that were here put our knowledge of coordinate grids to the test! We reviewed ordered pairs, the x-axis, the y-axis, and the origin on a coordinate plane. To help consolidate our learning, we played a modified version of Battleship. Students called out ordered pairs and tried to sink each others battleships. It got pretty intense! One thing is for sure, I think everyone had a great time and can now locate coordinates on a grid. Woohoo! 

Hoping to see everyone back safe and sound tomorrow!

Today's awesome

Angle Kung Fu
So. Much. Fun. Seriously. Just wait until you become the Master of Angles. Master of Angles? Wait, make the the Master of AWESOME! 

Second Week of Advent

Today we held another class liturgy for the second week of Advent. The liturgy focused on Mary and Joseph's humanity and their belief and trust in God. The students read and sang beautifully, my personal favourite being Children of the Light. I am looking forward to next week's liturgy!

PS  Tomorrow's Math test has been switched to Thursday due to Book Clubs and other scheduling conflicts.  I know you guys are going to do great!

Yesterday's Awesome

Going to bed when you are sick

There's only one thing to do when you are feeling sick.  Go to bed and stay in bed.  Tomorrow will come, and if you are lucky, you will wake up feeling refreshed and just plain... AWESOME! 

Tonight's awesome 

Date night

On a Tuesday?  So. much. fun.  AWESOME!

Upcoming Data Management Test

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!  Hard to believe there are less than 2 weeks left of school before Christmas break!  They are gonna be jam-packed with lots of hard-work and exciting events!  On Wednesday, we will be having our end of unit test for Data Management.  You should not need to study as we have been reviewing in class.  However, here are some things you will need to know:
- the definitions for mean, median, mode and range (you can watch the videos, sing the song, and practice with the math link)
- you will need to know when to use various types of graphs
- you will need to know how to improve survey questions

I have a good feeling about this test :)

Given how busy we will be this week with Book Clubs and Math, there will be no online homework this week.


P.S. Don't forget to bring your items in for the food hamper tomorrow (I think most of you have already brought them in!  Awesome!) and any items you might have for the white elephant sale.

Wednesday's awesome 

Finishing a great book

I'm sure you know the feeling. You have been swept away by the author's words and transported into a new and exciting world. You have made new acquaintances and wonder how everything will turn out for them. When you get to that last page, you are satisfied knowing how the adventure ends. Even better? Now you get to start a new book and let the magic begin all over again. Awesome!

Thursday's awesome 

Enthusiastic Hellos

One of my favourite moments of the day is always Cooper running up to me with open arms and yelling Maman, as though we haven't seen each other in ages. AWESOME!
 
Friday's Awesome

Cookie Exchanges

What could be better than getting together with friends and swapping a whole bunch of cookies?!  Me love cookies!  Awesome!   

Trading Partners

We are finishing up our first Social Studies unit, Canada and its' trading partners.  We will be having a unit test next Tuesday.  Here are the things you will need to know:
- A definition of commerce, imports and exports
- Main products that Canada imports and exports
- Canada's main trading partners
- You will need to know who Canada's biggest trading partner is and why
- You will need to know what NAFTA is (ALÉNA)
- Countries that are part of the European Union
- Why is tourism important?

Keep in mind that you do not need to memorize this information, however you must only write in French on the test itself.  Please take your Social Studies book home to study for this test.

In addition, you will have 2 weeks to prepare for your final project "Un pays dans une boîte".  All written work will be done at school, but the box is to be done at home and is due December 16, 2013.  Students must decorate the outside of the box so that it represents their chosen country.  On the inside, they can include important items (imports, exports, etc.) and they must create a scene that is representative of their country (can include tourist attractions, famous people, etc).  Click below for a link to the project description:

Les partenaires commerciaux

All regular French homework projects will resume in January.

Today's awesome

Christmas Carols

I admit it.... I absolutely love Christmas Carols! The old classics as well as new songs made to celebrate the season (my current favourite is Snow Globe by Matt Wertz). Nothing brings a smile to my face like I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas (really, who even thought of that song, it's fantastic!). Songs like these that make you laugh, others like War is Over make you reflect, songs like Joy to the World allow us to rejoice and songs like Christmas Shoes make you cry (every single time!). What a great way to celebrate all of the blessings in our lives and be thankful for the time we get to spend with our loved ones. Evoking some of the best memories ever through the power of song? AWESOME!

Special Advent Liturgy

Today we had a very special Advent liturgy in our classroom. Despite only seeing their readings this morning, the students read their parts eloquently and together we sang a beautiful advent song (one of my favourites!). We also talked about how important it is to be a light to others as we prepare our hearts for Jesus' arrival.   On that note, don't forget to bring in your items for the Christmas hampers, preferably by Friday!

Today's awesome

Watching the Christmas tree lights dance

Have you ever just stared at Christmas tree lights? There is something so hypnotic about the way way they appear to be dancing. Every time I see them, I watch in amazement. They truly brighten my day. AWESOME!

Book Clubs!

What an exciting day we had! Today students were introduced to book clubs!  We watched book trailers, discussed responsibilities and handed out books.  Each group had a chance to get together and decide on their first roles.  Our first meeting is Tuesday!  I think you will all really enjoy the experience of sharing your ideas and opinions about the books you're reading,. I can't wait to hear what you think of your books!

PS Here are all 10 books we are reading:

The Lion, the With, and the Wardeobe by C.S. Lewis (So, so, so good and a must read for anyone who loves fantasy!  I remember studying it in Children's Literature in University.  It is quite the deep book!  Some of you have probably already seen the movie)

Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick (Loved it! Quite the tear jerker for me!)

The Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth Winthrop ( Rated 3.94 on Goodreads, sounds like a winner to me!  Might try to read this one with you.) 

Counting on Grace by Elizabeth Winthrop  (Same author as the last one.  Great for those of you interested in Social Justice, especially child labour.  I think I may read this one after you so I can have it count for my historicla fiction!).   

Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix (Such a fabulous author!  An awesome sci-fi mystery!  It is a series, so get ready to get hooked!)

Alexandria of Africa by Eric Walters (The one I would have chosen if I got to pick a book for book club, can't wait to read it when you are finished!)

Hurt Go Happy by Ginny Rorby (I was sad that I didn't get to read this one right away either since all 6 copies were taken - from what I know, this too is very emotional)

Doorway to Danger by Vicki Blum (A passage into another world with ogre and elves - gotta love fantasy!) 

Loser by Jerry Spinelli (A great author!  I just loved this book trailer!  Looks like it will be a great tale about rising above bullying)

The Music of Dolphins by Karen Hesse (You'll have to pay attention to the font and decide why the author has chosen to change it throughout the book.)

Today's awesomeness.... Drum roll please....

Book Clubs!

What could be better than getting together with friends to discuss a great book you have read? It is a great opportunity to get a deeper understanding of the text, appreciate other peoples points of view and maybe even learn something about yourself along the way. AWESOME!
 

PS Bet you saw that one coming!
PPS Yes, I know I am backlogged on awesome things...  I am working out a list :)

Smartie Pants Math

We sure had fun during math on Friday!  We reviewed the measures of central tendency by working with a small sample of smarties.  After finding the mean, median, mode and range, students created a circle graph or a bar graph with their data.  You guys did an awesome job!  I sure am lucky to have a class full of Smartie Pants!