Overdue Post

It was such a pleasure to talk with so many of you again for Parent/Teacher interviews. I have sent emails to guidance, and hopefully, I have responded to all of your requests. Please let me know what questions you have regarding high school selection, what you need (essays revised, time/review for entrance exams, and so forth) and I will do some digging for you or point you to the right person. Now that November is ending, I believe most of the High School open houses have happened. There were a number of last minute date and time changes - and some entrance exams have been rescheduled - please  check your chosen High School websites daily. Talk to me, if in doubt, and I can help.

As you are all aware, with our new rotary system, I do not teach Math and Language to all the kids in my homeroom. Some I see for both, many I see for just Language. Please remember to check Mme Francis' blog for Geography updates, the agendas for Mr Knierim's, Mme Boisjoly's, Ms Gousis' updates for Science, Math and French. If in doubt, contact me and I will find out what you need to know.

Math
We had our second Data Mgmt quiz this week. Check with your kids for the marks for the first quiz or contact me. We start Geometry next week.
Language
1. We are working on issues in the First Nation's reserve in Attawapiskat. We started this unit last year and we are doing a follow-up unit this year, writing letters, forming opinions and developing a greater understanding of the federal government's role in First Nation's issues. Hopefully, kids will begin to see that there is not a great deal of information about First Nation's issues readily at hand and their own inquiry and research is important in unearthing relevant information.
2. We are also starting on the writing form, Explanation.
3. We are continually working on a variety of strategies to help construct meaning.
4. Lit circles are still underway and will be wrapping up in the next couple of weeks. Many kids have requested we do another novel study and they all have novels of their own choosing. At the elementary level, we prefer not to have kids use their own novels as there is so much explicit teaching required. This is preferable to do in a group setting where kids can construct meaning together. Let me think on whether I'll do individual novels or not.

Housekeeping
1. Foodbank flyers went home last week and the drive begins this week. Like last year's Christmas drive, we are working with Birchmount Community Centre and will, hopefully, get over there to help pack boxes. Items required: Rice, oils, pasta, baby food, crackers, dish detergent, soap, beans, soup - all non-perishables. As always, thank you for your support.
2. Guidance - let me know what questions you have, what you need, how I can help.
3. Pizza lunch is November 28.

Here's a class picture from yesterday. A birthday celebration was underway! Many thanks to all of the Intermediates for making my day so much fun!

Have a great Grey Cup weekend!
Ms V.

Monday

Hi all

Math Homework
Grade 7
Q. 8, p. 304
also up to (and including) Q9 on p. 284

Grade 8
Q 12, p. 310

Parent/Teacher Interview Forms
Some of you are still asking me for Parent/Teacher Interview forms (I have photocopied 3 class sets! What are you doing with them??). Come and see me if you need another one!  Please return to me asap - interview time slots are filling up quickly.

Running Club is cancelled for tomorrow morning.

See you all tomorrow. Remember to wear your house colours. Remember ...

Red is Best!

Thursday

Hi all
1. Please ensure that your parent/teacher interview forms are completed and returned to me asap.
2. Grade 8 grad trip form needs to be returned with your choice of trip so we can make an informed decision.

Mme Demeter is looking for some students to come into school early, 8:00 am Friday morning, to help with hanging Remembrance Day decorations in the Gym. Please come in early and lend a hand.

Remembrance Day Assembly is tomorrow morning - 

primary 9-9:30; 

junior/intermediate 10:30-11:15

Parents are more than welcome to join us.

See you tomorrow.

Ms Vincent

Monday

Hi all
1. Tomorrow is the day for our new Math classes. Please come and see me first thing in the morning to make sure you have the correct classes.
2. Team games in the gym last 2 periods, if behaviour is exceptional! Please dress for your house colours.
3. Picture re-take day. In order to have your picture re-taken, you need to have your old picture with you.
4. Running Club is on for tomorrow morning. I will be there as Girls' Softball is finished. Please check out the Running Blog. Dress warmly and see you tomorrow.

Please have your Personal Response Journals ready to hand in. I will collect them after morning recess.
See you all tomorrow.

Ms Vincent

Friday

Hi all
1. Math Homework - practice word problems from 11.5 and 11.6. Quiz on Monday.
2. Personal Narratives - if I have conferenced with you, good copies are due on Monday.
3. Lit Circles - Personal Response Journals - Assignment #1 - due on Monday.

Housekeeping
1. Mme Boisjoly - ensure her note re parent/teacher interviews is passed along to your parents. She is available only on Nov 13 & 14.
2. Remembrance Day Assembly is Friday, November 9th.

High School Open Houses - 
Here's what I have to date. If there is a school you are interested in, please check their website. Open Houses are usually in November.
Wexford Performing Arts - November 14
Wexford Visual/Media Arts - November 15
Victoria Park CI (IB Program) - November 20
Wilfred Laurier (IB Program) - November 22
Birchmount Collegiate - November 7
SATEC - November 24

From today's Panther Assembly. 

Congratulations to our Boys and Girls Softball teams. 

Boys - Conference Champions and Girls - Conference Finalists (3-peat).
Thanks to the coaches: Boys (Church and Gousis); Girls (Lowen, Angelevski and Vincent)