Dec 16
Au revoir, mes amis! Merci beaucoup! Check out the Showcase page for two amazing videos, and excursion pics...
Au revoir, mes amis! Merci beaucoup! Check out the Showcase page for two amazing videos, and excursion pics...
Dec 9
One week to go! Time seems to have sped up exponentially, but the kids are still working hard on some cool projects and presentations. They may end up sharing some works in progress, but I've been very impressed with the calibre of work by many of the students. I'm a big believer that the process--and all the creative, critical, collaborative thinking that goes into it--is more meaningful than the finished product. I hope these Aussie students of mine will carry forward their skills, ingenuity, and enthusiasm for learning next year, whether they're moving down the hall to a 6/7 class in Grange, or to a new school. I will think of them when I'm back in Calgary, and I encourage them to keep emailing their Canadian pen pals...and me, as well! ([email protected]) This will be the final weekly update on this blog, but I may add a few more photos and videos to the Showcase page from the coming week. Our final Star Citizen photos are up there now. Here is the rundown of Week 9:
Monday is the last day to return the form and money for our 5/6 excursion, and also the last day to indicate if you'd like your child to participate in the optional Christian Christmas workshop, which will be held that afternoon.
Thursday is the 5/6 excursion to Inflatable World (and an adventure playground).
Friday is the last day of school, and once again dismissal will be at 2:10. The kids are welcome to bring snacks and/or games to share that day, but the "party" will be a low-key affair (after the excursion the previous day)...and they must clean up every bit of evidence that they brought anything: no crumb left behind!
Thank you all, once again, for your support of my exchange here this year; it's been a remarkable experience that has changed the lives of me and my whole family.
One week to go! Time seems to have sped up exponentially, but the kids are still working hard on some cool projects and presentations. They may end up sharing some works in progress, but I've been very impressed with the calibre of work by many of the students. I'm a big believer that the process--and all the creative, critical, collaborative thinking that goes into it--is more meaningful than the finished product. I hope these Aussie students of mine will carry forward their skills, ingenuity, and enthusiasm for learning next year, whether they're moving down the hall to a 6/7 class in Grange, or to a new school. I will think of them when I'm back in Calgary, and I encourage them to keep emailing their Canadian pen pals...and me, as well! ([email protected]) This will be the final weekly update on this blog, but I may add a few more photos and videos to the Showcase page from the coming week. Our final Star Citizen photos are up there now. Here is the rundown of Week 9:
Monday is the last day to return the form and money for our 5/6 excursion, and also the last day to indicate if you'd like your child to participate in the optional Christian Christmas workshop, which will be held that afternoon.
Thursday is the 5/6 excursion to Inflatable World (and an adventure playground).
Friday is the last day of school, and once again dismissal will be at 2:10. The kids are welcome to bring snacks and/or games to share that day, but the "party" will be a low-key affair (after the excursion the previous day)...and they must clean up every bit of evidence that they brought anything: no crumb left behind!
Thank you all, once again, for your support of my exchange here this year; it's been a remarkable experience that has changed the lives of me and my whole family.
Dec 2
On Thursday, we will have our End of Year Concert in the evening; your child should have brought home a notice about it (saying "Starstruck"--this year's theme--at the top). If your child would like to enter the contest to design the program art, submissions are due at 9am Monday morning.
You are invited to set up chairs in the yard starting at 2pm on Thursday (any chairs set up early will be removed by security!). During the concert, the students sit with me, and should only have water bottles with them. They are welcome to bring blankets/tarps to sit on. If you arrive early and would like to have dinner together from one of the food trucks, please be aware that a siren will sound at 6:15, signalling all students to meet with their teachers. There is no alcohol permitted at this event.
I will be in the classroom by 6pm; that's where students should meet me at 6:15, in costume. The concert will go from 6:30 until about 8pm. After the show, it is extremely important that we meet back in front of the Grange Building and that you sign out your child with me before you leave. I have been instructed to send any children who are unaccompanied to the front office for collection, and to report any who have not been signed out on my roll sheet as missing!
I'm greatly looking forward to the event...please sort out your child's African/soccer-inspired costume as soon as possible, or let me know if you need to borrow something.
On Friday, report cards will be sent home. After lunch that day, students who are returning to CLG next year will go meet their future teacher for a half an hour. (Those who are switching schools will be supervised by someone else.) Class placement letters will be sent home in the report card envelopes.
Finally: check out the Showcase page for photos from our trip to Adelaide Gaol.
On Thursday, we will have our End of Year Concert in the evening; your child should have brought home a notice about it (saying "Starstruck"--this year's theme--at the top). If your child would like to enter the contest to design the program art, submissions are due at 9am Monday morning.
You are invited to set up chairs in the yard starting at 2pm on Thursday (any chairs set up early will be removed by security!). During the concert, the students sit with me, and should only have water bottles with them. They are welcome to bring blankets/tarps to sit on. If you arrive early and would like to have dinner together from one of the food trucks, please be aware that a siren will sound at 6:15, signalling all students to meet with their teachers. There is no alcohol permitted at this event.
I will be in the classroom by 6pm; that's where students should meet me at 6:15, in costume. The concert will go from 6:30 until about 8pm. After the show, it is extremely important that we meet back in front of the Grange Building and that you sign out your child with me before you leave. I have been instructed to send any children who are unaccompanied to the front office for collection, and to report any who have not been signed out on my roll sheet as missing!
I'm greatly looking forward to the event...please sort out your child's African/soccer-inspired costume as soon as possible, or let me know if you need to borrow something.
On Friday, report cards will be sent home. After lunch that day, students who are returning to CLG next year will go meet their future teacher for a half an hour. (Those who are switching schools will be supervised by someone else.) Class placement letters will be sent home in the report card envelopes.
Finally: check out the Showcase page for photos from our trip to Adelaide Gaol.
Nov 25
Students will be bringing home a note about the Year 5/6 End of Year Excursion on Monday. Our 3 classes will be going to Inflatable World in Morphett Vale, then visiting Jubilee Playground in Port Noarlunga, before returning to school...all transportation will be provided by school bus. Please email me if you can volunteer to help out.
There are also envelopes from the office that will be sent home.
Friday is Casual Day, an SRC fundraiser for the RSPCA. Students voted on a dress-up theme, and I was somewhat dismayed to find that "dress as an animal" won out over "wear blue and/or white". ;) If your kids don't have creature-related items, they are welcome to dress in those colours instead, or of course just wear their uniforms. SRC is asking for gold coin donations to participate.
Speaking of dressing up, please see the message below about what to wear for our End of Year Concert...both classes have started rehearsing together, and I am excited for their performance!
Students will be bringing home a note about the Year 5/6 End of Year Excursion on Monday. Our 3 classes will be going to Inflatable World in Morphett Vale, then visiting Jubilee Playground in Port Noarlunga, before returning to school...all transportation will be provided by school bus. Please email me if you can volunteer to help out.
There are also envelopes from the office that will be sent home.
Friday is Casual Day, an SRC fundraiser for the RSPCA. Students voted on a dress-up theme, and I was somewhat dismayed to find that "dress as an animal" won out over "wear blue and/or white". ;) If your kids don't have creature-related items, they are welcome to dress in those colours instead, or of course just wear their uniforms. SRC is asking for gold coin donations to participate.
Speaking of dressing up, please see the message below about what to wear for our End of Year Concert...both classes have started rehearsing together, and I am excited for their performance!
Nov 19
Our Year 5 students did a great job at swimming last week, where it did indeed start off hot and sunny...and end up quite miserably cold and rainy! They will be bringing home their reports from the swimming instructors early this week.
Year 6 students will be bringing home an order form for Year 7 apparel (if they didn't already). Please return forms and payments if you would like to purchase those items for next year--it is completely optional.
Another optional thing to buy is the yearbook...the deadline for those orders has been extended to this Friday.
There are a couple of special morning teas this week:
On Tuesday there is the volunteer appreciation event; if you have helped us out this year, you should have received an invitation. If you haven't seen it, and have helped and would like to attend, please contact me for further info.
On Thursday there is a morning tea for our school's mentors and those students who work with them.
Finally, there are now only 4 weeks left of school (and only 4 weeks until I return to Canada--for awhile)! So it's time to start planning for the End of Year Concert, I hear. Our class will be performing with the Year 6/7 kids from James Simmons' class (Room 3). Our performance will involve singing, dancing, drumming, and maybe even some soccer skills...the piece has so much potential that Ms. Woodlands has selected it to be the final student performance of the night. :) Our song is Shakira's Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. (Congratulations to Australia for qualifying for the next one, by the way!) Costumes should thus be either soccer clothes, or colourful prints, etc., that evoke Africa. Ms. Woodlands showed the kids some ideas during Music class, and you might also find inspiration from the music video for the song. If you are really at a loss, please contact either me or Ms. Woodlands, and we will try to help you sort it out. Thanks in advance for your support of this event.
Our Year 5 students did a great job at swimming last week, where it did indeed start off hot and sunny...and end up quite miserably cold and rainy! They will be bringing home their reports from the swimming instructors early this week.
Year 6 students will be bringing home an order form for Year 7 apparel (if they didn't already). Please return forms and payments if you would like to purchase those items for next year--it is completely optional.
Another optional thing to buy is the yearbook...the deadline for those orders has been extended to this Friday.
There are a couple of special morning teas this week:
On Tuesday there is the volunteer appreciation event; if you have helped us out this year, you should have received an invitation. If you haven't seen it, and have helped and would like to attend, please contact me for further info.
On Thursday there is a morning tea for our school's mentors and those students who work with them.
Finally, there are now only 4 weeks left of school (and only 4 weeks until I return to Canada--for awhile)! So it's time to start planning for the End of Year Concert, I hear. Our class will be performing with the Year 6/7 kids from James Simmons' class (Room 3). Our performance will involve singing, dancing, drumming, and maybe even some soccer skills...the piece has so much potential that Ms. Woodlands has selected it to be the final student performance of the night. :) Our song is Shakira's Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. (Congratulations to Australia for qualifying for the next one, by the way!) Costumes should thus be either soccer clothes, or colourful prints, etc., that evoke Africa. Ms. Woodlands showed the kids some ideas during Music class, and you might also find inspiration from the music video for the song. If you are really at a loss, please contact either me or Ms. Woodlands, and we will try to help you sort it out. Thanks in advance for your support of this event.
Nov 12
Week 5 means swimming for Year 5!* Those students need to remember to be sun-safe each day, as we'll be at the outdoor pool every day this week, and the forecast looks hot and sunny (except for Wednesday!). Swimwear that covers their shoulders, and sunscreen applied beforehand (the kids need to provide and apply their own), are essential. They also need to bring a labeled water bottle, as well as a towel, of course, and anything else they need for swimming. Parents: please remember that if you're interested in coming to watch the lessons at all, you need to get a visitor's badge from me first.
*Year 6 students will be working independently during swim time each day, under the supervision of teachers in the Mortlock building.
Check out the Showcase page for videos and photos of our Gruffalo/Thriller assembly extravaganza from Week 2. :)
And continue to watch that space, as I will soon post some photos from our trip to Adelaide Gaol--as well as some photos of the kids' journaling about the day. Many thanks to Cheryl, Kelly, and Suzi for going to prison with us!
Week 5 means swimming for Year 5!* Those students need to remember to be sun-safe each day, as we'll be at the outdoor pool every day this week, and the forecast looks hot and sunny (except for Wednesday!). Swimwear that covers their shoulders, and sunscreen applied beforehand (the kids need to provide and apply their own), are essential. They also need to bring a labeled water bottle, as well as a towel, of course, and anything else they need for swimming. Parents: please remember that if you're interested in coming to watch the lessons at all, you need to get a visitor's badge from me first.
*Year 6 students will be working independently during swim time each day, under the supervision of teachers in the Mortlock building.
Check out the Showcase page for videos and photos of our Gruffalo/Thriller assembly extravaganza from Week 2. :)
And continue to watch that space, as I will soon post some photos from our trip to Adelaide Gaol--as well as some photos of the kids' journaling about the day. Many thanks to Cheryl, Kelly, and Suzi for going to prison with us!
Nov 4
Our gaol-time approaches! On Tuesday, we will have our excursion to Adelaide Gaol. Please ensure that your child wears good shoes (for walking and, on our lunch break at Bonython Park, playing), and their hat, as well as the rest of the uniform--this one isn't a casual day. Also, they'll need to remember to bring lunch, snack, and drink bottle--there's no canteen.
In Week 5, the Year 5 students have their swimming lessons (and the Year 6 kids will work on alternate activities in different classes while we're at the pool). If there are any parents who'd like to visit the pool to watch some of the lessons, please contact me ([email protected]) before then, as I need to give you a visitor badge that will enable you to enter the pool area.
Our gaol-time approaches! On Tuesday, we will have our excursion to Adelaide Gaol. Please ensure that your child wears good shoes (for walking and, on our lunch break at Bonython Park, playing), and their hat, as well as the rest of the uniform--this one isn't a casual day. Also, they'll need to remember to bring lunch, snack, and drink bottle--there's no canteen.
In Week 5, the Year 5 students have their swimming lessons (and the Year 6 kids will work on alternate activities in different classes while we're at the pool). If there are any parents who'd like to visit the pool to watch some of the lessons, please contact me ([email protected]) before then, as I need to give you a visitor badge that will enable you to enter the pool area.
Oct 29
So proud of these kids putting on an amazing assembly! Videos to come...
Remember that forms & payment for our Gaol excursion are due Tuesday, and Year 5 swimming forms & payment Nov 6.
Also: There is no school this Friday, as it's a Teacher Training Day.
So proud of these kids putting on an amazing assembly! Videos to come...
Remember that forms & payment for our Gaol excursion are due Tuesday, and Year 5 swimming forms & payment Nov 6.
Also: There is no school this Friday, as it's a Teacher Training Day.
Oct 22
Hi folks! Year 5 swimming notes are due Nov 6; please return forms and payment by that date.
All students should have received an invitation/souvenir program for our assembly that's coming up this Friday at 12:15.
We hope you can join us to watch our performances! Please remember to send "zombie clothes" that the kids can put on over their uniforms, and to let me know if you can pop backstage during the assembly to help me with make-up. Thanks!
Hi folks! Year 5 swimming notes are due Nov 6; please return forms and payment by that date.
All students should have received an invitation/souvenir program for our assembly that's coming up this Friday at 12:15.
We hope you can join us to watch our performances! Please remember to send "zombie clothes" that the kids can put on over their uniforms, and to let me know if you can pop backstage during the assembly to help me with make-up. Thanks!
Oct 13
Hello again, everyone! After a busy last few weeks of Term 3, and what I hope was a terrific break for everyone, we are now at the brink of the home stretch: Term 4 begins this Monday (October 16), and is only 9 weeks long, so it's sure to be a whirlwind...
See the Showcase page for some photos from Sports Day, and see below for an overview of what's to come:
We will spend the first couple weeks putting the finishing touches on our rather extraordinary (if we do say so ourselves) costumes, props, and backdrops for the Gruffalo play that we will be performing at the Week 2 assembly (plus the other assembly prep). This work is inter-disciplinary, authentic, and highly engaging for the students--I can't wait for them to show off their amazing designs.
Students will present their HASS work from last term to each other (as we ran out of time before), and we will then connect further History learning (about colonial times) to our English work, as we will complete a poetry unit this term...which will be enhanced by a trip to Adelaide Gaol on Tuesday, November 7! I am excited to explore the space with the kids, and then to read the historical poetry that they will have a chance to make some notes for while we're there. (We will spend most of the day on excursion: a guided tour in the morning, then a break for lunch and a quick play at Bonython Park, then small group exploration back at the Gaol with their journals in the afternoon...please let me know if you can make it, volunteers!)
In Science, the students will be completing individual inquiry projects about their chosen topic linked to outer space. In Maths, we will continue our Geometry work, including coordinate grids and the links between 2-D shapes and 3-D solids. We will then work on statistics and probability, including more graphing, while maintaining focus on number concepts and calculations through our weekly homework routines, among other things. There will also be a Start Smart Money Skills presentation (about financial literacy) by a presenter from Commonwealth Bank in Week 3.
Finally, in Term 4 the students will continue their PE and Music lessons with the specialist teachers, and switch back to Art, but no longer have Japanese. In its place, I will teach the kids some basic French.
Hello again, everyone! After a busy last few weeks of Term 3, and what I hope was a terrific break for everyone, we are now at the brink of the home stretch: Term 4 begins this Monday (October 16), and is only 9 weeks long, so it's sure to be a whirlwind...
See the Showcase page for some photos from Sports Day, and see below for an overview of what's to come:
We will spend the first couple weeks putting the finishing touches on our rather extraordinary (if we do say so ourselves) costumes, props, and backdrops for the Gruffalo play that we will be performing at the Week 2 assembly (plus the other assembly prep). This work is inter-disciplinary, authentic, and highly engaging for the students--I can't wait for them to show off their amazing designs.
Students will present their HASS work from last term to each other (as we ran out of time before), and we will then connect further History learning (about colonial times) to our English work, as we will complete a poetry unit this term...which will be enhanced by a trip to Adelaide Gaol on Tuesday, November 7! I am excited to explore the space with the kids, and then to read the historical poetry that they will have a chance to make some notes for while we're there. (We will spend most of the day on excursion: a guided tour in the morning, then a break for lunch and a quick play at Bonython Park, then small group exploration back at the Gaol with their journals in the afternoon...please let me know if you can make it, volunteers!)
In Science, the students will be completing individual inquiry projects about their chosen topic linked to outer space. In Maths, we will continue our Geometry work, including coordinate grids and the links between 2-D shapes and 3-D solids. We will then work on statistics and probability, including more graphing, while maintaining focus on number concepts and calculations through our weekly homework routines, among other things. There will also be a Start Smart Money Skills presentation (about financial literacy) by a presenter from Commonwealth Bank in Week 3.
Finally, in Term 4 the students will continue their PE and Music lessons with the specialist teachers, and switch back to Art, but no longer have Japanese. In its place, I will teach the kids some basic French.
Sept 9
Hopefully everyone found the note about our upcoming Student Led Conferences...booking is available online (or you can call the office to arrange a time). There are 30-minute blocks, in which a maximum of 4 families at a time will be invited to come to the class so the kids can show you some of what they've been learning.
And for those in Festival Choir, this Tuesday is the rehearsal during the day (please ensure that your kids arrive at school promptly that morning so we can depart on time), and the performance that night at 7pm.
Check out the pics from Outdoor Classroom Day on the Showcase page...
Hopefully everyone found the note about our upcoming Student Led Conferences...booking is available online (or you can call the office to arrange a time). There are 30-minute blocks, in which a maximum of 4 families at a time will be invited to come to the class so the kids can show you some of what they've been learning.
And for those in Festival Choir, this Tuesday is the rehearsal during the day (please ensure that your kids arrive at school promptly that morning so we can depart on time), and the performance that night at 7pm.
Check out the pics from Outdoor Classroom Day on the Showcase page...
Sept 2
Happy Fathers' Day to everyone tomorrow!
For those who registered, the Digital Technology Student and Parent Workshop is Wednesday at 6:15pm.
Thursday is our excursion to Belair...please remember to have your child dressed for the weather (casual clothes they can be active in, sturdy footwear, a hat, and rainjackets/sunscreen as the forecast dictates), and send a sizeable lunch and water bottle.
And Friday is our School Closure Day...perhaps I will see you at the Royal Adelaide Show! (Congratulations to Georgia's bearded dragon, which won Champion Lizard!)
Happy Fathers' Day to everyone tomorrow!
For those who registered, the Digital Technology Student and Parent Workshop is Wednesday at 6:15pm.
Thursday is our excursion to Belair...please remember to have your child dressed for the weather (casual clothes they can be active in, sturdy footwear, a hat, and rainjackets/sunscreen as the forecast dictates), and send a sizeable lunch and water bottle.
And Friday is our School Closure Day...perhaps I will see you at the Royal Adelaide Show! (Congratulations to Georgia's bearded dragon, which won Champion Lizard!)
August 27
Hello all...
On Monday, NAPLAN results will be going home with the Year 5 students.
On Wednesday at 6pm, all are invited to the opening night of the Unley Art display, in the school's South Gallery.
On Thursday and Friday, the Fathers' Day Stall will be visiting classrooms, and on Friday morning there is a Fathers' Day Breakfast...if interested in attending, please buy your ticket in the office by Monday.
Friday is also the due date to return permission slips for our Belair excursion, and the new date for the "hat rule." In order to maintain the school's sunsmart accreditation, students must now wear a hat outside beginning on September 1.
The office is beginning to plan for next year, and needs to know projected enrolment to make staffing decisions. If you are not planning to have your child stay at CLG next year, please email me or the office staff to let us know.
Speaking of next year...your child may have let you know our family's exciting news! After returning to Canada for the first half of 2018, we'll be moving back to Adelaide in July, when my husband starts a permanent job at Flinders University. We are really excited to begin this new chapter of our lives...many thanks to all of you who've been part of the warm welcome that we've received here.
Below, some photos of our costumes for Book Week. (Thanks to Randy for snapping one of them for us!)
Hello all...
On Monday, NAPLAN results will be going home with the Year 5 students.
On Wednesday at 6pm, all are invited to the opening night of the Unley Art display, in the school's South Gallery.
On Thursday and Friday, the Fathers' Day Stall will be visiting classrooms, and on Friday morning there is a Fathers' Day Breakfast...if interested in attending, please buy your ticket in the office by Monday.
Friday is also the due date to return permission slips for our Belair excursion, and the new date for the "hat rule." In order to maintain the school's sunsmart accreditation, students must now wear a hat outside beginning on September 1.
The office is beginning to plan for next year, and needs to know projected enrolment to make staffing decisions. If you are not planning to have your child stay at CLG next year, please email me or the office staff to let us know.
Speaking of next year...your child may have let you know our family's exciting news! After returning to Canada for the first half of 2018, we'll be moving back to Adelaide in July, when my husband starts a permanent job at Flinders University. We are really excited to begin this new chapter of our lives...many thanks to all of you who've been part of the warm welcome that we've received here.
Below, some photos of our costumes for Book Week. (Thanks to Randy for snapping one of them for us!)
August 19
Another busy week is coming up! I am interested to see how this "Book Week" thing plays out...
Various students will be out of the classroom early in the week:
Monday is the Year 6/7 Robocup workshop,
Tuesday is the first big Festival Choir rehearsal offsite, &
Wednesday is the SAPSASA Athletics Carnival.
Thursday is the Book Week performance (for those who've "bought a ticket"), and
Friday is the costume parade! Students are encouraged to dress up as a literary character, or in any outfit that evokes the (rather all-encompassing) theme, "Escape to Everywhere." The parade will go on rain or shine (inside if the weather is bad), and students are welcome to wear their costume all day as long as it's appropriate for learning.
Many thanks to all those who sponsored Lapathon this year--the school raised over $29 000 (nearly doubling the goal)!
Finally, some photos: below, of our recent Star Citizens and our silly class picture from Photo Day. And on the Showcase page, a slideshow of our trip to Unley High School.
The finished exhibit will be on display throughout the SALA Festival...we are all invited to the grand opening on Wednesday, August 30, at 6pm, in the South Gallery at Unley High.
Another busy week is coming up! I am interested to see how this "Book Week" thing plays out...
Various students will be out of the classroom early in the week:
Monday is the Year 6/7 Robocup workshop,
Tuesday is the first big Festival Choir rehearsal offsite, &
Wednesday is the SAPSASA Athletics Carnival.
Thursday is the Book Week performance (for those who've "bought a ticket"), and
Friday is the costume parade! Students are encouraged to dress up as a literary character, or in any outfit that evokes the (rather all-encompassing) theme, "Escape to Everywhere." The parade will go on rain or shine (inside if the weather is bad), and students are welcome to wear their costume all day as long as it's appropriate for learning.
Many thanks to all those who sponsored Lapathon this year--the school raised over $29 000 (nearly doubling the goal)!
Finally, some photos: below, of our recent Star Citizens and our silly class picture from Photo Day. And on the Showcase page, a slideshow of our trip to Unley High School.
The finished exhibit will be on display throughout the SALA Festival...we are all invited to the grand opening on Wednesday, August 30, at 6pm, in the South Gallery at Unley High.
August 13
Coming up this week:
The ICAS Maths test is on Tuesday morning (for those students who are registered).
School Photo Day for our class is on Wednesday.
Forms and payments for the Book Week performance are due on Friday.
Please send in any other outstanding forms and payments as soon as possible...the awards for Lapathon will be presented at Friday's whole school assembly, so totals need to be counted right away.
I have finally edited and posted a video of our time at Mylor Camp; it's on the Showcase page. I'll post some photos of the cardboard creations that the kids made at Unley High School soon--their designs were fantastic, and I'm looking forward to seeing the complete installation when all the projects are on display! More info about that to come soon.
Coming up this week:
The ICAS Maths test is on Tuesday morning (for those students who are registered).
School Photo Day for our class is on Wednesday.
Forms and payments for the Book Week performance are due on Friday.
Please send in any other outstanding forms and payments as soon as possible...the awards for Lapathon will be presented at Friday's whole school assembly, so totals need to be counted right away.
I have finally edited and posted a video of our time at Mylor Camp; it's on the Showcase page. I'll post some photos of the cardboard creations that the kids made at Unley High School soon--their designs were fantastic, and I'm looking forward to seeing the complete installation when all the projects are on display! More info about that to come soon.
August 5
Pledge forms for Lap-A-Thon, and all money, are due to the office by this Friday. Leadership has said "the sooner the better," so please try to be prompt with that--many thanks to those who simply did "flat rate" pledges and already sent in the money. I've added my bonus pledge to those students who ran one more lap than me (way to go, Ethan, Oscar, & Oscar!), and a $1 pledge to Ashleigh & Ava who completed the same as me: 10 laps. I'm very proud of all the kids for giving it their best effort, both out on the field that day and with our Terry Fox measurement project. The video that we showed at yesterday's assembly is now on the Showcase page. (Also from the leadership team: they'd like all pledge forms returned, even if they're blank, to confirm that all students are being honest. So please don't feel any obligation to send money, but simply return the blank form.)
Our excursion to Unley is this Tuesday, August 8. Please send a bag lunch with your child that day.
(Also: Friday is the Orienteering excursion, and a Sapsasa Girls' Football game, for those students involved.)
Pledge forms for Lap-A-Thon, and all money, are due to the office by this Friday. Leadership has said "the sooner the better," so please try to be prompt with that--many thanks to those who simply did "flat rate" pledges and already sent in the money. I've added my bonus pledge to those students who ran one more lap than me (way to go, Ethan, Oscar, & Oscar!), and a $1 pledge to Ashleigh & Ava who completed the same as me: 10 laps. I'm very proud of all the kids for giving it their best effort, both out on the field that day and with our Terry Fox measurement project. The video that we showed at yesterday's assembly is now on the Showcase page. (Also from the leadership team: they'd like all pledge forms returned, even if they're blank, to confirm that all students are being honest. So please don't feel any obligation to send money, but simply return the blank form.)
Our excursion to Unley is this Tuesday, August 8. Please send a bag lunch with your child that day.
(Also: Friday is the Orienteering excursion, and a Sapsasa Girls' Football game, for those students involved.)
July 28
Welcome to Term 3! Coming up soon:
For those students registered, the ICAS English test is on Tuesday (August 1) at 9:45. Congratulations to those who participate in these optional tests...and good luck to all of them!
The Lap-A-Thon is on Friday, August 4, also starting at 9:45. Please support your child in obtaining pledges, and ensure that the forms are brought in that day. Our class is linking that run to Canadian icon Terry Fox this year--ask your child about him.
In Week 3, we will have our excursion to Unley High for our art project on Tuesday, August 8. Many thanks to Mandy and Heath for volunteering to accompany us that day! Thanks as well to those families who've been sending in big cardboard boxes to support our upcoming inquiry project. We're running out of room to store it for now (as we won't get to that work until after the Unley project), so please keep it around at home for now...but don't get rid of it!
In Week 4, school photos will be taken on Tuesday and Wednesday--an order form was sent home yesterday.
Have a great weekend, and please remind your child to complete their maths homework page and bring it on their day. Thanks!
Welcome to Term 3! Coming up soon:
For those students registered, the ICAS English test is on Tuesday (August 1) at 9:45. Congratulations to those who participate in these optional tests...and good luck to all of them!
The Lap-A-Thon is on Friday, August 4, also starting at 9:45. Please support your child in obtaining pledges, and ensure that the forms are brought in that day. Our class is linking that run to Canadian icon Terry Fox this year--ask your child about him.
In Week 3, we will have our excursion to Unley High for our art project on Tuesday, August 8. Many thanks to Mandy and Heath for volunteering to accompany us that day! Thanks as well to those families who've been sending in big cardboard boxes to support our upcoming inquiry project. We're running out of room to store it for now (as we won't get to that work until after the Unley project), so please keep it around at home for now...but don't get rid of it!
In Week 4, school photos will be taken on Tuesday and Wednesday--an order form was sent home yesterday.
Have a great weekend, and please remind your child to complete their maths homework page and bring it on their day. Thanks!
July 10
A dispatch from the Term Break:
I've begun sorting through photos and videos from Camp, assembling an iMovie of highlights...if your child brought a camera to camp and has some great footage (I'm looking at you, Oliver!), please send them back to school with a USB of their best stuff, and I will incorporate those into the video as well.
Monday the 24th is a Pupil Free Day, so Term 3 for the kids begins on Tuesday, July 25th.
The 5/6 classes have excitedly accepted an invitation to participate in the Unley High School arts installation Transient, which will be part of the SALA Festival this year. In Week 1 of Term 3, the visual arts teachers from Unley will visit our school to explain the project. In Week 2, the students will design their pieces, and in Week 3, each class will spend most of a school day at Unley, creating their pieces in the Maker Space there. I am really looking forward to this opportunity, and am hoping that a couple parents will also jump at the chance to accompany us to Unley as volunteers that day! I will confirm the date as soon as possible; please let me know if you might be available.
The other major thing upcoming is our next whole-class, life-sized design challenge: for our assembly at the start of Term 4, we will be performing Julia Donaldson's brilliant story The Gruffalo (as an ingenious example of that assembly's feature expert learner quality, active thinking). We'll be doing lots of active thinking ourselves, figuring out how to create backdrops, props, and large, articulated costumes for the characters. The key word in that last sentence (at least when it comes to the Gruffalo character) is *large*...so if you have any big pieces of cardboard, or any large, lightweight poles or containers around, we will happily start hoarding materials at the start of Term 3. Even things like egg cartons could come in handy, so please keep your recyclables around for awhile until we figure out what materials and techniques we'd like to use. I can't wait to see what your little engineers come up with! (The challenge sometimes keeping me up at night? How to create thought bubbles for the characters that appear and disappear...)
In the meantime, enjoy the family time, and thanks so much for a great first semester!
A dispatch from the Term Break:
I've begun sorting through photos and videos from Camp, assembling an iMovie of highlights...if your child brought a camera to camp and has some great footage (I'm looking at you, Oliver!), please send them back to school with a USB of their best stuff, and I will incorporate those into the video as well.
Monday the 24th is a Pupil Free Day, so Term 3 for the kids begins on Tuesday, July 25th.
The 5/6 classes have excitedly accepted an invitation to participate in the Unley High School arts installation Transient, which will be part of the SALA Festival this year. In Week 1 of Term 3, the visual arts teachers from Unley will visit our school to explain the project. In Week 2, the students will design their pieces, and in Week 3, each class will spend most of a school day at Unley, creating their pieces in the Maker Space there. I am really looking forward to this opportunity, and am hoping that a couple parents will also jump at the chance to accompany us to Unley as volunteers that day! I will confirm the date as soon as possible; please let me know if you might be available.
The other major thing upcoming is our next whole-class, life-sized design challenge: for our assembly at the start of Term 4, we will be performing Julia Donaldson's brilliant story The Gruffalo (as an ingenious example of that assembly's feature expert learner quality, active thinking). We'll be doing lots of active thinking ourselves, figuring out how to create backdrops, props, and large, articulated costumes for the characters. The key word in that last sentence (at least when it comes to the Gruffalo character) is *large*...so if you have any big pieces of cardboard, or any large, lightweight poles or containers around, we will happily start hoarding materials at the start of Term 3. Even things like egg cartons could come in handy, so please keep your recyclables around for awhile until we figure out what materials and techniques we'd like to use. I can't wait to see what your little engineers come up with! (The challenge sometimes keeping me up at night? How to create thought bubbles for the characters that appear and disappear...)
In the meantime, enjoy the family time, and thanks so much for a great first semester!
July 2
CAMP! Tomorrow morning we leave for Mylor, and will return Wednesday afternoon. Please check your email for a reminder about what to pack (and details about where your child will be if not attending camp).
Report cards were delivered at the end of the day on Friday...after a very fun and exciting early Canada Day. Check out the Showcase page for photos of that, plus our adventures earlier in the week. Many thanks to the parent volunteers who helped make it all happen.
Thursday is a regular school day.
Friday is "Footy Colours" Casual Day. No donations needed; kids are just reminded to wear school-appropriate clothing, celebrating their favourite team (from any sport). Not a huge fan? They can just wear something they like.
Also: Friday is an early dismissal day. Students will be dismissed (and the term break will begin!) at 2:10pm.
CAMP! Tomorrow morning we leave for Mylor, and will return Wednesday afternoon. Please check your email for a reminder about what to pack (and details about where your child will be if not attending camp).
Report cards were delivered at the end of the day on Friday...after a very fun and exciting early Canada Day. Check out the Showcase page for photos of that, plus our adventures earlier in the week. Many thanks to the parent volunteers who helped make it all happen.
Thursday is a regular school day.
Friday is "Footy Colours" Casual Day. No donations needed; kids are just reminded to wear school-appropriate clothing, celebrating their favourite team (from any sport). Not a huge fan? They can just wear something they like.
Also: Friday is an early dismissal day. Students will be dismissed (and the term break will begin!) at 2:10pm.
June 25
We made it to the end of June! Looking forward to a great last week of school, and then a 2-month summer break...WAIT. Sorry, that's in Canada! ;) So, this upcoming week is *not* the last of the school year, but it *is* the last one before Canada's sesquicentennial (150th birthday, that is) on July 1, which is still pretty exciting!
Monday is our excursion to Tower Theatre, so please make sure your child arrives on time so we can walk to the venue on schedule.
Thursday is Disco night. There was a mistake in the info sent out before; there are two separate discos that Year 5 students can choose between. There's a Year 2-5 disco from 5:00 to 6:15, and a Year 5-7 disco from 6:30 to 8:00. Kids need to choose one or the other; they can't attend both. Costs are the same (see post below), and tickets are available at the library at lunch Monday to Wednesday, or at the door. Remember that the theme is "rainbow/colourful"...I have my outfit picked out already, and am looking forward to seeing what the kids come up with!
Friday afternoon, reports will be sent home.
Finally, the sponsorship forms for the Lap-A-Thon fundraiser were sent home last Friday. Please note that they need to be returned to school on Friday August 4 ("race day"), so laps can be recorded. (I will add an extra $2 donation that day to every Room 8 student who runs more laps than me!) Then the form will be sent back home so money can be collected...the form needs to be returned once again, with the money, to the front office by Friday August 11. Thanks!
We made it to the end of June! Looking forward to a great last week of school, and then a 2-month summer break...WAIT. Sorry, that's in Canada! ;) So, this upcoming week is *not* the last of the school year, but it *is* the last one before Canada's sesquicentennial (150th birthday, that is) on July 1, which is still pretty exciting!
Monday is our excursion to Tower Theatre, so please make sure your child arrives on time so we can walk to the venue on schedule.
Thursday is Disco night. There was a mistake in the info sent out before; there are two separate discos that Year 5 students can choose between. There's a Year 2-5 disco from 5:00 to 6:15, and a Year 5-7 disco from 6:30 to 8:00. Kids need to choose one or the other; they can't attend both. Costs are the same (see post below), and tickets are available at the library at lunch Monday to Wednesday, or at the door. Remember that the theme is "rainbow/colourful"...I have my outfit picked out already, and am looking forward to seeing what the kids come up with!
Friday afternoon, reports will be sent home.
Finally, the sponsorship forms for the Lap-A-Thon fundraiser were sent home last Friday. Please note that they need to be returned to school on Friday August 4 ("race day"), so laps can be recorded. (I will add an extra $2 donation that day to every Room 8 student who runs more laps than me!) Then the form will be sent back home so money can be collected...the form needs to be returned once again, with the money, to the front office by Friday August 11. Thanks!
June 16
Upcoming events:
Wednesday June 21: SAPSASA Boys Knockout Soccer at 10:00am
Friday June 23: SAPSASA Girls Knockout Football at 12:15pm
Monday June 26: Arts Excursion to Tower Theatre (Please return your consent form if you haven't!)
Thursday June 29: Year 5-7 Disco, 6:30-8:00pm. Tickets available in Week 9 for $3. Chips, drinks, & glow sticks cost extra.
Monday July 3-Wednesday July 5: Mylor Adventure Camp (Please return swim/medical/dietary/film forms ASAP!)
Below are some photos of our "superhero" volunteers helping little kids to be environmental crusaders, and this week's Star Citizen, herself quite a superhero, even without a cape!
Upcoming events:
Wednesday June 21: SAPSASA Boys Knockout Soccer at 10:00am
Friday June 23: SAPSASA Girls Knockout Football at 12:15pm
Monday June 26: Arts Excursion to Tower Theatre (Please return your consent form if you haven't!)
Thursday June 29: Year 5-7 Disco, 6:30-8:00pm. Tickets available in Week 9 for $3. Chips, drinks, & glow sticks cost extra.
Monday July 3-Wednesday July 5: Mylor Adventure Camp (Please return swim/medical/dietary/film forms ASAP!)
Below are some photos of our "superhero" volunteers helping little kids to be environmental crusaders, and this week's Star Citizen, herself quite a superhero, even without a cape!
June 11
More field trip forms have come your way--or should have. Please check your child's bag for a letter about our upcoming Arts Excursion to Tower Theatre (a free walking trip). If it isn't there, it is likely still in their desk, so please help me remind them next week to bring it home, and then return the consent form. We need one or two volunteers to accompany us that day (the morning of June 26), so please let me know if you can help out.
There is no school Monday (holiday) or Tuesday (Pupil Free Day), so the forms for camp are due Wednesday. Also, please ensure that you've purchased or returned the Entertainment book that was sent home.
Oh, and I can think of one more thing that needs to make its way to class: your child's homework, every week! A few kids have been neglecting to bring their maths sheets on the right day, so I'd appreciate your support in helping them manage their time and materials. (Yes, they still need to complete the next page this week, even though it's a long weekend!)
Finally, over the next three weeks our school is participating in a fundraiser for the Salvation Army. If you have any blankets, coats, or non-perishable food items that you can spare, please send them in with your child.
Enjoy the long weekend...and check out the Showcase page for some recent photos, including our feature story in the Adelaide Advertiser!
More field trip forms have come your way--or should have. Please check your child's bag for a letter about our upcoming Arts Excursion to Tower Theatre (a free walking trip). If it isn't there, it is likely still in their desk, so please help me remind them next week to bring it home, and then return the consent form. We need one or two volunteers to accompany us that day (the morning of June 26), so please let me know if you can help out.
There is no school Monday (holiday) or Tuesday (Pupil Free Day), so the forms for camp are due Wednesday. Also, please ensure that you've purchased or returned the Entertainment book that was sent home.
Oh, and I can think of one more thing that needs to make its way to class: your child's homework, every week! A few kids have been neglecting to bring their maths sheets on the right day, so I'd appreciate your support in helping them manage their time and materials. (Yes, they still need to complete the next page this week, even though it's a long weekend!)
Finally, over the next three weeks our school is participating in a fundraiser for the Salvation Army. If you have any blankets, coats, or non-perishable food items that you can spare, please send them in with your child.
Enjoy the long weekend...and check out the Showcase page for some recent photos, including our feature story in the Adelaide Advertiser!
June 4
Congratulations to everyone who qualified for the athletics team on Friday...and to everyone who gave it their best shot, or showed great sportsmanship cheering on their peers!
This upcoming week is rather an ordinary one, so there isn't really anything else to update you about. Good thing too, as we've recently discovered that we *do* get a TV channel here that shows NHL hockey, so I now have a date with Game 3 of the Stanley Cup final! ;)
Congratulations to everyone who qualified for the athletics team on Friday...and to everyone who gave it their best shot, or showed great sportsmanship cheering on their peers!
This upcoming week is rather an ordinary one, so there isn't really anything else to update you about. Good thing too, as we've recently discovered that we *do* get a TV channel here that shows NHL hockey, so I now have a date with Game 3 of the Stanley Cup final! ;)
May 28
The athletics trials are scheduled for Monday afternoon this week. Not everyone needs to try out for every event, but they do need to stay with their group (eg. girls born in 2005) the whole time. I encourage each child to give it their best shot in at least a couple of events. They are welcome to just watch (or even read a book) during the other trials. Please encourage your child to have a go, and to wear appropriate footwear for running and jumping. The top students in each event will qualify for the school team that will attend the district athletics carnival in Week 5 of Term 3. (And yes, I have seen the forecast calling for some more rain showers tomorrow afternoon...and I've been drenched a few times this weekend! At this time, the trials have not been postponed. If there is a rain delay, then I will keep you posted about the alternate date chosen.)
Also happening this week is the ICAS Science test on Tuesday morning, at 9:45. If your child is registered for that, please give the same encouragement about giving it their best shot for this experience as well!
Finally, the book fair is on Monday and Tuesday this week, for those students who would like to purchase books, posters, etc. They checked it out on Friday, and may have "wish lists" to show you in their bags.
May 21
Coming up this week: two assemblies ("Bully No More" performance on Tuesday, and Friday's gathering about the Expert Learner Quality of Risk-Taking on Friday), plus our preview of the Book Fair on Friday afternoon.
The front of the first page of the Math homework booklet (the "Week 12" page) is due on your child's day to meet with me in their small group. (It's written on the front beside their name!)
Entertainment Book orders/returns were due by May 18, so please get those in ASAP if you haven't done so.
Coming up this week: two assemblies ("Bully No More" performance on Tuesday, and Friday's gathering about the Expert Learner Quality of Risk-Taking on Friday), plus our preview of the Book Fair on Friday afternoon.
The front of the first page of the Math homework booklet (the "Week 12" page) is due on your child's day to meet with me in their small group. (It's written on the front beside their name!)
Entertainment Book orders/returns were due by May 18, so please get those in ASAP if you haven't done so.
May 14
Happy Mothers' Day! The kids did a great job persevering through NAPLAN week, and we're all looking forward to a return to routine next week--homework and everything. ;)
Your child will be given this term's Maths homework booklet this week on the day their group meets with me for small-group instruction and assessment. That will be the day each week that one page of the booklet is due. (I'll have them write the day on the booklet.)
Otherwise, please continue having your child do nightly reading, aloud to someone as often as possible. When you have time, discuss the book with your child: help them to paraphrase the action, describe the characters, make predictions, and explore connections between that story and other stories they have read or seen (or of course experienced!).
"Entertainment" books have been sent home to each family to encourage participation in this school fundraiser. Please keep the book if you'd like to purchase it, or send it back if you are not interested (or prefer a digital membership). Instructions for purchase are on the letter tucked into the book. Please make payments/return the book by May 18.
Finally, I am pleased to present the most recent Star Citizens, as voted by their peers, in front of their compliments boards.
Happy Mothers' Day! The kids did a great job persevering through NAPLAN week, and we're all looking forward to a return to routine next week--homework and everything. ;)
Your child will be given this term's Maths homework booklet this week on the day their group meets with me for small-group instruction and assessment. That will be the day each week that one page of the booklet is due. (I'll have them write the day on the booklet.)
Otherwise, please continue having your child do nightly reading, aloud to someone as often as possible. When you have time, discuss the book with your child: help them to paraphrase the action, describe the characters, make predictions, and explore connections between that story and other stories they have read or seen (or of course experienced!).
"Entertainment" books have been sent home to each family to encourage participation in this school fundraiser. Please keep the book if you'd like to purchase it, or send it back if you are not interested (or prefer a digital membership). Instructions for purchase are on the letter tucked into the book. Please make payments/return the book by May 18.
Finally, I am pleased to present the most recent Star Citizens, as voted by their peers, in front of their compliments boards.
May 7
It's been a good start to Term 2, and students have been working hard familiarizing themselves with NAPLAN test questions (Year 5s) and approaching some Maths tasks from teachers at other schools in advance of my upcoming Collaborative Moderation day, at which teachers compare notes about assessment to achieve greater consistency across the district (Year 6s). I have tried to explain to the kids that both of these endeavours are about gaining a broad sense of perspective about teaching and learning in our school and beyond...and not to stress too much about their performance! If your child seems anxious about this week, please gently encourage them to just "have a go" and try their best. (Getting enough sleep and having a good breakfast are a good plan as well!) Regular weekly routines (including homework) will start up again next week.
NAPLAN Schedule:
During testing, the 5s and 6s from Rooms 8 and 9 will regroup, so that all the Year 5 students are together writing the exams in one room, while all the Year 6 kids are next door working on something else. Our sessions for Art and PE have been moved later in the day on Tuesday and Wednesday, to accommodate the test times.
The general time frame is the following, plus an extra test (Writing) after recess on Tuesday, which will commence at 11:25 and last for 40 minutes. Please ensure that your child arrives on time this week, to minimize disruptions.
8:50 Roll
9:00 Switch classes and get organized
9:10 Begin test
Language Conventions (40 minutes) is on Tuesday (followed by Writing after recess that day), Reading (50 minutes) is on Wednesday, and Numeracy (50 minutes) is on Thursday.
Mothers' Day
Finally, the Mothers' Day Stall (at which students can purchase a gift for the superheroes in their lives), and the Mothers' Day High Tea, are both occurring this week...see the school newsletter for more information.
P.S. Enterprise Day photos are now up on the Showcase page...check it out!
It's been a good start to Term 2, and students have been working hard familiarizing themselves with NAPLAN test questions (Year 5s) and approaching some Maths tasks from teachers at other schools in advance of my upcoming Collaborative Moderation day, at which teachers compare notes about assessment to achieve greater consistency across the district (Year 6s). I have tried to explain to the kids that both of these endeavours are about gaining a broad sense of perspective about teaching and learning in our school and beyond...and not to stress too much about their performance! If your child seems anxious about this week, please gently encourage them to just "have a go" and try their best. (Getting enough sleep and having a good breakfast are a good plan as well!) Regular weekly routines (including homework) will start up again next week.
NAPLAN Schedule:
During testing, the 5s and 6s from Rooms 8 and 9 will regroup, so that all the Year 5 students are together writing the exams in one room, while all the Year 6 kids are next door working on something else. Our sessions for Art and PE have been moved later in the day on Tuesday and Wednesday, to accommodate the test times.
The general time frame is the following, plus an extra test (Writing) after recess on Tuesday, which will commence at 11:25 and last for 40 minutes. Please ensure that your child arrives on time this week, to minimize disruptions.
8:50 Roll
9:00 Switch classes and get organized
9:10 Begin test
Language Conventions (40 minutes) is on Tuesday (followed by Writing after recess that day), Reading (50 minutes) is on Wednesday, and Numeracy (50 minutes) is on Thursday.
Mothers' Day
Finally, the Mothers' Day Stall (at which students can purchase a gift for the superheroes in their lives), and the Mothers' Day High Tea, are both occurring this week...see the school newsletter for more information.
P.S. Enterprise Day photos are now up on the Showcase page...check it out!
Apr. 9
And, just like that, the last week of Term 1 is upon us! Please note the important information below:
Wednesday is Enterprise Day (stalls open 12:30-2:00). Thanks to Kelly and Cheryl who have offered to help out that day...please email me if you can volunteer your time as well, as we'll need parents in both the kitchen and in Grange (because we have special permission to have our "igloo of crafts" in the classroom rather than the yard). And I will send everyone an email soon with food costs and other needs for the day (ie. loans of baking pans, etc.). Our "commercial" for Enterprise Day is now up on the Showcase page: check it out, and tell your friends and family to swing by on Wednesday if they're free!
Thursday is the last day of term, and dismissal is at 2:10 that day. It is also a Casual Day, and those students who wish to wear something other than their uniforms need to bring a daffodil-coloured (gold) coin that day; all proceeds are going to the Cancer Council. Please remind the kids that clothes still need to be sun-safe and appropriate for school.
Friday is a public holiday, and Term 2 begins on Monday, May 1. Enjoy the break!
And, just like that, the last week of Term 1 is upon us! Please note the important information below:
Wednesday is Enterprise Day (stalls open 12:30-2:00). Thanks to Kelly and Cheryl who have offered to help out that day...please email me if you can volunteer your time as well, as we'll need parents in both the kitchen and in Grange (because we have special permission to have our "igloo of crafts" in the classroom rather than the yard). And I will send everyone an email soon with food costs and other needs for the day (ie. loans of baking pans, etc.). Our "commercial" for Enterprise Day is now up on the Showcase page: check it out, and tell your friends and family to swing by on Wednesday if they're free!
Thursday is the last day of term, and dismissal is at 2:10 that day. It is also a Casual Day, and those students who wish to wear something other than their uniforms need to bring a daffodil-coloured (gold) coin that day; all proceeds are going to the Cancer Council. Please remind the kids that clothes still need to be sun-safe and appropriate for school.
Friday is a public holiday, and Term 2 begins on Monday, May 1. Enjoy the break!
Apr. 3
Our Enterprise Day preparations are kicking into high gear this week...thanks so much to those of you who've contributed supplies. It will be easiest, when it comes to the food, to have everything be the same type/brand (eg. fries that all bake at the same temperature), so I will just purchase the rest of that. I will still ask for the "school fundraiser special" discount--and I will simply let you all know the total cost once it's bought. Then, it would be terrific if those of you who haven't yet donated anything could make a small contribution to the cause...whatever's left after your donations (and my own), I can take out of the classroom budget. Too easy? Thanks so much for your support of our efforts!
Our Enterprise Day preparations are kicking into high gear this week...thanks so much to those of you who've contributed supplies. It will be easiest, when it comes to the food, to have everything be the same type/brand (eg. fries that all bake at the same temperature), so I will just purchase the rest of that. I will still ask for the "school fundraiser special" discount--and I will simply let you all know the total cost once it's bought. Then, it would be terrific if those of you who haven't yet donated anything could make a small contribution to the cause...whatever's left after your donations (and my own), I can take out of the classroom budget. Too easy? Thanks so much for your support of our efforts!
Mar. 26
The big thing coming up this week is of course our Interviews after school (Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday). Please arrive on time so we can stay on schedule, and bring your child along if you are able to.
If you still have LearnLink, camp, or other forms to return, please do so as soon as possible.
Thank you to everyone who sent in cultural artifacts for Harmony Day; it was really interesting to hear the children speak about their cultural heritage. Our video is not complete yet, but I will post it here once it is. Big props to Max, Khai, Sean, Ian, and Cameron for filming it, and for working hard(ish) on editing it when they stay in at lunch. At the rate they're going, the film should be complete sometime in Term 3. ;)
Finally, here are the last four students to be voted "Star Citizen" in front of their compliments board. It was four boys in a row--I think that's an unprecedented streak!
The big thing coming up this week is of course our Interviews after school (Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday). Please arrive on time so we can stay on schedule, and bring your child along if you are able to.
If you still have LearnLink, camp, or other forms to return, please do so as soon as possible.
Thank you to everyone who sent in cultural artifacts for Harmony Day; it was really interesting to hear the children speak about their cultural heritage. Our video is not complete yet, but I will post it here once it is. Big props to Max, Khai, Sean, Ian, and Cameron for filming it, and for working hard(ish) on editing it when they stay in at lunch. At the rate they're going, the film should be complete sometime in Term 3. ;)
Finally, here are the last four students to be voted "Star Citizen" in front of their compliments board. It was four boys in a row--I think that's an unprecedented streak!
Mar. 18
There are some important notices that were sent home at the end of last week, and more coming home at the start of next week: please read the letter attached to the camp invoice, and pay the deposit by the date indicated (if your child will be attending).
The letter about booking interview times online listed the website to use: it is very easy to book a time, and hopefully I will see you all to discuss your child's progress...I prefer to have the kids present during such conversations, so they can also speak to how they're doing and what they need to work on, and then we can set some goals together. If possible, please choose a time when your child can attend as well, but I understand if that's not convenient.
Coming home this week: a letter about LearnLink Office 365 (basically, some additional tech features that your child will be able to access if you return the consent form), and one encouraging kids to bring in food donations in conjunction with the visits from some members of Port Adelaide Football Club that will be happening this week.
Finally: it is Harmony Day on Tuesday. Kids are encouraged to replace part or all of their school uniform with something orange, if they wish (or simply to wear an orange wristband or something). It is not a "casual day", so only orange items are permitted to be worn. To celebrate this day more meaningfully, each child is encouraged to bring in an artifact (or two!) representing their cultural heritage(s) on Monday, in preparation for creating a virtual museum on Tuesday.
P.S. The kids had rather a tasty week! Check out the Showcase page for some photos of Pi & St. Paddy's Day fun.
There are some important notices that were sent home at the end of last week, and more coming home at the start of next week: please read the letter attached to the camp invoice, and pay the deposit by the date indicated (if your child will be attending).
The letter about booking interview times online listed the website to use: it is very easy to book a time, and hopefully I will see you all to discuss your child's progress...I prefer to have the kids present during such conversations, so they can also speak to how they're doing and what they need to work on, and then we can set some goals together. If possible, please choose a time when your child can attend as well, but I understand if that's not convenient.
Coming home this week: a letter about LearnLink Office 365 (basically, some additional tech features that your child will be able to access if you return the consent form), and one encouraging kids to bring in food donations in conjunction with the visits from some members of Port Adelaide Football Club that will be happening this week.
Finally: it is Harmony Day on Tuesday. Kids are encouraged to replace part or all of their school uniform with something orange, if they wish (or simply to wear an orange wristband or something). It is not a "casual day", so only orange items are permitted to be worn. To celebrate this day more meaningfully, each child is encouraged to bring in an artifact (or two!) representing their cultural heritage(s) on Monday, in preparation for creating a virtual museum on Tuesday.
P.S. The kids had rather a tasty week! Check out the Showcase page for some photos of Pi & St. Paddy's Day fun.
Mar. 10
Long Weekend Alert: There is no school on Monday because of a horse racing event. (Yes, that's the first time I've ever made such an announcement...and I come from the land of the Calgary Stampede!) Enjoy the holiday.
We have had an adventurous week, filled with a wonderful variety of plants in the room for our Science work, and some close encounters with some creepy crawlies out on the school grounds. Check out the Showcase page for some photos and a video, but you may want to skip the video if the thought of watching children eating grubs makes you queasy. (They assured me that they were cleaning it as well as Bear Grylls would, so I figured they knew what they were doing!) Speaking of survivalists, we just finished our first read-aloud novel, Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, about a young boy who is stranded in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash...ask your child what their favourite part was.
There was also a whole-school assembly today, at which the first CLG Values Awards were given out (for children who consistently demonstrate all three of the school's core values: respect, care, and safety). Congratulations to Alena, who won the Room 8 award, and Zoe, who won the Art award!
More learning and excitement to come next week...'Til Tuesday!
Long Weekend Alert: There is no school on Monday because of a horse racing event. (Yes, that's the first time I've ever made such an announcement...and I come from the land of the Calgary Stampede!) Enjoy the holiday.
We have had an adventurous week, filled with a wonderful variety of plants in the room for our Science work, and some close encounters with some creepy crawlies out on the school grounds. Check out the Showcase page for some photos and a video, but you may want to skip the video if the thought of watching children eating grubs makes you queasy. (They assured me that they were cleaning it as well as Bear Grylls would, so I figured they knew what they were doing!) Speaking of survivalists, we just finished our first read-aloud novel, Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, about a young boy who is stranded in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash...ask your child what their favourite part was.
There was also a whole-school assembly today, at which the first CLG Values Awards were given out (for children who consistently demonstrate all three of the school's core values: respect, care, and safety). Congratulations to Alena, who won the Room 8 award, and Zoe, who won the Art award!
More learning and excitement to come next week...'Til Tuesday!
Mar. 5
Coming up this week: CLG will welcome teachers and students from Beijing Aidi International School, who will be here in Adelaide for the remainder of March. On Wednesday our class will have some teachers from there joining our class, and for the last two weeks of March, three Chinese students will spend part of each day working with us in Room 8. Very exciting!
Save the date: On Friday, March 17 (that's St. Patrick's Day, folks!), the CLG Family Picnic will be held from 4:30-8pm. Hope to see you there...
Check out the Showcase page for a video of our recent robotics session with the Robogals (volunteer engineering students from the University of Adelaide).
Coming up this week: CLG will welcome teachers and students from Beijing Aidi International School, who will be here in Adelaide for the remainder of March. On Wednesday our class will have some teachers from there joining our class, and for the last two weeks of March, three Chinese students will spend part of each day working with us in Room 8. Very exciting!
Save the date: On Friday, March 17 (that's St. Patrick's Day, folks!), the CLG Family Picnic will be held from 4:30-8pm. Hope to see you there...
Check out the Showcase page for a video of our recent robotics session with the Robogals (volunteer engineering students from the University of Adelaide).
Feb. 25
Congratulations to all four of our SRC reps for the year: Gracie, Khai, Gypsy, and Georgia! They were recognized at yesterday's assembly, as were the winners of the Communicator awards: Mikaela, and Khai once again! He threatened a hat trick of glory yesterday, but we went with someone else for our Compliments Project...and people wrote so many wonderful, long, specific things about her that I've had to crop the photo of her in front of the board! (I've sent the original to mum, though.) Another highlight of the assembly was our video about communicating in "Canadian"...check out the Showcase page for the link.
Coming up this week:
I'm foisting my childhood love of St. Patrick's Day on your children, so our Design project this term will be leprechaun traps...kids are invited to start bringing in materials on Monday, including things for "bait" (but absolutely no glitter will ever cross the threshold of our classroom!).
All parents are invited to the Governing Council AGM Monday evening, starting at 7pm and ending by 8 at the latest.
All 5/6 and 6/7 classes will be treated to a robotics workshop this week; ours is Thursday at 2:00.
Congratulations to all four of our SRC reps for the year: Gracie, Khai, Gypsy, and Georgia! They were recognized at yesterday's assembly, as were the winners of the Communicator awards: Mikaela, and Khai once again! He threatened a hat trick of glory yesterday, but we went with someone else for our Compliments Project...and people wrote so many wonderful, long, specific things about her that I've had to crop the photo of her in front of the board! (I've sent the original to mum, though.) Another highlight of the assembly was our video about communicating in "Canadian"...check out the Showcase page for the link.
Coming up this week:
I'm foisting my childhood love of St. Patrick's Day on your children, so our Design project this term will be leprechaun traps...kids are invited to start bringing in materials on Monday, including things for "bait" (but absolutely no glitter will ever cross the threshold of our classroom!).
All parents are invited to the Governing Council AGM Monday evening, starting at 7pm and ending by 8 at the latest.
All 5/6 and 6/7 classes will be treated to a robotics workshop this week; ours is Thursday at 2:00.
Feb. 19
Coming up this week: another SRC vote! (I didn't realize that the students rotate through the four terms in a staggered way, and had thought we just needed two people now, and two people for the second half of the year...so I thought it made more sense to hold another vote in a few months. Alas, it was yet another thing that I misunderstood about how things work here! So we'll have another vote to determine our two remaining reps for this year.)
Also: we'll begin our weekly Maths homework routine. To save paper (and, I admit it, my time), each child will be given a stapled booklet with the homework pages for the rest of Term One. They will need to be responsible to look after it all term, complete one side of one page per week, and bring it back and forth between home and school when it's time to check it over.
I will also soon be starting a rotation of Maths stations each week, so that small groups of students participate in a different activity each day, including each group meeting with me once a week for tailored feedback and instruction. Your child may have told you about an online math game called Prodigy that I've introduced them to, which will be another of the stations. The game is completely free, a good mix of educational and fun, and provides me with individualized feedback on the students' progress (since they're all registered in my "class" and are doing grade-specific work that levels up or down for them according to their percentage of correct responses). Just one caveat on the "free" thing: some of the kids wanted to play at home, and I encourage them to, but the game *may* prompt them to buy an "advanced membership" (I think it's called) in order to buy more "stuff" for their wizard avatars from the "store"...completely unnecessary. Just roll your eyes at them and tell them to go do more maths! :)
Coming up this week: another SRC vote! (I didn't realize that the students rotate through the four terms in a staggered way, and had thought we just needed two people now, and two people for the second half of the year...so I thought it made more sense to hold another vote in a few months. Alas, it was yet another thing that I misunderstood about how things work here! So we'll have another vote to determine our two remaining reps for this year.)
Also: we'll begin our weekly Maths homework routine. To save paper (and, I admit it, my time), each child will be given a stapled booklet with the homework pages for the rest of Term One. They will need to be responsible to look after it all term, complete one side of one page per week, and bring it back and forth between home and school when it's time to check it over.
I will also soon be starting a rotation of Maths stations each week, so that small groups of students participate in a different activity each day, including each group meeting with me once a week for tailored feedback and instruction. Your child may have told you about an online math game called Prodigy that I've introduced them to, which will be another of the stations. The game is completely free, a good mix of educational and fun, and provides me with individualized feedback on the students' progress (since they're all registered in my "class" and are doing grade-specific work that levels up or down for them according to their percentage of correct responses). Just one caveat on the "free" thing: some of the kids wanted to play at home, and I encourage them to, but the game *may* prompt them to buy an "advanced membership" (I think it's called) in order to buy more "stuff" for their wizard avatars from the "store"...completely unnecessary. Just roll your eyes at them and tell them to go do more maths! :)
Feb. 12
Oh, and one more thing further to the message below! Mr. Blight visited our class on Friday to discuss the Digital Learner Agreements (and, for the Year 6 kids, the BYOD forms). There are a few kids who haven't yet returned their Agreements (both Parent and Student User versions). All paperwork needs to be returned by Tuesday, or those students will be cut off from computer usage at school until the forms come in. For those Year 6 kids planning to BYOD, it sounds like someone will be in on Monday to set them up, so please bring them in. Thanks!
Oh, and one more thing further to the message below! Mr. Blight visited our class on Friday to discuss the Digital Learner Agreements (and, for the Year 6 kids, the BYOD forms). There are a few kids who haven't yet returned their Agreements (both Parent and Student User versions). All paperwork needs to be returned by Tuesday, or those students will be cut off from computer usage at school until the forms come in. For those Year 6 kids planning to BYOD, it sounds like someone will be in on Monday to set them up, so please bring them in. Thanks!
Feb. 11
We have another busy week ahead of us: voting for our class's SRC reps, writing letters to our Canadian pen pals (and I *may* even insist on making them some valentines), and Acquaintance Night on Wednesday! I hope to see parents, and their kids too, in the classroom Wednesday night. It would be great if the students could be there to help show you what we've been up to (and to help me remember whose parents are whose!), but please try to come even if your child can't accompany you. Our class, like all those in the Grange building, will be open from 6:45 until 7:30pm. I will make a brief "presentation" at 7:00, but am mostly looking forward to the chance to meet everyone one-on-one, and explain a bit more about the class to those of you I've already had the pleasure of meeting.
Also: check out the Showcase page for some photos of the Year 6 Aquatics trip.
We have another busy week ahead of us: voting for our class's SRC reps, writing letters to our Canadian pen pals (and I *may* even insist on making them some valentines), and Acquaintance Night on Wednesday! I hope to see parents, and their kids too, in the classroom Wednesday night. It would be great if the students could be there to help show you what we've been up to (and to help me remember whose parents are whose!), but please try to come even if your child can't accompany you. Our class, like all those in the Grange building, will be open from 6:45 until 7:30pm. I will make a brief "presentation" at 7:00, but am mostly looking forward to the chance to meet everyone one-on-one, and explain a bit more about the class to those of you I've already had the pleasure of meeting.
Also: check out the Showcase page for some photos of the Year 6 Aquatics trip.
Feb. 6
Welcome to my blog everyone, and many thanks to those of you who've already been in touch! In addition to messages in the students' Diary, this blog will be the main place to find information about our class, as well as descriptions and photos of our learning on the Showcase page. (Watch that space!)
Because I only have some parent emails so far (and I don't want to assume that each parent I email later will have the chance to check this blog on such short notice!), I have asked all the students to write the main details of this message in their Diary. Please continue to check the Diary each day, and sign it at least once a week.
Feb. 7 is the Aquatics Excursion for our Year 6 students; our Year 5 students will remain at school. All students should come to Room 8 in the morning when they arrive...
Year 5: Come at the regular time to Room 8, and then Mr. Blight will help you gather some things to bring next door to Room 9, where you will be supervised for the day by Mrs. Frances (who will have a group of just Year 5 students, from our two classes, that day).
Year 6: Come to Room 8 at 8:30 am please, as the bus will depart promptly at 8:45. (The exact time of our return to school depends on traffic tomorrow, but it should be approximately 5:00 pm.)
Please bring: lunch, snack, and a full water bottle. (The kiosk may or may not be open, so students are welcome to bring some spare change to try buying something small, but should not be dependent on this for their main food and drink.)
Please wear: swimwear that also completely covers the upper body (including shoulders), hats, shoes (that will get wet), and sunscreen. Also: bring a complete set of dry (casual) clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for wet things at the end of the day. Finally, I have the class set of medications signed out from the office, but your child will need to bring along any medications they are personally responsible for, if applicable.
Looking forward to a great day at West Lakes Aquatic Centre!
Welcome to my blog everyone, and many thanks to those of you who've already been in touch! In addition to messages in the students' Diary, this blog will be the main place to find information about our class, as well as descriptions and photos of our learning on the Showcase page. (Watch that space!)
Because I only have some parent emails so far (and I don't want to assume that each parent I email later will have the chance to check this blog on such short notice!), I have asked all the students to write the main details of this message in their Diary. Please continue to check the Diary each day, and sign it at least once a week.
Feb. 7 is the Aquatics Excursion for our Year 6 students; our Year 5 students will remain at school. All students should come to Room 8 in the morning when they arrive...
Year 5: Come at the regular time to Room 8, and then Mr. Blight will help you gather some things to bring next door to Room 9, where you will be supervised for the day by Mrs. Frances (who will have a group of just Year 5 students, from our two classes, that day).
Year 6: Come to Room 8 at 8:30 am please, as the bus will depart promptly at 8:45. (The exact time of our return to school depends on traffic tomorrow, but it should be approximately 5:00 pm.)
Please bring: lunch, snack, and a full water bottle. (The kiosk may or may not be open, so students are welcome to bring some spare change to try buying something small, but should not be dependent on this for their main food and drink.)
Please wear: swimwear that also completely covers the upper body (including shoulders), hats, shoes (that will get wet), and sunscreen. Also: bring a complete set of dry (casual) clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for wet things at the end of the day. Finally, I have the class set of medications signed out from the office, but your child will need to bring along any medications they are personally responsible for, if applicable.
Looking forward to a great day at West Lakes Aquatic Centre!