Hello Parents!

The students started their day off with gym this morning. We shuffled around a new seating plan when we got back to class, and then I taught them Lesson 1 (Measuring time) in our new math unit (unit 6- Measurement). For homework, they must complete P# 76-77 in their math workbooks.

After lunch we brainstormed ideas about our International Day display, and came up with great prop and set up ideas. After that, the students were free to share and discuss their Bahamas research with each other, and I helped students filter out some of their information, in order to focus on the important points.

After working on that, the students worked with me to try to create groups for their UOI final summative.  Although I preplanned groups (two different versions), many students were left unhappy (and lots of tears were shed!). I tried another technique, where they picked group numbers from a bowl, but that also didn’t work out. I asked the students to create their own groups, which definitely didn’t work, as they all tried to pick their friends/ partners that they’ve worked with before. In the end, I ended up combining members from all four attempts, and bluntly told them that they had to stick to this arrangement. I gave them a long spiel about not being able to get what they wanted all the time, and sometimes in life they are put in situations where you just have to try your best to make the most out of it. Since it is a group assignment, I told them that they have to learn to communicate and problem solve, and try to come up with strategies and techniques that will lead to success. This is will be a good learning experience for many of the students, as it will be setting them up for success in the future. With that being said, I mentioned that we still have three other UOI themes to learn about this year, so they will have more opportunities to work with other classmates then. All and all, I think they understood, and I hope to see each and every one of them trying their best during the next two weeks to make their final summative a good one!

One the grouping situation was out of the way, the students went to second break, and then French after. Following that, the students read over their UOI summative, wrote their group members names down on their sheet, and were told that they should brainstorm ideas, so they can discuss it with their peers tomorrow.

Although this was a hectic day, I feel like it was a good learning experience for all of us. Hopefully going forward, students will understand that it’s not always about who is in your group, but rather how you work together with your partners, and the type of work you produce in the end. I will closely monitor the progress of each group, and will help guide each student in the right direction. Let the fun begin!

Just a few notes before I go:

1.       Math workbook homework, P#76-77

2.       Unit 5 MATH test needs to be signed and returned before tomorrow.

3.       Complete the matter picture for tomorrow- I’m still missing a few! Remember, you need to add an explanation as to why it fits into the category of a liquid, solid or gas.

4.       UOI final summative- start brainstorming ideas. Be prepared to discuss with your group tomorrow! The final summative assignment will be due on Thursday, January 26^th.

5.       Complete your research on our International Day country (BAHAMAS). Students must bring their information to class tomorrow, and should be prepared to discuss with their peers. We will begin to put our display together soon, since International Day is quickly approaching! Just a reminder, International Day is on Friday, January 20^th, and parents are welcome to attend in the afternoon (after 2:30pm).

6.       Re-registration packages were sent home last month. If you are interested in registering your child at St. Jude’s Academy again next year (and I hope you are!), please be sure to fill out and send back the packages AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. The deadline for these packages will be February 9th, and then after that date, spaces open up to the public. So, please don’t wait until last minute to make these important decisions!

7.       Students should read for at least 30 minutes. We will be starting our new novel study book in the near future, so until then, students should be reading anything of their choice, daily.

8.       Lastly, many students came to school unprepared again today. So, please make sure your child comes to school in full uniform, including appropriate black indoor shoes! Also be sure to send proper gym clothes and running shoes, as they will not be allowed to participate if they’re not dressed accordingly!

That pretty much sums it up for today. Feel free to send me an email with any questions or concerns you may have, and I’ll try my best to respond as soon as possible. I hope everyone has a wonderful night!

Ms. Ramnarine

Grade 5

St. Jude’s Academy