Hello Parents!

Happy Monday! I’m glad to see everyone made it into school, safe and sound. It was a pretty laid back day today, but we managed to get a lot done.

The students started off with gym, and then we moved into language. For that period, we finished up our persuasive writing speeches, and listened as our peers tried to convince us about specific topics. Needless to say, it was quite amusing!

After recess, we took up our math homework, and reviewed the key aspects of a line graph. We then decided as a class to vote for a country to research for INTERNATIONAL DAY. With the most votes (7 out of 18), the country our class has chosen is…… Bahamas! Students were asked (for homework tonight) to research and decide on 3 aspects (1^st choice, 2^nd choice, 3^rd choice) relating to the Bahamas, and they will be able to sign up for one of those aspects tomorrow. With that being said, students will be in charge of researching and bringing in information about that aspect (clothing, traditional music, cultural toys, rules, products, exports, etc), which will CONTRIBUTE TO OUR CLASS PRESENTATION FOR INTERNATIONAL DAY.  We will start putting everything together when we come back from the Christmas Break, so students will be able to use some of their time off to research and brainstorm ideas, which will help make our presentation amazing! International Day will be on FRIDAY, JANUARY 20^TH, and parents will be invited to from 2:30pm to 3:15pm. I will send more information as the date comes closer. Again, this will not be individual projects, but rather one big presentation with many different aspects. I’ve told the students it’s like a puzzle; we all have to contribute a piece, in order to create a big, successful presentation! I’m looking forward to seeing all of the creative ideas!

After deciding on our country, the students completed a peer and self evaluation, for their UOI matter groups. The students then had recess and French, and at the end of the day, we practiced our Christmas Concert song. Slowly, it’s coming together!

Just a few notes before I go:

1.       Research the Bahamas, and pick 3 areas of interest. Students should come prepared tomorrow with a 1^st choice, a 2^nd choice, and a 3^rd choice. They will be signing up tomorrow!

2.       Read chapter 20 in Percy Jackson.

3.       Get your spelling test signed.

4.       “Candygrams” will be sold all this week! They cost $1.50 per candy cane, and the proceeds will be donated to help Brian Kiagon (a boy in Africa) attend school. Let’s try to help Brian achieve his educational dreams!

5.        January lunch forms are due on Friday, December 16^th.

6.       Re-registration packages went home this afternoon. 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 9^th, 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.       Practice singing, “Santa Claus is coming to town!” We have 7 days until our big performance!

8.       The grade 3 classes are organizing a food and toy drive, and are asking for non-perishable food items, as well as new toys/ books. We will be collecting them in each classroom until December 21st. This time of year can be difficult for many families, so let’s try to help out those who need it!

9.       Just a reminder for “Secret Santa,” the price limit is $10, and the students should refer to the form of their “Secret Santa” person, in order to make their shopping easier. I ask that students do not bring in their gifts until DECEMBER 21st or 22nd, as I don’t want it to get stolen or damaged. I have suggested that students wrap the present with a tag that says, “To: _____, From: Your Secret Santa,” and bring it in in a plastic bag (so students don’t see each other walking in with a specific gift, which will ruin the suspense).

10.   The St. Jude's Academy Christmas concert is quickly approaching!  The students are excited to share the performances that they have been busily preparing.  The Christmas concert is taking place on December 21st.  There will be two performances on this date.  The first performance takes place at noon, and the second performance takes place at 7pm.  Families are welcome to attend either (or both!) performance times.

11.   During the evening performance (at the Christmas concert), the class Christmas baskets organized by the Parent Guild will be available by auction.  There will also be refreshments available by purchase.  Please come prepared to participate in these exciting events!

I think that sums it all up. Please email me if you have any questions or comments! I hope you all have a wonderful night!

Ms. Ramnarine

Grade 5

St. Jude’s Academy