Hello Parents!

Today we started off our day with Language, and the students completed the second part of their OWA (Ontario Writing Assessment). If they were done early, they completed work in their spelling workbook (lesson 15, P# 61-64), as well as had an opportunity to sign up for a second aspect for International Day. The students were given some time to research their chosen aspects, and make notes that would be useful to them in the future.

After recess we took up our math homework, and talked about samples and biases in surveys. The students then had gym, and then we practiced our Christmas Concert song. Lucky for us, Mr. Oliver has generously offered to play the piano while we sing, so we had an opportunity to rehearse with him today too!

The students had French after recess, and then we discussed outfit options for the Christmas concert. By vote, it has been decided that we wear black bottoms (pants or skirt), and a red or green top. Also, the students would like to wear Santa Claus hats during their performance, so please try to provide one before our Christmas concert. If you do not have one lying around the house, you can purchase one from a dollar store. If you are unable to, please send me an email (or a note in your child’s agenda), and I will try my best to provide one for your child, so they don’t miss out.

Just a few notes before I go:

1.       Spelling workbook P# 61-64.

2.       Read chapter 22 in Percy Jackson! (We are almost finished!)

3.       Research your chosen aspects of Bahamas, for International Day. This will be held on Friday, January 20^th!

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.       Spelling test on Friday! (Lesson #15).

6.        January lunch forms are due this Friday, December 16^th.

7.       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!

8.       Practice singing, “Santa Claus is coming to town!” We have 5 days until our big performance!

9.       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!

10.   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).

11.   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.

12.   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!

13.   Lastly, I know many parents mentioned during parent- teacher interviews that they would like their children to get more homework. In regards to what is being taught in class, I usually assign in-class assignments, so I can monitor and make note of each child’s progress and work ability. With that being said, since there will not be much work assigned during the Christmas break, if you would like a package of work for your child to work on, please let me know by this Friday, so I can create worksheets and mini tasks for interested parents/ students. I will not be marking this, so it will strictly be just for practice, and to keep them busy. Again, if you would like for me to make arrangements for work packages for your child, please let me know by THIS FRIDAY (December 16^th).

I think that’s pretty much it for today. Please remember, it’s going to be a cold night/ morning, so make sure your children come to school dressed in the full works! (Jacket, snowpants, hat, gloves, scarf, and appropriate outdoor boots!) I hope everyone has a wonderful night.

Ms. Ramnarine

Grade 5

St. Jude’s Academy