Hello Parents!

Today the students started off their morning with Gym. Following that, we had Math, and the students worked on their tessellation pictures. Many of them had to start over, because they were not paying close attention when we learned about this lesson yesterday. As a result, they had gaps/ overlaps in their patterns, which does not make it a tessellation. The students will continue working on this tomorrow, and if it is incomplete by the end of the period, it will be assigned for homework.

After math we began working on our Speeches. The introductions were due today, which allowed us to focus on the conclusions. I continued with my conferences today, and hopefully by tomorrow, they will all be done. Those who completed their whole speech began writing out a complete rough copy, with all of their edits, from start (introduction) to finish (conclusion).

After recess, the students had time to finish up their UOI Biodiversity chart papers, and then they presented their information. (Please see below for pictures!) After UOI, we discussed Chapter 6 in Hatchet, and talked about the answers to the questions. We then began reading Chapter 7, and students took turn reading out loud. We stopped many times to make connections to personal experiences, as well as used our imaginations to try to envision what Brian was going through.

After second break, the students had French, and then they filled out their agendas upon returning to class. I then handed out their DRA’s (they put them into their agendas), and then we continued reading the rest of Chapter 7 (their request!). They then packed up and headed home.

Just a few important notes before I go:

1.       DRAs (Developmental Reading Assessment) were sent home today! If you have any questions about them, please let me know and I can discuss it with you.

2.       Re-registration packages were due today! Starting tomorrow, spaces open up to the public. So, if you haven’t done so already, please bring those reregistration forms back, before there are no more spaces in Grade 6 next year!

3.       Spelling test tomorrow! Lesson 20- words are on the blog!

4.       Math: students who got below 60% on their unit 6 math test will be eligible for a retest on TOMORROW. These students have a note in their agenda. Also, the Unit 7 test will be on Tuesday, February 14^th.

5.       Novel Study: read Chapter 7, and answer the corresponding questions.

6.       Speeches: students who are not done the conclusion paragraph must complete it for homework. They will have some time to get it peer-edited (by 1 or 2 classmates) tomorrow.

7.       We are taking a trip! On Wednesday, February 15^th, we will be going to Mountsberg Conservation Area, to learn about Biodiversity! Please fill out and sign the permission form, and hand it in with the $36 fee (please try to give exact change if you’re playing with cash!). These forms will be due on Monday, February 13^th (the latest!)

8.       Spelling workbook- lessons 18, 19, 20 due on MONDAY.

9.       SJA’s Annual Poems and Speeches Competition is quickly approaching! The grade 5 class will be reciting their speeches in front of the grade 6 class, and the winners from that will go on to the schoolwide competition on Friday, February 24^th. The winners from that will go on to face the winners from The Maples on March 1^st. I have sent home the outline, rubric and package, so please take a look at it with your child. Students must come to school prepared (with their research and device), and should always bring all of their notes/ work.

10.   Thursday, February 16^th, we will be celebrating “100 Days of School.”  If you would like to bring in anything that fits the theme of “100,” please let me know!

11.   Lastly, I will be sending out the emails to parents who requested that form of communication, to update them on their child’s progress. It’s a tedious task, but it’s almost done!

That’s pretty much it for today. I hope everyone has a wonderful night!

Ms. Ramnarine

Grade 5

St. Jude’s Academy