Hello Parents!

First and foremost, thank you to all of the parents who helped out for International Day! A big thank you to Emilia’s Mom for all of the scrumptious tropical fruits, and to Laryssa’s Mom for the delicious tropical punch! On behalf of the students, we would like to thank for your contribution!

Before the International Day rush, we actually had a pretty laid back day. We started our morning off with Math. We took up our math homework, and talked about capacity. Following that, we moved onto our UOI summative, and the students got into their groups. I came around to check their progress, and asked them what their goal for the period was. Today was definitely more productive, as many groups actually met their goals by the end of the period!

After lunch I taught the students lesson #7 (volume) for math. I thoroughly explained the key concepts, and asked the students to complete the textbook work for that lesson. While they were completing that, I asked if there were any students who were confused, and went through everything again with that small group. Those students then completed the textbook work.

Once students were finished, they were able to work on last minute International Day things, and then we headed to the auditorium to set up our display. After second break the students filled out their agendas and they packed up their things. We wrapped up our day with the exciting International Mindedness Day exhibition!

Just a few notes before I go:

1.       Math workbook, P# 86-87 (lesson 7: Volume) due on Monday!

2.       For their UOI summative, students must make sure they’re communicating with their group members to ensure they’re all on the same page. All group members must come to school prepared, in order to get the most out of their class time. Students should test out their experiment/ demonstration over the weekend, to make sure it works, and displays a change in state of matter. Monday will be the last day for any experiment/ demonstration changes. Important: the final summative is due on THURSDAY, JANUARY 26^th. This means the students will present their display (part 1), verbally tell us about 3 changes in states (part 2), and will show us an experiment/ demonstration (part 3). Please look at their assignment outline, rubric and success criteria, if you would like to know more about it.

3.       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. 

4.       The new spelling words are up on the blog. We will have our spelling test on MONDAY.

5.       YEAR AHEAD DAY will be on Wednesday, January 25th. Students will spend the day following the schedule of the grade ahead, and will also get that teacher for the day! The Grade 5’s will be with Mrs. Haag for the day! (Lucky them!!)

6.       The lunch order forms are now being completed online! The due date for February lunches will be on JANUARY 27^TH. Please look at the instructions at the end of this blog, and contact bsmith@stjudesacademy.com if you need extra information (or help) with this new process.

7.       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!

8.       Lastly, there will be no soccer practice for the boys soccer team until sometime in March. I have yet to get the final details, but I was told it will be postponed until the field condition is suitable and safe enough for practice.

That pretty much sums it up for today. Thanks again to the students and parents for a successful International Mindedness Day! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Ms. Ramnarine

Grade 5

St. Jude’s Academy

SJA is excited to announce that our lunch ordering system has now been upgraded!

Beginning today you will place all lunch orders on-line. The ordering system is more simplified and easy to navigate.

Below are the instructions on how to order and how to pay:

1.     Visit http://mydigitalmailroom.com/sja/login.php

2.     Click on the link Don't have an account? Register and register your child based on your email address, their grade, and classroom teacher name. (you can register more than one child)

3.     Verify your email account through the email sent

4.     Log-in and look for the tab manage lunch on the top left of the page

5.     Select add new lunch form

6.     Select student name and payment method

7.     Check off the boxes for your selections for each day

8.     Press save

9.     The program will then take you to a screen that will give you the total you owe for the month

10.  Please place amount owing (in agenda) in a zip lock bag clearly labelled with student first and last name as well as teacher name.

We recognize the process is new and may be confusing so we appreciate your understanding in this matter. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the ordering process, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Smith at bsmith@stjudesacademy.com to set up an appointment time to assist you in the ordering process.

******Please place all orders by January 27^Th 2017. Please keep in mind that after this date no orders can be accepted as the site will close until the new month. We will send reminders and blog posts to ensure you do not miss the deadline.  ******

Hello Parents!

Today we started off our morning with math! I asked for volunteers to act as “The Teacher,” and they took turns leading the homework discussion as they took up the homework. Following that, I went over key concepts, and reviewed any homework questions that the students were still confused about. We then moved onto Lesson 6: Capacity. As a class, we discussed what capacity meant, and focused on millilitres (mL) and litres (L). The students were able to tell me that these forms of measurement are used for liquids, in which we made connections to our UOI. For homework, students must complete P# 84-85 in their math workbook.

After that, the students got into their UOI summative groups, and continued working on their displays/ information. I asked each group what their goal for the period was, and checked back in at the end of the period to see whether they met this goal or not. Although many groups did not meet their goal, they knew what they need to work on in order to meet their goal for next time. This was a good learning strategy, as many students reminded their groups to stay on task, in order to get their work done.

After lunch, the students got out their International Day props, and began working on our display. They are quite excited about how everything is coming along, and I know they will be proud to show off their hard work when parents come tomorrow afternoon (after 2:30pm). I am looking forward to seeing you all there! Feel free to dress up in tropical colours too, to support our International Day Country (Bahamas!).

The students had music, and then second break. After that, they had French, and then we completed the finishing touches on our Bahamas display. We discussed clothing options again, and I reminded students that they could come to school dress in tropical clothing, or the colours of the flag (black, yellow, blue). If they do not want to wear any of those options, they must come to school in their full uniform!

Just a few notes before I go:

1.       I printed off a basic permission form for parents to fill out for International Day tomorrow. Simply just check off the appropriate box, sign, and return the form tomorrow morning. If I do not receive a form for your child, they will not be allowed to sample the food, as a precautionary action. If you child has misplaced their form, I will accept a note in their agenda, or an email, just stating you are okay with them participating in the food sampling at International Day tomorrow.

2.       Math workbook, P# 84-85 (lesson 6: Capacity) due tomorrow

International Day (Bahamas): Students can still bring in any artifacts relating to our country (Bahamas), as long as they’re labeled. Also, students are encouraged to dress in tropical clothes/ colours, or can wear the colours of the flag (blue, yellow, black). If students do not want to wear anything related to our country (Bahamas), they must wear their uniform to school. Just a reminder, International Day is TOMORROW and parents are welcome to attend in the afternoon (after 2:30pm).

3.       For their UOI summative, students must bring their typed up good copy to school tomorrow, so they can add it to their display boards. Some students asked if they could handwrite the information on their boards, and I said it would be okay, as long as I can read it. Students can also bring in any pictures that they would like to add to their boards (it should be examples of solids, liquids, and gases). Important: the final summative is due on THURSDAY, JANUARY 26^th. This means the students will present their display (part 1), verbally tell us about 3 changes in states (part 2), and will show us an experiment/ demonstration (part 3). Please look at their assignment outline, rubric and success criteria, if you would like to know more about it.

4.       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. 

5.       The new spelling words are up on the blog. Please have your children write them in the allotted space in their agenda, and they can begin studying. Since many students didn’t know the spelling words were posted on the blog, I told them I’ll allow everyone to have the weekend to study, and therefore, we will have our spelling test on MONDAY.

6.       YEAR AHEAD DAY will be on Wednesday, January 25th. Students will spend the day following the schedule of the grade ahead, and will also get that teacher for the day! The Grade 5’s will be with Mrs. Haag for the day! (Lucky them!!)

7.       The lunch order forms are now being completed online! The due date for February lunches will be on JANUARY 27^TH. Please look at the instructions at the end of this blog, and contact bsmith@stjudesacademy.com if you need extra information (or help) with this new process.

8.       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!

9.       Lastly, there will be no soccer practice for the boys soccer team until sometime in March. I have yet to get the final details, but I was told it will be postponed until the field condition is suitable and safe enough for practice.

That’s pretty much it for today. Feel free to email me if you have any questions or comments! I hope everyone has a wonderful night, and I look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow afternoon (after 2:30pm) for our International Mindedness Day!

Ms. Ramnarine

Grade 5

St. Jude’s Academy

SJA is excited to announce that our lunch ordering system has now been upgraded!

Beginning today you will place all lunch orders on-line. The ordering system is more simplified and easy to navigate.

Below are the instructions on how to order and how to pay:

1.     Visit http://mydigitalmailroom.com/sja/login.php

2.     Click on the link Don't have an account? Register and register your child based on your email address, their grade, and classroom teacher name. (you can register more than one child)

3.     Verify your email account through the email sent

4.     Log-in and look for the tab manage lunch on the top left of the page

5.     Select add new lunch form

6.     Select student name and payment method

7.     Check off the boxes for your selections for each day

8.     Press save

9.     The program will then take you to a screen that will give you the total you owe for the month

10.  Please place amount owing (in agenda) in a zip lock bag clearly labelled with student first and last name as well as teacher name.

We recognize the process is new and may be confusing so we appreciate your understanding in this matter. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the ordering process, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Smith at bsmith@stjudesacademy.com to set up an appointment time to assist you in the ordering process.

******Please place all orders by January 27^Th 2017. Please keep in mind that after this date no orders can be accepted as the site will close until the new month. We will send reminders and blog posts to ensure you do not miss the deadline.  ******

Hello Parents!

Today the students started off their morning with gym. Following that, they got into their groups and began working on their UOI summative. I made my rounds throughout the period, talking to each group, and ensuring that they were on the right track. I reminded all students to use their time wisely, as I will be making notes, as well as will be giving them a mark (based on progress) at the end of the period. To my disappointment, many groups continuously were off- task, and needed many reminders. As a result, not much work was completed, and now they will have to work twice as hard to complete everything on time. Students must remember to stay focused, if they want to get the best mark possible!

After lunch the students began to work on their International Day display. I am quite pleased with the progress of this task, and I commend all of the students that have been working hard in class to add to our presentation.

After second break, the students had French, and then we talked about International Day and what they should wear. After that, the students played a quick game of “Heads up, Seven up,” and then packed up and got ready to go home.

Just a few notes before I go:

1.       Math workbook, P# 82-83 (lesson 5) due tomorrow

International Day (Bahamas): Students can still bring in any artifacts relating to our country (Bahamas), as long as they’re labeled. Also, students are encouraged to dress in tropical clothes/ colours, or can wear the colours of the flag (blue, yellow, black). If students do not want to wear anything related to our country (Bahamas), they must wear their uniform to school. Just a reminder, International Day is this Friday, January 20^th, and parents are welcome to attend in the afternoon (after 2:30pm).

2.       For their UOI summative, students must bring their typed up good copy to school tomorrow, so they can add it to their display boards. Some students asked if they could handwrite the information on their boards, and I said it would be okay, as long as I can read it. Students can also bring in any pictures that they would like to add to their boards (it should be examples of solids, liquids, and gases). Important: the final summative is due on THURSDAY, JANUARY 26^th. This means the students will present their display (part 1), verbally tell us about 3 changes in states (part 2), and will show us an experiment/ demonstration (part 3). Please look at their assignment outline, rubric and success criteria, if you would like to know more about it.

3.       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. 

4.       The new spelling words are up on the blog. Please have your children write them in the allotted space in their agenda, and they can begin studying. Since many students didn’t know the spelling words were posted on the blog, I told them I’ll allow everyone to have the weekend to study, and therefore, we will have our spelling test on MONDAY.

5.       YEAR AHEAD DAY will be on Wednesday, January 25th. Students will spend the day following the schedule of the grade ahead, and will also get that teacher for the day! The Grade 5’s will be with Mrs. Haag for the day! (Lucky them!!)

6.       The lunch order forms are now being completed online! The due date for February lunches will be on JANUARY 27^TH. Please look at the instructions at the end of this blog, and contact bsmith@stjudesacademy.com if you need extra information (or help) with this new process.

7.       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!

That sums it up for today. Feel free to email me if you have any questions or comments! I hope everyone has a wonderful night!

Ms. Ramnarine

Grade 5

St. Jude’s Academy

SJA is excited to announce that our lunch ordering system has now been upgraded!

Beginning today you will place all lunch orders on-line. The ordering system is more simplified and easy to navigate.

Below are the instructions on how to order and how to pay:

1.     Visit http://mydigitalmailroom.com/sja/login.php

2.     Click on the link Don't have an account? Register and register your child based on your email address, their grade, and classroom teacher name. (you can register more than one child)

3.     Verify your email account through the email sent

4.     Log-in and look for the tab manage lunch on the top left of the page

5.     Select add new lunch form

6.     Select student name and payment method

7.     Check off the boxes for your selections for each day

8.     Press save

9.     The program will then take you to a screen that will give you the total you owe for the month

10.  Please place amount owing (in agenda) in a zip lock bag clearly labelled with student first and last name as well as teacher name.

We recognize the process is new and may be confusing so we appreciate your understanding in this matter. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the ordering process, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Smith at bsmith@stjudesacademy.com to set up an appointment time to assist you in the ordering process.

******Please place all orders by January 27^Th 2017. Please keep in mind that after this date no orders can be accepted as the site will close until the new month. We will send reminders and blog posts to ensure you do not miss the deadline.  ******

Hello Parents!

It was an eventful day, to say the least! We started off our morning by working on our International Day information. The students put all of their information together on our board, and they began working on many props to add to our display. (Look below this blog for pictures during this period). Following that, we move onto math, which was an introduction to lesson #4 (Estimating and Counting Money), and lesson #5 (Making Change). What better way for children to learn than actually using (fake) Canadian money to “purchase” items in a classroom auction! Needless to say, our auction was thoroughly enjoyed, and the students learned the key concepts for the lessons in a hands on way! (Please look below this blog for pictures relating to this lesson). Feel free to ask your children about the auction, and what they learned! I had a blast, and I know they did too!

After lunch the students had music and then gym. Following second break they had French, and then I reiterated the key concepts from our auction, relating it directly to lesson 4 and 5. For homework, the students were assigned P# 80, 81 (Lesson 4- due tomorrow) and P# 82, 83 (lesson 5- due Thursday) in their math workbook. At the end of the day, we sang Happy Birthday to our classmate, Jonathan, and then packed up for home time.

Just a few notes before I go:

1.       Math workbook, P# 80, 81 (Lesson 4- due tomorrow) and P# 82, 83 (lesson 5- due Thursday)

2.       International Day (Bahamas)- Students can bring in any materials that they would like to use to create props for our set up. Please note, if students are bringing actual artifacts from the Bahamas (i.e. shells, sand, rocks, etc.), please make sure it is labelled (in a box/ bag, etc.), so they can identify what belongs to them. Just a reminder, International Day is this Friday, January 20^th, and parents are welcome to attend in the afternoon (after 2:30pm).

3.       For their UOI summative, students must communicate with their group members, to fix their mistakes. They can begin their rough copy (or good copy), and must be prepared to begin their display on TOMORROW. Although I have gathered Bristol boards from the school, some groups have mentioned that they want to purchase a Tri-fold board instead. Those groups should get their board today (if they haven’t done so already), because they will need it for tomorrow. Important: the final summative is due on THURSDAY, JANUARY 26^th. This means the students will present their display (part 1), verbally tell us about 3 changes in states (part 2), and will show us an experiment/ demonstration (part 3). Please look at their assignment outline, rubric and success criteria, if you would like to know more about it.

4.       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. 

5.       The new spelling words are up on the blog. Please have your children write them in the allotted space in their agenda, and they can begin studying for their spelling test on Friday!

6.       The grade 6’s are having a candy sale, and all proceeds also go to Sick Kids Hospital.

7.       The lunch order forms are now being completed online! The due date for February lunches will be on JANUARY 27^TH. Please look at the instructions at the end of this blog, and contact bsmith@stjudesacademy.com if you need extra information (or help) with this new process.

8.       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!

That’s pretty much it for today. Feel free to email me if you have any questions or comments! I hope everyone has a wonderful night!

Ms. Ramnarine

Grade 5

St. Jude’s Academy

SJA is excited to announce that our lunch ordering system has now been upgraded!

Beginning today you will place all lunch orders on-line. The ordering system is more simplified and easy to navigate.

Below are the instructions on how to order and how to pay:

1.     Visit http://mydigitalmailroom.com/sja/login.php

2.     Click on the link Don't have an account? Register and register your child based on your email address, their grade, and classroom teacher name. (you can register more than one child)

3.     Verify your email account through the email sent

4.     Log-in and look for the tab manage lunch on the top left of the page

5.     Select add new lunch form

6.     Select student name and payment method

7.     Check off the boxes for your selections for each day

8.     Press save

9.     The program will then take you to a screen that will give you the total you owe for the month

10.  Please place amount owing (in agenda) in a zip lock bag clearly labelled with student first and last name as well as teacher name.

We recognize the process is new and may be confusing so we appreciate your understanding in this matter. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the ordering process, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Smith at bsmith@stjudesacademy.com to set up an appointment time to assist you in the ordering process.

******Please place all orders by January 27^Th 2017. Please keep in mind that after this date no orders can be accepted as the site will close until the new month. We will send reminders and blog posts to ensure you do not miss the deadline.  ******

We started our morning by working on our International Day information.
After that, we had a classroom auction, to help introduce our math lesson #4 (estimating and counting money) and lesson #5 (making change). Needless to say, it was a wonderful experience!

Hello Parents!

Today we started off our day with an inquiry into Matter! I handed out their custom made rubric and success criteria, so they were able to see what the expectations are. Students then got into their groups and continued discussing their ideas, while narrowing it down to a final decision for each of the three parts (of their summative). During their discussion time, I met with each group, and gave them the approval on their final decisions. This meant that they were on the right track, and were read to put each part together. After meeting with me, some groups realized that they need to look over (and change) their ideas, and will be meeting with me again, to ensure they’ve made the necessary changes.

After lunch, the students jumped right into their International Day information, and many of them began putting their typed up information onto our board. Some students still need to add information, but we are right on track. Many students who have finished their part began to create art pieces to enhance our display, and add to our set up. The students headed to gym, and then continued working on their International Day display when we got back.

After 2^nd break the students had French, and then we took up our math homework. As a friendly reminder, students need to come to school prepared, because ultimately, they are the ones who lose out when they do not complete their homework, or leave their books at home. Also, I’ve noticed that a lot of students are getting incorrect answers in their homework, because they are not properly reading the question! Simple errors will cost them marks on a test, so also please try to reinforce the idea of taking the time to do the work right.

Tomorrow we will be learning about our new math lesson in a fun way, so I hope everyone is excited to spend some money!! (Fake play money, that is!)   

Just a few notes before I go:

1.       International Day (Bahamas) information should be typed up and brought to school tomorrow. Students can also bring in any materials that they would like to use to create props for our set up. Please note, if students are bringing actual artifacts from the Bahamas (i.e. shells, sand, rocks, etc.), please make sure it is labelled (in a box/ bag, etc.), so they can identify what belongs to them. Just a reminder, International Day is this Friday, January 20^th, and parents are welcome to attend in the afternoon (after 2:30pm).

2.       For their UOI summative, students must communicate with their group members, to fix their mistakes. They can begin their rough copy (or good copy), and must be prepared to begin their display on Wednesday. Although I have gathered Bristol boards from the school, some groups have mentioned that they want to purchase a Tri-fold board instead. Those groups should get their board today or tomorrow, because they will need it for Wednesday. Important: the final summative is due on THURSDAY, JANUARY 26^th. This means the students will present their display (part 1), verbally tell us about 3 changes in states (part 2), and will show us an experiment/ demonstration (part 3). Please look at their assignment outline, rubric and success criteria, if you would like to know more about it.

3.       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. 

4.       The new spelling words are up on the blog. Please have your children write them in the allotted space in their agenda, and they can begin studying for their spelling test on Friday!

5.       The Grade Ones will be turning their classrooms into grocery stores for their Organization unit. The students have been working really hard to stock it full of healthy snacks and drinks. On Tuesday Jan. 17th (TOMORROW) we will be opening our stores to SJA classes to purchase healthy snacks and drinks for $1-2. All proceeds will be donated to the Sick Kids Hospital. We will have a chance tomorrow to attend their store, and help support a good cause!

6.       The grade 6’s are having a candy sale, and all proceeds also go to Sick Kids Hospital.

7.       The lunch order forms are now being completed online! The due date for February lunches will be on JANUARY 27^TH. Please look at the instructions at the end of this blog, and contact bsmith@stjudesacademy.com if you need extra information (or help) with this new process.

8.       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!

That pretty much sums it up for today. I hope everyone has a wonderful night!

Ms. Ramnarine

Grade 5

St. Jude’s Academy

Hello Parents!

The students started off their morning with gym. Once they came back to the classroom, we reviewed lesson 1 in math and we took up the math homework.  Following that, I introduced lesson 2 (Exploring Time and Distance), and went over the keywords and examples (to help support their understanding). They had time to complete their math textbook work in class, and were assigned p#78-79 in their math workbook for homework.

We move on to work on our International Day information, and I was pleased to see many students had their part done! On Monday we will begin assembling our presentation board, so all students should come prepared. We also discussed that they could bring in props, as well as make our own (over the weekend, and when we come back to school next week).

After lunch, the students had music, and that was followed by our UOI summative work. In class yesterday, as well as mentioned in the blog, students were supposed to start brainstorming ideas, and come to school prepared to discuss these ideas with their group members. To my surprise, out of the whole class, only 2 students had written down notes in their summative package! Only 2! Looks like a lot of students weren’t paying attention when I first handed out the package and showed them the pages to complete. As a result, we spent all of our UOI period working on brainstorming ideas. I mentioned to the students that they need to have their brainstorming portions completed by Monday, so I can approve and they can begin the planning process. Students should try to connect with their group members this weekend, so they’re all on the same page.

After 2^nd break, the students had French, and then had a few minutes to connect with their group members (exchange numbers, email addresses, etc.).  I reminded students to take all of their work home, to ensure they can complete the assigned tasks during the weekend. Hopefully next week will be a more productive one for the students- as long as they do their part.

Just a few reminders before I go:

1.       Math workbook homework, P#78-79

2.       UOI final summative- continue brainstorming ideas, and be sure to write them down on the summative package pages. Be prepared to discuss with your group over the weekend (if possible). On Monday, I will need to approve of the final decisions for each part, for each group. PLEASE COME PREPARED!  Since I created this assignment myself, I had to create a rubric and success criteria from scratch. There are a few minor changes I need to do, but I will be handing out the final copy next week, so students can refer to it. The final summative assignment will be due on Thursday, January 26^th.  

3.       Complete your research on our International Day country (BAHAMAS). Students must bring their typed up (final copy) page of information to class on Monday! We will be starting our display, so it is important that students bring their parts completed. Just a reminder, International Day is on Friday, January 20^th, and parents are welcome to attend in the afternoon (after 2:30pm).

4.       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!

5.       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.  

That’s about it 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 weekend!

Ms. Ramnarine

Grade 5

St. Jude’s Academy

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

I asked how they felt about our first lesson in the new math unit. This was their response! Looks like we're off to a good start!

Hello Parents!

I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday break! Based on all of the stories shared today, I would say many of you were able to create great memories with your children! Only 9 more weeks until March Break, where you’ll be able to create more memories (and many of the students have shared potential plans, in which they are very excited about!). Until then though, it’s all business!

Today we started off our day with a new student in our classroom! We welcomed James, a Korean student, who will be joining our Grade 5 class until the end of the school year.  

The students had music first thing this morning, and then we had a class discussion about what each student did during the break. We then completed a math pretest for Unit 6 (Measurement). The students had lunch and then continued their pretest right after. The students who finished their test early were able to finish up their UOI picture, which was anything of their choice that illustrated a state of matter.  Once this was finished, the students were able to brainstorm ideas about our International Day country (Bahamas), and what we can make as props.

Following this, the students headed off to gym, where they were taught by Mr. O (the new gym teacher). Once arriving back to class, the students continued to work on their pretest, matter picture, or International Day content, until it was second break time.

After French, the students came back to class and filled in their homework in their agendas. I then handed out their Unit 5 math test, and asked them to put it into their agenda, so they won’t forget to get it signed. Before we knew it, it was home time!

Just a few notes before I go:

1.       Unit 5 MATH test needs to be signed and returned before Friday, January 13^th.

2.       Complete the matter picture, if you didn’t finish it in class. Remember, you need to add an explanation as to why it fits into the category of a liquid, solid or gas.

3.       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).

4.       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!

5.       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.

6.       Lastly, 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. I will begin teaching our new math unit tomorrow (Unit 6- Measurement), and I will be discussing the UOI final summative assignment. Needless to say, tomorrow will be a busy day! I hope each student gets a good rest, and I hope you all have a wonderful night!

Ms. Ramnarine

Grade 5

St. Jude’s Academy