Happy New Year everyone!  I hope you and yours had a great holiday.

We are excited to welcome a new grade 4 girl from Red Deer Alberta.  

I'm sure the kids have shared the exciting news with your.  Next week we are welcoming another grade four girl who has just arrived in Canada from Syria.  We have made cards for her and have learned the Arabic word for 'welcome'.  We have also learned how to write the word in Arabic.  This is the perfect class for our new student to settle in to because this particular group of kids are very kind-hearted, caring and supportive.

LA - in language arts we have begun a new novel study called Shiloh

MATH - we are reviewing our problem solving skills in preparation for the grade 4 Fundamental Skills Assessment which will be coming up in the next couple of weeks.  We are also working on 3 and 4 digit subtraction with regrouping.

SCIENCE -  I joined an on-line group called "Mystery Science".  They have some really wonderful hands on experiments with videos and really good information.  We work through the experiments using the scientific method.  These experiments are very engaging and address 21st century curriculum.

TODAY A LARGE PACKAGE OF FORMS AND INFORMATION RE: OUR SKIING SESSIONS CAME HOME.  Please take time to read them carefully.  Several of the forms need to be filled out and sent back with some very specific information.  I then forward the information to the ski hill so they can have the equipment ready for the kids when we arrive.  Please choose your ski package and return all forms, with payment, to me by Friday, Jan.  22.

If you have any questions or comments please phone me at the school or send me an email to sstokes@sd73.bc.ca

Cheers.  S:)

Welcome to Christmas Craziness :)P  The kids have been working very hard to polish their performance for next week.  

IMPORTANT: Today, Dec. 10, 12 kids from this class have gone home with flu and/or strep symptoms. Please don't send them back until you are sure that they are better.  The Christmas Concert is not as important as your entire family's health for the holidays...

PLEASE NOTE:  THE START TIME FOR THE CONCERT HAS BEEN MOVED UP TO 12:45.  Our concert is approximately 1 hr 45 mins.

This week:  Expect your child's report card home on Fri. Dec. 11.  It is my goal to have an interview with each child at my computer so that I can show them their report cards.  I have touched based with 98% of my families so there should be no surprises in the reports.  If there are, please make an appointment for an interview with me in early Jan. 2016.

Next week:
Mon. - whole school run-through.  No costumes.
Tues. -  DRESS REHEARSAL - COSTUMES REQUIRED.
Boys: white, collared shirt, black pants (we are providing the colourful Christmas ties).
Girls:  red or green top, black pants or skirt, hair in a side or top pony (we are providing a colourful bow).
Wed. - Performance for families A - L surnames.  12:45 start
Thurs. - Performance for families M - Z surnames.

                  TERM ONE OVERVIEW OF TOPICS/SUBJECTS COVERED:

Please note: your child's report will look different this term.

Gr. 5 SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND WORK HABITS:
This is a statement of your child's adaptation to a new grade, curriculum and teacher.  This is the most personalized box you will see on the form. 
Note: Each child is assessed according to h/her grade level learning outcomes.

French 4/5: This subject is mandatory for grade 5 and is taught by Ms. Brkovich. Your child will receive a letter grade if s/he is in grade 5.  French is not mandatory in grade 4. Therefore your grade 4 child will only receive a comment.

Health and Career Education 4/5:  we have discussed:

• creating an inclusive classroom environment accepting of all learners
• learning Whole Body Listening (Dr. Anselmo)
• internet safety
• roles and responsibilities in the classroom and on the playground
• review of the Parkcrest behaviour matrix.  SOARS has 5 components: Safe, Outstanding, Accountable and Respectful behaviours are taught and reinforced daily

Math 4/5:  We have explored:

• patterns in number and counting
• number sense
• place value
• story problem solving

The children have complete 3 project-based activities, 2 in place value and 1 in creative story problem solving.  They really stretched their math brains in all of these projects.

Physical Education 4/5:  There has been a major focus on sportsmanship. This will continue throughout the year. We have also:

• played tag and dodge ball games
• run 5 laps
• explored volley ball skills
• used equipment in the classroom when the gym was not available

Daily Physical Activity 4/5 (DPA):  The children have taken part in 30 min. of physical activity per day.

Science: 4/5:  The major focus this term has been a cooperative research project on the earth's biomes (or very large ecosystems such as deserts, forests, oceans and so on).  The children each have one of four roles - botanist, geologist, meteorologist or geographer.  Each 'scientist' is responsible for research in h/her area. These projects will be presented in the new year in the form of a group travel brochure.

Social Studies 4/5: The children have:

• created a map of Canada
• learned some basic facts about our country
• studied immigration and citizenship

Reading 4/5:   

• each grade has completed a grade level whole class reading assessment. 
• read for at least 30 min. per day
• studied 2 novels extensively

Writing 4/5:  Each child is writing every day.  We have:

• made personal journal entries
• written about personal connections in response to literature
• written responses to questions about our novel
• practised some of the mechanics of writing such as punctuation and parts of speech

Speaking/Listening 4/5:  The children have practised:

• speaking with a 'shoulder partner'
• speaking with me
• speaking clearly in standard English
• looking at the person being addressed
• waiting for a turn to speak
• speaking in front of the class
• listening to and following instructions given to the whole class
• listening to and following small group instructions

Welcome to winter folks!  Thank you for making sure your child comes to school with warm clothes.  At Parkcrest our policy is grab as much fresh air as possible!  The children are required to go outside at recess and lunch unless the administration deems it too cold.

The absolute highlight of this week was Friday when we met our Little Buddies for the first time.  Mrs. Sarrasin's kids were as excited as mine. The BB's interviewed the LB's as an ice breaker.  Then both classes split off into 3 separate areas for an activity time.  There will be many more encounters with our LB's throughout the school year.  Of course, we are buddied up for our contribution to the Christmas Concert.

All teachers at Parkcrest are deeply immersed in writing report cards.  We are making the best of learning a new computer program.  This is a 'first term, worst term' scenario.  Everything will be smoother for us by March and by June, we'll all be pros :)

As you are aware, the province of BC is also rolling out new curriculum for the 21st century learner.  I'm really excited about what I have seen so far.  After Christmas I have volunteered to be on a committee to help facilitate implementation of the new curriculum.  Rest assured that the core basics in each subject area remain.  The method of delivery will vary. The kids will be involved in more collaborative group work, including research projects, writing and publishing projects, strategic thinking in math, hands on science, living history in social studies and so on.  

Upcoming Events:

• Nov. 30 6:30 pm - Norkam Open House.  Come and see the exciting state of the art Trades and Technology building
• Thurs Dec. 3 Early Dismissal at 12:30.  If I have not met you face to face, please book an appointment between 1:30 and 4:00.  I have lots of great things to share with you about your child.
• Dec. 11 - reports cards to go home
  
• Dec. 14 - Christmas Concert Dress Rehearsal #1
• Dec. 15 - CC Dress Rehearsal #2
• Dec. 16 - CC performance #1 (12:45 - 2:30 pm) reserved seating by alphabetical order of last name
  
• Dec. 17 - CC performance #2 (12:45 - 2:30)
  
• Dec. 18 -  Pajama/Stuffy/Blankie/Hot Lunch/Movie Day :)
• Dec. 18 - Jan. 4 Winter Break

Questions?  sstokes@sd73.bc.ca

Cheers.  SS:) 

Hello Families.  I hope all the kids were excited about the first snow yesterday.  JUST A REMINDER - at school, the snow must stay on the ground for safety reasons, AND to spoil everyone's fun of course ;)

SKATING THIS THURSDAY:  we are joining Mrs. Mayoh' class to walk to Brock Arena on Thursday.  We will leave after attendance in the afternoon.  Parent helpers are more than welcome to help transport equipment, tie skates, ref hockey, skate with the kids, etc.  Several of the kids have
volunteered several of their parents already!  See you at school Thursday afternoon if you can make it.

Gr. 5 students have a French test this week. 

Preparations are starting for our Christmas concert.  We are doing a musical/play and rehearsals will start in the next couple of weeks.

IF I DO NOT HAVE AN EMAIL ADDY FOR YOU, PLEASE SEND ME A QUICK EMAIL SO I CAN ADD YOU TO MY CONTACT LIST. 

sstokes@sd73.bc.ca

Finally, thank you so much to all the families who shared part of your family history last week.  I have never had such a successful unit on Remembrance Day and I know it is because kids were able to make connections to their own family history.  In our class we write every day and make connections between the topic and the kids themselves.  The kids writing has been powerful.  I was also extremely impressed by the kids behaviour and participation at the assembly last week.  In our class we are always making.

A notice for skating should have made it home today.  It needs to be signed and returned by Wed.

Enjoy the rest of the week.  Cheers.  SS:)

I hope everyone had a great Hallowe'en. Reminder - please keep Hallowe'en candy at home.  Ms. Linfitt was very clear about this last week.

I am still taking appointments for face-face parent/teacher interviews. Please phone the school (250-554-2368) or send me an email so that we can set up a date and time that works for us.  My goal is to meet everyone by mid November.

I am building an email list.  Please send my your email if I haven't already got it.  Send to sstokes@sd73.bc.ca.  

Notes:

• kids are slowly getting earbuds to school. They won't be able to do much in the computer lab without a pair - especially  our on line spelling program.  http://spellingcity.com.  The kids are getting really good at logging on.
• LA - we are currently reading a novel called Among the Hidden
• Math -  we have completed patterns and are moving into place value.  Keep studying those times tables.
• Science - we are ready to begin an on line web quest to study biomes.  The kids are in cooperative working groups.  Each child has a role and will research in their area.  For example: each group consists of 4 kids. In that group there is a botanist, zoologist, meteorologist and geographer.
• Social Studies - we are studying immigration and of course - Remembrance Day
• Fine Arts - each child has built a poppy necklace out of clay.  We hope to fire and glaze in time for the Remembrance Day assembly on the 10th.
• PE - we warm up with 5 laps around the gym, play tag or dodgeball and practice volleyball skills.  
• HACE - we have worked together to build a safe environment in the classroom and we are moving on to a unit on internet safety
• on Tuesday we will have a lock down drill.

​That's all folks!

Hello Families!  I can't tell you how happy I am to be back.  This is a great bunch of kids and we are learning to work together and care for each other as a group.  

I TRY to update this blog once a week, on a Sunday, so please check it out for current or important information.

​CHECK OUT THE TABS ON THE LEFT FOR LOTS OF INTERACTIVE SITES IN DIFFERENT SUBJECT GROUPS.  The kids can play on these to practice many skills.  Consider it homework if you like.  PLEASE KEEP ENCOURAGING YOUR CHILD TO READ AT HOME.

Please fill out and return the ski survey.  It's in your child's agenda.  I need these back by Friday, Oct. 30.

Gym strip: The kids are growing and their bodies are changing.  They MUST have gym strip here for Gym on Tues and Thurs.  They are also welcome to have a stick of deodorant to keep here AS LONG AS IT IS UNSCENTED.  I have a nasty allergy to scented products.

​Upcoming events:

• Thurs Oct 29:  1:00 - picture re-takes
• Every Thursday we take a spelling test on our Spelling City site.  The kids have learned their usernames and passwords and can study the words at home. on line, in a games environment. THE PROGRAM WON'T WORK WITHOUT EARBUDS. EACH CHILD MUST HAVE A PAIR THEY CAN LEAVE AT SCHOOL.  The $ stores have these for not too much money.
• Fri Oct 30: Pizza lunch, Hallowe'en dance 1:00 - 2:15.  Bring a toonie to cover the cost of the DJ. PAC  is selling glow bracelets for $.50.
• The dance is our party, so we will do regular school work in the morning
• kids are welcome to wear their costumes to school
• no masks or weapons or small costume parts that might be lost
• Nov 10: Remembrance Day Assembly. You are welcome to attend.  We have an intermediate choir for the first time this year and they sound impressive.
• please wear solid red or black tops or bottoms. Don't worry about buying new things. If you have a red t-shirt with a graphic, just turn it inside out.  Dark pants or skirts can count as black.
• Nov 11:  Remembrance Day - no school

​
If you have any questions or concerns at any time, please fire me an email ASAP to http://sstokes@sd73.bc.ca 


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​

Moustache Day went well.  We had a lot of participants. 

WE ARE DOING A SCIENCE EXPERIMENT THIS WEEK ON THURSDAY.  EVERYONE NEEDS TO BRING A LID FROM HOME.  A DONATION OF A BAG OF EPSOM SALTS WOULD BE GREATLY RECEIVED.

REMINDER - This week we have early closure on Thurs, Dec. 4.  The kids will be going home at 12:30.  I will be available for 15 minute chats from 1:00 - 3:00.  I would love to meet with any families that I haven't already met.  Please email me to book an interview.

We have been having some true winter weather lately.  Please help your child to dress appropriately for the weather.  Including a pair of dry socks in their backpacks helps them in this cold and wet time of year.  Having boots at school is pretty important.

It looks like the Girls Basketball practices are on Mondays and Wednesdays and the boys are on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Your child should be aware of any changes to this schedule.

Fri Dec 5 Pro D - no school for the kids but I will be planning several units for the new year.

Here's what we have been working on:

Language Arts:  we are still enjoying our novel study of the book Hatchet by Gary Paulsen.
Math: we have been working on place value, expanded notation and comparing numbers.  We also practice multiplication tables, graphing and story problems weekly.
Science:  the kids are really enjoying our unit on Rocks and Minerals.
Social Studies:  We are studying renewable and non-renewable resources.

We are collecting donations of new or 'gently' used hats, scarves, mitts, gloves, toothbrushes and toothpaste (new).  These will be donated to the New Life Mission.  This is a service project to bring awareness to the kids about what it is like to be homeless in the winter.  This project is sponsored by our Me to We group.


In case you missed it in the newsletter, our Christmas concert is on Thursday, Dec. 18 from 10:30 - 12:00 and 1:00 - 2:30.  Both presentations will be the same.  Please attend only one performance to make room for everyone.  If your child has a surname from A - L please come to the morning performance.  M - Z will attend the afternoon performance.

Please email me with any questions or comments you may have.  http://sstokes@sd73.bc.ca