Geo Project Begins!

Students have started working on their collaborative inquiry about a topic related to sustainability of a natural resource. The choices range from mining and fishing to solar energy and hybrid vehicles. Independently, they are writing a research essay but with a partner they are investigating their topic and writing in different genres about it. They will present it in a Google Slideshow to the class, and to small groups of other classes in the school.

Jump Rope for Heart

Today is Jump Rope for Heart. In groups of 3-4, the grade 7s are group leaders of 15-20 primary and junior students. For 2/3 of the day, the grade 7s led these groups through various activities, keeping them active. A great day!

Seussical, the Musical

The school production of Seussical, the Musical had its school dress rehearsal Tuesday, another dress rehearsal for a community school yesterday, and tonight it had its first of three shows for the public. We wish Meadow, Kierra and Sarah to have great fun these next three days. Tickets still on sale - contact the school.

Tech Workshop

Students today we're treated to a 30 minute technology workshop. The Code Mobile was in town from Toronto and provided a workshop on Game Controller Design and Makey Makey. The students were most impressed with the virtual reality glasses where they were chased by dinosaurs, almost fell off a cliff, visited the Versailles gardens and went to outer space.

Mental Health - Part 2

Our guest speaker from Carleton Uni returned for second visit to talk more about mental health. This week he answered a few questions the students had from last week's presentation. He then discussed phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating and sleeping disorders, and schizophrenia. The big message to the students was to eat healthy, exercise, get good sleep, and surround themselves with a supportive network of caring friends and family. Even more, seek help when needed, be aware that someone suffering from a mental health disorder deserves respect, and not to isolate anyone for any reason ever. The students were highly engaged.

Great end to a great week...

The school finished Education Week with Read Aloud Day, Part 2. Students revisited classes they had been paired with in February to enjoy reading each other a picture book. Also, the two newest students in my class are learning how to spell in the English language. Today, the support teacher was helping them with word tiles and they wanted to spell words important to them. A fantastic end to Education Week!

Art on Show

    

   

This month, the class' creative printmaking artworks are on display by the front office. If you're in the school, take a look - they are quite beautiful!

Mental Health

Today in Health, the students were audience to a special presentation. One of my students from seven years ago, who is now studying Neuroscience at Carleton University, gave a presentation about stress, depression and anxiety. It was a very timely presentation, especially since it's Mental Health Week nation-wide. He will return next week to continue the conversation.

HAPPY EDUCATION WEEK!

Achieving Excellence: Promoting Well-being - this year's slogan and a worthwhile life-long idea. This week (and next) activities are planned to foster just that!

A long and busy month, it was

April started out with routine and structure as we continued working through the class novel studies. But, by mid-month there was a spirit day, a dance, a transition from History to Geography, Jump Rope for Heart assembly and a day of being math coaches for younger classes with Mathletes. By the end, we finished the last of the novel study work, and as we move in to May, essays are the last major focus of Language.
With so many interruptions this week, the Science project was off to a rough start but we are back on track. Most students are investigating how Ottawa treats wastewater and using the decision-making process to decide if there are other alternatives to what our city does. After a presentation of their findings we will begin our last unit of Science focusing on Heat.
Students are enjoying the change from History to Geography - it is a very different pace and style of working with information and ideas. We've already had a test on the Five Themes of Geography, and have traveled the world (through some of my vacation photos), learning about landforms, and climate will be our focus this coming week.