Wednesday 31 October 2012

October 31st...Happy Halloween!

The Bresciani Bunch Dressed to Impress!

Today was a great day here at Deshaye! We started the morning off with a quick AR session before diving into our Ghost Story creative writing in ELA.  Students began the pre-writing stages for their own Ghost Stories and some even began writing their first drafts.  While they were working they got to hear a few more Ghost Stories read to them by Mr. Bresciani from the book, More Ghost Stories From Saskatchewan by Jo-Anne Christensen.  They even got the treat of hearing an original Ghost Story as told by Mr. Bresciani that literally made students jump out of their desks!
In Grade 8 Math we reviewed our quizzes from yesterday and began working on the Chapter 3 Review on Pg. 113.

After lunch we went to the gym and had our annual Halloween Costume Parade.  The students got the chance to show off all of their great costumes to the rest of the school as well as check out some of the other cool costumes other students and staff were sporting.  The students were also treated to their first dance of the year from 2:15 -3:15 and I must say I'm impressed with how well each and every student dances to "Gangnam Style", it's amazing!

Today was an awesome day, as every day in this classroom is! I hope everyone has a great halloween and don't forget Mr. Bresciani does like chocolate.  A few chocolate bars his way while marking tests may put him in a very "happy go lucky" marking mood!

Just kidding, stay safe tonight and have fun.

Here are some more pictures from today:















Upcoming Due Dates & Homework:

Math
Grade 8

Unit 3 Math Test -Friday, November 2nd

Grade 7
McCulloch:
Weber:


Overdue Assignments:

1) Grade 8 Math Handout 3.4

2) Talent Blog Post

3) Science Centre Blog Post

Tuesday 30 October 2012

What We Learned Today...October 30th


This morning after AR time, we continued learning about the writing process though looking at Ghost Stories.  We examined the 3 main elements found in most Ghost Stories: A Scary Location, Unusual Weather and a Ghost.  Along with the elements of a ghost story, we also discussed how it is important to focus on Good Writing Traits when we are writing.  Before students actually began writing their own Ghost Stories, we read an award winning Ghost Story written by two children called "The Flames of Sligachan".
In Grade 8 Math students wrote their Unit 3 quiz that reviewed terms from 3.1-3.3.

After Lunch we had an extra ELA lesson discussing Ghost Stories until 1:15.  In health the students continued to work on their assignment "Fat Alien".  For the last hour of the day we had our Unit One French Test instead of Social because we missed our French period due to the assembly yesterday.

Upcoming Due Dates & Homework:

Math
Grade 8

Unit 3 Math Test -Friday, November 2nd

Grade 7
McCulloch:
Weber: Pg 66. #10-17


Overdue Assignments:

1) Grade 8 Math Handout 3.4

2) Talent Blog Post

3) Science Centre Blog Post

 Reminders:

-Bring your halloween costumes tomorrow, but do not change into them until after lunch.  We will have a costume parade tomorrow after lunch in the gym!


Monday 29 October 2012

What We Learned Today...October 29th

Mother Teresa "Thankfulness" Award Winners for October

We started out the week with a very special school wide assembly this morning.  Ms. Tillman began the assembly by sharing stories from her amazing trip that she took tagging Great White Sharks! It was pretty amazing to see some of the pictures she took becuase I don't think any of us realized how big Great White Sharks actually are!  After Ms. Tillman we had our monthly Mother Teresa Awards winners.  This month we recognized students in the school who demonstrated Thankfulness during the month of October.  Congratulations to the three award winners from our classroom! Since the assembly was a little longer than usual we only had about 10 minutes left in ELA and began discussing the elements of Ghost Stories.
In math the Grade 8's lucked out again and the Math quiz had to be bumped back until tomorrow.  Instead, during the hour the Grade 8's worked on handout 3.5.

After lunch we continued to discuss and examine the 3 common elements that occur in ghost stories.  Once we finish looking at elements of Ghost Stories we will actually begin to create our own!
The students did some really cool Science experiments with Mr. Csada during Science and continued to work on the Arts. Ed shading assignment with Mr. W during the last hour of the day.

Upcoming Due Dates & Homework:

Math
Grade 8

Math Quiz 3.1-3.3 -Tuesday, October 30

Grade 7
McCulloch:
Weber:
French

Unit Test- Tuesday, October 30th
Unit Review also due on Tuesday, October 30th

Overdue Assignments:

1) Grade 8 Math Handout 3.4

2) Talent Blog Post

3) Science Centre Blog Post





*Reminders:

-Bring your Halloween costumes on Wednesday, October 31st. We will change into our costumes at lunch time.

Friday 26 October 2012

What We Learned Today...October 26th

T-Swifts makeover courtesy of my wonderful students!
We got back into our regular routine this morning (well for the first 30 minutes anyway) with our half-hour of AR time.  Instead of ELA, Mr. Csada came in and taught Science because our class was a few lessons behind because of the class we missed during the Awakening Retreat.  During Grade 8 Math we spent the hour working on the last section of our CAT 4 Test.  As a result of the CAT test the grade 8's lucked out and we will have to bump our quiz to Tuesday.  (We already have a French Test on Monday and no one want's to write two tests in one day).

After lunch the students continued to work on their shading Art activity with Mr. W (Ms. Norris is away at a conference and will not be back until Tuesday so Mr. W will be with us on Monday again.)
In French the students continued to work on their Unit Reviews and any other homework they had to work on.  *Note: I do not try to trick students when it comes to tests! Everything on the review will give students an accurate idea of what will be on their tests.  (Except for the Days/Months, they are not on the review but will be on the Unit Test.)
For the last hour of the day the students once again had Mr. W for Phys.Ed and did some more work with the Physical Activity Stations in the Gym. 
This was a great week! Have an Awesome Weekend and GO RIDERS!!!

Upcoming Due Dates & Homework:

Math
Grade 8

Math Quiz 3.1-3.3 -Tuesday, October 30

Grade 7
McCulloch:
Weber:
French

Unit Test-Monday, October 29th
Unit Review also due on Monday, October 29th

Overdue Assignments:

1) Grade 8 Math Handout 3.4

2) Talent Blog Post

3) Science Centre Blog Post




*Reminders:

-Bring your Halloween costumes on Wednesday, October 31st.  We will change into our costumes at lunch time.

Thursday 25 October 2012

What We Learned Today...October 25th

http://sfa.schools.smcdsb.on.ca/UserFiles/Servers/Server_6/Image/ROBERT/St_KateriTekakwitha.jpg
St. Kateri Tekakwitha

Today we started off the morning with a half hour chat about the results of the elections and how they affect us.  Somehow we also squeezed in some time to discuss the upcoming American Election because some students had watched the latest debate and had some opinions to share with the class. 
During ELA we continued learning about the Writing Process and ended up playing an intense game of "Last Writer Standing" before Ms. Folk came in to do a guest book talk with our class.
After Recess the students had Phys. Ed in the gym and participated in numerous stations with a different physical activity at each stop.

After lunch the students had AR until 1:15 and then began working on their new Religion assignment.  For this assignment, students are tasked with creating a poster or Glog on a Patron Saint of their choice.  However, before they can start designing their poster they must do some extensive research about their chosen Saint.  During the last hour of the day the Grade 8's continued their CAT 4 Test while the Grade 7's worked on a new Social Studies assignment.

Upcoming Due Dates & Homework:

Math
Grade 8

Math Quiz 3.1-3.3 -Friday, October 26

Grade 7
McCulloch:
Weber:
French

Unit Test-Monday, October 29th
Unit Review also due on Monday, October 29th

Overdue Assignments:

1) Grade 8 Math Handout 3.4

2) Talent Blog Post

3) Science Centre Blog Post



*Reminders:

-Grade 8 CAT Testing will continue tomorrow, Friday, October 26th. (Please see student note)

Wednesday 24 October 2012

What We Learned Today...October 24th

Having a blast carving pumpkins......

We had a shortened AR period this morning because we had a very special visiter stop by our class again.  The "Catholic Education Guru", better known as Mr. Meyers stopped by this morning and taught us all about Saints.  He focused on the steps to becoming a Saint as well as the Patron Saints.  The students even got the opportunity to play some Saint "Tic Tac Toe" as well as work in their groups to answer some trivia-like questions for candy.  It's always a treat to have Mr. Meyers stop by our classroom and teach us something new about our faith! We hope he comes back and visits soon!
In Grae 8 Math we continued to work through the CAT 4 tests and started the Mathematics section today.

After lunch the students had Arts. Ed with Ms. Norris followed by Science with Mr. Csada.  For the last hour of the day we paired up with our little buddies in Ms. Wileys class and carved pumpkins.  The little buddies created designs for their pumpkins and the big buddies did an awesome job of helping them clean their pumpkins out and cut out the designs.  I was really impressed with how smoothly everything went and I'm sure Ms. Wiley was as well.  Everyone in our class (like always) acted in a responsible and mature manner and helped make the last hour of the day amazing for our little buddies.  Great Job Grade 7/8's!
Here's some more pictures from the day:
Fresh Pumpkin Seeds
Nothing tastes better than raw pumpkin seeds!


New best friends?

Pumpkin seed ball



Upcoming Due Dates & Homework:

Math
Grade 8

Math Quiz 3.1-3.3 -Friday, October 26

Grade 7
McCulloch:
Weber: Pg 66. 10-17 and there is a quiz tomorrow
French

Unit Test-Monday, October 29th
Unit Review also due on Monday, October 29th

Overdue Assignments:

1) Grade 8 Math Handout 3.4

2) Talent Blog Post
3) Science Centre Blog Post


*Reminders:

-Grade 8 CAT Testing will continue tomorrow, Thursday October 25th. (Please see student note)
-Picture money needs to be in by tomorrow!

Tuesday 23 October 2012

What We Learned Today...October 23rd

Out next unit in ELA will focus on Traits Writing

Today we started out the morning with our usual half hour of AR time for the students to silent read.  At 9:30 we switched things up a bit and had French instead of your usual ELA time.  We played a "fun" game where the students had to use their knowledge of Regular "er" Verbs in order to conjugate 8 new verbs assigned by Mr. Bresciani.  This was used as an alternative to having the students take notes and provided them with more of a self-directed, interactive approach to writing notes. 
In Grade 8 Math we continued writing the CAT 4 exams.  Today we spent the hour on the reading portion of the test. 

 After lunch we had a bonus French class that all the students were absolutely estatic to have! During the half hour period students we given Unit 1 Reviews to work on.  Note: I would highly reccomend students work on these reviews and use them to study from.  They were made with the Unit Test in mind and truly reflect the subject matter from the unit test. 
For the last hour of the day we had ELA and began our unit on "Traits Writing" by examing the Writing Process. 

Upcoming Due Dates & Homework:

Math
Grade 8

Math Quiz 3.1-3.3 -Friday, October 26

Grade 7
McCulloch:
Weber:
French

Unit Test-Monday, October 29th
Unit Review also due on Monday, October 29th

Overdue Assignments:

1) Grade 8 Math Handout 3.4

2) Talent Blog Post
3) Science Centre Blog Post

*Reminders:

-Grade 8 CAT Testing will continue tomorrow, Wednesday October 24th. (Please see student note)

Monday 22 October 2012

What We Learned Today...October 22

Before the Trust Activity

Trying to navigate!
Today was a very special day here at Deshaye Catholic.  We were very fortunate to have the team from Face to Face Ministries visit our school and put on an Awakening Retreat for all the students.  We started out the morning in a school wide assembly where the students listened to some amazing stories from Jon and Masson and shared in singing some powerful songs.  After the assembly we headed back to class and spent the last half hour before recess finishing up our Goods and Services worksheets for Social Studies.  Instead of Grade 8 Math today, the Grade 8's began writing their CAT 4 tests.  We will be writing these tests for the next 3 days, so our Math Quiz will be bumped to Friday.

After lunch all the senior students headed to the gym for the grade 7/8 retreat.  As you can see from the pictures below, they really had a great time and learned a lot!




Some intense concentration
Nooooooo!

Blind fold turned stylish hairband












Upcoming Due Dates & Homework:

Blog Responses

Blog Question for Science Centre: - Due Monday, October 22
What was one thing that you learned today at Science Centre that your didn't know before your visit?
What was your favourite part about our visit to the Science Centre?
(Remember to add some audio or visuals to your blog posts! )

Math
Grade 8
3.4 Handout overdue --> Monday, October 22
Math Quiz 3.1-3.3 -Friday, October 26

Grade 7
McCulloch:
Weber:

Overdue Assignments:

1) Grade 8 Math Handout 3.3

2) Talent Blog Post

*Reminders:

-Grade 8 CAT Testing will continue tomorrow, Tuesday October 16th. (Please see student note)

Friday 19 October 2012

What We Learned Today...October 19th

Working on their Optical Illusions

Today we were fortunate to have Ms. Grad join us in reading during our AR period this morning. I'm sure she was very impressed with how quickly everybody got settled and began reading.  Instead of ELA this morning we switched and had Social Studies to make up for our missed class from earlier in the week. For the first half of Social we continued to learn about Sales Tax and how PST and GST only affect certain Goods and Services that we purchase.  Students then applied this knowledge to their personal shopping lists and calculated total costs factoring in all tax.  At 10:00 we met our little buddies from Ms. Wileys 3/4 class to play some Dr. Seuss themed activities in the gym.
In Grade 8 Math we began tackling some problem solving questions using the Pythagorean Relationship.  (Students recieved an assignment that is listed below)

After lunch the students had Arts. Ed with Ms. Norris and continued creating Optical Illusions using a drawing of their hand.  At 1:45 we made our way to the Library and once again met up with our little buddies and ended off education week by reading books with them. 

Upcoming Due Dates & Homework:

Blog Responses

Blog Question for Science Centre: - Due Monday, October 22
What was one thing that you learned today at Science Centre that your didn't know before your visit?
What was your favourite part about our visit to the Science Centre?
(Remember to add some audio or visuals to your blog posts! )

Math
Grade 8
3.4 Handout due Monday, October 22
Math Quiz 3.1-3.3 -Monday, October 22
Assignment from today:
Pg. 109


Grade 7
McCulloch:
Weber:


Overdue Assignments:

1) Free The Children Response Handout- Due Thursday (Do not do Video #5)

2) Grade 8 Math Handout 3.3


*Reminders:

-Grade 8 CAT Testing will be begin on Tuesday October 16th. (Please see student note)

Thursday 18 October 2012

Broadcast Studio Day!

This morning we quickly gathered in our room at 9:00 and ran over some basic procedures before heading over to the Broadcast Studio at St. Peter.  We arrived at the studio around 9:45 and were greeted by the always wonderful, Ms. Perrey.  She welcomed us into the studio and took us on a quick tour of the entire studio before we began to actually film our broadcasts.  Each group had a chance to use the camera's to film a broadcast, work video and soundboards, act and edit broadcasts today. 
It's important to note that this project was very student centered and students were responsible for all aspects of the day.  In the video below Ms. Perrey gives us a quick video tour of the Broadcast Studio:


RCSD Tour Broadcast Studio from Amy Perrey on Vimeo.

Once all the filming concluded we had a quick lunch break before moving on to editing the broadcasts.  Each group had one iMac or Macbook to edit their projects on.  We did run into a few technical difficulties with the computers, but I was very impressed with how each group was able to handle any problems that came their way and actually finish editing their projects within an hour.

Today was an absolute success and we are very blessed to have such a wonderful and talented class this year.  This group of students has continuted to impress me throughout the year with their responsiblity and maturity both inside and outside of the classroom.  Keep up the good work!

If you would like to view any of the videos from today just check out the RCSD Vimeo Channel.


Upcoming Due Dates & Homework:

Blog Responses

Blog Question for Science Centre: - Due Monday, October 22
What was one thing that you learned today at Science Centre that your didn't know before your visit?
What was your favourite part about our visit to the Science Centre?
(Remember to add some audio or visuals to your blog posts! )

Math
Grade 8
3.4 Handout due Monday, October 22
Math Quiz 3.1-3.3 -Monday, October 22

Grade 7
McCulloch:
Weber:


Overdue Assignments:

1) Free The Children Response Handout- Due Thursday (Do not do Video #5)

2) Step Up Research Paragraph

3) Grade 8 Math Handout 3.3

4) My Talent blog response question. (On our Kidblog)

*Reminders:

-Grade 8 CAT Testing will be between October 15th and October 26th. (Please see student note)

Wednesday 17 October 2012

What We Learned Today...October 17th


Today we started out the morning with AR and then got right into Religion. We finished up our discussion on "Our Talents" and set our sights on our second unit, "We Believe in God". 
 
Here's another video we observed in our discussion about Talents:
 
During ELA we had our final run dress rehearsal as well as our final run through of tomorrow. As I said yesterday, I am completely blown away with how great of a job these students have done with this assignment. They only had three weeks to research, write and perform their broadcasts and have done an amazing job thus far.
In Grade 8 Math, the students were given time to work on any remaining questions they had from Pg. 103 and were given Handout 3.3 to work on as well.
In the afternoon we had the priviledge to attend the Kindergarten Welcome Liturgy, which was absolutely wonderful. (Special Thanks to Mrs. Sutherland for all her hard work preparing everything.) In Social Studies, we continued to learn about Sales Tax and investigated the different rates among the various provinces.
Upcoming Due Dates & Homework:

Blog Responses

Blog Question for Science Centre:
What was one thing that you learned today at Science Centre that your didn't know before your visit?
What was your favourite part about our visit to the Science Centre?
(Remember to add some audio or visuals to your blog posts! ) See Blogging Rubric.


Math
Grade 8
Handout 3.4
 
Pg.103-Due Friday
 
Grade 7
McCulloch:  
Weber:

Overdue Assignments:

1) Free The Children Response Handout- Due Thursday (Do not do Video #5)

2) Step Up Research Paragraph

3) Grade 8 Math Handout 3.3

4) My Talent blog response question. (On our Kidblog)


*Reminders:
-We are going to the Broadcast Studio at St. Peter this Tomorrow. All students will need to bring a lunch with them as we will be there for the entire day.

-Grade 8 CAT Testing will be between October 15th and October 26th. (Please see student note)

Tuesday 16 October 2012

What We Learned Today...October 16th

Unfortunately I was away this morning for a Profesional Development Workshop, but the students were taught by the amazing Mr. Gartner while I was away.  For the morning, students spent their final Broadcast Studio ELA class in full dress rehearsal mode, and appear to have their projects down to a tee!  In Grade 8 Math the students continued to learn about finding the length of a leg or the hypotenuse of a right triangle.  They were assigned Pg. 103 to work on during class.  (The full assignment can be found below)

After lunch we continued to learn how to conjugate "ER" verbs in French and prepped for the game we will play during our next class.  For the the last hour of the day, we had an extra ELA period instead of Social so students could practice their group rotations for when they get to the studio.  (This Social period will be made up on Friday during our regularly scheduled ELA period)


Upcoming Due Dates & Homework:

Blog Responses

Blog Question for Science Centre:
What was one thing that you learned today at Science Centre that your didn't know before your visit?
What was your favourite part about our visit to the Science Centre?
(Remember to add some audio or visuals to your blog posts! )

Math
Grade 8
Pg. 103
a) 1-3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10
b) 1-3, 4, 5, 6, 9-14
c) 1-3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 11-13

Grade 7
McCulloch: Pg 56-57 #3,4,5,6 -Due tomorrow
Weber: 2.2 Due tomorrow


Overdue Assignments:

1) Free The Children Response Handout- Due Thursday (Do not do Video #5)

2) Step Up Research Paragraph

3) Grade 8 Math Handout 3.3

4) My Talent blog response question. (On our Kidblog)





*Reminders:

-All Band Students, Bring Your Instruments Tomorrow! You will have a bonus sectional session because you will miss band on Thursday.

-We are going to the Broadcast Studio at St. Peter this Thursday. All students will need to bring a lunch with them as we will be there for the entire day.

-Grade 8 CAT Testing will be between October 15th and October 26th. (Please see student note)

Monday 15 October 2012

What We Learned Today...October 15th

Some of the cast of the News at 3:00 a.m.
Today we started off the morning with a brief school wide assembley before settling into AR time until 9:30.  During ELA students spent the hour in Full Dress Rehearsal mode for the News Broadcasts.  After seeing some of the costumes the students were wearing today, I can't wait to see them film their projects at St. Peter.  They are going to be amazing!!  Tomorrow will also be a full dress rehearsal day, and the final practice session before we head to the studio. 
In Grade 8 Math students learned how to find the unknown length of the Hypotenuse and the Legs of a Right Triangle using the Pythagorean Theorem.  If students would like to get a head start on tomorrow's assignment, they can check out tomorrows assignment below. 

After Lunch we spent a few minutes reviewing the rotation schedule for Thursday's Broadcasts before segwaying into Religion.  For the remainder of Religion, we discussed how important each one of us is, and how everyone has unique talents to bring to the world.  We looked at the video below to highlight the sad fact that many people tend to judge others by what they see on the outside without realizing the beauty within.
 *Note how peoples reactions really change from before Josh sings to after.  They seem to really view him in a negative light before he sings because of his appearance and how he talks.  Man do things change after! 


I really appreciate how Josh, didn't try to hide who he was before his audition.  He simply came out and showed the world exactly who he is and didn't seem to care what anyone else thought of him.  This is something that I think we can all learn from.  We shouldn't care what anyone else thinks about us.  The only important opinion about ourselves should come from us.


Upcoming Due Dates & Homework:

Blog

Religion Blog: (Due on Monday)

Your Talent blog response question. (On our Kidblog)

Blog Question for Science Centre:
What was one thing that you learned today at Science Centre that your didn't know before your visit?
What was your favourite part about our visit to the Science Centre?
(Remember to add some audio or visuals to your blog posts! )

Math
Grade 8
Handout 3.3 due Tomorrow
Assignment for Tomorrow:
Pg. 103
a) 1-3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10
b) 1-3, 4, 5, 6, 9-14
c) 1-3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 11-13

Grade 7
McCulloch: Pg 56-57 #3,4,5,6 -Due tomorrow
Weber: Pg. 57 #3,4,5,6


Overdue Assignments:

1) Free The Children Response Handout- Due Thursday (Do not do Video #5)

2) Step Up Research Paragraph



*Reminders:

-We are going to the Broadcast Studio at St. Peter this Thursday.  All students will need to bring a lunch with them as we will be there for the entire day.

-Grade 8 CAT Testing will be between October 15th and October 26th. (Please see student note)

Friday 12 October 2012

What We Learned Today....October 12th


Today we switched things up in the morning.  Instead of AR first thing, we had the laptops and spent the half hour working on our Religion Blogging assignment.  ("My Talent" blog post is due on Monday)  As we've been doing all weeek for ELA, students spent the entire hour putting the final touches on their Step Up News Broadcasts.  I've had the chance to see every groups broadcast from start to finish and I must say I'm very impressed with what the students have put together in such a short amount of time.  These are going to look amazing when we head to the Broadcast Studio next week!
In Grade 8 Math we reviewed the assignment on Pg. 99 and then students were given the 3.3 assignment to work on.  (Note: Pg. 99 assignment is due on Monday, you will have more class time to complete 3.3 on Monday.)

After Lunch the students had Arts. Ed with Ms. Norris for a half hour.  Then in French we looked at some more basic questions and responses as well as an introduction to "ER" verbs.  During the last hour of the day we had the annual Staff vs Student Football game.  The students put forth a valliant effort but were unable to overcome the Hot Arm of Mr. Csada and eventually lost 18-6 to the teachers.  The Highlight of the Night goes to Ms. Bachiu for her bone rattling collision with Mr. Bresciani.  She was tested for a concussion after the game, but the results came back negative.  She is listed as day to day moving forward.  (Honourable mention goes to the teachers for their bobsled touchdown celebration)

Upcoming Due Dates & Homework: 

Blog

Religion Blog: (Due on Monday)

Your Talent blog response question. (On our Kidblog)

Blog Question for Science Centre:
What was one thing that you learned today at Science Centre that your didn't know before your visit?
What was your favourite part about our visit to the Science Centre?
(Remember to add some audio or visuals to your blog posts! )

Math

Grade 8: Due Monday
Pg. 99
a)1,2,4,6,10,11
b) 1-8, 9, 11,12, 13, 15, 16
c) 1-8, 11, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21

Handout 3.3 (More class time on Monday)

Grade 7
McCulloch: 1 Math Sheet due Monday
Weber: Pg. 57 #3,4,5,6


Overdue Assignments:

1) Free The Children Response Handout- Due Thursday (Do not do Video #5)

2) Step Up Research Paragraph


*Reminders:

-Students please get your Broadcast Studio Media Consent form signed by your parents!

-Grade 8 CAT Testing will be between October 15th and October 26th.  (Please see student note)

-There was a mix up at Lifetouch and student pictures will not be available until next week.




Thursday 11 October 2012

October 11th...Science Centre Field Trip!!

The Bresciani Bunch
Today we had the priviledge of spending the entire day at the Science Centre.  To start out our morning we spent the first hour at the IMAGINATE exhibit.  This exhibit was really quite interesting because it taught the students about the concept of Innovation.  Students learned the meaning of this concept through experiencing various activities where experimentation and failure were vital to the component of the activity. 
Testing surface properties
After IMAGINATE, we quickly had our lunch before heading over to the IMAX to check out the short documentary "To The Artic 3D".  The documentary focused on how Global Warming is affecting the climate in the Artic and the lengths the various animals have to overcome in order to survive. 
For the last hour of the day the students were given the opportunity to explore the rest of the Science Centre in their groups.  We also had the good fortune of checking out a stage show before we left that taught the students about air pressure and gravity. 
Today was a great day and I was really impressed with how well each and every student represented themselves and our class at the Science Centre.  (Although I didn't expect any less, as we have one amazing class!)

Upcoming Due Dates & Homework:
Blog

Your Talent blog response question. (On our Kidblog)

Blog Question for today:
What was one thing that you learned today at Science Centre that your didn't know before your visit?
What was your favourite part about our visit to the Science Centre?
(Remember to add some audio or visuals to your blog posts! )

Math

Grade 8:
Pg. 99
a)1,2,4,6,10,11
b) 1-8, 9, 11,12, 13, 15, 16
c) 1-8, 11, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21

Grade 7
McCulloch: Pg 48-49 #4-23
Weber:


Overdue Assignments:

1)Free The Children Response Handout- Due Thursday (Do not do Video #5)


*Reminders:

-Students please get your Broadcast Studio Media Consent form signed by your parents!

-We have our annual Staff-Student Football game tomorrow.  If you were on either football team, plesae bring appropriate clothes to play in. 


More Pictures from today:

Creating some interesting crafts

Testing out the Bubbles



More crafts created at IMAGINATE
Shooting some hoops





Testing the wind tunnel
Facial reconstruction


Wednesday 10 October 2012

What We Learned Today...October 10th


Rehearsing their News Cast
Before we began ELA this morning we addded some Feng Shui to our class and organized the desks into a new seating plan.  During ELA students continued to rehearse their News Broadcasts, and I must say I'm very impressed with how great each group has done with this project! These are going to look amazing when we go and film them next week. 
For Grade 8 Math we reviewed Estimating Squares and Square Roots and then began working on an assignment from the text book.  (See assignment below)

After lunch the students had Arts. Ed with Ms. Norris as well as Science with Mr. Csada.  Instead of Social today, we spent the last hour of the day working on our broadcasts because we will miss our ELA class tomorrow due to the Science Centre visit.

Upcoming Due Dates & Homework:
ELA:

Free The Children Response Handout- Due Thursday (Do not do Video #5)


Math

Grade 8:
Pg. 99
a)1,2,4,6,10,11
b) 1-8, 9, 11,12, 13, 15, 16
c) 1-8, 11, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21

Grade 7
McCulloch: Pg 48-49 #4-23
Weber:
               

Overdue Assignments:

1) Grade 8 Math 3.1 Handout


*Reminders:

-Students please get your Broadcast Studio Media Consent form signed by your parents!

-We have our Science excursion to the Science Centre and Imax tomorrow and it is all day long. Please have the students bring a “brown bag” lunch. Refer to the note that I sent home for more details.  Students are welcome to bring

Tuesday 9 October 2012

What We Learned Today...October 9th

We started out our first morning back from the long weekend with a quick assembly in the gym.  After we got back to the classroom we had a shortened AR period due to the assembly and read until 9:30.  In ELA, the students had all finished or were very close to finishing their News Broadcast Scripts and some groups actually began to practice and rehearse their scripts. 
For Grade 8 Math, we reviewd Square Roots & Perfect Squares and began to learn how to estimate Squares and Square Roots without the use of a calculator. 

During Religion we reviewed our 1st religion blog question (Name one of your talents. How can you use this talent to make a positive difference in our class? In our School?) as well as proper blogging protocol.  We also went through the Blogging Rubric as a class so everyone was on the same page as to how Blog Posts will be marked.  (To view the Blogging Rubric, just click on the hyperlink above)
In Social Studies we reviewed what Goods & Services are and then began to explore what happens when we purchase Goods & Services.....Sales Tax.  We briefly touched on what Sales Tax is and students finished the class by discussin GST and how it affects the price of Goods or Services we purchase.  Students were about to use the laptops and desktop computers as well as the iPads for this lesson.  If you would like to view the assignment the students took part in today, feel free to check out the handout that each student used today as they explored Sales Tax. 

Upcoming Due Dates & Homework:

ELA:

Free The Children Response Handout- Due Thursday (Do not do Video #5)


Math

Grade 8:
3.2 Worksheet due Tomorrow, October 10th

Grade 7
McCulloch: Pg. 48 -#4
Weber: 8a-d, 9a-c, 11a-c, 12-13
               

Overdue Assignments:

1) Grade 8 Math 3.1 Handout


*Reminders:

-Students please get your Broadcast Studio Media Consent form signed by your parents!

-Due to the scheduling conflict Band sectionals will be tomorrow. Students need to bring their instruments, music, pencil and something to write on to band tomorrow.

-We have our Science excursion to the Science Centre and Imax on Thursday and it is all day long. Please have the students bring a “brown bag” lunch. Refer to the note that I sent home for more details.

Thursday 4 October 2012

What We Learned Today...October 4th

Happy Thanksgiving!
After our AR time this morning we once again continued to work on our Broadcast Studio scripts during ELA.  Most groups have progressed to the point where they have almost finished up their scripts and are actually ready to start rehearsing their broadcasts in preparation for our Live Broadcasts on the 18th.  During Grade 8 Math we briefly reviewed the Pythagorean Relationship and students were then assigned the 3.2 worksheet.  *Students please note this assignment will be due on Wednesday, October 10th instead of Tuesday, October 9th!

After lunch we quickly took attendance and then made our trek over to Christ the King Church for our Thanksgiving mass.  A special thanks to Mrs. Goulet-Brown and everyone who helped plan such a wonderful mass!
By the time we got back to the school, the students only had a half hour of school left, so  Ms. Norris took the students outside to enjoy a half hour of Physical Activity for their shortened Phys.Ed class.



Upcoming Due Dates & Homework:

Math

Grade 8: Pr. 91 due Tuesday, October 9th
Assignment:
a) 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
b) 1-8, 10, 12-17
c) 1-8, 10, 14, 17-21

3.2 Worksheet due Wednesday, October 10th

                   
Overdue Assignments:

1) Grade 8 Math 3.1 Handout

2) "The Nest" Handout Questions (ELA)

3) Ecological Footprint (Social)

*Reminder:
 
-Students please get your Broadcast Studio Media Consent form signed by your parents!

-We do not have school this Friday, October 5th because it is a TPD Day. 

-We will be going to the Science Centre all day on Thursday, October 11 (Students please remember to give this note to your parents)

Wednesday 3 October 2012

What We Learned Today...October 3rd

All Smiles for Picture Day!

After AR this morning we wasted no time transitioning to ELA. Before breaking into groups to work on the Broadcast scripts, we took a few minutes to re-examine the Long, Medium and Close-Up shots when filming.  These are very important to understand because on top of writing their scripts students also have to create storyboards for their News Casts.  These storyboards will help the students operating the video switch boards to know which camera should be recording and when. 
In grade 8 Math we briefly reviewed the Pythagorean Relationship (a2 + b2 = c2) and Right Triangles before begining a new assignment.  (Please see assignment below)

After lunch Ms. Norris taught the students all about Free Hand Drawing as well as Contour Drawing.  For the first half of French we finished up our Introduction Conversations and during the last half switched gears to ELA and continued to work on our scripts for the Broadcast Studio. 
During the Phys. Ed Ms. Norris took the students outside because the Gym was being used for picture day. 

Upcoming Due Dates & Homework:

Math

Grade 8: Pr. 91 due Tuesday October, 9th
Assignment:
a) 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
b) 1-8, 10, 12-17
c) 1-8, 10, 14, 17-21

Grade 7:
(McC) – Chapter 1 Test – They have the answers to the practice test in the text book to study.
                   

Overdue Assignments:

1) Grade 8 Math 3.1 Handout



*Reminder:

-Mass tomorow at Christ the King at 1:30

-We do not have school this Friday, October 5th because it is a TPD Day. 

Tuesday 2 October 2012

What We Learned Today...October 2nd


Unfortunately Mr. Bresciani was away for the morning at Miller High School for AR training.  However we had another wonderful sub fill in and teach for the morning.  During ELA the students continued to work on their scripts and story boards for their News Broadcasts. Hopefully we will be able to finish up the writing aspect of the broadcasts by early next week and begin our rehearsals!

After lunch we used the laptops and got a chance to log in and explore our new class blog and students were assigned their very first blogging prompt.  "Name one of your talents.  How can you use this talent to make a difference in our class? In our School?"
(Note: Only the students and teacher can view any of the posts in the blogs due to privacy settings.  Parents, if you would like to see your childs blog you will need to have them sign in for you in order to view them)
For the last hour of the day we had an extra ELA class and once again continued to work through those scripts because our Broadcast Day (October 18)  is approaching fast!

Upcoming Due Dates & Homework:

Math
Grade 8: 3.1 is due tomorrow, October 3rd


Overdue Assignments:

1) "The Nest" Handout Questions

2) Grade 8 Math 2.3 Handout


*Reminder:

-Picture day is Tomorrow, October 3rd

Monday 1 October 2012

What We Learned Today... October 1st


Today we were very fortunate to have Mr. Meyers (who is the Catholic Education Services Coordinator for Regina Catholic Schools) stop by and teach us about how important we are in God's Eyes.  Through numerous videos, a bingo game, and even a test..yes I said test, we learned a lot more about who we are as individuals and how there is truly no one else like us in the world.  It was a great hour and a half and we hope to have Mr. Meyers stop by again soon!


After recess the Grade 8's learned all about Right triangles as well as the Pythagorean Theorem.  They were also treated to a special guest teacher...none other than Mr. Darth Vader himself.  If you need a refresher feel free to watch the video again!

 

After lunch the students continued to work on their graphing art assignment for their half hour of Arts Ed.  During the last hour of the day the students finished up their research and began scripting their "Step Up" News Broadcasts

Upcoming Due Dates & Homework:

Math:


Grade 8: 3.1 is due Wednesday, October 3rd



Overdue Assignments:

1) "The Nest" Handout Questions (ELA)

2) Ecological Footprint (Social)

*Reminder:

- Picture day is Wednesday, October 3rd