One Last Post? Saturday, 29 June

First, here is a link to my farewell at the Grade 7 Leaving Ceremony: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eCaRKFw5pi5uF0m2zHvxlqM4kTIwd5JTNf9JxNOwoS4/edit

I had a long but happy day at school yesterday.  I thought I might feel melancholy as I packed up, but I didn't.  I did do much reflecting on the year as I was creating a sample folder of the grade 6s' writing for their next-year's teacher, and as I recycled old test sheets and packed up boxes, but I had a recurring feeling of satisfaction, not sadness.  I was also not sad at our little good-bye celebration for the 17 staff who are leaving the school this year.  Mr. Brown noted that I am the only one who left by choice: that sounds terrible, doesn't it.  I enjoyed the company of everyone on staff and have had moments of doubt about my decision to leave such a positive place.  I have thoroughly enjoyed my year at the Creek.  I have also appreciated the willingness of the staff to challenge our practices and discuss our vision as we ask what school could be like in our quest to deliver the best opportunities and the best programs for our students.  I truly believe exciting times are ahead for the whole school community.  I have received many kind words about my efforts over the past year and they are most appreciated.  But I didn't do it alone.  I was well supported by Carol, Jay-Ann, Sarah, Ms. Henderson, Mr. Pond, Ms. Foster, Ms. McBain, Mr. Clements, Ms. Rive, Joanna and the many parents who were able to support us up front and in the background. We teachers care a great deal about what we do and there is no better fuel for that fire than affirmation from an appreciative school community and the satisfaction that comes from a job well done.  So, thank you, everyone.

All packed up and ready for the next step

Joanna asked that I post this for her:

Here are all the wonderful words and gifts you have all given me.  A beautiful still life reminding me of the good feelings I have from the year and how honoured I feel.  Thank-you everybody!

Joanna

Thank you, Joanna, for teaching me how to do this:
the piece I'm most proud of!

Yippee, Monday 24 June

Today was a good day with the Sea to Sky crew at Camp Elphinstone and Gambier Island.  At first some seemed disappointed by the rain but it proved to be of little consequence for everyone had a good time in spite of the weather.  Actually, the rain let up for most of the day so it was not a big deal anyway.  I don't know about the other canoes, but there was a lot more water coming into the boat by way of splashing paddles than liquid sunshine.  While on Gambier we had the chance to pick the activity we wished to do: some studies the inter-tidal zone, others went up a creek while a third group hiked up a big hill to achieve a view of the surroundings.  Thanks to all of the parent drivers; once again the parents came through for Division Two!

Tomorrow is the grade 7s' leaving ceremony.  Here is the shape of the day:

09:00 - 10:45 - non-instructional time for catch-up activities such as finishing art projects

10:45 - 11:30 - rehearsal - all grade 7s are required to attend but need not be dressed in their good clothes.

11:30 - 12:30 - time to dress and primp hair etc.

12:30 - 1:00 - last minute details, visiting the washroom, etc.

1:00 - 2:15 - leaving ceremony (ending time is approximate)

2:15 - grade 7s are dismissed and parents take over for a planned beach activity.


I'm looking forward to a wonderful day, tomorrow and thanks for a wonderful day, today.
Please e-mail me or post a comment to this blog post if you have any questions.  You may also call me at home - my number is in the directory.

Note: Students are asked to bring a container to hold their school supplies so that desks can be emptied and cleaned.

Note: Anyone who has not paid $10 for his or her art supplies is asked to do so.

It's Friday: happy summer solstice - 21 June

First, I'd like to thanks all of the parents and students for a wonderful time at the grade 7 banquet last night.  I really enjoyed myself, so much so that I didn't want to leave: what a positive energy you all created.  Thanks to all of the parents who were involved in the long-term planning, but also to the many hands who made it all come together on the actual day.  I know that many of you put in many hours of your time and it is most appreciated.  I enjoyed our conversations and who will ever forget "Dancing Queen?" Sorry for that.

Sorry, also, that I didn't get a post out last night, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it as I scurry to get all of the little jobs done that have to get done.

On Monday we will all meet at the school at 9:00 and then get in the volunteer drivers' vehicles to make our way to Camp Elphinstone.  There is no need for parents to stay at the camp for the day, we have enough adult supervisors scheduled to attend.  Drivers will be asked to meet back at the camp for 2:00 p.m. in order to get the students back to the school in time to catch their regular school busses.  Students are reminded to come prepared:

That means BRING YOUR GO GEAR = big lunch, 1litre water bottle, walking shoes, water shoes/sandals/Crocs, sun protection (hat and sunscreen), bandana, rain gear, and asthma puffer/meds (if necessary).  You might wish to add a towel and extra shorts/t-shirt in a garbage bag just in case your canoe tips - I will be doing so.

Here is the list of drivers - again, we got more than we needed - you are all so supportive of our class: THANK YOU!  It is so easy to plan outings with this group (all forms in, all fees received, and all drivers planned in fewer than three days - outstanding!).

Joan H. = 7 passengers
Lucy J. = 7 passengers
Jenine G. = 6 passengers
Lyne L. = 4 passengers
Me = 3 passengers

Today we had a blast at sports day, and that is all I'm going to say. I've got to proofread my report cards and get them to Ms. Rive for vetting.  I hope everyone has a super weekend as we get ready for the grade 7 leaving ceremony on Tuesday at 1:00 p.m.

Better late than never: Wednesday, 19 June

Sorry for the late post: we had a staff meeting, then I stayed to complete my Jack Shadbolt-style painting, and then I came home to complete my report cards - uhg.

First: we have drivers for 16 right now, so please check your schedules or we'll have to cancel Monday's planned activity.  Remember, also, that we need the $10 and the consent forms.  Please also try to bring $10 for art supplies is you haven't already done so - the list of those who have is growing - thanks.

Tomorrow is a big day, as are all of the days left in the year.  We will return our instruments in the morning (9:00-9:30) and then have band.  After recess we will have a rehearsal of the leaving ceremony in the gym (the parents will be setting up for the grade 7 banquet/karaoke extravaganza - planned for 5:00-9:00).  In the afternoon we will have a 30-minute meeting with Mr. Brown about sports day, and then we will do our cardio fitness test.

Today was a very artsy day.  We painted before recess and then had the Academy Awards for most of the rest of the day.  Thanks to Kira and Andrea who gave lots of help cleaning paint pots and brushes.  Thanks to others, like Carol, who also helped keep the operation on the rails.  Thanks especially, to Joanna for showing us the way.  Here are some pics of the day:

We're Back! Monday, 17 June

Hi everyone, we're back.  As you know I was away Thursday and Friday and today we had the grade 7 transition activities at Elphinstone (Mr. Pond) and Chatelech (me) so the grade 6s had to endure a third day without me (my poor little chickens).  I will be teaching at Chatelech next year, so it was nice to have some time to connect with Ms. Sproule, the retiring teacher whose position I will be filling.  I will be speaking about my decision to change schools after only one year when I speak at the grade 7 celebration, but please know now that I am leaving with a conflicted heart because I've had a very positive experience at Roberts Creek and have been given wonderful treatment by everyone in our school community.

Tomorrow we will begin to share our passion inquiry projects, so please be ready to shine.  There are a number of announcements that I wish to give out, so here goes:

ALERT...... WE HAVE EXTRA GRAD FUNDS AND WILL BE GOING TO CAMP ELPHINSTONE ON MONDAY JUNE 24 TO PARTICIPATE IN A DAY OF ACTIVITIES HOSTED BY THE SEA TO SKY ENVIRONMENTAL/OUTDOOR SCHOOL

Once again, I'm asking available parents to drive and once again I'm apologizing for the short notice.  Please e-mail me or post a comment to the blog if you can drive (let me know how many students you can carry).  
I also have to ask for $10 to make up the shortfall in funds. THIS IS A DIVISION 1 & 2 FIELD TRIP AND BOTH GRADE 6 AND 7s IN OUR CLASS WILL BE ATTENDING.

NOTE: Payment, consent forms and drivers will have to be settled by Thursday in order for this activity to go forward.

1. Wednesday, June 19: art with Joanna please remember to bring $10 for your art supplies

and Academy Awards after recess.

2. Thursday, June 20th: return of Prussin instruments

3. Thursday, June 20th: track and field celebration in gym at 12:00 pm.

4. Thursday, June 20th: GRADE 7 BANQUET in the gym from 5:00 - 9:00 pm.

5. Friday, June 21st: SPORTS DAY whole school/all day for us(all-beef hot dogs $1.50, veggie dogs $1.50, juice $1.00 - please bring your own cup to reduce waste)

6. Tuesday, June 25th: GRADE 7 LEAVING CEREMONY in the gym from 1:00 - 2:30 pm.

7. Wednesday, June 26th: Celebration Assembly in the gym from 1:00 - 2:30 pm.

8. Thursday, June 27th: last day of school for students - yippee!

PLEASE CHECK AT HOME TO ENSURE YOU DON'T HAVE ANY LIBRARY BOOKS OR SCHOOL TEXT BOOKS THAT SHOULD BE RETURNED.

Wednesday, 12 June

Sorry for the late post today.  I stayed late to re-do my painting and then had to do a number of things at home - dad stuff.

We began the day with Joanna'sart class.  It started to rain just as we were ready to go out for our 'Group of Seven" plein air work.  It was no big deal: we just found cover and the show went on.  I continue to be amazed at the creativity of the people in our class.  Carol was a big help as usual and once again took some pictures.  You'll notice in all of them that while the kids are all well on their way to completing their pieces, my canvas is blank and I'm still mixing my paint.  Nevertheless, art continues to be a real inspiration for me.  On my drive home, I found myself looking at the trees on the side of the highway noticing the interplay between light and shadow.  When I teach about fiction I try to get the students to appreciate the depth in some writers' work: to notice, for example, the metaphors and the alliteration.  They ask if knowing all that stuff wrecks the story.  I tell them that the opposite is true.  For me, realizing that I am now looking at nature differently is the same thing.  I guess there's more depth to my vision now.  Thanks, Joanna.  I'll post the photos tomorrow.

After recess we did math.  The Math 7 students worked on the problem set for Lesson 7.3.  Tomorrow they'll carry on with 7.4 and then the mid-unit review.

After lunch we did the French test and then did some computer work.  We ended the day with some running and some upper body strength exercises.  It's great to see the positive attitude and effort everyone is showing in p.e.

The grade 7s were given a consent form today in order that they can attend the orientation days at Chatelech and Elphinstone on Monday.

Monday, 10 June

PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE SHORTS AND RUNNERS (NOT FLATS OR SANDALS OR BOOTS) FOR EVERY P.E. CLASS FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR.  STUDENTS SHOULD EXPECT TO BE RUNNING IN SOME FORM EVERY DAY.

I am requesting two parent drivers to volunteer to drive the students who are going to the Chatelech orientation meeting.  I think one of the mums from Division One has already indicated she is available.  I will be staying with the Chatelech-bound students, and Mr. Pond will be going with the Elphi-bound students (they get a bus because there are so many more of them).  A consent form for both groups will go home tomorrow.

Also, please try to remember to bring $10 for art supplies as soon as you can.

I hope you all had an enjoyable weekend.  Mine was quite busy with house guests here to see my eldest daughter in the Dance Academy's show at the Raven's Cry Theatre.  We began our day debriefing the class's most recent paragraph writing assignment.  Without a doubt, the most common writing flaw was run-on sentences, so we reviewed how to avoid them.  Many students commented that they will try to spice up their next piece of writing with some juicy words.  Others noted the need to more effectively employ transition words (signposts) to guide their readers through the twists and turns of their writing.  Here are the notes we created on the board:

Remember to follow the punctuation
recipe for things such as commas.

Next, the class went to band.  I noted that on this report card fine arts will again be separated into "art" (with Joanna) and "band" (with Mr. Grice).

After recess we read for for ten minutes and then started math.  In Math 7 I gave instruction in how to assess numbers in a set of numbers to see if there are any outliers.  We then started the practice set for Lesson 7.3: there is no homework today.

After lunch we read for 15 minutes and then began our inquiry work.  Goldney and Kiah volunteered to use some of their inquiry time to help prime the art "canvasses."  Thanks, girls.  The inquiry projects are due to be finished at the end of Monday, 17 June.  The 7s have their secondary school orientations that day, so the 6s will have one extra class day to work on their projects.  That might be time used to practice the presentations so we get fewer students "reading" their presentations.

We ended the day with some running.  We each also tried to do one chin-up/pull-up.  We'll be doing more of that sort of thing as we get ready for the year-end fitness test.

Tomorrow I will be giving a French pre-test and on Wednesday, after art, we'll have the real test.  Remember to study your notes (or, check the notes posted to the blog - all test questions will be things we've practiced in class).

Yippee, it's Friday: 7 June

Today was a real departure from out usual routine.  Since 30% of the class was away at the District Track and Field Meet at Elphinstone, I chose to give the other students a break from the normal rigor as well.  I met with Mr. Pond and we decided to collaborate in a team-building activity that we did back on the first day of school: the spider web challenge.  It demands collaboration, communication, concentration and critical thinking (not to mention teamwork, trust and agility).  In the morning we pitted the two divisions against one another, and then had a whole-group debrief of the experience.  In the afternoon, (after math, lunch and then reading) we had another round of the spider web challenge with three new teams.  In the morning the times were both over 20 minutes; in the afternoon the fastest group completed the challenge in under four minutes.  Now that is learning.

There is no homework.  Please remember your instruments on Monday.

Also, please try to remember to bring $10 for the year-end art supplies. Thanks, and enjoy the weekend.

Thursday, 6 June

We began the day with a special guest: Ms. Meredith Thomson came and taught us how to play Uno in French.  We tried to play without and English and I thought it went very well for a first try.  It is hard not to slip into English when you're searching for that elusive word in French.  Ms. Thomsom gave us a script that helped immensely with most of the game-play phrases necessary to play.  A big merci, Ms. Thomson.  After Uno, the class had band (some of our grade 6 students worked with our other Ms. Thomson (Bronwyn) to prepare a special math activity for the grade 1 students she works with).

After recess we read for ten minutes and then started math.  In Math 7 we added to yesterday's lesson on mean and mode, and learned about median and range.  With these four terms we can speak better about questions involving averages or measures of central tendency.  We didn't get to begin the practice set on pp. 264-66 as we were interrupted by the fire drill.

Reviewing mode and mean

Learning median

After lunch we worked on our passion inquiries, heard one of the final social studies inquiry sharings, and then went outside for a "personal choice" p.e. session with Division 1.  Some played basketball, some played soccer, some other less organized activities.

Remember that the high jump competition is being held after school at Chatelech and the meet is scheduled to be held tomorrow at Elphinstone.  Good luck to all of our Division 2 athletes. 

Art Day! Wednesday, 5 June

We got to do art today and it was a blast.  I did not want to come in at recess when the bell rang and I know the students felt the same.  Our room is now awash in colour as we've surrounded ourselves with our Matisse-inspired paintings.  Thank you, Joanna, for once again hitting it out of the park with a wonderfully inspiring lesson.  We are asking that each student bring in $10 to offset the cost of the four 2' x 2' plywood canvasses that we are using for the remaining classes.  I don't like asking folks for money and I hope that this request isn't an issue, but if it is, please let me know.  A big thank-you to Carol for her support today (and every art class) in managing the supplies distribution and for taking the photos (because I was too engrossed in my own masterpiece).  Here are some of her pics of our resident artists in action:

Joanna doing her thing!

After recess we finished cleaning up and then did math.  The 7s started a new unit and learned about mean and mode.  We used bingo chips to experience these two concepts and then worked to complete the text book practice set on pp. 260-61.  Most students completed the work in class.  If you needed an extra few minutes, please try to come to class tomorrow with it completed.

After lunch we heard two inquiry sharings and worked on our passion inquiries.  We ended the day with a game of soccer that I totally manipulated by telling the class that I was doing my p.e. marks soon and needed to see them running and sweating today if they wanted to try for the A.  I felt a bit guilty, but the game was certainly a high-tempo one.  Enjoy the sun and I'll see you all tomorrow.

Tuesday, 4 June

1. For tomorrow's en plein air (outdoor) painting lesson (and all sessions left in the year) we'd like you to bring the following to class:

black felt/Sharpi
black oil pastel
pencil
pencil sharpener
sun hat
any acrylic paints you have at home
any brushes you have at home

2. Tomorrow is Neon Day - prizes at noon.

3. Also, remember that tomorrow is the Appreciation Tea at 3:00 - we hope to see you there.



We began the day with the DART reading assessment.  The students read a passage and answered questions and then did an oral reading monitored by a teacher.  This assessment is just a snapshot of the students' reading on one day, but it is a piece that will help identifying how to best serve each student next year.  Once students finished their assessments, theyused any extra time to work on their passion inquiries.

After recess we read for ten minutes and then started math.  In Math 7 I returned the unit tests and then reviewed the one area where many students had difficulty: showing the "check" after solving their equations.  Study packages will not be required to rewrite this test.  There is no homework.

After lunch we listened to three student inquiry presentations on ancient civilizations, worked on our passion projects for 20 minutes and then had a game of Person Hunt in the forest.  I spite of the upset to the morning routine, it was a great day today.  Thanks for all of your cooperation and effort.

Monday, June 3

Heads up: we are hosting an Appreciation Tea for all parents, guardians and caregivers in the library at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5th.  I hope you can all attend.  You've been so supportive of us all year and this is our chance to honour you in a small but sincere way.

The students have also planned a NEON DAY for Wednesday, June 5th: there will be prizes, so dig out your brightest clothes!  (Guests of the Appreciation Tea need not wear neon, but should feel free to do so if they wish).

We began the day with a short French quiz as we waited for the Elphinstone jazz band to get set up for their performance in the gym.  At this point, the phrases connected to food should be quite familiar and students should be anticipating a test soon.  The band sounded good with some talented soloists but they had a student vocalist who really made the experience memorable.  I've never heard a school band accompanied in that way before.  What a great way to begin the day.

After recess we read for ten minutes and then the students had math.  In Math 7 we did the equations unit test.  I'll try to get those marked this evening so you can see the results tomorrow.  There is no math homework.

After lunch we worked on our passion inquiry projects.  I suggested that a good place to start is by asking these questions: 1) What do I already know? 2) What don't I know? and, 3) What do i wonder?  This will help to define where the inquiry should go.  In the end, students will be able to say, I discovered... ; 2) I now know... ; and, 3) I now/still wonder....  I'm hoping that the students will discover that in real life one question/inquiry often leads to another.  I see this as part of the shift away from old school where the focus may have seemed to be about finding a series of "right answers."  There is a balance that needs to be found between facts and finding, and I hope that we can put some of  the wonder back into learning for older students.

We ended the day with a game of capture the flag against Division 1.  We did much better than last time we met them.  I think Thane's pre-game cheers has a lot to do with our success.  Have a nice afternoon.

Please remember that tomorrow night is the Elphinstone parent information night for the families of grade 7 students: it starts at 6:30 p.m.

Happy Friday and welcome June: 31 May

At the bottom of this post, I've included some Math 7 practice questions.  I've put the ANSWERS on yesterday's post.

On Monday at 9:00 we'll welcome the Elphi jazz band in the gym.  Bring your instruments for band class just in case.

We began our day with two number games in French.  They helped us review our numbers and colours.  Yesterday I was at a meeting with other elementary teachers hosted by Ms. Thomson (from our school) and I had the chance to hear about some of the activities others are doing in French class.  Today's lesson was prep work for Uno, a game I just learned but that the students are probably familiar with.

Next, we had a discussion started with this prompt: "How could I make a difference in the world, today?  Later, we watched a video from the Life Vest Inside organization.  Here is the link: http://lifevestinside.com/ You might like to have a look.

After recess we read for ten minutes and then began math.  In Math 7 we continued to practice creating equations from area problems in preparation for Monday's unit test.  Here are some notes:

During lunch, some of our students participated in the Bike Week Tour de Roberts Creek.  After lunch we read and worked on our passion inquiries.  Students have started to add reflective comments to the blog on the passion inquiry process (see below).  Next, we listened to Hannah and Amber share their presentation.  Here is a pic:

Enjoy your weekends and parents, don't forget about the Spring Fling fundraiser on Saturday night at the Hall.
I am going to try to make an appearance, but Saturday is the Army Cadets big year-end event.

Here is the Math 7 practice test (answers on yesterday's post):

Practice test - 1

Practice test - 2

Practice test - 3

Practice test - 4

Practice test - 5