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.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Friday, June 21, 2013
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
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:
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:
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Tuesday, 18 June
Today we began by running through the calendar of events for the final days of school.
I gave the grade 7s their sheets to write some things about themselves to be spoken when they go on stage to get their diplomas on Tuesday. Next, I spent some time discussing the Division 1 and 2 Sea to Sky event planned for Monday. The students will arrive and leave school at the usual times on that day. We need each student to meet the following three criteria by Thursday or we will be forced to cancel:
1. the permission/consent package returned, singed with all lines completed
2. payment of $10
3. enough volunteer drivers with all necessary documentation in at the office. (I have one driver already!)
See yesterday's post for more info on other happenings.
We spent the rest of the day listening to the passion inquiry presentations and they have all been very good. Everyone has put a good deal of thought and creativity into the sharing of his or her learning and the audience has been very respectful and attentive. I would like to thank everyone for his or her cooperation.
Tomorrow is art and Academy Awards, but on Thursday we will finish the passion inquiries and complete the cardio section of the fitness test.
Now I'm off to complete my report cards. Enjoy the day.
FIRST THING TOMORROW, PLEASE REMIND ME TO CHOOSE THE CLASS SPEAKER FOR THE LEAVING CEREMONY
I gave the grade 7s their sheets to write some things about themselves to be spoken when they go on stage to get their diplomas on Tuesday. Next, I spent some time discussing the Division 1 and 2 Sea to Sky event planned for Monday. The students will arrive and leave school at the usual times on that day. We need each student to meet the following three criteria by Thursday or we will be forced to cancel:
1. the permission/consent package returned, singed with all lines completed
2. payment of $10
3. enough volunteer drivers with all necessary documentation in at the office. (I have one driver already!)
See yesterday's post for more info on other happenings.
We spent the rest of the day listening to the passion inquiry presentations and they have all been very good. Everyone has put a good deal of thought and creativity into the sharing of his or her learning and the audience has been very respectful and attentive. I would like to thank everyone for his or her cooperation.
Tomorrow is art and Academy Awards, but on Thursday we will finish the passion inquiries and complete the cardio section of the fitness test.
Now I'm off to complete my report cards. Enjoy the day.
FIRST THING TOMORROW, PLEASE REMIND ME TO CHOOSE THE CLASS SPEAKER FOR THE LEAVING CEREMONY
Monday, June 17, 2013
Plein air painting pics: last week's art lesson of the Group of Seven style
Thank you, Carol, for once again acting as our logistician and photographer! No laughing at the fact that I spent almost the whole class just trying to mix my paint! My canvas is still white in every photo.
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.
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, June 12, 2013
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.
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.
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