Weekly Update - November 28

It was so lovely meeting with families this week. If you were unable to book a conference please reach out because we’d still love to meet! 

Highlights of the Week: 

• ELAL – Students continued working on different elements of story writing. They spent time working on building suspense through various techniques.  
• Math – We used base 10 blocks to build numbers and regroup them. We then practiced adding using base 10 blocks, expanded form, and standard form. We will be practicing adding decimals and solving word problems next week.  
• Science – Space Unit 
• Grade 6 – Students finished up their planet posters this week. If they are not finished, they will be coming home for homework next week. Some students who finished their posters early spent time researching current events in space. 
• Grade 5 – We spent time reading Indigenous Star Stories this week. Students were split into groups to read and brainstorm about their stories. They created a visual to accompany their specific story in their visual journals. 
• Social  
• Grade 5 – We completed a hands-on simulation where students rolled dice to determine whether their civilization could withstand various internal and external challenges. Afterwards, we began designing our own civilizations on blank maps. This project will continue next week.  
• Grade 6 – Students deepened their understanding of Ancient Athens by role-playing life in a direct democracy. They debated and voted on issues that real Athenians might have faced. We also explored how trials worked in Athens, including the role of a jury and how citizens defended themselves.  

How you can support at home: 

• Homework – we sent some addition word problems that students can work on. On the back of the paper there is room to practice building suspense by describing an object/character without naming it. We call this technique Word Referents.  
• Math – work on basic math facts and friendly numbers within 100 
• ELAL – reading out loud with your child 

Important Dates: 

• Healthy Hunger Mucho Burrito – December 11 
• Healthy Hunger Booster Juice – December 18 
• Photo Re-takes – December 11 
• Winter Concert – December 11 
• Spirit Days: 
• 80’s day – December 15 
• Triplets Day – December 16 
• Waikiki Wednesday – December 17 
• Dress like a Teacher Day – December 18 
• Pyjama Day – December 19 
• Last day of Classes – December 19 
• Winter Break – December 20 – January 4 
• Classes Resume – January 5 

Reminders: 

• Patrols – A new patrol schedule was sent home this week. Please review it with your child so they are prepared for their morning or afternoon shifts. We cancel patrolling when it is –20 or below with windchill.  
• Indoor/Outdoor Shoes – Snow is here! If your child does not have indoor and outdoor shoes, they won’t be allowed out for recess to help keep our classroom and school clean.  

Learning Intention of the Week – Building Suspense in Writing 

This week, students learned how writers build suspense using three key techniques. First, we explored word referents, describing an object or action without naming it directly to spark curiosity for the reader. Next, we practiced The Magic of Three, using three sensory details to hint at an object, character, or event. Finally, we experimented with using questions a character or narrator might ask, helping the reader share the same wonder or concern.