AWESOME!!!

Catching Fire was AWESOME - and so were the kids!!! We had such a great time!

Now the task is to write a proper movie review!  Everything that the kids need to be successful for this activity has been taught in class, and there is an organizer on the Cloud to help get them started.

The unit test for number sense, was on Monday.  We have a few kids finishing up, so hopefully I will have everything marked by Monday - but no promises!

We have started our patterning and algebra unit, and should be finished by Christmas break.

Novel studies are pretty much done, except for culminating activities...  The kids will choose an activity, and work on it until after the winter break.

ONE more reminder : On Monday night - December 2nd - Evolve Tours will be at the school at 7pm to talk about the grade 8 trip.  Please attend if you can, as this session is quite informative.

Take care,

Miss Waddell

Catching Fire!

We are so excited to see Catching Fire tomorrow in Orangeville!  We leave at 10:30am and will return before 3:00 pm....

Students are expected to complete a writing assignment following the viewing of the movie.  The assignment is a proper movie review, and the expectations have been clearly outlined in class. A organizer for this assignment is also available for the kids on the UGCloud.

On December 2nd, at 7:00 pm, in the school cafeteria, Evolve Tours will be holding a parent information night regarding the grade 8 trip.  Please attend with your son or daughter if possible.  The dates of the Grade 8 trip are June 2 - June 5th.

Fundraising for the grade 8 trip will begin with chocolate bar sales. A newsletter and order form are coming home with the kids today to outline the entire process.  Mr. Primeau is in charge of the fundraising, although if you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call at school.

Talent Show night is the night of December 11th.  The show starts at 7:00pm and has a holiday theme this year!  Auditions are starting this Wednesday.....

Thank you to all of the parents that came out for parent-teacher interviews! It was so nice to see everyone!  If you have not booked an interview yet, please call me at the school to do so.

Take care,

Miss Waddell

Thursday

Here are a few reminders for Thursday :

We are heading to Centre 2000 for our second visit with the seniors program. We leave at 12:15 and return at 1:00.

Interviews are Thursday night and Friday during the day. If you haven't booked an appointment, please feel free to do so on the UGCloud.

We are having a unit math test on our Number Sense and Numeration activities. It will be Monday afternoon.

And finally,  on Tuesday we are off to the theatre to see Catching Fire.

Take care,

Miss Waddell

Monday!

Our novel studies are coming to a close.   Today we completed our last literature circle task, and the second chapter summary is due Thursday.  Final literature circle activities will be completed in their task booklets, and third chapter summaries are due by the end on next week. The teacher in charge of each novel will go over the culminating activities/possibilities for each book.  There are many options available to explore, and I will list some of the possibilities as the novel studies finish up.

The grade 8's are heading to Galaxy Cinemas in Orangeville to see Catching Fire, next Tuesday.  The rating of the movie is PG 13 in Ontario. If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know. Permission forms have gone home and are due back by next Friday. Parents are more than welcome to join us.

In math, we are nearing the end of our Number Sense and Numeration unit.  We are currently studying Scientific Notation, and will be doing so for two more days. We will have a unit test on Thursday, and will move onto patterning by next Monday.

In media studies, we have been looking at "gum" commercials and the message that they convey to a specific target audience. We will be developing our own new "gum" with a certain creative packaging, for a specific target audience. The kids need to bring in a box - to start developing their product.  Also in media, the kids will be writing a proper movie review - that relates directly to our Catching Fire movie viewing.

In gym, we have moved on to floor hockey. We will be studying the Canada Food Guide and proper nutrition for the busy grade 8 athlete.

In art, we are studying the colour wheel and the kids are developing a piece of art using warm or cool colours.

Just a reminder :  Parent/Teacher interviews are this Thursday night and Friday during the day.  I have sent a schedule to each of the kids on their UGCloud account.  Please sign up for any interview time that is open. If times conflict, or if you would like to book another time that works better for you  - please contact me at the school.

Take care,

Miss Waddell

Recess!

Recess activities in Room 18!

Progress Reports

This is just a brief reminder that Progress Reports went home today.  Please go over this report with your son or daughter. Return the tear-off portion of page 2 and the envelope, to school at your earliest convenience.

 Parent/Teacher interviews are next Thursday night and Friday during the day.  I have sent a schedule to each of the kids on their UGCloud account.  Please sign up for any interview time that is open.  If times conflict, or if you would like to book another time that works better for you  - please contact me at the school.

Take care,

Miss Waddell

Lots to talk about!

Room 18 is a busy place!

Here goes.....

Our novel studies are coming to a close - only two weeks left!  That means 2-3 literature circle tasks left, and two Chapter summaries.  The teacher in charge of each novel will go over the culminating activities/possibilities for each book.  There are many options available to explore, and I will list some of the possibilities as the novel studies finish up.

The grade 8's are heading to Galaxy Cinemas in Orangeville to see Catching Fire, on November 26th. The rating of the movie is PG 13 in Ontario. If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know. Permission forms have gone home and are due back by next Friday. Parents are more than welcome to join us.

The "Going to the Movies" 6-square essays -good copies - are due on Friday. The kids must have their rough copies self-edited, peer edited, and they must meet with me for a teacher conference before they start their good copy.

In math, the kids will be getting their square root/perfect square essays back tomorrow.  We are working on exponents right now and will move on to Scientific Notation by the end of the week.

Progress Reports go home Thursday.  Please go over this report with your son or daughter. Parent/Teacher interviews are next Thursday night and Friday during the day.  I have sent a schedule to each of the kids on their UGCloud account.  Please sign up for any interview time that is open.  If times conflict, or if you would like to book another time that works better for you  - please contact me at the school.

Our class potluck will take place during the last two periods on the 28th of November. The group that won our first Monopoly challenge chose this as their celebration/reward. There will be a sign-up sheet to fill in for treats and munchies.

Our next visit with the seniors at Centre 2000, on November 21, at 12:15pm.

I think that wraps things up for now!

Take care,

Miss Waddell

Due Dates

A few reminders :

The kids' chapter summaries were due today - most handed their's in on the cloud.

4-square writing assignments are due up until tomorrow.

Science : Cell songs are due by Monday

French : baking supplies and activities are due for tomorrow


Our Remembrance Day ceremony begins shortly after 11:00 am , in the small gym.  Students from our class will be reciting poems.  All parents are welcome.

Our next visit with the seniors will take place on the 21st of November at 12:15pm at Centre 2000.


Take care,

Miss Waddell

Busy Busy Busy!

It seems like things just get busier in Room 18!

Novel studies are well underway, and this is a quick reminder of the novel study expectations.  On day 1, the students read and discuss their novel. On day 3, the students MUST have their literature circle tasks completed so when they meet in small groups, the students can participate appropriately in discussions and activities based on the novels. Also, chapter summaries are due this week as well : each student being responsible for three over the course of the novel study.

In language, we are working on our 6-square writing method. This is a program that uses a "six squares" organizer, and guiding words that help the students develop a structure and flow to their writing.

In math, we are discussing exponents, and this Friday, the students have a quiz on perfect squares and square roots.

In phys-ed we are bouncing between 2 sports - volleyball and basketball.

The volleyball team try-outs are this week after school and during breaks, and the ice hockey team starts at Centre 2000 tomorrow after school from 4-5.

Take Care,
Miss Waddell

Halloween Fun!

The kids had a great day!!!! And Congrats to Ryan P - who won the intermediate division "best costume" contest!

Spirit Day!

This is just a quick reminder that Thursday - Halloween - is our first spirit day!  Come to school dressed in your costume, or in black and orange! There will be a reward for the best costume in the intermediate division!

Periods 4 and 5, we will have our Halloween social. Treats and snacks can be brought in, as can games and appropriate activities for the kids to participate in. We have discussed this in class, and most students have decided what they would like to bring in.

Novel studies are well underway....  Day 1, period 3 - we read together and discuss as a group. Day 3, period 6 - kids have their literature circle tasks completed so they can discuss in their small groups.

Friday : due date for ordering school photos - the proofs were handed out last week

November 7th is photo re-take day.

Take care!

Miss Waddell

Short day!

Hello!

Today is a half-day PA day! The kids are dismissed today at 12:00pm.  And although today has been a short one - it has been a good one!

This week, we have accomplished many things!  In language, we have begun our novel studies - both the reading and the literature circles.  On day 1 period 3, we meet as a group and spend the period reading and discussing a section of the novel. On day 3 period 6, each student participates in and is responsible for a literature circle task. Each student has a particular role such as : discussion director, summarizer,  illustrator, etc. The students discuss their tasks/roles in a small group setting and share ideas regarding the plot of their novels.

In math, we have moved into our Number Sense unit.  We have been learning about prime and composite numbers, factors and multiples, and will be moving on to square roots and exponents. I have marked the students' Geometry tests and they are to be taken home for you to look over and sign.

In gym, we have been working on two sports : basketball, and a little bit of volleyball. Both are going quite well.  In health, we are focusing on healthy eating an nutrition using Canada's Food Guide.

In history, the students have another week - 2 full periods - to finish their Confederation/Conferences project. All information is accessible on the cloud, therefore, the kids can be working on the assignment at home as well.

Reminders :

Thursday : Halloween Spirit Day - come dressed in your costume or orange and black clothes

Friday : due date for ordering school photos - the proofs were handed out at the beginning of the week

November 18 : our next visit with the seniors


I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!

Miss Waddell

Special Day

Today was our first visit with the seniors at Centre 2000.  Everything went so well!  Here are some pictures:

Time Change

There has been a slight time change to our visit with the seniors at Centre 2000 today :
We will be heading over at 11:15 and returning shortly after 12:00.

Looking forward to it!

Miss Waddell

Monday!

Our first visit with the seniors at Centre 2000 takes place Monday afternoon!  We will be leaving around 12:00 and returning at 1:00. I am really looking to it - updates will be posted tomorrow :)

The kids will be getting their geometry math tests back tomorrow - overall, the kids did very well.

The grade 8 novel studies are well under way! The kids chose what novel they would be reading and the following teachers will be in charge of the following novels : 

Mrs. Reilly : The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Mr. Primeau : End of Days

Mr. Sehl : The Giver

Miss Waddell : Catching Fire

Each week we will meet twice. Once to read and discuss as a group, and once for the students to complete and participate in their literature circle groups.

The boys and girls soccer teams participated in the regional tournament last Friday and they were awesome! Congratulations on representing Erin P.S. so well!

Reminders :

This Friday is a 1/2 day PA day.  Buses pick up the kids at 12:00

Our first spirit day is Halloween day : dress in costumes of black and orange

Progress reports go home in 3 weeks

Take care,

Miss Waddell

Due Dates!

Just a quick reminder about due dates :

In Language :

1. Lollipop summaries due Friday
2. Cafeteria creative writing was due last week  - some students have not handed in
3. Terry Fox summary was due TWO weeks ago - still waiting for a couple to come in


In Math :

1. All angle and triangle math is due tomorrow
2. Geometry review sheets are due Friday


In Art :

1. Terry Fox shoe activities are past due


Hope this helps when you ask your kids what is due and they answer : "All my homework is done"

Take care,
Miss Waddell

Community Connection

Community Connection

One of the activities that I wanted to pursue with 8D this year, was a connection to our Erin/Hillsburgh community.  We have the opportunity to visit the seniors program at Centre 2000 once or twice a month, starting next week. The visits will include visiting and talking with the seniors, playing games/cards with the community members, and also learning about the lives and backgrounds of the seniors we visit with. Eventually, this will lead us to the writing of a community members’ biography.

At the beginning of the school year, each parent filled out a blue walking-permission form that allows the students to make trips to Centre 2000, so a form will not be necessary for our Centre 2000 excursions.  Our first visit to meet the seniors will be next Monday afternoon, for an hour.  Any parents wishing to join us are more than welcome. If you have any questions, please call me at the school or leave a note in the agenda.

Take care,

Miss Waddell

Great weekend!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!

Another week has begun!

Happy Erin Fall Fair and Thanksgiving!

Another week is flying by and I can tell by the buzz in the air that the Erin Fall Fair and Thanksgiving is coming quickly!

We had an awesome day at the Grade 8 Career Day!! I think the kids really got their eyes open to how many options there are for post-secondary opportunities!

We have been quite busy in Room 18... getting things finished that need to be finished....starting new things and working away on others.

Here's a glance at our week so far :

In Language , the kids have been working through their first "Language Rotations".  We have been working on writing Terry Fox news article summaries, we have been working on descriptive and detailed writing, current events and reading the news, and have also been working on small novel studies in our guided reading sessions. We have been working on the writing process as well : brainstorming, organizing thoughts,  writing rough copies, self-editing, peer editing, teacher conferencing and then students move onto a good copy.  Good copies can be typed or written.

In Math, we have completed Internal Angle Theory of triangles, and will be working on a culminating activity that involves designing a geometry logo for a business. The kids will also have a test on Tuesday when they return, that covers our entire geometry unit.

In History we are moving through the causes of Confederation, and the three conferences that led up to the signing of the Dominion of Canada.

In Phys-ed/ Health, we have finished soccer and have moved onto basketball.  In health, we continue on with healthy eating. The kids have been much better at bringing in proper gym attire this week - awesome!

Mr. O'Neil, our teacher candidate has been observing and helping out in our classroom, and this week he will be teaching some of our history and art lessons. We wish him luck!

Art work created by 8D has been sent over to the fair - check out the displays to find the kids' art!

I hope everyone has an amazing Thanksgiving!  Enjoy the time with family and friends!

Miss Waddell

Awesome week!

Congratulations on a great week 8D!

Photos went well..... classes were smooth and engaging......homework was handed in on time......
Yahoo!

We are headed to the Orangeville fair grounds for the grade 8 Career Day on Tuesday. Vendors, local businesses and services, educators, and interactive booths will be available to the kids to explore many careers options and opportunities.  We leave at 9:00am and return by 12:30pm - parent volunteers are welcome!

Reminders :

Terry Fox shoe art is due Monday

"Cafeteria" creative writing good copies can be sent over the cloud by Tuesday

No math homework this weekend!

French postcards are due next week.

Friday is a PA day - before Thanksgiving weekend.

Have a great weekend!!!!

Miss Waddell