Week 10

 Dear Parents and Students,

It seems that autumn has finally arrived, and we can enjoy some cooler weather. As the temperature tends to fluctuate at this time of year, we should all be vigilant in making sure we have suitable clothes for the changing conditions. The weather may be changing, but in the classroom, we have been busy, as usual. In addition to our regular classes, we concluded the MAP testing, and we had a special treat to finish the week with the Secondary Department holding their Halloween Carnival on Friday afternoon.

In the Classroom:

Maths

We have finished Topic 5, which was all about multiplication, including strategies such as breaking apart and compatible numbers. We had our topic test on Friday, and we will begin Topic 6 on Monday. This is a short but important unit dedicated to algebra.

Literacy Workshop

This week, we read Tanya’s Reunion, and discussed the story in our Reading Circles. The conversations taking place have been very impressive, with each group learning to delve more deeply into the story and its themes. We have completed our grammar unit dedicated to nouns, and have started a new unit all about verbs.

Science

We have finally completed our mystery surrounding the Ashfall Fossil Beds in Nebraska,

and we have begun to review what we know about slow and rapid surface changes. We

will continue our review next week, and we will have a minor online unit test on Wednesday. 

Social Studies

After spending most of last week focused on our presentations, we have now returned to

learning about economics. Using the USA as a model, we have been investigating the various industries that make up a nation’s economy, and how it may be affected by elements such as supply and demand. Next week, we will spend a lesson reviewing Chapter 2, and we will have an open-book test on Tuesday.

Extra

We have a regular full week next week, before another shortened week afterwards. Check below for important dates, including Halloween and Fun Day, taking place the week after next. Parents are welcome to attend both of these activities, and we are all keen to see our families attending the activities once more. 

Also, a reminder that influenza vaccinations will be administered on Tuesday to all students who have registered. Students, please remember to bring your health insurance cards.

I hope you all enjoy your weekend, and I’ll see you all on Monday!

Dates to remember:

Tue Oct 24: Social Studies open-book test - Chapter 2

‘Flu vaccinations

Wed Oct 25: Online Science test: Birth of Rocks

Tue Oct 31: Halloween / Dress-up day - Parents welcome!

Wed Nov 1: Fun Day - Parents welcome!

Th-Fr Nov 2–3: Mid-semester break

Mo-Fr Nov 6–10: Parent/Teacher meetings