The Premier

Doors inside the school by all means but; someone has to say it.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/mcguintys-locked-door-policy-acquiesces-to-unfounded-fears/article6734304/

If you highlight, right click and go to services, you can then open the URL.

Just for you

To one and all

Amazing last two days

We had such a good time together for the last 2 days of classes. We sure can work hard and celebrate well in area 34. 

Have a happy and safe holiday. There is snow on the ground as Boubalou predicted. Merci Griffin.

Tea today

At tea today Eva brought Celestial Sugar Plum Spice Herbal tea and it was a huge hit. It is on the blog because students wanted to know what to buy and where to buy it, it was so delicious. Merci Eva.

Last week of 2012

Week in review

Monday day 2: running; math module 1 et 2
Tuesday :
Wednesday day 4: 9:15 concert rehearsal, parents invited
Thursday day 5: running; 2 pm concert parents invited
Friday Day 1: sign along in the gym from 1:30 to 2 p.m.

For parents' eyes only:
Thursday we will run to the castle at high park where hot chocolate will be waiting for us. We should be at the castle at 10 ish. 
Parents, siblings are most welcome; the kids love to see you participating. I will not mention it to the students and this year we'll try to remember the marshmallows. Thankfully we had Mme Gagnon who remembered last year. Wear warm clothing. The students should also run in warmer clothing than they usually do.

Kindness

I received 10 or so presents today from random acts of kindness from area 34. This is very cool! Thank you.

FYI

The children have been talking a lot about the Mayan Calendar predicting the end of the world on December 21 2012. The last time the end of the world was predicted they were at home but this time it's the last day of classes. 
For you to know and assess the level of concern your child may have. 
I tell them that we will spend the day together, and then they will go home to their family. It will also be a tea day!

Something interesting I found today

OP-ED CONTRIBUTOR Hanukkah, Unabridged BY HILARY LEILA KRIEGER Hanukkah?s elevation as a widely celebrated holiday ignores and sanitizes its historical basis and real meaning. Or, copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://nyti.ms/YLojDU

Happy Hanukkah.

Week of Dec. 10 to 14

Weekly schedule
Monday day 2: running
Tuesday day 3: review of module 11 in math
Wednesday day 4: rote learning for 3's and 4's woodchuck in latin
Thursday day 5: running
Friday day 1: tea; character assembly

Running The long range forecast predicts a comfortable run on both our running days. Please make sure your child has running shoes to run, even in the snow. Boots offer the wrong support for running.

Can you tell what this picture shows?

Before the bell in area 34 As you all know, we have to suspend coming to area 34 before the entry bell in the morning, at least for a while. Last week I was looking at you, the students and your parents, hanging out in the classroom before school. It was a beautiful sight, indeed. 

Christmas gift giving
Some families like to offer presents to their child's teacher at this time of year. Please know that if your child performs a random act of kindness every day until the holidays, that is a huge gift and all I need or want. We'll talk about this more in class.

Week of December 3 to 7

Monday day 3: math finish module 3, start module 11; reading buddies; gr 4 wolf story due; gr 3 Cornelia story due
Tuesday day 4: new vocab; library book exchange in a.m.
Wednesday day 5: running
Thursday day 1: tea
Friday: PD day no school for students

Math Students must complete 1 lesson per day; usually started in class. This week they will learn to match block form shapes with their appropriate names. This will be a rote exercise.

Typing can be done at home if students have the time and the opportunity. We lack time and resources at school.

Tea We have had many contributions from families to our weekly tea. We appreciate the time and the effort you put into it very much.

Morning Visits As of Monday December 10, students will no longer have the opportunity to come to the classroom earlier than entry-bell-time. I am not sure how long this will last, but I'll miss that time as I enjoy our mornings very much. I'll keep you posted.