Happy Holidays

Dear Parents:

I feel so honoured to be your child's teacher. These first few months as we grew to know a bit about each other have been a time of enrichment and amazement. I teach a wonderful group of skilled, mature, curious, enthusiastic and talented learners. I so look forward to the next term, where the learning will continue, confidence will increase, and leadership should bubble up.

I am very thankful for the lovely Christmas cards and gifts you sent my way, as well as for the baking and prep families helped with, in order to make our small party this afternoon such a success. Many thanks for your thoughtfulness and evident support; it means a lot to a teacher!

The snow outside our window was like frosting on the cake today... you couldn't have scripted it better if you tried. Just a few magical days left and then it will be Christmas! I hope yours is a time of family, relaxation, warmth, and ease.

See you in the new year!

TodaysMeet

This is an example of how students can share their thoughts collaboratively online, in a safe, closed "chat room". I typed a question about a novel we're reading, and students began to answer using the school's iPads. Not only can they see my question, they can see their own and everyone else's responses on their iPad. This "room" will delete in one week. Check it out! After clicking the link above, scroll down to view my first question, then the students' answers, and subsequent questions and answers.

This free collaborative space is called TodaysMeet, and requires no account or email to set it up. Great for backchannel conversations in the classroom.

Homework:

Math:
Gr 4: p. 76 # 1-6 (F) (except choir singers who are exempt tonight)
(Any Gr. 4s who re-wrote their 3 x tables quiz should bring it home for a parent signature, and return to Mr. Clarke (F)
Gr 5: p. 130 # 4, 6, 7, 8 (F)

Social Studies:
Gr. 5: Text p. 135 and Natural Resources chart (T)

Science:
Div 5 did their first "Genius Hour" today (and it was great! See pictures below), and will present next Tuesday.

Div 4 has their first Genius Hour tomorrow (Friday) and they will present next Wednesday.

Our first Genius Hour prep period with Ms. Reichert's Div 5 class:

Math Homework:
Gr. 4: p. 74 # 1-7 (Th)
Gr 5: p. 129 # 1-3 (Th)

Socials
Natural Environment handout coloured (T)

Science
Prepare for Genius Hour:
Div 4 (padlet.com/wall/clarkefirstname) (for Friday Dec 6)
Div 5 (Thursday Dec 5)

Reminder:
Vancouver Giants "Read to Succeed" draw will happen soon. Completed passports due asap

Report card *covers only* are to be returned to Mr. Clarke asap. You keep the report card.

3 x tables quiz ought to be signed by a parent and shown to Mr. Clarke. Next opportunity to write the quiz is this Thursday Dec 5)