Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Welcome Back to Our 2011-2012 Year!

Hello all, welcome back to a new school year! I am looking forward to seeing all of you on Monday, August 29th!! (Just so you know, teachers have to go back Thursday, August 25!!)

Although my holiday was awesome, and I really didn't want it to end, I am still looking forward to the start of a new school year! So what can you look forward to??? Maybe "looking forward to" is a little strong, how about... expect???

In September we are going to start our year by studying the following...

English Language Arts: "Step Up and Make a Difference" - In this unit you can expect to read short stories, poetry and essays about people who have "walked the talk" and made helping others a lifetime adventure. Does this mean we will be blogging?? You bet!!!

Social Studies: "Exploring Cultures in Our World" - You probably guessed it... yep this unit is about examining the components and diversity of culture around the planet. Get ready to create your own "Amazing Race Culture Quest"via Google Earth! This interactive project will be shared with the class, giving everyone the chance to learn more about cultures around the world.

Religion: "The Medicine Wheel and Me" - In this short unit, we will explore the components of the Medicine Wheel and the importance to First Nations Spirituality and Culture, and how we as Christians, can apply the same principles to our own lives. In our second unit, we will be learning about people who have followed in the footsteps of Jesus, and made a difference in the lives of others. Part of this unit will involve a research project where students will research and present projects on the lives of those who inspire us with their gifts of helping others today and in history.

French: "Daily Routines and Physical Activity" - This unit is fairly self explanatory... we will focus on the vocabulary for daily routines (everyday phrases, like those needed for answering the phone) and of course exploring vocabulary related to physical fitness and wellness. Students are expected to not only learn vocabulary but basic grammatical structures as well. We will also practice oral french skills as well!

Math 8: This year I will continue to teach Grade 8 Math... We will kick off the year with a review of basic math skills, as well as a Preliminary Diagnostic Test (just to see where you are in your skills). Then we will get into our first unit in "Number Operations"... Place Value, scientific notation, expanded notation, squares and square roots...

Math 7: This class will be taught by Mr. McCulloch

Science will be taught by Mr. Csada
Health and Career Ed. will be taught by Mr. McCulloch
Arts Ed. will be taught by Ms. Richter
Phys. Ed. will be taught by Mr. Cote

Welcome Mr. Cote and Ms. Richter! These two dynamite teachers might be new to some of you... although older students might remember Ms. Richter... I have had the pleasure of working with both of these individuals at other schools and through projects with our school division. They are fantastic teachers who will inspire you with their enthusiasm and passion for teaching!

Please check out the Classroom Procedures Page of this Blog... Students will receive a hard copy of this document for you to review with you child, then return to school. If you have any questions, please contact me by phone 791-7270 or by e-mail at j.stewart-mitchell@rcs.sk.ca