Merciful Works for Lent Reflection

LENT 2012...


So What's all this talk of sacrifice and giving all about? Why is Lent so important to Catholics??


Need to Know More About Lent and why we do the things we do as Catholics???
Check Out this link from Catholic On-line to get the facts on LENT:  http://www.catholic.org/clife/lent/faq.php

Lenten Reflections Link from Loyola Press...
http://www.loyolapress.com/living-lent-daily.htm

Video Reflection for Lent...


Meditation for Lent...


Why is the 40 Days of Lent so Important?


A Journey Through Lent
A journey through lent in pictures, words, phrases and music. Join Christ from his entry into Jerusalem through the Last Supper.

When we look  at the work of mercy, we need to examine the passage from Matthew.

Matthew (Matt. 25: 34-36, 40)

Then the King will say to the sheep,


“Come and receive your share of the kingdom


which I have prepared for you.


For when I was hungry, you gave me food.


When I was thirsty, you gave me drink.


When I was a stranger, you made me feel welcome.


When I had nothing to wear, you gave me clothes.


When I was sick, you took care of me and when I was in prison, you came and visited me.


And the King will answer,


“When you do those things for any of my brothers and sisters in need, you do it to me.


And those who do those things will live with God forever.”



Reflection: We will explore "Work of mercy" - What does this mean to be merciful? What does food have to do with being merciful?? Let's reflect on the reflection below, "When I was hungry, you gave me food".

When I was hungry, you gave me food.

Many people in the world go hungry, they cannot grow their own food or do not have enough money to buy food. Some things you can do to help feed the hungry are: support organizations like HCA to help feed the hungry in poor and developing countries, appreciate the food you have and don’t waste it. You can even make donations to our Regina Food Bank.

Another way of seeing someone’s hunger is to understand that everyone needs love and attention. Think of someone who is lonely – they are hungry for friendship, or even for a smile. Someone who acts silly to get attention and gets in trouble for doing that is hungry for attention too. Giving someone a compliment or seeing their positive qualities and strengths, inviting them to join a game or including them in an activity, or even just spending time with them is a way of ‘feeding the hungry.’

What will you do to show Works of Mercy?
On KIDBLOG.ORG, you will write a post expressing how you will show works of Mercy during Lent. The title of you post: How I will Show Works of Mercy

The Scorpio Races Awesome Book to get!

It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

So I asked Mrs. Folk to pick up yet another book for the Library.... The Scorpio Races


If you can't wait for her to buy it, and trust my opinion, then pick up The Scorpio Races (see pic below for the cover... Maggie Stiefvater). It's a book written from the perspective of two characters, Puck and Sean (that's pronouned "Shawn"... in case you don't know that Gaelic spelling). Usually every chapter the perspective changes, so you always get a chance to see the different points of view, but it all depends on what that character would find important. If you love horses then this book is for you... well actually, maybe not... imagine a world where you are living on an island. Horses are pretty much part of everyday life... then imagine in addition to a "normal horse" there is yet another breed of horses... The capaill uisce otherwise known as a water horse... sounds sweet and beautiful right?? Guess again! These horses are predatory carnivores who are basically beautiful monsters that you must protect your small pets and livestock from... because well, the capaill uisce eat meat. Sound weird? Well imagine a race where these horses are captured and "tamed".  Keep in mind, the water horses are never really tamed... Can you really "tame" a tiger or a lion?? Well you can fool yourself into thinking that until your hand is bitten off! Anyways I digress, imagine a race where there is so much money to be won if you get first, it's well worth the risk.


Now this book has a bit of romance in it... but not the sappy, moony-eyed romance of Twilight (by the way, I can say this, because I do begrudgingly love Twilight!)... the romance is one where the characters are still more in love with the race than anything else... Oh I hope I haven't ruined this for those who hate romance! Actually, guys you would even like this book... It's just cool! Anyways, I bought it if you want to borrow it and see for yourself. The only problem I have with this book is that there's no sequel. That's just how good it is.


*By the way, the pronounciation of this horse never really rolls off the tongue... I didn't learn how to pronounce the name until half way through the book! I still don't really know... I think you have to speak Gaelic to get it, and that's Gaelic, not garlic!


Stewie


Here's the video with music performed by the author (and another person name Kate something...) The music gives you the feel for the setting...





This is a sample from the book, different chapters from Sean and Puck's perspectives (remember "Shawn" not "Seen")... Where was this video when I was trying to say             capaill uisce?? The images in this video may help give the reader a reference point for the setting...





Here's a link to the site for the book... yes I'm obsessed... http://maggiestiefvater.com/the-scorpio-races/

Reportcards are coming...

I am totally ripping this off Jason's site... but I thought it was an awesome widget and it seems appropriate for the upcoming Term 2 Reportcard......


Remember....March 29th is theTerm 2 Reportcard...


All overdue assignments for Term 1, are to be completed by Friday, March 2nd!! Even if you moved into another class! Your grades will follow you!

All students who were in my class up to the February break, will still receive a reportcard from me for Term 2. All grades given at the beginning of March will go on the Term 3 Reportcard with the teacher you are assigned to. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me or the school. This transition is new for all of us... but it will bring some fantastic new changes to our school, especially with our newest addition to our staff, Mrs. Matt. I look forward to planning and team teaching units in ELA with her! So grade 7's who are moving to other class, we of course will miss you... but we will continue to do some of the great things we planned... just as a team! :-)

(BTW, Ms. Matt is also pumped about the Hunger Games movie coming out!!! I can barely contain my excitement! I know, you're thinking, "Me too!" or perhaps "Get a grip Stewie!" Sorry, I just LOVE that book!!!!!!!!!)

When technology frustrates you...

The grade 7/8's often chuckle about how frustrated I get when technology doesn't work properly..... like the speed of downloading at school.... In those moments when I shake my fits at technology and reach for my scream pillow... and count to 107 so I don't blow up.... I realize the importance of keeping of keeping it in perspective....

Watch this guy, he definitely needs a scream pillow!

http://youtu.be/TZbxL-gCBg0

Current Events Costa Concordia

Part 1: Here is the Getting Inside the Picture assignment given in class for the current events assignment, "The Sinking of the Costa Concordia". You can do this question on kidblog.org/missiontomakeadifference/ if you prefere.

Look at the picture below and write 2 sentences to respond to the questions that relate to the senses (see your handout...)

Senses - What might you hear, smell, taste or touch? What colours, textures, sounds, movements do you experience?

Images - What details in the photograph create vivid pictures in your mind?

Feelings - What do you feel when you look at this image? What might the people in the photgraph be feeling?

Words - What powerful words describe the scene? What might you think, wonder, say if you were there?



Part 2... Go to kidblog.org and complete the "Beyond the Lines" assignment...
Writing From Perspective... As a Costa Concordiea passerger in a lifeboat heading to Giglio, post a tweet to your Twitter account describing what you have just gone through.... A tweet is less than 140 characters... provides a clear snapshot of the event, and is interesting and attention grabbing....

Sun for a Day - Leboldus Spend a Day

On Wednesday, February 15, we have the grade 8 Leboldus Spend a Day.
The grade 8's will engage in activities for grade 9 team building (you will meet
the other future grade 9's from the feeder schools), participate in mini-lessons for
grade 9 in a variety of subjects.


Lunch is provided, but if you have allergies, bring a lunch.
(Usually we are served pizza).


We will leave shortly after 9 am and stay at Leboldus until 3:00.

If I receive more information, I will post it asap.
Ms. Stewie

Grade 8 Math Quiz

Thursday, February 16... grade 8 math quiz on multiplying and dividing fractions and whole numbers. Basically 6.1 - 6.3 concepts.

Making a Difference... One Penny or Loonie at a Time!

The students at Deshaye have been participating in a CSCC (Home and School) Fundraiser, "Pennies for the Playground". Thanks to all who have given their support! Feel free to bring other forms of money like silver and bills!


In addition to this fundraiser, we are also raising money for Holy Childhood Mission for Lent. Students will be playing Bingo on Tuesday to help raise money for this cause. A bingo card is $1... seems like such a small amount to help make a difference around the world!