Classroom Notes – October 2016

Terry Fox Run – Thank you for donating to our annual Terry Fox run. Our class was very excited to participate and it was a beautiful afternoon for this special event. St. Gregory is close to meeting our monetary goal because of your generosity.

Cooler Weather...brrrr – It has been a warm and sunny autumn so far, but it seems that the cooler weather has finally reached us. Please ensure that your child is dressed appropriately for the entire day. As previously mentioned, students can keep extra socks, mitts, hats, etc. in their backpack. Please label all clothing so lost items can be hopefully found and returned promptly. Many students have similar clothing items, so labelling helps determine proper ownership.

A Note Regarding Homework - Thank you for supporting your child's learning at home. All extra practice will reinforce learning at school. We are partners in your child's education and I cannot emphasize enough how important the role that a home/school connection has toward academic success. Please send me a note if your child experiences difficulty with some or all of the homework tasks. It is recommended that all children have a consistent homework routine. Please check in with your child to ensure understanding of a task, praise their hard work and support their learning in a positive manner.

Reading on Raz-Kids and Using Dreambox – Just a reminder that I consider reading on Raz-Kids to be part of weekly homework and I am aware of how much time that your child spends using the app. It is recommended that students balance reading on Raz-Kids with other reading materials (i.e. chapter books, picture books, etc.). Students will be given their logins and passwords for Dreambox this week and this information will be glued into their agenda.

Spelling Quiz Books – I will be sending spelling quiz books home on Friday, October 14^th for parents to look over and sign. Please return these booklets on Monday, October 17^th.

Lottery Calendars – Students received their lottery calendars last week from parent council. If you are not participating and do not plan to use the calendars, you should return them to school. Based on previous years, parent council would like all unused calenders returned since there are always many students looking for extras.

Always Learning in Grade 3...

In Math, we have started a unit in patterning. We are currently focusing on growing and shrinking number patterns. Our class has worked hard on describing a pattern rule using appropriate math vocabulary. Together, we learned from our mistakes and we were given the opportunity to teach Mrs. Cooper's grade 3/4 class. We will continue to work on our patterning unit throughout October and we will have a unit test by the end of the month. I will send home practice work in advance of the test and provide parents with a specific date once it has been determined.

In Writing, grade 3's are writing a descriptive paragraph about their favourite holiday. We have worked on writing an effective opening/closing sentence, adjectives and using detail to improve our writing. Most students are revising their work by using our class “Bump it Up” wall, peer-editing and teacher conferences. Our next writing task will be narrative writing with a Halloween twist. In Reading, we have been working on reading comprehension strategies and practising “making connections” to texts in order to be better readers.

In Science, we are continuing our unit on forces. We have discussed the impact that natural forces have in the environment, such as landslides and erosion. Our class was very excited to complete an experiment using buoyancy and gravity. Students designed and created their own boats using tin foil to support a load (pennies). We will begin another experiment using small magnets to push, pull and stop an object.

In Family Life, students have learned that we may have likes and dislikes that may be similar or different from others, but regardless, we are unique. In Religion, we have discussed our Catholic community – as well as other communities – and we have created artwork inspired Fernando Llort. We have so many talented artists! Next, we will focus on use of colour and movement in Visual Arts.

Thank you for your continued support!

Mr. Blais

Classroom Notes - September 2016

• Spelling Homework – Spelling homework will always go home on Monday and it will be due on Friday. Please ensure that students familiarize themselves with the list words since we will have a Spelling quiz every Friday.  As previously mentioned, it is important that you check in with your child to ensure understanding of homework tasks. Your assistance at home is greatly appreciated and your efforts will contribute to the learning development of your child. I send home Spelling Quiz booklets about once a month for parent signatures.
• Reading at home - Students should read at home on a daily basis for 15-20 minutes. Our class Raz-Kids account will be activated shortly. I am just waiting for notification from the Board. If you do not have access to the internet at home, or a device, please write me a note and I can send books home at your child's reading level. 
• Extra clothing - With unpredictable weather, it is recommended that students keep an extra pair of socks in their backpack, just in case. As the weather cools, students can always keep extra hats and mittens as well. Please be aware of daily weather since students go out for recess most days and they should always be dressed appropriately. All student clothing should be labelled. It is amazing how quickly our lost and found gets full of clothing and most items inside do not have names.
• Opening School Mass - Our opening school Mass with be Thursday, September 22 at 1:15. Please celebrate with us if possible. 
• Agendas - Please check and initial agendas daily. I have informed students that their agenda is their responsibility and that they should show you agenda notes each night. Thank you for your cooperation.
• A Special Thanks – Thank you to all families who contributed items to our classroom such as kleenex and zip-lock bags. Our shelves are full thanks to your generosity!

Always Learning in Gr. 3

We have had an amazing start to the year!

In Math, students are learning to count forward by 1's, 2's, 5's, 10's , 25's and 100's to 1000. We have been playing some exciting games in Math to practice this concept. We are also learning to count backwards from 100 by 2's, 5's and 10's. We will begin to discuss place value (e.g. ones, tens, hundreds, etc.) and practice composing/decomposing numbers to 1000 using base 10 materials.

In Language, we have been working on descriptive words/adjectives and learning to "bump up" our work in order to write super sentences. We will begin a larger descriptive writing task in the near future. In Reading, we have been having some shared reading of fiction and non-fiction texts and we have discussed some of the text features in both.

In Science, we have started our unit on forces. Students have already learned about several types of forces, including gravitational, magnetic, friction, muscular and electrostatic. 

Our current discussions in Family Life will focus on the the theme “Created and Loved By God.” We have discussed how God knows and loves each person. We have learned that God calls us by name and that our names are special and unique. Today, I sent home some questions regarding your child's name and it will need to be returned to school by Thursday, September 22. Please take some time to talk about why their name was chosen and assist in answering the questions. 

In Religion, we have been discussing the communities that we belong to and we will expand on our Catholic community. Our new spiritual theme, "Sent to be the good news," will be discussed throughout the year.

Please write me, or Mme. Kealey a note in the agenda if you have any questions. Enjoy the warmth and sunshine while it lasts!

Thank you for your continued support!

Mr. Blais

Classroom Notes - June 2016

• EQAO is finished! - Today, our grade 3's completed the last section of their Mathematics booklets. Thank you to all parents for assisting your child at home in preparation for the assessment. I am very proud of our class for showing grit, perseverance and for putting forth their best effort. Good job grade 3's! As always, results from this year's assessment will not be made public until the next school year.

• EQAO party - Both Mrs. Jung's and Mr. Blais' grade 3 classes will be having a party to celebrate all of their hard work. We are currently determining at date for this celebration, so expect a note in the near future.

• Upcoming field trip - We will be going on a Summer Solstice field trip on Monday, June 20th. This field trip links to the Social Studies curriculum in which students will be learning about Aboriginal culture. A parent letter and a permission form will be sent home shortly.

• Bike rodeo - I have been informed that the new date for the bike rodeo will be Thursday, June 16th. Although this date replaces the cancelled day, it is still weather dependant. Please ensure that you check weekly online school memos, as well as any recorded messages from the school for current information.

• Summer is almost here! - We have already experienced some hot weather this spring. If you know that we will be having a hot, sunny day, students can come to school wearing sunblock since they will be outside for recess on a daily basis. It is always a good idea to send your child to school with a hat and extra sun block which they can store in their backpack.

• PD Day this Friday - There will be no school for students on Friday, June 10th.

Always Learning in Grade 3

Although we have covered all five strands in the Math curriculum, our class will continue working on division, the concept of equality, fractions and a variety of word problems. 

In Language, we will focus on Media Literacy and students will create a media text for a specific audience.

This week, students have been working hard on their Science unit called "Soils in the Environment." Students are learning about the components of soil and they will investigate different types of soil, as well as composting.

Next week, we will begin our "Created Sexual" unit in Family Life. A letter to parents will be sent home to outline the topics covered in grade 3.

In Health, grade 3's will learn about processed and unprocessed foods as well as the benefits of good oral health. Students will also learn about the advantages of buying fresh, local foods.

In Drama, students will perform their reader's theatre play to their peers. Students have been working on their chosen character by determining how to use their voice and movement when acting out their part.

Thank you for your continued support!

Mr. Blais

Classroom Notes - May 2016

EQAO Practice Booklets - Our grade 3 class is currently working on their second booklet and they are due back to school on Friday, May 13th.  In the upcoming weeks, booklets will be due on Thursdays once again. I have only asked students to submit booklets this Friday due to the missing pages that were sent home a day later. It is recommended that students attempt all Math and Language questions independently and only ask for assistance when needed. You can read questions (if need be), and provide extra assistance when your child experiences difficulty with certain questions. Parents should read over student answers and ensure that work is fully completed to the best of their ability. Students should print neatly, checking for errors. Students are very familiar with the strategies we have been using in the classroom and they should continue to use these methods at home as well.  Each week, students will earn a sticker for completing the booklet. Students who earn all four stickers will receive a prize. Mrs. Jung has made a collage of student names to proudly display their stickers. Keep showing grit and perseverance gr. 3's!

Junglesport and Geometry Tests - Junglesport permission forms have been sent home and they need to be filled out and returned as soon as possible. I have received most signed Math tests already, but please aim to return them by Friday May 13th, if you haven't done so already.

EQAO Assessment dates - Our grade 3's begin the assessment on May 25th. A newsletter will be going home this Friday to provide additional information.

Homework Routine - With the upcoming EQAO assessment, the emphasis is being placed on the practice booklets. Regular Spelling and Math homework will continue after the assessment. Students can continue to use the educational apps (e.g. Raz-Kids, Mathletics, Dreambox, etc.) if they wish to supplement their homework. Daily reading is encouraged to ensure that students reach grade 3 reading levels and required vocabulary.

Spring is here! With the increase in warmer weather and sunshine, students should be dressed and prepared for the day. Hats, sunblock and extra drinks are encouraged.

Education Week - Thank you for those parents who visited our class during Education Week and participated in our Math games.

Thank you volunteers! - I wish to thank all parent volunteers who assisted us during our swimming lessons. Your help is always greatly appreciated!

Always Learning in Grade 3...

In Math, we have been very busy reviewing material, problem solving and learning new concepts. We have been learning about Mass and Capacity using standard units (i.e. kilogram, litre). We have started Probability and we will investigate the concept of equality in Algebra shortly.

In Writing, students have been busy writing persuasive letters and paragraphs. Gr. 3's are currently working on a procedural writing task ("How to Get Ready in the Morning Before School). Students worked very hard on their Mother's Day letters and I am sure that you enjoyed reading them last weekend. In Reading, our focus has been on reading comprehension strategies and answering reading response questions using the APE strategy in preparation for EQAO. In Oral Communication, students are using accountable talk to improve their listening and speaking skills.

In Religion, we discussed a variety of ways in which one can demonstrate an act of mercy. Our class was very engaged in this topic during Education Week through scripture and by listening to Father John's message during our Education Week mass.

In Drama, students have been put into three different readers' theatre groups. We had a productive day yesterday rehearsing in our courtyard. Check out the pictures on our Twitter page!

We are continuing are unit on "Strong and Stable Structures" in Science. We have learned about the purpose of different types of bridges and we are investigating man-made vs. natural structures.

Thank you for your continued support!

Mr. Blais

Classroom Notes - April 2016

Swimming Lessons - Please don't forget that we have two more swimming lessons left on April 14th and April 21st. Students will need to bring their swimsuits, towel, bag and goggles (if necessary). Our students really enjoyed their first swimming lesson and I know they can't wait to return to the pool. We will leave St. Gregory's at the same time as scheduled. Thank you to all parent volunteers that assisted our students last week. Our first lesson would not have been so successful without your help.

Agendas - Important information is sent home daily in your child's agenda. Please remember to sign/initial the agenda daily.

Dressing for the Unpredictable Weather - We have seen a variety of weather in the last two weeks. Please remember that students should be dressed appropriately for cold, wet days. With all the rain and snow, our school yard is still quite muddy, Remember that you can always pack extra socks/mittens/hats in your child's backpack just in case.

Weekly Homework - It is strongly recommended that you check in and work with your child regularly at home to ensure understanding and reinforce learning at school. All students should be reading regularly for 15-20 minutes each night. Books read at home should be at their appropriate reading level. 

Student Portal - Our gr. 3 class has been learning how to navigate through Google apps (e.g. Google Docs, Read & Write, etc.) as well as the apps listed on the student portal at our Board's webpage. Students know how to login using their email and password which is glued to the inside of their agenda. There are many useful Math and Language apps that children are encouraged to use in order to supplement their homework. If you have any questions, please write me a note in the agenda.

PD Day April 15th - No School

Always Learning in Grade 3

In Math, we have been working on our unit in Geometry. Students are learning and investigating right angles, as well as angles greater and smaller that right angles. Our class was very engaged when creating a variety of prisms using paper nets and investigating lines of symmetry. We are beginning to sort and compare 2-D shapes and 3-D figures by their geometric properties. We will likely have a Geometry quiz sometime next week, so please check the agenda for a scheduled date.

In Language, we have just about finished our good copies of our adventure stories. Over the last few weeks, our focus in Reading has been with making inferences (reading between the lines) using clues from the text. We have began to review persuasive writing. Students are currently completing a Reading assessment and then, we will move on to poetry.

In Science, gr. 3's have started a new unit called Strong and Stable Structures. We have been very lucky to have Mr. Ball in our classroom for two Science blocks to assist us in our bridge making experiment. I will post completed bridges on our class Twitter page.

Our class did an amazing job assisting in our school Easter Mass. All students had one responsibility during the Mass and they were great spiritual leaders. In Family Life, we have been speaking about the gift of brothers and sisters and the relationships that we have in our own families. We are almost done our stained glass crosses which we will put in our classroom window.

Thank you for your continued support!

Mr. Blais

March 2016 - Classroom Notes

• Skating cancelled for rest of year - Due to warmer weather and deteriorating ice conditions, skating will be cancelled for the rest of the year. Unfortunately, we did not have much luck with the weather this winter, but we still had fun while it lasted. Thank you to all parent volunteers who assisted us on skating days. Very much appreciated!
• Field Trip to Stanley's Olde Maple Lane Farm - Just a reminder that our class will be joining the other primary classes at St. Gregory's for an exciting field trip. Please ensure that your child is dressed for the weather. Although we are having a pancake lunch, students will need to bring enough snacks for the entire day. We are not allowed to bring outside food onto the premises; however, we will try to eat snacks on the bus. With the wet weather, it is advisable for students to bring an extra pair of socks/mittens in their backpack. Looking forward to all the exciting activities!
• Math homework this week - I have sent a note home regarding this week's homework before the March Break. We will have a Math test on Wednesday, March 9th, so please read through the parent note that was sent home on Monday, March 07. Regular Spelling homework will continue after the March Break.
• Homework reminders - Just a reminder that I do encourage students to balance their weekly reading between Raz-Kids and chapter books/print material. As well, I consider reading on Raz-Kids to be part of weekly homework. Students should be reading for 15 minutes daily at home in order to improve reading fluency and attain grade 3 reading expectations. Also, students can login to Math apps/programs for extra practice, such as Mathletics and Dreambox. Student login information can be found at the front of their agenda. Please let me know if you experience difficulty logging into any of these apps.
• March Break - No school from March 14 - 18. 

Always Learning in Grade 3

In Math, grade 3's have been learning about perimeter and area through a variety of tasks and hands-on activities. Students have been very engaged in creating a robot using area and perimeter. We have just started multiplication and we will begin investigating 2-D shapes and 3-D figures in Geometry.

In Writing, students are writing and revising their adventure stories. During shared writing, our class wrote an amazing adventure story that inspired others to create their own original story. In Reading, we are focusing on inferring (reading between the lines) to improve our understanding of texts.

In Science, we are finishing up our unit on forces. Students have investigated magnetism, gravity, muscular force and buoyancy through a variety of experiments. This week we will look at electrostatic force and friction.

Thank you to all who have contributed to our Lenten project by donating money to various school-wide activities. As Easter approaches, we will continue to focus on scriptural readings and the spiritual meaning of Lent. 

Wishing you a safe and memorable March Break!

Mr. Blais

Some useful information and videos to support your child with Mathematics at home.

http://www.ontariodirectors.ca/parent_engagement-math/en/index.htm