Music Concert Tomorrow

Holiday cheer is in the air!  The students have been decorating our classroom, we had a successful secret santa gift exchange, and we have been creating some beautiful winter art.  Tomorrow there will be more holiday festivities at the school.  All parents and family are invited to come to the school tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. for a holiday music concert put on by our music teacher, Mrs. Touzeau.

Hope to see you here tomorrow!

LAST current event!!

Tomorrow will be the last time we do current events while I am here.  I challenged the students today to write the very best current event they possibly can for tomorrow!

There are a number of people presenting, please have your write up ready for tomorrow morning!
- Keanu
- RJ
- Tyler
- Riley
- Cody
- Cyrus
- Evan
- Marcus
- Paul
- Ryan S.

Classroom behaviours and energy

Since the beginning of the year, division 1 has been building a classroom community where they are comfortable and respectful of classmates and adults.  Another large focus for our class has been creating and building strategies and awareness of our work habits.  As
the students get older, the work load, content, and expectations also grow.  Grade 6 and 7 students are expected to be able to work quietly and independently in addition to trying their best in all subjects. The students have been building upon their skills and starting to self regulate their behaviours so they can finish their work well and with confidence.

Today my two dogs, Hunter and Hailey, came to the school to demonstrate how animals, just like people, pick up on the energy and temperament of those around them.  We talked as a class about how our class feeds off of each other and can become noisy, which makes it very difficult for the students to complete their work.  My dogs were very excited when they arrived.  I'm very proud to say that Division 1 did an excellent job of staying calm and it greatly affected the behaviour of the dogs.  Hunter really picked up on the energy in the room and calmed down right away and really demonstrated that our behaviour changes how others feel and act.  Even though Hailey needed more time to calm down and feel comfortable in a room of 28 students, this shows us that we all work a little bit differently and need to be aware of our behaviour as well as those around us.

The class really responded to the dogs and we will continue to use this experience to help the students become aware of themselves and how their behaviours affects others.  I think it was a great learning experience that we will benefit from now and in the new year.

Secret Santa Gift Exchange

Secret Santa Gift Exchange in Division 1

‘Tis the season to show appreciation and that you care!  The students have asked that we

do a “Secret Santa Gift Exchange” with our class.  Students have randomly been given a person to purchase a gift for.  Gifts should be no more than $5.00, just a little something!  Please have a wrapped and labeled gift at school for our exchange opening on Monday December 16, 2013.  I have extra name tags and wrapping paper if needed.

If, for any reason cannot have a gift at school by next Monday, please let me know by this Friday so I can provide something.

Happy Holidays!!

Westview Bandstand!

Finally after weeks of practicing and perfecting our number we are ready for the show!

A few messages from the school..

Please, do not park in the staff parking lot.

Parking is available on the field for this event beginning at 6:00 p.m.  There will be staff at the entrance to assist you.

Parents need to drop off their children at 6:15 p.m. in our classroom.  I will be taking attendance, so please be on time.

Once you drop off your child/children, please line up outside the gym.  Parents and family can enter the gym starting at 6:15 p.m.

Out of respect for all the performers, we will ask the parents to stay for the entire performance.

After our finale, the children will return to their classrooms so the teachers can take attendance again.  Please pick up your child from our class so I can ensure their safety.

Our class will be watching a movie during the performance when we are not on stage.  We have had to donate all our chairs to the gym so if they want to be a bit more comfortable on the floor they are welcome to bring one pillow or one blanket to sit on.

Internet Safety Quiz

Click HERE! for the internet safety quiz.

Use your common sense.  This is for marks!

Museum field trip!

We are a week away from out field trip to UBC.  I am so thankful that Jeanette (our First Nations support worker) and Cody's mom have volunteered to join us.  We still need one more parent volunteer to join us to stay within their ratio requirements.

If any parents or guardians are available to join us next Wednesday for a trip over to UBC for the day, I would be more than grateful!   Your costs would be covered for both museum entrance and bus fare.

Any available parents/guardians please let me know as soon as possible!  It would be very sad if we do not get to go because of ratio! :(

Updates and upcoming Events

Wednesday November 27, 2013
- Rehearsal for dance show 1 - 2 p.m. (no costumes)
- 2 p.m. dismissal

Thursday November 28, 2013
- French test (days, months, salutations)
- Dress rehearsal 1 - 3 p.m. (please bring costume to school to wear during rehearsal)
- Westview Bandstand Show - Students must be at school no later than 6:30 p.m. in their full costume
- Show will end around 8/8:30 p.m. (arrange for drop off and pick up :) )

Friday November 29, 2013
- Hat day

Wednesday December 4, 2013
- All day field trip to Museum of Anthropology at UBC

Friday December 6, 2013
- Report cards sent home

Thursday December 19, 2013
- Christmas at Westview - 1:30 p.m. - The music class has been practising a few songs and will be performing.  Grade 6/7's should wear nice clothes and santa hats (if they have one).  If you have any questions, please contact our music teacher; Mrs. Touzeau.

Parents are invited to come to the mini-concert on December 19th and even join in some songs!

Schedule for next week November 25 - 29

Next week will be a very busy week!

Assembly
On Monday, Hassan and Cyrus will be our hosts.

Report Cards and Marks
I have to submit all letter grades and comments by next Friday November 29th.  Missing work cut off will be next Wednesday November 27th.  If you are missing any work, please have it submitted by next Wednesday so you have all your marks in for report cards.

To support this, I will be holding homework club again on Monday and Tuesday next week.  Due to the teacher collaboration day on Wednesday, there will be no homework club on Wednesday.  Monday would be a great time for many students to stay and complete their current event for Tuesday morning.

Collaboration Day
Next Wednesday is our third collaboration day for the staff.  Students will be dismissed at 2 p.m.

Westview Bandstand Rehearsals
On Wednesday from 1 - 2 p.m. there will be a whole school rehearsal for our dance show.  To be able to have a good rehearsal we need all students healthy and at school on Wednesday.  Thursday we will be having a dress rehearsal.  On Thursday please bring your costume to school and you can change at lunch time.

Reminder that during rehearsals, students should be demonstrating their proper audience skills as part of their Fine Arts curriculum.

Performance Night
Students should arrive at school by 6:30 p.m.  Again, students must be dropped off and picked up by an adult on Thursday night.  During the show, students will be in their classrooms with their teacher while the other classes perform.

Also, it is not too late to get your free tickets for the show! There are some tickets still available at the office.  It would be great to see you all there! :)

Friday
The students have been working hard to get their homework done as well as improving some behaviours in class.  As a reward, next Friday will be "Hat Day!"  Students will be allowed to wear a hat for the day in class.  Of course, we will still be doing work next Friday, so students should choose a hat that won't distract them or others from their work.

Bandstand Dance costumes

The class did some brainstorming and we came up with some ideas for our costumes for next Thursday's performance.

The boys should wear a plaid or plain collared shirt.  The colour doesn't matter and it can be long or short sleeved.

On the bottom, they should wear black pants.  Black jeans, track pants, sweat pants even...as long as they are black.

Shoes should also be a dark colour and not too flashy.

I will be getting stick on mustaches for boys that want to wear one.

For the girls they should wear a skirt that is at least knee length.  The skirts can be any colour.  If the girls choose a colourful skirt they might want to pick a black or white t-shirt.  Otherwise, any colour t-shirt.

Girls should wear a simple runner or flat shoe in white or black.

I will be getting ribbons for their hair.


If there are any questions or clarifications needed, please let me know! :)

Homework Club

Today we had our first homework club session and it was a great success!  Many students were able to finish work that they were missing to get all their marks in before report cards.  

I'd like to first off thank the students who stayed today.  You all got at least a few things done and are on your way!  Also, I'd like to thank the parents for their support and understanding for students getting out late today.  

This week, homework club will be held everyday, except for Friday. Starting next week until December break, homework club will be on     Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:00 - 3:45 p.m.  

Field trip!

Hello parents!

Today the students have brought home a consent package for an upcoming field trip!  I have booked our class into a program for intermediate students at the Museum of Anthropology at UBC.  We will be going by public transit on December 4th.  The 240 Downtown and the 44 UBC will take us to and from the university.  Unfortunately, due to the bus schedules, we may arrive back at the school slightly past 3:00 p.m. that day.

The cost of this field trip is $11.00 per student.  A few students have said they have monthly bus passes.  If your child has a bus pass, please indicate on the permission slip.  Payment for those with a bus pass is only $7.35.

The museum also has ratio rules for students to adults.  If you are available to join us for this field trip, we would greatly appreciate your time and supervision!

As with any field trip, the code of conduct still applies.  This field trip will take us into public spaces as well as onto transit and it is very important students are representing themselves and our school to the best of their abilities.  Many students are already transit experts and we will also go over expectations in class for those that are new to transit.

For more information check out the MOA website or email me!

Teen Book Club at the Library

For any interested students....

Teen Book Club Wednesday, November 27, 2013, 3:30 – 5pm

 

Location The Room, 120 West 14th St., North Vancouver Event type Teen Program Love books? Come and talk about your favourite books with other teens. You get to vote on the books we’ll read. Books will be provided! Today we will be chatting about The Name of the Star, by Maureen Johnson. For grade 7 and up Register here Drop-ins welcome if we have room. Email klongley@cnv.org if you have any questions!

Monday November 18th Assembly

On Monday Nikki and Keanu will be the assembly hosts.

As our dance event is coming up soon, the grade 6 and 7's will be leading with Mrs. Leigh to practice the finale number with the whole school.  Our last try was less then enthusiastic, so I want to see Div. 1 channeling their inner performer/rock star and show the rest of the school we rock!

Dont forget - ticket requests for the dance show are due Monday.  All students need to be at the performance on November 28th.  It is getting dark so early now, if parents/guardians can't make it, please arrange for another adult to drop off and pick up so the students aren't walking in the dark!

Artists for kids winter programs

There are a number of after school programs being offered through the North Vancouver School District for students that are interested in exploring their artistic side.

Follow this link to check out the flyer!  AFK Winter Programs

Immunization for Grade 6's

To parents of Grade 6 students,

The public health nurse for our family of schools dropped off individualized forms for each grade 6 student regarding their immunization history and what shots they will need this year.

The consent form needs to be returned by next Thursday November 21st.  The immunization date is set for December 3rd.

If you choose to opt out of these immunization, please send along a note so I know not to expect your forms and to inform our nurse :)

Christmas Fundraiser

The Pac has sent home a package today with an opportunity for a fundraiser.  This is a cute idea for Christmas gifts or even Mother's/Father's day where you can personalize note pads with little characters and such.

Orders are due November 25th.  Please let me know if you need any more information about this fundraiser!

Early Dismissal Tomorrow

Thank you to those parents that stopped by today for your Parent-Teacher Conference.  The school is having another session for parents to come by and speak with their child/children's teachers tomorrow from 12:10 - 3:00 p.m.  It is not too late to sign up!

Students will be dismissed at 12:10 p.m. tomorrow.

Westview Bandstand!

On November 28th the staff and students at Westview are putting on a dance extravaganza!  Each class has been assigned an era and will perform for family and friends.  This event is the first of three free events that will take place this year.  These performances are a part of our Fine Arts curriculum and due to the nature of the large group performance, it is essential that all students are in attendance for the dress rehearsals and the evening show on November 28th.  Please speak with me if there are any special circumstances where your child cannot attend.

Newsletters will be going home on Tuesday with ticket information.  Each family is allowed to request 2 tickets.  Ticket requests are due Monday November 18th.

It is going to be a great show!! :)

Socials Homework

Next Thursday and Friday the students will be presenting, in groups, the definition they had researched.  Research groups and now presentation groups have been working very well and I am looking forward to see the results!

Many of the students have chosen to do a Power Point presentation.  This is a great way to have a visual of what you are saying as well as something for the audience to look at.  We discussed in class that each student will have to say something about the word they researched during their group presentation.  They should have enough to say that will fill 45 seconds to 1 minute and 30 seconds.  To reach this goal, I'd like each student to write and practise their "script" this weekend.  In the "script" they should talk about the following:

                  - Say the definition their original group created

                  - Say the example sentence that their original group created

                  - Talk a little bit more about their word.  They can talk about how the word relates to them (ex. my culture is..., my identity is..., I am a global citizen because..., North Vancouver is a global village because..., North Vancouver as a society is..., My world view is...).  They can also create a second example sentence.

This was not an easy assignment.  The words were big picture words and difficult to define.  But, the students have really stepped up to the challenge!  I appreciate all their hard work and like I said, I am looking forward to the presentations.  I think they will be wonderful!

If your child did not bring home a copy of all the created definitions and examples, please find all definitions below! :)

Global Citizen: A global citizen is someone who, not only respects, understands, and helps their own community, but also everyone else all over the world. Ex. Ms. Smith went to Africa to help teach in a local school in Ghana, she is a global citizen

Global Village: The whole world considered as being closely connected by modern technologies.  The idea of global village is that you can get something from another part of the world on a small area. Ex. A global village is a world of different nations, cultures, and community where people are connected to each other by different ways.

Culture: Every group of people has a culture.  Culture is a way of life, every culture has different things that they celebrate, different things that they eat, and different things they do and wear.  Culture is a particular group of people, countries, society, language, religions, and nationalities, and social habits. Ex. Culture can be viewed as the customs, arts, and social interactions of a particular nation, people, or other social group.  It can also be defined as an appreciation of the arts and human intellectual achievement.

Global/World View: The overall perspectives of how people see the world in their point of view, world wide. Ex.  In our global view we see that it involves the entire earth and everybody in it.

Society: Society means a group of people being included with other people.  People can join all together because they have the same interest. Ex.  Society means many things.  It could be groups, clubs, it also means culture.  It could mean things you don’t even know like circle company.

Identity: Identity means yourself in different ways.  Your emotions, interests, dislikes, and reactions to situations.  Identity is also your background, nationality, and your beliefs. Ex. Ms. Smith has an identity of being a nice person.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

As posted on the main school website - Parent-Teacher Conferences will be next week on Wednesday and Thursday.  The times I have posted for Wednesday are 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.  Thursday times are 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.  If you would like to have a chat about your child's progress so far, but cannot make the above times, please let me know and I would be happy to arrange a different time.  

Grad Hoodies!

To the parents of grade 7 students,

The 7's have chosen a design and colours and we have put in our order.  The cost of each hoodie is $40.00.  Please email or send a note along if you need some support to purchase a sweater.  Payment is due November 12th.

We are hoping the order will arrive before the December break!

Fingers crossed!

Agendas

I have asked that all students have an agenda book for school tomorrow.  Students had the opportunity to use electronic devices to record their homework but, unfortunately, I have noticed that the homework is not getting done.

There are a few school agendas available at a cost of $6.  If you would like one of these, please send a note along with your child tomorrow and I will make sure they get an agenda.

An alternative, is a calendar book or lined notebook from the store.
Thanks! :)

Homework reminder

This coming Monday November 4th, there is a book report due.  This report should be on a book that you have been reading at home or during silent reading.  I will hand out another expectations sheet tomorrow, but, remember that you can find the expectations all the time in the rubrics and expectations tab on the website.

Tomorrow we will have time at the end of the day to work on the lap tops and start the report.  Even though we are having a comfy day, we still have work to do.  Come prepared to be focused and start your report.

Halloween!

Tonight is the big night.  If you are headed out for trick-or-treating tonight, don't forget to stay with your friends/parents and stay safe!!

Tomorrow will be PJ/Comfy cozy clothes day!  We briefly talked today about bringing in a book from your childhood to share with your little buddy tomorrow.  I will bring in a few extras but I know the little buddies would love to see something from their big buddy.

Social Studies Definition Project

The students have been asked to research various definitions that relate to our current social studies unit.

For Monday I have asked that they find three definitions for their assigned word from three different sources (Wikipedia, dictionary.com, britanica.com, encyclopedia.com).

For each definition they find they must also complete a full bibliography citation.  They were shown on Thursday a great website where they can plug in the necessary information and have the citation created for them.  They can google Kid Bib Tool Kit or follow this link: http://education.bluevalleyk12.org/KidBib/

On the webpage there are citation options for the type of source.  Students should make sure to click on the proper link for the type of source they are using.

Please contact me at clark.smith1314@gmail.com if you have any questions about the project.  The words we are defining are big picture words and finding definitions may be difficult.  If you need some suggestions on where to look, please email! :)

One more sleep!

Tomorrow is the big day!  My bag is packed and I'm ready to go.  The weather looks like will also be in our favour.  Make sure you still pack warm and water proof clothes.

  We will be heading out first thing tomorrow morning.  Those students not attending Outdoor School please see the list in the office as to where you will be for the week.

Looking forward to a great week!  See you bright and early tomorrow morning!

Next week Oct. 7 - 11

There are a number of events happening next week!

On Monday, Troy, our dance instructor, will start teaching the students a new dance!  From what I have heard, the dances he teachers are high energy and lots of fun!

On Tuesday, there will be a Fire Safety presentation for all intermediate grades in the afternoon.

Thursday is Westview's first annual Thanksgiving Lunch!  The staff will start cooking and preparing a delicious meal early next week and students will eat as a school in the gym on Thursday.  There will be turkey, corn, potatoes, and pie!  Students are asked to bring a plate, knife, and fork to limit the amount of garbage from using paper plates.

On Friday, all parents are invited to come and watch the dance your child/children have been learning all week!  The showcase starts at 2 p.m.  Hope to see you there!

*IMPORTANT Outdoor School*

Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork!!

All students who are attending Outdoor School are bringing home another package that outlines the structure, transportation, accommodation, among many other things regarding ODS.   If you had any questions about ODS, hopefully you can find the answers there.

The last page in this package is a very important consent form that MUST be returned on Monday October 7.  Mrs. Fletcher and I are required to submit all paper work that day.  Please check student bags for a yellow package and send it back on Monday morning.

I appreciate all of your support in getting the students ready for this event! :)

Outdoor School Information

Outdoor school is less than two weeks away!  Today we had a meeting with all the grade 6's and 7's to discuss what to bring on October 15th.  Here is what we talked about!

What to pack:
- Bedding
        - Sleeping bag
        - Pillow
- Toiletries
        - Towel (at least 1)
        - Toothbrush
        - Tooth paste
        - Deodorant
        - Soap/Shampoo (students are expected to take at least one shower while at ODS)
        - Hair brush
- Clothing
        - t-shirts x 6 (long sleeve and short sleeve for layering)
        - Sweaters x 2
        - Jacket (waterproof)
        - Pants x 4 (warm)
        - Rain pants (if you have)
        - Pajamas
        - Socks x alot!  (cold, wet feet are awful! Bring extra to change throughout the day.)
        - Boots (hiking or rain boots, lined if possible for warmth)
        - Extra pair of shoes
        - Toque
        - Mittens or gloves x 2
        - Underwear x 6
- Medication - there is a nurse onsite that will distribute medication as prescribed.  Please place all medications into a zip lock bag in their original containers and give to Mrs. Fletcher or Ms. Smith when you get to school on Tuesday October 15th.  Epi-pens and inhalers may be kept with your child.

What not to pack:
- Snacks (this includes gum and candy)
- Clothes that you do not want to get dirty

All personal belongings must fit into one bag and students must be able to carry this by themselves.  

Outdoor School has a very strict rule about electronics; there are to be no cell phones, MP3 players, gaming devices while at ODS.  That being said, we will allow the students to bring these for the bus ride there and back.  When we arrive at ODS Mrs. Fletcher and I will label and collect all electronics and lock them safely in the teachers cabin, then return them for the bus ride home.

On October 15th, please arrive at school no later than 8:30 a.m.  The bus will leave right away!  Students will arrive back at school on Friday the 18th at 3:00 p.m. for pick up.  It is going to be a very fun week and I am sure all students and teachers will be ready to rest and have a nice warm shower on Friday night.

If you have any further questions about Outdoor School, please contact me at kimsmith@sd44.ca



 

Photo Orders

Photo Orders are due on Friday October 4th.  I have mentioned in class and I want to make sure the information is also getting home.

Photo Re-take day has been schedule for Thursday October 17th, which is while we are away at Outdoor School.  If you wish to get an individual photo of your child, now is the chance as we will miss the re-take day.

Book Reports

Good Morning!

Students have been assigned a new project today in Language Arts.  We have just finished reading a book as a class (Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner).  They have been tracking the story by answering questions and writing chapter summaries.  Now, they will write a book report  based on a template that I have given them.  The good copy of the Stone Fox book report is due Wednesday October 9, 2013.

In addition to the Stone Fox book report, the students are responsible to complete two more book reports on books of their choice.  The due dates for these reports are Monday November 4, 2013 and Monday December 9, 2013.

Students have copies of the template and expectations for their book reports.  The expectations can be found in Rubrics and Expectations tab on the blog.  The template is listed below.

Title of book:
Author:
Setting:
Characters:
Conflict or Problem:
Conclusion or Resolution:
Your opinion about the book:

Individual School Pictures

School photo's have arrived and will be sent home with your child today.  Please review the poses and background and return your order to the school by Friday October 4, 2013.

Indigo Love of Reading Foundation

Indigo love of reading

Westview Elementary has been chosen by Indigo Love of Reading Foundation as one of their sponsor schools.

If you visit http://adoptaschool.indigo.ca/eng/schools/876 you can make a direct donation or click on the free option (Adopt this school) and for every time someone adopts Westview, the school receives free books!

41 books have already been donated!  We are trying to get to 215!

Please note: To participate in the free vote, you must provide an email address.  If you do not want to receive Indigo’s email’s make sure to unclick that button at the bottom!