September & October 2015 News

 Grade 5/6 English Extended / Blended - Teacher: Mrs. K. Moorman

Teaching Partners: Mme Mourant, M Karpinski, Mme Corriveau, 
Ms. Lannen, Mrs. McKittrick, Ms. Cervo

Program Night will be held on: Wednesday, September 16, 2015, 6:45 pm

Welcome to

Grade 5/6 Extended & Grade 6 Blended

I would like to welcome all the students, and their families. I hope everyone had a wonderful summer. This year, our School Board theme is "Restore one another in a spirit of gentleness”. We will integrate the Board theme into our Religion, Family Life, and Language programs. Please continue to check the Blog for up and coming important events, homework and assignments. Throughout the year, please feel free to contact me at school (613-834-6334), if you have any questions or concerns.

Mrs. Karen Moorman

Grade 6 Mathematics

To begin the year, the Grade 6 class is working on the Number Sense and Numeration strand, followed by Patterning and Data Management. In grade 6, a BIG focus is placed on understanding math vocabulary and the relationship between strands and skills taught. Strands and skills are compared, contrasted, and linked to one another. It is very important for students to be able to make those links in order to succeed in more sophisticated Mathematics, at the upper levels. We will begin with a review of the basic skills (+, -,  X,  /,  of whole numbers and decimals), Place Value, Problem Solving, and Mental Math strategies. The students should complete their homework every night and memorize their multiplication tables (to 12). Math vocabulary should also be reviewed regularly.

When the Ontario Math curriculum was updated, a strong emphasis was placed on Problem Solving as the basis of an effective Math program. Students learn by solving "multi-step / multi-strand word problems".  Students need strong language skills to decipher the word problems and they must be able to connect mathematical ideas and develop a conceptual understanding. Students will learn to select problem-solving strategies, make a plan to carry out the problem, solve the problem, look back and check the reasonableness of their answer, and finally communicate / describe the solution, and how it was reached. The Grade 6s will be working on Problem Solving, on a regular basis, with a focus on "EQAO like" questions. This year, Grade 6 will be using a variety of resources to meet the Revised Grade 6 Mathematics curriculum.

Grade 6 English Language Arts / Comprehensive Literacy:

Grade 6 is following the "Comprehensive Literacy Model":

- Oral Language (integrated into all subjects)

- Reading (Modeling, Shared, Guided, and Independent)

- Writing (Modeling, Shared, Guided, and Independent)

- Working With Words & Word Study

- Media Literacy

To begin the year, the students will be reading and writing short texts from a variety of genres & forms. A major focus, this term, will be teacher Read-Alouds (teaching and reviewing reading strategies and examining literature critically) and Independent / Guided Reading (applying strategies and improving fluency). The students will focus on the following reading strategies this term: Pre-reading strategies, Fix-Up, Predicting, and Inferences. Term 1 Writing will focus on developing ideas, organization, conventions, word choice, and presentation. Our oral language focus will be listening and asking questions.

Grade 6 Religion:

The grade 6 Religion Program will be integrated into the English  Language Arts Program. The major focus of the Grade 6 Religion program is "You are the light of the world". The grade 6 students are asked to be a "Guiding Light", develop their leadership skills, and act according to the Gospel. We believe that every person can be a light and this is the year to demonstrate their strengths and special talents.

First term, Grade 6 Religion will focus of Unit 1 and 2 - "You are my friends" and Unit 2 " I love you with an everlasting love". In Family Life, we will discuss "Created and Loved by God", Unit 1, in Fully Alive.

Confirmation information will be announced later in the Fall. Please see the Divine Infant Parish website for specific information.

Grade 5/6 Extended Gym:

First term, we will focus on fitness, Cross Country Running, Soccer, and Volleyball skills. Our goal will be to have 100% vigorous participation. If your child cannot participate in gym, please have them bring in a note. I will be encouraging all students to participate to the best of their ability.

Grade 5/6 Extended Science:

Grade 6 Term 1: Electricity & Flight

Grade 5 term 1: Changes in Matter & Forces Acting on Structures

Grade 5/6 Extended Arts:

Visual Arts - taught in English (first term)         Drama - taught in French

Music - taught in English (second term) Dance - taught in French

Homework:

Please review the Blog to ensure that all homework is completed. For homework, the students are expected to complete any unfinished class work, research projects, read novels, type writing assignments, study for tests,  and independently review/practise any skills they are having difficulty with. Completing homework and being prepared for class, on a daily basis, are 2 key items to ensure success in grade 5 and 6.

Grade 5s and 6s Special Events / Activities:

- Many sports teams & School Drama Performance

- Scientist in Schools workshop

- 2 Social Justice Project (Advent & Lent)

- Year-End Trip

- Grade 6  - Office Helpers

- Grade 6  - 2 ski trips (Feb. & March)

- Grade 6  - Retreat at Divine Infant Church

- Grade 6 - St. Peter's Catholic High School tour / visit (May)

- Grade 6 Leave Taking Ceremony & Dance (June)

- Grade 6 - EQAO Testing (end of May)

Key items and supplies to have a successful day:

Lunch, snacks, water bottle, indoor shoes, pencil case with coloured pencils, markers, pens (red and blue), pencils, pencil sharpener, erasers, scissors, white glue, glue sticks, 1 Kleenex Box, 1 Box of Large Ziploc bags, calculator, variety of Highlighters, French - English Dictionary, 4 pre-cut Tennis Balls for the feet of the chair, etc.