Good afternoon!

In today's class we started off the day by having our spelling test and working in our spelling books.  The children practiced proofreading, and reviewed their spelling words.  Marked spelling tests will be going home with your child tonight.  The children also read a story about baby Moses and answered questions from the story.  The rest of the day was spent rehearsing for the Christmas concert that is happening tonight at 7pm!  I look forward to seeing all the friends and families there!

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes, re-write incorrect spelling words ten times each, Spelling page 60, Language page 65.

Important information:  Tonight the children need to come dressed in their pajamas (except Abel who should wear white shirt and black pants) and have a fancy coat to change into for the french portion of the concert.  The children should come to our classroom when they get to school as this is where they will be getting prepped.
Tomorrow is our Christmas party, red/green spirit clothing day, and a half day.  Children will be released at noon for the holidays.
Julia is bringing popcorn for the Christmas party.  Thank you!

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

We spent the majority of today rehearsing for the Christmas concert.  We went to Heritage Glen in the morning, and had our own dress rehearsal in the afternoon back at school.  I am very excited for families to be able to see all the hard work tomorrow night!

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, and practice spelling words for the test tomorrow.

Important information:  Please continue to read Mrs. Deras' blog for important information about the Christmas concert tomorrow night.  Children do not have to come to school wearing their pajamas tomorrow, but must come in them to the performance tomorrow night.  Children who didn't bring in their fancy coats and hats today need to make sure they have them for tomorrow.  They need these for the french portion of the Christmas concert.
Victoria is going to bring juice for the party on Friday.  Thank you!
Pizza day forms and money must be brought in by Jan 4th.  They went home with your child last night. 

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

We spent a large part of today getting ready for the Christmas concert which is quickly approaching!  We got the chance to practice individually, as well as a whole school, and it is beginning to look great!  In between practicing the children worked with calendars (grade two) and counting real money (grade one) in math, we read more of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and worked with suffixes and root words in language.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes, practice weekly spelling words for Thursday's test (found on the blog because the spelling books did not go home), Language pages 63 - 64.

Important information:  Tomorrow is the officially dress rehearsal at Heritage Glen.  The entire school is going to do a final run through before we leave.  This is starting at 8:45am sharp.  For the dress rehearsal tomorrow our class needs to come to school dressed in their pajamas and their robes, as this is their costume for the night of the concert.  Those students that have not brought in their antlers for the play must have them tomorrow.
Please check Mrs. Deras' blog for any last minute reminders regarding the concert. 
The children will also require a fancy jacket and hat to be worn for the french song at the end of the concert.  The children are supposed to be going on a fancy evening stroll, so a dress coat, nice hat, nice furry gloves, and/or a fur muff would be great to be worn during this scene.  Please send these in with your children for the dress rehearsal tomorrow.
January pizza forms went home with your child tonight and are due back by January 4th.
For our party on Friday morning, Nathan is going to be bringing in chips and Shannon is going to be bringing in a candy cane loaf for the class.  Thank you!

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon,

In today's class we started off the day by recording our new weekly spelling words, and working in our spelling books.  The children also worked on the sounds that 'ey' and 'ie' make, proofreading (grade two), syllables (grade one), cursive and Read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in language.  In math the children practiced their addition and subtraction of double digit numbers and counted forwards and backwards by 2s and 5s (grade two).  Grade ones worked on counting money and counting forwards and backwards by ones and tens.  In social science the children read a story about Christmas in Russia and we discussed the cultural differences between a Canadian Christmas and a Russian Christmas.  Ask your child tonight to tell you something they learned about a Russian Christmas!

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes, practice weekly spelling words, cursive page 67, and Letters and Sounds page 54 - 55. 

Important information:  Tomorrow is casual day at St. Jude's, so children may come dressed out of uniform. Wednesday we are having our dress rehearsal at Heritage Glen.  Thursday is the Christmas concert.  Friday is our Christmas party and only a half day of school.  Children may be picked up from school at noon on Friday. 

Children who had picture retakes had them sent home with them tonight.

Because of Friday's party we are going to be having our spelling test on Thursday morning this week.

I have had some responses from parents about treats they will be sending in for the party on Friday.  Jaymes is bringing timbits and Jessica is bringing candy canes.  Thank you for that!

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Grade one        Grade two

1. lot                  1. snake
2. not                 2. smell
3. drop               3. still
4. got                 4. smoke
5. rest                5. spell
6. off                  6. swim
7. red                 7. slice
8. jet                  8. most
9. went              9. strike
10. end             10. story

Good afternoon!

In today's class we started off the day by doing our spelling tests.  The marked spelling tests will be coming home with your child tonight.  We then moved on and worked with time in math class (grade twos) and counting money (grade ones).  The children then spent the afternoon rehearsing for the Christmas concert as a school.  The play is coming along very nicely and I am very excited for parents to see it on the 16th!

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes, re-write incorrect spelling words ten times each, spelling page 56 and math pages 62 - 63.

Important information:  Please see my post from last night regarding our Christmas party next Friday.  Parents may send in nut-free treats for the party if they wish.  Please let me know wheat you have decided to send so I can post it on my blog.  That way we don't get too many repeats!  Tuesday is our next casual day.  Wednesday is our dress rehearsal at Heritage Glen.  Thursday is the Christmas concert.  Friday is a half day for the holidays.  If your child can memorize their french song by Monday they will win themselves 5,000 house points!

Have a great weekend!

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

In today's class we started off the day by reading a story that explored Christmas around the world and the children answered questions about it.  Once again, the marks for these reading comprehension activities are improving which is great to see!  In language the children worked with the sounds that 'ea' makes in different words, and how the sound that 'c' makes changes depending on which vowels it is paired with.  In social science we continued to explore the idea of culture, and we discussed what things change between various cultures.  Ideas such as the changes in music, language, food, clothing and schooling were discussed.  Ask you child tonight to tell you something they learned about culture!  The children also went to music and french classes.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice spelling words for the spelling test tomorrow morning, and finish Letters and Sounds page 52 - 53 (if necessary).

Important information:  I am only missing one or two more forms for Heritage Glen.  Please make sure to send this form in as soon as possible.  Next Friday we are going to have a Christmas party in our class before we head home for the holidays.  The children will be playing games, doing crafts, listening to carols and having snacks.  If you would like to send something in with your child for the party please let me know by sending me a note in their agenda.  I will post items people are sending in on my blog when I hear back, so that not all children come in with the same thing and the children can enjoy some variety!

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

In today's class we started off the day by working on a comprehension activity that focused on a girl preparing for Christmas.  I am thrilled to announce that every single member of the class was able to get 5/5 on this activity!  I am very happy to see that all of our practice with the students reading and working to comprehend the information they are reading seems to be paying off.  We continued on the day by working with opposites, like words and syllables in language.  The children worked on adding and subtracting double digits (grade two) and counting money (grade one) during math time.  We also had a history test today after lunch.  The children will be coming home with their marked history tests tonight.  Children who require a re-test (84% and under) will be able to re-write the test on Friday at lunch.  The students also went to french and drama classes.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice spelling words for Friday's spelling test and finish math pages 65 - 66 (grade two).

Important information:  Our Christmas concert is coming up very shortly; next week in fact!  Please make sure your children are practicing their lines for the play and the song nightly so we can give our best performance!  Props and costumes can be sent in as soon as they are ready.  Coffee is still being sold for the St. Jude's fundraising program.  I look forward to seeing everyone tonight during the parent teacher interviews!

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

In today's class the students started off the day by working in their journals.  They were asked to proofread sentences and then correctly write them in their journals, and to draw a picture that illustrates the story.  The children also practiced their cursive, worked with opposites and syllables (grade one) and prefixes (grade two) and read more of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  Today the children also went to P.E, music and french classes.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice weekly spelling words, finish cursive page 65 - 66 (grade two), and Language page 57 - 58 (grade two).

Important information:  Tomorrow is our next history test.  Please make sure you have been reviewing the study notes I posted for the test last week.  Tomorrow is also pizza day and parent/teacher interview night.  Thank you to those students who have begun bringing in their props for the Christmas concert.  I am collecting all costume and set items for Mrs. Deras.  So whenever you have items ready to send in, please feel free!

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

We started off the day today with the children recording their new weekly spelling words and working in their spelling books.  The children are examining words that are comprised of l and r blends.  In math the children worked on time by identifying times that use quarter and half hours (grade two) and worked with the days of the week (grade one).  Ask your child tonight to tell you the role of the big hand and the little hand, and what time it is using an analog clock!  In social science we began discussing what the word culture means.  We discussed the different cultures our families are comprised of, and began looking into different cultures found in countries around the world.  The children also listened to more of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, went to french and went to art classes.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, study for the history test on Wednesday and practice weekly spelling words.

Important information:  Please continue to read Mrs. Deras' blog for important information about the upcoming Christmas concert.  All children should be practicing their individual lines nightly, as well as the lyrics to Adeste Fideles for the class song. This Wednesday evening we are having parent teacher interviews, and I look forward to chatting with everyone during their time slots.  A few students are still missing their Heritage Glen trip forms and $2 for the Christmas concert we are putting on there on the 15th.  I sent home a note with the students tonight to remind you.

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Grade One                      Grade Two

1. hit                               1. grass
2. win                             2. trunk
3. this                             3. truck
4. big                             4. flew
5. file                             5. flat
6. did                            6. class
7. run                            7. plate
8. but                            8. from
9. jump                         9. glove
10. just                        10. friend

Good afternoon!

We had a great day today at the ROM!  Our class got to go to an exhibit devoted to animals and the environment, where we saw a live lemur, painted turtle and barn owl!  The children also went to a dinosaur and bat exhibit.  I think we all learned a lot and had a great time doing it.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and study for the upcoming history test.

Important information: Wednesday is our next history test.  Study notes were posted online earlier this week.  Report cards are coming home with you children tonight.  Please keep your eyes out for them.  Parent-teacher interviews are happening next Wednesday.  Please keep reading Mrs. Deras' blog for important information about the upcoming concert.

Have a great weekend!

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

In today's class we started off the day by having our weekly spelling test.  Marked spelling tests will be going home with your children tonight.  The children continued on by working in their spelling workbooks and had a chance to review the spelling words they have been tested on over the last 5 weeks.  In math the grade twos worked on subtracting two digit numbers, while the grade ones worked on counting money.  In social science the children completed their community posters.  We also read more of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The children also had music class and watched the dress rehearsal of The Seussification of Romeo & Juliet today.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, re-write incorrect spelling words ten times each, complete cursive page 64 - 65 (grade one) 63 - 64 (grade two).

Important information:  Tonight the juniors are putting on The Seussification of Romeo & Juliet at 7:30.  All families are welcome to come to the free show, which will earn your child 2,500 house points! Tomorrow is the ROM trip.  Children need to be here at 8:45 sharp, in full uniform, with a lunch.  Next Wednesday we will be having our next history test.  Please see my blog earlier this week with the study notes. 
Lastly, please remember to check Mrs. Deras' blog for important information about the upcoming Christmas concert.

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

In today's class we started off the day by practising working with root words and suffixes and contractions.  In language the children also worked on the sound 'c' makes when paired up with a 'e', 'i' or 'y', we read more from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and they finished writing their letters to Mr. Sawatsky's class.  In math the children estimated the time it took them to do various activities, and also timed the different things they could accomplish in one minute. We ended off the math period by having a snap cube competition!  In history we read more about the Americas and a fable about a rabbit trying to shoot the sun.  Ask you child to tell you about it tonight!  The children went to french class in the afternoon.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice the weekly spelling words for the spelling test tomorrow, and Letters and Sounds page 50 - 51 (grade 2).

Important information:  Please continue to check Mrs. Deras' blog for important information about the upcoming Christmas concert.  There are props that children need to start locating, and important lines to learn.  Mrs. Deras is also still looking for empty boxes to be wrapped up as Christmas presents.  So far our class has only brought in one gift box. 
The class is heading to the ROM this coming Friday.
Tomorrow night the juniors are putting on Romeo and Juliet.  I hope all families from St. Jude's will have the opportunity to come and watch the play to support them and earn your child 2,500 house points!

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

The students started off the day today by practicing their proofreading skills.  The children were asked to correctly edit three sentences and then draw a picture to go along with it.  In math the children worked on identifying horizontal and vertical lines, addition and subtraction and examining the concept of a dozen and half a dozen.  In language the children worked on suffixes, completed sentences, and read more of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  In social science we reviewed the idea of community, and they began creating posters advertising communities that they belong to.  Ask you child tonight to tell you the purpose of a poster and how we are using them in class!  The students also went to music, P.E and french classes.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice weekly spelling words, finish math pages 61 - 62 (grade two).

Important information:  Please remember to check Mrs. Deras' blog for important information about the upcoming Christmas concert.  The date is quickly approaching and there are things that need to be done by each child before the big night.  The juniors are putting on Romeo and Juliet this Thursday night and I am encouraging all families to come out and watch the play free of charge!  It will also earn your child 2,500 house points.  The final math re-test for unit two for children who need to re-write is happening tomorrow at lunch recess.  Please make sure you are reviewing the past tests with your child to ensure their best marks.  Lastly, we are having another history test next Wednesday, December 8th.  I have posted study notes at the end of this blog.  Please review them with your child to ensure their best marks!

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

• Rome was founded on top of seven hills
• Rome is located in Italy
• The most important Italian tribe was the Etruscans
• Their king wore special robes called togas
• Romulus and Remus were the two brothers who founded Rome according to legend.
• They were raised by a wolf and a sheppard
• According to legend, Romulus killed Remus because he was angry about him jumping over his wall
• Etruscans traded with the Greeks
• Romans learned about how to dress, painting, music and Greek gods from the Greeks
• A fasces is a symbol for power that looks like a bundle of rods with an axe in them
• Only the rich and powerful men could vote in ancient Rome
• There were two appointed consuls in Rome
• The Roman Empire lasted for hundreds of years and was bigger than the empire belonging to Alexander the Great
• Ancient people liked to hear fairy tale stories about their kings
• Rome was not a democracy, unlike Greece.

Good afternoon!

In today's class we started off the day by receiving the new weekly spelling words.  The children also worked in their spelling books.  In math, the children worked on estimating times by timing themselves doing various activities, such as saying the alphabet and putting on their jackets.  In language the children worked on contractions, suffixes, reviewed their cursive, and listened to more of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  In history we read about the people of ancient America, and coloured a map of the Americas.  The children also went to french and art classes.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice spelling words, finish cursive pages 62 - 63 (grade one) 61 - 62 (grade two), finish colouring the map of Americas.

Important information:  Please see my blog from last week about the Christmas concert.  Mrs. Deras is looking for props and costumes that she would like the children to start bringing into school.  Our class needs to have a set of pjs, a plastic set of antlers to wear, slippers and a robe (optional).  Our class' scene also requires a small tree and presents underneath it.  If anyone would like to lend a small Christmas tree they have at home that would be great.  We are also looking for empty boxes to be wrapped up as 'presents' to be used as props.  If anyone is able to bring those is that would be great.  Please have a look at Mrs. Deras' blog tonight as there is much more information provided for you.
The junior students at St. Jude's are putting on Romeo and Juliet this Thursday night in the school's auditorium.  The play is free of charge and we are encouraging families to attend.  If your child attends the play, not only will they see a great show, but they will also earn their house 2,500 house points!
This Friday is our ROM trip.  Students need to come dressed in their full uniforms and have a lunch to be eaten at the ROM.

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon,

In today's class we started off the day by having our weekly spelling tests and working in our spelling workbooks.  The students will be bringing home their marked spelling tests tonight with them.  We continued on the day working on patterning and word problems in math, and practicing our addition and subtraction.  In language the children worked on adding suffixes onto root words to create new words, and finished writing their rough copies of their letters to Mr. Sawatsky's class.  The children also went to french class.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, re-write incorrect spelling words ten times each, finish Letters and Sounds page 46 - 47 (grade 2) if necessary.

Important information:  Field trip forms for the Heritage Glen Christmas concert are going home with your child tonight.  Please send back the form with $2 by Monday, Dec 6th.  Marked math re-tests are going home with your child tonight.  Please sign the test and send it back with your child by Monday.  Lastly, please see my comments from last night regarding the upcoming Christmas concert.  Costumes and props are in need, and your child has lines in a play that need to be practiced for the upcoming concert!  We are also looking for 'presents' to be used in the concert.  If anyone has time to practice their gift wrapping skills this weekend, and would like to gift wrap an empty box to be used as a prop in the play, please send it in with your child next week.

Have a great weekend!

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

In today's class we started off the day working on our proofreading skills.  The children were asked to correctly re-write sentences and then illustrate their writing.  In math the children began our third unit, 'Time, Temperature and Money'.  In language the children continued working on their rough copies of their letters back to Mr. Sawatsky's class, and practiced writing sentences using question marks.  The children also went to music, P.E and french classes.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice for tomorrow's spelling test, review for math re-test tomorrow if necessary, and finish colouring the math colouring page.

Important information:  The St. Jude's Christmas Concert is quickly approaching.  Our class has been sent home from drama with individual scripts and a group song that Mrs. Deras would like the children to practice every night.  It has also been suggested that children start to locate a few props for our class' scene in the concert.  The following is kindly requested to be gathered to be used the night of the concert: a set of pajamas for your child to wear, slippers to be worn on stage, a robe (if your child prefers it to be worn over pajamas), and a plastic headband with antlers attached.  Also, if anyone has a small sleigh that can be borrowed for the evening that would be wonderful. 
Picture money is due by the 30th. 
If you would like to purchase anything from Scholastic for your child please make sure the money and forms are brought in by tomorrow.
Lastly, Mrs. Couch has sent a notice that on Monday, November 29th, the children will begin painting props for the Christmas concert.  If you have not already sent in an old t-shirt or smock for your child please make sure they have one for Monday.

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

In today's class we started off the day with a language activity that focused on using apostrophes to show possession.  In language the students worked on identifying the special sounds in words, rhyming, finishing sentences and practised cursive.  In math the children worked on word problems and counting pennies, nickles and dimes.  The students also worked on their letters back to Mr. Sawatsky's class.  The students also went to french and drama classes.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice weekly spelling words, and finish cursive pages 59 - 60 (grade two).

Important information: Scholastic book order forms went home and need to be brought back with a cheque as soon as possible. Picture retake money needs to be brought back to the school by the 30th. Signed math tests need to be brought back to school.  The math re-test for unit two is going to take place on Friday at lunch recess for students who need a retest. I recommend that students who got 80% or lower take a retest to improve their marks.  Please study the tests and review sheets with your child to ensure the best results.

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

In today's class we started off the day by completing a reading activity about Julius Caesar.  The children read about the history of this famous leader and answered questions about him.  The students continued on the day by writing a math unit test.  The marked math tests will be going home with the children tonight.  In language we discussed the proper format for writing a formal letter.  Each child received a letter from a student in Mr. Sawatsky's class, and we began writing our rough drafts back to them.  The students also went to music, and french classes.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice the weekly spelling words, get the math unit tests signed and returned back tomorrow, bring your completed candy advertisement back to school by tomorrow morning.

Important information:  Tomorrow is Casual Day and pizza day at St. Jude's.  I am still waiting for a few children to bring back their candy advertisements.  I am putting these advertisements on display in our classroom, and I would like everyone to have one to show.  Scholastic book order forms went home last night.  If you would like to order something for your child, please make sure you send in the forms and the monies as soon as possible.  Photo re-takes went home tonight with the students who had them done.  If you would like to purchase any of these photos, the funds need to brought in by November 30th at the latest.

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

In today's class we started off the day by with the new weekly spelling words.  The students also worked in their spelling books on proofreading, opposites and answering riddles. In math we had a review period, where the review sheet was taken up and discussed to make sure that all children were prepared for tomorrow's math test.  In language the students worked on completing sentences, recognizing special sounds, and practiced their cursive.  We started a new unit in social studies today called 'Communities, Traditions and Cultures.  In today's class the children were asked to generate their definitions of the word community.  Ask them to tell you tonight what community means!  The students also went to french and art classes.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes, practice spelling words, study for tomorrow's math test, Letters and Sounds pg 42 - 43 (grade two), and cursive page 60 (grade one)  57 - 58 (grade two).

Important information:  Tomorrow is our math test for unit two.  Please make sure the children are studying their review sheets tonight to ensure the best results.  Wednesday is pizza day and Casual Day. The St. Jude's fundraising effort is continuing.  Please make sure to have a look at the coffee order form, and send it back in if you are interested in purchasing any coffee!

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Grade One               Grade Two

1. cup                      1. feed
2. job                      2. sea
3. play                     3. meet
4. tot                       4. real
5. look                    5. keep
6. cab                     6. week
7. toy                      7. deep
8. pot                      8. easy
9. talk                     9. beach
10. run                   10. clean

Good afternoon!

We started off the day today by having our weekly spelling test.  The marked spelling tests will be going home with your child tonight.  The children then continued on the day by working on suffixes, finishing sentences, analyzing special sounds, reviewing our 'number relationships' unit in math, reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and then creating a advertisement for a new, amazing candy.  The children also went to french class.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes, re-write incorrect spelling words ten times each, finish Letters and Sounds pg. 40 - 41, math review sheet, and finish colouring their candy advertisement.

Important information:  I sent home a review sheet with the children today.  This sheet is comprised of all the concepts that they will be tested on during Tuesday's math unit test.  The children had a review period today, where we went over all the work we have done to date.  This sheet should simply be an additional review for them, and should be completed before Tuesday's math test to ensure best results!  Next Wednesday (24th) is casual day at St. Jude's.  Tonight is movie night at St. Jude's.

Have a great weekend!

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

In today's class the students started off the day by working with suffixes and root words.  The children were taught a new spelling secret about short vowels and double consonants today.  Ask them to share it with you tonight!  In math the children worked on addition and subtraction and deciphered a code using place value.  In history the children learned about Alexander the Great and we replicated his famous horse, Bucephalus.  The children also went to music, P.E and french class.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice spelling words for the spelling test tomorrow and complete Letters and Sounds pg. 38 - 39 (grade two).

Important information:  ROM field trip forms and picture money/unwanted pictures are due by tomorrow.  Please make sure to send these things in if you would like to purchase photos, or have your child attend the trip.  December pizza forms went home last night.  Tonight I am sending home interview request forms, where you may indicate your preferred time for a parent-teacher interview on December 8th.

The St. Jude's Christmas Concert is quickly approaching.  Our class has been sent home from drama with individual scripts and a group song that Mrs. Deras would like the children to begin practicing every night.  It has also been suggested that children start to locate a few props for our class' scene in the concert.  The following is kindly requested to be gathered to be used the night of the concert: a set of pajamas for your child to wear, slippers to be worn on stage, a robe (if your child prefers it to be worn over pajamas), and a plastic headband with antlers attached.  Also, if anyone has a small sleigh that can be borrowed for the evening that would be wonderful.

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

In today's class the students started off the day by editing sentences in their journals.  The ability to properly proofread is something that I would like to develop with the students in our class.  Extra practice with proofreading has been sent home with students tonight to help them with that important skill.  In language the students worked on completing sentences.  In math the students worked on estimating, counting money, and reviewed the work we have done in our 'numbers' math unit to date.  In science we reviewed what we have learned about simple machines, and worked on identifying the simple machines found in common machines.  The students also went to french and drama.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice spelling words, complete cursive pages 57 - 58 (grade 1) 54 - 55 (grade 2), complete the extra practice homework page if needed.

Important information:  Notes have gone home in the agendas of children who need to bring in their ROM forms and picture money (or the pictures if you're not buying them).  Please make sure this is done by Friday.  The children have been informed that we are having a math unit test next Tuesday.  This test is going to cover what we have been doing in our 'number relationships' unit.  The children have begun reviewing our progress throughout this unit, and a review sheet will be coming home tomorrow night so that students can begin practicing at home.

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

In today's class we started off the day with a comprehension activity about a world-record holding dog.  Ask your child tonight to tell you about the unusual record Spunky was able to break!  The students continued on by working on suffixes and special sounds, estimating, and discussing how simple machines can make life much easier for us.  The students also had music, P.E and french class.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice weekly spelling words, and complete the simple machines science sheet.

Important information:  ROM trip forms and picture money are both due back on the 19th- this Friday.  I am still waiting for many student's forms.  If you would like them to go on the trip, please send the form and funds back as soon as possible.  Picture money needs to come back if you would like to purchase pictures.  If you would not like to, please send back the envelope with the pictures that went home.  Students who had re-takes will bring home their new photos shortly.

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

We had a great day back to school today.  The students started off the day by recording their new weekly spelling words, and working in their spelling books.  Our class then started practising odds and evens and counting by 5's during math.  In language the students worked on syllables and the months of the year.  In history the children read about the great Greek wars, and coloured a picture of the famous Greek Parthenon.  The students also went to french, art, and had their pictures re-taken.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in their spelling books, practice weekly spelling words, finish language pg 43 - 44, and cursive pg 55 - 56 (grade one) 52 - 53 (grade two).

Important information:  Students that have not brought back their photos need to do so by the 19th (Friday).  If you would like to purchase the photos, you do not have to bring them back, just send in the necessary funds.  ROM forms and monies also need to be brought back by the 19th indicating if they are coming or not.

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

In today's class we started off the day by having our weekly spelling test.  Marked spelling tests will be going home with your child tonight.  The children also worked in their spelling books.  They continued on by writing in their journals about what they did yesterday to celebrate Remembrance Day.  In math, the children worked on identifying the number patterns in number charts, and recorded in their math journals what they have learned about ordinal numerals to date.  In science class, the children watched a movie about simple machines, and we had a class discussion about what various simple machines are, and how we use them.  Ask your child tonight to give you one example of a simple machine!  The children also went to french class.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, re-write any incorrect spelling words ten times each, and complete the science take-home activity.

Important information:  Monday is picture re-take day.  If you would like your child to have a re-take, make sure they come fully dressed and ready with their original photos ready to turn in.  Picture money, and ROM trip money are both due by the 19th.

Have a great weekend!

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

In today's class we started off the day by reading a story about the history of the poppy.  The children read about why we wear poppies, and what they symbolize.  Ask you child tonight to share something they learned!  The children continued on by writing their spelling re-cap test.  Marked spelling tests will be going home with your child tonight.  The students also worked on the days of the week, months of the year, compound words, odd and even numbers, and learned about Greek Gods and Goddesses.  At the end of the day the children went to french and drama classes.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice spelling words for the spelling test on Friday, complete math pages 62 - 63 (grade 1) 48 - 49 (grade 2), re-write any incorrect spelling words ten times each in their spelling books.

Important information:  There will be no school tomorrow so that families have the chance to go and pay their respects on Remembrance Day.  School photo forms and funds need to be returned by the 19th if you would like to order any school photos.  ROM trip forms and monies need to be brought back as soon as possible.  Monday is picture re-take day.  If your child needs another photo taken, please send them fully dressed and ready on Monday morning.

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

We started off the day today reading a short story about Remembrance Day.  The children learned the meaning behind Remembrance Day, and why it is such a special day to our nation.  Ask your child tonight to tell you something they learned!  They continued on with the day by working on matching sentences with its picture, finishing sentences, completing a 100 chart, and writing an acrostic poem about machines in science.  The children also went to music, P.E and french class.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice weekly spelling words, study for the additional spelling test tomorrow morning, and complete the science poem and picture for tomorrow.

Important information:  School pictures are going home with your child tonight.  If you are interested in purchasing photos send in the order form with payment by November 19th.  Also, Scholastic book order forms are due by tomorrow if you would like to purchase anything.  Lastly, tomorrow is pizza day at St. Jude's.

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

We had a great first day back after what I hear were lovely weekends for the students.  The children started off the day today by recording their new weekly spelling words and working in their spelling books.  They continued the day by practicing counting money, completing sentences, completing whole stories, practicing their cursive, and reading about the Spartans and the Athenians in history.  The children also went to french and art classes.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice weekly spelling words, cursive pages 53 - 54 (grade one) 50 - 51 (grade two), and complete journal entries about Sparta and Athens if necessary.

Important information:  A field trip form went home tonight for the St. Jude's trip to the ROM.  Please review the form and send it back with the funds if your child is interested in attending.  This Thursday is Remembrance Day, and we will not be having school on that day so that families may go and pay their respects to our soldiers.  On Wednesday I am giving the children an additional spelling test that is going to cover various words that they have been tested to date.  This is just to ensure that the words are being learned and absorbed by the children, and not forgotten when new spelling words are given.  Please feel free to go over your child's spelling book with them to review past words that may have provided them with difficulty so that they can easily succeed on the test.  I have encouraged your child to do the same in class during free time.

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson


Grade One                   Grade Two

1. car                          1. rule
2. can                         2. use
3. rug                          3. tune
4. wet                         4. mule
5. will                          5. due
6. cold                        6. true
7. bag                         7. grew
8. jog                          8. few
9. jar                          9. you
10. fun                       10. cute

Good afternoon!

In today's class we started off the day by having our weekly spelling test.  The tests have been marked and sent home with the students tonight.  Over the weekend I ask that they re-write any incorrect spelling words ten times each.  The children continued the day by working in their spelling books, worked on grouping and counting by tens, explored the special sounds in words, practised cursive, and discussed why it is easy to move some objects and hard to move others while in science class.  The children also went to french.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, re-write incorrect spelling words ten times each, finish Letters and Sounds pages 34 - 35 (grade two), and cursive pages 51 - 52 (grade one) 43 - 44 (grade two).

Important information:  Scholastic book order forms are due on November 10th if you would like to order anything for your child please send in the form with a cheque.  Next Thursday is Remembrance Day and we will not have school on that day.

Have a great weekend!

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

The children started off the day today by writing about Guy Fawkes in their journals.  We read a story together to remind us about the history of Guy Fawkes Day, and the students recorded their favourite parts.  Ask them to tell you something about Guy Fawkes Day tonight!  The children also began working on temperature, practiced their proofreading skills, matched words that mean the same thing, and learned about the beginnings of the Persians in history.  They also went to music, P.E and french class.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice weekly spelling words for the spelling test tomorrow morning, finish math pages 44- 45 (grade two) and language page 36 (grade two).

Important information:  Scholastic book order forms went home last night.  If you would like to order anything for your child, please make sure you return the form with a cheque by the 10th.  Next Thursday (Nov 11th) is Remembrance Day and we will not be having school on that day.

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

In today's class the grade twos completed their CAT testing all day long.  We got it all done in the one day, which was great!  While I was working with the grade twos, the grade ones went with Ms.Land and worked on a comprehension activity about fireflies, worked on estimating and counting money in math, discussed opposites and rhyming words, and practiced their cursive.  Friday is Guy Fawkes Day.  Ask your child to tell you who and what Guy Fawkes Day is all about!

Homework for tonight:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice weekly spelling words for the spelling test, and finish Letters and Sounds pages 44 - 45 (grade one).

Important information:  Next Thursday (Nov. 11th) is Remembrance Day.  There will not be any school that day so that families can go and pay their respect to past and present Canadian soldiers.  Tomorrow is a gym day.  Scholastic book order forms are coming home tonight.  If you are interested in buying something for your child, please send in the form with a cheque by November the 10th.  Forms are going home tonight with information about an upcoming Free Movie Night

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

In today's class we started off the day with a comprehension activity.  The children read a story about the history of Guy Fawkes Day and answered corresponding questions.  Guy Fawkes Day is happening this Friday, so it was great to see the children become aware of the background of this holiday.  Ask your child tonight to explain to you what Guy Fawkes Day is, and why we celebrate it!  We also worked on our cursive, practised estimating and grouping in math, sorted various motions into like categories, and acted out different motions in P.E class.  The children also went to music and french class.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice weekly spelling words, finish cursive pages 47 - 48 (grade one) 46 - 47 (grade two).

Important information:  Tomorrow is pizza day.  The grade twos will be completing their CAT tests tomorrow all day long.  The grade ones will have a regular day taught by Ms. Land.

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

We had a great day today! Back from what I will assume was a very busy weekend!  The students came to school with lots of stories of Halloween fun, which was great to hear!  After we shared our stories the students recorded down their new weekly spelling words and then worked in their spelling books.  The children also worked with money by focusing on five dollar bills and nickles, worked on creating sentences using the days of the week, practiced their cursive, and read about Ancient Greece.  The children had a follow-up activity in history, where they were asked to write a sentence using the Greek alphabet.  The students also went to french class.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice new weekly spelling words, complete cursive pages 44 - 45 (grade two) 45 - 46 (grade one), finish math if necessary pages 42 - 43 (grade two), and finish language if necessary pages 34 - 35 (grade two).

Important information:  Pizza Day is coming along this Wednesday.  Next Thursday (Nov. 11th) is Remembrance Day.  There will be no school that day. 

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson



Grade one              Grade two

1. van                     1. wide
2. den                     2. mile
3. you                     3. line
4. queen                 4. hide
5. very                    5. fine
6. leg                      6. nice
7. dog                     7. fire
8. pen                     8. mind
9. duck                   9. find
10. nest                 10. behind

Good afternoon!

We had a great day today celebrating Halloween at St. Jude's!  The school started off the day with pumpkin decorating and Halloween costume contests.  There was tough competition!  When we got back to class the class began more CAT practice, where they were once again asked to identify and match the beginning and ending letters in various words.  The children also had a spelling test, worked in their spelling notebooks, worked on estimating and grouping and went to french.  We had Halloween craft-time in our classroom where the children created Halloween ghosts that they are bringing home with them tonight to display for the holiday. 

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, re-write incorrect spelling words ten times each, finish math page 41 if necessary (grade 2).

Important information:  Progress reports will be coming home with your child.  Please keep your eye out for these reports tonight.  Please keep the healthy snacks coming in with your child to be eaten during first recess for house points!

Have a great Halloween!

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

In today's class we started off the day by working on identifying the sounds of words.  The children also practiced their addition and subtraction, worked on compound words, practised cursive and completed their good copies of their zoo letters.  In P.E the children practised their knowledge of movements and motions by acting out the motions that various animals make in their natural environments.  The variety of motions and what our bodies have to do to make those motions was discussed as a class.  The children also went to music and french classes.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice weekly spelling words for the spelling test tomorrow morning, and complete cursive pages 44 (grade 1) and 43 (grade 2).

Important information:  Tomorrow is our Halloween dress-up day.  Please encourage your child to come to school dressed in their costumes!

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

In today's class we started off the day with a comprehension activity.  The children were asked to listen to three small stories, and then find the pictures to best suit what happened in the story.  In class today we also worked on our estimating skills, worked on compound words, identified the special sounds in a variety of words, practiced cursive, and began our new science unit.  The new science unit we have begun studying is called Structures and Mechanisms.  The children also went to french and drama class.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice spelling words, finish cursive (page 42 - 43 for grade ones and 41 - 42 for grade twos), and finish the science introduction sheet.

Important information:  Tomorrow is picture day.  Please make sure they come to school in their full St. Jude's uniform and bring their gym clothes to change into.  Friday is our Halloween dress up day!

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

In today's class we started off the day with a language activity that focused on reading and assessing body language.  The children were asked to look at pictures and decide what the body language of the picture was telling them.  If you would like, ask your child what 'body language' means, and to give you an example of showing a message with their actions; without any words.  The children also worked on compound words, suffixes, matching sentences with pictures, graphing, and learned about the Greek Dark Ages.  The students also went to music, P.E and french classes.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice weekly spelling words, and finish colouring the map of ancient Greece.

Important information:  The history re-test will be tomorrow at lunch recess for children who scored 84% or less on the Chapter 17 test.  Tomorrow is casual day, so the students do not have to come to school in any St. Jude's uniform.  Thursday is picture day for all children.  All children need to come to school in their full St Jude's uniforms, and will be asked to change into their gym clothes here at school on the 28th.  The 29th is going to be our Halloween Day here at St. Jude's.  Children can come to school dressed in costume!

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

We had a great day today in our one/two class!  The children started off the day by recording the new weekly spelling words, and then working in our spelling books.  The students also worked on adding 'doubles' in math ( 6 + 6, 4 + 4, etc.), matching pictures with complete sentences, the long vowel a, and cursive.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice weekly spelling words, finish math pages 38 - 39 if necessary (grade two only), and finish writing out and/or proofreading their zoo letters for tomorrow.

Important information:  It was brought to my attention that the study notes did not match the last history test answers for numbers 12 and 15.  If your child lost marks due to these questions, I will make sure to re-calculate the marks without these two questions included and re-issue a mark to them.
It seems that our class is having problems completing assigned homework.  I try to only send home homework that is either part of a re-enforcement activity from the lesson in class, or homework that still needs to be completed after sufficient amounts of class and recess time given to the activity.  I understand the busy schedules all families are working with, but if you can help me to stress the importance of finishing work by the deadline with your child from home, I think we can teach the students a very valuable life skill.  Also, please help me help the students practice the responsibility of bringing their work, home folders and agendas back and forth with them everyday, so that they can best complete their tasks and to ensure everyone can be kept up to date.
Lastly, casual day is this Wednesday, October 27th for our class.  The older grades are having their casual day moved due to a class trip, but our casual day will remain as planned.  Picture day is this Thursday.

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Grade One                     Grade Two
1. sun                               1. save
2. teeth                             2. lake
3. mitt                               3. face
4. sock                             4. same
5. bed                               5. gate
6. hand                             6. rake
7. baby                             7. tape
8. boot                             8. sail
9. zoo                               9. paint
10. tack                           10. afraid

Good afternoon!

In today's class we started off the day by practicing reading calendars.  The children were asked to look at the calendar for the month of October and find certain days; what day it will be one week from today, what day was the first Monday of the month, etc.  If you have time at home to look over your own family calendar with your child to further practice this important skill, that would be great.  The children also had their weekly spelling test, worked on ordinal numbers, read about life in early Crete in history, went to french class and began writing letters to Mr. Sawatsky's class about our trip to the zoo.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, finish math pages 36 - 37 (if necessary) and finish the history colouring page (if necessary).
````
Important information:  Marked history tests have gone home with your child tonight.  A history re-test will be given on Wednesday at lunch recess for those children who got 84% and less.  Please review the test, and the study notes with your child.  We are giving out house points for healthy snacks during first recess.  If your child comes to school with a healthy snack (one that is unprocessed and does not contain any sugar.  Fruit, vegetables or cheese for example) they will earn house points!

Have a great weekend,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

We had a great day today at the Toronto Zoo!  The rain didn't hit until we were on our way out, and the light sprinkle definitely didn't put a damper on the day.  We got to see a lot of the animals we have been studying in class, which was great!  Another big thank you to Mrs. Deras and Mr. Meneses for spending the day with us!

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, and practice spelling words for the spelling test tomorrow morning.

Important information:  Tomorrow is the last day to submit Scholastic book orders and pizza forms.  Please send these in with your child tomorrow if you are interested.

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

In today's class we worked on our journals.  The children were asked to add a suffix to the word 'plant' and then write a story about it.  Feel free to quiz your child on suffixes.  After all the work we have done in class, I hope they can all offer examples of a root word and a suffix to go along with it!  The children also worked on cursive, addition, number order, problem solving, and an animals review sheet for our zoo trip tomorrow.  In history, the children wrote their history tests on Babylon.  The children also went to french and drama classes.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice weekly spelling words, and finish cursive pages 38 - 39 (grades one and two).

Important information:  Tomorrow is our zoo trip.  We will be leaving the school tomorrow at 9am.  Please ensure that your child is here promptly so that we do not have to hold up the bus.  Gym uniforms should be worn.  It is a good idea to send them in layers, as the morning will probably be cold, but the afternoon should hopefully warm up.  They have forecasted the possibility of rain, so umbrellas are also a good idea. Pizza forms went home for the month of November.  Please send in the form with a cheque or cash as soon as possible.  Lastly, I am still waiting for a few more picture information forms back for picture day next week.

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon,

We had a great day today!  The children began the day with working on a comprehension activity with a focus on vocabulary.  We also worked on our cursive writing, compound words, rhyming, number sentences and grammar.  The children also had music, french and P.E classes.

Homework for tonight:  Read for 15 minutes and record in your reading chart, practice weekly spelling words, practice history notes for the history test tomorrow afternoon.

Important information:  Tomorrow is pizza day.  School picture forms are required back as soon as possible with your picture preferences indicated.  Our trip to the Toronto Zoo is happening this Thursday!

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

It was great to have everyone back from a nice weekend.  In today's class we worked on our spelling workbooks, and had our new weekly spelling words assigned to us.  We also worked on counting money, telling time, grammar, cursive and read about the return of the Assyrians in history.  The children also went to french and art classes.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice new weekly spelling words, complete cursive pages 34 - 35 (grade one and two), and finish colouring in the picture of the Assyrians.

Important information:  Our zoo trip is coming up this Thursday!  The marks for the science project on animals are going home with your child tonight.  Overall, the class did really well and I was very pleased with the final copies and presentations!  Please remember to fill out and send in your preferences for your child's school picture which is taking place on the 28th of October.  Pizza forms for the month of November are also going home with your child tonight.

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson
_________________________________________________________________________

Grade One                        Grade Two

1. hen                                1. set
2. slow                              2. head
3. time                               3. wind
4. not                                4. yet
5. fly                                 5. bread
6. five                               6. belt
7. go                                7. tent
8. pan                               8. saw
9. the                                9. bed
10. cat                              10. sell

Good afternoon!

It was a great end to a grade week in our one/two class.  Today the children worked on a comprehension activity, they worked in their spelling books where proofreading was a focus, they worked on number lines, root words, and rhyming words.  The children also went to french class.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes every night and record in the reading chart, re-write any incorrect spelling words from the spelling test ten times each, finish cursive pages 32 - 33 (grades one and two), finish language book page 24 - 25 (grade two).

Important information:  The children will be writing our next history test on the 20th of October (Wednesday).  I have posted some study notes at the end of this message.  Please read them over with your child if you have spare time this weekend to give them an extra boost!  Scholastic order forms went home last night.  If you would like to purchase something for your child, please send in the form with a cheque by next Friday.  Lastly, information about school picture day went home last night as well.  You are asked to indicate your preference for a pose and background colour and send these in as soon as possible.

Have a great weekend!

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

_________________________________________________________________________

Babylon had a powerful king who lived like an animal.
The story of  Babylon is in the Bible in the book of Daniel.
The king of Babylon was worried about Persia.
The King of Babylon built the Hanging Gardens for his wife.
The King's name was Nebuchadnezzar.
Egypt was never conquered by the Babylonians.
The Babylonians destroyed the city of Nineveh.
The king of Babylon but a famous gate to honour the goddess Ishtar.
The king of Babylon went mad because he thought he was better than everyone.
The king of Babylon married the princess of the country to the east.
The princess missed the mountains about her home the most.
The Babylonians forgave the Assyrians.
The Babylonian Empire was smaller than the Assyrian Empire.
The king of Babylon lost his mind, but he got better.
The king married his wife because she was the most beautiful woman he ever saw.
The new queen was homesick.

Good afternoon!

In today's class we started off the day by working on a comprehension activity.  The children were asked to read a short story about a child making her mother a birthday present, and then answer the corresponding questions.  The children also worked on blends, proper sentences, money, greater than and less than, and read about The Phoenicians in history.  During the day today the students also went to music, P.E and french class.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, and practice spelling words for the spelling test tomorrow.

Important information:  The Toronto Zoo field trip forms need to be returned with a cheque/cash as soon as possible.  If your child will not be attending, I still need the form indicating this preference.  If you would like to volunteer as a free attending adult to help with supervision, please let me know.  I am sending home Scholastic book order forms home with your child tonight.  If you are interested in purchasing anything for them, please send in a cheque by Friday, October 22nd.  School pictures information was also sent home with your child in their home folder tonight.  Picture day is on the 28th of October.

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

In today's class we worked on the order of numbers, telling time, counting money, addition and subtraction, blends, and our cursive.  We also read For The Love of Fruggles and wrote about it in our journals.  The children also attended french and drama classes where they had lots of fun!

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice weekly spelling words, finish cursive pages 30 - 31 (grades one and two), and finish the Letters and Sounds book pages 21 - 22 (grade two) if necessary.

Important information:  Tomorrow is gym day.  The candy store will be open tomorrow if you would like your child to purchase something.  I am still waiting for a few field trip forms to be sent in.  Please send these in as soon as possible.  I have only received one request to volunteer on the trip so far.  If you are interested, please let me know either on the form, or via your child's agenda.  I sent home a sheet about how to make Fruggles from string at home.  This is an optional activity that your child can do on their spare time at home if they choose.  This is not mandatory.

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving weekend!  We shared our stories this morning when we returned back to school, and it seemed that all the children enjoyed themselves!
In class today we got our new weekly spelling words assigned to us.  The children worked on their spelling books, we read about the beginning of the Israelites, we worked on the special sounds in words, and worked with money.  The children also went to music, P.E and french classes.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice weekly spelling words and complete the 'Following Direction' worksheet if necessary.

Important information:  Tomorrow is pizza day.  Field trip forms are due back with a cheque or money if your child is able to come.  Winter uniforms must be worn by all children from now on.  This means either a long sweater or sweater vest shall be worn everyday.  The final math re-test will be given tomorrow at lunch.  Please review previous tests with your children to ensure great marks!

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Grade One                      Grade Two

1. cut                                        1.  thank
2. rug                                        2.  best
3. top                                        3.  plate
4. him                                       4. bring
                                                 5. kind
5. cup                                       6. plain
6. pig                                        7. then
7. red                                        8. why
8. yes                                        9. come
9. fox                                       10. help
10. game

Good afternoon,

We had a great day today in our grade one and two class.  We got to watch almost all of the science presentations, which taught us a lot about different types of animals.  The children also had their spelling tests, which are going home marked with them tonight.  We also worked on grammar, math and language.  Today the children also went to music, P.E and french class.

Homework:  For this weekend the children need to read for 15 minutes a night and record it in their reading chart, re-write any incorrect spelling words in their spelling books ten times each, complete the presentation worksheet if necessary, and complete their music homework if necessary.

Important information:  The children have their work for the week sent home with them.  This work has already been assessed and graded and may now stay at home.  Your child is coming home with information about an upcoming field trip to The Toronto Zoo.  I am requesting that this form be completed and sent in with a cheque by the 15th of October. Lastly, today was the last day for summer uniforms.  Starting on Tuesday, polo shirts must not be worn.  Your child must come to school in a mock turtle neck, with either a sweater vest or long sleeved sweater.  Any questions, please contact St. Jude's.

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving weekend!

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

We had a great day today, despite all the rain outside! In today's class we worked on our journals and wrote about how our families celebrate Thanksgiving Day.  We also worked on number relationships, worked with money, explored vowels, and practiced our cursive letters.  The children also went to french and drama class.  I am sending home the children's corrected science projects with them tonight.  These can be used to practice for a quick presentation that they will be giving on their animal tomorrow in class.

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice weekly spelling words for the spelling test tomorrow morning, practice animal presentation for tomorrow's class, cursive pages 28 and 29 (grades one and two), and finish math colouring if necessary.

Important information:  Math re-tests have been marked and sent back home this afternoon.  Please review the tests with your child.  A final re-test will be given next Wednesday at lunch recess.  Tomorrow is the last day that summer uniforms may be worn at St. Jude's.  After Thanksgiving, the winter uniforms must be worn. This means that children must come to school in their mock turtlenecks and sweater vest or long sleeve sweaters.

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

In today's class we worked on our cursive writing, rhyming words, and completed the good copies of our science projects.  We also read about Ancient Egypt with a focus on King Tut and his tomb.  The children also attended french and music classes.  Now that the science projects have been completed, I will hand back their marked assignments tomorrow, so that the children have them to study over to prepare for Thursday's class presentations. 

Homework for tonight:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice weekly spelling words, and study for the math re-write tomorrow at lunch if necessary.

Important information:  Math re-test is tomorrow at lunch recess.  Friday is a P.D day.  Tomorrow is our first pizza lunch day for those children who have purchased pizza.

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

It was great to have everyone back to school from a nice weekend.  Our class started off the day with a brand new student to St. Jude's, so that was a nice surprise for the students.  In today's class the children were assigned their new weekly spelling words, we also worked on our spelling books, explored rhyming words, practiced cursive letters, and worked on our ordinal numbers.  The children also wrote their math unit tests, and had french and art classes.  What a busy day!

Homework:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice new weekly spelling words, finish cursive page 24 - 25 (grades one and two) and please sign your child's math test and send it back tomorrow.

Important information:  Pizza day is going to be starting this Wednesday at lunch.  If you would like your child to have pizza, please send back the form with a cheque or cash to order.  This Friday is a PD day for the students.  So that means there will be no school this Friday, or this coming Monday due to the Thanksgiving holiday.  Lastly, if your child scored less than 85% on their math test, they will have the opportunity to re-write the test this Wednesday at lunch recess.

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Grade One                         Grade Two

1. hop                                1. pond
2. play                                2. rain
3. ran                                 3. bank
4. trip                                 4. eye
5. girl                                 5. said
6. stop                               6. train
7. will                                 7. been
8. sit                                   8. find
9. frog                                9. rock
10. map                             10. they

Good afternoon!

We had another great day today this Friday.  In today's class we had our weekly spelling test  The marked tests will be going home with your child tonight.  I ask that any words that were misspelled be written out ten times in their spelling books for Monday.  We also worked on our spelling books, a comprehension activity, ordinal numbers, read about Queen Tiye and, her husband Amenemhet, and worked on our science good copies.  The children also went to french class.

Homework: Read for 15 minutes, re-write any misspelled spelling words ten times, complete take-home comprehension activity if it was not finished in class, complete the pattern review sheet for the math unit test on Monday.

Important information:  Your child is bringing home a pizza form with them tonight.  If you would like for them to have pizza lunches on Wednesdays, please send back the form with money on Monday.  Those students who did not score 85% or higher on their re-test will have a final opportunity to write the test on Monday at lunch recess.  Please ensure that those children writing the re-test again are studying the notes from the bog, as well as their previous tests for the correct answers.

Have a great weekend,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

In today's class we worked on our science projects which are coming along nicely.  The children have done a great job so far.  We also worked on vowels, patterning, cursive letters, and our spelling books.  The children also went for music, P.E and french classes.

Homework for tonight:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice spelling words for the spelling test tomorrow morning, finish the patterning review page in the math workbooks (grade two)and finish cursive page 22 if needed.

Important information:  We are going to be having our first math test on Monday afternoon.  It will be on our patterning unit.  A review sheet will go home with your child tomorrow to practice over the weekend.  We are having our re-test for this week's history test tomorrow at lunch.  Any child who scored 84% or less can re-write it in hopes of boosting their score.

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

In today's class we worked on blends, vowels, punctuation, patterning, and the letters 'F' and 'J' in cursive writing.  We also read Where the Wild Things Are and wrote about the story in our journal.  The children wrote their second history test of the year on Ancient Africa, went to french and drama class.  What a busy day!  The children's marked history tests will be going home with them tonight.  Please make sure to sign the test and send it back with them tomorrow.  Students who scored 84% and lower can re-write the test to try to score up to 85%.  The re-write will be Friday at lunch recess.

Homework for tonight:  Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice weekly spelling words for Friday's spelling test, finish cursive page 21 (both grade one and grade two) if necessary.

Important information:  Tomorrow is gym day.  Please make sure the children come dressed in their gym clothes.  Tomorrow is also candy store day.  Please send your child with some small change if they would like to purchase candy from the store.

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Good afternoon!

Today was rainy outside, but nice and productive inside our classroom!  In today's class we worked on ordinal numbers, vowels, continued with patterning, and completed a comprehension activity.  The children also went to music, P.E and french class.  The comprehension activity will be going home marked with your child tonight.  The mark is not being used for a grade. I discussed with the class that I wanted to do this comprehension activity today as a method of preparing for the history test tomorrow.  I hope that it got them practicing the art of listening, and pulling out information.

Homework: Read for 15 minutes and record in your reading chart, practice weekly spelling words, and practice for the history test tomorrow.

Important information:  Tomorrow is casual day.  Children can come to school dressed casually if they bring a toonie, or have pre-paid for the year.

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson

Fourth Week of School

Good afternoon!

It was great to have everyone back to school for our forth week of school together.  In today's class we got our new weekly spelling words.  This week we have upgraded to 10 words, since we have been doing so well with our five word lists.  We also worked on patterning, rhyming words, cursive, finished our science sentences, and read about Ancient China.  The students also attended french and art classes.

Homework: Read for 15 minutes and record in the reading chart, practice weekly spelling words, complete cursive (Pages 19 - 20 for both grade one and two), and finish writing science jot notes for questions four and five of the rough copy.

Important information:  Today we had our history re-test for chapter 8.  The marked history tests will be going home with your child tonight.  Scores that improved will be adjusted, scores that declined will be left at their original mark.
On Wednesday we will be having our second history test for our chapter on Ancient Africa Chapter 11.  I have posted some study notes for your child to study before the test if they would like to do so.  The chapter has not been read to the class yet.  This will be done on Wednesday before the test, and they will be tested on their comprehension afterwards.
Wednesday is casual day at St. Jude's.  If your child would like to dress down for casual day, they may come to school in casual clothes.  Most children have already paid their $2 in advance, but if you have not, please ensure they come to school with their $2.

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson


                                  Weekly Spelling words

      Grade One                                                      Grade Two

1. up        6. one                                              1. swim     6. away
2. wet      7. ten                                               2. teeth      7. fast
3. hat       8. pets                                             3. right       8. tree
4. like      9. men                                             4. legs        9. lost
5. name  10.  get                                             5. home     10. flat

Chapter 11 Study Guide

• There is a large, hot area in Egypt called the Sahara Desert.
• The only water in the Sahara Desert is found in an oasis, which is a patch of land where water collects.
• Long ago, the Sahara Desert was not dry.  It used to be very fertile, green and full of water.
• Anansi the Spider is a favourite story-time character in African stories.
• We don’t know much about ancient Africa because they did not leave any written records for us to learn from.
• Archaeologists have found fossilized seeds, grass and pollen in the Sahara Desert that do not grow in those parts today
• Eventually, the Sahara Desert eventually dried up because it stopped raining in that area.  Trees and grass died.
• Due to drought, the people of the Sahara moved towards the middle and south parts of Africa.
• Anansi the Spider is a tricky spider, who sold cassava, plantains and rice to different villages.

The ancient people of the Sahara Desert were farmers like the people in the Fertile Crescent.

Archaeologists have found oil paintings on African cave walls.

Yams are like sweet potatoes.

Plantains are like bananas.

The people of Africa passed down stories from person to person