Happy Wednesday!

In today's class the students started off the day working on language in our Ontario Writing books.  As a class we discussed the important elements of report writing.  We reviewed how to write a report, and the uses of reading non fiction reports, and reviewed various types of non-fiction reports.  Students then had a chance to research and write their own reports on a topic of their choice.  Students were asked to use a writing organizer to help with the elements of the report, and then turn their organizer into real reports, written in paragraph style!  Ask your child tonight what they wrote about.  During language the students also continued reviewing the difference between 'may' and 'can' and 'to', 'too' and 'two'.

During the Unit of Inquiry time today the students had a great time presenting their models to the class!  It was great to see all the hard work the students put in to these projects pay off with their in-class demonstrations.  We had a chance to see great examples of forces being put into actions and have a lot of fun doing it!  In tomorrow's class the students will have a chance to complete the write-up section of their project to discuss the steps they focused on during their demonstration, and any reflections they might have.  I have some pictures of the students with their models posted for you at the end of this posting!

During mathematics today the students began their next math unit- measurement.  In today's class we had a great class discussion about the need for measurements, the different ways we use measurement each and everyday, and what life would be like without the use of measurement.  Students moved on to begin working on the first concept of measurement in their workbooks- calendars.

Students also went to PE, Art  and French classes.

Homework: Read for 2o minutes and record in the reading log, practice weekly spelling words, Math pages 112 - 113, Ontario Writing pages 38 - 41 and Language pages 95 - 96.

Important information:  The next P.D Day at St. Jude's is this Friday, January 24th.  There will be no school for students on this day.

Every student brought home a field trip form with them last week.  Our class is going to be taking a trip to Black Creek Pioneer Village on February 11th!  This trip will correspond with the unit we will be starting shortly which focuses on the life of pioneers.  The cost of the trip is $26 and is due back with the permission form by Monday, February 3rd.  The SJA bus will be leaving the school at 9:15am and will return in time for regular afternoon dismissal.  Students are asked to come to school wearing their gym clothes, and appropriate outdoor gear to be able to spend the majority of the field trip day outside.  

February lunch forms have gone home with all students last week.  Order forms and payment if you would like to order your child hot lunches for February are due tomorrow!

St. Jude's Academy's Annual Gala Dinner is approaching and it is sure to be an evening of fun and entertainment for friends and families alike!  Mark your calenders for this event which takes place on February 22nd at 6:00pm at the Sagan Banquet Hall.  The theme for this year's Gala is 'Legends of the World' which will be reflected in the buffet diner, and the short musical performance by St. Jude's students.  A silent action, raffle tickets and a 50/50 draw will also help add to the excitement of the night. Tickets for the event are $65 for adults and $10 for children.  Ticket prices for adults go up to $75 on January 14th so buy your tickets soon!

For more information about the Gala Dinner please contact Presy Malan at pmalan@stjudesacademy.com.  To donate items for the silent auction please contact Charmaine Tavares at lomaine@sympatico.ca  or Sudan Cashin at cashins@cashingroup.com.

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson