Good evening,

Students started off the day working in their creative writing folders. The students were asked to write about a fictional story of their choice. To start off the lesson we had a brief discussion about the qualities of a fictional story. Some interesting stories included waking up in a video game, using wishes from a jeanie and an elaborate party. After the discussion, students worked independently on their stories. Later on we compared ‘drank’ versus ‘drunk’, ‘took’ versus ‘taken’ and ‘gave’ vs. ‘given’.

Next we moved into our Unit of Inquiry, during this time students continued to read on in the books provided as well as circulated onto the two computers available in class. Today students looked at brainstorming ideas and concepts around their independent projects.  After that students started to think all about what they already knew about their topics. Ask your child tonight how their inquiry project is going.

Later on in the morning we started reflections, the third and final grid transformation we will explore (we have already discussed slides and turns). To start the lesson we went back to the grid table and reviewed the qualities of slides and turns. Then we looked at reflections and what specific characteristics make them differ from the other transformations. In the afternoon we completed a math assessment to use as a standardized measure to see how much the students improve throughout the year.

Homework: Read for 20 minutes and record in the reading log, language 109-110, practice Spelling words, and Math 142-143.

Important Information: 

Registration has now been opened up to the public.  If you have not yet returned your re-registration package for next year please do that quickly so that your child doesn't miss a spot!

Please return field trip form for Mountsberg Conservation and cheque by Thursday, February 27, 2014.  

St. Jude’s is starting their very first Soccer Club. Try outs are the third week of March. The team will be made up of students 10 and under.

Hot lunch order forms for April are due Mach 7^th.

The Oral Presentations event is this Thursday, February 27th.  JKA-Grade 3 poetry starting at 9:00am.  Grade 4-9 speeches starting at 12:15pm.  ALL families and friends are encouraged to attend this event to support the SJA students and to hear from/interact with three very exciting judges (Angela, Arin and Sofia will represent the grade threes)!

1) Lesley Kenny- Writer and Co-Editor for Descant (Canadian Literacy Magazine)

2) Bruce Hunt- Founder of Toronto Speakers Academy, President of Downtown Toronto Toastmasters Club and Chief Organizer of Fear of Public Speaking (meet up group)

3) Brianna Locke- Youth and Student Engagement Provincial Leader

Ms. DaCosta's Grade 2 class along with Brianna will be having a final Rainbow Loom rings ($.50) and bracelets ($1.00-$2.00) sale in support of school supplies for World Vision.  All SJA students, teachers and families are encouraged to show school spirit and reflect on how much we can and are making a difference for children around the world.  The sale will be from 11:30-11:50 in Ms. DaCosta's classroom (right across from the gym).  Thank you!

We look forward to having you all at SJA for this exciting event and Congratulations to ALL SJA students!

Please email Ms. Farmer at kfarmer@stjudesacademy.com if you have any questions.

Next week is Spirit Week! Here is the breakdown of events:

March 3: Crazy Hair Day

March 4: PJ Day/Pancake Tuesday

March 5: Backwards Day

March 6: House Colours Day

March 7: St. Patrick's Day

March Break runs from March 10th - 21st.

We are excited to announce the commencement of our recorder program as part of the SJA Arts Curriculum for grades 1 through 6. Recorders will be used as a means to explore, practice and showcase the musicality of the students at St. Jude’s.  The recorder program will begin in Term 3, and will be a large part of the Term 3 Art assessments.

Students may choose to bring in their own recorders from home if they are already in possession of the instrument in the soprano range. Families also have the option of buying a recorder directly from St. Jude’s for $10.00.  These recorders will become the possession of the student to be used throughout Term 3 and will be taken home with them to keep at the end of the program.

We look forward to the enjoyment and education that is sure to follow this exciting musical program!

Best regards,

Mrs. Nelson and Ms. Barber