Friday, December 11, 2009
Comfort Day
Friday, December 18th, Students in Ms. R's class can wear Pajama's and have a comfort day!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Christmas Concert Dates
Concerts are upon us!
December 9th - Dress Rehearsal at Pacific Way, after lunch
December 9th - SKSS concert for the band, 6:30 be there, 7:00pm start
December 10th - Pacific Way Concert, band will be playing.
6:15 band arrives, concert starts at 7pm
December 9th - Dress Rehearsal at Pacific Way, after lunch
December 9th - SKSS concert for the band, 6:30 be there, 7:00pm start
December 10th - Pacific Way Concert, band will be playing.
6:15 band arrives, concert starts at 7pm
Friday, November 27, 2009
Michel Chikwanine
One of the speakers at Free the Children, Me to We Day!
Michel Chikwanine, an ex-child Soldier from Sierra Leone, will be in Kamloops on November 30th to "tell his unforgettable story, his amazing journey and how he turned so much negative experience into something that can help and motivate youth to help themselves and other youth."
He is at the Henry Grube (rooms 1a and 1b)on Monday, November 30th at 6:45pm.
IT'S FREE!
Limited Seating Available, please pre-register.
email:
CAAN at tettinger@telus.net or call (250) 571-6891
Michel Chikwanine, an ex-child Soldier from Sierra Leone, will be in Kamloops on November 30th to "tell his unforgettable story, his amazing journey and how he turned so much negative experience into something that can help and motivate youth to help themselves and other youth."
He is at the Henry Grube (rooms 1a and 1b)on Monday, November 30th at 6:45pm.
IT'S FREE!
Limited Seating Available, please pre-register.
email:
CAAN at tettinger@telus.net or call (250) 571-6891
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Persuasive Essay
Students will be writing a persuasive essay (defending their side of the subject they choose).
A persuasive essay is no longer merely showing, it is convincing. The persuasive essay must choose a side, make a case for it, consider alternative arguments (concession/concede to the other side), and prove that their opinion is the best one.
Topic is student choice with teacher approval.
Students will be marked using the Personal, Impromptu Writing Performance Standard.
Criteria:
Process of Writing:
Make a list of possible topics
Choose a topic
Web what you already know (brainstorm)
Outline
Research
Revise Outline
Notes
Rough Draft
Descriptive Feedback (Editing) Peer and teacher
Make Changes
Hand in for Marks
Essay:
6 Paragraphs
6 - 8 sentences per paragraph
Must have a Thesis Statement
Must use a qualifier in the Thesis Statement
Examples of Qualifiers: almost, often, probably, in most cases, usually, some, maybe, most
Form: Paragraph 1 - Introduction
Paragraph 2 - body
Paragraph 3 - body
Paragraph 4 - body
Paragraph 5 - body
Paragraph 6 - conclusion
The body paragraphs should have one topic per paragraph, relate back to the Thesis Statement, and should be sufficiently supported.
Essay must be a:
"Statement of Fact" (claims that something is true or not true),
"Statement of Value" (claims that something does or does not have worth), or
"Statement of Policy" (claims that something should or should not be done).
Must have support/evidence for their side. Students can use: Predictions, statistics, observations, expert testimony, comparisons, research - internet and books.
Essay must have a concession, identify other valid opinions about your subject. You must show that you are aware of other sides and be fair to them; dismissing them completely will weaken your own argument.
Take a side that they believe in, preferably with the most supporting evidence.
Have fun
A persuasive essay is no longer merely showing, it is convincing. The persuasive essay must choose a side, make a case for it, consider alternative arguments (concession/concede to the other side), and prove that their opinion is the best one.
Topic is student choice with teacher approval.
Students will be marked using the Personal, Impromptu Writing Performance Standard.
Criteria:
Process of Writing:
Make a list of possible topics
Choose a topic
Web what you already know (brainstorm)
Outline
Research
Revise Outline
Notes
Rough Draft
Descriptive Feedback (Editing) Peer and teacher
Make Changes
Hand in for Marks
Essay:
6 Paragraphs
6 - 8 sentences per paragraph
Must have a Thesis Statement
Must use a qualifier in the Thesis Statement
Examples of Qualifiers: almost, often, probably, in most cases, usually, some, maybe, most
Form: Paragraph 1 - Introduction
Paragraph 2 - body
Paragraph 3 - body
Paragraph 4 - body
Paragraph 5 - body
Paragraph 6 - conclusion
The body paragraphs should have one topic per paragraph, relate back to the Thesis Statement, and should be sufficiently supported.
Essay must be a:
"Statement of Fact" (claims that something is true or not true),
"Statement of Value" (claims that something does or does not have worth), or
"Statement of Policy" (claims that something should or should not be done).
Must have support/evidence for their side. Students can use: Predictions, statistics, observations, expert testimony, comparisons, research - internet and books.
Essay must have a concession, identify other valid opinions about your subject. You must show that you are aware of other sides and be fair to them; dismissing them completely will weaken your own argument.
Take a side that they believe in, preferably with the most supporting evidence.
Have fun
Friday, November 20, 2009
Early Dismissal
Early Dismissal on Monday, November 23rd.
Students get to go home at 12:30.
I will contact parents I would like to see. If you would like to meet with me, please email or phone to set up an appointment.
Students get to go home at 12:30.
I will contact parents I would like to see. If you would like to meet with me, please email or phone to set up an appointment.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Science Test
Chapter One Science Test
Characteristics of Living Things
Needs of Living Things
Monday, November 16th
Characteristics of Living Things
Needs of Living Things
Monday, November 16th
Monday, November 9, 2009
VOW OF SILENCE
On November 19th at 12:00pm, students will undertake a Vow of Silence for 24 hours! To give a voice to those children that do not have a voice.
See iamsilent.com or freethechildren.com
The Vow of Silence will end on November 20th at 12:00pm.
Students are not supposed to talk, laugh, pretend cough, text, twitter, facebook, etc. for 24 hours!
Rejoice Parents! :)
Students are collecting pledges between now and November 18th.
If you have any questions, feel free to email me at barobertson@sd73.bc.ca
See iamsilent.com or freethechildren.com
The Vow of Silence will end on November 20th at 12:00pm.
Students are not supposed to talk, laugh, pretend cough, text, twitter, facebook, etc. for 24 hours!
Rejoice Parents! :)
Students are collecting pledges between now and November 18th.
If you have any questions, feel free to email me at barobertson@sd73.bc.ca
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Dance
Thursday, October 29th, Halloween Dance in the Gym for the afternoon.
Bring a canned food item to get in.
Bring a canned food item to get in.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Dates for Projects
Long-Term Projects:
October 30 - Social Studies Project Due
November 25 - Rough Draft of Poems are Due
December 4 - Book Report Due
At this time, we are also working on the following assignments:
Speaking and Listening - Reading 1 poem a week out-loud
(Week's 1 & 3 to the class, Week's 2 & 4 to Ms. R)
Poetry Circles - Like Literature Circles, but with 5 different poems instead.
M.o.t.B Test - Every Friday.
October 30 - Social Studies Project Due
November 25 - Rough Draft of Poems are Due
December 4 - Book Report Due
At this time, we are also working on the following assignments:
Speaking and Listening - Reading 1 poem a week out-loud
(Week's 1 & 3 to the class, Week's 2 & 4 to Ms. R)
Poetry Circles - Like Literature Circles, but with 5 different poems instead.
M.o.t.B Test - Every Friday.
Poetry Circles
This term, we are going to do Poetry Circles as part of our Reading Comprehension.
Students are put into groups of three and have been given a poetry booklet with 5 poems in it.
Students will be given directions as to how to manage their time with the poetry booklets.
Today, October 15, students met in their group and decided what one of the five poems they want to discuss in their group on Monday. Students will need to come prepared to discuss ONE poem on Monday; the poem their group decided on.
In order to prepare to discuss the poem, they need to do a write-around. Students should read the poem and write around the poem what they think it means, what they think of the poem, do they like or not and why.
Students are put into groups of three and have been given a poetry booklet with 5 poems in it.
Students will be given directions as to how to manage their time with the poetry booklets.
Today, October 15, students met in their group and decided what one of the five poems they want to discuss in their group on Monday. Students will need to come prepared to discuss ONE poem on Monday; the poem their group decided on.
In order to prepare to discuss the poem, they need to do a write-around. Students should read the poem and write around the poem what they think it means, what they think of the poem, do they like or not and why.
Poetry Writing
Students will have time in the next 6 weeks, in class, to compose a poetry booklet. As class time is provided, it is student choice whether or not they want to work on the poems outside of class. Some children really enjoy writing poetry and cannot wait to start.
The poetry booklet will have 11 different types of poems.
Some of the poem types are: Haiku, Cinquain, Tanka, Those Eyes, If I Were in Charge of the World, Diamante, Free Verse, Alliteration, Tree Poem, and a few others.
Rough Draft is Due on November 25. This is so that students can re-look, again, at the criteria sheet and get Descriptive Feedback on what is going well and what they might need to change to improve their writing.
The poetry booklet will have 11 different types of poems.
Some of the poem types are: Haiku, Cinquain, Tanka, Those Eyes, If I Were in Charge of the World, Diamante, Free Verse, Alliteration, Tree Poem, and a few others.
Rough Draft is Due on November 25. This is so that students can re-look, again, at the criteria sheet and get Descriptive Feedback on what is going well and what they might need to change to improve their writing.
Poetry Bags
We have started Poetry Bags in our classroom.
Poetry Bags are where students choose a theme (author or subject) and read through the poems in the bag (there are 2 - 5 poems per bag). Students then choose one poem to work on for the week that they will read to the class or to myself.
Poems DO NOT have to be memorized.
Students will be marked on: Expression, Phrasing, Tone, Intonation, Expression, and Fluency. Students have a criteria sheet in their binders.
Tuesday, October 20th is the first Poetry Reading Day. Students are to come prepared to orally read out-loud, from the paper, the poem to the class.
The following week, students will read one to one with myself from a different poetry bag.
Poetry Bags are where students choose a theme (author or subject) and read through the poems in the bag (there are 2 - 5 poems per bag). Students then choose one poem to work on for the week that they will read to the class or to myself.
Poems DO NOT have to be memorized.
Students will be marked on: Expression, Phrasing, Tone, Intonation, Expression, and Fluency. Students have a criteria sheet in their binders.
Tuesday, October 20th is the first Poetry Reading Day. Students are to come prepared to orally read out-loud, from the paper, the poem to the class.
The following week, students will read one to one with myself from a different poetry bag.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Halloween Craft
Bring a small to medium pot (not plastic) in for our Halloween Craft on October 30th.
Grade 7 Math Test
Grade 7's - don't forget you have a math test tomorrow! Chapter 1 - Divisibility Rules, Lowest Common Multiple (LCM) and Greatest Common Factor (GCF).
Friday, October 9, 2009
For you STAR WARS fans out there....
'Star Wars (John Williams Is The Man)' - an a cappella tribute [HQ, Closed Captioned]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lk5_OSsawz4&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fhome.php&feature=player_embedded#t=249
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lk5_OSsawz4&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fhome.php&feature=player_embedded#t=249
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Upcoming Events
Ms. R's and Ms. A's class will be participating in some upcoming events to support Free the Children.
On October 31st we will be participating in HALLOWEEN FOR HUNGER. Students will go door to door and request a canned food donation for a local charity.j
On November 20th, we will be taking A VOW OF SILENCE, in support of children without a voice. Students are to go 24 hours without talking, texting, twittering, facebooking, writing notes to each other, etc. Pledge forms will be handed out.
Look out for newsletters coming home about the events.
On October 31st we will be participating in HALLOWEEN FOR HUNGER. Students will go door to door and request a canned food donation for a local charity.j
On November 20th, we will be taking A VOW OF SILENCE, in support of children without a voice. Students are to go 24 hours without talking, texting, twittering, facebooking, writing notes to each other, etc. Pledge forms will be handed out.
Look out for newsletters coming home about the events.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
FOOD BANK DRIVE
Our Grade 7's will be visiting the Kamloops Food Bank on October 8th from 10 - 11:30am.
Students will get a tour of the Food Bank and then will volunteer some time by helping sort food items, organizing the store room, etc.
We are hosting a Food Drive Competition between classes at Pacific Way Elementary.
Classes are asked to bring in: tuna, pasta, pasta sauce, granola bars, fruits cups, healthy items for students to take to school in their lunches. The class that brings in the most items will get a prize from our class; TBA.
Way to go Ms. R's Class. Keep up the good work!
Students will get a tour of the Food Bank and then will volunteer some time by helping sort food items, organizing the store room, etc.
We are hosting a Food Drive Competition between classes at Pacific Way Elementary.
Classes are asked to bring in: tuna, pasta, pasta sauce, granola bars, fruits cups, healthy items for students to take to school in their lunches. The class that brings in the most items will get a prize from our class; TBA.
Way to go Ms. R's Class. Keep up the good work!
Friday, September 25, 2009
ME TO WE DAY
Grade 7 Students:
ME TO WE DAY
Tuesday, September 29th
Meet at SKSS (by Sagebrush Theatre) at 3:00AM
Bus leaves at 3:30AM
WE ARE ON BUS #3
BRING:
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER, SNACKS, NO NUTS
CAMERA
CELL PHONE (CHARGED)
HAND SANITIZER
SEE YOU BRIGHT AND EARLY TUESDAY MORNING :)
ME TO WE DAY
Tuesday, September 29th
Meet at SKSS (by Sagebrush Theatre) at 3:00AM
Bus leaves at 3:30AM
WE ARE ON BUS #3
BRING:
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER, SNACKS, NO NUTS
CAMERA
CELL PHONE (CHARGED)
HAND SANITIZER
SEE YOU BRIGHT AND EARLY TUESDAY MORNING :)
Monday, September 21, 2009
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent/Teacher Conferences are on October 8th or 9th.
I am available on October 8th until 4:45.
On October 9th, I am available all day.
If you are unable to make either day, please email me to set up another appointment.
I am available on October 8th until 4:45.
On October 9th, I am available all day.
If you are unable to make either day, please email me to set up another appointment.
Monday, September 14, 2009
INTERNATIONAL TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY
Welcome, me hearty, to the Pac Way HQ for Talk Like A Pirate Day!
International Talk Like A Pirate Day began in the mists of the 1990s, when two Yankees, John Baur (Ol' Chum Bucket) and Mark Summers (Cap'n Slappy), be talkin' like pirates all o'a sudden. They decided that, to further the noble causes of the sweet trade of piracy, September 19 each year be the day when all souls over the world should be talkin' like pirates. For years, their valiant efforts were wasted, until they contacted a man by the name of Dave Barry, who be writin' a humour column for the great masses o' landlubbers out yonder.
He showed his devotion to the cause by promoting the Day to millions of people across the world from the tropical climes of Miami, to the wild and weary shores of Thunder Bay. From thar, the media across the seven seas carried the story, and it reached every corner of the world!
Our class will be participating in International Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 18th!!
Ahoy, me matey! Dress up and join the fun! We will be having a Math Scavenger Hunt and Learning how to speak Pirate!
International Talk Like A Pirate Day began in the mists of the 1990s, when two Yankees, John Baur (Ol' Chum Bucket) and Mark Summers (Cap'n Slappy), be talkin' like pirates all o'a sudden. They decided that, to further the noble causes of the sweet trade of piracy, September 19 each year be the day when all souls over the world should be talkin' like pirates. For years, their valiant efforts were wasted, until they contacted a man by the name of Dave Barry, who be writin' a humour column for the great masses o' landlubbers out yonder.
He showed his devotion to the cause by promoting the Day to millions of people across the world from the tropical climes of Miami, to the wild and weary shores of Thunder Bay. From thar, the media across the seven seas carried the story, and it reached every corner of the world!
Our class will be participating in International Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 18th!!
Ahoy, me matey! Dress up and join the fun! We will be having a Math Scavenger Hunt and Learning how to speak Pirate!
WELCOME LETTER
September 14, 2009
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome back to the 2009-2010 school year! I hope that you all had a restful, safe and enjoyable summer. I am very excited to be starting up a new year with your child.
Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I have been teaching for 11 years, I'm starting my fourth year at Pacific Way Elementary. I have a 6 year old little boy starting Grade One, I play French Horn with the Thompson Valley Community Orchestra and I am a triathlete training for the Vancouver Half-Ironman in July, 2010.
We will be having a teacher candidate (student teacher) in our classroom this year. Miss Staruiala will be joining us until September 25th and then she will be back after Christmas until Spring Break. Please see her letter of introduction.
Along with the school goals, a couple of classroom goals that I would like to set for this year would be as follows:
1) ORGANIZATION – one of the ways students can be successful this year is to stay ORGANIZED. This means that effective use of the agenda is very important, keeping their desk and locker areas tidy, as well as keeping their binders/notebooks in order.
2)Leadership – the students will be required to participate in a variety of leadership roles throughout the school.
3)RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, and (positive) RELATIONSHIPS – I expect the students to be respectful to others, responsible for their own actions and to build healthy and positive working relationships with others in the classroom, school and community.
I will be communicating with you in many ways regarding your child’s progress. It is imperative that we work together to ensure that your child has a successful year. The following are a few things that will help your child off to a great start.
1.Pack up backpack the night before to ensure that AGENDA and HOMEWORK are complete and ready to bring back to school.
2.AGENDA will be filled out at the end of each day by your son/daughter. I will then initial their entry when it is written neatly and completely. I encourage you to ask to see this agenda on a nightly basis to help ensure homework is being done. Agenda needs to be signed everyday by a parent/guardian.
3.BE ON TIME. Bell rings at 8:20am. Punctuality is extremely important as we start our learning at 8:30am sharp.
4.Ipods/MP3's/Cell Phones – these items are NOT allowed to be on during school hours. It is best to keep these items at home to prevent theft. In emergencies, students are permitted to use the office phone.
5.LUNCH TIME – students are permitted to go home for lunch (please provide a note, which will be good for the year). Students are asked to go straight home and return to school before the bell at 12:50pm.
If you are allowing your student to go to a friend's house for lunch or a different destination other than your home, please send a new note with your permission for the day of this visit, as the school is responsible for your child's whereabouts. We want all student's to be safe when travelling off school grounds.
6.SIGN IN/OUT – students are asked to sign in/out at the office ANYTIME they leave the school grounds. Provide your student with a note (doctor/dentist, etc.) in the agenda and I will do my best to have your child ready for pick up at the office.
7.LOCKERS – students will be assigned a locker to use for the year. Your son/daughter may be required to share this locker with another student from the class. Student's may bring a lock to put on their locker. They must record their combinations with me in case of an emergency. Student's are asked to remove school items from their backpacks and store their backpack in their locker with their coats and gym strip.
8.MEDICAL CONCERNS. Please make sure that all files are up to date at the office.
9.WEBPAGE – I have built a webpage to let you and your child know what is happening in our classroom and school. There are links to other interesting websites for both students and parents throughout the year as well as an area for assignments, criteria, and due dates. This webpage is a work in progress and I would appreciate any feedback you may have about what you would like to see included on it.
http://www.pacway-robertson.blogspot.com
Organization
As organization is a key area that we want to work on this year, I would like to request that all students buy a 2-inch binder and 3 sets of subject dividers. If this is a problem or concern at all, please do not hesitate to contact me at the school (250-851-0632) or by email: barobertson@sd73.bc.ca. I will provide students with paper and notebooks for the binder.
As we had quite a few problems with school calculators being broken last year, I would also like to request that you buy your child an inexpensive calculator (Wal-Mart has some for @$7.00).
I understand that in previous years, some students have had weekly reports done by their classroom teacher to update them and their parents on how they were progressing, what a fabulous idea! Part of our goal in Grade 7 this year is to prepare for Grade 8. However, after talking with the class, the students (unanimously) have requested to not have weekly reports. We feel that the webpage, emails, and phone will be enough to help them stay “on top of the ball”.
I believe that if used properly, the agenda should be sufficient. I also send home interim reports mid-way through the term. However, sometimes people need a little bit of extra help. If you feel that there is any cause for concern at all, please do not hesitate to contact me and we can privately set-up a weekly report through your child or through email.
Snacks
Your child should be bringing nutritious snacks to school every day. Please do not send pop, energy drinks, ice tea, flavoured drink crystals (kool-aid or crystal light), candy, donuts, chocolate or similar foods otherwise known as “sometimes foods”. During Health and Career Ed., we talk about different foods and their nutritional value. We encourage students to bring snacks with reusable plastic containers and fabric lunch bags. Some suggested snacks include raw vegetables, crackers, and fruit! Suggested drinks include water, milk, chocolate milk, or 100% juice.
Please send in a box of kleenex as it is nice to have kleenex in the classroom.
Your support in the above areas will be of great value to your child and myself. I look forward to working with you and your child this year. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me at the school (250-851-0632) or email me at: barobertson@sd73.bc.ca
I find it is sometimes easier in today’s society to contact people through email. If you do not mind being contacted by email please provide your address below:
Name: ___________________________________________________
Child's Name: ___________________________________________________
Email ___________________________________________________
Sincerely,
Barb Robertson
Pacific Way Elementary
Grade 6/7/Band
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome back to the 2009-2010 school year! I hope that you all had a restful, safe and enjoyable summer. I am very excited to be starting up a new year with your child.
Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I have been teaching for 11 years, I'm starting my fourth year at Pacific Way Elementary. I have a 6 year old little boy starting Grade One, I play French Horn with the Thompson Valley Community Orchestra and I am a triathlete training for the Vancouver Half-Ironman in July, 2010.
We will be having a teacher candidate (student teacher) in our classroom this year. Miss Staruiala will be joining us until September 25th and then she will be back after Christmas until Spring Break. Please see her letter of introduction.
Along with the school goals, a couple of classroom goals that I would like to set for this year would be as follows:
1) ORGANIZATION – one of the ways students can be successful this year is to stay ORGANIZED. This means that effective use of the agenda is very important, keeping their desk and locker areas tidy, as well as keeping their binders/notebooks in order.
2)Leadership – the students will be required to participate in a variety of leadership roles throughout the school.
3)RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, and (positive) RELATIONSHIPS – I expect the students to be respectful to others, responsible for their own actions and to build healthy and positive working relationships with others in the classroom, school and community.
I will be communicating with you in many ways regarding your child’s progress. It is imperative that we work together to ensure that your child has a successful year. The following are a few things that will help your child off to a great start.
1.Pack up backpack the night before to ensure that AGENDA and HOMEWORK are complete and ready to bring back to school.
2.AGENDA will be filled out at the end of each day by your son/daughter. I will then initial their entry when it is written neatly and completely. I encourage you to ask to see this agenda on a nightly basis to help ensure homework is being done. Agenda needs to be signed everyday by a parent/guardian.
3.BE ON TIME. Bell rings at 8:20am. Punctuality is extremely important as we start our learning at 8:30am sharp.
4.Ipods/MP3's/Cell Phones – these items are NOT allowed to be on during school hours. It is best to keep these items at home to prevent theft. In emergencies, students are permitted to use the office phone.
5.LUNCH TIME – students are permitted to go home for lunch (please provide a note, which will be good for the year). Students are asked to go straight home and return to school before the bell at 12:50pm.
If you are allowing your student to go to a friend's house for lunch or a different destination other than your home, please send a new note with your permission for the day of this visit, as the school is responsible for your child's whereabouts. We want all student's to be safe when travelling off school grounds.
6.SIGN IN/OUT – students are asked to sign in/out at the office ANYTIME they leave the school grounds. Provide your student with a note (doctor/dentist, etc.) in the agenda and I will do my best to have your child ready for pick up at the office.
7.LOCKERS – students will be assigned a locker to use for the year. Your son/daughter may be required to share this locker with another student from the class. Student's may bring a lock to put on their locker. They must record their combinations with me in case of an emergency. Student's are asked to remove school items from their backpacks and store their backpack in their locker with their coats and gym strip.
8.MEDICAL CONCERNS. Please make sure that all files are up to date at the office.
9.WEBPAGE – I have built a webpage to let you and your child know what is happening in our classroom and school. There are links to other interesting websites for both students and parents throughout the year as well as an area for assignments, criteria, and due dates. This webpage is a work in progress and I would appreciate any feedback you may have about what you would like to see included on it.
http://www.pacway-robertson.blogspot.com
Organization
As organization is a key area that we want to work on this year, I would like to request that all students buy a 2-inch binder and 3 sets of subject dividers. If this is a problem or concern at all, please do not hesitate to contact me at the school (250-851-0632) or by email: barobertson@sd73.bc.ca. I will provide students with paper and notebooks for the binder.
As we had quite a few problems with school calculators being broken last year, I would also like to request that you buy your child an inexpensive calculator (Wal-Mart has some for @$7.00).
I understand that in previous years, some students have had weekly reports done by their classroom teacher to update them and their parents on how they were progressing, what a fabulous idea! Part of our goal in Grade 7 this year is to prepare for Grade 8. However, after talking with the class, the students (unanimously) have requested to not have weekly reports. We feel that the webpage, emails, and phone will be enough to help them stay “on top of the ball”.
I believe that if used properly, the agenda should be sufficient. I also send home interim reports mid-way through the term. However, sometimes people need a little bit of extra help. If you feel that there is any cause for concern at all, please do not hesitate to contact me and we can privately set-up a weekly report through your child or through email.
Snacks
Your child should be bringing nutritious snacks to school every day. Please do not send pop, energy drinks, ice tea, flavoured drink crystals (kool-aid or crystal light), candy, donuts, chocolate or similar foods otherwise known as “sometimes foods”. During Health and Career Ed., we talk about different foods and their nutritional value. We encourage students to bring snacks with reusable plastic containers and fabric lunch bags. Some suggested snacks include raw vegetables, crackers, and fruit! Suggested drinks include water, milk, chocolate milk, or 100% juice.
Please send in a box of kleenex as it is nice to have kleenex in the classroom.
Your support in the above areas will be of great value to your child and myself. I look forward to working with you and your child this year. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me at the school (250-851-0632) or email me at: barobertson@sd73.bc.ca
I find it is sometimes easier in today’s society to contact people through email. If you do not mind being contacted by email please provide your address below:
Name: ___________________________________________________
Child's Name: ___________________________________________________
Email ___________________________________________________
Sincerely,
Barb Robertson
Pacific Way Elementary
Grade 6/7/Band
Sunday, September 13, 2009
WELCOME
WELCOME back to a new year! I'm really looking forward to an exciting 2009/2010 with everyone.
Check back on Monday for the WELCOME LETTER that was sent home on Friday.
Check back on Monday for the WELCOME LETTER that was sent home on Friday.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Year End Band Concert
June 17 from 1:15 - 2:15pm in Pacific Way Elementary Gym.
Junior Band, Senior Band, and Jazz Band.
Come on out, listen to some good music, and relax.
Junior Band, Senior Band, and Jazz Band.
Come on out, listen to some good music, and relax.
BaseBall
Grade 7 students are going to be playing Baseball Tuesdays and Thursdays at lunch.
All students must have a helmet in order to be back catcher, hit and run bases.
All students must have a glove in order to play in the field.
Bring your lunch and be ready to play :)
All students must have a helmet in order to be back catcher, hit and run bases.
All students must have a glove in order to play in the field.
Bring your lunch and be ready to play :)
Monday, May 25, 2009
Kamloops Food Bank
Way to go, Grade 7's!!!
What a great morning at the Food Bank. You had a great tour and worked really hard.
We took 146 pounds of Food to the Food Bank.
Colteon, Angie, Danya, and Janelle sorted produce.
Cole and Matt helped make bags of snacks for children to take in their lunches.
Brett, Wes, Cody, Austin, and Darian helped out in the back by moving boxes (the Food Bank is getting painted tomorrow), sweeping, etc.
Everyone else sorted 60 boxes of dry food!
Congratulations on a great day!
What a great morning at the Food Bank. You had a great tour and worked really hard.
We took 146 pounds of Food to the Food Bank.
Colteon, Angie, Danya, and Janelle sorted produce.
Cole and Matt helped make bags of snacks for children to take in their lunches.
Brett, Wes, Cody, Austin, and Darian helped out in the back by moving boxes (the Food Bank is getting painted tomorrow), sweeping, etc.
Everyone else sorted 60 boxes of dry food!
Congratulations on a great day!
Craig Kielburger
Hello Everyone!
This would be a wonderful precursor to the Me To We Conference in
September and would help motivate our students.
ME TO WE: A CHALLENGE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
This presentation featuring three-time Nobel Peace Prize
nominee Craig Kielburger is a unique speaking event presented by
Investors Group at the Sagebrush Theatre on June 3, 2009, 7:00-9:30 pm.
This speaking event is suitable for children ages nine and up, high
school and university students and adults of all ages. Tickets are
$15.00 and available from Investors Group at (250) 372-2955.
Net proceeds from ticket sales will go to fund building a school through
Free The Children. Free The Children continues to build schools, giving
thousands of children a chance for education and greater hope for their
future.
ABOUT CRAIG KIELBURGER
Craig Kielburger is an accomplished child rights advocate and
leadership specialist, an award-winning author and a popular speaker.
He is founder of Free The Children, the world's largest network of
children helping children through education, and the co-founder of
Leaders Today, the world's top youth leadership training organization.
free the children.
If you are interested in attending, Ms. Robertson has reserved 10 tickets. Ms. Robertson will also be attending the presentation and will meet (in the lobby of Sagebrush Theatre) and supervise students that choose to attend, if a parent is unable to attend.
Please bring $15.00 tomorrow so that Ms. Robertson can purchase tickets for all interested.
This would be a wonderful precursor to the Me To We Conference in
September and would help motivate our students.
ME TO WE: A CHALLENGE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
This presentation featuring three-time Nobel Peace Prize
nominee Craig Kielburger is a unique speaking event presented by
Investors Group at the Sagebrush Theatre on June 3, 2009, 7:00-9:30 pm.
This speaking event is suitable for children ages nine and up, high
school and university students and adults of all ages. Tickets are
$15.00 and available from Investors Group at (250) 372-2955.
Net proceeds from ticket sales will go to fund building a school through
Free The Children. Free The Children continues to build schools, giving
thousands of children a chance for education and greater hope for their
future.
ABOUT CRAIG KIELBURGER
Craig Kielburger is an accomplished child rights advocate and
leadership specialist, an award-winning author and a popular speaker.
He is founder of Free The Children, the world's largest network of
children helping children through education, and the co-founder of
Leaders Today, the world's top youth leadership training organization.
free the children.
If you are interested in attending, Ms. Robertson has reserved 10 tickets. Ms. Robertson will also be attending the presentation and will meet (in the lobby of Sagebrush Theatre) and supervise students that choose to attend, if a parent is unable to attend.
Please bring $15.00 tomorrow so that Ms. Robertson can purchase tickets for all interested.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Science Project "Larry the Loaf"
All hands on projects should be done by now:
* Questioning of the 4 suspects
* Powder Analysis
* Fingerprinting
* Foot/Shoe Print
* Ink Chromatography
* Handwriting Analysis
* Hair Analysis
Students now need to make a title page, table of contents, 4 suspect biographies (means, motive, opportunity), and a forensic report write-up. Also included in the report should be recording of all the hands on projects.
Will be included in the science, art, and writing mark.
* Questioning of the 4 suspects
* Powder Analysis
* Fingerprinting
* Foot/Shoe Print
* Ink Chromatography
* Handwriting Analysis
* Hair Analysis
Students now need to make a title page, table of contents, 4 suspect biographies (means, motive, opportunity), and a forensic report write-up. Also included in the report should be recording of all the hands on projects.
Will be included in the science, art, and writing mark.
Funtacular Fun Fair
Way to go Grade 7's!
You should all be extremely proud of yourselves!!
You prepared for the Fun Fair, set up for it in time, ran your stations respectfully and kindly, and raised over six hundred dollars ($600)!!!
Congratulations!
You should all be extremely proud of yourselves!!
You prepared for the Fun Fair, set up for it in time, ran your stations respectfully and kindly, and raised over six hundred dollars ($600)!!!
Congratulations!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
FUNTACULAR FUN FAIR
On May 7th, we will be having a Funtacular Fun Fair.
All grade 7's are fundraising money in order to buy picnic benches (hopefully 2) for the intermediate students of Pacific Way.
Grade 7 students will be running a number of different booths.
There is also a hotdog day happening (pre-ordered only).
If there are any parents that are albe to help out, feel free to come to Pacific Way for 11:00am and we will find work for you!!! :-)
All grade 7's are fundraising money in order to buy picnic benches (hopefully 2) for the intermediate students of Pacific Way.
Grade 7 students will be running a number of different booths.
There is also a hotdog day happening (pre-ordered only).
If there are any parents that are albe to help out, feel free to come to Pacific Way for 11:00am and we will find work for you!!! :-)
Monday, April 20, 2009
Track and Field
Dear Parents,
Track and Field practices will be starting this week for all intermediate students. We will be doing a field rotation on days 2 and 5, with dates of April 21, 24, 28, May 5, 8, and 12, from 10:30 - 11:55am. These rotations are to allow students to prepare for our school track meet on Wednesday, May 13th. On each of these dates we will need parent volunteers to help run stations efficiently and safely.
There is a form that went home with your child, please fill it out and return if you are able to help.
Please ensure that your child has appropriate gymstrip, footwear, sunscreen, and a water bottle.
As the weather is unpredictable this time of the year, please plan for both warm, sunny days and cold, windy days. Student participation and track meet etiquette are essential for a segment of their term 3 P.E. grade.
Track and Field practices will be starting this week for all intermediate students. We will be doing a field rotation on days 2 and 5, with dates of April 21, 24, 28, May 5, 8, and 12, from 10:30 - 11:55am. These rotations are to allow students to prepare for our school track meet on Wednesday, May 13th. On each of these dates we will need parent volunteers to help run stations efficiently and safely.
There is a form that went home with your child, please fill it out and return if you are able to help.
Please ensure that your child has appropriate gymstrip, footwear, sunscreen, and a water bottle.
As the weather is unpredictable this time of the year, please plan for both warm, sunny days and cold, windy days. Student participation and track meet etiquette are essential for a segment of their term 3 P.E. grade.
Monday, April 6, 2009
MURDER!!!!!
There's been a MURDER in Ms. R's, Division 2 classroom!
LARRY THE LOAF HAS BEEN BE-BREADED!!
The class is working hard to solve the case....
Was it Mrs. Anderson? Looking for revenge?
Was it Mrs. Johnson? Bread mistake?
Was it Mrs. Reid? Was it hunger?
Was it Mrs. Zryd? Loaf Attack?
Watch our class solve the crime!!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Student Teachers
From April 8 - 23, we will have two 1st year student teachers joining our class: Mrs. Purnell and Ms.Huber. Each will be teaching 4 mini-lessons in math and 4 mini-lessons in science.
If you see them around the school, make sure to say Hi! and give them a big Pacific Way Welcome!
If you see them around the school, make sure to say Hi! and give them a big Pacific Way Welcome!
SKSS
SKSS counsellors were here on April 1st.
Students must return their course selections to Ms. Robertson by April 9th.
Students must return their course selections to Ms. Robertson by April 9th.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Mr. Burke
Mr. Burke, principal of SKSS, came today to talk with our Grade 7 students.
Every single Grade 7 was an excellent representative of Pacific Way, their home, their community.
Mr. Burke stopped at the school office on his way out and told Mrs. Zryd that "he was very impressed with our Grade 7's and that SKSS is looking forward to having Pacific Way students attend their next year."
Great Job, Grade 7's.
Every single Grade 7 was an excellent representative of Pacific Way, their home, their community.
Mr. Burke stopped at the school office on his way out and told Mrs. Zryd that "he was very impressed with our Grade 7's and that SKSS is looking forward to having Pacific Way students attend their next year."
Great Job, Grade 7's.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
SKSS Counsellor Visit
SKSS Counsellors will be here on April 1st at 8:40am to talk to Grade 7 students, hand out course selection forms, and answer any questions from students.
SKSS Parent Night
Parents of Grade 7 students who will be attending
South Kamloops Secondary in September, 2009
are invited to attend an information meeting.
Meeting Date: Tuesday, April 7
Time: 7pm
Location: Upper Campus (JP) Gym
Parents and their grade 7 students are all welcome.
South Kamloops Secondary in September, 2009
are invited to attend an information meeting.
Meeting Date: Tuesday, April 7
Time: 7pm
Location: Upper Campus (JP) Gym
Parents and their grade 7 students are all welcome.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Encounter Essay
Criteria:
Narrative writing (story based on real facts about an animal)
In the Canadian wilderness Brian came across many wild animals. Brian
saw porcupine, turtle, wolf, skunk, squirrel, rabbit, bear,and moose.
Choose one animal that you might encounter if you were in the
wilderness of Canada.
Research the animal you chose. (you should have read the webpage I
gave relating to your animal).
Now, after learning about your animal, imagine you are in the
wilderness and you run across this animal. Your "meeting" may be
humorous, scary, or even a blessing.
You should have filled out an Imagery Chart and a Figurative Language
Chart.
Write
1 - 3 paragraphs
Add imagery, use your chart to describe the way the animal the way
your character does
include some figurative language to make your writing interesting
determine which point of view you will write from and stick to it (1st
person, 2nd person, 3rd person)
be sure you are writing through the eyes of your character and not
just describing the animal as if you were writing a research paper.
Essays will be marked using the bc performance standards.
below is a weblink to check them out.
BC Performance Standards for Narrative Writing:
http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/perf_stands/writing.htm
Click on Grade 7
Scroll down on left hand side; go to literary writing
Quickscale: Grade 7, Writing Stories
Narrative writing (story based on real facts about an animal)
In the Canadian wilderness Brian came across many wild animals. Brian
saw porcupine, turtle, wolf, skunk, squirrel, rabbit, bear,and moose.
Choose one animal that you might encounter if you were in the
wilderness of Canada.
Research the animal you chose. (you should have read the webpage I
gave relating to your animal).
Now, after learning about your animal, imagine you are in the
wilderness and you run across this animal. Your "meeting" may be
humorous, scary, or even a blessing.
You should have filled out an Imagery Chart and a Figurative Language
Chart.
Write
1 - 3 paragraphs
Add imagery, use your chart to describe the way the animal the way
your character does
include some figurative language to make your writing interesting
determine which point of view you will write from and stick to it (1st
person, 2nd person, 3rd person)
be sure you are writing through the eyes of your character and not
just describing the animal as if you were writing a research paper.
Essays will be marked using the bc performance standards.
below is a weblink to check them out.
BC Performance Standards for Narrative Writing:
http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/perf_stands/writing.htm
Click on Grade 7
Scroll down on left hand side; go to literary writing
Quickscale: Grade 7, Writing Stories
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Assignments
Students have 2 assignments due on Friday. A group project for Hatchet (a webquest) and an "Encounter Essay".
Assignments are due at 8:30am, right when school starts.
Assignments are due at 8:30am, right when school starts.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Poetry Bags
Poetry Bags are coming!!
Will start March 9th and go for about 5 school weeks.
Students will choose a theme that they like (bugs, hockey, family, friendship, mystery, war, etc. etc.), they will then read through the 4 or 5 poems in a bag. Students will choose one to read fluently and will practice 3 times on friends (to get descriptive feedback) before coming to see the teacher to get descriptive feedback on how well they read.
Students will then write a reflective/reading response to what as to what their opinion (they think, feel, know, morals, values, beliefs) about the poem. Students can also respond to other students opinions in their reflection.
Look for the poetry bags!!
Will start March 9th and go for about 5 school weeks.
Students will choose a theme that they like (bugs, hockey, family, friendship, mystery, war, etc. etc.), they will then read through the 4 or 5 poems in a bag. Students will choose one to read fluently and will practice 3 times on friends (to get descriptive feedback) before coming to see the teacher to get descriptive feedback on how well they read.
Students will then write a reflective/reading response to what as to what their opinion (they think, feel, know, morals, values, beliefs) about the poem. Students can also respond to other students opinions in their reflection.
Look for the poetry bags!!
Hatchet Webquest
Students have started a Webquest to go to the Canadian Wilderness. They are working in groups of 6 but paired down into buddies. Ask you child to show you what they are working on (Guide, Cartographer or Environmentalist).
Due March 13th.
Due March 13th.
Math Test
Math Test on Integers, March 9, 2009
Addition and Subtraction of positive and negative numbers.
Know your addition and subtraction strategies (ex. Zero pairs, Positives then Negatives, etc.)
Addition and Subtraction of positive and negative numbers.
Know your addition and subtraction strategies (ex. Zero pairs, Positives then Negatives, etc.)
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Pacific Way Brag Night
Mark your Calendars! Don't forget that tomorrow from 6 - 7pm, it is Pacific Way's Brag Night. Most teachers will be on hand and their classrooms will be open so that parents and students can wander the halls and see all the great and wonderful things students are doing at Pacific Way.
Science Fair Open House is in the gym from 6 - 7pm as well.
Senior Band plays at 6:15pm and Junior Band plays at 6:30pm.
See you tomorrow night!!
Science Fair Open House is in the gym from 6 - 7pm as well.
Senior Band plays at 6:15pm and Junior Band plays at 6:30pm.
See you tomorrow night!!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
French Carnaval
Madame Bubela (District French Coordinator) and Ms. Morris (District Fine Arts Coordinator) were at Pacific Way today in Mrs. Anderson's and Ms. Robertson's classes today to do projects with our students about French Culture in Canada.
Ask your child what he/she learned from the video or come take a look at the mask he/she created on our School Brag Night - February 25th
.
Ask your child what he/she learned from the video or come take a look at the mask he/she created on our School Brag Night - February 25th
.
Friday, February 13, 2009
March 11th
SKSS Principal, Cale Burke, will be coming at 11:00am to talk to all Grade 7's about SKSS and Grade 8 next year.
Beattie Vice-Principal, Syd Griffith, will be coming at 1:30 to present a fine arts showcase for our Grade 7's and talk to them about Beattie Fine Arts School as an option for Grade 8 next year.
This is a Day 5
Beattie Vice-Principal, Syd Griffith, will be coming at 1:30 to present a fine arts showcase for our Grade 7's and talk to them about Beattie Fine Arts School as an option for Grade 8 next year.
This is a Day 5
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Pink, Purple, or Red
Don't forget to wear Pink, or Purple, or Red, or a combination tomorrow for our schools Valentines event!!!
Late Assignments
There has been a steady increase in the amount of assignments not handed in on the due date. Not just small, everyday assignments, but larger projects. This inability to hand in assignments on the due date is going to cost some students their G they had on "using time wisely" and "completing assignments" on the report card. Students have had guidance on how to break down assignments and projects into manageable chunks in time for the due date.
Mrs. Thoms and myself are quite concerned with the rising number of students that we have to chase down to get work from.
Mrs. Thoms and myself are quite concerned with the rising number of students that we have to chase down to get work from.
Monday, February 2, 2009
grammar site
http://www.chompchomp.com
Great for working on different aspects of grammar (comma splices, word choice - to, too, two - sentence fragments, etc. etc.)
Great for working on different aspects of grammar (comma splices, word choice - to, too, two - sentence fragments, etc. etc.)
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Reading Week January 23 - 27
Monday
DEAR - Drop Everything and Read throughout the week. Carry a book with you at all times
Principal's Challenge - start recording how many minutes you read each day
Book Clues - guess the correct book and your name will go in for a prize.
Tuesday
What's my word day - choose a word, then try to see how many people you can stump. increase vocab
Book Swap - at lunch
Wednesday
POEM in my POCKET Day - each person should have a copy of their favourite poem in their pocket
Thursday
READ ME Day - wear appropriate clothing with words on them
Friday
Dress as a character from a story/book
DEAR - Drop Everything and Read throughout the week. Carry a book with you at all times
Principal's Challenge - start recording how many minutes you read each day
Book Clues - guess the correct book and your name will go in for a prize.
Tuesday
What's my word day - choose a word, then try to see how many people you can stump. increase vocab
Book Swap - at lunch
Wednesday
POEM in my POCKET Day - each person should have a copy of their favourite poem in their pocket
Thursday
READ ME Day - wear appropriate clothing with words on them
Friday
Dress as a character from a story/book
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Math Test on January 23
Math Outline
Jan 15 - 2.8 & 2.9
Jan 16 - 2.10
Jan 21 - Chapter Review
Jan 22 - Mark Chapter Review (In-Class, questions and concerns)
Jan 23 - Fraction Chapter Test
Jan 15 - 2.8 & 2.9
Jan 16 - 2.10
Jan 21 - Chapter Review
Jan 22 - Mark Chapter Review (In-Class, questions and concerns)
Jan 23 - Fraction Chapter Test
Harper Mountain Ski Days
Students have taken home the permission form for Harper Mountain Skiing.
Please go over the forms with your child, sign the 3 blue top forms and send back the 3 blue top forms.
Thank you.
Please go over the forms with your child, sign the 3 blue top forms and send back the 3 blue top forms.
Thank you.
Friday, January 9, 2009
IPOD's
I have noticed many students have received electronic items such as IPOD's and MP3 players for gifts. I would like to remind everyone that the school and myself are not responsible for these items if they are lost, stolen or damaged and students are bringing these valuables to school at THEIR OWN RISK. It is NOT acceptable or appropriate to be using these electronic devices during class time unless permission has been given by the teacher.
They will only be allowed on during seatwork, not during direct teaching or reading activities.
They will only be allowed on during seatwork, not during direct teaching or reading activities.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Band Playing Tests
Monday, January 12th
Junior Band Playing Test on Dragonslayer
Senior Band Playing Test on Marche Slav
Junior Band Playing Test on Dragonslayer
Senior Band Playing Test on Marche Slav
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