Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Tuesday, August 31st -- Day Two

Period One: ELA 10
After some time to read a novel of their choice, work resumed on the 'Bucket List' paragraphs. They were to have completed the creation of pre - writing that includes a minimum of eight potential activities that the students might consider putting on their list. Students were asked to then choose four or five of the activities from their list, and begin to draft them into paragraph form. They are not necessarily due for tomorrow but some work should be completed or else you may start falling behind in this assignment.

Period Two: History 20
After going over the course outline, we jumped right into the action. We began by today looking at the birth of Germany as a nation, and the steps taken by their leader of the time, Otto von Bismarck to ensure that his nation was as strong and safe as possible. Students were then assigned a series of four questions as well as an extension activity. The questions and activity are due for tomorrow.

Period Three/Four: ELA 9
The first period was devoted to silent reading as the majority of Day Two, Period Three's will be used for. At the start of period four, the Language Power lessons from yesterday were corrected. Students were then asked to write a paragraph on a topic of their choice which is due tomorrow. The reasoning behind this 'random' assignment will make more sense tomorrow.

Period Five: ELA 20
As this was the first class of the year, the class outline was distributed and discussed. From this point, students were asked to think back to their knowledge of effective writing over the past few years in order to start a writing assignment. They were asked the following question: If you could have dinner with any four people, dead or alive, who would they be? Why? For tomorrow they are to come up with a concept web for at least eight individuals.

Period Six: History 30
We started with a Current Events discussion. After that the assignments from yesterday were collected and discussed. To ensure everyone understands the concept of worldviews, we looked again at some of the criteria used to establish your worldview, and looked at how these factors and criterita are different within different societies around the world. I believe most caught on and have a better understanding of this concept. From there we looked at some of of the reasons that help to explain why Europeans A) sought to expand into other areas of the world, and B) why they began to arrive in what would become Canada. For homework, they are to assume the role of either a member of a colonizing nation, or a member of the indigenous populaiton of a land being colonized, and be able to discuss their feelings and attitudes about this process.

Period Seven: ELA 20
Students were allowed the period to continue with their pre - writing activities from Period Five. If completed they were able to use the remaining time to work on their History homework.

Other News

Sign up sheets for Volleyball, both Senior and Junior are on the board outside the gym. Sign up soon.

Anyone interested in Cross Country Running is to see Mrs. Rubletz. The first practice is tomorrow at noon and the first meet is next Friday in Yorkton.

Nomination are still open for SRC Executive. Nomination forms will be accepted until Thursday with the election, if necessary, being held on Friday.

Have a good night,

Mr. Morin

Monday, August 30, 2010

Monday, August 30th -- Day One

Welcome back to the start of another exciting school year.
A number of forms and information was handed out to your children today. Some of these need to be signed and returned to the school. The sooner these can be returned, the better. Also, you will notice that there is no Publication Authorization form coming home. Last years form remains on file; the only reason this form would need to be filled out is if there are changes being made to the conditions within this agreement.
Now on to the good stuff:

Period One/Two: This time was spent in homeroom going over forms, handouts, rules and expectations and so on. A short assembly was then held in the gym to introduce the two new teachers to our staff...Welcome to Mr. Rostotski (Grade Three) and Mr. Chapman (Senior Science).

Period Three: History 30
A class outline was handed out and discussed. This should go home and get signed by parents/guardians for a free five marks.
A short quiz was given to determine how much students know about this history of Canada; results were varied but will improve over the course of the year.
We started the year by looking at some of the criteria that helps to determine one's worldview. Students were asked to write about their own worldview as it relates to this criteria. Also, they were asked to think why an understanding of worldviews and its many variations is necessary in the study of Canadian history. This short assignment needs to be done for tomorrow.

Period Five: Math 7
Students started the season with a short assignment that is to be done for next class which is Wednesday. They are to complete a mulitplication chart going up to ten, as well as solve a series of problems. Not only are they to solve the problems; they were also asked to try and explain the manner in which they reached that answer.

Period Six: ELA 10
A class outline was handed out and discussed. Following that a short review was done to determine how much knowledge was remembered from last year in regards to purposes for writing, elements of an effective paragraph, the writing process, RAFTS and strategies for effective topic sentences.
Once this was done and discussed, students started a writing assignment. Using the information gained from last year, they are to create and write paragraphs related to their "Bucket List". For tomorrow they are to brainstorm at least eight potential ideas.

Period Seven: ELA 9
The class started by a discussion on my rules and expectations for the students. Secondly, Language Power handbooks were distributed to each student. Lesson's 1, 2, 3 dealing with synonyms, homophones and homographs were assigned. They are to be completed for tomorrow.

Also: Look for information about school clothing coming home soon. We will be dealing with a new company this year, and as such need to come up with some design ideas. One thing the new company is offering is a website through which you can buy Norquay School clothing year round.
And lastly, nominations for SRC Executive positions are new open. Nomination forms are available from myself and needed to be handed in ASAP as it is the hope that we can hold the election on Friday.

Again, welcome back and have a great night...Mr. Morin

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Thursday, August 26th -- Welcome Back!

It is that exciting time of year again when school is just around the corner. While the students are not to arrive until Monday, the staff is in the building today and tomorrow eagerly preparing for the arrival of our students in just a few short days.
I have endeavored to maintain this blog for the past two school years and struggled a bit. It is my hope that with wireless internet throughout our school, and computer access in good ol' Room 203, the task of keeping you, the students and parents updated with greater ease. Feel free to view this regularly. It will be used as a quick briefing of what was done in the classes I taught each day (great for parents wondering about homework, or for those ill or absent who don't want to fall behing), as well as updating you on the going's on in and around Norquay School.
Look forward to a great year,
Mr. H. Morin