HOUR OF CODE

What is the Hour of Code?

The Hour of Code started as a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify "code", to show that anybody can learn the basics, and to broaden participation in the field of computer science. It has since become a worldwide effort to celebrate computer science, starting with 1-hour coding activities but expanding to all sorts of community efforts. (https://hourofcode.com/ca)

Our Class will be participating in coding activities Thursday and Friday morning this week, exploring what is code and how to code.

We made it through November!

Students worked very hard in meeting deadlines in November. During this process they learned how to fulfill criteria in their project-based learning. They are beginning new units in Math, History and Science, and will have a test in each subject before the Christmas break. As well, they will have graphic novel daily work to complete and submit for evaluation. When they return in January, they will complete smaller assignments for the February report card.

Patterning Problems

The class has just started Patterning and Algebra this week. Today groups collaborated in creating patterning problems with manipulatives and numbers. Tomorrow they will switch the problems they created with another group, solving and practicing how to write a pattern rule in words.  

Parent Interviews

15 minute interviews have been scheduled for some students for Thursday after school in the classroom and Friday morning on the stage. It is a time to follow-up on previous conversations from either September or October, reflect on the progress report from last week, and to set an action plan in place for improvement for the February report card. 

Volleyball Season is here! Yay!

For the past two weeks, intermediate girls have been attending try-outs for the girls volleyball team, which I coach. Those girls who made the team from our class are Amira, Yamila, Batoul and Dounya - congratulations girls! In all, 12 girls were successful in making the team, especially since this was one of the most competitive years for trying out. Practices are Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays during the school day. Today is our first official team practice. The regional tournament date has yet to be announced. 

WE Day

Last week, Ms. Adema took the "Man Tea" group to the Canadian Tire Centre for We Day. The photo above shows 5 of these boys from our class the day before with their entrance bracelets. They are a privileged group who got to share the inspiration with over 16 000 other students from the Ottawa area. More about this day can be read here.

It's November!

So for the first time in my career I was sick on Hallowe'en and missed the students in their costumes. However, I was given a list of items on the previous Friday from a student that I was to wear on Hallowe'en day.  However, I did feel some guilt for missing the day but I was not forgotten. This student made my costume! The pie is actually a hat and the sign was to wear on my outfit - it was a very thoughtful gift and I did wear it on Nov. 1. Thanks Haley! For those of you interested you can read more about Pi Day here.