You sank my battleship!!

Here's a fun game to play using co-ordinates.

Hatchet

Grade 7,

We have started Gary Paulsen's novel Hatchet. Are you ready to take your first quiz? Good luck!

Number the Stars

We are about to begin an amazing novel by Lois Lowry called Number the Stars. Before we begin, we need to go back in time and learn about life in Denmark during World War II. Answer the questions on the study sheet as you go.

Visit from an Olympian!

We had a great time visiting with Robin and hearing about his adventures in water polo this morning. What an amazing guy...he now has many new fans from St. Michael School!!

Olympic Water Polo Player Robin Randall visits St. Michael School

I'm very excited to have Robin  visit us on Tuesday. He has been playing water polo for many years and it has taken him around the world, to many international tournaments and even the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. He has kindly offered to come to our class and share with us some of his highlights and many adventures. 

We have talked about what it takes to be a winner... determination, perseverance, discipline, belief in yourself and the gifts God has given you and strong interpersonal skills. Robin possesses those characteristics and many more. This is an amazing opportunity for you to ask him any questions about his journey and the lessons he has learned along the way. 

Robin shown here making a beautiful save at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

What is water polo?

Some of you were unsure what water polo was all about so check out this short little clip...if you can't stand the pressure...get out of the water!!

National Day of Healing and Reconciliation

Good Morning Grade 6,

Forgiveness in not always an easy thing to embrace but we  been given a strong role model in Jesus:  "Forgive them, Father, they know not what they do." 

Throughout history, humankind has suffered at the hands of their fellow neighbours over and over again. Forgiveness does not excuse the action but it allows the victims and those responsible to heal their hearts so they are able to live in the love of Christ. 

You will do some research on the National Day of Healing and Reconciliation  occurring May 26.  You will work in small groups to present your findings to the rest of the class. You must provide clear, well-thought out responses to the 5W's 

Japanese Canadians internment camp survivors- Tamara, Bailey, Savanna 

Residential School victims - Anthony, Drew, Jaime

Holocaust survivors - Brett, Jordan, Kianna

What are you talking about?

Good morning Grade 7,

Follow the link to Eye on Idioms and take the quiz. The first student to return with the most correct answers will be receive a prize that will knock your socks off!  Be careful though...it won't be a...

One voice (the power of one) can make a huge difference.

Good Morning!

Read Free The Children (pages 63-68).  It is an inspiring collection of newspaper articles about a young teenager from Thornhill, Ontario, who has received world notice for his efforts in campaigning against child labor. Copy the following questions down in your Responding to Literature and answer them. 

1.  What information in the articles had the greatest impact on you? Why?

2.  How do you feel about Craig Kielburger and what he is doing? Why?

3.  How would you describe Craig?

4.  Do you think Craig and the Free the Children organization can make an impact on child labor? Why?

After reading the articles go to the Free the Children web site and read more about Craig and his brother.  Then go to the Ryan's Well Foundation site to read about another remarkable young man named Ryan Hreljac. He started an organization because he saw a need and knew that one person really can make an incredible difference.  

After learning about these extraordinary young men, work with a partner to create a Venn Diagram showing their similarities and differences. Venn diagrams will be presented on Wednesday. 

We celebrate people who walk in justice

"What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6.8)

The other day we read The United Nations Rights of the Child (pg. 100 in your Religion text). It states very clearly that there are a number of intrinsic rights that we have as human beings such as life, food, clothing, housing, work, a living wage, etc). These rights are given out of justice, not out of charity; they are given because it is just and fair, not only because we feel generous.
In justice, one gives to others what is theirs by right.

1. We are called to love our neighbors - locally and globally. What do we do when we see others being denied their basic human rights? Many organizations have been created to fight for those people whose rights are being denied. Select an organization that is involved in social justice issues and research the organization:

- who started the organization? 
- how was the organization formed?
- who belongs to the organization?
- how long has it existed?
- what does it do to help community?
- what social justice issue does it undertake?
- what basic human right does it address?

You may choose one of the following:
- Development and Peace
- The Women's Shelter
- The Salvation Army
- Knights of Columbus
- Catholic Women's League
- United Way
- Soup Kitchen
- Food Bank
- Samaritan's Purse
- Ryan's Well 

(discuss your choice selection with your classmates to ensure that everyone researches a different organization)

2. We know that we have certain rights just because we're human but, unfortunately, not all rights are respected. With a partner, choose one right we all share (page 100) and make a public service announcement bringing people's awareness to the issue. It must be made to air on YTV. Watch  some of the following public service announcements made by young people around the world urging people to respect human rights. A public service announcement's goal is to educate and inform the public on a particular issue. It is also meant to inspire change in people's hearts. Think of who your target audience is. How will you accomplish those goals?
Presentations will take place on Wednesday, February 11.

Are you superstitious?

With Friday the 13th fast-approaching and our exploration of the short story The White Owl, I thought it would be interesting to look at some other superstitious beliefs. Take a look at the origin of some of these superstitions as well as some well-known superstitious athletes. Compile a list of 5 of the most fascinating superstitions and where they came from to present to the rest of the class.

Perimeter and Area Fun...yes I said Fun!!

How do you think you'd do in a perimeter quiz?
Try these perimeter and area games.

Did you know...

Have you ever wondered where all those great sayings come from? Check out this link on the origins of these famous sayings. Here's another great site.

Kid of the week #10 - Drew

What his friends say about him:
" Drew is cool, smart, funny, nice, awesome."
" He is funny and kind."
" Drew is cool, funny, smart."
" Outgoing, kool."
" Drew is fun, awesome and a great cousin. Drew is fast and a good athlete."
" Funny, awesome, good at hockey."

Joyeux Carnaval!

Please read all about the Quebec Winter Carnaval.
You will need to find information on the following:
ice palace, canoe races, snow sculptures, night parade, Queens and Duchesses, Bonhomme & Knuks.

We shoot...we score!

French Games

Salut!!
Here are a few games to help you with your vocabulary. Have fun!
Grade 5 - Numbers vocabulary, Numbers, Numbers 1-20, and Greetings , Noel
Grade 6 - Clothing , days and months of the year , time
Grade 7 - Food, Food Jeopardy
Grade 8 - Passe Compose

Kid of the week #9 - Brett

Favourite movie: Billy Madison
Favourite food: Pizza
What his friends say about him:
" Brett is awesome, nice, smart and so kewl. He is an awesome hockey player. He is also funny."
" Funny. Nice. Good at sports. Cool. Loud."
" Brett is funny, crazy, and fun. He can always make a person laugh or fall to the floor in laughter! Brett ROCKS!"
" Brett - Silly, hilarious, funny, kind."
" Funny, kool, friendly, nice to be around."
" Brett is nice and awesome and a good friend."

Kid of the week #8 - Jaime

Favourite food: Salad
Favourite movie: Get Smart
Favourite sport: Hockey
What her friends say about her:
" Jaime is very nice to everyone and has a nice smile."
" Jaime is a sweet kid who is nice, talented, funny and fun to be around."
" Always has something nice to say, is pretty, is smart, good friend, stands up for friends."
" Jaime is a good hockey player."
" She is funny, nice, kewl, smart."
" Awesome friend. The BEST kid ever!"
" Jaime is fun, cool and a good drawer."

Kid of the week #7 - Grace

Favourite Movie: It's so hard to choose!
Favourite Food: Sushi
What her friends say about her:
" Funny, nice, there when you need a friend, cool."
" Grace is very sweet and is hilarious! She is kind to everyone."
" She is nice, funny, kool."
" Grace is kind and is funny and always has something funny to say."
" Grace is funny, smart, cool, good singer, has an awesomely strong serve."
" Grace, you're smart and funny and you make everyone laugh."
" Crazy, cool, fun, awesome."

Kid of the week #6 - Tamara

Favourite food : chocolate
Favourite animal : dogs
What her friends say about her:
" Tamara is very sweet and helpful."
" Tamara is cool, awesome and a great friend. Your dog rules!"
" Wow! You kick butt with a smile the size of Jupiter. You ROCK at Red Rover. You are one cute kid!"
" Nice, cool, sweet, friendly."
" She's an awesome friend!"
" Tamara is very caring. Tamara is kewl!"
" Funny. Cool. Sweet."

Kid of the week #5 - Kena

Favourite food: apples
Favourite movie: Alvin and the Chipmunks
Favourite activity: Running
What her friends say about her:
"Quiet, cares about people's feelings."
" Kena, you have a good heart. You're cool, calm and collected. Rock on, Kena!"
" Kena always has a smile and always cares. She is funny and kind to everyone."
" Kena is very kind. Kena is helpful."
" Funny. Nice to be around."