Monday, December 1, 2014

Not everything is as it seems....

Although I write the homework on the page each day, it seems that things aren't posting.  I will try to trouble shoot it and see what is going wrong.  Perhaps something as simple as when I think I'm hitting the publishing button, I haven't been. Fingers crossed!

Well have been busy working on book talks.  Our class, along with Mrs. Waterston's class have been busy reading a variety of novels.  We provide lots of time in class for students to read and complete the assignments.  However for some students, they either need a bit more time, or they haven't used their time wisely and therefore end up with homework.  We are in the home stretch as everyone will finish their novels this week.

We had an exciting science lab last week with students exploring the rock cycle through using starburst... yes the candy.  Students had the opportunity to see how things start in the sedimentary rocks and then with heat and pressure move into metamorphic rock and then with some more heat applied becoming igneous rock.  (It made for a gooey, but apparently delicious mess)

Students will have the opportunity tomorrow to meet with a museum curator and understand the links with archeology as they have been studying it.

On Wednesday we will be heading to the Adams Lake Band for a career fair.  Students will get the chance to speak with a variety of different people about different aspects of their jobs.

We have started fundraising for the year end field trip.  If you are interested in purchasing holiday cards crafted by our classes they are available for $2 each; 6 for $10 or 10 for $18.  There are a variety of images and themes to choose from and we are happy to package them up and send them home with your child.

Finally, our class has decided to take on an additional fundraiser for Free the Children by selling Rafiki chains.  These come in a variety of colours and are available for $10.  The money raised goes to help a family in Kenya

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Busy Times...

It's been great to get to meet so many families over the last month.  If I haven't had a chance to connect with you yet, or if you are hoping to meet, please send me an email jstrom@sd73.bc.ca, call the school 250 679 3269 or write a note in your child's agenda.

Currently the students have an agenda challenge.  Each day that they arrive with their agenda in the morning and have had it signed by and adult in their life they earn points.  If they achieve a minimum of 24 points by the end of the month they will be entered into a draw for 2 blazer tickets.  Ask your child how they earn points each day.  Many students are continuing to work hard for this achievement!

The students have begun learning about the role of an archeologist.  They have learned about the many steps that need to be taken before any digging takes place.  There is still a lot more to learn and students will get the opportunity to experience many new activities

During the week, students have been working to finish up assignments.  Some students have had more homework this week as they haven't been completing their assignments within the class time.  This may be because of absences, they take longer to complete assignments or perhaps they are not using their class time wisely.  Please support your child in ensuring that the assignments are completed.

Thank you for supporting your child

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

It's November!

It's amazing that we are 7 weeks into our school year!  Things are becoming more settled at Haldane and I am now working with your children full time.  Thanks to Mr. McVittie who helped fill in the gaps.

We are continuing to learn about the Earth's crust and will soon be learning about the rock cycle.  In Social Studies, we have begun to learn the role of an archeologist.  We have many exciting lessons planned for this unit and we are excited to share these with your children.

In math, students are working very hard in algebra.  This is a very challenging unit and students are encouraged to demonstrate their skills regularly with you.  Extra practise is important!

If I haven't had a chance to connect with you yet this year, please set up an appointment with me through email jstrom@sd73.bc.ca or calling the school at 679 3269.  I'm looking forward to meeting you!

Monday, October 27, 2014

Parent Teacher Interviews

Thank you to all of the families that were able to meet with me last Thursday.  It was a pleasure to meet with  you.  If we have not had  a chance to connect yet, I would like to find a time in the next week to have a quick chat with each of you.  If you could please send me an email at jstrom@sd73.bc.ca or you could write me a note in your child's agenda.  I look forward to meeting you.  Thanks!  As always if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

and now it's October...

Things have been busy in our classroom.  As you may have heard from your child, they seem to have more than one teacher.  For a few weeks, while the school continues to settle, Mr. McVittie, our vice-principal will be in for the better part of 3 days a week teaching a variety of subjects while Ms. Strom is teaching the primary students music.

We have been working on creating our timelines in Social Studies.  Students are choosing 10 events in their lives and recording them in chronological order and they will be using a scale as well.  Additionally, they will be adding pictures to help support these events.  Pictures can be photographs, hand drawn images or other forms to support the assignment.  Also students will be researching global issues that have occurred within the same time period of their lives.

Yesterday our school took part in the Terry Fox Run.  Thanks to all who brought in a toonie for Terry.  Your efforts are appreciated.  Money raised is passed along for cancer research.  Thanks to those students who took on a leadership role in guiding the intermediate students through the run.


It's been a pleasure getting to know your children and some of the parents over the last few weeks.  Please feel free to stop by and introduce yourself.  As always, you can contact me via email at jstrom@sd73.bc.ca

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

September 30

It's hard to believe it is already the end of summer.  It's been great getting to know the students over the few days we've had together.  With a few new students into the classroom, we are a very full room with 29 students.  However, we are learning to work with one another and help each other out.  I will do my best to update the blog regularly.  Additionally, I will be posting homework here daily and I am getting a calendar set up so that you are easily able to see what is coming up within our classroom.  This website is all very new to me, so I'm learning as quickly as possible how to link things together!

We are getting our Science unit started up as we are starting to learn about the Earth's composition.  Although some students did some studying on this topic last year, we will continue to develop their learning and ensure that they have the opportunity to deepen their understanding.

In Social Studies, we will kick things off learning about timelines - please talk to your child at home about what would be important points in their life to document.

For Math, we have been working on reviewing concepts learned in previous years.  It is beneficial for all students to continue working on basic facts including adding, subtracting, multiplication and division.  No need to do flashcards, instead play a game of crib, or multiplication war (each partner flips over a card the first to multiply them together and say the answer correctly wins the cards).

If you have any questions, or concerns, or you just want to touch base, please send me an email jstrom@sd73.bc.ca or call the school at 250 679 3269

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Welcome!

Welcome to Grade 7!

There is a lot of change happening at Haldane this year.  Please come and introduce yourself (parents too!) - even if you aren't in my classroom.  I am looking forward to getting to know you.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me

at the school at 679 3269   or

by email at jstrom@sd73.bc.ca

Near the top of the page is a place to put in your email that will inform you when this page is updated.  Please subscribe so you know what we are up to in Division 12!

I'm looking forward to a fabulous year!

Ms. Strom