March Break and More

Hello all! Just a quick update on a few things as we head into our March break (Mar. 30th - April 3rd).

With warmer temperatures this time around, winter was much more manageable -- kids were outside more often this year getting fresh air and letting off 'steam' as it were. As we turn towards our final term together a couple of important events on the horizon.



Spirit Week March. 23rd -27th

Students in 5A are encouraged to participate in all the fun activities planned for this week. Students can dress up according to the day's theme (twin day, silly day, jersey day, etc.) - please check your students agenda for notices. Also, this Friday, students in grade 5-8 will compete in teams at our annual "Gym Rally". This is a really fun school event that focuses on team building and positive participation.


Family Life

Students in grade 5 will shortly receive instruction in Human Sexuality as part of the Physical Education and Health Curriculum.

Manitoba Education Citizenship and Youth (M.E.C.Y) developed Human Sexuality: A Resource for Kindergarten to Grade 8 Physical Education to support educators and parents who are responsible for implementing the human sexuality learning outcomes identified for grade 5 students in Manitoba.

This document provides teachers and parents with suggestions for instruction, assessment and resources to help students develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need at various stages of their lives to make informed and health-enhancing decisions related to sexual behaviour and reproductive health. Students will gain an understanding of the physical and social-emotional changes that occur at different ages and stages of life and learn about the importance of making informed and healthy decisions regarding responsible sexual behaviour. Skills for making health-enhancing decisions are our primary focus, including responsible decision-making, problem-solving and avoidance/refusal skills and strategies.

The Human Sexuality Resource includes the following concepts:

§  Reproductive Systems
§  Puberty
§  Sexuality and Gender Roles
§  HIV/AIDS
§  Decision-Making

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the content of the Human Sexuality Program, please contact Mr. Alcock at 489-0799.

Empty Bowls

Our hunger project will formally kick into gear after break. Students will be invested in a variety of activities that helps build their understanding of poverty in Manitoba, as well, our fund-raising efforts for Winnipeg Harvest will culminate on May 5th (4:00pm to 5:30pm). Please watch your child's agenda for upcoming information regarding this important initiative!





That's it for now! Stay tuned for more after we reconvene from break!

History of Human Rights

Below you will find a video that captures the power, importance and history of the idea of human rights. As part of our "Convention on the Rights of the Child" learning initiative, students in 5A have previewed and discussed the video together. It is a very powerful video that not only gets to the heart of human rights, but also exposes students to the people in this world who do not enjoy many of the freedoms that we often take for granted.

Students in 5A have been asked to reflect on this video on their personal blogs. The video and response criteria has been posted on KidBlog. I encourage all parents to view the video with their children and discuss the content and any questions or concerns regarding ideas presented. It is a wonderful video which I hope ignites students' desire to learn (and do) more in the way of fostering equality for everyone!

Happy March!

Hi everyone! Just a quick update as we move into March!

The Convention On The Rights Of The Child

The Pembina Trails School Division has officially kicked-off a groundbreaking initiative that focuses on the rights of the child. Every student, teacher and staff member in the Pembina Trails School Division will participate in a massive, collective art installation that will ultimately be displayed across the field of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers stadium. For more detail and information, click the video below!







As suggested as an interest in the past, I have finally been able to start two separate computer coding clubs for our LM students (EY and MY)! When permission forms went home, there was a great response (especially from the EY students). In fact, I had to create two EY clubs and one MY club. Some students from 5A have joined, and spots are still available. MY meets after-school on Day 4's from 3:40 - 4:40pm.

WSO

Grade 5 students at Linden Meadows each year have the opportunity to experience a very special show at the Centennial Concert Hall in which the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra perform a variety of musical pieces. This is a personal favourite of mine. The music follows a theme which the conductor introduces and explains where and when the different musical elements are evident. Also, a variety of different performers (dancers, musicians, other PTSD students) take the stage as well. A terrific experience. This year, we will be attending on Tuesday, March 10th in the morning. Please be advised that a permission form and student fee has been sent home to help cover the cost of the trip.

Report Card Day
There will be no school of Friday, March 13th as I will be using this time to write student report cards. Finished reports will be sent home prior to Spring Break on March. 26th.

Spring Break
This year's break will occur from March 30th - April 3rd. There will be no classes on these days.


Empty Bowls


We have locked down the date of May 5th for our evening Empty Bowls celebration (4-5:30pm). Our work on poverty and hunger has already started! As part of the project, we have had two representatives from Winnipeg Harvest present to our class on hunger in Winnipeg and the role of Winnipeg Harvest. We have also locked in April 14th as our field-trip to Winnipeg Harvest.

ELA -- "My First Story"
All our preparation for writing our first fictional story has been completed. Students are now ready to begin writing their own short stories. Each student has been provided a 'package' that identifies the steps required to complete the assignment successfully. Please ask your child to explain this important endeavor with you.




MATH
Our formal unit on multiplication has come to a close. Student are now starting a new investigation on fractions - which will naturally lead to work on decimals and percent! A fun unit!

That's it for now -- much to come including "Spirit Week" so please watch your child's agendas for important updates!

Happy March everyone!