Advent is upon us

The time before Christmas is Advent, a season of preparation for Christmas. Christians prepare for celebrating the birth of Jesus by remembering the longing of the Jews for a Messiah. In Advent, we’re reminded of how much we ourselves also need a Savior, and we look forward to our Savior’s second coming even as we prepare to celebrate his first coming at Christmas. The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming” or “visit.” In the season with this name, we keep in mind both “advents” of Christ, the first in Bethlehem and the second yet to come.

Here are some great videos on the meaning of Advent.

Advent: Waiting for Jesus

What is Advent?

Grade 5 only - Energy

Check out some fun videos on Energy

What is Energy?

School House Rock - Energy

I mustache you a question....

Have you participated in Movember this year?  This Friday students are encouraged to come to school with their best mustache's.  Can't wait to see everyone.

Keeping Christ in Christmas - voting details

The submission period is now closed, and we are excited to announce that 8 elementary students and 8 secondary students have now moved forward as finalists in the contest! All of the finalists have been contacted via email.

Voting Details:  

• The final entries will be available for viewing online beginning at 12:00 AM on November 22, 2013.
• Voting will take place up until 12:00 AM on Friday, November 29, 2013.

Cast your vote!

The best way to cast your vote, and share with your family and friends is through the Board`s Facebook page! All you need to do is sign in, and 'Like' our Facebook page - just follow the prompts! 

To view and vote for your favourite submission by a Halton Catholic Elementary Student, please visit:

http://www.hcdsb.org/News/SocialMedia/Pages/Keeping-Christ-in-Christmas-Student-Contest-.aspx

Welcome Parents - Interview Night

Everyone should have received their interview time in the progress report.  Please be on time, as the night is fully booked and we want to make sure everyone gets their chance to meet.

Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Art supplies required

We are always looking to be more creative in class and require some supplies that may be lying around at home.  If you have any old magazines, flyers, posters, old puzzles or pieces of a puzzle, and/or cotton balls, we would love them.  Please bring them in by the end of next week.  

Thanks!

Parent Engagement in Numeracy

Dear Parents/Guardians of students in Grades 2-6,

Are you interested in having your child engage in some fun and interactive math at home?

If so, the Halton Catholic District School Board invites you to participate in a pre-recorded learning session called “Parent Engagement in Numeracy”. During this presentation you will have an opportunity to learn about the boards messaging around the teaching of mathematics and about a new online resource that we are offering for all Grade 2-6 students in the board.

The online Math tool that we are referencing was created by Pearson Education is called “SuccessMaker”. Throughout their extensive research, they found that students made significant gains in Math after the allotted 10-16 hours of using program.

Our findings at Halton Catholic have proven to be very similar with the pilot group that initiated the program last year. Parents who listen to the presentation will receive access to the SuccessMaker online resource for 10 weeks. Information about how to access the program and register for this online tool will be provided at the end of the presentation.

Simply enter this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ndkhWsRAzY&feature=youtu.be into your tablet or other electronic device, to view the presentation at a time that is most convenient for you. For additional information, please visit our website at: www.hcdsb.org.

Progress Reports

All progress reports will be going home November 19th.  You will also get a confirmation of the time for the interviews for the night of Nov 21st.  Please make sure to return the 3rd page.

Looking forward to seeing all of you and discussing your wonderful children.

Our teacher candidate

Ms. U is our Teacher Candidate from Brock University.  She has started her teaching block with us and we are very excited to learn something fun from her.

Scholastics - Due November 28th

Books are a great idea for Christmas gifts for the entire family.  There is nothing better then sitting together around the fireplace as a family and enjoying a good story. 

elearning site

We are entering an exciting time in our learning.  The students have been given usernames and passwords to access the elearning site.  We will using this site for some activities and assignments.

Have fun checking it out and completing the ART IN MATH activity. 

https://hcdsb.elearningontario.ca/

Math Unit test - Thursday Nov 14th

Our Measurement unit test will be on Thursday Nov 14th.  Students should be able to identify, create and classify angles and figures.  They should be able to construct figures using a protractor, compass and ruler.

Remembrance Day

Here's a great link about Remembrance Day with videos, articles and activities.

http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/iremember

The Mayoral debate

We can't seem to get away from the Rob Ford debate and sometimes aren't sure how to handle what we hear in the news.  Here's some advice to help you have a healthy discussion.  Don't forget that Dr. Karyn Gordon will be at our school next week to provide some great advice for parents.

http://www.todaysparent.com/blogs/on-our-minds/rob-ford/

Keeping Christ in Christmas Contest

Students have an opportunity to submit a piece of art based on the theme of "Keeping Christ in Christmas" for the boards Christmas cards.  The contest will run between Nov 5-29.  The winners will also win an iPad Air and their art showcased on the boards website. 

http://www.hcdsb.org/News/SocialMedia/Pages/Keeping-Christ-in-Christmas-Student-Contest-.aspx

Halloween fun - bitstrips

Make sure to complete the Halloween bitstrip assignment that is posted.  Can't wait to see your spooky responses.

Progress Reports and Interviews

Parents please return your interview time availability as soon as possible so that we can set up a schedule that works for you.  You will be notified of your time soon.

Progress reports go home Nov 19th and interview date is Nov 21st.