Hello everyone and welcome to MPM1D (Grade 9 Academic Math)! I am looking forward to spending the semester with you exploring mathematics and making it FUN! Throughout the semester I will be using this site as well as the VLE to post unit outlines, lesson PowerPoints, homework (worksheets), and reminders for upcoming tests and assignments. Please check either of these online sites regularly to remain up to date with what is going on in class or to catch up after missing a day or two. I will also ask that certain assignments can be submitted online, which can be done here or on the VLE as well. Lastly, if you have any questions or concerns regarding homework, tests, or assignments, an easy way to contact me is by clicking the contact link at the top of this page! See you in class tomorrow, Miss Howlett :)
Monday, June 17th
Hi everyone! We’re down to the last full week before Graduation...can you believe it?! Today in class we talked about job applications, resumes, and the interview process. Students were given sample applications to fill out and a template to complete for their resume. They were also given typical interview questions that they should prepare answers for. Tomorrow Mr. Murphy and myself will be holding mock interviews to practice their skills. Wednesday morning at 10:30, we will be having our awards assembly at the school. If your child has won an award, you have been contacted by email. Thursday, the school is having their Lip Sync Battle in the afternoon, and Friday is our Jump Rope for Heart day! Similar to a winter carnival, the school will be divided into teams and they will rotate between fun stations throughout the day. There will also be a BBQ at lunch with Hot dogs, freezies, sour keys, and pop/water for sale. The Hot Dogs are only available for pre-order through school cash online. Everything else can be purchased with cash on Friday. Just a reminder for students to bring in the form and money for the graduation breakfast Monday and (optional) DVD! Please feel free to contact me with any questions about Grad or events taking place over the next two weeks :) Miss Howlett
Monday, June 10th
Hi everyone, hope you had a great weekend! This week students are working on finishing up their last few assignments. Both their essay outline and history assignment are due Friday. We are also working on a math activity that is being completed in class and will be completed by the end of the week. Thursday we will be having our closing mass at the school at 9am. Also students were given a form about Graduation to take home today. I’ve attached a picture of the form to this message. If you have any questions please let me know! Parents of students who have won an award will be contacted within the next couple of days. Have a great week! Miss Howlett :)
Tuesday, June 4th
Good morning! We have a short week this week with our Wonderland trip on Thursday and PA Day on Friday. The bus will be LEAVING O’Neil at 7:30 on Thursday morning. The cost of the trip includes a buffet lunch at Wonderland and free drink re-fills all day. Students should not bring outside food into the park. We will be leaving the park at around 5:00 to go to the Mandarin for dinner. We are expected to be back at the school at 8:45/9 that evening. We are in the final stretch and the class only has a few assignments left to complete that will be included on their report card - an argumentative essay in language and a diary/letter response in history. These will both be due next Friday, though they are being given lots of time in class to work on them. Hope you have a great week! Miss Howlett :)
Monday, May 27th
Hi everyone, hope your week is off to a good start! Today, students’ health brochures on vaping were due. If it was it was incomplete, they are being sent home with a late assignment slip to be signed and returned. We also started our last unit in Math today on Linear Equations, it will include an introduction to Grade 9 math as well. Tomorrow is the board track and field meet in London! The rain make up date will be Friday I believe. The Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations poster the class is working on in Religion will be due Friday. Lastly, just a reminder for students to bring in their permission forms for the trip to Canada’s Wonderland next Thursday! Have a great week, Miss Howlett :)
Wednesday, May 22nd
Hi everyone, I hope you had a great long weekend! I apologize for the delay in our weekly update. Yesterday students had their comprehension test for the Hunger Games novel. We will be watching the movie in class starting today. We also had our kick-off assembly for Jump Rope for Heart. Pledging information and an envelope was sent home with each child to begin fundraising! Our school’s goal is $1500 this year. All money needs to collected by June 10th. Tomorrow we will be having an open-book science test. The class will be given time today to organize their notes and ensure they are prepared. Also, a reminder for students to bring in money for the Grad party taking place in the evening of June 24th (this party is not hosted by the school), as well as signed permission forms for the end of the year trip on June 6th. If your child fundraised money for their trip, Mrs. Cattle has given them a slip with the amount still owing. Lastly, some info about Graduation. The ceremony will be taking place on Monday, June 24th at 6:30. Earlier that day, we will be having breakfast at the Mill Tales Inn and then will do a short run-through of the ceremony at the church. Afterwards, students are free to get ready for the evening celebrations. Families are not limited to number of people they can bring to the church. We will be having a separate awards ceremony at the school on Wednesday, June 19th from 10:30-11:30am. Hope you have a great rest of the week! Misss Howlett :)
Monday, May 13th
Good morning! I hope you had a nice weekend. We have a few due dates coming up this week. Students will be presenting their People of Good Character Award Projects on Thursday. We will be having a Math test Friday on Transformations - the class will be given time Wednesday and Thursday to review. Next Monday, we will have a test on The Hunger Games before watching the movie. Also a reminder to have your child bring in the completed form and money for the Graduation party on June 24th! Thanks and have a great week! Miss Howlett :)
Monday, May 6th
Happy Monday! Hope you’re enjoying the sunshine. Due to the forecast of rain tomorrow, our track meet has been postponed until Wednesday this week. Today students will be presenting their Science projects on the Coffee Keepers they made. They were also given back their virtual science lab reports today, and were shown their Math test marks. I’m still waiting on one student to write the test before I distribute them back. The class has been working on their People of Good Character Award presentions for Religion. I’ve set the due date for Friday but may extend it to next week depending on how well they are working and how much more time they may need. This Thursday we also have mass at St. Mary’s church at 10am. Have a great week! Miss Howlett :)
Monday, April 29th
Hello everyone, I hope you all enjoyed the sunshine yesterday! This week the Little Mermaid play premieres at O’Neil! Our class will be seeing the production Wednesday morning. We will be having our Equations and Relationships (Algebra) test this Friday. We had our last lesson today and students will have the next 3 days to review. Today we tested our coffee keepers in Science. Students now need to present their results in a Power Point to the class. We will begin presentations on Monday. Have a great rest of the week, hopefully the sun will come out at some point!
Miss Howlett :)
Tuesday, April 23rd
Hi everyone, I hope you had a great Easter weekend! Students are working on their “Coffee Keeper” science projects this week and will need to bring in supplies to start building their device in class. I’m hoping that they can be ready to test at the end of the week. Our Math test is looking like it will be either Thursday or Friday next week. I think that’s all for now! Have a great rest of the week :) Miss Howlett
Monday, April 15th
Hi everyone! This is a short week with students being off Friday for Good Friday. Today we had a volunteer come into our class from Junior Achievement to teach us about Financial Literacy. Definitely useful information! Tomorrow we will be starting a new Math unit - Equations and Relationships. I will try my best to have students’ math tests back to them by the end of the week. The pepperettes have arrived to the school; if your child has a small order, they can take them home on the bus. However, if they have a large order, you will need to pick them up from the school. Students are encouraged to bring bags tomorrow to help carry them home! That’s all for now, Have a great week! Miss Howlett :)
Monday, April 8th
Good morning! Just a few notices for this upcoming week. History tests were given back today. I had the students staple their cheat sheet to the test as evidence of how prepared they were. We will be having a math test on adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing integers on Friday. The students will have Wednesday and Thursday to review in class. I’ve found many students in our class not using their time effectively. They are given at least 40 minutes a day to complete math homework, and at least one review period for every test. However, some choose to not focus or use the time properly and as a result have unfinished homework or poor results on tests. I had a discussion with them today and would appreciate your support at home as well! Have a great week! Miss Howlett :)
Monday, April 1st
Hi everyone! We have a short week with the PD Day on Friday. Students will be having a History test on Wednesday. They are allowed to use a “cheat sheet” that is front and back on lined paper. They were given time today and will have a period tomorrow to work on it as well. We will also be having a quiz on Thursday after reading Chapters 1-3 of the Hunger Games. Also on Thursday, students are able to bring in a unopened package of sugar in exchange for a hat pass! This is in support of St. Joseph’s Hospitality Centre. Hope you’re having a great Monday :) Miss Howlett
Monday, March 25th
Hi everyone! Students will begin presenting their Book Talks today; this will count towards their oral and reading mark. Students were also asked to bring in their pepperette money today! Tomorrow we will be having our test on probability. The class had Friday to review and will have today as well. Thursday morning we will be going curling again! We will be leaving around 9:15 and return around 12. Students are asked to bring a helmet again. That’s all for now, have a great Monday! Miss Howlett
Wednesday, March 20th
Good morning, just a couple updates. The literacy day we had planned for tomorrow is now on April 15th, the volunteer had a conflict arise. Also, a form was sent home yesterday for the Graduation celebration. I’m attaching an image to this message as well so you know what it looks like. Have a great day!
Monday, March 18th
Good morning everyone, hope you’ve had a great March break! Over the break students were asked to complete their Bristish North America flag. Those not handed in will receive an incomplete assignment slip to be signed by a parent. Coming up this week on Thursday, a volunteer from the Junior Achievement program will be coming in for a day of financial literacy. I’ve attached a picture of the parent/guardian letter if you’d like to read it over. We will also be having a Religion test on the season of Lent and Easter at the end of the week or the beginning of next week. Our next Math test will most likely be next Wednesday, and lastly students’ Book Talks will be presented next Monday. Hope you all have a great week!
Miss Howlett :)
Monday, March 4th
It’s the last week before March break! Today we have grad pictures and are having our Proportional Relationships Math test. Their maps of British North America during 1850 are also due today. Tomorrow Father John will be coming to the school at 1:45 to burn the palms in preparation for Ash Wednesday. We will be attending mass at 10am at St. Mary’s Church on Wednesday for this important day in our liturgical calendar. Although Black History Month is over, the students still have today and tomorrow to finish their banners. They will be need to be handed in on Wednesday. I’ve also posted some pictures on the class website of the students curling last week! It was cold but fun and we learned quite a bit! Our next visit will be after March break. Hope you all have a great week, Miss Howlett :)
Curling!
Monday, February 25th
Happy Monday! Due to another bus cancellation (oh my) some of our due dates and test days will be pushed back. Our “Sexuality in the Media” assignment will now be due at the end of our computer period on Wednesday. We will also have a computer period on Tuesday to work on it. Our upcoming Math test will now be next Monday, and I’m still hoping to have the Black History Month posters to be done for Friday, but I will need to see how far everyone is to determine a due date.
This Thursday (February 28th) we are going curling at the Curling Centre in Tillsonburg. Permission forms will be sent home tomorrow, please sign and return ASAP! The students will need to bring a helmet (bicycle helmets are fine).
Lastly, grad pictures will now be happening on Monday, March 4th!
Have a great week!
Tuesday, February 19th
Good morning, I hope everyone had a great long weekend! Report cards will go home today for those that didn’t receive them on Friday. Please sign and return them in the same envelope. Parent-teacher interviews will take place on Thursday evening.
There will be a science “quest” (more than a Quiz, less than a test) on Friday, they will have a period on Thursday to review. Our math test will most likely be next Thursday (28th) or Friday (1st). Students have been working on a “Sexuality in the Media” assignment which will be due Friday. We will also be starting a poster for Black History Month today, which I’m hoping to have done by Friday next week (can’t believe it’s March next week)!
Students also need to bring in baby pictures by Friday for the grad ceremony!
Have a great week! Miss Howlett :)
Monday, February 11th
Hi everyone,
I hope you had a great weekend! We’ve got a few things coming up this week.
Tomorrow we will be having our Grammar test. Wednesday the Grade 8s are having their grad photos. Students should wear a white blouse under their robe. If they don’t have one, Sharon Cattle said she will bring extras and the photographer will have a few as well. Sharon is also asking the students to bring in a baby picture for the grad slide show by the end of next week - even I have to bring one in!
Friday the 15th, is when all St. Mary’s forms are due. If you have any questions about the School Cash Online please contact Natalie Wood at 519-675-4435. Any other questions you can email Shannon Hinnegan (guidance counselor) at [email protected] . Report cards will also be going home on Friday!
Have a great evening, Miss Howlett :)
Tuesday, February 5th
Good morning!
This has been some wild weather... yesterday the power was out, today our internet isn’t working, what else could go wrong? Haha
Yesterday we started a new math unit on rates, ratios, and percents. I will be showing students their marks for the last math test by the end of the week but cannot return it until everyone has written it (a couple students have been away on vacation).
This Friday we will be having a grammar test which will include common and proper nouns, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, and so on that we have been practicing the past few weeks. They will have the day before to review.
We will also (hopefully) be starting an assessment for Fully Alive this week, where students will have to choose an ad, movie, song or other form of media and describe how it conflicts and/or aligns with our Catholic values surrounding sexuality.
That’s all for now! Have a great week,
Miss Howlett
Tuesday, January 29th
Good morning everyone! I was home sick yesterday so I apologize for a delay in sending out a weekly update.
Due to the buses being cancelled today, our STI Fully Alive/Health Quiz will be pushed to tomorrow. They are able to use their STI chart as a “cheat sheet” but should also review how STIs can be prevented and natural vs unnatural methods of family planning. Our Math test will be pushed to Thursday and we will have another period of review tomorrow.
Although I let the students use their devices to listen to music as a way of focusing in class, I have been asked to remind and ensure they are not using it to communicate to parents or family members during school hours. Please use the office phone number and I will direct the students to do the same if they need to get in touch. I appreciate your support!
Have a great week, Miss Howlett :)
Monday, January 21st
Good morning! Hope you’re all staying warm.
On Thursday students were sent home with a short form concerning the Grade 8 year-end trip. Now that details are finalizing we are asking you to report back whether or not your child will be attending. A letter with more details about the trip will be sent home soon.
Tomorrow night is the parent information night at St. Mary’s High School from 6-7:30pm. There is no need to register beforehand and students are welcome to attend as well. For more information contact Guidance at 519-675-4435.
On Friday this week will be having a Fully Alive/Health quiz on STIs and a Science test. Our next math test is planned to be next Tuesday.
Have a great week!
Miss Howlett
Monday, January 14th
Hi everyone! Hope you had a good weekend. This week is a short week with Friday being a P.D. Day.
Today we started a new unit in math involving the surface area and volume of cylinders. It is a fairly short unit and I have told the class that I’m planning for their unit test to be next Friday, the 25th. This Thursday, the 17th geography projects are due. The assignment was to create an Instagram page (on paper) showing how the environment impacts us and view versa. The class had a period today to work on them, will have another period tomorrow and two computer periods before Thursday. They are encouraged to use their time wisely!
Lastly, next Tuesday the 22nd is the parent info night at St. Mary’s High school. This will be taking place from 6-7:30pm.
Have a great week! Miss Howlett :)
Friday, January 11th
Yay for the weekend! Just a reminder that students’ comparative essays are due Sunday by midnight. I’ve told them that if they are handing in a hard copy Monday morning I still expect an email Sunday night stating that this is the case (my email is [email protected]). Since this essay is a mark for reading, writing and media literacy, I will be making phone calls home for any incompleted assignments.
Also, I realize reports cards aren’t being distributed until after students need to pick high school courses so please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the level of course (academic or applied) I would recommend for your child.
Have a great weekend everyone! Miss Howlett :)
Monday, January 7th
Happy New Year everyone! I hope you had a wonderful holiday with your friends and families.
This September the students will be going to high school! It’s an exciting time but we have lots to do to prepare.
Today I sent the class home with a letter to notify you that will be starting the Human Sexuality unit of Fully Alive tomorrow. In case this letter doesn’t reach you l will attach pictures of it on the site as well. I understand this is an awkward and uncomfortable topic especially at their age so I’m expecting some giggles, but I explained to them that if it reaches a point where we cannot learn I may have to ask individuals to leave the class until they can control themselves. The two assessments for this unit will be a quiz on STIs and an assignment for which they will have to compare a modern song/movie/tv show with our Catholic values surrounding sexuality.
This week we are reviewing angle relationships, angles within triangles and Pythagorean Theorem in math. These lessons were all taught before the break so we continue looking over these concepts and then have our test on Friday.
With high school approaching and our first terms report cards coming up, I explained to the class it is extremely important that they become more and more responsible for their own learning. This means asking questions, keeping track of and completing homework, handing in assignments on time and so on. I will continue to encourage these habits in our classroom!
I hope your week is off to a great start,
Miss Howlett
Monday, December 17th
‘Twas the week before Christmas and we’re counting down the days!
Today students will be presenting their Christmas Around the Word projects. We are also having a very short math quiz so that I can see everyone’s level of understanding after last weeks lessons on angles and Pythagorean Theorem.
This week we will be working on our Comparative Essays for The Boy in the Striped Pajamas novel and movie. I’ve asked that students have their rough copy done when we return from break. We will also be working on our letter-writing skills by responding to the Grade 5s’ letters as elves. These will need to be finished this week so they can be “mailed” back before the break but shh it’s a secret!
Tomorrow is Whoville wacky hair day and the last day for the food drive. Our class has been doing pretty well so far participating in the 12 days of Christmas at O’Neil!
Wednesday is our Intermediate potluck. I’ve attached a picture of the sign-up sheet which shows who has signed up for what so far.
Thursday is Christmas sweater day and our Christmas Extravaganza showcase is in the afternoon.
Finally, Friday is PJ day! We will be watching movies, eating snacks, and having a fun-filled day 🎄❄️
Have a great week, Miss Howlett :)
Monday, December 10th
Hi everyone!
We’re down to the last couple of weeks before Christmas break so we have lots of things going on!
The Knights of Columbus food drive started today and ends next Monday (17th). We are trying to be the class that brings in the most cans! Please donate if possible :)
I have a attached a picture of the Christmas Calendar so you can see what is happening each day at O’Neil up to the 21st. Not mentioned on the calendar is our Intermediate potluck which will be happening next Wednesday (the 19th). Our class is in charge of desserts and I will have a sign up list in the class this week.
Students are continuing to work on their Christmas Around the World projects this week. We will start presentations on Monday.
Today we also started a new Math unit on Angles and Triangles but will not have another unit test before the break.
Hope you have a great week!
Miss Howlett :)
Monday, December 3rd
Good morning,
Today is the last day for chocolate bar sales. All money must be brought in tomorrow!
This week we will be finishing our math unit on the measurement of circles. Tomorrow we will be having a quiz on the area of circles and Friday (December 7th) will be our unit test. I’m still waiting on some students to bring back signed Math tests from our last unit. Please encourage them to show you!
On Wednesday or Friday this week, we will be beginning an assignment in Religion which will require students to research how Christmas is celebrated in another part of the world. They will presenting their findings to the class before the break.
Have a great week!
Miss Howlett :)
Monday, November 26th
Happy Monday :)
Today we had our staff-student volleyball game, thank you to those students that paid $1 or donated a food drive item to attend! We will be collecting the same donations on Friday for the staff-student ball hockey game.
Last Friday we started our Math unit on Circles. This is a short unit which focuses on calculating the circumference and area of circles. I told the class today that we will have a mini quiz in between each concept to ensure they understand each measurement before the unit test, which will be next Friday (Dec. 7th). Their first mini quiz will be this Wednesday (Nov. 28th) and focus on circumference.
That’s all for now, Have a great week!
Miss Howlett
Tuesday, November 20th
Hi everyone, hope your week is off to a good start!
Just a reminder that tomorrow we will be having an open-book science quiz. The class will have a period today to make sure their notes are thorough and organized. This Thursday is also our math test for Unit 3. We have been reviewing for the past two days in class, and will be doing more specific review tomorrow. Also today will be the last day for our class to work on their Science lab reports in the computer lab. After today, it will be homework and due Monday. Any assignments not handed in will receive a late slip.
Lastly, we are having a school food drive to coincide with our student-teacher ball hockey game. Students can bring in $1 to go or a canned good. Let’s try to stock the shelves this holiday season!
Have a great week, Miss Howlett :)
Monday, November 12th
Hello everyone, I hope you had a good weekend!
This Wednesday (the 14th) is our grade 8 orientation at St. Mary’s high school in Woodstock. Please sign your child’s permission form and have them bring it in tomorrow! We will be leaving the school at 9:15am and be returning at 2:15pm. They will be provided with a pizza lunch but are advised to have a big breakfast beforehand since they will not be breaking for snack in the morning. This week is also short for the students with a P.D. day on Friday (16th).
After a grade-wide vote on Friday, it’s been decided that we will be going to Canada’s Wonderland for the year-end trip. Details on pricing will follow shortly.
Today the class was informed of their upcoming math test next Thursday (the 22nd). We have been working on exponents, scientific notation, and square roots. They will have Monday-Wednesday in class to review next week. Also coming up next week will be an open-book quiz in science on Wednesday (21st). It will be multiple choice, matching and fill in the blank just to assess their knowledge of terms and/or main concepts. They will have the day before to organize and review their notes.
Lastly, thank you to those that have already signed and have had their child return the progress report envelope!
Have a great rest of your Monday, Miss Howlett :)
Friday, November 9th
Happy Friday!
Progress Reports went home today, along with interview times if you have requested one. You are welcome to keep the report but please sign and return the envelope that it came home in! Students were also given permission forms yesterday for our trip to St. Mary’s high school happening next Wednesday. Please sign them and have your child return it as soon as possible.
Additionally, we are having a school-wide fundraiser selling chocolates. Forms were given out yesterday for students to choose the type of chocolate they would like to sell, these are due on Monday.
Lastly, the grade 8s did an AWESOME job today leading the Remembrance Day ceremony. They were respectful and presented themselves as leaders of the school. Job well done!
I’ll send out more information on the Grade 8 orientation at St. Mary’s on Monday, along with details about the grade 8 year-end trip.
Have a great weekend! Miss Howlett
Monday, November 5th
I hope everyone has had a great start to the week!
This week our class and Mrs. Keller’s class are preparing for the Remembrance Day ceremony taking place on Friday. Following a prayer and short video, our class will be acting out (in a tableau) the poem “Flander’s Field” while Mrs. Keller’s students read it out loud. We are asking that they wear a black t-shirt and dark coloured bottoms for the performance and if they have a poppy we are encouraging them to wear it. Their participation in the tableau will also contribute to their drama mark for this term.
Friday is also the day that progress reports will be going home. Please review it, and have your child return the signed envelope - this is the same envelope we will be using for Term 1 Report Cards.
No tests this week except for a spelling quiz on Friday. The 10 words will be taken from their Chapters 1-3 vocabulary they were to have completed for our novel study. We practiced some words today and will do so again on Wednesday.
Have a great rest of the week! Miss Howlett :)
Friday, November 2nd
Patterning Math tests went home today! Please sign them and have your child return them on Monday.
Have a great weekend :)
Monday, October 29th
Hello everyone,
We have an exciting week ahead with Halloween on Wednesday! Students are permitted to wear costumes and there will be a school-wide contest! Tomorrow (Tuesday) is our Patterning and Relationships math test. We had review today during which I went through the test and provided the class with similar examples in the hopes it would help prepare them. Tomorrow is also the last day to bring in a Hot Food order for November, as well as the day for our United Way basket raffle fundraiser. Thank you for all of your donations! Our basket looks great and I will upload a picture tomorrow. Students may also buy raffle tickets (3 for $1) in the morning prior to the raffle.
Lastly, students’ Saint Research projects are due this Wednesday. They have had plenty of in-class time to work on them. I have told them that if it is not complete, I will be sending home a late slip that will need to be signed by a parent. They will then need to stay in at recess until it is complete.
I hope you have a great week!
Miss Howlett :)
Monday, October 22nd
Good morning,
We have a short week this week! This Friday (26th) is a P.D. Day. This week we are starting our novel study on The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas; the book focuses on two boys during the Holocaust. We will mostly be reading in class but students are encouraged to read at home as well. I’ve also told the class that their Saint Research projects that we have been working on will be due Thursday, however depending on how well they are working, this due date could be extended to next week if needed. Next Tuesday we will be having our math test for Patterning and Relationships. We have our last lesson today, tomorrow and Wednesday they will have an in-class chapter task, and they will have Thursday and Monday to review.
A couple of reminders - the registration deadline for confirmation is this Wednesday (24th)! Please have your forms filled out and returned to St. Mary’s church if you haven’t done so already. Also, thank you to all those that have donated to our United Way “Sweet Tooth” basket, it’s coming along nicely! Students are able to buy tickets all this week (3 for $1) for our basket raffle next Tuesday. I am also able to accept donations until the end of the week.
In regards to the Grade 8 trip, Mrs. Keller and I are continuing to meet with Mrs. Gibson to figure out and finalize the details. We appreciate your patience!
Hope you all have a great week, Miss Howlett :)
Monday, October 15th
Hello everyone, I hope your week is off to a good start!
On Wednesday (the 17th), Mrs. Hinnegan will be visiting us from St. Mary’s High School in Woodstock. She will be making monthly visits to begin preparing the Grade 8s for their transition from elementary to secondary. We will also be visited by Colleen Hanley on Wednesday, who will prepare us for Eucharistic Adoration happening on Thursday morning at St. Mary’s church.
Today the class was given the outline for a Saint Research Project we will be working on for the next little while. This project is an opportunity for students to research and become familiar with a saint of their choosing in preparation for their upcoming confirmation, for which they are able to take the name of as a saint as their “confirmation name.” However, even if a student is not being confirmed, saints are still exceptional role models that we could aspire to be more like. My hope is to have these completed by next Wednesday (October 24th), which is when they have to have their registration into the Church. Although, if it does end up taking us longer, they will at least have a little more knowledge about their saint of choice.
October is fundraising month for the United Way and to show our support we are holding a basket raffle fundraiser at Monsignor O’Neil on October 30th. Our class’ basket theme is “Sweet Tooth,” which may include candies, chocolates, jams, syrups, baking mixes, or even Dairy Queen and Bulk Barn gift cards, as well as any other ideas you may have. If you are able to contribute any of these items or give a monetary donation, it would be greatly appreciated! Students will be able to buy raffle tickets that day - 3 for $1. Mrs. Cattle will also be dressed in a cow costume that morning and collecting ‘MOOnies’ from students who would like to donate. All of this is also in a note that was put in students mailboxes on Friday and hopefully delivered home!
Have a great rest of the week! Miss Howlett :)
Tuesday, October 9th
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope everyone had a great long weekend.
This evening we had our parent information night concerning the grade 8 year-end trip. Thank you to all that came and voted on their preferred destination. Mrs. Keller and I have tallied the votes but will be meeting with Mrs. Gibson before we announce the decided trip location. We hope to send out a letter or make a post by the end of the week!
We will not be having any tests this week, however we are currently working on a Language assignment titled “My Life in Logos.” The purpose of this assignment is to learn proper paragraph structure and we are currently working on the draft stage. By the end of the week students should have four rough paragraphs, one of which will be edited by a peer using a provided checklist. By Monday, each student should have one revised paragraph ready to hand in so that I can provide my own feedback. Eventually, students will be presenting their good copy paragraph to the class to practice oral presentation skills.
Also, I returned the Unit 1 math test last week and asked the class to have it signed by a parent/guardian. Fractions is a difficult unit for many so I don’t want them to feel discouraged if they didn’t do as well as they’d hope, but wanted to emphasize the importance of good work habits and asking questions to ensure understanding. Our next unit is patterning with an introduction to algebra.
That’s all for now I think! Check back again on Monday for another update :)
Miss Howlett
Monday, October 1st
Wow, I can’t believe it’s October already! I hope everyone is having a good start to their week despite the rain and gloom.
Tomorrow, October 2nd, the whole school is going to Regina Mundi High School in London for the cross country meet. Those that have signed up to run the race will do so, while everyone else will be participating in the walk. Everyone who has not already done so, must bring in their signed permission form and $3 tomorrow to be able to travel with us to the event. Please have your child bring a lunch with them and appropriate clothing. It looks like it may rain so I would recommend a change of dry clothes and possibly a rain jacket. In the case that it is cancelled due to weather, we will stay at school but unfortunately there is no rain date. The pizza day that that was scheduled for Tuesday has now been pushed to Wednesday.
Friday, October 5th, we are having our Turkey Lunch and Turkey Bingo. The lunch costs $5 and includes turkey with all the fixings and apple crisp for dessert. Please sign and send back the permission form with the $5 if your child would like to participate, and please let us know if you would like to volunteer to help with the lunch as well!
Next Tuesday, October 9th, we are planning on having a parent information night about this year’s grade 8 trip. Myself, along with Mrs. Keller, have been putting together a few options for this year and would like your opinion on cost and destination. The meeting will be scheduled to happen at 5:30pm. Also on Tuesday, we are planning to have the first science test of the year. Students were notified today and will have Wednesday and Thursday in class to prepare.
Lastly, we finally got our agendas! Those that have already paid the $7 received theirs today. You are able to pay for these in cash or using the School Cash Online. I will be initialing these at the end of every day to ensure students are using them effectively - we all know life can get crazy and I think using a planner is an important skill to have. It can also be a useful communication tool so feel free to leave me a note in their agendas if need be.
That’s all for now, Have a great evening! Miss Howlett :)
Tuesday, September 25th
Hello everyone and welcome to our classroom website! Since there has been some confusion and a few issues with the new “School Messenger” app, I figured this might be a more reliable way of staying in touch and keeping everyone in the loop.
Tonight the grade 8’s had their first introduction to the sacrament of confirmation at St. Mary’s church. It was great to see so many of our students there and to have been able to meet some of the parents prior to our back-to-school BBQ! I’m excited to celebrate this next step in the faith journey with you.
The back-to-school BBQ is happening Thursday, September 27th. Classrooms will be open from 5:30-6:30 if you would like to come in, take a look around and meet me! There will also be pizza and pop/water available for purchase.
Also happening on Thursday, will be our first math test. We have been working on adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions. The class was told the test date a week in advance and have had today as well as tomorrow in-class to review. There have been frequent homework checks and so far completion has been relatively good so hopefully that will continue!
Lastly, this coming Friday, September 28th is a P.D. Day so students are not required to come to school that day. I will be sending out weekly messages, most likely on Mondays, with important information on upcoming events, tests and assignments. I apologize for the delay in getting agendas... I’m not sure why they have still yet to arrive but we were told we should now expect them in the first week in October. Your patience is greatly appreciated!
I have really enjoyed getting to know our class these past few weeks. I am looking forward to a great year ahead!
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to email me at [email protected] or reach me by phone at the school (519) 660-2772 . We also have a class Twitter where I will be posting some of the fun things we are doing in class. The handle is @_DHowlett