Last Week Before the Holiday

Hello Families, 

This week we have many fun activities as we wind down toward the holiday.

Please take a moment to think about out DES families in need and make a contribution to our Christmas baskets. We will be taking donations until Friday morning.

The Winter Concert is taking place on Thursday starting at 1 pm. This year, we are asking for a donation of non-perishable food items as an 'entrance fee' and we hope to be able to prepare Christmas baskets for growing number of families in need this holiday season.

Friday students will have a pizza lunch, and they are invited to come to school in their pj's. They should bring a snack for the morning recess.

Over the holiday, grade six students will be allowed to have their ipads at home. They should take some time to clean up videos and photos, and they can use Reflex Math and RAZ Kids to maintain their skills over the break. When they come back, they should have no more than 3 apps they choose on their device. 

Over the break, please remember that ipad use needs to be supervised by a parent. Students should remember the rules for use, the code of conduct they signed, as well as class discussions about what we should and should not do online. Please don't hesitate to take the iPad away or place limits on its use if you feel your child is using it inappropriately or too often.

Please let me take this opportunity to wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season, and may 2015 bring your family heath and happiness!

Warm wishes, 
Kathy Napier

December 8th - 12th

Hello Families,

As we approach the winter holiday, students will have lessons and studying as homework.

We are trying out a new app to help students manage their time and to share scheduled events. The app is called Cogito, and it allows me to share events with the students as well as lets them schedule their time and write their tasks.  We have begun using it at school. Please take a few moment and have your child show you how it works.

The app is in development and we have free access to it in return for my feedback and collaboaration. I would welcome your input as to how it is helping your child at home, and what features you find help your child plan his or her time.



There are two exams this week - one in Social Science, and one in Math.


Important dates:

Play at the Maison de Arts:    Tuesday, December 16th
Winter Concert:                      Thursday, December 18th
PJ and Pizza Lunch:                Friday, December 19th

Christmas basket Collection has begun - non-perishable food items are welcome.

Please send in the Pizza /Pyjama Day form as soon as possible.


Homework and Lessons:

Math: Quiz Thursday on Geometry (lines, polygons, angles, area, and perimeter)

ELA: Please have your child read and bring back their home-reading to change before the holiday.

Social Science: Quiz Wednesday on Changes to Quebec Society between 1905 and 1908, specifically: Resources in Regions of Quebec; Important People and their Contribution to Quebec Society; Changes to Education and Healthcare between 1905 and 1908.

Music: Students have an iTunes U book on their iPads to help them learn the songs we will perform at the concert next week. Practice is important, please make sure they learn the lyrics.

Drama/Social Studies: the Voices Text each students has chosen to record needs to be practiced until the student can read it fluently and with expression.

Have a lovely week!
Kathy Napier

November 24th-26th

Hello Families,

In this short week, students have more studying than homework.

There is a fair bit of paperwork  to come home this week:
information on the DES Anti-Bullying Policy
information given by Agent Vallerand on Cyber-Safety
the December calendar
the Caisse Scolaire, due Wednesday
Scholastic Book Club orders, due December 1st

The homework is light, but students should use their iPad to practice skills... and this can be done on the pedagogical days as well.

Reading - using Newsela and RAZ Kids. Students should also finish and return their home-reading.

Math Calculation - using Reflect and Math Frog - There will be a calculation quiz Wednesday.
Last Friday's test came home today for an error analysis and to be signed by a parent.
Students who received a review lesson today on multiplication should review this as well.

In Social Studies there will be a test next week, completing this module on Quebec circa 1980.
Students should also practice reading their text for the Voices project.

It is the time of year when students become sick easily. There is a nasty strain of strep going around. If you child complains of a sore throat, persistent headache or other symptoms,  please keep them home as strep is very contagious. Students who are home sick but strong enough to work can participate via Facetime and can have work sent to them.

Have a lovely week,
Kathy Napier