Is almost here! Please don’t forget to bring your money next Tuesday and Wednesday as we will be visiting the book fair as a class.

Middle School Students have finally started their first novel studies and so far students are hooked! Grade 6’s started reading Ghost, a coming of age novel about a young boy obsessed with world records. Grade 7 students have started reading The Outsiders, a novel that touches on some heavy themes including in vs out, family, friendship, colour, and social class. While Grade 8 students started Steinbeck’s classic, Of Mice and Men a novel that really dives deep into an unlikely friendship. Please note that all students have a hard copy of their respective novels, but digital versions have been posted on both Google Classroom and the Homework Boards as well.

Happy reading!!!

You talked! We listened. We would like to introduce you all to the new and improved Homework Board! It’s simpler. Less “stuff”. Neat. Tidy. Clean. Organized. User friendly. And may we add, pretty! Original links still work. Your feedback is always welcome! Let’s give this one a go!

This week Middle School English Language Arts students had the opportunity to explore our new reading program, Amplify. This program allows students to read closely by following an interactive graphic novel. Students enjoyed the first step of the program which was designing their very own avatar. This exercise was followed by a dynamic and engaging chapter one featuring the student as the main character. Feedback thus far has been very positive!

The Grade 8s are fundraising! Starting tomorrow we will be selling Bad Monkey Popcorn. Pick up a kosher, vegan, pareve and nut free snack at recess in the main lobby and after school outside the front doors. $2 for a snack bag & $5 for a big bag. We will also be selling at Back To School Night tomorrow.

This week Middle School English Students are getting back into the writing groove. Each class will have a series of various writing topics to choose from, each topic allowing students to showcase their creativity as both writers and thinkers. Stay tuned for our final products!

Welcome Back, Middle School English Language Arts Students!

I hope you had a wonderful summer and that you are just as excited as I am to start another school year. We have lots to look forward to this school year, the first one being our Middle School Retreat (which starts on Wednesday!). But until then, enjoy the beautiful weather today and do something you love.

Can’t wait to see you tomorrow!

Grade 8 English students are currently preparing their public speaking speeches. Topics are hot, fun, controversial, thought-provoking, and so much more. Students are encouraged to add their flair and finesse this year. We are moving away from the more formal approach and introducing ways to captivate and engage our audiences – gestures, body language, props, appropriate dress, and even a little acting are all welcome.

They are also working on finishing reading Steinbeck’s To Kill a Mockingbird and are currently in the thick of the trial. Although uncertain where the story was going to go in Part 1, the students have shown keen interest in the courtroom as they closely follow the actions of Atticus. Once the novel is complete (this week), students will be recreating the courtroom scene and will be able to audition for the various roles. Those who are uncomfortable acting will be able to serve as jury members who will determine whether Tom Robinson is guilty.
Towards the end of May, the class will read Romeo and Juliet. This group has never read Shakespeare. An introduction to Shakespeare’s writing is essential before entering High School.

In Of Mice and Men, George and Lennie have been sent to a ranch by their employment agency. We can assume that the ranch contacted the agency saying they need to hire some new workers. In this assignment, you will create a brochure to recruit migrant workers to come to the ranch. Your brochure must be divided into 6 parts and should be done electronically. Don’t forget to have a printed copy that can be submitted on the due date (November 21st) so that we can do a gallery walk!

Hi Grade 8,

Friendship is what it’s all about. How far would you go for a friend? What makes someone a good friend? What makes someone a terrible friend? Why are healthy friendships important for our well being? Is there a difference between companionship and friendship? These are all questions that we will begin to answer as we read through this novella. But before we start, we need to put ourselves in that decade. What was life like? By completing this research project and sharing your knowledge in a presentation, we will all become 1930s experts!