Sunday, October 13, 2013

October 14-18


Quote of the Week
Be Thankful.

 School-Wide Write Reminder
Reminder - School-Wide Write is on Monday, October 21 at 9:30am. Please check with your Grade Group partners about a topic for impromptu writing. 


Weekly Formative Assessment Strategy
Pinterest is a wonderful site for just about everything including home decor, cooking, crafts, etc....  If you have not yet used it for getting teaching ideas, you are truly missing out. Here are some "I Can" statement Ideas from Pinterest:

http://www.pinterest.com/kduplechain/i-can-statements/
http://www.pinterest.com/heasas/education-learning-outcomes-i-can-statements/
http://www.pinterest.com/jtobyprice/ican-statements/
http://www.pinterest.com/bethpalsha/i-can/
http://www.pinterest.com/natalielynno/anchor-charts-posters-i-can-statements/


This week - October 14 - October 118

Monday
  • RELAX and ENJOY time with your FAMILY and FRIENDS. 
  • Be Thankful.
  • That. Is. All.
Tuesday
  • 10:15 - Meeting for all Lunch-Time Monitors - Tia's LST Room (Rm. 305)
  • Meeting of LST Team and Admin - 10:30 - 11:45am - No LST.
  • 2:30 - 4:30pm - Cross Country Meet #2 - Bear Creek Park - Last one
  • 6:30 - Grade 7 Parent Fundraising Meeting (Committee Only)

Wednesday
  • Tia away at an inservice (TOC until lunch)
  • October 16 - Interims go home
  • P/VP meeting at 3:30pm
  • Engaging the Digital Learner Dinner Series (3:30-7:00) - Carrie, Gillian, and Gurpreet attending
  • Tia @ Dreams Take Flight Meeting - 6-8pm
Thursday
  • October 17 - Earthquake Drill - 9:45am
  • 10:15 - Meeting for all Grade 6 & 7 interested in being lunchtime monitors - TIa's LST room - Room 305.
  • 11:45 - ILD Meeting - in Jess' room (RM 201)
      Friday
      • Gym Closed - H.R. MacMillan Space Lab 
      • October 18 - Family Movie Night - 6:30-8:30pm

        Professional Development Opportunities

        Twitter Chat on #sd36learn  (Sunday @ 8pm) and #bcedchat (Sunday @ 7pm)
        Assessment for Learning Chat on #sd36learn - November 17

        SD36 District Opportunities 
        Workshops to Check Out:
        (must log in first to Surreyschools.ca - then click on the link above)

        There is an upcoming workshop - October 22 - 3:30-5:00 to walk you through the resource. This is for Classroom teachers AND LST teachers.
        ______________________________________

        Other Pro. D.
        October is Connected Educator Month. There are TONS of learning opportunities this month.  Take a look here!

        Den VirtCon - Tech or Treat with Discovery Education - Saturday, October 19 - in person at James Ardiel or online. 
        For more information, click here.
        _______________________________________

        Videos of the Week:

        The Emotional Atmosphere of the Classroom Matters by Daniel Goleman (there are many other interesting videos about Focus by Daniel as well).

        Mystery Skype at Georges Vanier (second half of video)



        Blog Posts of the Week:

        Critical Friends by Gallit Zvi

        Resources of the Week:

        Mark Your Calendars:

        October 21 - School Wide Write - 9:30am
        October 22 - Individual Photo Day
        October 22 - Dreams Take Flight - Day to Disney with 5 of our students & Tia
        October 22 - Spirals of Inquiry Meeting - 3:30-7:00 - Eaglequest
        October 23 - Popcorn Day
        October 23 - FreshGrade meeting - 3:30-5:00 - Eaglequest
        October 24 - Assembly - 9am
        October 25 - Provincial Professional Development Day
        October 28 - Staff Meeting
        October 31 - Halloween
        November 1 - Diwali Assembly
        November 1 - Hot Lunch (Subway)
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        Sunday, October 6, 2013

        October 7-11


        Happy World Teacher's Day - October 5, 2013!!!  
        We are so grateful to work with the wonderful educators at Bear Creek!
        Quote of the Week
        "Kids learn how to make good decisions by making decisions, not by following directions."
        ~ David Wees
        Go Team Julian!
        Julian made it through surgery very well!  Yay!  He is in fine spirits and loves the TEAM JULIAN poster that was made for his hospital room. Thanks, to those who made that happen.  Julian will not be released from the hospital until Monday or Tuesday, so Sophia will be back to work on Wednesday.

        Welcome to Bear Creek!  
        Irina Fidler is our new intermediate Core French teacher. She is also the 0.1 LIF teacher who will be providing learner support for a couple of intermediate students.  Irina is here Tuesday - Friday working in Rm. 310.  

        We also want to welcome Tracy Nightingale!  Tracy will be helping in the office for the next few weeks until Kim's position has been filled.

        Media Event at Bear Creek
        We were informed of a grant opportunity from Liane Ricou at Business Development, generally consisting of $1000 for any teacher needing resources to support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) learning for their students. Chevron will be providing the funding through MyClassNeeds.ca and allocated these funds for Surrey schools. Tia has submitted several grants requests on behalf of Bear Creek teachers which all teachers in the school will have access to, if we are successful. To launch the Program for the District, a media event will take place in Tam's class on Tuesday morning.  Media equipment will be stored in the hallway by Riana and Christina's room on Monday after school.  A class activity will be filmed in Tam's classroom on Tuesday morning.  There will be media equipment, camera people, reporters and visitors in the 100 wing and Jess' room. If you would like to know more about the grants that were submitted, go to MyClassNeeds.ca. 

        Spirals of Inquiry
        (no committee meeting this week)
        Please have all survey data input completed this week.  If you are unable to finish them, please leave a note on the forms for Carrie. 

        NEW Curriculum drafts
        We are not sure exactly where the new curriculum will be posted, but the DRAFT documents go live on Monday, October 7.  You can take a look here and see if this is where they are posted. I will post a link when I find out exactly where it will be posted.

        Writing Opportunity
        One of our PAC Executive members, Debra Hudson, passed along this opportunity she found for Grade 4, 5, and 6 students:

        Habitat for Humanity Canada (Habitat) and Genworth Canada are asking students in grade 4, 5 and 6 across Canada to tell us what “home” means to them by entering the Meaning of Home Contest. - See more at: http://meaningofhome.ca/


        Weekly Formative Assessment Strategy
        One of the five "key strategies" that Dylan Wiliam talks about in his book, Embedded Formative Assessment, is:
        • Clarifying, sharing, and understanding learning intentions and criteria for success.
        In Chapter 3 of his book, Dylan Wiliam goes into detail about how to make this work in your classroom. He talks about why learning intentions are important, when learning intentions are useful, challenges in constructing learning intensions, and practical techniques.  

        One thing that some of you are trying in your classrooms already is the use of "I Can" statements. This is when you put the PLO's in "kid-friendly" language so that the students understand what it is they are learning and what it is that is being asked of them.  In order to get the most out of it, these I Can statements should be introduced at the beginning (of unit, lesson, activity, etc...) and not just at the end.

        Here's a short powerpoint by Bill Ferriter about this strategy:


        Here is a resource you might find useful:


        Field Trip Possibility
        As you may know, there is a new Apple Store in Guildford Mall.  What I was unaware of is that they do field trips!  There are two type of field trips, "showcase" field trips and "create" field trips.  You can see more information on their website. When I was at the Guildford Apple Store, they said that they would be starting these field trips near the end of October, but that they would only be offered for a few weeks. For more information, you may want to contact them. Let me know, and I can pass along their number. If you have any questions, you might want to ask Gurpreet, as she is taking her class to the Apple Store in Metrotown this month.

        This week - October 7 - October 11

        Monday
        • Last Day of Book Fair
        • James is away today @ DEC - District In-Service for counselors
        • 9:00am - LST Team Meeting - Judy's room
        • 12:00pm - General PAC meeting - Room 310
        • 12:30-2:30 - Div. 6 & 7 - SWAP presentation in class
        • 3:00 - Media Team arrive with equipment - store in 100 wing 
        Tuesday
        • 7:45 am - Boys Soccer Practise 
        • 8:30 - Media event in Tam's class / Rm. 205 will also be used for visitors.
        • 2:30 - 4:30pm Cross Country Meet #2 - Bear Creek Park
        • 2:30 - Recycled Rhythms Club - Music room with Jennifer
        • 6:30 - Grade 7 Parent Meeting

        Wednesday
        •  Popcorn Day - Ranch flavour
        • 11:45am - ILD meeting - Room 201
        • Bruins Student Leadership applications due
        • 11:30 - Boys' soccer playday @ KB Woodward with Marissa
        Thursday
        • 7:45 am  - Cross Country Practise
        • 2:45 - Student Leadership Sponsor Teachers - select Bruins Leadership Team
        • 5:00 - Frank Hurt Aboriginal Open House 
          Friday
          • 7:45 am  - Cross Country Practise
          • 9:30 - Carrie @ DEC - ELT/ENT district meeting (return at 12:00 pm)

            Professional Development Opportunities

            Twitter Chat on #sd36learn  (Sunday @ 8pm) and #bcedchat (Sunday @ 7pm)
            This week's chat on #sd36learn will be about Self-Regulation
            Assessment for Learning Chat - November 17

            SD36 District Opportunities 
            Workshops to Check Out:
            (must log in first to Surreyschools.ca - then click on the link above)

            There is an upcoming workshop - October 22 - 3:30-5:00 to walk you through the resource. This is for Classroom teachers AND LST teachers.
            ______________________________________

            Other Pro. D.
            October is Connected Educator Month. There are TONS of learning opportunities this month.  Take a look here!

            Reform Symposium - FREE AMAZING Online Conference - October 11-13

            Den VirtCon - Tech or Treat with Discovery Education - Saturday, October 19 - in person at James Ardiel or online. 
            For more information, click here.
            _______________________________________


            What would this look like at our school?  Fun!  Powerful!

             Blog Posts of the Week:
            Resources of the Week:

            Teaching Ideas of the Week
            I Am Poems - by Grade 6/7 students in Cloverdale (great way to publish them for all to see)

            5-Photo Stories - This is done in French, however, it would be a great activity to do in any language!

            Global Read Aloud Reflections by Students - Grade 6/7 - Georges Vanier

            Mark Your Calendars:
            October 14 - Thanksgiving
            October 15 - Cross Country Meet - Bear Creek Park - 3:00-4:30 
            October 16 - Interims go home
            October 17 - Earthquake Drill - 9:45am
            October 18 - Family Movie Night - 6:30-8:30pm
            October 22 - Individual Photo Day
            October 22 - Dreams Take Flight - Day to Disney with 5 of our students & Tia
            October 23 - Popcorn Day
            October 24 - Assembly - 9am
            October 25 - Provincial Professional Development Day
            October 28 - Staff Meeting
            October 31 - Halloween
            November 1 - Diwali Assembly
            November 1 - Hot Lunch (Subway)
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            Saturday, September 28, 2013

            September 30-October 4

            Quote of the Week

            "Don't ask your child what they learned at school today. 
            Ask your child to tell you the best question they asked that day." 
            ~ Selina Miller

            How are we, as educators, encouraging really deep, meaningful, question-asking each and every day with our students?

            Thank you!
            A huge Thank You goes out to Sarah Baldry for organizing the Terry Fox Run this year. It was a really great event and such a wonderful opportunity to reflect and think of all those whom we may know who have battled cancer. 


            Best Wishes to Julian!
            We will all be thinking positive thoughts this week as Sophia's son, Julian, goes for his surgery.  We know that all will go well and hope he has a quick recovery.  Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts, Sophia, through this challenging time. 

            New Staffing
            Please welcome our new clerk, Linda Bently (she is replacing Kim Watts). She will be with us until the end of October, when the posting will be filled permanently.

            We are still in the midst of interviewing and hiring for our Intermediate Prep / 0.1 LIF Teacher. We should have someone hired before the end of the week.   

            Learning Discussions
            Thank you to those who have signed up for their Learning Discussions.  We look forward to these conversations.  What a great way to share what you are doing in your classrooms, your plans, and how we can support you this year. See the Key Questions below for a reminder of what these discussions will look like.

            Our schedules have been so busy, we apologize to those whose meetings we have had to reschedule.

            Key Questions:
            1. What do we, as teachers and support staff, need to learn more about in order to promote the learning of our students?
            2. Where am I going with my learning?
            3. What is going on for our learners? How do we know? What do we do about it?


            Weekly Formative Assessment Strategy
            Have you tried Exit Slips Before?  Do you want to try them or get some ideas of how to use exit slips more in your classroom?


            Surveys - A Final Opportunity
            If you have not yet filled out the recent staff surveys, please do so before Sunday night.  We would really love to have input from all staff for the Communication Survey and from the Classroom teachers (or whoever uses the lab) for the Technology Use and Computer Feedback Surveys.  The more people who respond, the more accurate the results. The results will be shared at the staff meeting. 
            (Click on the links below)


            Computer Feedback (re. computer lab)



            Dwali Assembly - Friday, November 1
            (a message from Gurpreet)
            I will be putting together a Diwali Assembly on November 1st at Bear Creek Elementary. I am excited about this opportunity and I would love it  if anyone would like to help. If you are interested, please contact me! I have attached a powerpoint (below) which outlines the history of Diwali. I have also included some links to activities, art projects, games and other tools which you may use to teach your students about Diwali prior to the assembly. I will also be providing you with a "Diya" (clay pot) printable in your mailboxes. If you could please have your students color, cut and return them to me by by October 25th I would really appreciate it. 




             Role Play:
            Colour by Number:
            Rangoli colour by_number_1 from Gurpreet Koonar


            Here are some links you may want to check out to learn more:


            Please contact me if you have any further questions. I will be putting out the word to students next week so I can get a Diwali committee organized.
            -----

            Thanks to Gurpreet for providing us with all these ideas and resources. 
            It will be a fun day! 


            This week - September 30 - October 4

            Monday
            Tuesday
            • 7:45 am - Boys Soccer Practise 
            • LST at Fountas and Pinnell Training - all day
            • Pears delivered to the classrooms from fruit and veggie program
            • 11:45 am - Student Leadership Meeting (Sponsor Teachers Only) Room 201 (hope this is is okay we borrow your room, Jess)
            • 2:30 - 4:30pm Cross Country Meet #2 - Bear Creek Park


            Wednesday
            • Book Fair
            • 9:00 am - Grade 6 Immunizations - Music Room 
            • 11:45 am - ILD Meeting - Room 201 
            • DEN Ambassador Pilot - at Bear Creek 3:15-5:15pm

            Thursday
            • 7:45 am  - Cross Country Practise
            • Book Fair
            • 9:00 am - Story Theatre Presentation -  "Hey Bully, Bully!" 
              • Go HERE for more information and Teacher Guide
            • 2:45 pm - Boys Soccer Practise 
            • 5:30 - 6:30 pm Meet the Teacher Night
              • Any staff interested in going out for dinner beforehand?
            Friday
            • 7:45 am  - Cross Country Practise
            • 8:15 - Health & Safety Committee Meeting - Carrie's Office

              Professional Development Opportunities

              Twitter Chat on #sd36learn  (Sunday @ 8pm) and #bcedchat (Sunday @ 7pm)

              SD36 District Opportunities 
              Workshops to Check Out:
              (must log in first to Surreyschools.ca - then click on the link above)

              Differentiated Instruction - October 22, November 19, January 14, February 11, March 11 (Must commit to all 5 sessions)

              Friends For Life (Grade 6/7) - November 8 - 8:30-3:00 (15 spaces left)

              Friends For Life - (Grade 4/5) - February 21 - 8:30-3:00 (11 spaces left)

              Fun Friends (Gr. K/1) - November 7 - 8:30-3:00 (1 space left)
              ______________________________________

              Looking for some interesting projects to become involved with this year?
              You might want to check out these global projects:

              Global Read-Aloud - Starts this week! - We have 7 copies of the Intermediate read aloud, Out of My Mind. Please see Tia, if you'd like to borrow a copy (you should read it before reading it to your class - it's an amazing book).

              Other Pro. D.
              October is Connected Educator Month. There are TONS of learning opportunities this month.  Take a look here!

              Reform Symposium - FREE AMAZING Online Conference - October 11-13

              Den VirtCon - Tech or Treat with Discovery Education - Saturday, October 19 - in person at James Ardiel or online. 
              For more information, click here.
              _______________________________________

              Videos of the Week:

              To This Day - Powerful Poem by Shane Koyczan (about Bullying)


              How does this relate to being an educator?




              Blog Posts of the Week:
              How do I Change? Where do I Start? (from a BC educator)

                Our Wall of Kindness (Fits with the Gratitude Graffiti Project)

              Inquiry and Assessment for Learning (from an SD36 teacher)


              Resources of the Week:
              This is an important article to think about when assigning homework to our students and their families.

              Gratitude Graffiti Project  - Joanne Johnson will be mentioning this at the staff meeting on Monday.


              Mark Your Calendars:
              October 8 - Cross Country Meet - Bear Creek Park - 3:00-4:30
              October 8 - Grade 7 Parent Meeting - 6:30pm
              October 14 - Thanksgiving
              October 15 - Cross Country Meet - Bear Creek Park - 3:00-4:30 
              October 16 - Interims go home
              October 17 - Earthquake Drill - 9:45am
              October 18 - Family Movie Night - 6:30-8:30pm
              October 22 - Individual Photo Day
              October 22 - Dreams Take Flight - Day to Disney with 5 of our students & Tia
              October 23 - Popcorn Day
              October 24 - Assembly - 9am
              October 25 - Provincial Professional Development Day
              October 28 - Staff Meeting
              October 31 - Halloween
              November 1 - Diwali Assembly
              November 1 - Hot Lunch (Subway)
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