Today we had a special visit by five representatives from the Korean (ROK) embassy. They treated us to a presentation on the history and culture of the Korean people, and their economic ties to Canada. The class was unbelievably attentive, and asked very mature and well thought out questions throughout the presentation. The embassy officials were very impressed with the general knowledge of Korean culture that the students were able to draw on. The students definitely came away with a greater understanding of Canada's links to Korea, and the unique culture of the Korean people. And in the end they were able to share some very typical Korean snacks that are eaten by many schoolchildren nowadays.
Thursday we have some visitors from Summit, who are coming to conference with myself, Owen, and Andrew about grade 6 programming. This will be a great chance for the students to get to meet some of the Summit staff, and likely ask some questions about Summit. Check in with your child to see what they learn, or what impressions they come away with. I am very proud of how the class carries themselves, so I am expecting that they will be impressing our visitors again tomorrow.
As a challenge to the students I have proposed what I am calling the 'week of work' to take place the week leading up to March Break. Homework has been shown to be less than effective in developing any real knowledge or understanding in students, and since it cannot be assessed by teachers (who knows who has completed it?) it serves as busy work for students, teachers, and parents all too often. However....the reality is that workloads and projects will increase in middle school. To help prepare, and challenge our sixes, I am going to send them home with different homework each day of the week, to be completed and returned the following day. It will not be daunting work, but it will require up to 20 min of effort each night that week. Please support your child by reminding them to complete this work each night. Again it will be the week leading up to March Break. There will be Math a few nights, Grammar, Writing, and Science over the five nights, and one piece will go home on the Friday, and need to be back following the break. At this point I feel the taking home and returning of the work will be the challenge for most. If you have any questions, please contact me.
Regards, Ray
ps. School of Rock 10 is in full swing. We have confirmed the show will take place on May 8th, at Nepean HS Auditorium. Rogers TV will be filming the show and airing it on their network. Tshirt, poster, and button designs are in the works, and will be unveiled shortly. Students have opportunities to be involved in the choir, as members of the Six String Students, Chukuleles, or the strings club, through percussion, or in the creating of artwork. Ask your child how they are choosing to get involved.
