Friday, December 4, 2009

Practicing for the Christmas concert


I heard some beautiful singing and I went to the gym to see that there was only one class in the gym--Mrs. Servos Sept's class. They sang really well and volume was fantastic.

The Christmas Concert (Wednesday, Dec, 9th @ 7:00 pm) should be great. I look forward to seeing many of you there. If you are unable to make the evening performance you are welcome to come to the dress rehearsal on Tuesday, December 8th @ 1:00 pm.

Until later,
Mr. H

Davis Bay Sunset


I was amazed at the sunset as I was going home after work yesterday. We sure live in a beautiful place!

I know that the sunrises have been spectacular in the mornings. I encourage you to take some time to enjoy our surroundings with your family.

Have a great day.

Mr. H

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Enjoying the nice weather
















It seems as if we've got a reprieve with the weather and our students took full advantage of it at lunch time today. Rumour has it that there is snow in the forecast in the next few days. It would be nice if it would hold off for a couple of weeks!

Mental Math. Manipulatives & Chistmas Trees
















Mental Math-- in Ms. Kranenburg's class; students were loving their new small white boards. Manipulatives-- in Mr. Sullivan's Math class were finding out that it is challenging using manipulatives when dividing decimals. Chistmas Trees-- they were being drawn in Mrs. Kopek's computer class. It is amazing what some of the children were able to draw.

Until later.

Mr. H

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Primary Choir preparing for Christmas Concert

As we get closer to our Christmas break the singing takes on its own life and the gymnasium becomes a music hall. I listened to the Primary Choir practicing a couple of numbers that they will be performing on Wednesday, December 9th at 7:00 pm. I have included a teaser for you.

Enjoy,

Mr. H

Another great day to learn
















I was impressed with the ambiance of Ms. Kraneburg's when I stopped by today-- the winter theme, Christmas and Hannuka images make it very comfortable. The students were really engaged in their novel study.

Mrs. Hourigan's Guided Reading students were enjoying their reading when I stopped by.

Until later.

Mr H

Another great day to learn


Tuesday, December 1, 2009

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever


When I visited classes this morning most classes were working on reading. Mrs. Servos-Sept's class was reading along with her as she read from the novel, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

For your information Mrs. Servos-Sept will be heading to Queensland, Australia, as part of an international teacher exchange program starting in January. I will be posting more information about our exchange teacher in the coming weeks.

Until later.

Mr. H


Appreciate our surroundings
















On my way to work this morning I was compelled to stop for a minute. During the fall and winter months we often have rain and my view on my way to school is that of rain pelting down on my windshield. I really appreciate the beauty we have on the Sunshine Coast and I wanted to share the view I had this morning. It should be a great day today.

Enjoy.

Mr. H

Monday, November 30, 2009

Adrienne Gear on Non-Fiction Reading Power





























We had several staff members attend Adrienne Gear's workshop on Non-Fiction Reading Power in Sechelt today. She brought with her many great ideas about engaging our students in non-fiction reading.

Something that you will here your children talking about more is, "Paying attention to your thinking voice....," also known as metacognition.

Many of our teachers have been using some of the strategies presented in her book Reading Power. Her newest book, Non-Fiction Reading Power, presents some great ideas for getting students to go beyond just retelling what one has read , but to getting them to a point of transforming, synthesizing and critical thinking.

Until tomorrow.

Mr. H

Pro-D Day Today

Our staff is participating in a variety of professional development activities today. Some of us will be in Sechelt working with educator/author, Adrienne Gear, looking at non-fiction writing. Other will be attending a Math workshop at Halfmoon Bay Elementary, while some will be working at GES, on computer technology, with Bob Cotter.

The day off for our students is a day where our staff has an opportunity to work on improving our teaching practice.

Until later.

Mr. H