Election Day

It was a close tie for third place but the Blue Berry Party won the class elections! Their vision and policies for a better tomorrow were supported by voters! Be sure to ask your child for more information about our half-day workshop with Diefenbaker Canada on governance and elections in Saskatchewan!

We are starting a new math unit on Multiplying and Dividing Larger Numbers next week. The unit will move rather quickly so it is important for students to return homework promptly and to review their lessons at home. Also, the children should be practicing their multiplication facts for automatic recall. It will benefit their skills and learning immensely. The final two units before the end of the year will be on Geometry and Data Management. Your help with our future mathematicians has been greatly appreciated! 

Weekly Highlights:

Students ~

• learned about fossilization and magnetism in rocks and minerals in science.
• participated in a half-day workshop on government in Saskatchewan, and learned about elections, party platforms, and policy-making.
• completed our math unit on fractions and decimals and wrote the final test.
• learned about waste management through literacy activities and inquiry learning.
• responded to reading about Earth conservation by writing letters and presenting their work to the class. We will continue with the speaking presentations on Tuesday and Wednesday next week.
• attended Arts Education and Phys. Education classes with their corresponding teachers.

Coming Up:

• Monday, May 20 - Victoria Day (School Holiday)
• Tuesday, May 21 - Sp. Test; Letter for upcoming trip to the museum sent home
• Friday, May 24 - Trip permission and online fee due

Have a wonderful long weekend!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Aiginitis

Blue Berry Party Wins the Election!

Sweet Week

Students had a busy week at school. Although the weather started out a bit rainy, we wrapped up the week by enjoying a sweet treat in front of our amazing school!

Next week, the class is scheduled for a special program sponsored by Diefenbaker Canada through the University of Saskatchewan. During this program, the students will learn more about the government system in Saskatchewan. This important workshop will take place on May 14th in the afternoon and students need to be present to benefit from the learning that will take place (ie. mock election). 

Weekly Highlights:

Students~

• completed their fractions quiz in math and continued learning about tenths and hundredths as decimals, as well as equivalent decimals. On Friday, the class focused on adding tenths to decimals. We will work on adding and subtracting decimals to hundredths next week and finish the unit before the test on Friday, May 17th. The Show What You Know that was sent home is a great way to help your child review for the test. It can also be found in the Pearson etext online at the end of Unit 5. 
• continued learning about ways to protect the earth and conservation efforts such as limiting water and light use, as well as limiting the use of plastic in our everyday lives (ie. reusable bags).
• planted little seeds and created special drawings.
• completed their Healthy Meal Plates (they will be presenting them to the class next week).
• are learning more about effective speaking and larger group presentation skills. The areas of speaking we will be working on include volume and expression, eye contact, non-verbal gestures and facial expression, and lastly vocabulary and pronunciation. Feel free to provide opportunities for practice at home for your child.
• are almost finished with their reading and response activities about four different kinds of fossils in science including trace fossils, mould fossils, cast fossils, and petrified fossils. We will take up this work next week.
• learned more about the importance of Elders and Band Councils as they relate to the elected forms of government of Indigenous Nations in Canada.

Coming Up:

May 10 - PD (no school day for students)

May 13 - Sp. Test

May 14 - Diefenbaker Canada Government Workshop (PM)

May 17 - Fractions and Decimals Final Quiz

Have a wonderful weekend.

Mrs. Aiginitis

April Showers Bring May...Fraction Flowers!

It is hard to believe it is already May. The class wrapped up the first part of fractions, participated in a first-aid workshop and enjoyed working with their Buddies. Keep reading to find out more.

Math Quizzes

Next week, the class will be having a math quiz on the first part of Unit 5. The "Show What You Know" was sent home to help students study (along with the answer key for parents). Please note that the second half of the SWYK review assignment pertains to the last portion of our math unit on fractions with decimals. Students do not need to return the review back to school. The quiz dates are May 8 (fractions) and May 17 (fractions with decimals). 

Also, it is not too early for students to start reviewing their multiplication and division facts in preparation for our next unit on Multiplying and Dividing Larger Numbers!

First Aid - AED

Weekly Highlights:

Students~

• worked on relating fractional parts to different wholes/sets, compared and ordered unit fractions, and explored tenths as decimals in math.
• participated in an Introduction to First Aid workshop. Thank you for your donations!
• are just about finished with their healthy meals/plates and written descriptions.
• started learning about Elders and leadership qualities in social studies.
• learned about ways to make a difference for a healthier planet through literacy activities.
• completed activities to learn more about fossils in science.
• developed their reading fluency through 'read-to-self' and 'read-to-someone' activities.
• worked in a leadership role to help their Kindergarten Buddies learn more about dinosaurs.
• participated in Phys. Ed., Arts Ed., and French classes with their corresponding teachers.

Coming Up:

• Sat., May 4 - Wok Box Special Lunch Orders due
• May 6 - Return Unit 4 math test (if you haven't already)
• May 8 - Fractions Quiz
• May 9 - Special Lunch
• May 10 - PD (no school day for students)

Have a nice weekend.

Mrs. Aiginitis

Spotlight on Health

Visit to Book Fair!

Students have their spotlights on healthy meals and a healthy planet! The importance of Earth Day every day will continue to be a theme in our classroom activities!

Healthy Meal Plates

We are excited about the Introduction to First-Aid workshop scheduled for April 30. There is no fee associated with this program though we do ask that consideration for a donation of $1.00 to St. John Ambulance be given. Please send all cash donations to the school on April 29th. Thank you.

Weekly Highlights:

Students~

• explored proper fractions, fraction benchmarks, fractions of a set and worked on finding the fraction of each set of objects using double-sided counters. The class did an excellent job with the latter concept. Up to this point, a review of all these concepts is recommended at home.
• started working on their healthy meal plates in health class using the flyers brought from home. Thank you for sending the flyers! Students can print pictures at home to glue onto their plates.
• looked at shared responsibilities between the three levels of government and were asked to consider the qualities of a good leader. We will explore the role of Elders and Band Councils in government this week.
• looked at the use of rocks in our daily lives in science and continued learning about Earth Day concepts through literacy activities.
• visited the Book Fair and went to the library for their book exchange rescheduled time thanks to Mrs. Wenger, our teacher-librarian!
• attended French, Arts Ed. and Phys. Ed. classes with their corresponding teachers.

Coming Up:

• April 29 - Bring $1 Donation for St. John Ambulance (optional)
• April 30 - Twin Day; Introduction to First Aid Workshop
• May 3 - Sp. Test; Kindergarten Buddies
• May 4 - Wok Box Special Lunch Orders Due
• TBA - Unit 4 Measurement Math Test will be sent home for parents to sign/return to school the next day. Please check your child's agenda.

Your children have grown so much this year. They are a kind, caring and generous bunch. We have a few months left and many things to do. I truly look forward to their continued growth in learning. Your help, time and support have been and continue to be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Aiginitis

What a Pleasant Surprise!

Fractions of Fun!

The class had a busy week! They are excited to start a new math unit on Fractions and Decimals and continue to enjoy learning about Rocks and Minerals in science. Keep reading to find out a little more!

Grocery Flyers Needed!

If you have any grocery flyers at home or could pick some up this weekend, please send them to school on Monday with your child for an upcoming project. Thank you!

Weekly Highlights:

Students~

• learned the correct way to pick a partner during 'Read to Someone' and practiced building their reading stamina.
• learned more about how different levels of government pay for services and collect taxes for revenue.
• used inquiry to develop their understanding of the rock cycle and what minerals are in science.
• completed the math test on Area and started a new unit on Fractions and Decimals. Our first lesson focussed on finding fractions of a whole. Students created small fraction quilts to develop their understanding. We will continue with Lesson 2 on Monday on Fraction Benchmarks. Click here to have your child watch and work along with the following learning video on Lesson 1  - Fractions Lesson 1 Video
• learned more about character traits by responding to the story After the Fall by Dan Santat and working on a team activity to identify character trait synonyms. 
• participated in French, Drama, and Physical Education classes with their corresponding teachers.

Coming Up:

• Thursday, April 25 - Book Fair Buy (during our regularly scheduled Library Time)
• Friday, April 26 - Sp. Test

Have a nice weekend.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Aiginitis

Spring Into April!

Agriculture in the Classroom Wheat Specimen

It's hard to believe it is already April. Before the break, students took part in an agriculture presentation, learned about coding, and went on a field trip. They continued learning about measurement in math. We will continue working hard in reading, writing and math after the Spring break!

Coding Fun!

Job Sanctions

Please note the following items regarding the upcoming job sanctions starting on Monday:

• withdrawal of extended before and after school supervision times
• changes in bus transportation times
• students who are bused will be transported home over the lunch break.
• school will be closed over the lunch hour from 11:55 to 12:55.
• afternoon classes will begin at 1:05 pm and continue until the regular end of the school day
• withdrawal of extracurricular activities including field trips
• communication with families will be limited to the school day
• Parents/caregivers who can get their students back to school for afternoon classes and arrange for them to get home at the end of the school day are encouraged to do so.

Writing on a Slate at the 
Alex Youck Museum

Highlights Before the Break:

Students~

• completed a math quiz on the calendar and time. The class started learning about covering shapes and area. A math test on area will take place on April 17th. Please assist your child with reviewing at home using the Pearson etext online and the Show What You Know.
• worked in their Rocks and Minerals booklets and learned about the three kinds of rocks: sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic. We will continue with this learning.
• helped their Kindergarten Buddies with measurement concepts.
• experienced a typical day of learning in a one-room schoolhouse during the early 1900's in Saskatchewan and on the prairies.
• learned about Saskatchewan agriculture and crops in our province during an in-person presentation with an engineering professional (hosted by Agriculture in the Classroom).
• learned more about the three levels of government.
• worked on making connections in their Reading Response Journals.
• learned about healthy eating using the Medicine Wheel. The lesson focussed on the west section which includes foods with protein that can promote healing.
• created "t-shirts" with bullying prevention slogans.
• participated in a coding workshop with a presenter from the Science Centre! The class loved it.

Music Lesson Time!

Coming Up:

• April 11 - Library
• April 12 - Sp. Test
• April 17 - Math Test Unit 4 (Focus on AREA)
• April 19 - Sp. Test; Buddies
• April 25 - Library
• April 26 - Sp. Test
• Please refer to the student agenda and initial daily for further reminders and homework assignments. Kindly help your child complete and return any homework on the following school day. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Aiginitis

Shirts with Important Messages

Let's Celebrate!

It was wonderful seeing everyone at our Celebration of Learning student-led conferences! We value the learning that has taken place and look forward to the gains still to be made.

 

Alex Youck Museum Information

Thank you for promptly returning the permission forms for the field trip to the Alex Youck Museum and for paying the online fee. If you have not already had a chance to return the form or pay online, please do so by Monday. Our trip will take place on Wednesday, March 27 and we will be leaving the school promptly following attendance at 9:00 AM. Please make every effort to ensure your child is not late for school. We will be back in time for the regular lunch hour.

In preparation for our trip to the Alex Youck Museum, students are encouraged to dress for the school room visit. Girls would wear long dresses, shawls, and bonnets. Boys could choose from overalls and plaid shirts, or corduroy pants with braces and plaid shirts. They should consider what children would have worn over 100 years ago and may choose to do some research at home to find out more.

Update - Pearson Math Text:  

There have been some glitches with the online Pearson etext from time to time. You may be able to locate a free PDF option by doing a Google Search if you are having difficulties signing in (Math Makes Sense 4).

Weekly Highlights:

Students~

• practiced telling time on the 24-hour clock.
• worked on building their reading stamina during 'read-to-someone' activities.
• displayed their Animal Habitat posters on the main floor for viewing.
• learned about healthy eating using the Medicine Wheel. This week we worked on the area of 'vitality' which includes fruits and vegetables and is the south direction on the Medicine Wheel.
• participated in Phys. Ed., French, and Arts Ed. with their corresponding teachers.
• prepared for the Celebration of Learning and led parents through the stations on conference day.

Coming Up:

• Monday, March 25 - Math Pop Quiz on calendar time, 12-hour clock, and the 24-hour clock.
• Tuesday, March 26 - Saskatchewan Science Centre GoCode Program (AM); Kindergarten Buddies (PM)
• Wednesday, March 27 - Trip to Alex Youck Museum @ 9:00 - 11:45 AM; Agriculture in the Classroom (PM)
• Thursday, March 28 - Sp. Test
• Friday, March 29 - April 7 (inclusive) - Spring/Easter Break (No School)
• Monday, April 8 - Back to school

Have a wonderful weekend.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Aiginitis

One Lucky Week

We have had one lucky week in Grade Four! The class has been working on some lucky leprechaun poetry and learning a few new math concepts. Keep reading to find out a little more.

There are still Celebration of Learning Conference time slots available in the morning and in the afternoon on March 22. Please remember to sign up online. Conference Manager closes to parents on Monday at 6pm.

On Monday, a letter will be coming home with students about an upcoming field trip to the Alex Youck Museum. Please sign the permission and pay the online fee by March 21st. Thank you!

Weekly Highlights:

Students~

• have been working hard to complete their Pink Shirt Day lap books.
• continue to work on the good copies of their animal habitat research posters. 
• are learning about the 24-hour clock in math.
• continue to build their fluency and stamina during 'read-to-someone' activities.
• practiced writing limerick poetry.
• participated in physical education and music classes with their corresponding teachers.
• were provided with opportunities to work through learning stations to complete assigned work, review activities, and unfinished tasks in math, reading, and writing.

Coming Up:

• Monday, March 18 - Conference Manager closes to parents @ 6pm
• Wed., March 20 - Agriculture in the Classroom presentation @12:45 pm; Library
• Thurs., March 21 - Sp. Test; Field trip permission and fee due
• Friday, March 22 - Celebration of Learning Student-Led Conferences at the School 

Have a nice weekend.

Mrs. Aiginitis

Time Well Spent

Students have been spending 'time' learning about learning about the 12-hour clock. It has been great watching students use the analog clock that is up in our classroom more independently! Please keep practicing at home with them.

Our "Celebration of Learning" Conferences will be taking place on March 22nd. If you have not had a chance to sign up yet, please do so at your earliest convenience. A letter with information was sent home last week on how to sign up. The link to Conference Manager can also be found on the Edsby home page. Thank you!

Weekly Highlights:

Students~

• are working hard to complete the good copies of their animal habitat posters.
• went to the library for book shopping.
• have been increasing their reading stamina and fluency during 'read-to-someone' activities.
• are completing a Pink Shirt Day lapbook about bullying to share with you.
• are learning about elapsed time in math and created an invitation to a fictitious event to demonstrate their understanding.
• continue learning about government concepts such as democracy and rule by a majority in social studies.
• are exploring volcanoes and conducted an experiment to learn why some volcanoes explode and others do not (cone volcanoes versus shield volcanoes).
• worked on a small team to group a collection of rocks by identifying a few of their properties such as lustre, colour, cleavage, texture, shape, and size.
• are learning about nutrition from an Indigenous lens using the Medicine Wheel as a guide.
• participated in Physical Education, French, and Arts Education classes with their corresponding teachers. 

Investigating Rocks in Science

Coming Up:

• Monday, March 11 - PD (Professional Development Day for teachers; No school for students)
• Thursday, March 14 - Sp. Test
• Please check Edsby, email and the student agenda for further announcements or homework reminders daily. Thank you.

Have a nice weekend.

Mrs. Aiginitis

Leaping Into March

The class is leaping into March at full speed! We have a few projects on the go and some activities in the works! We are excited about the warmer weather and learning new concepts. Also, thank you to everyone for their generous donations towards the Toonies for Tots fundraiser! 

Conferences

Conferences will be held on March 22. Please sign up for a conference online through Conference Manager starting on March 6th at 7:00 AM. Conference Manager closes to parents on March 18th at 6:00 PM, so please book your time before that date. A letter has been sent via Edsby to all families with more information. All conferences will be in person.

Weekly Highlights:

Students~

• were introduced to Read-to-Someone activities. This includes ways to read to someone (Check for Understanding, I Read/You Read, and Read Two Different Books) as well as how to choose books (Let's Make a Deal, Read Two Different Books, and Rock/Paper/Scissors). 
• worked on identifying simple rights and responsibilities during our government unit in social studies. We will learn more about the levels of government next week.
• worked on the rough drafts of their animal habitat research posters.
• recorded the nutrients from the food labels they brought from home and learned about the newest update to Canada's nutrition labels.
• explored telling time in math (quarters and five-minute increments). Next week, we will work on telling time to the minute and elapsed time. Please practice with your child at home!
• are starting to learn about rocks and minerals in science. This week, we learned about the location of most of the volcanoes around the world known as 'The Ring of Fire.'

Newest Update to Canada's Food Labels

Coming Up:

• Sunday, March 3 - DQ Special Lunch orders due
• Monday, March 4 - STRIKE DAY for teachers (NO SCHOOL)
• Tuesday, March 5 - Un. 4 Multiplication/Division Facts Math Tests due back (signed); Library
• Wednesday, March 6 - Spelling Test
• Friday, March 8 - Special DQ Lunch for those who ordered; Mario Spirit Day!
• TBA - Please stay tuned for further school and division announcements via email, Edsby. Thank you for signing your child's agenda and promptly returning any homework.  

Have a nice weekend.

Mrs. Aiginitis

Let's Make a Plan

    Students worked hard on their research projects in literacy and put effort into completing the math unit. The class had fun playing a few games to practice their spelling words and develop their sentence-writing skills. They enjoyed learning about the Chinese New Year on Friday afternoon. All in all, it was a fun and productive week!

House Keeping Items:

    Please note that the Unit 3 math practice pages have been sent home. Also, kindly remind your child to bring a food/nutrition label to school next week for health class. A paper copy with a list of the students in our class went home today to assist with Valentine's cards. We will have a Valentine's Day card exchange on February 14th. Bringing Valentine's Day cards is optional.

Weekly Highlights:

Students~

• completed Unit 3 lessons in math on multiplication and division facts and took their practice pages home. The SWYK was sent home to help students review for the unit test on Monday.
• worked on planning their explanations and creating posters to demonstrate their knowledge of animals and their habitats. They have been using the internet, magazines and library books to conduct their research. We will continue with this work into next week.
• participated in a spelling game and sentence scramble to practice their spelling words and sentence writing skills.
• learned about the Chinese New Year and completed activities to develop an appreciation of the Chinese culture and language. It is the Year of the Dragon!
• discussed how geography can affect where people live and the architecture found in a community.
• developed their reading stamina and worked in a small guided reading group with Mrs. Aiginitis (rotational).

Coming Up:

• Feb. 12 - Math Test
• Feb. 13 - Library
• Feb. 14 - Red, Pink, White Spirit Day; Sp. Test; Valentine's Day Card Exchange
• Feb. 15 - Snack Bus Snack Drive deadline (Each item brought helps the class collect points as well!); Kindergarten Buddies (PM)
• Feb. 19 - 23 - February Break (School Vacation)
• See the student agenda for further class announcements. Please be sure to check your email and Edsby daily for school and division announcements. 

Sincerely,

Mrs. Aiginitis

Healthy Canadians

The class had a productive week in grade 4. They worked on planning an explanation and responded to reading by making connections to texts. Our class completed the 10-Day World-Wide Mindfulness Challenge and started learning more about nutrition and physical activity in health. On February 2, we watched as all three groundhogs predicted an early spring and not 6 more weeks of winter!

Also, I am sending home a class list for students to use for Valentine's Day through Edsby. We will hold a Valentine's Day card exchange on February 14th. If students wish to bring Valentine's Day cards for classmates, they should write a Valentine for each classmate so everyone feels included. Thank you. 

Weekly Highlights:

Students~

• used arrays to divide and worked on relating multiplication and division. Our Unit 3 math test will take place on February 12th. Please let me know if you are having issues accessing the Pearson etext from home. I will send home a copy of the unit review and a few video lessons that students can work on at home.
• completed their research on Regina 100 years ago. The focus was on the human and natural changes that have occurred to the landscape since then. 
• worked on identifying text-to-self connections to enhance their reading comprehension skills.
• were introduced to Canada's Food Guide online and interacted with the website to complete an activity regarding the nutrients in the foods on the cover page. Canada's Food Guide
• learned more about how geography can affect where people live and completed a writing activity in social studies.
• worked on planning an explanation about an animal of their choice. They researched the animal's appearance, food and habitat. Next, we will be drafting the introductions and conclusions of our explanations.
• read a non-fiction text about right whales and learned more about habitat loss and destruction. We will refer back to the article next week.

Coming Up:

• Feb. 7 - Spelling Test 
• Feb. 12 - Un. 3 Math Test
• Feb. 14 - Valentine Exchange; Spirit Day
• *Please stay tuned for other school or division announcements.

Moments in Time

Regina 100 Years Ago

Students are taking part in the 10-Day Mindfulness Challenge. Although we will complete the challenge next week, we are planning to integrate mindfulness into our daily routine to help us focus and reset for learning.

Weekly Highlights:

Students~

• read a non-fiction text about blue whales and worked on identifying and recording the main ideas and key details from the selection.
• learned about other strategies for multiplying and using patterns in a chart to multiply. Students had some fun learning ways to multiply by 9. Ask your child about them!
• started a new unit in health on healthy eating and physical activity.
• learned more about mimicry and camouflage in science. We started researching how Regina looked over 100 years ago and whether the changes that have occurred are natural or caused by humans.
• took part in the 10-Day Mindfulness Challenge and responded to each session's focus by writing in their journals.
• participated in French class, Arts Ed., and Phys. Ed. with their corresponding teachers.
• report cards and Term 1 folders were sent home.

Blue Whale

Coming Up:

• Jan. 29 - Begin division fact strategies lessons
• Jan. 30 - Library
• Jan. 31 - Sp. Test

Please stay tuned for further announcements and homework reminders. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Aiginitis

A Warm Cup of Gratitude

Hot Chocolate Fun

The grade fours had a sweet week at school! I am so thankful to have each and every one of your children in my class. They are such an amazing and thoughtful group of students.

Weekly Highlights:

Students~

• completed review activities for whole numbers including place value and adding and subtracting larger numbers. The class completed the Unit 2 math test on Friday.
• worked on putting together their large "I Can Grow My Brain" posters in health class.
• completed the "House of Their Dreams" in French class. Only a few students remain to have a little more to do.
• worked on their animal memoir drafts during our Literacy Studio writer's workshop.
• crafted sentences using dialogue.
• learned about the Métis sash and the fur trade in social studies. We will continue with this learning in upcoming classes.
• practiced their Winter concert performance songs with Ms. Nadoroznick and the other Gr. 4 classes.
• researched how various birds' beaks are structurally adapted to help them live and survive in their habitats. Students completed "The Perfect Beak" assignment in science.
• shared what they were grateful for as part of our "Beachball Gratitude" routine.
• wrapped up the week with a warm cup of hot chocolate and a gratitude mug activity.

Coming Up:

• Dec. 18 - Library; Red, Green, and White Spirit Day
• Dec. 19 - Polar Day Spirit Day; Special Lunch for those who preordered; Trip to the movie theatre to see "The Grinch" (Bus leaves at 12:50 pm sharp!)
• Dec. 20 - Winter Warmsies Day
• Dec. 21 - Whoville Day!; Kindergarten Buddies (PM); Winter Concert (Gr. 4 Recordings 5:20 - 5:40 pm. *Gr. 4 meets at the door of Bootroom A @ 5:17 pm)
• Dec. 22 - PJ Day; Early Dismissal @ 2:30 pm

Wishing everyone a wonderful, warm and safe winter holiday! All the best in the New Year, 2024! See you on January 8th, 2024!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Aiginitis

Harbour Landing School
Christmas Tree

Frogsicles

A grade 4 would know!

The students had a busy week in Grade 4. They planned their animal memoirs, learned more about self-regulation, and journeyed through the life of Dr. Seuss. Keep reading to find out a little more.

Weekly Highlights:

Students~

• completed a 3-digit addition/subtraction and whole number review booklet. The class worked on 4-digit subtraction and started the final lesson of the unit on solving story problems. They received a hard copy of the "Show What You Know" (p. 76, 77 online etext). This is a good review of the unit and for the upcoming math test on December 15th. Please help your child work through the questions at home.
• continued working on their brain posters in health class and learned about the invention of the lightbulb!
• planned their animal memoirs during our Literacy Studio with Ms. Kolish! They read a wonderful book titled Memoirs of a Parrot together.
• read a non-fiction selection about frogs and their watery habitat and then worked on identifying the main ideas and key details in the reading. 
• read a biography about Dr. Seuss and outlined the major events of his writing career on a chart.
• learned how plants and animals have structural and behavioural adaptations. We will continue with this concept next class.
• learned a little more about two migration theories of earlier people to North America: the Land Bridge Theory and the Water Travel Theory. 
• created posters that illustrated the four Zones of Regulation during Mrs. Pedscalny's visit to our class: the blue zone, the green zone, the yellow zone, and the red zone. Ask your child to tell you a little about each zone and share a few tools that can help us get back to the green zone.
• selected new books during our library visit.
• developed their leadership skills during Kindergarten Buddies.
• took part in Arts Ed., French, and Phys. Ed. classes with their assigned teachers.

Student Solutions on the Board 

Student Solutions - Adding a different way!

Coming Up:

• Dec. 11 - "The Grinch" Movie Trip permission and fee due; Literacy Studio with Ms. Kolish
• Dec. 12 - Sp. Test
• Dec. 14 - Health Hunger Order deadline (online)
• Dec. 15 - Un. 2 Math Test on Whole Numbers; Permission Slip for Winter Concert due; Technology and Innovation Junior Achievement Program @ 1pm

Mrs. Pedsalny with the Zones of Regulation
 posters the class made

Thank you to all families for returning forms and slips promptly and for signing and checking your children's agendas daily. Your continued support is greatly appreciated. 

Have a wonderful weekend.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Aiginitis

Our Monster Exchange Project is 
underway! Stay tuned for more!

Memoirs of Our Week

Literacy Studio with Ms. Kolish

This past week, students were introduced to what a memoir is and learned more about tools for self-regulation. They made ornaments for the school's Christmas tree and took part in our Western Wear Spirit Day. The class learned about Saskatchewan athletes by participating in a webinar and learned more about Saskatchewan meat-eating and plant-eating animals through a special presentation. It was a very special and memorable week of learning in Grade Four!

Weekly Highlights:

Students~

• learned more about how sleep or lack of sleep can impact the function of the brain.
• continued working on subtracting 3-digit numbers with regrouping. Math test happening soon!
• had their first two Literacy Studio classes with Ms. Erin Kolish. They learned what a memoir is and are currently in the planning stages of writing a memoir from the perspective of an animal they researched.
• learned about the Zones of Regulation with Mrs. Karen Pedscalny. They worked on recognizing each zone and selected a few simple tools they could use when feeling dysregulated. 
• started learning about Metis Communities and the Fur Trade in Social Studies. We will continue with this topic in upcoming lessons.
• read and responded to a biography about Dr. Seuss by listing important events that occurred in his life. They made a Christmas tree ornament inspired by one of the characters in Dr. Seuss' book titled The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. 
• participated in a live webinar by the Canadian Sports Centre featuring Saskatchewan athletes. Students were asked to answer questions and to keep notes as they listened to the athletes being interviewed.
• enjoyed learning about meat-eating and plant-eating animals through an in-person presentation by the RPS outdoor education program. The grade fours particularly enjoyed learning how to age a deer with some help from our presenter, Fred!

How to Age a Deer

Coming Up:

• TBA - Movie Trip permission and fee due (monitor agenda notes)
• Dec. 4 - Library
• Dec. 5 - Sp. Test; Kindergarten Buddies
• Dec. 7 - Literacy Studio with Mrs. Kolish
• Dec. 8 - Zones of Regulation with Mrs. Pedscalny
• TBA - Math Test announcement for Unit 2 - Whole Numbers! Stay tuned!

Have a great week ahead!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Aiginitis

The Grinch Christmas
Tree Ornaments

Setting Goals

It was wonderful meeting with students and parents at our 3-Way Conferences on Friday. The students have set goals and outlined plans in order to achieve them. I will continue to encourage student growth and greatly appreciate the continued support from parents and families.

Weekly Highlights:

Students~

• completed and published their pet paragraphs on the computers.
• learned that laughter can have a positive impact on the overall health of our brain. Students read 100 jokes and riddles to a classmate and wrote about what makes them laugh.
• worked on estimating differences and using mental math to subtract. We will begin 3-digit and 4-digit subtraction this week.
• finished their "What I Ate for Dinner" assignment about food chains in science. They also completed an independent vocabulary assignment on plant and animal adaptations.
• completed their goal-setting forms in preparation for conferences.
• went book shopping at the school library.
• attended the House Teams Pep Rally! Our class is Team Mario Kart and our house colour is RED!

Coming Up:

• Nov. 27 - Literacy Studio with Erin Kolish (Literacy Coordinator with Regina Public Schools); School Christmas Tree Ornament Making 
• Nov. 28 - Zones of Regulation with Karen Pedscalny (School Counsellor)
• Nov. 29 - Literacy Studio with Erin Kolish (Literacy Coordinator with RPS)
• Dec. 1 - Meat-Eaters & Plant-Eaters Presentation
• TBA - 1/2 Sugarless Gum Chew class reward with teacher-provided gum that is Halal. The brand of gum that I am planning on providing students with is Trident Spearmint Sugarless Gum. If there are other suggestions that are Halal, please message me. Thank you.  

Have a great week ahead!

Sincerely,
Mrs. Aiginitis

Pirate Toucan

Class Mascot - Pirate Toucan
(The stuffie)

The class has been busy preparing for 3-Way Conferences that will take place on November 24th. Many students enjoyed bringing their stuffies to school to help raise money for the United Way. We will continue with the fundraising efforts starting with our Pie-in-the-Face competition. A few brave teachers have volunteered to be pied should the students raise enough funds! If you wish, please send $2.00 to school with your child between Nov. 20-22 to help raise funds. Thank you, once again, for your generosity!

Our Favourite Stuffies

Weekly Highlights:

Students~

• worked on adding 4-digit numbers and estimating differences.
• started typing their pet paragraphs into a Google Document on the computers.
• learned about food chains and food webs in science.
• started learning about European newcomer communities of the past in social studies.
• briefly learned how the skeletal system, muscular system and nervous system work together to help our bodies move. Then, the students drew what their favourite sport or physical activity was.
• worked on goal-setting and self-assessment items in preparation for our 3-Way Conferences.
• participated in French, Arts Ed., and Phys. Ed. classes with their assigned teachers.

Coming Up:

• Nov. 20 - Conference Manager closes to parents @6pm; Bring a $2 donation for United Way (if you wish); Library Day (return all library books to school)
• Nov. 21 - Sp. Test; Bring a $2 donation for United Way (if you wish)
• Nov. 22 - SRC House Team Assembly @1pm (Wear RED); Bring a $2 donation for United Way (if you wish)
• Nov. 24 - Three-Way Conferences (No School - Students come to school with their parents for the 15-minute conference). Our conferences will take place in the classroom, room 231).

Have a great week. See you on Friday at our 3-Way Conference!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Aiginitis