The Week Ahead

Hello parents/guardians of 8C! I wish I could say we’re having a lovely spring…but winter still seems to be lingering. Hopefully we’ll have some lovely warm days soon!

Math: In math, we are well into our unit on algebra. Last week, we learned about expressions vs. equations, substituting a variable, algebra vocabulary and collecting like-terms. This week, we will practicing distributive property and isolating a variable. For extra practice at home, I’ve created some math challenges on Knowledgehook for students to complete. If they forget their password, I can email it to you or give it to them at school.

Language: In Language, we’re started a new unit on rant writing. After watching a few Rick Mercer rants, students learned what makes a rant effective and engaging. Ask your eighth-grader what a “hook” is, and what is their favourite type to use! This week, we are continuing to write out own rants and will move on to filming them.

Cell Phones: Although most students in 8C have kept their cell phone use to a minimum this year, quite a few students are still struggling to use their phones at appropriate times. Students seem to be on their phones in other classes or at nutrition break (inside or outside). 8C has been having issues with not handing in work (both on rotary and homeroom), as phones are becoming a huge distraction.

As a result, I’ve asked students to not bring cell phones into the classroom (must be kept in lockers or at home). Please try to support me in this initiative, as (I’m sure you know) getting an 8th grader off their cell phone is like fighting a losing battle.

Reminders

Graduation Baby Photos: Every year at Graduation, Mr. Busato creates a slideshow with side-by-side pictures (baby vs. Grade 8) of Winona’s graduates. Please send a baby (or toddler/small child) picture of your Grade 8 to Mr. Busato (kbusato@hwdsb.on.ca) or me (efinlays@hwdsb.on.ca) as soon as you can!

Pita Day: Thursday March 28th

Spring Pastel or Easter Ears Spirit Day: Thursday March 28th

The Week Ahead

Hello Winona families,

I hope everyone had a wonderful March Break! Here is what 8C will be up to in the coming week:

Math: Last week, 8C completed a math test on 3D geometry. If your child was away and missed the test, please let me know, as I have a make-up test they can complete next week. Everyone did very well on the test, showing fantastic mathematical thinking on some of the tougher “thinking” questions.
This week, 8C will move onto our next unit: Algebra. To start, we will be learning about substituting variables and collecting like terms.

Language: After finishing our novel study on “The Giver”, students are reminded that their “Giver Study Guide Questions” are due on Monday. As well, some essays and resumes are still overdue. For the next two weeks, 8C will complete a unit on speaking and presenting techniques by writing and performing rants. Then, we will start a poetry unit in April for poetry month.

Reminders

Wear Green Day (Spirit Day): Monday March 18th

“The Giver” study guide due: March 18th @ 11:59pm

World Down Syndrome Day (wear unique and noticeable socks): Thursday March 21st

Pizza Day: Thursday March 21st

The Week Ahead

March Break is almost here! This is what 8C will be learning about this week:

Math: In math, we will be wrapping up our unit on 3D measurement with a test on Wednesday March 6th. Students can find concepts on the hub (under “Content”) and will receive a study booklet on Tuesday. In order to study for tests, students should be completing practice questions or reviewing important information (types of shapes, faces, edges, vertices, formulas). For this test, students are only allowed a formula sheet.

Literacy: In literacy, we finished our novel study on “The Giver”. Although there were some mixed thoughts on the ending, most enjoyed the novel! We also watched the movie, which was very badly received (despite Taylor Swift being in it!). Ask your eighth grader which one they preferred: the book or the movie! This week, we are working on our Giver Study Guide questions, which will be due on Monday March 18th.

Drama: Last Friday, all Grade 8 classes attended the first annual “Winona Silent Film Festival”! They ate popcorn, watched each other’s silent films, and won some (pretty prestigious) awards. Our very own Flint, Parker, Grayson, Patrick, and Keegan took home awards for best actor and best choreography! All students should have come home with a programme. If they would like one, I have extra!

Reminders

Math Test: Wednesday March 6th

Pita Day: Thursday March 7th

Pyjama Day: Friday March 8th

Grad photos: If any student missed Grad photos, the photographer will be here on April 17th.

The Week Ahead

Happy Sunday everyone, I can’t believe February is almost over and March is upon us! Here is what 8C will be learning this week:

Math: In math, students will be continues to learn about 3D measurement. After learning about volume last week, students will be moving onto surface area. This is a difficult concept, so it is important students are catching up on missed work if they’re away. Missed work can be found in the “We Missed you Folder” in the classroom. Concepts taught in class also be found in the “Content” section of the Hub.

Language: 8C is almost finished their novel study on the Giver! Last week, students handed in their essays on which historical event they would share with Jonas. They were so well written and researched…I was very impressed! This week, we are hoping to finish our novel (which will conclude with our “Study guide” questions, an opinion paragraph, and a movie!!) Students were asked to read Chapter 18 of “The Giver” this weekend.

Drama: This week in drama, students will be attending a “Silent Film Festival”, in which their silent films will be shown to their peers and be nominated for awards! Students are reminded to hand in their films by tomorrow in order to be considered for a film festival award.

Reminders

Work completion: 8C is reminded that work not submitted has a negative impact on their final marks. We have completed numerous assignments this term, and many students have not handed in their work. The work they are missing may include: Kandinsky art, “The Giver” resume, and Historical Event Essay. I will of course fairly mark late work (no marks taken off), but if students have not asked for an extension, it will negatively affect their learning skills. I will sometimes send “reminder” emails, but (in preparation for high school), students need to be taking responsibility for their own learning and work completion. Please check-in with your eighth-grader regularly to see if they have handed in their work!

Pink Shirt Day: Wednesday February 28th

Pizza Day: Thursday February 29th

The Week Ahead

I hope everyone had a fantastic long weekend, and is ready for a great week ahead! Here is what 8C will be learning about this week:

Field Trip: Last Thursday, 8C went to the Art Gallery of Hamilton. First, they learned about clay and sculpting techniques. Later next month, 8C will be painting their creations to display at open house (in May). After their time in the studio, 8C went on a gallery tour. Their guide was very impressed with their knowledge of art, especially the Group of Seven. She offered to take us on a special tour of the “Group of Seven Room” which featured paintings by A.Y. Jackson, Lawren Harris, and Tom Tompson. 8C was also impressed by Noral Morrisseau‘s vibrant paintings. The Art Gallery of Hamilton has one of the biggest collection of Morrisseau paintings in Canada (117 works)!

Math: In math, 8C is continuing to learn about 3D measurement. This week, they will be calculating the volume and surface area of shapes.

Language: This week, 8C will continue reading “The Giver” and will be finishing their mini essay. In their essay, students picked a historical event/memory they feel would be important for Jonas (main character) to know about. We are also hoping to have the novel finished by next week. Their essay is due on Friday February 23rd.

Reminders

Basketball Games: Both teams have made it to the Quarter Finals, which will take place on Wednesday February 21st (Sr Girls home game vs. Gatestone and Sr Boys away game vs. Eastdale)

Pita Day: Thursday February 22nd

Jack.org Virtual Talk: February 22nd, 2024. Students will engage in a virtual talk with a Jack.org speaker today. Jack.org is Canada’s only charity that trains and empowers young leaders to revolutionize mental health. Jack.orgs mission is to work towards a Canada where all young people understand how to take care of their own mental health and look out for each other. Please let me know if you have any questions. https://jack.org/Home

The Week Ahead

Hi everyone! It’s been a busy first week of February in 8C. Here is what we will be learning this week:

Math: In math, we’ve wrapped up our unit on Fractions with a test. Most students did very well on the test, showing their excellent knowledge of fractions! A retest will be offered to students who received below a 70%. All students know their grade, and should be preparing for the retest if they need it. This week, we will start a new unit on 3D measurement.

Language: This week, students will be working on a mini essay for our novel study on “The Giver”. They should also be working on their study guide questions, which can be found in the content section of the Hub. These questions are due at the end of the unit.

Hot Chocolate Day: Monday February 12th. Students are encouraged to bring $2 to buy hot chocolate in order to raise money for grad. The hot chocolate comes with their choice of whipped cream and/or sprinkles.

Course Selection: Option sheets are due Tuesday February 13th, 2024. 8C will be picking our courses virtually on this day, so it’s important for students to have their option sheets for reference.

Basketball Games: Wednesday February 14th (Sr Girls home game vs. Highview and Sr Boys away game vs. Lawfield)

Pizza Day: Thursday February 15th, 2024

8A and 8C Art Gallery Trip: Thursday February 15th, 2024. We have two volunteers (thus far) for the trip. We are still in need of one parent (with a valid police check) to come. Please let me know if you are interested! If we do not have 3 volunteers, we will not be able to attend the trip. It should be a fun trip, but students are reminded to wear clothes they don’t mind getting dirty, as we will be working with clay!

Term 1 Report Cards: Friday February 16th, 2024

Jack.org Talk: February 22nd, 2024. I’m so excited to announce that students will receive a virtual talk with a Jack.org speaker. Jack.org is Canada’s only charity that trains and empowers young leaders to revolutionize mental health. Jack.orgs mission is to work towards a Canada where all young people understand how to take care of their own mental health and look out for each other. A letter will be sent out to families tomorrow, detailing the talk. Please let me know if you have any questions. https://jack.org/Home

The Week Ahead

Happy February! Here is what 8C will be learning this week:

Language: In language, students are a little more than halfway through “The Giver”. After learning about the “assignments” the citizens of the community received, 8C chose and researched careers they were interested in pursuing. Monday is the final day for students to work on their “resumes” for their chosen careers. This week, we will be doing some close reading of our novel and will eventually be preparing to write a (mini) essay!

Math: In math, 8C is finishing up their unit on fractions. This week, we will be learning reviewing adding/subtracting fractions and how to solve order of operations problems using fractions. At the end of the week (or early next week), students will have a test on the subject. As a reminder, many concepts and lessons are posted on the Hub under “Content”. If students were away or can’t remember a concept, the Hub is a great place to get some extra help!

Basketball Games: Monday February 5th (Girls only) and Wednesday February 7th (both teams)

Kernel’s Popcorn Day: Tuesday February 6th, 2024 (next due date to order is February 9th)

Pita Day: Thursday February 8th, 2024

Course Selection: After OP visit on February 6th (no set date). Orchard Park is coming to talk to students and answer questions about course selection. Students will select courses later in the week. Course selection papers will be sent home with students within the next few weeks. Students must complete the paper with parents and hand it in as soon as they can. Orchard Park likes to have both a paper copy and an online version. As a class, we will complete the online component of course selection.

8A and 8C Art Gallery TripThursday February 15th, 2024. We have two volunteers (thus far) for the trip. We are still in need of one parent (with a valid police check) to come. Please let me know if you are interested! It should be a fun trip, but students are reminded to wear clothes they don’t mind getting dirty, as we will be working with clay!

Term 1 Report Cards: Friday February 16th, 2024

Jack.org Talk: February 22nd, 2024. I’m so excited to announce that students will receive a virtual talk with a Jack.org speaker. Jack.org is Canada’s only charity that trains and empowers young leaders to revolutionize mental health. Jack.orgs mission is to work towards a Canada where all young people understand how to take care of their own mental health and look out for each other. A letter will be sent out to families tomorrow, detailing the talk. Please let me know if you have any questions. https://jack.org/Home

The Week Ahead

Happy Saturday! 8C had a great time on our trip to Ball’s Falls last week! They learned about surviving in the wilderness, pioneer homesteads, and even made some s’mores! Here are some pictures from the trip, and an update on what 8C will be learning about this week:

Language: Last week, students gave presentations on their imagined “Utopias”. After taking a career test on Xello, they also learned about different career pathways. The test asked questions about student learning styles, interests, and skills, and gave them job suggestions based on the answers. 8C agreed that this was a better way to choose a career than the “assignment” selection process in “The Giver”. This week, students will use the research they conducted to create resumes for their chosen careers. As a reminder, Chapter 12 should be read by Monday. Students can read their physical copy, or can listen/read on The Hub.

Math: In math, we are learning about fractions! Students are reviewed simplifying, converting improper fractions and mixed numbers, and equivalent fractions. This week, students will move on to multiplying and dividing fractions.

Basketball Games: Monday January 29th and Wednesday January 31st (Boys only)

Orchard Park Course Selection Information: Tuesday January 30th, 6:00pm-7:00pm (new date and time)

Pizza Day: Thursday February 1st, 2024

Course Selection: Sometime in early February (no set date). Course selection papers will be sent home with students within the next few weeks. Students must complete the paper with parents and hand it in as soon as they can. Orchard Park likes to have both a paper copy and an online version. As a class, we will complete the online component of course selection.

8A and 8C Art Gallery Trip (tentative): Thursday February 15th, 2024

Term 1 Report Cards: Friday February 16th, 2024

Jack.org Talk: February 22nd, 2024. I’m so excited to announce that students will receive a virtual talk with a Jack.org speaker. Jack.org is Canada’s only charity that trains and empowers young leaders to revolutionize mental health. Jack.orgs mission is to work towards a Canada where all young people understand how to take care of their own mental health and look out for each other. A letter will be sent out to families on Friday, detailing the talk. Please let me know if you have any questions. https://jack.org/Home

The Week Ahead

I can’t believe January is almost over…we’ve had such a busy month already! Here is some information about our next (very bust) week ahead:

Language: Last week, students received their “assignments” (jobs) and presented their Utopia projects (although most of them were dystopias!!) based on “The Giver”. This week, we are continuing with our novel study and diving into our given “assignments”. Students should have read Chapter 9 by Monday January 22nd. As a reminder, every student was given their own book, but they may listen to the chapters or read the PDF version on the Hub (under “Content” section) if they prefer.

Math: Last week, we finished our unit on angles and transversals. I was very impressed with the results of student tests…it seems like 8C did a lot of reviewing and studying! This week, we are continuing our unit on fractions. Students will review how to add, subtract, and multiply fractions and will learn how to divide them.

Reminders

Sr Boys/Girls Basketball Home Games: Monday January 22nd and Wednesday January 24th, 2024

Orchard Park Course Selection Information: Tuesday January 23rd, 2024 at 6:30-7:30pm

Field Trip to Balls Falls: Wednesday January 24th. Students will need to bring a packed lunch as well as warm clothing (winter coat, mittens, hat, scarf) and winter boots. We will be outside for a good portion of the day!

Pita Day: Thursday January 25th, 2024

P.A. Day: Friday January 26th, 2024 (NO SCHOOL)

Course Selection: Sometime in early February (no set date). Course selection papers will be sent home with students within the next few weeks. Students must complete the paper with parents and hand it in as soon as they can. Orchard Park likes to have both a paper copy and an online version. As a class, we will complete the online component of course selection.

8A and 8C Art Gallery Trip (tentative): Wednesday February 14th, 2024

Term 1 Report Cards: Friday February 16th, 2024