Thank you for all parents who attended Parent/Teacher Conferences Thursday evening and Friday morning. It was a real treat meeting you all again and speaking about how your child has transitioned into their grade 3 year. I appreciate all the feedback that you provided. If you have further questions and/or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me.

What learning took place this week?

We were extremely lucky to have had an audiologist visit our classroom and speak about her profession. She provided information on the basic anatomy of the human hear and how sound travels from the exterior environment to the brain. She took use through a slider demonstration and reviewed a chart outlining how well various animals in the world can hear. The students were very engaged and asked ‘good’ questions. The majority of students were keen to compare the human hearing structure to that of an animal of their choice...this could guide one of our initial inquiry projects.

The students initially selected Fortunately, the Milk as our book for the Global Read Aloud. Unfortunately I had a difficult time seeking out another class that was reading the same book. So after a discussion with the class, we decided to read A Boy Called Bat. This project will start October 1st. Stay tuned for more details on how we will connect with other classrooms and the location of such classes. This is a teacher read aloud but if your child would like to follow along with us with their own copy of the book, please don’t hesitate to purchase one.  

Students were introduced to the morning challenge this week. For the most part this challenge will focus on math skill development. Students will have the opportunity to complete the task independently on Monday. From Tuesday to Thursday, they are encouraged to select a different partner to work alongside. This provides them with the chance to work with and listen to the strategies of others. On Friday, we will look at the various solutions and strategies together as a whole. We also started looking at patterns in math and seeking out the meaning, examples, and non-examples. We will focus our attention on growing patterns, and how scientists/mathematicians use patterns on a daily basis.

The unveiling of the iLab was a definitely a highlight of the week. On Thursday morning, students had the opportunity to explore this new space in the school. Mrs. Ramsey, our school AP, has worked tirelessly on this project since the end of the previously school. Please thank her for all her hard work if you cross her path. Students will head down next week for an orientation of the space and how to sign out books. Please ask your child their feelings on the iLab.

We have our first field study on Monday, September 24th to TELUS Spark. Please have your child wear their red Maple Ridge t-shirt that they received last week. We will be departing the school at 9:15am and arriving back around 2:30pm. There is no need to drop your child off earlier in the morning.

Ask Me About...

*our new iLab

*the profession of audiology

*our drama experience on Tuesday

*our Rights and Responsibility contract

Upcoming Events:

*Monday, September 24th - Field Study to TELUS Spark

*Friday, September 28th - Terry Fox Run

  FUN Snack

*Monday, October 1st - Global Read Aloud Kick-Off

*Friday, October 5th - Non-Instructional Day (No SChool)

Enjoy this first weekend of fall with family and friends.

Take care,

Teresa Giffen