What an amazing year of learning we have had so far!  We are so proud of your effort and attitude as leaders in our school. Celebrate your growth in practicing the virtues and your achievements as a learner.

Have a safe and joyful winter break!
See you on Monday, January 5.

                                                     Ms. Makowski and Mrs. Calvert

We are celebrating a week of dancing with our artists, R.J. and Shan.  We look forward to sharing our learning with our parents and family member either this afternoon at 1:30 or tonight at 6:30.

Reminder:
Tomorrow is wear your PJ's to school day.  We are also having a pizza lunch for all students.

Our advertisements our for social studies regions are looking amazing!  Please refer to the rubric in D2L to ensure you are working towards excellence.

If you are in Mrs. Calvert's math class please share with your family your Math Design Project ideas and the task criteria and assessment posted in D2L.  How is this project connected to meaningful real life problem solving? What part of the project is easy for you?  Challenging?  These projects are due on Friday, Dec. 19.

BUSY WEEK!

-remember to send in your request for tickets for our 6:30 dance presentation on Thursday, December 18^th

                -doors open at 6:10 pm 

-FREE pizza lunch on Friday, December 19^th

-Pajama Day on Friday, December 19^th – students can bring a stuffie/teddy bear as well – teachers are giving specific instructions for size

                -remember we are still going outside for recess so have outerwear (snow pants, coats etc)

We have completed the research for our Quality of Life Projects and started our advertisements.  Share with a family member which advertising media you have chosen.  Remember you are trying to convince another student to move to your region in Canada for the 'Quality of Life'.  What important information do you need to include? Why did you chose this particular media?  How can you make it engaging and interesting for your audience?

Reminder:
Friday, Dec. 19 is pyjama day, if you choose to wear them. We will also be having a pizza lunch for all students.

No sport club on Thursday, Dec. 18 because of the evening dance celebration.

This is the last school week of 2014!  We have a very busy week ahead with our SoundKreations dance celebration on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 1:30 and Thursday evening at 6:30.  Please share with a family member what are your thoughts around our dancing.  Why do you think we are having a dance artist?  How is this experience connected to your learning? Is movement one of your learning styles?  What about music?

Reminder:
Please return ticket confirmations for our dance celebration on Thursday afternoon and Thursday evening.

What an amazing week of learning!  Be proud of your effort on your Quality of Life research.

Reminder:

The YMCA is offering free passes for grade 6 students!  Please go to the hyperlink below if you are interested:

http://www.ymcacalgary.org/blog/free-grade-6-memberships/

"How did it get so late so soon? Its night before its afternoon. December is here before its June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?"

                                                                                                                     Dr. Seuss

We have collaborating to build an assessment rubric for our Quality of Life social studies projects. Share with your family how you decided with your partner what categories are being assessed and how would you demonstrate excellence in the three categories.

Reminder:
Please remember to wear comfortable clothing for our dancing unit with SoundKreations.  We will be having a Dance celebration of our learning on Thursday, December 18 at 6:30.

We have begun our Quality of Life social studies inquiry research.  Please discuss the following questions with a family member: Where are you locating your information?  How are you organizing your notes?  What ideas do you have for representing your learning in your advertisement to convince people to move to your region of Canada?

Today was our first day of our Artist-In-Residence dance unit by SoundKreations.  Explain to your family what is the type of dancing we will be studying.

Reminder:
Sports Club is tomorrow at 3:15.

**  Important Notice Today **

 

We started working with SoundKreations artists today on dance!

-please read the notice

-indicate which performance you will attend by circling either 1:30 or 6:30

-return the notice with your child asap no later than December 16^th

-only 2 tickets available for each family for 6:30 performance (we will have waitlist tickets)

 

*remember students need to attend both 1:30 performance & 6:30 performance!

News from your community...

CROSSROADS FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT!!

ENJOY THIS FREE FAMILY EVENT!

ALTHOUGH HE’S A LIAR AND A BIT OF A SHREW, A LITTLE COMEDIC AND REALLY DUMB TOO.

HE’S A MEAN ONE, AS CUDDLY AS A CACTUS AND AS CHARMING AS AN EEL

COME WATCH A FAMILY CHRISTMAS MOVIE THIS FRIDAY NIGHT,  DECEMBER 12,2014

DOORS OPEN AT 6:30

FEEL FREE TO BRING AN ITEM FOR THE MAYORS FOODBANK CHALLENGE!

************************************************

We had a special presentation today from Kananaskis in the classroom, called 'The Weather of OZ'. Explain to a family member your connections to the presentation to what you know already about weather.  Share any new understanding of weather that you have after viewing this entertaining presentation. Do you have any wonders about weather?

News from your community...

**************************************

CROSSROADS FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT!!

ENJOY THIS FREE FAMILY EVENT!

ALTHOUGH HE’S A LIAR AND A BIT OF A SHREW, A LITTLE COMEDIC AND REALLY DUMB TOO.

HE’S A MEAN ONE, AS CUDDLY AS A CACTUS AND AS CHARMING AS AN EEL

COME WATCH A FAMILY CHRISTMAS MOVIE THIS FRIDAY NIGHT,  DECEMBER 12,2014

DOORS OPEN AT 6:30

FEEL FREE TO BRING AN ITEM FOR THE MAYORS FOODBANK CHALLENGE!

Thank you so much to the parents and students who attended our conferences.  We really enjoyed sharing your learning celebrations!  We look forward to moving forward in our Learning Journey together.

Today, we started our social studies inquiry project on Quality of Life in Canada.  Share with a family member which region of Canada you are interested in studying and why? Please have a look at the task criteria posted in D2L.

Please share with your parents how to access our Math Makes Sense textbook at home for extra practice on skills and problem solving.

Reminder:
Please begin reading for a new Journey Through Literature Project, which will be due at the end of January.

Thank you for another rigorous week of learning! Mrs. Calvert and Ms. Makowski are looking forward to meeting with you and your families tonight and tomorrow to celebrate your hard work and learning this year.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Reminders:
- No school tomorrow - Parent/Teacher Conferences

Terrific work this week exploring our Reading Powers! You have practiced several reading strategies this week. Which strategies were you using already when reading? Which strategies are new to you?


Reminders:
- Thank you to the many families who have booked a Parent/Teacher Conference! Please ask your parents to schedule a Parent/Teacher Conference if they have not done so already.

- There is no school on Friday Dec. 5 - Parent/Teacher Conferences

- Sports Club is cancelled Dec. 4.

Excellent work today examining advertising and how you can make informed choices! What connections did you make to today's lesson and the Apple a Day Presentation? Share your ideas with a family member. Begin to think about how you would like to create an advertisement for our upcoming Social inquiry projects.

Reminder:

- Parent/Teacher Conferences are Thursday Dec. 4, from 4:15 to 8:00, and Friday Dec. 5, from 8:00 to 12:30. Please remind your parents to book a conference. We look forward to celebrating your learning with your families!

- Mrs. Traquair will be offering two sessions to discuss the new report cards on Thursday December 4, from 5:30 to 6:00 and 7:00 to 7:30 in the Learning Commons. This is a great opportunity to learn about how the report cards have changed, and answer any questions you and your parents have. 

- Sports Club is cancelled Dec. 4 for Parent/Teacher Conferences

Welcome back to another busy week of learning! Thank you for your hard work on your Journey Through Literature Projects, and sharing your projects with your classmates today. Share with a family member a book your classmates recommended that you would be interested in reading. Please continue to read at home each day to prepare for your next project, which will be due in the new year.

December is an exciting month at Vista Heights School! Please go over the December calendar with your families. Make a prediction for the December virtue. Why do you think this is an important virtue for December? Be prepared to share your ideas in class.

Reminder:
- Parent/Teacher Conferences are Thursday Dec. 4, from 4:15 to 8:00, and Friday Dec. 5, from 8:00 to 12:30. Please remind your parents to book a conference. We look forward to celebrating your learning with your families!

- Sports Club is cancelled Dec. 4 for Parent/Teacher Conferences

What an amazing week in our Learning Journey.  Be proud of your effort on your Journey Through Literature Projects.  Bravo!

Reminder:
- December newsletter is being sent home today.

Tomorrow we are sharing our Journey Through Literature Projects.  Be prepared to present your Literature in a Book Talk to a group of students.  Think about how you could engage your audience and ensure that they want to read your book when you are finished?

Reminder:
-Grade 6's will have a peer assessment on their basic facts tomorrow.  How did you demonstrated initiative to improve your speed and accuracy of your basic facts up to 9X9?

Parent-Teacher Conferences are next week, on Thursday evening, December 4 and Friday, December 5.  Information is coming home today about how to book your conference.  We look forward to sharing your learning celebrations with all parents!

Today we had a presentation from the University of Calgary called, An Apple A Day.
Please share with a family member what connections you made to your learning about nutrition. Why would learning to read food labels be important for your health?  What is one thing that you would like to do to improve your health and wellness?

Reminder:
Sports Club is tomorrow from 3:15 - 3:45

We have been composing poems about our experiences at Cross Conservation School.  Read to a family member your poem posted in D2L.  Which words or phrases did you use to create pictures for your reader?  Be sure to see if a family member can find your similes and metaphors.

Grade 6's having been studying and sharing a wide variety of learning strategies to assist them with being faster and more accurate to remember their basic multiplication / division facts up to 9X9.  Please share with a family member which strategies work for you.  Be sure to include your rap to remember the multiplication table that you find the most challenging.  We will be doing a peer assessment on Friday to demonstrate your progress.

Parent Council would like to remind you…

-Thank you for participating in the Purdy’s Fundraiser

-no orders will be taken after Tuesday, November 24^th

-orders can be picked-up during conferences on Thursday, December 4^th and Friday, December 5^th

We are entering the last week of November, our 3rd month of our Learning Journey together!  This week we will be finishing our Journey Through Literature Book Projects.  Please share with a family member what you have completed and posted in D2L.  Look at the assignment criteria and the assessment rubric.  What do you need to work on to achieve excellence?  Set a goal for yourself. We will have a peer assess your project tomorrow and give you feedback.

Reminder:
-Journey Through Literature Projects are due on Friday, November 28.

Thank you for another fabulous week of learning! Our week at Cross Conservation School has lead to many projects back in the classroom this week. Excellent job connecting to Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area in your learning this week. We are excited to return for another week in April!

Enjoy your weekend!

Reminder:
- No school tomorrow - it is a Professional Development Day
- Journey Through Literature Projects are due at the end of next week!
- Picture orders are due Nov. 27.

Our classes have begun reading a new novel, Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen. Share with a family member your initial impressions of this novel. How would you describe Cole's character? What connections have you made to the novel and characters so far?

Reminder:

- Current Events presentations are tomorrow for those students scheduled for this week. Please remember to check the schedule for when you are responsible to present.

- No school on Friday November 21 - it is a Professional Development Day.

- Lockdown notice is being sent home today with the youngest student. 

Excellent work on your Cross Conservation School Half Drawing Photo Art Projects! We are excited to share and display your art creations in our school. Reflect on our lessons on figurative language. Start to brainstorm some descriptive words to use in your poetry that will be displayed with your art projects.

Reminder:
Return Sports Club notice if you would like to join.

We have been busy extending our learning from Cross Conservation School back in our classrooms! Thank you for your hard work on our Cross Conservation Photo Project. Share with a family member the photo you selected for this project, and your paragraphs. How does your photo represent your learning journey?

Reminder:
- Journey Through Literature Projects are due at the end of November. Please check D2L for the project criteria and rubric.

- Please remember to check the Current Events Schedule for when you are responsible to present. Reminder to students presenting this week - there is no school on Friday. Please be prepared to share your news article projects on Thursday Nov. 20.

- Grade 5 vaccinations are tomorrow.

Purdy’s Fundraiser

-if you are participating in the fundraiser Please return order forms by Thursday, Nov 20^th

- pick-up orders on Dec 4 & 5

 

School Council Meeting

-Tuesday, November 18^th @ 6:30

-join us at the school

Thank you for another amazing week of learning.  Be proud of your Sketch Journaling, your half drawing photo art and the techniques you have chosen to represent your learning!


                                                             
                                                                                                    By Dr. Seuss

We have been very busy reflecting and writing about our personal learning experience at the Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area.  Why is the Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area important? How did this experience connect to your learning journey? How did this experience change or reaffirm your perspective?  Please show a family member the assessment criteria for this task posted in D2L.

Reminder:

Grade 6's have a math quiz on multiples and factors, including prime and composite numbers, on Friday, November 14.  Please see Mrs. Calvert if you would like extra study materials.

Welcome back LOL's to a short week of rigorous learning.  Our Journey Through Literature Projects are due at the end of November.  Please share with a family member the task criteria and assessment in D2L.  Which book have you chosen to represent your critical thinking in reading? Why?

Reminder:
Grade 6's have a math quiz on multiples and factors, including prime and composite numbers, on Friday, November 14.  Please see Mrs. Calvert if you would like extra study materials.

Our first week at Cross Conservation School was terrific! We are already looking forward to returning in April.

Thank you to the all the parent volunteers for joining us this week! Our classes had an amazing experience at Cross Conservation School, and we couldn't have done it without your support.

Reflect on your personal learning journey at Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area. What was the most memorable experience for you? How did this experience change or reaffirm your perspective? How did you demonstrate the virtues during this experience? Be prepared to share your ideas with the class on Wednesday, November 12.

Reminder:
No school on Monday, November 10 - Professional Development Day and Tuesday, November 11 - Remembrance Day
  

Today was an exciting day at Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area! Both classes went on an all day hike. Share with a family member what you learned during our hike about the web of life and looking at nature.

Tomorrow is our last day at Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area. Begin to reflect on how Cross Conservation School is important. What goals do you have for our final day?

Reminder - School Photo RETAKES:

 

-Wednesday, November 12^th from 1:00 – 3:00 pm

-only for students who:

                -missed photo day in October

                -return their photo package and check the box for retakes

Excellent work on your Special Spot Journalling this week! Share with a family member the different journalling activities for you to complete this week and how you are being assessed.

Reminder:
Tomorrow is our all day hike! Please remember to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. We will be out on the trails for the day.

We had an amazing day of learning at Cross Conservation School today! Thank you for your hard work and engagement.

Share with a family member what you learned from our half day hike. How has this experience connected to your learning journey? 

Reminder:

- Photo orders are due Nov. 6!
- Purdy's Christmas Fundraiser Packages were sent home today.

School Photo RETAKES:

-Wednesday, November 12^th from 1:00 – 3:00 pm

-only for students who:

                -missed photo day in October

                -return their photo package and check the box for retakes

Today we started our learning journey at the Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area. Please share with a family member our Meet a Tree activity, and which senses you used!  Where did you choose your special spot for journaling?  Why?

THANK YOU to those parent volunteers that were able to join us on this learning adventure.

Reminder: 
-Please remember to be prepared for all types of weather as we will be outside everyday. Be sure to bring a water bottle. Tomorrow is our half day hike.

Remembrance Day

-Assembly 10:40 am on Friday Nov. 7 in our school gym (grade 5/6 classes will not attend, as we will be out at Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area)

-please send non-perishable food items for the Veterans Food Drive to school November 4^th – 7^th

-please send coin donation (nickels, dimes, quarters, loonies) for poppies

-donations will be collected every morning this week

-poppies will be distributed to students on November 7^th

It has been another busy, yet empowering week in our learning journey together!

Reminder:
NO SCHOOL tomorrow. Have a safe and enjoyable Halloween!

-Sandy Cross begins on Monday.  Our bus leaves at 9:00, so please be on time.
Be prepared for the weather by dressing in layers and having comfortable and appropriate footwear. Ensure you bring a water bottle, snack and lunch.

-Sign the Sandy Cross media consent for Monday

-Pictures are coming home today.  Orders to be place by November 6.

-November newsletter

-Winter jacket notice

From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere.

Dr. Seuss

Today we had a presentation from the City of Calgary about our civic duties as citizens of Calgary.  Please share with a family member some ideas about how you could be an active and responsible citizen at our school and in our community.  

HELP!  We still require 2 volunteers for each day we attend Cross Conservation School.  We will be unable to attend this unique learning experience if we do not have enough volunteers.  Please let your child know if you can volunteer your time to join us.  

Thank you to the parents that have volunteered to join us.  You will be receiving an shortly email with more specific details.  

Homework:

Practice keyboarding on sense-lang.org for a typing test tomorrow. Remember you are challenging yourself to do better than your initial speed (wpm) and accuracy rate.

Reminder:
-Sandy Cross information coming home today!

-Return Acknowledgment of Risk for Anne and Sandy Cross.
-We have received a donation of winter jackets.  Please fill out the form coming home today if you require a jacket for your child.

Halloween…

October 31^st in a NON-Instructional day for students (NO school)

SO…

-students are welcomed to wear costumes during the AFTERNOON of Thursday, October 30^th

-please do NOT bring weapons or masks to school

-teachers will be connecting learning to Halloween in their classrooms

-do NOT send treats, save them for trick-or-treaters on Halloween night

We continue to develop our journaling techniques for our upcoming week of learning at Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area! Share with a family member our 'Looking at Nature' and 'Color Critique' journaling techniques. Reflect upon your learning style. Which journaling technique worked best for your learning strengths ? Which do you find the most challenging? Be prepared to share your ideas with the class tomorrow.

HELP!  We still require 2 volunteers for each day we attend Cross Conservation School.  We will be unable to attend this unique learning experience if we do not have enough volunteers.  Please let your child know if you can volunteer your time to join us.

Homework:

Practice keyboarding on sense-lang.org for a typing test on Thursday. Remember you are challenging yourself to do better than your initial speed (wpm) and accuracy rate.

Reminder:
Vaccination notices are coming home today for Grade 5's.

Return Acknowledgment of Risk for Anne and Sandy Cross.

Halloween…

October 31^st in a NON-Instructional day for students (NO school)

SO…

-students are welcomed to wear costumes during the AFTERNOON of Thursday, October 30^th

-please do NOT bring weapons or masks to school

-teachers will be connecting learning to Halloween in their classrooms

-do NOT send treats, save them for trick-or-treaters on Halloween night

We are very busy this week preparing for our upcoming week of learning at Anne and Sandy Cross Conservation Area, which is next week! Share with a family member the Sandy Cross website:  

                                            Cross Conservation Web Link

What did you learn today about the Conservation area?  How do you think this experience can part of your learning journey or part of our learning journey as a class? Be ready to share your ideas in class chalktalk tomorrow.

HELP!  We still require 2 volunteers for each day we attend Cross Conservation School.  We will be unable to attend this unique learning experience if we do not enough volunteers.  Please let your child know if you can volunteer your time to join us. 

Homework:

Practice keyboarding on sense-lang.org for a typing test on Thursday. Remember you are challenging yourself to do better than your initial speed (wpm) and accuracy rate.

Reminder:

Return Acknowledgment of Risk for Anne and Sandy Cross.

Halloween…

October 31^st in a NON-Instructional day for students (NO school)

SO…

-students are welcomed to wear costumes during the AFTERNOON of Thursday, October 30^th

-please do NOT bring weapons or masks to school

-teachers will be connecting learning to Halloween in their classrooms

-do NOT send treats, save them for trick-or-treaters on Halloween night

Thank you for another wonderful week of learning! Have a great weekend!

Reminders:
- We are still looking for volunteers to join us at Anne and Sandy Cross Conservation Area, the week of November 3 to 7! Please let Mrs. Cavert and Ms. Makowski as soon as possible if your parents can join us.

- Halloween…

 

October 31^st in a NON-Instructional day for students (NO school)

SO…

-students are welcomed to wear costumes during the AFTERNOON of Thursday, October 30^th

-please do NOT bring weapons or masks to school

-teachers will be connecting learning to Halloween in their classrooms

-do NOT send treats, save them for trick-or-treaters on Halloween night

Share with a family member the Cops for Kids About Face presentation we had in class today. What did you learn about the advantages of positive life choices? What connections can you make to the S4 program, and previous learning? Be prepared to share your ideas with the class tomorrow. 

Excellent work today accessing Raz-Kids today! Explain to a family member this online reading program, and how to log in from home. Please let Mrs. Calvert or Ms. Makowski know if you are unable to access the website from home, or if your reading level needs to be adjusted. 

Raz-Kids Website:

http://www.raz-kids.com/main/Login

Grade 5 Teacher Username:

vvhs5

Grade 6 Teacher Username:

vvhs6

Our classes visited the Learning Commons today for our weekly book exchange! We also introduced a new book project, Journey Through Literature. Explain to a family member how you will be showcasing the novels you are reading in our classroom. Explain the project criteria and rubric in D2L. Which book did you choose to complete your first project on? Please continue to read for 15 minutes at home each day. You may choose to do your project on the books you are reading at home and school.

Reminder:
- Anne and Sandy Cross Conservation Area permission forms are being sent home today! Please have these signed, and return to school.
- We need volunteers! Please talk to your parents, to see if they are available to volunteer during our week at Anne and Sandy Cross Conservation Area (November 3 to 7)! We require 2 volunteers each day. Please let Mrs. Calvert of Ms. Makowski as soon as possible if a family member is available to join us.

We have been busy preparing for our upcoming week of learning at Anne and Sandy Cross Conservation Area! Share with a family member the Zoom In journalling activity we did today. Reflect on the many journalling techniques we have studied so far this year. Which journalling activity do you enjoy the most? Which do you find the most challenging? Be prepared to share your ideas with the class tomorrow.

HOT SOUP Program – Sponsored by Meals on Wheels

The following is the order of soups:

                Beef Noodle

                Chicken Rice

                Chicken Noodle

                Beef Rice

                Chicken Vegetable

*the portion is 4 ounces of soup and a package of crackers

**if you child needs more to eat, please send more food

Delivery is every Tuesday and Thursday

Welcome back to another busy week of learning!

The grade 5/6 classes will be using computers often for projects and tasks this year! It is important for us to be efficient and accurate when typing and on the computers. Show a family member the typing website we are using in class to improve our keyboarding skills. Take some time to practice your keyboarding at home each night this week. We will be having another typing test on Friday to challenge your skills and see your improvement!

Thank you to the students who presented their weather projects today! Reflect on the activity we did in class today on the qualities of a great speaker. How will you include these strategies in your weather project presentation this week?

Reminder:

- Meals on Wheels Hot Soup Lunch begins tomorrow for students who signed up. 

Celebrate another fabulous week of learning!

“So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life's A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed) Kid, you'll move mountains.” 
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go! 

We will be doing another 'Step Inside' writing activity based on a character from The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles.  Which character would you chose from this book and why?  Be ready to support your character's thinking with specific examples.

Reminder:
Tomorrow is Picture Day!

We have been discussing and writing about what it is like to "Step-Inside" characters.  Reflect upon our step-inside journaling on a character from 'Akeelah and the Bee'.  Share with your family which character you chose and why.  What does your character see and notice?  Hold true or believe in? Care deeply about?  Wonder?

Reminder:
-Pizza Lunch on Friday, October 24.  See notices
-Picture Day is on Friday, October 17.  Bring your smile!

Welcome back LOL's for another amazing week to be thankful for our learning journey together!  Please go over your goals with a family member on your weather project. How are you going to achieve excellence on this project?  What are some strategies / ideas you need to add to your project? You have the option to work on your project at home to ensure your success.  Remember to resubmit your task into D2L, if you are not using Prezi.

Our school has had an increase in the number of students enrolled, and therefore we will be welcoming new staff members and opening 2 classrooms! Please explain to your parents this new organization, and how it will impact the grade 4 students from our classes. Thank you to our grade 4 classmates for showing leadership and courage!

Reminder:
- Reorganization notice is being sent home today.
- Meals on Wheels Hot Soup Program - please sign and return to school if you are interested in participating!
- School Council meeting is tonight at 6:30 - please invite your parents to attend!
- Weather Projects are extended and due Friday, October 17.

Thank you for another fabulous week of learning!

We were proud to share our songs and artwork in the Vista Heights 50th Anniversary Sharing Assembly today. Thank you to all the classes for sharing their projects and learning around this important event for our school!

We hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving long weekend with family and friends!

Reminder:
- No school tomorrow - it is a Professional Development Day
- No school on Monday Oct 13 - Thanksgiving Holiday

Excellent work this week continuing your research on our Weather projects. You will begin sharing these projects with the class in the upcoming weeks.

Reflect on your weather project and the project criteria which is posted in D2L. Plan for how you will use class time to finish your project, and what you will do to prepare for your presentation. Please take some time to share your project with a family member. What feedback did they give you on your project? How could your project be improved?

Reminder:
- Vista Heights 50th Anniversary Sharing Assembly is tomorrow afternoon at 2:00! Please invite your family to join us in celebrating our school's history.

-Picture Day notices are coming home today.

We have been busy reading, writing and expanding large numbers in Math! Share with a family member how you write large numbers in expanded and standard form. Look for large numbers around our school, your home and the community. How are they used? Be prepared to share in class tomorrow.

Thank you for all your hard work today preparing for the upcoming sharing assembly for Vista Heights 50th Anniversary! Share with a family member the song you will have recorded for the assembly. Explain the decade you chose, how our class collaborated to create lyrics, and our visual art piece to represent Calgary's changing skyline.

Please invite your parents and family members to join us on Thursday October 9 at 2:00 to celebrate our school's history.

Celebrate another amazing week of our Learning Journey!  Teach a family member about being a responsible Digital Citizen. Share your project on D2L or Prezi with them.  Be sure to ask questions to engage your audience.

We are entering our second month of our Learning Journey.  Reflection upon how you have grown as a learner and as a person in our classes and share with a family member.  What do you think is the virtue for October?

Be sure to ask your family if they know any facts about the decade that you have decided to represent for our Vista Heights 50th Birthday Project. The facts may include music, sports, history-world and local, toys, fashion, etc. Be ready to share them with your group.

What FABULOUS learning experience today!  A special cheer to each one of you to celebrate the outstanding representation of Vista Heights School, as learners and as responsible environmental citizens. Also, THANK YOU to our parent volunteers! Explain to a family member your learning in our special spot journaling activity, 'From the Perspective of...' Why did we do this activity?  How did you use your senses to deepen your understandings about our natural world?

Our Fish Creek Field trip is tomorrow.  THANK YOU in advance to those parents who have volunteered their time to support us on this learning experience. Discuss with a family member what or who you think you might choose for your 'Perspective' assignment at Fish Creek.  Be sure to explain what perspective means in your own words and why you made your choice.

Reminder:
Bring a water bottle, snacks and lunch
Wear appropriate footwear for walking outside
Dress for the weather in layers
We leave at 9:00 and return around 2:45.

We have a busy week in front of us!  We have a field trip to Fish Creek park on Wednesday, October 1.  We will be sharing our Digital Citizenship Projects and working on our Weather Watch Projects. We will also begin our Vista Heights 50th Birthday learning.  The Birthday celebration is next week on Thursday, October 9 in the afternoon.  We will keep you posted on the time. Please ask a family member what they know about the Vista Heights area and the changes it has been through over the past 50 years.  Be  prepared to share with the class.

Reminder: 
HELP!  We need 3 volunteers by tomorrow morning (Tuesday, Sept. 30) or we will not be able to go.  Please let Mrs. Calvert or Ms. Makowski know if your parent can come and support our learning. 

Thank you for another amazing week of learning! Share with a family member your weekly reflection, and what was the most memorable learning experience for you this week.

Thank you to the students who have presented their current events projects to their classmates. You have shown leadership in these projects. Please remember to check the current event schedule for when you are presenting, and D2L for the project criteria and assessment.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Our Vista Heights Virtue Activity Day was a huge success! Share with a family member the many stations that you visited this afternoon. How did the stations demonstrate a virtue? Do you think each station demonstrated more than one virtue?

Reflect on which virtue you think you are strongest at, and think of examples of how you show excellence. Think about which virtue you would like to work on, and why. Be prepared to complete a writing assignment on the virtues tomorrow in class.

Reminder:
- Digital Citizenship Projects are due tomorrow! Please see Ms. Makowski or Mrs. Calvert if you do not think you will be finished to discuss your project.

Thank you to the Calgary Zoo for coming to our school for their Wild About Weeding program today! What did you learn during these activities? Do you think it is important to have programs like Wild About Weeding visit schools? Why or why not? Be prepared to share your ideas with the class tomorrow.

We are excited to be going on a field trip to Fish Creek Park on Wednesday October 1! Field trip permission forms are being sent home today. Please have your parents sign these and return them to school.

Reminders:
- Vista Heights Virtue Activity Day is tomorrow afternoon! Please remember to dress for the weather (hat, sunscreen, dress in layers), wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle.
- Digital Citizenship Projects are due on Friday September 26.

Great job today working on your Digital Citizenship Projects and your Weather Watch Projects! You have demonstrated excellent work in staying organized and managing your time. Remember, your Digital Citizenship Projects are due on Friday September 26. If you feel you will be unable to finish this project by Friday, please see Ms. Makowski or Mrs. Calvert to discuss your project.

Reflect on our virtue for the month of September: cooperation. Think of how you have shown cooperation so far this year. How do we cooperate at school? During recess? In the community? Be prepared to share your ideas with the class tomorrow.

Homework:
Mrs. Calvert's Math Group: Please finish writing out your 5 numbers using the standard form and number words.

We hope you enjoyed the sunshine this weekend, and are excited and ready for a busy week ahead of us!

Terrific work beginning out Science investigation into Weather today. Please go to D2L and share with a family member the criteria and assessment for this project. Which weather phenomenon did you choose to study? How will you be demonstrating your learning? Reflect on what you are excited about for this project, and any worries you may have. Be prepared to share with the class tomorrow.

Reminder:
- Digital Citizenship Projects are due into D2L Friday September 26

Another FABULOUS week of learning has been completed!  Celebrate your learning on your Digital Citizenship Projects. Please share your ideas around our first Current Events presentations.  Do you have any ideas for your presentation.  Be sure to check the schedule posted in D2L to see when your Current Events presentation is due. 

Reminder:

-Please book your Parent-Teacher Interview on either tonight, Thursday, September 18 from 4:15-7:45, or Friday, September 19, from 8:00 - 12:45. Go on the following hyperlink:

                                       Parent-Teacher Interviews

-There is NO SCHOOL on Friday, September 19 because of conferences

                                  We look forward to meeting our parents!

                           

                       

Excellent rigour today thinking about your strengths and deciding what goals you need to be successful as a learner, whether they are academic or behavioural.  Be sure to share with your family what your ideas are.

Reminder:

-Please book your Parent-Teacher Interview on either Thursday, September 18 from 4:15-7:45, or Friday, September 19, from 8:00 - 12:45. Go on the following hyperlink:

                                       Parent-Teacher Interviews

-There is NO SCHOOL on Friday, September 19 because of conferences

Changes to our September Calendar:

-Our “Vista Virtue” activity day is changed to Thursday, September 25^th in the afternoon for grades 1-6

-Terry Fox run is changed to Thursday, September 25^th in the afternoon for grades 1-6

                        *we will be collecting “Toonies for Terry” to support Cancer research during the week of       September 22^nd – 26^th