Week of November 26th to November 30th

Dear 5W Parents:

We look forward to another busy and productive week of learning in the 5W class.  Please continue to check your child's planners for recent homework and assignments.

Below is a brief summary of what we are studying in class:

Bible--We are reading about Isaiah. Our BMV is Isaiah 9:1,2, and 6, which will be tested on Friday, November 30th.  Also, students are writing a "poetic" description of the Messiah.

Science--We are learning about simple machines.  Our Chapter 2 test will be Monday, December 3rd.

Social Studies--We continue to learn about the Gold Rush in BC.  Models and written description are due Tuesday, December 4th.

Math--We are learning about rounding whole numbers.  There will be a rounding quiz on Thursday, November 29th.

Art--We will be finishing our leaf art by Wednesday, November 28th.

Reading--We are coming to the end of our novel study.  There will be a final test on Cariboo Runaway on Friday, December 7th.

Spelling--There will be no spelling test this week.  Instead, students wrote a spelling diagnostic test today.

Christmas Activity Day--November 30th

DEAR DAY--Wednesday, December 5th!

Blessings,

Mr.Wu

5W November Newsletter

5W November 2012

Remembrance Day

Dear Grade 5 Parents and Students,

I wish you a wonderful Remembrance Day long weekend.  This week our class wrote postcards to members
of the Canadian military.  Below are some examples of what students wrote:

"We thank you for making our future beautiful.  My cousins are in Afghanistan fighting to save lives.  But you are one person who helped change our future for the better.  May God take care of you!"  by Abi

"I really want to thank you for providing peace and freedom in for our country.  I wish to thank you for fighting for people who can't fight for themselves....May God bless you and keep you safe."--Angelica

"Thank you for bringing peace to Canada....You have brought freedom to people all around the world.  You mad a big sacrifice by fighting."  --Joshua L.

"Thank you for fighting for everyone, not just yourselves.  You are fighting for everyon gratefule's freedom.  You make everyone's future brighter, including mine."--Jaya

"Thanks for saving our lives.  I'm totally grateful.  You make our country safe to live in."--Lenny

" Thank you for being such a great example for our country. You have inspired  lots of lives and taught us that you don't just fight for yourselves. you fight for your country and it's people. Thank you for all that you've done "--Cristian

Blessings,

Mr.Wu

Grade 5W Follow-up on Parent-Teacher Conferences

Dear Grade 5 Parents:

Last Thursday I enjoyed meeting with the parents of my students.  Please feel free to contact me with any further questions or concerns about your child.  Again, thank you for working with me to help your child grow and learn this school year.

If there are any parents who wish to volunteer in our classroom, please contact me.  Volunteer opportunities could include working one on one with a student in math or reading, creating bulletin boards, marking, or sharing a particular skill or passion like art, music, or technology.  Currently, one parent comes on a regular weekly basis to help in the classroom.  I greatly appreciate that parent's commitment to support our students.  Also, our parent-drivers are much needed and appreciated for our fieldtrips. Even if you could come once this year to our classroom, it would be a blessing to our students.

Regards,

Mr.Wu
Teacher

October 24, 2012 Grade 5W News Update

Good luck to all our Grades 4-7 students at the Bear Creek Run in Surrey today

Fort Day morning till lunch, this Friday, October 26th. After lunch, students will still have their weekly spelling test and Bible memory quiz.

Fort Langley field trip on Monday, October 29th.

Early Dismissal Day on Wednesday, October 31st.

 

by dwu on ip4

Parent-Teacher Conferences Thursday, November 1st

I have emailed parent-teacher conference schedules.  Please let me know if you did not receive one.  If you are unable to make the scheduled time, please let me know as soon as possible.  Please note that conference times are fifteen minutes. Thank you, Mr.Wu

Parent-Drivers For Fort Langley Monday, October 29th

5W parents, please confirm with Mr.Wu by email dwu@vancouverchristian.org  if you can still drive for our Fort Langley field dtrip.


On a related note, we would like to request that parent chaperones drive to and from the school without stopping for treats for your group on the way home.  It is a very kind gesture, but we would prefer that all students have equal opportunities on the field trips, and some feel left out when they see other students returning with goodies.  We appreciate your cooperation on this matter.

We thank you all for being willing drivers and chaperones for our field trips! 

Fort Day Friday, October 26th

Grade 5's Fort Day


On the morning of Friday, October 26, students will be participating in baking bannock and other activities related to our Socials unit about forts and the fur trade.  It would be helpful to have a couple of parents helping out in the kitchen for the morning (from approximately 9:00am-12:00pm).  If you are able to volunteer, please contact Mrs. Gysbers.

Students will have the option to dress up like a person living or working in Fort Langley or like one of the main characters in Cariboo Runaway.

Check out the websites for further information about forts, the fur trade and Fort Langley:

 http://www.canadiana.ca/hbc/intro_e.html

http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/bc/langley/index.aspx
 

http://www.bcarchives.gov.bc.ca/exhibits/timemach/galler05/frames/buildbc.htm
 
http://www.bcarchives.gov.bc.ca/exhibits/timemach/galler05/frames/buildbc.htm

October 15th Weekly News for the 5W Class

 Dear Grade 5 Students and Parents:

I am leaving this afternoon for a five day workshop in Victoria learning about the government.  Until then, my class is left in the capable hands of an experienced and enthusiastic teacher, Mrs.Wasik.

Blessings,

Mr.Wu


Here is a summary of what students are learning this week:

Spelling	The students received their first spelling list today. They will take be taking a list home every Monday and the test will be on the Friday. They will be two marks given; one for the correct spelling and one for the correct markings. There will also be two sentences dictated to them where they will be marked for punctuation, capitalization and spelling. Five phonograms will be tested each time as well.
Writing	We are beginning a poetry unit this month.  We will be focusing on making the best word choices
Math	We are now working with decimal numbers and fractions.  Students will be learning about equivalent fractions.
Social Studies	We have started a BC history unit on Fur Trading and we will be learning about Fort Langley. Our field trip to Fort Langley is on Monday, October 29th.  Also, we discuss current events like the tainted beef scandal in Alberta.
Science	The next chapter of our Forces and Simple Machines unit will focus on the simple machines and how they use force to help us work.  Students should review chapter one of their science textbook in preparation for their test on Monday, October 22nd.
Reading	So far this year we have been applying the Smart Reading strategies to various short stories.  This week we will continue reading Cariboo Runaway, which is a historical fiction novel that shares an adventure story during the Cariboo Gold Rush (coincides with our Social Studies unit).  Students are enjoying reading aloud the novel in class.
Bible	This week we are learning about Noah in Genesis.  Students have received Genesis 9:12-15 as their memory work this week.  I ask the students to think what these verses teach us about God, his creation, and Noah.  Students will have a memory work quiz on Friday, October 19th.
French  and Music	Mrs.Kawa teaches French on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays;  Mr.Kwong teaches Music.on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Physical Education	We are learning about volleyball this month.  We will have PE on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
H.A.C.E.	We want to build positive relationships with one another and with bullying in the news recently, we want to "bully-proof" our students by teaching empathy and understanding.

October 2012 Grade 5W Newsletter

English Bay  August 2012 taken by dwu on ip4

Dear Parents,

We are pleased with the progress that students have made in Grade 5 since the beginning of the school year. Some routines are becoming habit and others we continue to work on. Friendships and unity are being built and the atmosphere is one where learning takes place.   Areas needing improvement are less talking during teaching times, faster transitions and paying close attention to instructions.  Students are working hard to follow our class rule to treat everyone with kindness and respect.

Last Friday we have had our first field trip of the year to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Natural Historic Site in Richmond.  Students learned how different cannery machines processed salmon many years ago.  A big thank you to all the parent-drivers.  

Class Schedule:  As of this week our schedule will generally remain the same. Students will be given a copy of the schedule in their home-school binder by the end of next week.

Homework: Now that we are entering into October, more of the regular homework load will begin. After Thanksgiving, we will begin our weekly spelling dictations with quizzes taking place on Fridays.  Students will also be given regular Math homework and weekly Bible Memork work.

Bear Creek Cross Country Race (TBA in October): This year not all students will be automatically going to Bear Creek. If your child qualified for the run you will receive a permission form and details about the day. On October 11th Grade 5 students will run at VCS to qualify for Bear Creek.

In general, students should be prepared for the weather, whatever that may be. This may mean wearing layers, bringing rain gear, maybe even extra shoes! Their lunches should contain healthy snacks they can eat 45 minutes before it is their turn to race. Excellent behavior is expected throughout the entire day.

Fort Day (Oct. 26): This event allows students to participate in various activities associated with life as a fur trader.  

Field trip to Fort Langley National Historic Site (October 29): Students will have the opportunity to experience what it was like for fur traders to work at Fort Langley during the winter months as we participate in the “Fur Trade to Colony” program.  More details will be provided on the permission form that will be sent home in a couple of weeks.

Class blog:  Please check for weekly updates regarding homework, important dates, field trips, and learning in the Grade 5W class.  The blog may be accessed through our school's website.

What we are doing:

Spelling	The students will have their first spelling list the week after Thanksgiving. They will take be taking a list home every Monday and the test will be on the Friday. They will be two marks given; one for the correct spelling and one for the correct markings. There will also be two sentences dictated to them where they will be marked for punctuation, capitalization and spelling. Five phonograms and a spelling rule will be tested each time as well.
Writing	We are focusing on the ideas component of our writing.  We will be using the Six Traits method with more emphasis on writing catchy beginnings and good endings. We are generating creative, original and focused ideas as we begin our Writer’s Workshop.  At times, students will be asked to share their writing with their parents.
Math	We have been reviewing place value and various ways to represent numbers. We are now working with decimal numbers and fractions.
Social Studies	We will be starting a  BC history unit on Fur Trading and learning about Fort Langley.
Science	The next chapter of our Forces and Simple Machines unit will focus on the simple machine and how they use force to help us work.
Reading	So far this year we have been applying the Smart Reading strategies to various short stories.  This month we will begin a novel study titled Cariboo Runaway, which is a historical fiction novel that shares an adventure story during the Cariboo Gold Rush (coincides with our Social Studies unit).
Bible	We are focusing on creation in Genesis.  As you are probably already aware, we have already started learning memory verses.
French  and Music	Mrs.Kawa teaches French on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays;  Mr.Kwong teaches Music.on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Physical Education	We have completed our soccer unit and will begin volleyball after Thanksgiving.  We will have PE on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
H.A.C.E.	To begin we reviewed the qualities of a successful student. Next , we will be moving into building positive relationships and learning about bullying.

Thank you for your involvement in your child's life at school.  Please feel free to contact me if you have any concerns or questions about your child.

In Christ,

Mr.Wu

dwu@vancouverchristian.org

P.S.  Give thanks for the Lord is good...Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Fall has arrived,...Bear Creek 2011
by dwu
ip4

September 27, 2012 Terry Fox Run Thursday Afternoon Around 2:15 p.m.

Early Dismissal Afternoon Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Dear Students and Parents,

Just a reminder that tomorrow is an early dismissal at 1:30 p.m.

Blessings,

Mr.Wu

P.S. Field trip to Steveson on Friday, September 26th, 2012

Parent-Teacher Night

Dear Grade 5 Parents:

It was a pleasure to meet the parents of my students last Thursday night.  Please feel free to follow-up with me on any questions or concerns that you may have about my child. My email is dwu@vancouverchristian.org

Please return student-information and parent-volunteer forms by this Friday, September 28th.  A big thank-you to all parents who will either drive and supervise students on field trips this year.  Our first field trip will be this Friday to Steveson Cannery.  Also, in the next two weeks I will be contacting parents who have volunteered to help in the 5W Classroom.  Again, I appreciate your help and support greatly.

A highlight in today's class was when one student showed the rest of the class to make a cup origami.  She modeled how to fold paper, provided encouragement and feedback, gave us time to try and practice, and answered questions wisely.  Even I was able to make one!   We are all part of a learning community in the class.

Blessings,

Mr.Wu

The First Fieldtrip of the Year

Dear Grade 5 Students and Parents:

Breaking news...

Both Grade 5 classes will go to the  Stevenson Cannery in Richmond on Friday, September 28th.  This field trip will be part of our Science curriculum that covers simple and complex machines.

We will need parent-drivers supervisors for this field trip.  Parent will need to arrive at 8:30 a.m. Friday morning and should plan to return back to the school by 3:00 p.m.

More details about the field trip will be sent in a permission letter next week.

Blessings,

Mr.Wu

P.S.  Have a great weekend!

September 11, 2012 A New Year Begins

Dear Grade 5 Students and Parents:

A new school year begins...

This year's class is made up of only fifteen students.  I am excited to teach this small, cooperative, and friendly group of individuals.


Students were asked to find a verse from Psalms that they will have to memorize by Friday.  Students should choose a verse that is meaningful and describes God in a unique way.  On Friday students will share their verse with the class.  Today students were given opportunities to practice their oral presentations and given guidelines for effective speaking --voice that is clear, loud, confident, expressive, and speaker makes eye contact with audience.  Also, students are making a Bible title page from the verse that they have chosen.

Please check out our classroom blog to find information about upcoming and important homework, information, and dates.  I will try to update the blog on a weekly basis.

Here is a brief sample of what 5W students have said about their first few days of grade 5:

"I learned that we should treat each other with kindness and respect."--Daniel

"I like math centers and making our group classroom rule poster."--Brandon

 "I like playing with my friends and learning.  Grade 5 rocks!"--Hanna

"I think that this will be the best year of school ever!"--Cristian

"My first day of school was great and awesome."--Joshua L

"My first week of school was a blast!"--Joshua S.

"We read about a naughty dog Ike and his owner Mrs.LaRue." --Jaya

"I have been working hard in class."--Andy

"One of the best things that we did was the math centres."--Rebekah

"My first week of school was very fun."--Noor

"My teacher is very cool."  --Abigail

"In PE class we played a fun game of soccer."--Odelia

"We made a poster about being nice and helping each other."--Lenny

"I have the funniest teacher on earth--Mr.Wu." --Angelica

I pray that this year will be a positive one of growth and encouragement for all my students.

Parents may contact me through email at dwu@vancouverchristian.org

I will try to respond to emails within two school days.

Blessings,

Mr.Wu

LAST Week of School for 5W

Thank you to all the Victoria fieldtrip Grade 5 parent-chaperones: Mrs.Wong, Mrs.Swannie, Mrs.Heaslip, Mrs.Cheng, Mrs.Lee, and Mr.Li.  We had a great time in Victoria!

Today was a reading DEAR DAY!

Happy Birthday Joanne Siu!

Upcoming homework assignments and events:

Monday June 18th

• BMV I Timothy 3:1-4, bonus v.5
• French Auction
• Work on Math Polygon Package
• Work on Individual Grade 5 autobiography
• Social Studies Quiz: Current Events and South Africa

 Tuesday June 19th

• Work on South Africa Brochure
• Bag lunch together with the Grade 5GH class
• Work on Individual Grade 5 autobiography
• French Auction

 Wednesday June 20th

• Special All-School Assembly 10:20 am  ( Is there a parent who could help pass out muffins from about 11:15-12:15 that would be great, please let Mr.Wu know)
• South Africa Brochure due
• We will watch the movie Invictus (please read the parent-letter sent home today)
• Lunch Monitor Pizza Lunch
• Last French and Music classes

Thursday June 21st

• South Africa Individual Presentations
• South Africa lunch with the Grade 5GH class (students will NOT need to bring a lunch that day)
• A couple of parents are needed to help with setup and cleanup for the barbecue for both grade 5 classes from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m., please let Mr.Wu know ASAP
• Students should bring a sturdy box or bag to carry personal school supplies home, we will start cleaning up the classroom
• Last ART class

Friday, June 22nd

• Year-End Assembly 11 am certificates awarded
• School ends at NOON!   Parents please pick up your child by noon.  THANKS!
• Class cleanup, students should bring a clean rag to wash and  and a clean rag to dry their desks, chairs, lockers, etc.
• Have a great summer!

June 14th Victoria Fieldtrip

Here are some important reminders for tomorrow's fieldtrip to Victoria:

• must be at VCS by 7 a.m.
• parents must be at VCS by 7:15 p.m. to pick up their child
• students must wear a VCS T-shirt
• bring a bag lunch and $ for dinner on the ferry
• stay with your group
• be respectful to your parent-chaperone
• rememeber that you are representing VCS

Friday is DEAR DAY!  Students may bring healthy snacks and drinks.

Grade 5 Year End Dates

June 13th--French Test, South Africa Research Package Due

June 14th--Victoria Field Trip

June 15th--DEAR DAY

June 20th--South Africa Brochure due

June 22nd--LAST DAY--1/2 day only!

Year End South Africa Unit

Grade 5 students have started learning about South Africa this week.  Students have received a package of information and instructions.  First, students will have to research about the geography, history, culture, food and recreation, language and people, using both web and print materials. Students should complete their South Africa research package by Wednesday, June 13th.  Second, students will create their own brochures about South Africa. The brochures are due Wednesday, June 20th.  Finally, students will have an opportunity to share their brochures to the class on Thursday, June 21st.  Students should practice a brief presentation of their learning about South Africa to the class.

Here are some useful South Africa websites:

Time for Kids  South Africa Easy to Read... fun and interesting facts for students
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/places/find/south-africa/

South Africa a major tourist destination
http://www.southafrica.net/sat/content/en/ca/home

PBS More detailed information about South Africa
http://www.pbs.org/hopes/southafrica/index.html

South Africa History Detailed Timeline

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14094918

People, culture, languages, ethnicity
http://www.sa-venues.com/sa_languages_and_culture.htm

Also, students were shown by Mrs.Sedan how to access the World Book for Kids website using the school's website and the LIBRARY BLOG.

Practice Fun Tests Underground to Canada

14890.html http://www.surfnetkids.com/games/underground_railroad_quiz.htm

http://www.funtrivia.com/newflash/trivia.cfm?qid=14890

Underground To Canada Novel Study and Test

Students have been reading Underground to Canada over the past few weeks.  Next Friday, June 1, we will have our final novel test.  To prepare for the test students should review the chapter questions and assignments that they have received in class.  Also, students may find it beneficial to check out the following websites:

http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/bhistory/underground_railroad/tell_story.asp

https://www.historica-dominion.ca/content/heritage-minutes/underground-railroad

http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/multimedia/interactive/the-underground-railroad/?ar_a=1


Here are some sample study questions:

The Underground Railroad Quiz

1. What were some ways fugitive slaves traveled North?
in boxes
covered by sacks
in a coffin
all of the above

2. Which of the following was a good reason for slaves to try to escape in winter?
there were less bounty hunters searching in the winter
the snow made the roads less bumpy
there was less vines in which to get caught
runaways could throw snowballs at anyone chasing them

3. What was a Station?
a place trains stopped to pick up runaway slaves
a trap set by bounty hunters
a song about Canada
a safe house for runaway slaves

4. What is the Drinking Gourd?
a drunk bounty hunter
the Big Dipper
a legend
a tavern safe house

5. What was the code for Canada?
heaven
north country
drinking gourd
all of the above

6. Why would runaway slaves "Follow the Drinking Gourd"?
the Drinking Gourd River led to Canada
the Drinking Gourd Trail led to Canada
the Drinking Gourd star pointed to the east
by following the Drinking Gourd slaves would find their ways to freedom

7. Why were slaves free in Canada?
in 1833, King William IV of Briton agreed to a bill that ended slavery in Canada
slaves could buy Freedom Papgers for $20
Canadians hated plantation owners

all of the above

8. What happened in 1850 that allowed bounty hunters to chase fugitive slaves into free states?
Abraham Lincoln was elected president
the Civil War started
Harriet Tubman was captured
the Fugitive Slave Act became law

9. What was Harriet Tubman's nickname?
Conductor
Moses
the Freedom Lady
Angel

10. What was the Underground Railroad?
a subway system
a spy network during the Civil War
a railroad that ran at night
an organized group of people that assisted fugitive slaves find their way north to freedom

11. What were some ways fugitive slaves traveled North?
in boxes
covered by sacks
in a coffine
all of the above

For a more extensive list of questions see the website below:

http://www.nt.net/~torino/under.html

Grade 5 Victoria Fieldtrip Thursday, June 14th

Dear Parents,

Thank you so much for your interest in volunteering to chaperone for
the upcoming Grade 5 fieldtrip to Victoria.
Although we had a number of parents volunteers for the Victoria field
trip, we are only taking 6 parents from each class for the reasons
mentioned in the permission form.  Here are the parents of 5W who will
be assisting as chaperones:

Catherine Wong
Vienna Cheng
Allison Lee
William Li
Bonita Swannie
Lori Heaslip

We will be sending home more detailed information about the field trip
in the next couple of weeks.

Your child's teacher,

David Wu

5W Reader's Theatre Group

Afterschool from 3:00-3:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays some grade 5W students(whom I feel need to practice their oral reading and presentation skills) will participate in Reader's Theatre.  This will be an opportunity for students to practice their reading fluency, expression, and clarity.  Later, this group of students will have a chance to perform for our class by the end of May.

Hightouch highteck elementary science comes to the 5W class

The grades 4 and 5 students had a special event today!  High teck and high touch science program "Meterology Madness" led our students to explore air, air pressure, humidity, and extreme weather conditions.  Students were excited to learn more about weather and even build an anemometer!  This workshop was part of our science unit, "Weather Adventure".

Here are what students have said about today's workshop:

"I liked making a nimbus cloud because it was funny to see how the clouds reacted to the 'storm starters'"--Keileen

"The moisture in the air makes you feel hotter or colder."--Joanne

"The experiments were exciting and memorable and I will remember it as a fun time." Ethan

"I learned that God can be so powerful, that he can shred housing using tornadoes."--Emily

VCS Track and Field Meet/Practice May 2nd

Tommorow we will have an intra-school track and field meet/practice for grades 4 and 5 in the morning till noon.  Students should be in their VCS uniforms and wear running shoes.  This will be a rain or shine event.

Students must try-out for at least three events, one of the events must be a track(running event).

Later on May 23rd will be the Grades 4-7 Track and Field at Swangard Stadium.

Grade 5W Week of April 23rd to 27th

A big thank you to all the parent-drivers for our Museum of Vancouver field trip last Friday.

Grade 5's wrote about the field trip and learning about immigrants.  Here are some of their comments:

"I learned that the Europeans, Americans and Chinese all immigrated to Canada for a reason. Some because they needed money or maybe a job. Also, they came because of gold rush and fur trade. Lastly, they came because there was a war in their country." Aiden

"I learned that many different cultures have immigrated to Vancouver  because of our Gold Rush time period, our forest industries, there was a war raging in their country or simply because they wanted a better quality of life. In the game we had to travel through 4 time periods and score points in these categories: age, health, education, language and money." Ethan

Here is a brief overview of what we are learning in class:

• Language Arts--reading "From Slave Ship to Freedom Road" and writing journals from the perspective of a slave; class novel, "Underground to Canada"
• Math--learning about perimeter and area
• Science--continuing with our "Weather Adventure"
• Social Studies--beginning a unit about citizenship and government in Canada
• Bible--studying the growth of the early church through the letters of Paul
• Physical Education--training for track and field

Upcoming Dates

Wednesday--April 25th
Strings Concert in the gym at 9:30 a.m.
Early Dismissal Afternoon 1:30 p.m.

Week of April 16th to 20th

Congratulations to all grade 5 students for an excellent Gloria performance last Friday night...

Another busy week ahead for the Grade 5W class...

• Tuesday ...our intermediate Science "Weather Adventure" begins, students are building weather instruments and will learn all about rain, snow, hail, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-10 for the next few weeks.
• Thursday...Grandparents and Pastor's Day
• Friday...fieldtrip to the Vancouver Museum...thank-you to all the parents who have volunteered to drive and chaperone--Mrs.DeBruin, Mrs.Flores, Mrs.Kam, Mrs.Makaj, Mrs.Nguyen, Mrs.Shew, please meet in the classroom by 9:30 a.m.
• In reading and writing, we will continue our novel study, Underground to Canada, and learn more about slavery, students are writing journals from the perspective of a slave.
• In Math, students are learning about perimeter and area, also we are reviewing basic math facts and operations.
• In Social Studies, we will begin a unit on citizenship and government in Canada.
• In Bible, we will begin reading I and II Timothy.
• In Physical Education, we are learning skills necessary to prepare for the track and field meet at Swangard Stadium in late May

Gloria Concert Friday April 13th

Grade 5 students should arrive at 6:45 p.m. at the New West Christian Reformed Church.  The concert will start at 7 p.m. and end about 9 p.m. 

Please read carefully Mr.Kwong's green notice and permission form.  Return the green permission slip by Friday morning.

Thank you,

Mr.Wu

Week of April 2nd to April 5th

Dear Students and Parents,

I hope you have had a restful and refreshing Spring Break.  It was great to see all the smiling faces this morning.  Thank you again to all the parents and families who participated in our Cultural Heritage Lunch.
If there are any questions or comments about second term report cards, please feel free to contact me. I look forward to having a wonderful third term!

This week we will be focusing on Easter.  Our Bible Memory is from Luke 22:61-71 that will be tested Thursday.  We have been learning about the events before Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.  Students are working in pairs to complete a story map/title page that summarizes the events from Luke 22.
Our spelling list will be words that relate to the Easter story--spelling test on Tuesday, April 10th.

Happy Easter,

Mr.Wu

March 12th to 16th Last Week of School Before Spring Break

Only 4 day lefts before Spring Break begins!  I wish everyone a safe, restful, and wonderful holiday.  Looking forward to seeing all students back on Monday, April 2nd.

Here are some items of importance this week:

• No BMV or Spelling Tests this week
• Bible Luke Gameboards due by Friday
• Secret World of Og cover pages due by Thursday
• Ten Principles for Children assignment due by Wednesday
• Second Term report cards will be handed-out by the end of the week
• Heritage Lunch this Friday
• Students were put into new seating/work groups this week--they are very excited!

DEAR DAY on Monday, March 12th

Dear Grade 5's,

Second term is almost over and Spring Break is only ONE week away!

We will have a DEAR DAY this coming Monday.  Students should bring appropriate reading materials from home as well as healthy snacks and drinks.  (NO candy or pop allowed) Also, students may bring a blanket and a stuffed animal if they wish.

Thank you,

Mr.Wu 

April 20th Field Trip to the Vancouver Museum

We will be going to the Vancouver Museum on Friday, April 20th.   This year Grade 5's have been learning about different cultures and how Canada is a country enriched by diversity. 

Stay tuned for further details after Spring Break.

Grade 5 Heritage lunch - Friday, March 16th

Heritage lunch - Friday, March 16 from 12:00-12:40.  This will be an opportunity for students to try food from various cultures.  One purpose is for students to try some of the foods from the cultures that we have read about in classs and the other purpose is to sample foods from our own heritages.  Parents are invited to join us for this lunch.  Next week there will be a sign-up sheet sent home - please return the form by Thursday, March 8 so that we can continue to plan this event.  Thank you for participating in this great cultural experience.

Grade 5W Week of March 5th and 9th

Students have been learning about the regions of Canada for the past few weeks.  They are excited about becoming an expert on one of Canada's major regions.  Next week students will have no BMV or Spelling tests instead they will have time to work on their Social Studies assignment in class. 

Below is one's student's reflection on how a class is like a winning team.

                                                                                                                                                                3/2/12

                                                                A Class is a Winning Team

          A class is like a winning team because everyone cooperates with each to learn new things. Classes are also a winning team because everyone supports and assists one another when studying for a test. Winning teams are also like a class because they are a group of people who play with each other and trust each other. The coach is really much like the teacher because they both lead their students, players, and people into the right path.

                             How a student makes a winning team

          A student makes a wining team because it is the main element of a winning team, without them a team cannot be made. The student/player needs to have trust between them. I would rather be in the “fourth line” than the other lines. Which means that I would most rather step in and out than actually be in the “first line”. Because I usually do minor things like clean up and do other things. I would rather be the trustworthy one.

Conclusion

          These few things are how a class is a winning team and how students help. 

Social Studies Grade 5 Regions of Canada Assignment

Grade 5W Socials Studies

Name:_______________                Date:_________

Regions of Canada Assignment:  Due March 7^th(early bonus mark) or 8th

Students alone or with a partner may choose to do ONE of the following assignments:

1.  Create a Travel Brochure

2.  Write a Newspaper Front Page

3.  Design a Poster and a one page written ad or description

Guidelines for assessment:

A.  Well-designed and organized, clear and easy to read and follow format  ____/5

B.  Great, interesting, important, facts about the region, including landforms, vegetation, climate, natural resources, animals, birds, and recreation ____/10

C. Conventions—edited carefully for spelling, punctuation, and capitalization  ____/5

D. Graphics, illustrations, photos, artwork, borders, maps____/5

E.  Wise use of class time _____/5

Total:_________/30

February 27th to March 2nd

This Wednesday, February 29th, is Early Dismissal.  Also, students should wear pink to support an anti-bulllying day sponsored by student council.

Spelling-- There will be NO spelling test this week.  Instead students will have a spelling diagnostic test on Wednesday.  There will be no need to for students to study for the test.  Also, students will receive back their marked tests from last week.

Science--Students have received back their marked  test on compound machinces.  Our next unit will be on Earth's Natural Resources, pages 160-174 in our Science textbooks.

Math--Students are learning to divide whole numbers with and without remainders.  I am pleased to see that many students have mastered their basic multiplication facts.  Also, students are being introduced to graphing coordinates.
Writing--Students have been learning the 6 traits of writing.  Currently, we are focusing on organizing our writing from a catchy beginning to thoughtful conclusion.  We are typing a final copy during our computer class-time.  Students often have the opportunity to share their writing with other students and in front of the class.  I

Reading--Students are required to complete Smart Reading Journals to identify reading strategies, thinking and reading.  As a class, we have started a novel study, The Secret World of Og.  Students are required to write 3 to 5 sentence summaries of each chapter.  Students read aloud to improve their oral reading fluency, expression, and clarity.

Bible--Students had a BMV quiz on Luke 5:27-32.  Their tests were marked and returned today. There will be no BMV quiz this Friday, but we will continue to learn more about the Gospel of Luke.  Students are designing board games that reflect what their understanding of Luke.

Social Studies--Students are learning about the regions of Canada, world geography, and current events.  Each student has researched a specific region of Canada and has written a summary of their research.  Later, students will work in pairs to present their learning about their region as a poster, brochure, or news report.

Physical Education--Students are encouraged to run outside as much as possible, including the infamous "Cardiac Hill".  We have just started a badminton unit.  Students may bring their own racquets(with name on)  from home to use at school.

February 13th to 17th

Happy Valentine's Day!  I appreciated seeing my students share and receiveValentine's treats and cards with one another this morning. We started our morning being reminded of God's love for us and that we may share His love with others through acts of kindness and respect.

Spelling--Students wrote a spelling test today and will receive back their marked list #10 tests on Wednesday.  Also, students shared their definition poems using spelling or vocabulary words.  There will be NO spelling test this week.

Science--Students are learning about compound machines and how they are used in forestry, mining, and fishing in BC.  Students should re-read pages 59-79 in preparation for their Chapter 3 test on Wednesday, February 15th.  Also, students will be required to create a study-note-taking sheet based on their understanding of compound machines.  Finally, students wrote about the advantages and disadvantages of compound machines.

Math--Students have learned to multiply by two or three digit numbers, eg. 245 x 57.  We are moving on to division this week.  I am pleased to see that many students have mastered their basic multiplication facts.  Also, students are challenged to do order of operations questions.

Writing--Students have been learning the 6 traits of writing.  Currently, we are focusing on organizing our writing from a catchy beginning to thoughtful conclusion.  We are typing a final copy during our computer class-time.  Students often have the opportunity to share their writing with other students and in front of the class.  I

Reading--Students have shared non-fiction book reports and will be presenting group book reports later on this week.  As a class, we have began a novel study, The Secret World of Og.  Students are required to write 3 to 5 sentence summaries of each chapter. 

Bible-- There will be no BMV quiz this Friday, but we will continue to learn more about the Gospel of Luke.

Social Studies--Students are learning about the regions of Canada, world geography, and current events.

Physical Education--Students are encouraged to run outside as much as possible, including the infamous "Cardiac Hill".

February 6th to 10th

Spelling--Students received a new spelling list today, test date is February 14th.  Also, students must write a definition poem using spelling or vocabulary words.

Science--Students are learning about compound machines and how they are used in forestry, mining, and fishing in BC.  Students should re-read pages 59-79 in preparation for their Chapter 3 test on Wednesday, February 15th.  Also, students will be required to create a study-note-taking sheet based on their understanding of compound machines.

Math--Students have learned to multiply by two or three digit numbers, eg. 245 x 57.  We are moving on to division this week.  I am pleased to see that many students have mastered their basic multiplication facts.  Also, students are challenged to do order of operations questions.

Writing--Students have been learning the 6 traits of writing.  Currently, we are focusing on organizing our writing from a catchy beginning to thoughtful conclusion.  We are typing a final copy during our computer class-time.  Students often have the opportunity to share their writing with other students and in front of the class.

Reading--Students have shared non-fiction book reports and will be presenting group book reports later on this week.  As a class, we have began a novel study, The Secret World of Og. 

Bible--Our BMV for this Friday is Luke 4:16-19, verses 20-21 are bonus.

January 30-February 3rd

Here is a brief overview of topics that are being covered in class:

Math--Two and three digit multiplication, mental math, word problems.  Students may view this website for math practice: http://www.adaptedmind.com/Fifth-Grade-Math-Worksheets-And-Exercises.html

Science--Machines do work for us, fun games, activities, about simple and complex machines http://www.edheads.org/activities/simple-machines/index.shtml
We are studying chapter 3 in the BC Science PROBE 5.

Bible--The Gospel of Luke, we are examining the ministry of Jesus from Luke's perspective.

Physical Education--We have completed our basketball unit and will focus on skipping, fitness, and floor hockey.

Social Studies--Regions of Canada, World Geography, current events

HACE--Wellness Posters, wellness means physical, mental, emotional, and relational health

Reading/Novel Studies--Individual book reports and oral presentations

Writing--Poems, similes and metaphors, definition poems--Here are some student samples:

• "A diamond is a shining star in the night sky." by Keileen
• "The radio was as loud as a thunder storm." by Katrina
• "My success is like winning a shiny, golden one hundred bill in a bright rainbow casino." by Paige
• "A piano is as loud as a jutebox in a large four-star hotel." by Marcus
• "Sheep play piano like smart Mozarts." by Santiago
• "His buddy's boss' face looked like a bloody red tomato." by Sunny

Intermediate Games/Websites courtesy of Ms.Padgett

Here is a list of intermediate games and websites that may prove to be fun and helpful for grade 5's to review and extend skills and concepts that we have covered in class:

Intermediate Games to Play

Math Games:

1.    Math Brain

·        http://www.funbrain.com/brain/MathBrain/MathBrain.html

2.   Math Facts

·        http://www.funbrain.com/math/index.html

3.   Money

·        http://www.funbrain.com/cashreg/index.html

4.   Soccer Shootout

·        http://www.funbrain.com/fractop/index.html

5.   Guess that Number

·        http://www.funbrain.com/guess/index.html

6.   Fractions

·        http://www.funbrain.com/fract/index.html

Sudoku:

7.   http://www.funbrain.com/brain/JustForFunBrain/JustForFunBrain.html

Fun Brain Kid’s Center

8.   http://www.funbrain.com/kidscenter.html

Social Studies Virtual Games

9.   http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/English/Games/index.html

10.    Canada in Space

·        http://www.canadainspace.ca/index.php?sectionID=&newLang=en

11.    Explore Herschel Island

·        http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/Exhibitions/Herschel/English/Quiz/quiz01.html

12.    Great Upper Canada Adventure

·        http://sydenhamdiscovery.ca/english/game.asp

13.    Interactive Investigator

·        http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/Exhibitions/Myst/en/game/index.phtml

14.    Indigenous Games

·        http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/Exhibitions/Traditions/English/teachers_corner.html

15.    Sable Island – Can you survive?

·        http://museum.gov.ns.ca/mnh/nature/sableisland/english_en/fun_fu/index_fu.htm

16.    Graveyard of the Pacific

·        http://www.pacificshipwrecks.ca/english/game.html

17.    Hockey

·        http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/Exhibitions/Hockey/English/Features/features.html

18.    The Adventure Train

·        http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/Exhibitions/Trains/English/index.html

19.    The Canadian Museum Treasure Hunt

·        http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/Exhibitions/hunter2/index.html

20.    The Cariboo Goldrush

·         http://cariboogoldrush.csp.net/site/en/#

·        http://www.cariboogoldrush.com/contents.htm

·        http://www.barkerville.ca/

21.    The First Totem

·        http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/Exhibitions/Haida/java/english/totem/index.html

22.    The Train Messenger

·        http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/Exhibitions/Message/English/index.html

23.    Heavens! My Ship-----Exploration game

·        http://maf.mcq.org/jeux/aaciel/

24.    The Cariboo Goldrush

·        http://bcheritage.ca/cariboo/

25.    Viking Quest

·        http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/vikings/launch_gms_viking_quest.shtml

26.    The Vikings – Information and Games

·        http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/vikings/activities/index.shtml

27.    An Egyptian Adventure Game

·        http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/egyptians/launch_gms_death_sakkara.shtml

28.    Walk Through Time Games

·        http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/walk/games_index.shtml

29.    The Romans

·        http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/romans/activities/index.shtml

30.    World War One – Trench Warfare Game

·        http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/worldwarone/hq/trenchwarfare.shtml

31.    World War One – When?

·        http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/worldwarone/hq/worldwarwhen.shtml