T.W.A.S.

Today was pajama day and we brought stuffies because it was the last day of Literacy Week!  During this we celebrated literacy by having DEAR everyday (Drop Everything And Read); Ms. Sparks (our principal) read us one of her favourite stories; and we read with our Buddies.

In math we started multiplication by counting by 2's, 3's, 4's, and 5's.  We made a math poster with a partner counting items in a grocery store.

In Social Studies we started making a world map and labeled where Peru, India, Ukraine, and Tunisia are.  We are going to be looking at "How does the land affect people's quality of life?"

In Inquiry, we have begun making a blueprint for the bridge that we are designing to build.  We are hoping to begin construction next week.

Reminder: There is no school tomorrow!

Pajama Day!

Just a reminder that to conclude our Literacy Week celebration, students are invited to wear pajamas and bring a stuffy if they'd like tomorrow!

Bridge Building Website

Here is a link to an interesting site for bridge building ideas! (This is not an endorsement or suggestion to buy!)

Bridges

Multiplication Challenge

For anyone wished to challenge themselves with new multiplication methods, check out the following link!
Alternative Multiplication Methods

T.W.A.S.

Language Arts - we have been working on using more description in our writing.  We are doing this by turning boring sentences into rich, interesting ones!  Check my Friday Journal for an example.
We also read a story about a sassy cat and we are writing the next event in the story with a group.  We learned a 2+2 Rule for dialogue in stories.  The rule means that only 2 people may speak twice in the same paragraph.  We will continue with this next week. 

Math - We will be starting multiplication and division next week!

Inquiry - Our class will be moving into the next phase of our inquiry.  Students will be asked to choose the type of bridge that they feel is the best suited for the Weaselhead and construct a model of that design. 

Next week is LITERACY WEEK!!
Monday - Wear Royal Oak blue
Tuesday - Ms. Sparks will read each grade one of her favourite books!
Wednesday - Buddy Reading Day!
Thursday - Wear your pajamas and bring your favourite book and stuffy!
Friday - no school for students

We are finished collecting paper rolls - thank you for sending them in!

Literacy Night Reminder

Royal Oak School is pleased to be hosting a ‘Literacy Night’ on Thursday, January 18^th from 6:30-7:30pm. During this evening we will be exploring “Literacy in Your Life”, where you will be able to participate in and incorporate new and exciting literacy activities into your daily lives as a family.

To begin the evening we will have a quick stand-up assembly followed by a variety of sessions hosted by our teachers in different classrooms around the school. Resources and suggestions for each activity will be provided at each session. The Calgary Public Library and Calgary Reads will also be joining us this evening in the Gathering Space.

We look forward to spending a joyful and engaging evening of literacy with you and your families!

Sincerely,

The ROS Literacy Committee and ROS Staff

The Week That Was (TWAS)

Gym - We started gymnastics.  We are using the equipment and doing different stations.  Some of the skills we are working on are stretching, tumbling, climbing, sliding, and balancing.  It is fun.

Art - We made Rangoli Art.  This is from India and we used a circle in the middle and designs on the outside using chalk pastels.  In India they would use coloured sand or coloured powder.

Math - In math we did a 2-pen assessment for subtraction.  We also did a math problem called "Toys" where we pretended we had $500 (then $999) and picked some expensive toys to buy.  We ALSO played a game called FARKLE.  (Ask me how to play).

Science - We are working through Science Centres for building.  In one of them, we built a vase so we could test how strong it was.  In another class, we researched famous bridges on the computer.

Language Arts - We changed some of the literacy groups.  In Literacy we do a "Daily 5" which means we have: Read to Self, Read to Partner, Listen to Reading, Word Work, and Work on Writing.  We read through picture books looking for juicy verbs.  We really liked the verbs: lumbered, chopped, and stalked.  We will use these verbs in our Weaselhead myths.

Reminders:
- Please send in any empty toilet paper rolls

Volunteer Requested

Hello all!
If anyone is available to volunteer for an hour or two next Monday (any time) or Tuesday morning, please send me an email.
Thanks in advance!
Ms. Rutland

Supplies Requested

In a couple of weeks, we will be constructing a bridge!  We are looking for any items that families may have lying around their house - you do not need to purchase these items.  Please see list below regarding possible items that your child may want or need for constructing.  Your child can start to bring in these materials whenever!  Please make sure your child has their name on items as they will be stored in the break out room.  Your child may also bring in other materials that are not listed!

Materials to Collect for Building Structures

Popsicle sticks	Tape- masking or duct	1 litre milk jugs	pipecleaners	cans
Straws	Milk cartons	Paper towel rolls	String- thick	White glue
cardboard	Styrofoam trays	Shoe boxes	Thin wire	Plastic fruit baskets
Bags of sand	toothpicks	plastercine	Cardboard tubes	Paper fasteners

Thank you in advance!

Physical Education Update

Dear Parents

We have started our gymnastics unit in our regularly scheduled Physical Education classes. This unit will run until the end of January. Safety procedures are being carefully covered with each class. While students in elementary school are not expected to change their clothing for gym, I do talk to them about being dressed in preparation to participate. Please consider the following when sending your child to school: 

• Clothing that allows freedom of movement (no special uniforms or outfits are required – sweats and a t-shirt work best). 

• Loose fitting/baggy clothing may get caught on equipment when climbing. 

• Tucking shirts in may help to prevent an accident. 

• All jewelry that could get caught on equipment should be removed (left in classrooms or left at home). e.g. watches, rings, necklaces, etc... 

• Students with long hair should have their hair tied back. Tying hair back with elastics is recommended. 

• Students may wear shorts under clothing if they wish. 

• Students will participate in bare feet unless there is a medical reason (warts). 

Please be aware that students have Phys. Ed class each day. Students will be reminded that they must remain very quiet while participating on the climbing equipment. Sudden noises could startle a student using the equipment and result in a fall. 

Should you have any questions, please feel free to email me. Thank you in advance for your understanding in helping to ensure the safety of our students. 

Sincerely,

Helen Hennick

Literacy Night

Royal Oak School is pleased to be hosting a ‘Literacy Night’ on Thursday, January 18^th from 6:30-7:30pm. During this evening we will be exploring “Literacy in Your Life”, where you will be able to participate in and incorporate new and exciting literacy activities into your daily lives as a family.

To begin the evening we will have a quick stand-up assembly followed by a variety of sessions hosted by our teachers in different classrooms around the school. Resources and suggestions for each activity will be provided at each session. The Calgary Public Library and Calgary Reads will also be joining us this evening in the Gathering Space.

We look forward to spending a joyful and engaging evening of literacy with you and your families!

Sincerely,

The ROS Literacy Committee and ROS Staff

Welcome Back!

Just a couple of notes now that we are back into the swing of things!

- Please ensure students have everything they need for the weather.  We will go outside if it is warmer than -20'C with the windchill.  We always ask students to find mitts in the lost and found if they don't have any.  If it is -20'C or colder with the windchill, it is a "blue day" and students will stay indoors.

- If you have recorded your child's reading minutes for December, please have them bring in their duotang (or you could just email me the number of minutes and I'll add it to the spreadsheet.)

- If you haven't returned your child's report card envelop, please do so as soon as possible!

Thanks everyone!  Stay warm!