We have been practicing composing narratives. The Grade 6's will be writing narratives and newspaper articles for an upcoming Provincial Achievement Test on Thursday, May 12, 2016. Our study has included a brainstorm around what makes an excellent story.  Share with a family member the criteria for excellence in narrative writing. What are your strengths in composing narratives? What goal do you have for your narrative writing? What strategies will guide you to achieve excellence?

Homework: 
- Best Character Book Projects are due on April 29th!

Reminder: 
- Student Learning Conferences are on Thursday April 21 from 4:15 to 8:00 and Friday April 22 from 8:00 to 12:30. Mrs. Calvert is looking forward to meeting with you and your families to celebrate your learning!
-School Council Volunteer Notice coming home today.

The grade 5 and 6 students in our class worked on the Tell Them From Me Survey today! This survey allows students to give feedback on our school and their learning. Share with a family member what you think our strengths and successes are at Vista Heights School. Why is our school a great place to learn? How could we improve our school? Please share your ideas with Mrs. Calvert!

Homework:
Practice punctuation on the following links:
http://www.topmarks.co.uk/english-games/7-11-years/punctuation
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hme/6_8/grammar/

Reminder: 
- The Book Fair is April 19 to 22! Our class will be visiting the book fair this week. It will also be open for you and your families to visit during Student Learning Conferences!
- Please remind your parents to book a Student Learning Conference with Mrs. Calvert!
https://webapps.cbe.ab.ca/MyAccount/Account/LogOn

Today we had an engaging presentation from the Earth Rangers! Be sure to explain to your family the importance of being an animal ambassador.  What are you already doing to do your part as a responsible environmental citizen? What goal do you have for yourself?  What strategies do you have to achieve your goal?

Have a fabulous weekend!

We continue our study of polygons in math.  This week the Grade 6's have been developing skills and strategies to utilize a protractor as a measurement tool for angles and sides of polygons.  Grade 5's continue to study identification of 2D polygons, focusing on quadrilaterals, by using specific vocabulary posted on our blog pages. Share with a family member what you have learned about angles.  Which angle is an excellent 'referent' for measuring all other angles?  How do you know?


Homework:
Practice on the links under lines and angles posted on our blog.

Reminder: 
- Sports Club is today after school from 3:15 to 3:45
- Book Fair brochure is being sent home today!

In gym, we have been studying a variety of dances, including the line dance and cultural dances.  Our Zumba design project includes designing a Zumba routine to teach the class.  Share with a member of your family which music your group has chosen.  What are the important dance moves that you are repeating in the chorus of your routine.  Does your routine have a least 8 different dance moves? Reflect upon your team work, including cooperating and collaborating with your group.  Have you achieved excellence?  What evidence do you have to support your thinking?

Homework:
Open up Content in D2L.  View the movie hyperlink called, History of Canada's Exploration.  Post under Discussion in D2L, your 5 responses under each category of the OWI.  What did you observe?  What do you wonder?  What did you infer?

Reminders: 

Vista Heights School Learning Commons is having a Book Fair! 

- We will be selling Scholastic books and merchandise during the school day. 

- Tuesday April 19 to Thursday April 21, 9am – 3pm, and at our special Family Event during Parent/Teacher Conferences: Thursday April 21 4 pm – 7:30 pm.  Friday 8:30 am to noon.

- There will be classroom draws for free books and display posters.

- A special Family Event draw of a $25 book for one student and $25 of books for the winning student’s classroom.

We have started our History of Canada's Identity inquiry project.  Be sure to share with a family member which group of people your are studying and why.  Explain what strategies you use to take and organize notes after you have been reading for information. Check D2L for the criteria and assessment for excellence in note taking.

Homework:
Open up Content in D2L.  View the movie hyperlink called, History of Canada's Exploration.  Post under Discussion in D2L, your 5 responses under each category of the OWI.  What did you observe?  What do you wonder?  What did you infer?

Reminder:
Sports Club is on Thursday, April 14 at 3:15-3:45.

Our Best Character Ever Book Projects have begun!  Please share with a family member which character from a narrative that you have chosen to complete this project on.  Explain why you have chosen this character. Which one of the three writing reflections have you chosen for this project ?  A Step-Inside? A Character Journey? A Virtues Reflection?  Why?

Homework:
Please read for your Best Character Ever Book Project.  You may also work on your cover design. Check the criteria and assessment posted in D2L. They are due on April 29.

Reminder:
Student Learning Conferences are next week on Thursday, April 21 from 4:15 - 8:00 and Friday, April 22 from 8:00 - 12:30.  Please see the booking information coming home today.