Welcome to the Grade 6 program at St. Jude’s School. This is the third year of your child’s intermediate-level education. This academic year the focus will be on fostering your child’s spiritual and academic development. In the Grade 6 class, this year, my goal is to provide many opportunities for the students to learn from an assortment of strategies. In addition to teacher-led instruction, your child will experience a variety of field trips, “hands on” activities, research and analysis opportunities, individual and group-work assignments. This year’s program builds on Grade 5 curriculum. Outlined below are the basic themes for the various subject areas and some important information regarding weekly the specialist classes.
ReligionThe spiritual focus of the Vancouver Catholic Archdiocese this year is “Serve With Joyful Hearts”. The religion program will incorporate the use of Following Christ and Christ Our Life textbooks. This year we will look at what it means to be a Catholic by looking in-depth at the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, and the changes to the Holy Mass. Students will be given the opportunity to experience different prayer forms such as Lectio Divina.
Language ArtsIn Language Arts, the students will be expected become more independent and begin to show mastery in their written and oral assignments. This year the students will have a plethora of opportunities to demonstrate and perfect their writing skills in extended activities such as: writing letters, short stories, reports and essays, preparing current event presentations, presenting a point of view, and looking at how to incorporate technology into the publishing of their good copies. Library- Book Exchange will occur every Friday.
MathIn Math, the students will study perimeter and area, algebra, plane geometry, transformations, fractions, decimals and integers, probability and data management. Once again, students will explore many integrated links with information technology throughout the math program. For example, students will use calculators and computers, work with spreadsheets and data management tools. Throughout the school year, there will be an emphasis on applying the concepts presented in authentic, problem solving situations. Science
The three Science units are extreme environments, electricity and biodiversity of life. Inquiry is the solution to science learning. BC Science Probe is the textbook that will be utilized to help the students explore and explain events of the natural world.
Social StudiesThis year’s Social Studies program covers a variety of topics. The students will compare Canada to other countries in terms of cultural influences and government. They will look at Canada’s economy and technology when compared to those of other countries. MusicMrs. Triveri will be responsible for delivering the Music program this year. As in past years, the students will have two – 30 minute classes per week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays )
French and Physical Education Mr. Campanile is the Physical Education specialist. He will deliver the P.E. program for the Grade Six students on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Please help your child come to school with a complete gym strip on these days. (St. Jude shorts and T-shirt, white socks, and runners) Students will be expected to be active even on non-gym days in order to fulfill the daily physical activity requirements outlined by the ministry. Have your child bring his or her runners everyday so they can be prepared for daily physical activity. If possible, the students are encouraged to bring their full gym strip to school each day in order to ensure their comfort during activity. Mr. Campanile will also instruct the students in French on Tuesdays this year.
The students already have a clear sense of the expectations for Grade 6. If you speak to your son or daughter, they should be able to explain the classroom routines and explain the purpose of these routines. In addition, the students should recognize the need for high-quality work at all times of the year. I expect students to always be:
It is expected that students in Grade 6 do approximately 60 minutes of homework daily, plus 20-30 minutes of independent reading. Please encourage your son or daughter to work in a quiet place, away from distractions (radio, I Pods, TV, pets, younger siblings etc.), at a regular time. (See Homework Hint sheet.) I encourage you to use your child’s agenda to pass on information to me or pass on a hand written note – either is acceptable. Remind your child to show your note to me. I can also be contacted by phoning the office and leaving a message; I will return your call at the soonest available time. It is a great help if you can ask to see your child’s agenda each night. This gives you an idea of the homework assigned. Some students will need help with planning their time and organizing their notebooks or binders. The key is to have your child action this with parent guidance only. I encourage you to look at your child’s notebooks and/ or binders daily. Question him or her on what you see. In addition, I am usually available for quick questions before or immediately after school. It would be greatly appreciated if we could set up a time in advance in order to ensure that we have enough time to fully address your concerns. I look forward to working with your children this year. Once again, if at any time you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely, Ms. R. Corea HOMEWORK HINTS
Homework serves an important purpose in your child’s school life. It is a means of reviewing and reinforcing the lessons taught in school. Homework is also a way to help your child to develop work and study habits that will assist him or her throughout the years spent in school. I expect all students to continue some school assignments at home, and naturally, I expect more time from intermediate students.
Students in Grade 6 have Student Planners or Agendas in which they and/or I may include messages for parents and vice versa, as well as daily homework assignments or projects or quizzes / test dates.
You can help your child develop some routines that will be of assistance in successfully completing homework assignments.
For example: Math / pgs. 20-21 / questions 1 to 10 / due Friday Science / read Ch. 9 / due Tuesday Religion / Chapter 1 Quiz / next Wednesday Fieldtrip - Science World consent form / due Thursday
homework to you and explain what the work completed was about. Sharing your child’s work with him or her reinforces the importance of homework and helps the child to understand that you are interested in his or her progress. Looking at your child’s homework also keeps you informed about the progress of your child and the way in which your child is able to complete the work assigned.
http://www.picnet.org/kids/homework
Check out the BC Ministry of Education booklet – Daily Physical Activity for Families for some practical ideas.
http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/dpa/dpa_family_booklets.htm#4-6
Another reliable source is Canada’s Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living.
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hp-ps/hl-mvs/pag-gap/index-home-accueil-eng.php
Looking forward to a great school year ahead! ____________________________________________________________________________
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