WELCOME TO ROOM 23Bienvenue à la classe 23

WHO AM I?

Some of you may know me from last year or from other siblings. For those of you who are new, my name is Brenda Tang and I am your child’s French Immersion Teacher.

WHO AM I?

This year, I will be teaching French Language, the Arts and the Social Sciences components of the curriculum.

My teaching partner, Mr. Moss, will be teaching English Language, Mathematics and Science.

Various other teachers will be working with your child including, Mrs. Bickford, Mrs. Thomas, Mr. Hendy and Ms. Patel. Please feel free to introduce yourselves to each of them.

This is my eighth year at Sir John A. Macdonald P.S. and I am looking forward to an amazing year.

I am a specialist in French Language and in Physical Education.

I will be coaching Intermediate Girls Volleyball and the Ballroom dancing team as well as helping out in various capacities throughout the year and in the school community.

Please feel free to introduce yourself.

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT?

When it comes to behaviour expectations, they are short and sweet:

Respect for self and othersResponsibility for your actions and

your environmentParticipation in class and school

activitiesSafety of self and othersFrench and making an effort to

express yourself in that language.

THREE STRIKES YOU’RE OUT!

I have a Three Strike rule. Everyone makes mistakes. In my class, you can do it twice. On the third

time, you need quiet time outside to think about your actions (5 minutes) and if there is a fourth, the student may be visiting the office and you will probably be getting some communication from me.

A CLASSROOM THEME? This year we have

chosen “Get inspired” as our division theme.

The students have decided that the class theme will be:

INSPIRE, CHALLENGE,

SHARE, TEACH.

The idea is that when you are inspired you are interested and involved, which in turn makes you more likely to succeed.

As such, we will focus on themes that include team work, responsibility, respect etc. and sponsor the Pink Ribbon Campaign (breast cancer), The Yellow Fish Road Campaign and Sick Kids to teach them that EVERY little bit counts.

WHAT ABOUT THE CURRICULUM?!

Et le curriculum?!

FRENCH

We will be learning many things this year including how to write in paragraphs, to write short stories and narratives, to revise, to edit and proof read our own work. We will be reviewing parts of speech and grammar points including; Passé Composé, Impératif and Futur Simple.

We will be doing a general review of verbs and tenses, a review of parts of speech, novel studies and critical analysis of different media. We will also be focusing on increasing vocabulary, reading comprehension and oral communication skills.

Grade 7 Grade 8

SOCIAL SCIENCES

We will begin with Geography, the themes of geographic inquiry, developing mapping skills and how Canada’s natural resources have contributed to economic development. In term 2, I will be introducing New France, European and aboriginal settlement patterns, British North America and Conflict in Change in Canada.

Please note that the inquiry process will be fundamental to our learning.

the focus in the first term will be on patterns of human geography and migration, economic systems and improving mapping skills. Term 2 will focus on Confederation, the development of Western Canada and Canada’s Changing Society.

Please note that the inquiry process will be fundamental to our learning.

Grade 7 Grade 8

THE ARTS

We will be learning correct vocabulary and terminology, how to critique different art forms and how cultural context affects the pieces. The focus will be on unity and harmony. This is relevant for Drama, Dance and Visual Arts.

We will be learning correct vocabulary and terminology, how to critique different art forms and how cultural context affects the pieces. The focus will be on Movement. Social injustice, fairness and equity will equally be explored.

Grade 7 Grade 8

HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS

My classes have homework written up on the board each day in a designated corner. Each class is assigned a colour (Blue for Grade 8, Red for Grade 7).

Major assignments or upcoming tests will be noted, on the cork board at the front of the class, well in advance of the due dates.

HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS

Guidelines suggest between 30 to 90 minutes each evening for grade 8 students. The times will vary between individuals and at various times within a school year.

Homework may consist of incomplete work from the school day, assignments, projects etc.

Even if no specific homework has been assigned, students should make a habit of using time each evening to organize and

review their agenda and to read.

EXTRA HELP

I will be offering extra help sessions for students at recesses on several days during the week and am also available after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Should they require help, they should come and seek me to set up a meeting well in advance of any due dates of assignments or homework.

AGENDAThe Agenda i s our p r imary commun ica t ion too l .

AGENDA

The teachers will sign all agendas at the end of each day, resulting in at least 1 signature in the agenda before it reaches home.

Your child has been to have his or her Agenda signed each evening to verify that they are doing their work and that you, the parent or guardian, are aware of what your child should be doing.

AGENDA CONTINUED.

It is expected that students will complete homework assigned to them on time and with an attention to detail. Failure to do so, without a valid reason, may result in a detention to complete the work, the use of study hall and/or a call home.

Periodically, a note may be sent home to inform you of events or changes in the classroom or as correspondence to keep you up to date on the progress of your child. This will be put into the agenda as necessary. (email may also be used)

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP YOUR CHILD?

As a French is a second language, it can sometimes be difficult to learn for a child that is surrounded by English. Reinforcing the language at home is key. It is recommended that you read with your child at least three times per week for twenty minutes a day to help with literacy and oral communication in the language.

In Intermediate, your child can read to you and then explain what they have read in English. Don’t be worried about not understanding what they are saying. You will hear the flow of their reading and the clarity of their interpretation in English after the fact.

The purchase of French reading material, such as novels (Available at Chapter’s) and newspapers (L’Express is available on line) would be helpful. The Pickering Public Library also has a selection of French books to choose from. Please consider making a trip.

SUGGESTIONS

A great computer program that can be downloaded for FREE is called READPLEASE. It is available in several different languages and will read to your child any words typed or pasted into the side. Please consult the website for further details at www.readplease.com

SUGGESTIONS CONTINUED.

Oral communication can be a major source of concern for students and listening to French radio (105.1 in Toronto) and television shows (TFO or TV5 are available with basic cable) will help your child to get an “ear” for the language.

Over the course of this school year, your child may be asked to watch or listen to these programs as part of their school homework/assignments.

DO YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION?

I am available after school Monday, Tuesday, Thursdays and Fridays for phone calls. You may also reach me via email at carbery_brenda@durham.edu.on.ca.

Please identify yourself as a parent, with your child’s name and grade and I will attempt to get back to you as quickly as possible.

Your child’s education is important to me.

Should you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me or make an appointment. I can be reached at (905)839.1159.

Parent-Teacher meetings for the fall session are scheduled for December, 2014. I hope to see you all there.