Shadows on the Train by Melanie Jackson ~ Movie Trailor in the making

A second installment of our Grade 4-5 class. This group has thoroughly enjoyed reading Melanie Jackson's "Shadows on the Train" a Dinah Galloway Mystery. Watch our video interview of the students as they discuss the work they are preparing for their Trailor which will be available in its final version in a couple of weeks.

In the Making - Movie Trailors for Literature Circles

The Grade 4-5 class of Mrs. Daskalakis have spent the past 6 weeks studying great Canadian novels. In the first of a series, we have Kyla, Holly, Abbey, Julian (coming soon is Hughsey & Michelle) we interview them as the prepare the skits for Natale Ghent's "The Odds Get Even".... have a look!

Japan Crisis - Lessons to help Intermediate & Senior classes

Last week, while we were off on our March Break vacation, Japan was shaken by a severe earthquake and suffered tremendous damage, loss of life in the tsunami that followed. Here is a website that was put together by a global community of 7,000+ people who inform us about the up-to-date happenings in education and technology.
It is very helpful to understand the many ways and levels in which the people of Japan have suffered. It provides links to current sites that are updated daily, to receive the latest news.

http://edudemic.com/2011/03/japan-lessons/

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the survivors and rescue-workers.

BOOK FAIR... Final week before Spring Break!

Classes have been using the Learning Commons full throttle this week, along with the newly arrived iMacbook laptops in the Grade 5/6 classroom. The grade 5-6's have completed excellent Movie Trailers using iMovie software. They have created clips to connect to the Literature Circles studies of the new Silver Birch novel nominated this year. We will be posting a few examples later this week.

The parent council has been also very busy preparing our school for the SCHOLASTIC Spring Book Fair. Please check the schedule from Mrs. Fisher so you know when your child's class will be visiting the LC for a viewing and purchasing new books. Great time to do some Spring and Easter shopping! All funds will go towards purchasing resources for our Learning Commons. With March Break shortly upon us, parents are asked to help our students locate all library books and return them so that they can take out new books for pleasure reading over the holidays.

Lastly, the Grade 3 class is making excellent typing skills progress on the BBC Home page of the program called "Dance Mat Typing". Please view video below as our friend Michael F. interviews Lea S. Great job on the Movie and fantastic work on the Typing skills grade 3's!!


http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/

CanAsian International Dance - Harbourfront

Friday, the Grade 7-8 class attended the annual CanAsian Dance show. Excellent show of 4 distinct and beautifully rendered performances that followed the tradional places of the Silk Road. Check out the video link on my side panel.

Whirling Dervish - My first real, live view of Turkish male dancer Ziya Asazi

Mi Young Kim - Korean Drum and Traditional dance

Bageshree Vaze - East Indian "Lucknow's Jewel" Kathak dance - tribute to God Ganesh, she also wrote and sings music

Khmer Rouge Classical Cambodian meets Modern - Tribal Crackling Wind-Peter Chin choreographer

http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/whatson/today.cfm?id=2469

Such a pleasure when I get to participate in class events... as the Teacher-Librarian I rarely get out!

Excellent review in the GLOBE & MAIL, Saturday:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/theatre/canasian-festival-serves-up-a-soulful-dance-travelogue/article1921262/

Mr. K.K. entertains the Grade 3's Banjo style! Lucky ducks!

Peyton & Tess write to author Norbert Rosing.................. Silver Birch Express Nominee

Dear Norbert,

I am writing to you to tell you how awesome your polar bear book is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I liked the picture were the cute little cub was trying to get up the hill with his mother helping him. It was super duper cute! I am also writing to you because your book is very good of telling what all the polar bears are doing in every picture. I would give you 2 thumbs up because it was so awesome
Thank you for taking the time for reading the letter I sent you.

Love,
Peyton
------------------------------------------

POLAR BEAR

Hi Norbert I really like your book on polar
Bears . My favorite picture is the one where the baby cub was high fiving his or her mother. Your book is truly amazing I would personally read it again. I also like the part where he or she was playing with the tire. I guess what I` m saying is your book is amazing and I would give you all of my fingers up.

Love always,
Tess