Please follow this link to the *new* Grade 5D Blog space for 2011-2012.
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What an awesome last of Grade 5! Transition day was pretty cool where the students got a sneak peek into Grade 6. Beach Day was incredible – thanks to all the parents and families who came out to help and contribute yummmy food for the day. I have uploaded an amazing album of kids jumping off the raft at DeepWater Bay. Check it out on the link to the right. Thursday was also full of excitement, with a Gr. 5/6 assembly in the morning followed by a rowdy and rocking final Gr. 5 party! The disco was happening.
I’d like to say a HUGE thank-you to all the families of the 5D DISCO. What a year! I was so happy to have spent the past year on a challenging and exciting learning journey with all the DJs. We really made Grade 5 a year to remember. The thoughtful class gifts are so perfect. It means a lot to me that you went out of your way to find things that are really meaningful to me. And useful! Practical gifts are my favorite kind 
You better believe I will make good use of the CamelBack and Dry Sac. I’m planning on a couple tough treks this summer, starting with a volcano in Lombok, Indonesia, and I’ll wear my new trail shoes! The iPod is also great for all occasions and every time I listen to tunes on it, I’ll think of you! Thank you DJs for being so wonderful. I will miss seeing you everyday.
This will be the last post of this blog. In the new year I will be starting another blog for the new Grade 5D. I have chosen to do this so that you may all check back here to remember all the cool things we did this year. It’s a bit of a digital scrapbook and it will remain here whenever you want to come and visit. You may unsubscribe to the updates if you’d like to, but since I will not be posting here anymore, you will not receive emails from the feedburner service anyways.
Have a happy and safe summer holiday! You deserve it.
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The weeks are wrapping up what has been such a great year in the 5D DISCO! This week we had a special presentation with Ms. Fung and Ms. Cahusac about taking good care of our macbooks over the summer. We watched these 2 videos and discussed how to be responsible, global, digital citizens.
We also went to the LLAC on Thursday to hear the LSSC candidates give their election speeches. The new council members were announced on Friday after school. A huge congratulations to all who ran for candidacy. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to be a part of the LSSC.
Looking ahead to next week:
Monday, June 6th - No classes. Ms. Cahusac will be competing with the CDNIS Flying Canucks at the Dragon Boat races in Stanley. Come out and cheer us on!
Wednesday, June 8th – THE FINAL EXAM!
Lots of exciting things are happening on the last week of school, June 13th – June 16th. Please see the previous posts and stay tuned for more information! Have a great long weekend 
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What an incredible year it has been! As we prepare for the end of the year, there are many reasons to celebrate your child’s successes and achievements in Grade 5!
The last week of school will be full of exciting activities, including:
Tuesday, June 14th – Transition day where the students spend some time in the Grade 6 classrooms
Wednesday, June 15th – Grade 5 BEACH DAY – all day!
Thursday, June 16th - Final Gr. 5/6 assembly, yearbook signing + portfolios go home, followed by a traditional Grade Level Party on the 8th floor
For the BEACH DAY, June 15th, we ask that you please participate by joining us at the beach if possible and or sending some party supplies/food/drink to school with your child. For planning this party we will be using a google spreadsheet which can be accessed through this link:
End of Year Beach Party Spreadsheet
On the day, the students will walk from school to Deep Water Bay Beach. At the beach we will meet families and friends and set up a BBQ/food/drink area. The students will be swimming and playing games on the beach for the main portion of the day. Please advise your me directly if you have any concerns about your child swimming. Deep Water Bay Beach is a lifeguarded beach. Also, some teachers will also swim with the students and are very strong/experienced swimmers. Permission forms for this activity have been sent home today.
For the final day of school, June 16th, please send a small snack/drink to school with your child to contribute to the Grade Level Party. This party will wrap up the day and you can expect your child to come home with a CDNIS yearbook and their progress report + portfolio. This is not an early dismissal day and buses will leave at 2:45 as usual.
Please don’t hesitate to email me with questions about the Google Spreadsheet or any other matters concerning the last week’s activities.
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The students have been busily preparing for daily quizzes on the various systems of the human body. We’ve been discussing different study methods and have been trying new ones each day. I think it’s great that students are exposed to new study methods and then they can choose the one that works the best for them. After the quizzes, students have been reflecting on the effectiveness of the study method and each quiz question. One of the summative assessments for this unit will be a Final Exam, testing the students on the knowledge they gained during this unit, their study habits and test-taking abilities. The final exam will be on Wednesday, June 8th at 8:00am. The students have time at school reserved for studying each day and they are also encouraged to spend about 20 minutes studying each night as well.
Within this final unit of inquiry, students will be looking at the text purpose of describing, in relation to explanations and information reports. This week students began inquiring into a change that happens in one of the body systems. This week they will be writing an informative report. Ask your child about the system that they have chosen and the time of change that they will be investigating.
I’m sure you’re all breathing a sigh of relief… the Puberty talks happened this week! Not doubt, you’ve had some “interesting” conversation at your house in the past few days. The talks went very well, and I’m glad to see the students being more comfortable with talking about puberty. We’re encouraging discussion and questions as the unit continues, and I’m sure you are too!
Upcoming dates of interest:
Wednesday, June 1 – Taking Your MacBook Home For The Summer Talk – 8am @ LLAC
Thursday, June 2 – LSSC Campaign Speeches and Elections – 8am @ LLAC
Friday, June 3 – Sounds of Summer – Performing Arts Concert – 3pm @ LLAC
Monday, June 6th – Dragon Boating Festival – No classes
Have a great weekend!
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As a student, from Lower School through to university, you will study! It is important to set routines and study habits now so that you will be a successful student. There are many ways to study and it’s essential that you choose the style that works for you and your learning style.
Below are some ways that you can help you to study effectively
1. Take responsibility for you!
Recognize that in order to succeed you need to make decisions about your priorities, your time and your resources.
2. Find the best time and place to study.
Morning, afternoon, or evening?
Find spaces where you can be the most focused and productive.
3. Look for better solutions to problems.
For example, if you don’t understand something after re-reading it, try something else. Ask your teacher, a classmate, or someone else who is knowledgeable.
4. Look to continually challenge yourself!
There’s no point in studying something you already know! Seek out related concepts and new information that interests you!
5. Keep a positive approach!
You can do it!
Consider the many different ways that you can study:
- Create graphic organizers to help you visualize the important information
- Checklists (this helps you to keep track of what to study)
- Summarize and rewrite your notes, making sure you have the most relevant information
- Create flash cards
- Create a video journal or iMovie
- Write a blog post
- Work with a partner to challenge each other
- Get used to the test-taking with practice quizzes
Can you think of other ways to study?
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It has been a crazy busy and very fun week at school!
5D hosted the Grade 5/6 assembly and did an incredible job! Congratulations for all the hard work and immeasurable effort. One of the highlights, along with a “Life in the 5D DISCO Parody” (DJ 6, DJ 17, DJ 24, DJ 4, DJ 12, DJ 2) a Stix Animation (DJ 18, DJ 13, DJ 14, DJ 15) and 2 stellar MCs (DJ 6 and DJ 1), was a music video for “DJs Got Us Fallin’ in Love” including the whole class. The video was filmed and edited by DJ 20 with help from DJ 10.
Re: Grade 5 Cheung Chau CAMP – May 11, 12, 13 – a few reminders:
1. Kids should bring a white article of clothing for tie dye. Cotton works best.
2. A swimming suit and towel need to be added to the packing list. These items are required.
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The 5D DJs are having fun poking muscles and whacking bones! Check it out @ Anatomy Arcade
Ask your child about the scientific names of the bones and muscles we’ve been learning. I think they’ll surprise you with their memory and recall skills after playing such an fun game!
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The Student Led Learning Reviews were a huge success! After a year of exploring concepts, hard work, challenging and deepening current understandings, refining skills and growing up, the DJs had an excellent opportunity today to demonstrate their learning journey in Grade 5. It’s been a complex journey, one that hasn’t always been easy and smooth. Today your the DJs were provided a forum to communicate this with you. In this regard, your the DJs used their voices and proved to us all that they deserve to be listened to as stakeholders in their learning. I hope you had an opportunity today to see the ownership they had in their learning and I hope you had an opportunity to interact, question and listen.
It is important for me to hear your feedback, to please remember to complete the photo reflection and place it in the portfolio. Please keep the portfolios until Monday, May 9th. Also, your child already knows about completing the final reflection on the learning goals that were set earlier in the year. A letter of explanation can be found at the front of the portfolio.
Next on the year’s agenda – CAMP! School permission forms as well as the Dragon Fly form, need to be submitted by Wednesday, May 4.
Below is some additional information for camp, attached for your reference.
Camp Permission Form Gr 5 CDNIS
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Welcome back form Spring Break! I hope that all families had a wonderful break and are feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, especially as we enjoy this beautiful spring weather. Coming up this week:
1. Dress Down Day – Denim Theme – Thursday, April 28th
2. Student Led-Learning Reviews (SLLR) – Friday, April 29th
Please watch the following video very carefully to learn more about your role in the Student Led Learning Review on Friday. This is one of the highlights of the assessment and reporting schedule during the school year. It provides your child with a voice in his/her learning and we need to respect and listen to that voice.
A few reminders:
- Students are to wear their school uniforms
- Please turn off your mobile devices during the SLLR. Each time slot has a maximum of 3 families in the room.
- Please remember to take your child’s portfolio with you when you leave
- Be positive! This is a celebration of your child’s learning journey this school year. Let’s focus on the successes.
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