Final Post

Dear Grade 8's,

It has been a pleasure working with you all this past seven months. You have made my time at St. Gregory's most enjoyable. From volleyball, to AV, to drama and of course just being in the classroom with each of you, I have truly loved it all!

I must thank everyone for the amazing surprise party. It was clear that great time, planning and organizing went into it and I was very, very touched! Not every group of students would take the time, so thank you very much. But mostly I want to thank you all for making this grade 8 teaching experience an amazing one. You have all left a footprint on my heart.

In September I came in with goals for you all. I wanted to give you a variety of means to express yourself and teach you how to formulate a strong argument. I knew that I wanted to do this with debates and technology. However, you took these goals and blew me away. Think back to where your writing skills were in September and where they are now. Think about how you communicated your thoughts and ideas. You can now use power point as a tool to help you effectively present your ideas in a professional manner (i.e. Pay it Forward Presentations). You can clearly form and support an argument (blog, debate).Your ability to take what I had to offer and really run with it, exceeded my expectations.

As you move into this final chapter of your grade 8 year, go with confidence. Each of you are smart and capable students and bound for success. Continue to work hard and things will come your way. Think back to those All About Me power point presentations from way back in September, what were your goals? Have you met them? What are your goals from now until graduation? New or old, be sure to keep working toward something.

In the words of Mother Oak, “Within you is a great oak. Just be the tree (person) God made you to be!” Even if the person that you become, is not a historian I will still be very proud of all of you. Best of luck in all your future endeavours!

Sincerely,

Ms. Swanek

Monday's Homework

History: Study for test tomorrow-notebooks will be collected tomorrow!
Art: work on mondrian art
Language: Read P. 27 and answer the reflecting question
-Work on Pay it forward presentation
French: adjectif possesifs

Weekend Homework

Happy Weekend Everyone!

This will be the final weekend that I will be bothering you for homework, so listen up!

Religion: A reminder that I will be collecting your religion poems that you wrote last week.
History: Selling the West Ad Due Monday
Submit any incomplete blog responses by Monday!
Study for Unit Test on Tuesday
Language: Submit any incomplete blog responses by Monday
Pay it Forward Presentation-start planning-bring any necessary materials for Monday's work period.

Enjoy your weekend. I look forward to our final week together!

Ms. Swanek

Thursday's Homework

Hello folks,

We have had numerous interruptions this week, however there are still things that we must finish up before the March break. Here is what needs to get done before hand:

History: Selling the West Ad-due Monday March 7th (final work period tomorrow!)
-Unit Test-Tuesday March 8th

Language: Weekly responses-Did You Know Response-Due Friday
-Oral Presentation-Pay if Forward Presentation for Gr. 5-6's

I look forward to this final week of work together!

Ms. Swanek

History Info

Hello all,

I hope that you are all enjoying your weekend. For those of you that you were away this Friday I have updated the website to include the history lecture that you missed. We watched a few clips from the movie Newsies, if you have time this weekend check it out on youtube, (see the links from the lecture notes)it is a wonderful movie!

I have also uploaded the letter home regarding the archeology workshop that we are having this Monday February 28th, 2011. Please bring in your $3.50 to meet the costs of the workshop.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Ms. Swanek

Weekend Homework

Religion: What if God was one of us response?
History: Weekly Response and start brainstorming for your ad for settling the west. Read pages 254-63
Math: Pg. 258 #1-10
Science: Study for chapter 11 quiz and answer # 1-4 from 11.7 on the Wastewater treatment.
Language: weekly response due Friday. Family Day response due Monday.

Thursday's Homework

Art: Virtue art due Friday!
History: What changes did industrialization have on Canada? Due tomorrow. Blog response due Monday.
French: Volcanic Explosion Due Tomorrow
Science: Pg. 298-300 #3,5
Language: Blog responses Due next Friday. Family Day response due Monday.

Anyone that has yet to submit money for Michael Power Trip, Ottawa trip or our archeology workshop ($3.50) please bring it in asap!

Wednesday's Homework

Math- p.279 #1-8 Study for math test.
Language- Any outstanding blog responses.
Did You Know 4.0 Blog Question Due Friday, March 4
Family Day response due Friday
Virtue Art Due Friday
History Response Due Monday
Ottawa Form & Money by Friday
MPSJ Trip $ and Form

Tuesday's Homework

Religion: Thank you to our Love liturgy group members for leading our celebration this morning!
Art: Virtue Art assignment due Friday
History: Weekly response question
Math: Review Pg. 279#1-8 Due Thursday-Review for Ch. 8 Test on Thursday!
Language: Weekly response question due next Wednesday March 2nd, 2011.
Science: Questions for 11.2 and 11.3 will be taken up tomorrow afternoon, ensure all are complete.

Ms. Swanek

History Question for the week of February 22nd

This week in history we are discussing our final topic in the unit of the development of the west. For this week's response select one of the following questions and respond to it.

What would you argue were the main factors that contributed to the settlement of the west?
OR
Why do you think there are controverisal issues related to immigration?
OR
Why did immigrants come to Canada West?

Language Reading and Discussion for February 22nd

Review the clip that was shown in class last week entitled Did You Know. Respond to ONE of the following questions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQFTUJK9TkI

1. What do you think the main message of this clip is? What evidence from the clip makes you think this?

2. Do you agree with the message in the clip? Why or why not?

3. Do you think that this is an important message for society today? Why or why not?

Wednesday's Homework

Religion: diamonte poem due Thursday
History: the last spike inferring images and follow up questions due Thursday

Tuesday's Homework

History: discussion on the blog and last spike inferences (due by weeks end)
Health: web due Thursday
French: questions
Math: Wbk. 80-81 #1-3,5
Science: Questions #1,2,4
Language: inferencing question about the two poems Due Wednesday-weekly response

Monday's Homework

Religion: Virtue literugy
History:Two questions from Friday and blog response
Art:Due Friday February 25th
Health: Risk web
Math: complete questions up to 8.4
Language: Blog response
Science: 11.1 #1-4 and 10.7 Assignment

Cool Sites!

Check out these two great sites.

www.symbaloo.com

Www.qwiki.com

Ms.Swanek

Language Reading and Discussion for February 9th

Round 2:
So for your reading this week you will select one of the two articles that were distributed in class on Wednesday. Read one of the articles and respond to the corresponding question. (The articles are also linked on the website for your reference).

Mummies:
It became almost costume for tourists of Egypt to bring back mummies as souvenirs. Do you think that this is appropriate? Why or why not?

Old Generating Plan:
This article details the Hearn Generating Plant and offers some ideas for its future. What ideas do you have for the future of this space? Explain.

Science

please note that I have posted the two questions ans specific expectations regarding the science mini assignment on the class website. You can find it under lecture notes, and science. The document is titled "Safe Drinking Water in a First Nation Community."

Good luck,

Ms. Swanek

Monday's Homework

Fully Alive: Four reflection questions-due Mon.Feb. 14th, 2011.
History: Weekly history question-due tomorrow
Math: Pg. 254#3,4,6 Wbk. Pg. 77
Language: weekly response questions-due Tuesday
Science: Research for 10.7 assignment

History Question for the Week of February 7th, 2011.

Was the construction of an intercontinental railway vital to the development of western Canada? Why or why not?

This week you are asked to create your own response to the above question and then you are expected to read and comment (agree or disagree) on one of your peer's responses.

Good Afternoon All

Before you all gear up for the big game there is one announcement.

The history quiz will take place tomorrow morning. The quiz will be on everything that we have covered since the formation of Manitoba. You will want to know about the North West Resistance, The North West Mounted Police, and the formation of the other provinces (see website for notes if you were away).

Happy studying,

Ms. Swanek

Weekend Homework

Religion: Work on draft for your song/video for love
History: weekly history question-due Monday
Review-possible pop quiz in your near future!
Math: Do you remember Ch. 8
Science:Research 10.7 for Tuesday

Thursday's Homework

Religion: Summarize the readings about love from the bible.
Art: bring in any necessary art supplies to continue work on virtue art tomorrow
History: response
Math: 251 #1-5,7-9
Science: studying for quiz (diagrams)
Language: due monday

SNOW DAY!

Well folks, I hope that you are all enjoying your day in the snow!

A few reminders:

Am Students:
To those that have not yet submitted or posted last weeks history response question, this is the last call.
Also, could those that took a canvas from me on Friday please bring in your $2.

Pm Students:
Just a reminder that our math test will be taking place tomorrow afternoon and our science quiz for chapter 10 will be moved to this Friday.
Also, today might be a good day to tackle or at least start your response to this weeks language reading and response. (see the related blog post).

Looking forward to everyone's safe return tomorrow,

Ms. Swanek

Tuesday's Homework

Religion: Unit Key Terms
History: Weekly History Question
Language: Weekly language response due Friday
math: Study for test tomorrow
Science: Study for chapter 10 quiz on Thursday

Monday's Homework

History: Materials for working on this weeks history response question
Health: Title Page and web
Math: Wbk. 67 start studying for Wednesday's test.
Science: Preparation for water filtration presentation
Language: read article

Math Test

Please note that this week's math test will be moved to Wednesday in order to accommodate our science presentations.

math test: Wed. Feb. 2nd, 2011.

Language Reading and Discussion Question(s)

Read the article for this week. Respond to the following quote. Which side do you agree with and why?

1. Do you agree or disagree with the following quote? Why or why not?
"Some argue they can accomplish a great deal: This generation has a gift for multitasking, and because they've integrated technology into their lives, their ability to remain connected to each other will serve them and their employers well. Other contend that these hyper-socialized are serial time-wasters, that the bonds between them are shallow, and that their face-to-face interpersonal skills are poor."

Due: Monday February 7th, 2011.

History Question for the Week of January 31st

Should the Indian Act be abolished? Or should it be revised?

Friday's Homework!

Art: bring in an old T-shirt for Friday
Religion: Bumper Sticker due Monday
History: Research the Indian Act- Do you think that it should be abolished or revised? Weekly Response Question
Math: P. 206 #4,5,7,9,18,19 Wbk. Pg. 65#1-3
Science: Bring in any supplies for the filter project on Tuesday
Language: stay tuned to the blog for upcoming articles to respond to

Do not forget to get started on the MS Read a Thon!

Thursday's Homework

Art: Zoom Art-Due Friday
Language: read pg. 70 Breaking Free and answer the evaluating question.
Science: Start studying for next weeks Ch. 10 quiz
Math: review

A reminder to those that have not yet submitted forms or money, please do so tomorrow.

Ms. Swanek

Wednesday's Homework

History: Research about the history of North West Mounted Police
-Working on the weekly history question
Art: Zoom Art due Friday
Math: Pg/ 201#4,5,7-9,12 Wbk. Pg. 64#1-5
Science: Graphic organizer, 10.5 #1,4 and get materials for the water lab on Friday

Tuesday's Homework

History: NWMP Grahpic Organizer Due Wednesday
Art: Art supplies for virtue piece-Friday
Math: Pg. 196#1-3,6-13
Science: Pg. 177 #1 and 4.

History Question for the week of January 24th...

Over the next week or so we will be exploring the history of the North West Mounted Police. Please refer to the readings that are to be completed for this topic. Use the information from the reading along with your own ideas and consider the following question.

Question:
What challenges do you predict the NWPM may face in bringing about law and order?

Due Monday January 31th, 2011.

Historical Minute-Riel

Follow this link to re-veiw the historical minute shown today in class. We will be discussing this in small groups so come prepared with your thoughts and opinions in hand.

http://www.histori.ca/minutes/minute.do?id=10646
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Debate Results

I would like to start by congratulating all students for coming up with solid arguments. I would also like to thank our three speakers from both the affirmative and negative sides, you all did a great job representing your teams.
After reviewing all the arguments and counter-arguments,I have decided that the affirmative side (Hero)was slightly stronger. Your overall arguments were solid and you defended them well. The negative side was a very close second, as you will see in the marks.
Thank you all for your efforts this morning.

Ms. Swanek

Posting

For those that have submitted their forms you may go ahead and post your answer to this and last weeks question on the blog. In order to post you must have a gmail account. To create an account you must go to google, select gmail on the top left hand corner of the page, select create account aand from there simply follow the instructions provided. Once you have an account you will be able to post on the blog with only your first name appearing.
Try it out and if you have any issues we can discuss it tomorrow.

Good luck!

Ms. Swanek

Tuesday's Homework

History: weekly question to be posted on blog if you have submitted your form.
-Prepare for debate
Drama: find and memorize group poem/song-Practice on Monday
Math: Workbook Pg. 58
Science: Read Pg. 268-69 # 1-3 due Thursday
Language: Read Pg. 63-67.Answer # 1 Due Wednesday.

Monday's Homework

Fully Alive: Read Pg. 53-58 and answer question.
History: Political Cartoon and graphic organizer Due Tuesday
-Prepare for Wednesday debate on Louis Riel
-Weekly question due Monday
math: Pg. 181 #1-3,6
Pg. 182 A-H
Science: intro to water systems
Language: Radio commercials Due: Tuesday

History Question for week of January 17th

The death of Louis Riel is surrounded in controversy. One school of thought argues that his trial was unfair, while the other believes he got what he deserved. The newspapers of the time, even our neighbours to the south (USA) could not help but state their opinions. The following are some quotes from newspapers commenting of the execution of Riel.

"A colossal Government blunder" said the Chicago Current.

"The world will not suffer by the loss of the fanatical leader of Halfbreeds," said the Boston Record.

"The ghost of Louis Riel will haunt Canadian statesmen for many a day," Phiadelphia Inquirer.

Read and then respond to one or more of the above quotes. Do you believe that the execution of Louis Riel was just? Why or why not.

Weekend Homework

Fully Alive: Friends song, find and highlight aspects of friendship that are discussed.
Art: Zoom Art Sketch due Monday
History Question: Due Monday
Science: Legends reading and follow up Linking Literacy Questions #1-3
Due Tuesday
Language: Radio broadcast Due Tuesday
If you have not completed the graphic organizer for the political ad finish it for Monday.

Thursday's Homework....

Religion: Summary of the bible readings
History: Read and summarize pgs. 233,235-37. Due Friday
Art: design layout for virtue project due Friday
-Reminder: bring in label for art assignment
Anyone that has not yet paid for the dance workshop please bring in $ asap!
French: Study for test
Math: Study
Language; Graphic Organizer
-Review of Camp X

Tuesday's Homework

History: Weekly response question Due: Monday
Art: Design Layout for Virtue Due: Friday
Religion: Fully Alive friendship song
Math: Txt. P.242#5,7 Wkb. P. 74
Science: 3-D Cell Model-Due Friday

Staff vs. Student Volleyball Match

The staff vs. student will take place this Wednesday January 12th at lunch. Those boys and girls on the volleyball team come ready to play!

Ms. Swanek

Forms!

A reminder to all that have not yet returned the internet user contract, please do so as soon as possible.

Ms. Swanek

Next Week's History Question

For those of you that would like to get ahead start on next week's history question listen up. We can not yet post your responses to the questions on the blog, but you may create your answer in a word document, write it in your notebook or simply start thinking about your answer.

Question:
Are uprising like the North-West Resistance ever justified? Explain your answer.

Weekend Homework

Here is what you should be working on over the course of the weekend:
Religion: response to the quote about friendship due Monday
Art: Working on your design for your virtue art assignment
History: Question regarding the impact of the execution of Thomas Scott
Health: DPA lesson plan due Monday
Language: Working on your radio commercial script
Math: Pg. 232 #6,8,c,d Wbk.Pg. 72 #3,4
Science: Working on cell project-Bring in all materials for Tuesday's work period

Have a good weekend!

Ms. Swanek

Thursday's Homework

Still working on making the calendar accessible to everyone, so here is the homework.

Religion: Inspirational Person Response
Art: Night Sky Art Due Friday
Health: DPA assignment-lesson plan due Monday
History: Thomas Scott Question
Language: Descriptive Piece Due Friday
Math: Pg. 232 #4,5,8a,b WBK. Pg. 72 #1-2

Homework

Religion: Role Model Response
Art: Night Sky Colouring
history; those that missed the video please watch. Edit and revise the Fort Garry response.
Language: Descriptive Writing Piece
Math: P. 236-37 #2-4,6,9,10
Science: Water Use Question

Just in case...

In case you are still unable to access the homework calendar here is what you have from today in terms of homework.

Religion: Interview or reflection of a role model.
Art: colour the city scape of your Behtlehem night sky piece- Due Friday
Health: DPA assignment-have all materials for Thursday's work period
Math: Txt. Pg. 227 #4-7,11 Wbk. Pg. 71 #1-4
Language: Edit and revise your descriptive piece.-Due Friday
-Read page 38-43. Be ready to discuss
Science: Reflection questions(see webpage/lecture notes)-Due Thursday

See you all tomorrow!

Ms. Swanek

Lecture Notes on the Webpage

Hello folks,

I am happy to hear that so many of you checked out the new class webpage last night. Thank you for informing that the homework calendar was not accessible. I think that I have fixed the problem, please let me know if you can get onto it tomorrow. You will also noticed that I have made a few more additions to the webpage, including links to lecture notes from the power point presentations that I present some of my lessons on. They are all posted for you. Enjoy!

Ms. Swanek

New Website!

Well folks there is a new website in town! I have just launched our class webpage. When you get a chance check it out there is alot of useful information there for you.

www.wix.com/tswanek/tegans-webpage


See you all bright and early tomorrow morning!

Ms. Swanek

Coming Soon....

Hello all and Happy New Year!

I hope that you have all had a wonderful and restful Christmas break. I am looking forward to seeing you all back at school tomorrow. To start off the new year I decided to challenge myself and try and create a website. The website will not replace the blog, it will work with it to bring you information about the things going on in the class as well as assignments. So stay tooned to the class blog for the launching of a new class website!

See you all tomorrow!

Ms. Swanek