May 15, 2018

So much fun was had yesterday at Bethshan Gardens! A big thank you to you all for sharing your "party pieces" without having prior notice- I think it really made the residents' day.

Our mini track meet is sure to be a lot of fun tmw :)

May 10, 2018

What an exciting point in the year we have reached! The track season is in full swing, talent show auditions have just wrapped up, and we had our first Friendship Week this week!

I'm looking forward to our visit to the residents of Bethshan gardens on Monday to perform a couple songs for them . please have consent forms in by tmw (Fri).

**Please show parents the below directions regarding the letter to Archbishop Miller that is being sent on May 15:

Guidelines for Parents Writing a Letter to Archbishop Michael

Requesting the Sacrament of Confirmation for their Child

As primary catechesis and spiritual shepherds of their children, parents play an irreplaceable role in sacramental preparation.  Parents (or guardians) are to write a brief letter to Archbishop Michael stating why they want their child to be confirmed.  

Content Suggestions for Parents:

• Why are you asking for this Sacrament for your child?
• How did you help prepare your child for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation?
• How do you know your child is ready for Confirmation?
• How will you continue to help your child remain close to Jesus Christ?

The letter is to be about one page and is intended to provide an opportunity for reflection on this important occasion in the spiritual life of your family.

Please give your letter to your child to hand into their school or PREP teacher.

April 10, 2018

Is it pathetic that all day yesterday I was sad to not be at work at CCS?? So nice to be back and feeling better today :)

STEAM was a lot of fun today! Although I am not sure everyone knew that the objective was for the egg shell NOT to crack rather than to crack hehe.

Our prayers and talks regarding the Humbolt Broncos bus crash was good today. For those interested in becoming Organ Donors after hearing about the player that saved 6 lives through his donation of organs that website again is http://www.transplant.bc.ca/our-services/organ-donor-registry/
We will also have a jersey day this Thursday in support of our victims.

Our retreat with NET ministries is fast approaching! Students should arrive at the parish centre at 8.45am this Saturday. You should wear your own clothes and bring a lunch and water bottle (snacks provided). We will then proceed to the Precious Blood 4.30pm mass where you will join your families and sponsors (if they can make it). During the mass Fr. Paul will call Confirmation candidates forward to sign a Contract of Investiture/partake in Rite of Enrollment. Parents and sponsors will be asked to stand also. This is the same day as the Gala auction (sorry!). We should be out at about 5.30pm so that you can get on your way to the auction night!

 

April 3, 2017

Soooooo... March just came and went in a flash! Is it any wonder I have not posted on my blog since the end of February?!

HAPPY EASTER TO YOU ALL!!!!

I wish to again commend you all for your work in our live Stations of the Cross on Holy Thursday. You performed reverently and lots of effort in directing and preparing happened. Despite the weather, you all continued to poor your hearts into this production, which was plain for all to see. Thank you all.

As we enter into the final three months of your grade 7 year, we have so much to look forward to! Girls soccer games are going on and the track season is almost upon us.
Our Confirmation retreat and Enrollment/Investiture Mass are coming up on April 14th.
Confirmation will be here before we know it- June 19th.
Grade 7 Farewell night is set for June 26.
Fun Day, Talent Show, Yearbooks, Year-End slideshow...the list goes on!! :)

It is going to fly by, so take it all in! One way you can help make all these experiences as magical as they ought to be, is by working on how you socialize with your classmates. How do you wish to be remembered? What kind of a legacy will you leave behind? Consider this in light of Mr. Borkowski's conversation today about gossiping and rumours....

I am so looking forward to our last three months together. Thank you for letting me take this journey together with you all :)

February 27, 2018

Well things are lots of fun at CCS these days!

I have been really enjoying your Tedtalks and Bible Readings. We aim to finish the last few this week in order to select and prepare those chosen to present at the Clova on March 9th.

We have been busy getting some work samples ready to show to our parents at Student-Led conferences this Thurs./Fri this week also :)

Tmw the SJB Little Cub Classic (the one that was cancelled earlier in year) will be on. All grade 7 students will get a chance to play basketball and check out St. John Brebeuf High School tmw. We ask you to arrive on time (usual time) tmw. We will sort students into cars and depart CCS at 9am. We should return by 3.30pm. SJB will kindly provide pizza lunch. Students can wear gym strip and/or school uniform. Please bring water bottle and a snack. 

The grade 7 girls basketball team will be off to Richmond to compete in the playoffs that they worked hard to qualify for this season, as will the grade 6 girls team also. We are very proud of both teams and wish them the best of luck!!

February 19, 2018

I hope you all found our trip to Bethshan Gardens enjoyable today! I know that the residents there were glad to have us. It was really beautiful to see you all engage with those living there.

Ted talks begin tomorrow! Many of you spent much of today practicing and adding final touched to your talks. We look forward to hearing and responding to your "ideas worth sharing".

Please remind your parents that there is a meeting for parents and sponsors (no students) this Weds. @ 6.30pm at the Parish Centre. If your sponsor cannot attend, we understand, but we invite them to please come along if they can.

February 15, 2018

January 31st, 2018

Can you believe it is Mrs. Sene's last day today?? We are all sooooo excited for her bundle of joy to arrive!! I know that she was delighted to receive the book filled with all your predictions about her baby!

Our Open House is coming up this Sunday. Thank you all for helping out with band/choir/Christian Server duties/ Lectio Divina presentations. It goes a long way!

I didn't quite get around to collecting the Service Hours forms today (luckily for some! ;)) I will gather those tmw.


You have been making steady progress with both your Lit Circle and Socials work- well done. I think most of you are on schedule to finishing on time, and won't need to do much at home as a result. If not, try to break what you have left into small tasks and complete some at home.
I am working hard to finish marking the last Socials activity you submitted- results should be going home this week.

It is on the board, but one last reminder that Holy Cross application forms are now past due.

Lastly, many people complimented our class on the artwork on our bulletin board in the hallway (see pictures below). You should be proud of your Ted Harrison inspired artwork grade 7's.

January 29, 2018

I saw some nervous faces as we began to talk about Tedx this year. Don't be nervous!!! Tedx is a lot of fun and a chance for us to share our interesting ideas with our class, as well as share a Bible Reading that means something to us.

Let's all help one another through feedback in class as well as on Google Classroom to come up with ideas to share that fit the criteria (See handout today to check this). Please be assured that you are not expected to spend time at home on Google Classroom (although this is allowed if your parents permit). You will get class time to post and comment so that we can get the best out of one another. Class time will also be given to work on developing your ideas in all the writing stages (idea approval- planning- rough copy- good  copy- presenting). I really look forward to hearing all about your ideas!

Our Open House is also fast approaching (this Sunday). Every year people share how much they enjoy the band performance, and I know this year will be extra special what with everyone in band! We are very grateful to the band for coming to perform this Sunday (notices will be sent home). Mr. Pistrin and I will be hosting a short "Lectio Divina" demonstration at 1.15pm that day also. Please sign up tmw if you are available (need just a few students). Many of you will also be helping in roles as Christian Servers I am sure. We would not be able to do it all without you all, so thank you very much!

Homework:
- Xtra Math x 3 per week
- Lit Circles: final week
- Rel: pink page (W)
-Socials project (Due Feb.14)
-TedX proposed idea (Fri)

Reminders:
-Service Hours- due Weds.
-Weds.- Mrs. Sene's last day!!!
-Weds.- Parent night at Parish: Deborah McNamara
-Friday: foodbank mass
-Sunday, Feb. 4: CCS Open House

January 22, 2018

I hope you all enjoyed the extra long weekend just passed! We are quite busy in grade 7 currently, and you have been keeping the pace well. Good work everyone!

The Ted Harrison artwork we have underway is really starting to come together. The finished products will be a sight for sore eyes I am sure.

We are leading Mass this Friday. Thanks to the many students that offered to help with this. Those of you with reading parts, please practice. We will rehearse in the church this Wednesday at 10.30am.

Pizza party tomorrow for those of you that have been helping with the B.F.F. club. Thank you for all your hard work so far.

Best of luck to both the boys and girls basketball teams in their games after school today. Remember to play hard, smart and together! 

January 17, 2018

Dear class, I hope you enjoyed having fun with your buddies today! I could see in their faces how delighted they were to get to know you better :)

I know that many of you are disappointed with your recent math quiz results. Have you come to Math Help this week or last week to make sure you fully understand the measurement concepts? You had many opportunities to get help at Math Help, did you take up those offers? Doing so shows you care and are taking responsibility, not just because you are disappointed with your grade, but because you realize a deep understanding is important. Showing up for Math Help illustrates that you are taking the gift of education seriously. Your teacher chasing you to come get extra help is counterproductive...

Many wish for a retest, those that show me that they are coming forward for the help offered will be allowed this opportunity. Our final Math Help on this unit is 10.30am tmw. Remember, Math Help is available regularly on Thurs. at 12pm, and I often put on regular slots as requested/needed. I am happy to do so, so long as you take the steps to seek this help. It is up to you, grade sevens.... 

January 16, 2018

January 15, 2018

When I found out while at my CISVA teacher retreat on Friday that the SJB basketball tournament was cancelled I was so sad for you all! That was, of course, until I saw all the photos of you making fun towers out of cups!! (see below)


Your first Lit. Circle meeting went well today- I was delighted to see how easy it was for many of you to keep discussions going :)


This week will be much of the same fun stuff as last week. Please be reminded that Friday is a Pro-D so no school.

January 8, 2018

Happy New Year to you all! I know it was hard to get out of bed this morning, but I enjoyed catching up with you all :)

The trip to SJB high school in Abbotsford this Friday is sure to be fun! I am still awaiting a few forms- please submit ASAP so that I can arrange students into cars with parent drivers.
We will leave CCS at 9am and return approximately 3.30pm. Please dress in gym strip (unless you cannot play- all encourage to). Pizza lunch is kindly provided by SJB. Water bottles and snacks a good idea of course.

December 22, 2017

It is hard to believe that our last school day of 2017 has been and gone!

What a wonderful first half the year it has been. I am so thankful to get to work at C.C.S., a place where I feel at home and enjoy coming to work. Many are not as fortunate.

Thank you all so much for the generous gifts. I really appreciate them! Enjoy this special time "celebrating the greatest" as Father said at mass today.

See you all in the New Year!!

December 15, 2017

December 11, 2017

We look forward to starting Christmas concert rehearsals tmw!
I believe we sorted costumes for most of you already. If you are bringing a costume from home, please bring in tmw.

New consent forms (again...I know!) sent home for a field trip to SJB after Christmas for their gr.7 basketball tournament. We would appreciate getting those back before Christmas break.

Finally, we asked back in the spring that sponsor forms be submitted to either teacher or Precious Blood parish office before Christmas break. If you are still discerning who to ask to be your sponsor, take the time and prayer needed to do this. Otherwise, we ask that you start to get those forms in if you have not already done so.

It is going to be a great week! :)

December 8, 2017

Today I really feel so fortunate to have such a wonderful job. I was sooooo happy to be back with my class today after two days at home sick. I'm not sure many people are lucky enough to be glad to go back to work. I really appreciated how great my vocation as a teacher is today.

The fact that we spent two hours doing a wonderful Advent craft thanks to the Taylor's probably had a lot to do with it also!