Day 15
What a special week this will be as we will hold our annual Terry Fox Run in the park across from the school. The event will take place this Friday morning. Thanks to parents who have already offered to volunteer. We look forward to seeing many of you out that day!
All families are asked to send in their Terry Fox run forms when they can. Thank you once again!
Today we held our Franco-Ontario Flag Day.
The children were encouraged to wear green and white for the day. More pics and stories follow shortly.
Remember our science experiment on buoyancy?
I was able to go through the predictions the children had made.
While there are no right and wrong contributions, it was interesting to see that many of the boys and girls made some pretty accurate predictions.
The boys and girls then coloured their sheet following the experiment.
I was so proud of their focused attention during the experiment.
We have published our third "class book". The latest publication is all about our family.
Many of you enjoyed the opportunity to read what your child wrote when you came to program night.
"My family stands up for me," indicated one student.
"We do lots of fun things together like when we went to the beach at Daytona!" said another.
"We love watching movies together," mentioned one little person.
"My family protects me," wrote the other child.
"I love when we go to the fair together," smiled one pupil.
"My family also likes watching movies," another child told us.
"My family makes sure I have a good day," said this little one.
"My family tucks me in every night," dreamed another.
"I love it when we go to water parks with my family and friends!" splashed one of our charges.
"Movie nights are popular in my family too!" called out this child.
"I'm happy when we watch hockey," mentioned a youngster.
"Going on vacation with my family is so much fun," smiled another.
"I like when we go places like La Ronde!" indicated one classmate.
"I love when we go to Mexico!" another peer told us.
"My family always lets me play video games," one proudly stated.
"We are allowed to have pets in my family," another friend said.
"It's fun going to soccer games with my family!" one sporty peer mentioned.
"I like when my family plays games and goes on trips," allowed another.
"I love my family because they help me with my homework," wrote one friend.
A couple of more colourful images of our Seasons "Tally Chart".
So...today we celebrated Franco-Ontario Flag Day at St. Bernard Catholic School.
Green and white were the colours on the day.
Mme Gariepy looks lovely in her green and white "Super" garb!
Mme Gariepy originated the idea in a previous year.
The children coloured in their flags and drinking straws made a great flagpole!
Proud flag wavers.
Lots of green.
Lots of white.
Indeed, colourful students abound in our class!
Too much fun! The three prizes will be given out tomorrow to the three students who wore the most green and white on the day.
Give a wave from this side of the class.
And...from that side of the class!
In the line-up.
As we head over to the big school.
In the corridor.
Awaiting the parade.
Some of my former students now in grade three posing in front of the big banner.
Every student in the school.
Signed the banner.
More of my last year's pupils wanted in on the picture act!
Helping hands.
This young lad is dressed for the occasion.
Mr. Hamer and Mme Pepe...a great team!
The parade begins from one end of the school.
All the way down the corridors.
A young participant.
Creatively dressed for the occasion.
Then it was our class's turn to parade down the halls.
Another caped crusader outdoors.
By noon time the temperature had risen above 30 degrees with a humidex over 40!
We escaped our portapack classroom.
We sought refuge in the learning commons.
Inside the air-conditioned school.
Relaxing while working.
Yet remaining on task.
With a humidex to reach equally high numbers tomorrow, we will visit the splash pad across the street from the school.
So...today we celebrated Franco-Ontario Flag Day at St. Bernard Catholic School.
Green and white were the colours on the day.
Mme Gariepy looks lovely in her green and white "Super" garb!
Mme Gariepy originated the idea in a previous year.
The children coloured in their flags and drinking straws made a great flagpole!
Proud flag wavers.
Lots of green.
Lots of white.
Indeed, colourful students abound in our class!
Too much fun! The three prizes will be given out tomorrow to the three students who wore the most green and white on the day.
Give a wave from this side of the class.
And...from that side of the class!
In the line-up.
As we head over to the big school.
In the corridor.
Awaiting the parade.
Some of my former students now in grade three posing in front of the big banner.
Every student in the school.
Signed the banner.
More of my last year's pupils wanted in on the picture act!
Helping hands.
This young lad is dressed for the occasion.
Mr. Hamer and Mme Pepe...a great team!
The parade begins from one end of the school.
All the way down the corridors.
A young participant.
Creatively dressed for the occasion.
Then it was our class's turn to parade down the halls.
Another caped crusader outdoors.
By noon time the temperature had risen above 30 degrees with a humidex over 40!
We escaped our portapack classroom.
We sought refuge in the learning commons.
Inside the air-conditioned school.
Relaxing while working.
Yet remaining on task.
With a humidex to reach equally high numbers tomorrow, we will visit the splash pad across the street from the school.
So...boys and girls...don't forget to bring your bathing suits and your towels for a refreshing phys. ed. class playing in the water!
In other news, Mr. Hamer was "horsing around" this weekend.
His band played at a local farm that offers riding lessons.
The world's leading authority on equestrian archery flew to Ottawa from his home in Hungary to offer clinics over a two-week period.
Yes, my guitars almost melted in the 40 degree humidex, but we had fun even when we were setting up!
Our Weekly Spelling List - Week Four (Quiz will be next Monday)
Grade One (short e) Grade Two (short i)
1. wet 1. sit
2. leg 2. fix
3. jet 3. tin
4. fed 4. hit
5. pet 5. win
6. best 6. hill
7. nest 7. still
Day 17
Day 17 of school still finds the weather hot and humid.
It would seem that the humidity is really getting to our resident raccoon, Rocky.
He has been caught red-handed...or should I say..."pink-footed"!
Yes, we do enjoy learning in grade one and two!
With many eager participants.
This young friend is in charge of calendar on this day.
She assembles the required items.
Then quickly begins asking pertinent questions regarding today's date and dates for yesterday and tomorrow.
With many eager participants, this wonder gal is an appreciative teacher!
Yes, it must be Day 17 of school as she is placing a seventh marble along the row above another row which already has ten marbles in it. 10+7=17...bravo!
Here's another happy teacher. I pose a challenging question for the group to really make them think. It goes something like this..."I am in the fourth week of school. I'm not a weekend date. A am an even number. My both digits are identical. What date am I?" The children revel in coming up with the accurate response!
Time to flip the chart to determine which names were pulled from the jar. So many students wore green and white on Francophone Flag Day that we had to decide the three prize winners utilizing this method. Indeed, all who dressed up were truly deserving!
One happy camper!
More smiles.
More joy. I was so impressed with all of our classmates who were happy for the three who happened to be selected knowing full well that it could have easily been their names picked from the jar.
As I have been marking the students' work I have noticed that many of our young charges reverse letters of the alphabet and numbers...a very common activity for this age group.
So...I place a series of numbers on the blackboard and invited the young friends to come forth.
They were instructed to circle the number that they felt was formed properly.
Jolly good show.
This young lass pointed out the correct version.
Then went about circling it.
Another correct answer!
Let's try the number six shall we?
Yup...looks good.
Yet another proud pupil.
"I like the look of this number!" she says.
It's a long reach...
...but she can do it!
Bravo!
Today was our class day on the schedule for our weekly visit to the Learning Commons.
We had company as other classes from the portapack joined us in the air-conditioned area.
I was proud of the children as they went about their work while other teachers were teaching lessons.
Here is a copy of the letter sent home yesterday regarding the lunch options available to families should they wish their child to partake. (Remember that you can click on the image to enlarge it.)
This is the copy of the letter regarding the Student Activity Fee sent out by our administration. Your financial support is greatly appreciated in this regard, so please do make it a point to contribute.
I had taken many more pics throughout the day, but must head out for the evening. As always, this blog demonstrates the "tip of the iceberg" with regard to the many and varied activities which go on in our school day. I hope you enjoy reading the blog as much as I enjoy writing it!
Your children are so wonderful! Mr. Hamer OCT
Day 18
Just a reminder that tomorrow is our annual Terry Fox run. Children are encouraged to bring in their pledge forms or their "Toonie for Terry" as a contribution to the effort. Thanks to those who have already sent in their pledge forms.
Today we learned a trick when adding two single-digit numbers.
The children were advised to begin with the larger number first.
For example: In the addition equation 3+8 = the children were encouraged to begin with the 8 and then add 3. This is a whole lot easier than beginning with the 3 and adding 8.
We practised on a makeshift number line on the blackboard.
The children saw the inverse relationship of addition.
Mrs. Hamer had purchased some great name tags for Mr. Hamer. They carry with them a load of informative material for the children to reference.
This young lady is using her number line wisely.
As is this lad.
"Me too!"
"I'm thinking...I'm thinking!" and he got it in his head! Yabba dabba doo!
Other techniques work just as well.
Say, did you know that we have now published four class books?
No time to display them...the lads want to read them!
Speaking of reading books, Mr. Hamer had fun reading "The Berenstain Bears Go to School".
Then we watched a variation of the story on the SMARTboard.
A pretty schoolhouse. Say, I bet you didn't know that I began my teaching career in a two-room schoolhouse up near the Quebec/Labrador border. Yes, a teacher from New York City taught grades 1,2 and 3 in her class and I taught grades 4, 5, 6 and Secondary I (first year high school) in my class!
The children listening to the story at carpet.
"Calendar Man!"
We dedicate today to a great Canadian, Terry Fox.
The children began preparation for their run in the classroom just after the morning bell.
They put on their "I am running for Terry" stickers.
Then proudly displayed them.
I still remember the day Terry walked into my city when I was a teenager.
We talked in class about what a great difference he has made.
While the boys and girls learned that Terry did not complete his run.
We carry his run on for him each year.
As more and more children learn of his story.
I told the children about a young teenager from Ottawa.
She developed the same type of cancer Terry had.
Because of the latest research thanks to dollars raised from the run...
This girl was treated in a totally different manner than Terry had been.
She did not have to lose her leg as Terry did.
The children realized that be running, they were helping Terry's spirit live on.
Indeed they are proud to wear a sticker with Terry on it.
They were eager to get started.
Even at their young age.
The girls and boys seemed to understand the importance of this day.
One girl chose to wear her sticker on her leg out of respect for Terry.
It's over to the park.
For a group picture.
Then it was off to the races.
Students could walk or run or do a bit of both.
Lots of energy expended.
"Sister Act!"
Time for a drink.
Lap 14!
After a short break it's back at it!
"Look over here at Mr. Hamer!"
"I've got energy to burn!"
"Me too!"
An aerial view from the hill.
Lots of people involved.
"This is fun!"
A good version of peer pressure! Who can walk the most?!
Smiles all around.
On a sunshiny day!
Mme Pepe got in on the act too!
Back in class we created another class book.
Lots of intense focus.
"We love Terry!"
"He must have been a great person."
Snack time to give me the energy to complete my page and I'll be careful not to spill on my work.
Teamwork.
Concentration.
Back to work.
Intense focus.
"Hi Mr. Hamer!"
It's fun working with a friend.
Working and relaxing at the same time.
Three other classmates!
Some pics of our finished work.
One girl was away so others helped complete her sheet in order to make the picture! That's what I call sacrifice and caring!
Great looking job everyone.
Day 16
Our "My Creation" board showcases our homework from the previous week.
With lots of great visual interpretations of the days of creation.
Lots of detail.
Loads of colour.
Great technique.
Lovely contrasts.
Cool collection of images.
Well balanced.
Super imagination.
Love the lightning bolt.
Shared sun and moon.
Beautiful effort.
A lovely creation.
Colour coordination.
Bright ideas.
Wonderful contributions.
God would needed to have rested on the seventh day.
As He did a wonderful job creating all that we know.
Thank you to parents for your assistance and guidance with the homework.
We all are aware of the heat warnings.
We once again turned a "lemon" of a day into "lemonade"!
Watch out!
Don't turn that device my way!
A spray of smiles.
A hot day for sure.
Hi mom and dad!
Yup, I'm the one in charge!
Swinging friends.
With a handsome lad to help out.
Look what I can do!
Somewhere...under the rainbow!!!
Grins galore!
Is that bucket ever going to dump its load on us?
Surprise, surprise.
Under the arches.
A cool friend...literally!
Make that a double!
Water, water...everywhere.
This is fun!
Yikes!
I'm in control!
A colourful scene.
And...to imagine...we had the entire park to ourselves!
I'm one of God's great creations...can you spot me!
I'll get ya!
My turn to push!
Weeeee!!!!!
The big splash!
Got them!
Dancers and prancers.
Polka dot girl.
This is fun, Mr. Hamer!
Playfulness.
Party time.
Here she comes!
Rainbow bright!
Watch out, Mr. Hamer.
Yes, I had better watch out, for sure!
Yahoo!
A soaked lad.
A dry girl with a nice find.
Look this way, Mr. Hamer.
I love my cap!
Another great Canadian symbol helps us say goodbye for this posting tonight.
Heading to the park was so much fun and it helped us stay cool for the rest of the day.
Have a great evening everyone!
Day 17
Day 17 of school still finds the weather hot and humid.
It would seem that the humidity is really getting to our resident raccoon, Rocky.
He has been caught red-handed...or should I say..."pink-footed"!
Yes, we do enjoy learning in grade one and two!
With many eager participants.
This young friend is in charge of calendar on this day.
She assembles the required items.
Then quickly begins asking pertinent questions regarding today's date and dates for yesterday and tomorrow.
With many eager participants, this wonder gal is an appreciative teacher!
Yes, it must be Day 17 of school as she is placing a seventh marble along the row above another row which already has ten marbles in it. 10+7=17...bravo!
Here's another happy teacher. I pose a challenging question for the group to really make them think. It goes something like this..."I am in the fourth week of school. I'm not a weekend date. A am an even number. My both digits are identical. What date am I?" The children revel in coming up with the accurate response!
Time to flip the chart to determine which names were pulled from the jar. So many students wore green and white on Francophone Flag Day that we had to decide the three prize winners utilizing this method. Indeed, all who dressed up were truly deserving!
One happy camper!
More smiles.
More joy. I was so impressed with all of our classmates who were happy for the three who happened to be selected knowing full well that it could have easily been their names picked from the jar.
As I have been marking the students' work I have noticed that many of our young charges reverse letters of the alphabet and numbers...a very common activity for this age group.
So...I place a series of numbers on the blackboard and invited the young friends to come forth.
They were instructed to circle the number that they felt was formed properly.
Jolly good show.
This young lass pointed out the correct version.
Then went about circling it.
Another correct answer!
Let's try the number six shall we?
Yup...looks good.
Yet another proud pupil.
"I like the look of this number!" she says.
It's a long reach...
...but she can do it!
Bravo!
Today was our class day on the schedule for our weekly visit to the Learning Commons.
We had company as other classes from the portapack joined us in the air-conditioned area.
I was proud of the children as they went about their work while other teachers were teaching lessons.
Here is a copy of the letter sent home yesterday regarding the lunch options available to families should they wish their child to partake. (Remember that you can click on the image to enlarge it.)
This is the copy of the letter regarding the Student Activity Fee sent out by our administration. Your financial support is greatly appreciated in this regard, so please do make it a point to contribute.
I had taken many more pics throughout the day, but must head out for the evening. As always, this blog demonstrates the "tip of the iceberg" with regard to the many and varied activities which go on in our school day. I hope you enjoy reading the blog as much as I enjoy writing it!
Your children are so wonderful! Mr. Hamer OCT
Day 18
Just a reminder that tomorrow is our annual Terry Fox run. Children are encouraged to bring in their pledge forms or their "Toonie for Terry" as a contribution to the effort. Thanks to those who have already sent in their pledge forms.
Today we learned a trick when adding two single-digit numbers.
The children were advised to begin with the larger number first.
For example: In the addition equation 3+8 = the children were encouraged to begin with the 8 and then add 3. This is a whole lot easier than beginning with the 3 and adding 8.
We practised on a makeshift number line on the blackboard.
The children saw the inverse relationship of addition.
Mrs. Hamer had purchased some great name tags for Mr. Hamer. They carry with them a load of informative material for the children to reference.
This young lady is using her number line wisely.
As is this lad.
"Me too!"
"I'm thinking...I'm thinking!" and he got it in his head! Yabba dabba doo!
Other techniques work just as well.
Say, did you know that we have now published four class books?
No time to display them...the lads want to read them!
Speaking of reading books, Mr. Hamer had fun reading "The Berenstain Bears Go to School".
Then we watched a variation of the story on the SMARTboard.
A pretty schoolhouse. Say, I bet you didn't know that I began my teaching career in a two-room schoolhouse up near the Quebec/Labrador border. Yes, a teacher from New York City taught grades 1,2 and 3 in her class and I taught grades 4, 5, 6 and Secondary I (first year high school) in my class!
The children listening to the story at carpet.
"Calendar Man!"
He posed some pretty tough questions, for sure!
Mr. Hamer has to head out to another musical rehearsal in preparation for a cancer benefit concert this evening. More pics taken from today will be shared tomorrow along with images from our annual Terry Fox Run. Have a great evening! Mr. Hamer OCT
Day 19
We dedicate today to a great Canadian, Terry Fox.
The children began preparation for their run in the classroom just after the morning bell.
They put on their "I am running for Terry" stickers.
Then proudly displayed them.
I still remember the day Terry walked into my city when I was a teenager.
We talked in class about what a great difference he has made.
While the boys and girls learned that Terry did not complete his run.
We carry his run on for him each year.
As more and more children learn of his story.
I told the children about a young teenager from Ottawa.
She developed the same type of cancer Terry had.
Because of the latest research thanks to dollars raised from the run...
This girl was treated in a totally different manner than Terry had been.
She did not have to lose her leg as Terry did.
The children realized that be running, they were helping Terry's spirit live on.
Indeed they are proud to wear a sticker with Terry on it.
They were eager to get started.
Even at their young age.
The girls and boys seemed to understand the importance of this day.
One girl chose to wear her sticker on her leg out of respect for Terry.
It's over to the park.
For a group picture.
Then it was off to the races.
Students could walk or run or do a bit of both.
Lots of energy expended.
"Sister Act!"
Time for a drink.
Lap 14!
After a short break it's back at it!
"Look over here at Mr. Hamer!"
"I've got energy to burn!"
"Me too!"
An aerial view from the hill.
Lots of people involved.
"This is fun!"
A good version of peer pressure! Who can walk the most?!
Smiles all around.
On a sunshiny day!
Mme Pepe got in on the act too!
Back in class we created another class book.
Lots of intense focus.
"We love Terry!"
"He must have been a great person."
Snack time to give me the energy to complete my page and I'll be careful not to spill on my work.
Teamwork.
Concentration.
Camaraderie.
Back to work.
Intense focus.
"Hi Mr. Hamer!"
It's fun working with a friend.
Working and relaxing at the same time.
Three other classmates!
Some pics of our finished work.
One girl was away so others helped complete her sheet in order to make the picture! That's what I call sacrifice and caring!
Great looking job everyone.
Indeed, everyone enjoyed this very special day.
We were so busy with the run that we never got the chance to do our agenda on this day.
The agenda would have read "Homework due Monday" and "Spelling Test Monday".
If parents haven't submitted their school activity fee, it would be appreciated if you do as soon as possible. Thank you in advance for doing so.
Also thanks to the parents who volunteered for the Terry Fox Run! It was great seeing you out!
Have a great weekend! Mr. Hamer OCT
