Our school has continued to structure the Grade 5 and Grade 6 Community program into multiple 5/6 classrooms. I'm very pleased to be continuing to work with Ms Cari Hamm in Rm. 226. We have been working diligently collaborating on planning great experiences for the 5/6 community students. Even though we are teaching in different classrooms, we are hoping to create a culture that has consistency from class to class.
The Alberta Curriculum builds upon what the students have learned the first four or five years since kindergarten and challenges them with some of the most abstract and difficult concepts to date. Click on subject pages for more information about subject specific units and the year ahead.
Something special that is happening right away is that our Rm. 224 students will be taking part in the Inquiring Minds "City Hall School" week-long program this year! This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience to connect with everything that is being an active citizen at the local government level. Our theme for the week is "How Can I Make My City Better?" City Hall School is very soon, the week of September 16-20!The students will be doing a lot of preparation for the week like learning to use R.O.W.S (Reflect, Observe, Wonder, and Sketch) to help think about experiences. I am really looking forward to the experience and know that students will learn many new things about themselves, their city, and their role as citizens in a democratic society.
As mentioned there are extra-curricular activities that students can take advantage of. Students can participate in recess intramurals, Green Club, drama after-school, Running Room Games in January/February, their seems to be many opportunities for students this year!
Music and French as a Second Language is taught to all students in Grades 4-6. Students will have Ms. Piovesan as their French teacher this year, and Mrs. Rubuliak for Music as in the past.June is a challenging month for students in Grade 6 as they write their Provincial Achievement Tests. These begin in May with the Language Arts Writing test mid-month; and are followed by Social Studies, Science, Math, and Language Arts Reading mid-June. I spend time preparing the students for these tests by reviewing the year and reteaching concepts that may need a second, or third look.
Finally, the Rocket Launch rounds out our year. The last couple of weeks are a phenomenal time for the students as they get to enjoy their last few days with friends. Then we wish our grade 6's bon voyage as they are off to bigger things in junior high.
I hope students and their parents have a memorable year in at Hardisty. This year will be exciting, challenging, and engaging for everyone. Have a great year, work hard, and you will become a better citizen, student and friend this year.
Mr. Michael Lastiwka
