What an incredible first full week back to school.  The students in Gr 5/6 have been working hard this week as they learned new concepts in Math & Language and were introduced to fun new units of study in Science & History.  While some of you are questioning the lack of homework each night, make no mistake- this simply means your child is working diligently and efficiently while at school.  I am beyond proud of their display of personal excellence during week one of the school year.

Please take note of the following information for the week ahead:

Road Closure:

The City of Charlottetown will be shutting down the intersection of Capital Dr and Lower Malpeque/North River Road (the Tim Hortons/Esso intersection near the school) beginning this Monday, September 18 for two weeks.  If you normally use this intersection to get to GCS in the morning/afternoon, please note that you will have to use an alternate route.  Please allow yourself extra time to travel during the next two weeks so that you arrive before 9am; the traffic in Charlottetown will be considerably heavier.  For a map outlining alternate routes, please send me an email and I will be happy to share.

Genius Hour Projects:

According to research, employees at Google Inc. were significantly more productive and passionate about their work when provided 1 hour/day to work on a project of their choice.  Based on these findings, students in Gr 5/6 are being given the opportunity to participate in their own Genius Hour Projects throughout the year.  After successfully completing their assigned seatwork each day, students will independently research the answer to a question they seek to answer, then design a representation of their learning to share with their classmates (poster, essay, powerpoint, digital storybook, etc.)  Potential questions include- What is it like to work at the Atlantic Vet College?  How does a piano work?  Why did Canada enter World War One?  How do you build a catapult?  The possibilities for learning are endless!

Throughout this process, students who wish to take their own technology to class must first have permission from you, their parents.  The technology will only be utilized in class, under the supervision of a teacher, and for this intended purpose.  All technology must be stored inside the classroom, which will remain locked when not in use. To aid in safe internet research, students must also have a parent sign off on the websites they deem safe and age-appropriate.  This form will be sent home early next week.

I look forward to seeing my students engage in the inquiry process and discover their love of learning!

Cross Country Club:

Students in Gr 3-6 who wish to participate in after-school Cross Country training are asked to meet in the school gymnasium at 3:00 on Monday afternoon. Please wear proper footwear and clothing for running.  Students should take a full water bottle to practice.

Jr. Boys Soccer schedule for this week:  (Grade Six)

  • Monday- Practice: 3:00 – 5:00 (Winsloe Soccer Complex)
  • Tuesday- Home Game: 4:30 (Winsloe Soccer Complex)
  • Thursday- Practice: 3:00 – 5:00 (Winsloe Soccer Complex)

Please return a signed Athletics Code of Conduct and provide your $20 fee to Mr. Ellis this coming Monday.  For more information about GCS athletics, please contact our Athletics Director, Mrs. Laird – alaird@gcspei.ca, or visit our online athletics calendar and social media pages.

Assignments & Assessments:

Tuesday:  Creative Writing Assignment Due
Thursday:  Spelling Test 1 (Oops, I didn’t get the lists out early enough last week- forgive me)
Friday:  Math Quiz 2

Important Dates:

October 6-  Professional Development Day (No Class)
October 9 – Thanksgiving (No Class)
October 16-19 – Science & Technology Week
October 19- School Pictures

Remember to follow us on our social media platforms:  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.  Check out our new athletics pages as well on Facebook & Twitter!

All for now!  Have a blessed weekend.
Mrs. M