Grade 5 News

In Art, we have been learning about different drawing techniques (shape, gesture, contour, texture) and how we can draw the human figure. We are also making human sculptures out of a variety of materials (media): plasticine, wooden skewers, corks, wire, etc.

All of this is to prepare for some winter sports drawings. We are starting to get excited about hosting some Winter Games athletes here in our school (speed skaters) and so we’d like to fill the hallway with winter sports related art.

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Here is a list of what you will need to know for your upcoming unit test on Electricity.

Electricity Study Guide

I have also attached a page of review notes.
Electricity Review

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Hi
Today is the last day of September and what a busy and great first month we have had together. I am pleased to see the grade 5 students working hard at getting along. They are also trying to keep themselves organized and on task. It has been a bit of a challenge for them for this past week as Mr. Usiskin has not been in the classroom. He has been assisting in the office as Mr.Hubick returns from a short absence.
Thanks to Ms. Mahan and Mrs. Chamney for filling in for Mr. U. I know the kids have been in good hands.

Everything will return to normal next week as Mr. Usiskin makes his return to Grade 5!

Looking ahead, we will continue our study of electricity in science; we will take an in-depth look into the Atlantic region of Canada in Social Studies; we will finish off some work surrounding the very exciting novel we have been reading and then move on to a new novel that the whole class will read together; and we will move forward with our integrated approach in mathematics where we get to practice from all of the streams of study on a daily basis.

Also, a heads up that our Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews will take place on October 12 and 13. Look for a sign up sheet to come home shortly.

Have a wonderful weekend! See you on Monday.
Mr. Usiskin

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Taken from Viator.com’s photostream on Flickr.com

Taken from peterkelly’s photostream on Flickr.com

Taken fromPhoto-Bytes’ photostream on Flickr.com

Taken from dimaruss 34′s photostream on Flickr.com

Taken from USFWS Pacific’s photostream on Flickr.com

Taken from PhotosNature – Guylaine’s photostream on Flickr.com

Taken from kitmasterbloke’s photostream on Flickr.com

Taken from Moni’s photostream on Flickr.com

taken from mingzkis photostream on Flickr.com

Taken from Joe_B’s photostream on Flickr.com

Taken from Fuzzyhaggis’ photosteam on Flickr.com

Taken from Martin 1786′s photostream on Flickr.com

Taken from sbengineer’s photstream on Flickr.com

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What a great way to start our day! Thank you to the parents that came to school early this morning to prepare pancakes and sausages for everyone at school.
The grade 5 students really enjoyed their breakfast (and so did their teacher!)

Here we are at the end of our second week at school and I must say we are off to a good start. We have taken our initial look at all of our current units of study while still learning about procedures and routines.

Looking forward to next week!

Enjoy the short slide show of our pancake breakfast.

Pancake Breakfast on PhotoPeach

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We’re Back! And welcome back to our Grade 5 students and their parents. We had a great first few days amid the excitement of seeing old friends and greeting new ones.
I would encourage parents and students to check in at this blog site regularly as it will be a place to catch up on news and happenings in grade 5 this year. I would also encourage parents to comment on anything they read here – having a dialogue about what we are doing in grade 5 would be healthy.

Some upcoming events at school are:
September 7 – Meet The Teacher Night – 7:00 pm
September 9 – Welcome Back Pancake Breakfast for Students & Staff
September 7 – Parent School Council Meeting
September 15 – School Pictures

Attached you will find a copy of the letter handed out to students on our first day together.

I am looking forward to a great year together!

Mr. N. Usiskin
First day letter 2011-2012

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It’s so exciting starting a new year!  As we have discussed in class, Grade 5 is the beginning of the “middle school years” where the learning becomes more challenging and more independent, but also very interesting.

Thank you for bringing your supplies to school, and for being ready to learn!  Mr. U. and I are happy to have you all and look forward to a great year.

To begin some LA work, we looked at what WRITING really is…from our perspective.  We will build on that theme as we learn to think like real writers this year.  Have a look at our Animoto.

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Today is my last day at school for this current school year. I am very fortunate to be going to Philadelphia to attend an international conference for technology teachers (along with Mr. Couros).

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Mrs. Kari, my teaching partner this year; to Mrs. Zubiak, Mrs. McEwan, and Mrs. Wierenga – the teaching assistants who helped in our class this year; to the parents of our grade 5 students; and finally to the grade 5 students themselves. I say thank you to everyone for helping to make this year another memorable one. I say thank you for challenging me to be at my best; for providing opportunities for me to learn and grow as a teacher.

To our students I would like to say . . .you are a great collection of unique individuals. You each have amazing potential.
I wish each of you the best of summers – and good luck in Grade 6 next year!
Mr. Usiskin

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We held our 2nd annual Identity Day Fair at school today and I think it was even better than our first attempt last year! The students and staff put a lot of thought and effort into their displays this year.
I have made a photo collage of the projects put together by our grade 5 students. way to go Grade 5!

Grade 5 Projects at Identity Day 2011 on PhotoPeach

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