Happy Easter Weekend

Even though it is a long weekend, end of term is near, so here are a few notes:

Socials 11

What a great day this week with the veterans! You did a wonderful job. Please see photos on my last blog post and the school district website. 

Midterm Test Tuesday on the 20s, 30s, 40s. 40 Multiple choice and 2 written answers. 

Tips: study your maps & even though the stock market crash was not the only cause of the Great Depression, buying stocks on margin was an important cause.

English 9

Fantastic acting of Human Slide Show of A Midsummer Night's Dream today on the courtyard stage. Unfortunately, I left my camera in my bag!  One more assignment to go next week, comparing elements of the two movie versions.

English 8

We are working on our final literature circle project: What helps your character survive? It is a theme based project which includes visual and written elements. If you haven't finished your novel yet, finish this weekend!

World War II Veterans Visit Socials 11

Conducting Interviews as Part of Research

On Tuesday, March 26, my Elphintone Secondary Socials 11 class was very honoured to receive seven World War II veterans as guests.  We began with each guest telling a bit about their story of involvement in the war. That part was attended by two other classes and filmed by Ms. Doerksen. Also, the ACE-IT program provided tea, cookies and tarts.  Thank you everyone!

Panel of veterans before the talk.

Students enjoying tea and snacks just before the presentation.

Then my class broke up into groups and interviewed individuals while recording the interviews using "Garage Band" on the laptops. Thanks to Mr. Daniels for helping us set up the computers for the interviews and showing us how to save the interviews on a disc afterward. In addition to saving these primary accounts for future classes, students will write and present reflections on their interviews.

March 7

English 9

Students have now completed three pieces of writing related to A Midsummer Night's Dream, and an analysis of a painting of Titania. Next week, we have computers for two classes, and students will produce a good copy of two of these pieces.

English 8

Students wrote a character analysis this week for their literature circle novel. Next they will write about their connections to the book. All students should finish at least one book before spring break so they are ready for the project after spring break.

Social Studies 11

We have wrapped up our study of the Great Depression this week by analyzing 1930s photos of the lower Sunshine Coast by Helen McCall; tomorrow we will fill in an impact chart for the Great Depression. Next week we will start World War II. In preparation, I will post here the youtube channel of my colleague, Jeff Marshall, were you can find three in-depth slide shows on each of these battles:  Dieppe, Italian Campaign, and The Battle of the Atlantic. http://www.youtube.com/user/williamjeffmarshall?feature=watch