Grade 5 Class Newsletter

Sept. 27, 2013

CLASS AGENDA Mathematics Last week we completed assessments for the first unit of mathematics, number theory. Students first completed a self-assessment. Self assessments are part of a balanced assessment plan as they allow; students to reflect upon their progress, strengths and weaknesses; teachers to gain insights into how students perceive the progress; and teachers and students to plan how to address weaknesses. Zhanshan Temple Field Trip Students then completed a written assessment and an oral/slate assessment. We have now started unit 2, estimation and computation. Social Studies/English Language Arts Students are making solid progress on their Key Assignments. They have all brainstormed, written and partially edited their I Believe and I am Thankful For writing pieces. They have collecting imagery for their key assignment collages and started putting them together. Students have all received the key assignment rubric and are aware of the expectations and opportunity to create a brilliant project. In the weeks ahead they will continue to revise and edit their work, and start putting the finishing touches on their projects. Science / IT We have completed our Angry Birds experiment and are now exploring how to display and understand the results. We are looking at how to read and create tables, charts and graphs. Next, the students will draw conclusions from the data and produce a science report to summarise the experiment and publish their findings. Progress Reports The first progress reports went home on Friday, September 13th. If you have any concerns about your childs report, please do not hesitate to contact me.

DEAR GRADE 5 FAMILIES,

We have just completed week 7 of our unit of inquiry Beliefs and Values and are now heading towards the finish line. Our first key assignment will be ready by October 19th and I hope you will have a chance to enjoy the work your children have produced. I feel that the content of this first unit is crucial to setting the expectations and understandings that the students will require as they approach the in-depth topics that will be covered throughout the rest of the academic year. In particular, developing an understanding of how scientists think, and how they approach problems with an analytical mindset by using the scientific method is core knowledge I want the students to understand as we tackle experiments and projects in later units. So far this unit we have accomplished many wonderful things and the students have had several memorable experiences. Most recently, we took a trip to the Zhanshan Temple where the students were able to learn about the Buddhist way of life, an important belief system for them to understand as they experience life in China. In the last week of the unit we will be taking a trip to a special needs school in Jimo where they students will meet and play with mentally and physically disabled children. I hope you have a fun and safe October holiday and I look forward to hearing all of the great stories from the students when we return on Tuesday, October 8th. Kind regards, Mr. Matthews

QISS Grade 5 Newsletter: Sept. 27th 2013

UPCOMING EVENTS AND IMPORTANT DATES National Holiday (September 30-7 October) Student Half-Day /Teacher In-Service (Oct 9) Lower School Assembly (Oct 9) Key Assignment Day (Oct 19) Lower School Q1 Student Reports (Oct 25) Parent-Teacher conferences (Oct 29&30) Lower School Halloween Carnival (Oct 31) Assembly Volleyball Pep Rally (Oct 30)

REMINDERS
Please remember to ensure that your child is completing their raz-kids reading each night. Grade 5 students are expected to do a minimum of 20 minute raz-kids reading per night, plus 50 minutes of additional homework, including their IXL.com math work.

EXTRA-CURRICULA RESOURCES
There are many resources online that students can be using to continue their learning experience outside the classroom. Luckily QISS has subscribed to some of the most popular websites for students. Below are a few of the website students can access from home, along with the login details; www.tumblebooks.com Username: qiss Pass: books www.brainpop.com www.brainpopesl.com www.brainpopjr.com

Username: qisskids Password:12345

QISS Grade 5 Newsletter: Sept. 27th 2013