The first full week of November has arrived. It will bring a short, yet very week here at Gulf Shore, as we reflect on our learning over the past few months in preparation for our Student-Led Conferences that will take place on Thursday and Friday.

We will also spend some time this week reflecting on the sacrifices those who have served for our country have made for our freedom. On Thursday, November 7th Gulf Shore will hold its annual Act of Remembrance Assembly after morning break in the multipurpose room. Members of the public are invited to join us as we thank those who gave their lives so that we may live in peace.

Parents and students are reminded that there will be no classes on November 8th to allow students to attend their learning conferences. Additionally, there will be no school on Monday, November 11th as we observe Remembrance Day.

Here is a quick snapshot of what will be happening during our next four days together….

French- During our periods this week, students will begin creating their success criteria of what counts in a biography. Students will also put their reading strategies to use as we read through a few biographies of important historical figures and learn how have fought for justice and equality. As I mentioned earlier, preparations will also continue for our Student-Led Conferences, as we take a look at all we’ve accomplished since the school year began and being to set goals for the coming term.

Science-With our chemical and physical changes in matter experiments taking place over the next few days, our chemistry unit will wrap up mid week. We will then mark the beginning of our second unit entitled “L’univers vivant” (The Living World). This unit kicks off with a review the parts of the cell we studied last year. If time permits, we will then begin to explore the cell in greater detail; looking at chromosomes, genes and genetics.

Grade 9 Science-This week we continue our look at nutrients in food. Students will work in groups to create a healthy frozen dessert, exploring the nutrients in its ingredients.

Grade 7 Science-As we begin the second chapter in our study of matter, during our time together over the next few days, students will be introduced to the concepts of mixtures and solutions. To get started, we will learn about the differences begin homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures.

Grade 4-9 Core French-This week students in Grades 4-6 will begin to wrap up their work on “Pauvre Michel” as we practice a dramatic reading of the text. In Grades 7-9 students will finish recording and will then present their audio recordings of short dialogues surrounding their favourite foods. They will then create a visual place mat Venn diagram explaining their interests and those of their peers.

Enjoy your week and I look forward to see you all on Thursday and Friday!

Mme MacNevin