Students are invited to dress in orange shirts tomorrow, as we think about those impacted by residential schools.

Here we are about to jump into our second month of the school year. Routines have been established and we are now starting to get heavy into our learning. As workloads in some courses may increase and summative assessments begin, everyone is reminded to take advantage of the supports available, both at school and at home, whenever they need them. These include extra help at lunch hour and Google Classroom.

This Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in the Multipurpose Room our Home and School will have their first meeting of the year. All parents are welcome.

On Friday, October 2nd, students will participate in our annual Terry Fox Day. Please see the school webpage for an important message from the Fox family. We will be sticking close to the school this year, with individual cohorts taking part in their own walks and games throughout the day. As always, our Home and School will also provide a delicious barbeque lunch, taking account of course, all COVID precautions. Don’t forget that fundraising is taking place online this year. Please visit the following link to make your donations.
www.terryfox.ca/GulfShoreConsolidatedSchool
username:2020PE3284 password:CUREPE11661

Here is a snapshot into the learning that will take place during our classes together this week…

French- This week we will continue to participate in activities and games that will get everyone speaking French as much as possible. Our work will also continue discussing some common errors that second language speakers often make as a result of directly translating from their first language. Later on in the cycle, we will also kick off our reader’s and writer’s workshops. Students will begin reading several narrative texts as they discover and discuss the elements that make up this type of story.

Science-It is hard to believe, but we have already finished up our learning of the first few outcomes of the year. Thus, our next few classes will be spent preparing for our assessment on Chapter 1 (atoms, molecules, elements and the periodic table) which will take place on Day 5. We will then begin to explore Chapter 2, beginning with a review of the physical changes in matter which were studied in Grade 7.

Grade 9 Science-This week we will wrap up discussions on how matter is organized and dive deeper into solutions and their components; identifying solutions that surround us, especially those found in the human body, and taking note of their solvents and solutes. We will also begin discussions around the properties of matter and how they can used to identify substances. This work begins with a review of the properties studies in Grades 7 and 8, before we move into looking at some new properties not previously explored including density and solubility and how to calculate them.

Grade 7 Science- This week we will wrap up our look at changes in states of matter. In the lab, we will watch these changes in action, as we experiment with changing water between its three states. Preparations will then begin for a check-in quiz on section 1.1 which will take place on Day 5. Students should begin preparing for this quiz on their own as well; reviewing new vocabulary and taking advantage of the practice questions provided in class to help solidify their understanding.

Grade 5-9 Core French-This week we will continue our review of important vocabulary. In our classes together over the next few days we will explore words and expressions related to colours, days of the week, months of the year, weather and seasons.

Have an amazing week!

Mme MacNevin

This week in the lab, students in Grade 9 separated mixtures and identified at each stage of separation if the substances before them were mixtures, elements or compounds.

In Grade 8, we created “molecules” using marshmallows to represent atoms.

It was most definitely a fun Friday of learning! 🙂

Have a great weekend!

Mme MacNevin

Happy Monday everyone! Things are certainly rolling along, as we all get used to our new normal 🙂

Our Terry Fox Walk/Run and Fun Day will take place on Friday, October 2nd. Stay tuned for many more details as to how the day will unfold 🙂 While it will look much different this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, I have no doubt that it will be a success as in years past! All fundraising will take place online. Students are asked NOT to fundraise door to door, but are encouraged to come up with some creative ways to round up online donations. Please visit the following link for more details.
https://secure.terryfox.ca/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?TeamID=907674

Our Hot Lunch program is now up and running for milk orders. Please refer to the Milk and Hot Lunch Sales tab on our school’s website for more details. This is in addition to the PEI Healthy School Food Program run by the province.

School pictures will take place on Friday, September 25th. A notice went home last week outlining the details. Please also refer to our webpage if you need any additional information.

There are also still a few students in my homeroom who need to send in their $25.00 student fee.

With all those housekeeping announcements out of the way, now let’s take a look at what we will be learning during our classes together this coming week…

French- Our oral presentations entitled “Je me presente à l’aide des images” will wrap up today and tomorrow. These presentations will also provide a great starting point for us to identify areas for improvement when it comes to our individual short term oral language learning goals.

This week we will continue diagnostic testing in both written and oral comprehension and production. We will also take a look at some common errors that often result in direct translations and gain some useful strategies to help correct them.

Science-We are now fully immersed in our first unit: “L’univers materiel.” This week we will continue to discuss atoms and molecules and Dalton’s atomic theory. We will also begin to examine the Periodic Table of the Elements and discuss how matter is organized and grouped on the table. Students will work on a project where they will each research a different element to showcase their understanding of how we can use the periodic table to find important information and make models of molecules using toothpicks and marshmallows.

Grade 9 Science-This week students will explore how matter is organized, as they define and discuss the differences between elements, compounds, atoms, molecules, mixtures and solutions. In the lab, they will work for “GS Industries” as they attempt to separate a mixture and discuss its different components; identifying at each stage of separation if what they see before them is an element, a compound, a mixture or a solution.

Grade 7 Science- Late last week we kicked off the first unit of our Science program on matter. This week we will discuss the three states of matter and how atoms behave in each state. Students will even become solid, liquid and gas particles, as we act out “the dance of the atoms” to explain the properties of each state of matter. We will then begin to look at how changes in temperature impact that behavior, as we explore how substances can move from one state of matter to another.

Grade 5-9 Core French- Over the next few classes we will continue to work to create our French class routines and review what we studied in previous years; playing some games and putting into place our oral comprehension and production skills and strategies.

Have a fabulous week!

Mme MacNevin

I hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend and got to take in some of the great late summer weather we’ve been having 🙂

Just a couple of quick housekeeping notes for my homeroom class…

1. There are still a few students who have yet to pay their $25.00 student fee. If you could kindly get that in as soon as possible, it would be greatly appreciated.

2. Due to COVID restrictions, our annual “Meet the Staff Night” will not take place this year. However, stay tuned to the website and my blog for some “virtual” versions over the next few weeks.

Now here is a peek into the learning that will take place over the coming days during our classes together…

French- This week we will continue our “Bootcamp” and diagnostic testing, as we prepare to set our learning goals for the coming months.

As we continue to promote our improvement as speakers, each French period we will engage in oral language activities that will work to develop and improve our French speaking skills; fixing common errors and becoming more at ease in our second language.

One of the first activities we will work on is a presentation containing only pictures. Students will create a slideshow using Google Slides and present it to the class later on this week. Their presentation must contain no long text: only images and single words. They will present without cue cards; using their slides as their talking points to present on their family, friends, the weather, their likes and dislikes, school and their community.

Science-Now that everyone is all set to go with their etext and Google Classroom, we will dive deeper into our first unit entitled “L’univers matériel.” This week, we will wrap up our review of lab safety, states and changes of matter, and the properties of solutions and mixtures that we studied last year. We will also begin to look at the how matter is organized, define atoms, and begin to explore how they combine to form molecules.

Grade 9 Science- This week we will wrap up our review of the chemistry concepts we studied last year and in Grade 7, and officially begin looking at the Grade 9 outcomes related to “L’univers matériel”. Students will explore the particle theory in greater detail, define the three states of matter and explain the behavior of particles when matter changes state. Each student will assume the role of a particle changing from one state of matter to another and tell their story in written paragraph, a comic strip, or by creating a short video or scene.

Grade 7 Science- During our Science classes together this first cycle, we will spend time continuing to get acquainted with the lay of the land in the Science Lab; exploring new vocabulary, the scientific method, as well as our “etext” and Google Classroom, before begining to discuss the three states of matter.

Grade 5-9 Core French-This week we will continue to spend time taking an inventory of what students already know in French, reviewing concepts like telling tell, numbers, colours, days of the week, greetings, etc..

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Have a marvelous week!!!

Mme MacNevin

Happy first week of school!

I’m so excited to be back in the classroom with my students. I’m sure it will take us no time at all to get back to the routines of being at school and adapting to our new normal. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns. I’m always here to help 🙂

Today, there will be many forms and papers travelling home with your child. Please take the time to review each one and sign any forms that may require your signature. Our goal is to have as many back tomorrow morning as possible 🙂 Students will also need to pay a $25.00 student fee to cover the costs of their industrial arts and home economics classes, as well as their beautiful new agendas. This can be paid by cash or cheque (made payable to “Gulf Shore School”).

Now here is a snapshot of the learning that we will dive into over this four day week…

French-This week we will take the time to get our brains “thinking in French.” This means lots of activities that will get students speaking in their second language. We will also spend some time doing some diagnostic testing to allow me to fully understand the specific needs of each student.

Science-Our first unit in Science will be “L’univers matériel.” This is our study of chemistry. We will begin with a review of the concepts we studied during this unit last year, talking about the differences between solids, liquids and gases and discussing matter as well as safety protocols while in the lab. Additionially, some time will be spent setting up our online textbooks and Google Classroom.

Science 7- Much of this week will be spent getting to know each other and discussing the importance of safety in the Science Lab. We will also set up our online textbook accounts and our Google Classroom, before diving into our first unit “L’univers matériel.” This unit will begin with a brainstorming activity around what science is and how it surrounds us.

Science 9- Students in Grade 9 will begin this year with “L’univers matériel” as well. After setting up our online accounts, we will quickly dive into a review of the chemistry outcomes from Grades 7 & 8, before beginning our discussions around atomic theory.

Core French 5-9- We will begin with many activities surrounding “La rentrée”-Back to school. These will include reviewing concepts learned in previous years including telling the date and time, explaining how we are feeling and learning vocabulary related to expressing objects we use and need in the classroom.

I’d like to wish everyone a fantastic first week of school! Bonne rentrée!!!

Mme MacNevin

Bonjour!

Welcome to Grade 8 Mid-Immersion at Gulf Shore Consolidated!
I am very excited be your child’s homeroom teacher this year. I appreciate your participation as we journey through the 2020-2021 school year together.

I know that school this year will look and feel a little different than in the past, but I can assure you that I will do my very best to ensure that your child is safe, and that they will continue to learn, grow, and be loved and supported each and every day inside my classroom. I am blessed to be part of the fabulous Gulf Shore family and I know that we will get through this together.

I welcome any questions or concerns that you may have. You can reach me by by email at arwalker@edu.pe.ca or by phone at the school (902-963-7810).

Our team works together to ensure that your child receives the best education possible. The following subject teachers will be guiding your son/daughter this year:

• French and Science-Mme April MacNevin
• Math-Mme Paula Arsenault
• Social Studies-Mme Kim Arsenault
• English-Ms. Sandra Skeffington
• Industrial Arts-Mr. Robert Holmes
• Band-Mrs. Kirsten MacLaine
• Heath and Physical Education-Ms. Erin Coady
• Home Economics/Art-Mrs. Lorna Gallant

I keep a classroom blog. At the beginning of each week, you will find updates on what is happening inside our classroom and around the school as well as details about any homework, tests, or projects that are assigned.

Your son/daughter will be using Google Classroom in all of their classes again this year. Class codes will be provided during the first few days of school. They can access their account from home through any Google web browser by placing their username in front of @cloud.edu.pe.ca. There, they will have access to online resources and assignments. This is the go-to place for students both here at school and if they are absent from the classroom. I would encourage you to remind them to check this site on a regular basis.

Have a wonderful long weekend! I’m really looking forward to welcoming everyone on Tuesday morning and know that I will most definitely be smiling under my mask 😉

Here’s to a happy, healthy, safe and successful school year!

Mme April MacNevin