Division 6 News
Ms. Christine Abbot cabbot@sd43.bc.ca
Web site: http://teachers.sd43.bc.ca/cabbot/default.aspx
Updates & Information:
1. Scholastic Book Orders due in on January 21st
2. January Guest Speaker is author Susin Nielsen
Susin is the author of teen novels “Word Nerd” and “Dear George Clooney, Please Marry
My Mom”. She will be doing a writing workshop with both MACC classes called "Books
and Beyond". She will present about how she became a writer, and the differences
between writing for books and writing for television. This workshop costs $280
(approx. $5/student). If you are able to make a donation to offset the cost of this
workshop, it would be appreciated.
3. Lunar New Year on January 31st
We will be having a Lunar New Year theme day on January 31st. Students will be
able to have a Chinese Lunch and participate in activities in the afternoon. $5 for
lunch – order form will come home within the next 10 days.
4. Hillcrest Odyssey of the Mind team continues to meets every Wednesday at
lunch in Ms Abbot’s room. We have 5 teams preparing for the Provincial
Tournament and need to have a parent coach for each team. If you would be
willing to coach a team, please email me.
January 15th Sessions for Beginner, Intermediate and Experienced Coaches including a special performance workshop by Renee Iaci. Coaches' Training (9:00
- 2:30) & Parent and Volunteer Awareness (9:00 - 12:00) at Hillcrest Middle
School, 2161 Regan Avenue, Coquitlam. There is no charge for this session, but
you must REGISTER in advance.
Upcoming Dates –
 February 12th Spontaneous Attack (workshop for students on
Spontaneous problem solving and skills), our teams will be attending @
South Slope Elementary in Burnaby
 February 26th Judges Training @ South Slope Elementary in Burnaby
5. Battle of the Books
Students have been able to sign up in teams of 3 to compete in the Battle of the
Books contest this year. This years’ titles are: “ The extraordinary adventure of
Alfred Kropp” by Rick Yancey; “ Uglies” by Scott Westerfield; “Wednesday Wars “ by
Gary D. Schmidt; “ Ctrl-Z” by Andrew Norris; “Anything but typical” by Nora Raleigh
Baskin; “ Heaven shop” by Deborah Ellis
Academics:
Science
Stephanie, a recent Chemistry grad from UNBC, joined us during the last week
before Christmas Holidays. She lead the classes through two chemistry labs.
The four MACC classes will have the opportunity to participate in a Science Fair
at Winslow Centre on March 4th from 1-4pm (approx). Grade 7 students may
have the opportunity to participate in the Greater Vancouver Regional Science
Fair, students can see Ms. Abbot or Ms. Moody for more information.
Upcoming due dates:
January 14th – Submit outline of science fair project, including hypothesis or
research question
February 25th – Conference with Ms. Abbot to show data &/or research
March 4th – MACC Presentation at Winslow Centre
April 15th – Hillcrest Presentation ALL projects due
Social Studies
We will begin the next Social Studies unit in late February. Students will have
current events discussions throughout the term.
Language Arts
Monthly Reading Assignments – due January 31st.
Why do we do Monthly Reading Assignments?
The goals of the assignments are to develop students' skills in literary
analysis and interpretation, as well as to strengthen students' reasoning
skills . The assignments are designed to engage students in exploring
personally selected works of literature from various times, cultures, and
genres, and they encourage students to reflect on their readings through
writing and visual mediums. The assignments also provide numerous
opportunities for students to explore issues relevant to their own lives
and to express their personal connections and responses to the texts.
Writer’s Workshop – students are using Writers Workshop to work on
their speeches.
Public Speaking – Students will be researching, writing, and peer editing
this month. Grades 6’s are writing expository speeches and Grade 7’s are
be writing narrative speeches.
Dates to Remember:
Speech 1st Draft due January 13th
Speech 2nd Draft due January 19th
Final Copy, Presentation, Speech Duo-tang due January 25th
Math
Gingerbread Math was a sugary success. Students integrated the topics
from the geometry units and scaled drawings (from Forensic unit) to draft
and design their houses. Photos of the gingerbread houses will be posted
on the class website (requires student log-in
https://my43.sd43.bc.ca/class/cabbot/default.aspx
There will not be a Math project this month; however during this term
we are using the “Demonstrating Mastery of the Basics” by Trevor Calkins
on Tuesdays. Each of the students has information in their math duotangs about this program and for more information please contact Ms.
Abbot or Ms. Moody.
http://www.poweroften.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=articl
e&id=38&Itemid=102
Out and About:
January 1 to February 28, 2011 - Free Skating at Robson Square Ice Rink. Lace up your skates
and kick off the festive season with FREE SKATING at the Robson Square Ice Rink. Skating is free.
Skate rentals available for $3. Helmet rentals available for $2. Robson Square Ice Rink Hotline:
604-646-3554. www.yougottabehere.ca
January 16, 2011 - Family Day at PdA. Gather up the family and tour three stunning exhibitions
by artists Robi Smith, Suzy Stroet and Nathania Vishnevsky and Rick Glumac. Get the inside
scoop on the artworks during artist floor talks, and have fun in two all-ages, drop-in arts & crafts
workshops: 2D Aquariums and Venetian-style carnival masks. 1120 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam
| www.placedesarts.ca
January 22, 2011 - Game Design Expo 2011. For game industry professionals, students of game
design, and everyone passionate about games, Vancouver Film School presents the fifth annual
Game Design Expo, January 22, 2011 in Vancouver, BC. This years event features an incredible
range of talks by leading minds in games, spanning everything from bestselling iPhone game
Angry Birds to Dead Space 2 and beyond. Tickets to Industry Speaker Day are $125 plus
applicable fees. Register early, because the event usually books to capacity. For schedules,
tickets, registration, and up-to-the-minute news, visit www.gamedesignexpo.com.
January 22, 2011 - Place des Arts Faculty Concert. Feel the love when five of Place des Arts
talented faculty members join forces to share their passion for music. Forming trios and
quartets, Johanna Hauser on clarinet, Karina Slupski on violin, Roger Mangas on viola,
Aleksandra Dziobek on cello and Anna Levy on piano will draw you into the intimate magic of
live chamber music. Place des Arts, 1120 Brunette Avenue , Coquitlam | www.placedesarts.ca
January 22, 2011 - TASTE OF BURNS. A introduction to Robbie Burns. An Informal Burns Supper
for ALL the family, CHILDREN VERY WELCOME.Entertainment: Highland Dancing with the Stave
Falls Dancers, Piping in the Haggis,a Ceilidh and dancing to the Mad Celts. Traditional Burns
Supper will be served. The Scottish Cultural Centre. Tkts: Adults $28,Children under 5 $5,5-14
$14 FAMILY RATE(2 adults and 2children) $80. For tickets call Cathy at 604-940-9260 or email
jocklaidlaw@dccnet.com
January 27, 2011 - Motherstone: British Columbia's Volcanic Plateau. Chris Harris, one of
Canada's most respected photographers will introduce his new book MOTHERSTONE: BC's
Volcanic Plateau. Award winning author Harold Rhenisch did the research and authored the
book in collaboration with Harris' incomparable photography; all verified by Dr. Mary Lou Bevier
of UBC who was the scientific consultant. In his illustrated talk Mr Harris will share his visual
journey of discovery with behind-the-image stories of adventure and will show stunning volcanic
topography unknown/unseen by most British Columbians. Free. Unity Church, 5840 Oak St.,
www.naturevancouver.ca
Red Cedar Readers Tuesdays, 3:45 to 4:45 pm @ Poirier Branch
December 14, January 4 & 25, February 15, March 8 & 29, April 19
Kids in grade 4 to 7 - do you love to read? Do you want to share your opinion about books?
Read the best Canadian books for young readers and vote for your favourites. The books that
you and other readers from around the province choose will win Red Cedar Awards. Check out
the 2010/2011 nominees To register, or for more information, please call Chris at 604-9374140 ext.208.
Parlez-Nous Français! Fridays from 3:45 - 4:30 pm @ Poirier Branch
January 14th to March 11th
Improve your French in the library's new after-school French Club! French immersion students in
elementary or middle school are invited to practice with French-speaking volunteers from high
school. Kids should bring homework, or come prepared to work on their French conversation
skills. Teen volunteers will earn community service hours. Teens or kids who are interested in
joining should call Chris Miller, Young Adult Services Librarian at 604-937-4140 ext 208.