McKay News
Mrs. Marilyn Turnbull
Principal
NEWSLETTER #6
January 2016
MESSAGE FROM MRS. TURNBULL
I was in the Grade 4 math class this morning. They were
doing something called the “Math Twitter Challenge”. A
question is posted by any of the participating schools in
the world! Answers are worked on by all the schools,
they are then sent in and so conversation among the
many schools ensues. Today’s question came from
Michigan, but there have been questions from as far
away as Germany and Australia! The question showed 3
rabbits and the total weight of them was 12 KG. With
that information, students were asked to calculate the
weight of a rabbit, a boar, and a grouse! Students worked
hard and the answers were quickly calculated…and were
correct! The next part involved each student explaining
how they arrived at the answer, and why they used that
particular strategy.
I want to share with you now, what I learned this
morning!
1. I learned that the weight of a rabbit, a boar and a
grouse is 105 KG.
2. I learned that it is not enough to simply “give”
an answer, one now needs to be able to explain
how one arrived at the answer.
3. I learned that there are many different ways of
arriving at the answer….and as long as you can
explain how you got your answer, that will be
accepted.
4. I learned how technology can be used to really
enhance classroom instruction.
5. I learned where Michigan is…although I must
admit I did know that beforehand!
6. I learned that we are very fortunate to have a
PAC who has helped fund our school to have the
technology that we do have.
7. I learned that our teachers are very competent at
using technology to really move our students
forward.
And….I learned all of this by 9:30 this
morning!
We do have a wonderful school! Take
the time to talk with your child about
what he/she learned at school today!
You may be surprised at how much you
learn yourself!
Mrs. Turnbull
PAC MEETING
The last PAC meeting was held on Monday, January 11th
in the evening. We have returned to the practice of
holding meetings in the evenings after trying to change
to the noon hour after Hot Lunch. This was not working
well and we hope that more parents will now be able to
come out to our evening meetings. The next PAC
meeting will be on Monday, February 15th, 2016. The
dates for the rest of the year are:
April 18
May 16
June 13
Please write these dates on your calendar and try to
attend as many as you can! PAC is also planning a
Family Movie Night on Friday, February 26th as the
November event was such a huge success!
PRO D IN JANUARY
We have our previously scheduled Pro D in January on
Monday, January 18th for the afternoon. Dismissal will
be at 11:23 on that day. Teachers will be going to a Math
Focus afternoon where they will be continuing to work
on the new curriculum as it applies to numeracy.
On Friday, January 29th we have a full day of
Professional Development as designated by the Ministry
for the implementation of the New Curriculum.
SAFETY IN OUR SCHOOLS
For student and staff safety, anyone entering the school
must check in at the office before going through the
school during school hours.
HOT LUNCH:
Our next hot lunch day is this Friday, January 15th. Pizza
will be served on that day and while the students
certainly enjoy the delicious food, it is also one of the
best fundraisers that our PAC does for McKay. If you
are able to help in any way, please let the office know
and we will let our parents know. They can always use
more assistance as these are busy days for them!
GRADE 7 TRANSITION:
The team from Burnett will be visiting our Grade 7
students at McKay for the first time on January 26th. The
second visit takes place on February 9th. On February 4th,
there is an Open House for Grade 7 students and their
parents beginning at 6:15 until 8:00. There is a lot
planned to make sure that our Grade 7 students are well
supported in their transition to High School. Then on
Friday, May 27th, our Grade 7 students will walk over to
Burnett for a tour of the school. There are many events,
and busy days ahead as we prepare our students for the
beginning of High School in the fall!
BASKETBALL:
Our Grade 6/7 Girls and Boys Basketball teams have
started their practices and we will soon have a game
schedule out. Thanks to Mr. Janz, Mr. Shuto and Mr.
Pearce for coaching!
LEARNING AND THE BRAIN:
The 17th annual Learning and the Brain Conference will
be held on Saturday, January 23rd at MacNeill Secondary
School. The Keynote Speaker is Dr. Deborah
MacNamara who has over 20 years experience working
in educational and community mental health settings.
Her main focus will be on raising resourceful and
resilient children and how we, as adults, can play a key
role in cultivating children’s capacity to endure
adversity. Please see the attached flyer for more
information and try to make the time to attend, if you are
able. It is really worthwhile!
BOLLYWOOD:
McKay School will be participating in the Bollywood
Dance Workshop from February 1st-5th. Each of our
classes will have one 35 minute class from Monday to
Thursday. On Friday, there will be a joint final rehearsal
starting at 10:30, and then there will be a presentation in
the afternoon at 1:30. Please plan on attending this
exciting show! There will be reminders before the day
arrives, but mark it in your calendars now!
READY SET LEARN:
This event, sponsored by the Ministry of Education, is
all about providing good information to support a young
child’s early learning and development. It also develops
positive connections between families, the school system
and local community agencies. Please see the post card
attached to find an event that works for you and your
child! You will enjoy the concert by Will Stroet as well
as all the activity stations!