Author: Tiffany Poirier

Happy weekend, 4A families!

Here are some highlights from the last two days…

We enjoyed PHE class at Glanford Park. Students got creative making nature sculptures…

The students worked on “Minecraft”-inspired self-portraits.

We dove into our Science unit investigating how the five senses help us gather information and learn from the world around us.

Our activity of “dissecting” lemons tied into the themes explored in Chapel…

Students were encouraged to look for ways this year to be creators and tap into their problem solving skills.

After some time worshiping and enjoying lemonade with our grade 7 big buddy class, we headed to Willows Beach for a fabulous wrap up to the week!

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REMINDERS:

• Earthquake Kits: We ask for these to be sent to school with students by next Friday if possible. Thank you! More info here: https://mypcs.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Earthquake-kit-contents-1.pdf
• Student Information Forms: For families that didn’t get a chance to attend the “Meet the Teacher Night”, we have sent home each child’s form, and we ask parents to review it, cross out and correct and outdated information, and sign and return the form.
• Flexibility: We thank you dearly for your patience as we wait for the portables to be ready. We are doing our best to not just endure but to turn this lemon into lemonade for the students, by focussing on the positives of our situation: extra time joining with the other grade 4 class, our field trip, new connections, and more.

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COMING UP: 

• Fri, Sept 12: Gr 4 & 5 Soccer Jamboree
• Thurs, Sept 18: Elementary Photo Day
• Thurs, Sept 18: PCS 65 Anniversary BBQ 5:30-7:30pm
• Fri, Sept 26: Orange Shirt Day
• Mon, Sept 29: ProD Day – No classes
• Mon, Sept 29: Elementary PT Meetings 8:30am – 12:30pm
• Tues, Sept 30: No School – Truth & Reconciliation Day
• Wed. Oct 1: Elementary PT Meetings 3:30-5:45pm

Dear Families,

What a wonderful start we’ve had together in 4A! Even though our year has begun a little differently than planned, the enthusiasm and kindness of our learners have already made these first days really special. While we wait for the completion of trades work and inspections on our fabulous new portables, the 4A and 4B classes have been joining together for some exciting learning and community-building.

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Building Community & Exploring Stories

We’ve enjoyed “getting to know you” activities through drawing, writing, and sharing about our summers. In our daily Crew time (a space where we gather to reflect, connect, and set the tone for our day), we’ve been talking about what it means to belong to God’s kingdom and how each of us can contribute in meaningful ways.

One highlight was reading Flight of the Hummingbird by Haida artist Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas. This story inspired us to think about how even small actions can make a big difference.

Students brainstormed problems in our world they care about and began imagining how they might respond courageously with the gifts God has given them. Some also practiced oral storytelling by retelling the story in their own words—an excellent way to build memory, sequencing, and communication skills.

Looking Ahead

Tomorrow, we’ll continue exploring how students can make a difference in the world, while also deepening our connections as a class community. I’m also excited to help students start thinking this week about what they may want to do for their PERSONAL INTEREST PROJECTS this year.

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Communication with Families

This year, as in past years, I will use both email and my teacher blog to keep families informed:

Email: Every week or two (or as needed), I’ll send an update with highlights and important reminders.

Blog: I’ll use my blog to share bonus content such as photos of learning, links to helpful resources, and glimpses into our classroom projects. (No students or work will ever be photographed without both family and student permission and privacy is always respected.) Feel free to scroll through my previous blog entries to see how I have use this blog in the past.

Agendas: Our goal is to use agendas consistently. Students will be given time each day to record important dates, homework, and reminders. Please support your child in bringing their agenda to and from school daily, and kindly initial it each evening as a helpful routine to ensure we help you feel up-to-date on class information.

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A Bit About Me: Link to My Bio (HERE)

What a joy and privilege it is to be in my 20th year of teaching. I am deeply passionate about helping students discover their gifts and share them in meaningful ways that contribute to the world. I served as a vice-principal in SD61 for seven years, and returned to work as a classroom teacher three years ago when I felt God’s call to work in faith-based education. Leading classroom learning is so fun and creative—building relationships and watching students grow feels so profoundly special to me. In addition to teaching, I am a wife of a mathematician and the mom of three boys, an animal lover, and someone who enjoys the creative arts, outdoor adventures, and learning new gardening skills. My Facebook is private, but my Instagram is public @tiffany_poirier and anyone is welcome to follow me there or on YouTube at https://youtube.com/@tiffanypoirier?si=70NkXbzo2A748R3R

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Quick Reminders…

School Supplies: Please bring all school supplies tomorrow if you can. Be sure to label everything except the duotangs.

Meet the Teacher Night: This Thursday, September 5th, beginning at 5:40 p.m. in the church, followed by one classroom session at 6:10 (location TBA). Orange Shirt Day shirts will be available for purchase in the hallway starting at 5:30.

Field Trip to Willows Beach: This Friday we are excited to take our first field trip of the year with the 4A and 4B classes! Please ensure your child’s permission form is signed and returned as soon as possible.

I am excited to share more about our Grade 4 program and to connect with you at Meet the Teacher Night.

Thank you for sharing in the blessing of being in this wonderful learning community. We will work as partners to ensure a joyful and meaningful year.

With gratitude,

Tiffany Poirier, Grade 4A Teacher

Hello, 5B families!

I hope you’re all having a wonderful start to your summer!

Here is our last blog post for the year featuring some very special moments. I hope these bring a smile and spark some happy memories from our time in 5B. As a teacher, I cherish the 2024-25 school year as one of the most special years of my career with truly wonderful students and families. 

As I move on to teach grade 4 at a new school in September (closer to my home), please know you can still access our blog and connect that way. Since this current email address will no longer work by the end of July, you are welcome to reach out through my email address that is connected with my blog, which is info@inquiryninja.com  As well, you can find me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tiffany_poirier?igsh=MTU2b28xYzlkOXhrZg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Please know that I carry you all in my heart and am wishing each of you an amazing summer. Always feel free to reach out and share your life updates—I’m cheering you on!

Take care,

Ms. Poirier

Hello, 5B families! We’ve been up to so many exciting things…

Congratulations to all the students who participated and challenged their skills in the Chess Club this year! Here are the 5B students sharing the joy of their medals! Our 5B students dominated at the intermediate level school-wide by taking home 1st, 2nd, and 3rd (tie) place!

Congratulations to all the students who worked hard, grew their skills and courage, and participated in the class, grade, school and district public speaking competition this year! Everyone has shown so much improvement! This was an outstanding year! Two 5B students clinched the top two grade 4/5 spots at the school level of the competition and are off to represent us at the district competition tomorrow!

The 5B students worked so hard and with so much love on their Mother’s Day gifts of 3D paper flower sculptures and cards. We love our moms!

Our field trip to Swan Lake was so beautiful, peaceful, and educational!

We have made great progress in our Math unit on calculating perimeter and area. Here are some videos to reinforce skills taught in class….

Wishing 5B families a wonderful blessing-filled Easter weekend and time for reflection. 💐✝️

(Original video posted on Instagram.)

Hello, 5B families!

Class photos happen on Friday, April 11th! Please wear your FULL UNIFORM with tie on this day!

In Math, we have wrapped up our unit in equivalent fractions and are now exploring decimals. See below for an introductory video.

In Language Arts, students have just finished writing some wonderful five senses spring poems and reflective writing about spring break, and they are deep into a grammar unit and having fun with “Mad Libs”.

As well, Ms. Hicks has launched a personalized spelling program for students which will involve weekly spelling quizzes on Thursdays.

We have an upcoming group novel study on “The Velveteen Rabbit”, and students are also working on doing the reading and planning for presenting their own book talks either in a live presentation or on video, due on June 3rd.

Here is an example of what a book talk would include.

We discussed book talks last term, and I have taught about each section step-by-step in class, and I will work to support students further. However, at this stage in the year, the hope and expectation is that a student can produce a book talk with increased independence. Lots of class time is available for this work, both the novel reading and book talk writing.

In Art and Career Ed., students have been working on making their own Learning Coats that will be presented on June 10th. The video above explains more about the project. Please make sure your child has a “coat” (old or secondhand t-shirt or dress shirt) to decorate. Personal Interest Project work is also continuing now until they are due for presentation on June 9th.

In Science and Social Studies, are exploring a cross-disciplinary unit on the natural resources in Canada and especially British Columbia.

As well, in Social Studies, students have begun research for their own “Time Traveller’s Visit”. This inquiry project supports students to learn in depth about a historical time and place and imagine they have visited this place when reporting to us in a live presentation or video. This project is due to be presented by May 28th.

*I will make another blog post dedicated to this project in two weeks. For now, what students can do at home is continue learning about their chosen time and place through books, videos and other resources to increase their knowledge so they will be prepared with enough background to be creative when it’s time to write their presentations plans in class in a few weeks.

WHAT’S COMING DUE IN TERM 3?

• Speeches – Due April 29th
• Flower Art – Due May 9th
• Time Traveller Presentation – Due May 28th
• Book Talks – Due June 3rd
• Personal Interest Projects – Due June 9th
• Learning Coats – Due June 10th
• Note: Our 5B Celebration of Learning will take place on Tuesday, June 10th from 2:00-3:00pm. This is a time when parents and guardians are invited to come to our class to see students be presented with certificates, model their Learning Coats, and each give a 30 second speech. We will share highlights from our school year together and there may be some plays presented.

Dear 5B Families,

I hope you all had a joyful and restful spring break! I’m so excited to welcome everyone back to begin our final term together. It was lovely to hear students sharing about their recent adventures, and I’ll be sharing with the class tomorrow a little about my own spring break too—my family officially became farmers!

Over the break, my family and our two cats welcomed three sheep (a mother and her two lambs) and two bunnies, adopted through Amy’s Bunny Barn, a wonderful rescue organization.

I’ll be posting more photos and videos on our class blog in the coming days—stay tuned!

Important Thursday Schedule Update:

Beginning this week, there will be a change to our Thursday schedule:

• Mrs. Catherine Hicks, our French teacher, will now be with 5B for the full day on Thursdays.

In addition, we’re happy to welcome back Ms. Brianna Wark, who has returned from maternity leave. She will also be teaching in our classroom on Thursdays from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., leading the Fully Alive program, which beautifully connects concepts from our Religion curriculum with our Health education, including body science and healthy living. Ms. Wark will be reaching out to families in the coming week to introduce the program and what to expect.

Here’s our updated Thursday schedule:

• 8:45–9:00 – Silent Reading

• 9:00–9:30 – Fully Alive Program with Ms. Wark

• 9:30–10:00 – Language Arts project work block Ms. Wark

• 10:00–10:15 – Snack & Prayer

• 10:15–10:30 – Recess

• 10:30–11:45 – Language Arts with Mrs. Hicks (focus on spelling, grammar and conventions)

• 11:45–12:00 – Clean-up, Hot Lunch Prep & Prayer

• 12:00–12:15 – Lunch

• 12:15–12:55 – Recess

• 1:00–1:30 – Library with Mrs. Taylor

• 1:30–2:45 – French with Mrs. Hicks (double block)

• 2:45–3:00 – Clean-up & Daily Physical Activity

Track & Field Reminder:

If your child is interested in participating in Track and Field, please remember to return the permission form. We are committed to ensuring that every child who wants to participate will be supported so if financial assistance would help your family, please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself or the office.

What We’re Working On:

We’re jumping right back into learning this week! Students are:

• Reviewing equivalent fractions in Math

• Writing Five Senses Spring Poems

• Creating 3D sculptural art pieces for a very special Mother’s Day project

• Sharing spring break highlights in oral and written reflections

I’m looking forward to all the growth, creativity, and fun ahead!

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BASKETBALL: Also, anyone interested in extracurricular basketball taking place at our school should refer to the following information and send an email of interest to cloversbball@hotmail.com

Basketball SKILLS Sessions:

Sunday April 6 @ 3pm – 4:30pm

Sunday April 27 @ 3pm – 4:30pm

Sunday May 4 @ 3pm – 4:30 pm

Basketball GAME Sessions:

Friday April 11 @ 6pm- 7:30pm

Friday April 25 @ 6pm-7:30pm

Friday May 2 @ 6pm-7:30pm

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Sincerely,

Ms. Poirier

Hello 5B Families,

We’ve had an exciting and productive end to Term 2! Here’s a little update on what we’ve been working on in class:

• Religion: Students have been retelling the Creation Story using various dramatic techniques to bring it to life.

• Language Arts: We’ve wrapped up our novel study on Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. Students have handed in their reading response paragraphs and have been preparing for their comprehension quiz tomorrow through creative and interactive study methods. They are also working on writing a five-senses survival poem from the protagonist’s perspective, using poetic techniques, literary devices, and rich vocabulary from the novel.

• Reminder: Hatchet poems are due this Friday, February 28th.

• Science: For the past two months, students have been working on their digestive system board game projects, designing engaging ways to teach their classmates about this important body system.

• Reminder: Science projects are also due this Friday, February 28th.

• Math: Students recently completed their division quiz rewrites, which will be sent home on Friday as I finish scoring them. While quizzes are a common format for assessment, we continue to provide students with various ways to demonstrate their learning. Our focus remains on building strong self-advocacy skills and helping students develop strategies for understanding and organizing information across subjects.

Upcoming Events & Reminders:

• Pink Shirt Day – Tomorrow (Wednesday, February 26th): Students are invited to wear a pink shirt to support anti-bullying initiatives. They may wear it with or over their regular uniform at their discretion.

Thank you for your continued support! Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

In Health Education this term, students have been exploring emotions and self-regulation strategies. One of our engaging projects was the Cranky Cat Search-and-Find creative drawing activity, where students created detailed illustrations and then wrote or told a creative story about a grumpy feline who learns to manage his emotions. Through the story, the cranky cat uses self-regulation strategies to transform his experience and outlook, with the encouragement and support of his fellow cat friends. This project allowed students to reflect on emotional awareness in a fun and meaningful way, reinforcing strategies they can use in their own lives.

Reminder: Tuesday, March 4th is Shrove Tuesday. We will be enjoying a pancake breakfast at school on this day. Please send in reusable cutlery and a plate or container to help us reduce waste from the event.

Dear 5B families,

What will you do to take advantage of this special snow day? I hope you can enjoy some fun outside and some cozy time warming up indoors!

Alas, my family doesn’t own any sleds, but we were able to make our kids’ kayak do the trick for some tobogganing down the driveway.

If you’d like to share your photos or videos of your winters adventures on this blog, feel free to send them to me by email at tpoirier@cisdv.bc.ca and I will post them below…

Hello, 5B families!

*Scroll down to see even more performance videos…

In our Religion classes, one of our goals is to deepen our understanding of the lessons Bible stories can reveal.

We take various approaches and come at studying the stories from different angles: reading and analyzing the original text, reading children’s Bible story versions, seeing video re-enactments (such as excerpts from the series “The Chosen”), doing our own dramatized readings and re-enactments, using the Hallow app to assist with a lectio divina approach, praying for insight on the story, having class dialogue about our connections and questions, making artworks inspired by Bible stories, and more.

This blog post will share with you a glimpse of our recent learning with the story of how Jesus healed a man who was paralyzed (Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12, and Luke 5:17-26).

*The approach I take to teaching Bible stories is partly inspired by a wonderful course I am currently taking online through Wycliffe Australia, called “Story the Bible”.

Part 1: I told the story (twice), and then students discussed their responses to reflection questions.

Part 2: We watched THE CHOSEN reenactment of the story.

Part 3: We listened to the HALLOW app’s retelling in the context of a “lectio divina”.

Part 4: We re-read and compared the original Bible story texts as they appear in Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12, and Luke 5:17-26) AND notes their differences in various Bible translations.

Part 5: Students are learning to faithfully retell and dramatize the story themselves.