Author: Tiffany 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.

Hello, 5B families!

Next week is Literacy Week, and we will kicked it off with all St. Patrick’s students invited to come to school this Monday dressed as a favourite character from a book they have read!

Also, as a part of the Physical Education program, all grade 5s will participate in a fun and friendly basketball jamboree for local independent schools this Thursday, January 30th.

(Mr. Dufort will follow up with more information and permission forms on Monday for the basketball trip.)

Ask your child what happened in the “paper clips experiment”!

It was an exciting time using the scientific method and sharing delight together at witnessing unexpected results. We observed and recorded how many paper clips we could sneak into an already full glass of water without spilling it—thanks to the power of surface tension.

Most students guessed we could fit 3-6 paper clips; one person guessed we could 16 to fit. But the results revealed……139! Our minds were blown. We couldn’t have believed if not for seeing it with our own eyes.

In term three, students will be challenged to prepare and present a simple science experiment of their own choosing, either live in class or on video. Today I modelled how an experiment presentation could look.

This experiment assignment is intended to be entirely student directed— no family help or purchasing of materials is necessary. By offering students over 4 months advance notice and lots of class time to prepare the experiment with teacher support, I hope everyone will have what they need to be successful and have fun!

As well, in Science students have been working through a unit on the digestive system. Their major creative research project this term is designing a board game as a fun way to teach other people about the digestive system.

In Language Arts, we have been reviewing spelling rules and are on chapter 12 of our “Hatchet” novel study—lots of rich discussion and critical thinking happening as a result!

In Math, we have made excellent progress in our multi-digit multiplication unit, and quizzes are coming home today to share that growth. Next week we will layer in multi-digit division skills at an even pace, while also continuing to practice this week’s lessons.

Here is a video that teaches a very helpful division strategy we will use next week. (It’s likely a strategy parents were not taught years ago, but I wish we were because I’ve seen how it really helps students keep focussed on the meaning of division.)

Hello, 5B families!

Ask your child about “Cranky Cats”—we have been having a blast in Art recreating our own versions of this “Where’s Waldo”-style illustration.

The lesson connect to analysis of facial expressions, practice in perspective-taking, and creative brainstorming about what could cause a to be cat cranky. Students also engaged in storytelling, imagining how the cats might solve their crankiness.

This activity brought giggles while teaching illustration strategies alongside social-emotional learning topics from the Health Ed. curriculum.

In Social Studies, we have been expanding our knowledge of geography and doing a unit on immigration in Canada.

Click here to download KYAK magazine with lots of rich historical information for students about immigration to Canada:

Note: Students brought home their marked 2-digit by 3-digit multi-digit multiplication quizzes today.

Keep practicing —this is just the beginning of the unit! Students are always supported to rewrite quizzes and show their learning in new ways.

Dear 5B families,

We’ve started 2025 with a focus on multi-digit multiplication, a critical skill for building numeracy and preparing students for future math concepts. This month, we are reviewing the traditional algorithm while introducing the box method, which many students find particularly helpful and intuitive.

In class, I’ve shared my video tutorials to guide students through these methods. We’ve practiced together, and I’ve taught them how to adjust playback speed and pause videos so they can learn at their own pace. These tutorials are an helpful resource for additional practice at home.

Grade 5 is a pivotal year for establishing strong math foundations, and multiplication is a cornerstone skill. Let’s ensure every child has the time and support needed to succeed. I’ll continue providing tutorials, working with students individually, and offering class-wide guidance—regular study time at home as well may be needed for mastering these skills.

Students are encouraged to explore both methods and choose the one that works best for them after gaining confidence in each. This flexibility is key to developing problem-solving skills and adaptability.

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Extra Practice Questions…

And here is the “Answer Key”…

Hello, 5B families!

As we settle into the new year, we are diving into exciting learning opportunities across the curriculum. Here are some highlights!

Language Arts…

Our focus this term is on strengthening reading strategies and writing thorough responses to text. Students are practicing the RACE strategy (Restate, Answer, Cite, Explain), a structured approach to responding to comprehension questions with clear evidence and detailed explanations. We’re emphasizing how to find evidence in a text and express it effectively in writing. This will prepare us for our upcoming meaningful novel study adventure with the book, Hatchet.

Math…

In Math, students are building their skills in multi-digit multiplication, we will teach the box method of multiplication next week (two strategies for the same goal to promote flexible numeracy skills), which has been especially helpful for students who are visual learners and/or who find the traditional approach challenging.

We reviewed this math tutorial video in class, and I recommend students create their own multiplication questions at home. (They can check their work with a family member or calculator.)

Personal Interest Projects…

Students have launched their personal interest projects (p.i.p.), a year-long initiative that integrates skills across the curriculum while fostering creativity and independence. These projects allow students to explore their passions, develop core competencies and meet career education goals, while creating products of learning to share at the end of the year. The progress on these projects is due for our showcase in the second week of June.

Throughout this process, students will receive many hours of direct teaching and support to guide them every step of the way. There is no need to purchase outside materials or provide family support, though families are welcome to be involved as they wish. I made an online video course filled with resources to support this work. As relevant, I’ll post some of these videos ongoing throughout the term so students can re-watch them at home if helpful. While not required viewing, these videos can help families better understand the nature of personal interest projects and the goals we aim to achieve through them.

*Here is a link to the entire P.I.P. video course playlist on YouTube:

*Here is an example of a high level example of a personal interest project that I shared with students to teach them the specifics of how in-depth research could look:

It’s wonderful to see the enthusiasm and growth already happening in 5B. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our learning journey!

Dear 5B families,

PLEASE NOTE:

• Wednesday, January 8th: Early dismissal at 2:00 p.m.

• Thursday, January 9th: Epiphany Mass at St. Patrick’s Parish at 10:45 a.m.

• Friday, January 24th: No school for students.

• Tuesday, February 4th: Student-led conferences from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, February 5th: Early dismissal at 2:00 p.m.

• Friday, February 7th: No school.

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your wonderful class Christmas gift of a gift certificate and the cards and other meaningful gifts and artworks. You made me feel so happy and special and it was another reminder of how lucky I am to be in 5B at our great school!  Your kindness means the world to me. It was very special to connect with each child today to thank them and as well to let them know how much I loved seeing their beautiful nativity scenes (either live in person or via photograph). I will make time to create a blog post to showcase those soon! 

I was so sorry to be so sick and miss the last week of school before vacation–I was hit with that bug that impacted a number of students, staff and families and it had me coughing all through the holidays and even up to New Years. Fortunately, I am back to being healthy and delighted to see a full class of healthy students here today!

As for today, we had a gentle start back with (a.) an assembly, (b.) a Health Ed. discussion of feelings around making transitions and strategies for finding a sense of calm during transitions, (c.) a study in Religion class about the meaning of Epiphany, and (d.) an introduction to how to do “Personal Interest Projects”(P.I.P.)–ask your children about that (and I will post a blog and video links about that soon).

The P.I.P.s will be a fun way for students to personalize their learning and growth their core and curricular competencies across the grade 5 curriculum and beyond with special emphasis on “Career Education” goals.

The projects are not due until June and there will be many hours of in class direct instruction and support for these student-driven projects.

There is nothing for parents to buy or do for these projects–just relax and know that your child is in charge and very well supported at school; but feel free to support if you have time and would like to do so.

A great way to encourage your child is just to have conversations asking questions like, “What do you think you might do for your personal interest project?” and “What is your next step in your project?”

As I said, there will be loads more information to come about the P.I.P. journey–which will be a non-rush, creative adventure that will re-enchant your child with his/her learning.

****REMINDER: This Thursday, Jan. 9th is the Epiphany Mass at 10:45am at the Parish and full uniform (including tie) is the dress code. Thank you for helping your child to remember.

Happy new year!

Tiffany Poirier, 5B teacher

Hello, 5B families!

Here is a description of the Religion/Arts Ed. project that students have been working on in class.

For this Advent project, you’ll be creating your very own nativity scene diorama to show the story of Jesus’ birth, using any craft materials, natural items like sticks or rocks, or even toys like Lego or other toy figures that you already have at home. The goal is to apply your creativity and show what you’ve learned about the nativity story from the Bible and how it fits into our Catholic faith. While you are welcome to include toys or pre-made items, it’s important to make sure your design has some innovative and construction elements that you make yourself. For example, simply purchasing a ready-made nativity scene and bringing it in would miss the point of this activity, which is to challenge you to be creative, to thoughtfully engage with the story, and to think through the elements of it. You’ll also use your diorama as a prop to help retell the nativity story to a Grade 2 buddy. You’ll be celebrated for and assessed on how faithful your diorama is to the Bible story, how creative your artwork is, how much effort you put into making it, and how well you retell the story using your diorama. Have fun and let your creativity shine as you bring the nativity story to life!

Here is a video of the nativity scenes that last year’s grade 5s made for inspiration…

ADVENT CONCERT: Tues., Dec. 10th

Today students have brought home their black dress shoes so they can be clean and polished for wearing tomorrow night at St. Andrew’s Cathedral downtown for the Advent Concert.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) during the school day is a CIVVIES DAY. This is to ensure that students’ FULL UNIFORM will be fresh and clean for the Advent concert in the evening.

Students arrive at 5:30pm at St. Andrew’s Cathedral (740 View Street). The concert begins at 6:00pm but parents can start seating themselves as of 5:30pm. The event is expected to be an hour long, but it could go later. For example, I personally will ensure I have parking until 8pm.

*Parking may be found on the streets nearby and in the View Street Parkade.

**No drinks or food are permitted in the cathedral. No water bottles or coffee cups. No snacks. Thank you for understanding.

***Bathrooms: Please note that there are only TWO BATHROOMS (two toilets total) available in St. Andrew’s. Students and families are encouraged to be mindful of this and plan accordingly (e.g. not drinking excessive amounts of water before the concert). Last year there were line ups for the bathroom.

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PYJAMA DAY is the day after the concert on Wednesday, Dec. 11th

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KIDS SHOPPING EVENT: Thurs., Dec. 12th

This annual event is fun and meaningful for students as they get to go shopping (in our school) for Christmas presents for their parents and siblings. (Sorry, they can’t buy for other family members during the first round of buying, even if they live in your house). But on Friday, Dec. 13, after all classes have finished shopping, if there are leftover items, then shopping will be opened up for students to buy gifts for other family members. 

*If you have new or used items in good condition that would be good to donate to this “Kids Shopping Event” (things that would make good presents for parents and kids of all ages), please send those donations to school. Thank you so much!

On GRADE 5 shopping day (Thurs. Dec. 12 at 9:30am) your child should bring:

-one or two reusable shopping bags (large, if possible) with a handle

-a list with the names of the family members who they are buying for (ages of the siblings helps the assistant shoppers) Example: Mom, Dad, Bobby (age 3), Suzy (age 10)

–$2 per gift (Gr. 7s are raising money to buy gifts for less fortunate children)

The gifts will be wrapped & tagged by the Gr. 7 elves (that’s why they need the list of names).

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Wed., Dec. 18th – Report Cards go home.

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Fri., Dec. 20 – Wear Christmas-themed Civvies: red/green clothes; school is dismissed at noon for Christmas vacation.

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