Welcome Families to our Blog

If you have any questions or concerns please give me a call at the school 786-5540 or e-mail me at dcoomber@mail.gssd.ca

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

September 22nd, 2010

Dear Families,
Everyone has Social homework to do.  All parts are due Friday Sept. 24th.  Each student was given a package about the flood in Pakistan.  Students are responsible for reading the article, answering questions, going on-line to answer questions about the Red Cross (this should already be completed) and finally filling in a map.  In order to fill in the map – students may require access to the internet or a detailed atlas.  Maps can be found by searching on Google images – large map of Pakistan.  I have gone through this with the students so there shouldn’t be any confusion – but you never know. 
*Reminder Picture Day is tomorrow – so practice your smiles!*
- Mr.  Coomber

Monday, September 20, 2010

September 20, 2010

Dear Families,

Well, the grade 8s all survived our canoeing trip and only one of us got wet – not bad for our first real adventure.  I will be posting some of the photos shortly.  I think everyone really enjoyed themselves.

The grade 7s don’t have any homework tonight, they do however have a Math test tomorrow.

As for the 8s, they have 1 question in Math that should not take them too long to answer.  They have their first Math Test on Friday the 24th. 

We will be having our Terry Fox Walk on the 30th.   The students will be collecting money for Cancer Research.  As always we appreciate your support but there is no expectation to donate.

-Mr. Coomber

Friday, September 17, 2010

September 17th, 2010

This week has just flown by.  There is no homework this weekend – but there is a Phys. Ed. Test on Monday and the 7s have their first Math test on Tuesday so there should be some studying happening.  Now that Bieber mania has passed we will get back to a normal routine.  Have a great weekend!
- Mr. Coomber

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

September 15, 2010

Dear Families,

We are mid-month and all is well in 7/8C.  Tonight's homework is one math sheet both sides - for both 7 and 8s.  Grade 8s on Monday will be going canoeing.  The water might be a little chilly but hopefully none of us will be taking a dip.  Please bring a wool sweater that you don't mind getting wet in -just in case.  Wool is the best fabric (apart from a wet/dry suit) because it stays warm even when wet. For all of you concert goers, enjoy your time at the Bieber concert!

-Mr. Coomber

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

September 14, 2010

Dear Families,

Majority of the students should have some ELA questions for homework tonight.  A few of the 8s will also have math for homework.  If the students do not complete their homework a letter will be sent home and if it is not signed and returned, I will be contacting you personally so that none of the students fall behind.  The 7s have their first math test Tuesday the 21st.  The 8s will be having their first math test the following week.  All tests will be sent home and must be signed and returned.  Just a reminder that tomorrow is the last day to order a hot lunch through SubWay. 

-Mr. Coomber

Friday, September 10, 2010

September 10th, 2010

It was an absolute pleasure to bring the grade 7/8s to the opening ceremony of the bike path. The event went off without a hitch and the students exceeded my expectations. You can watch the event on Access Television when it is aired. It turned out to be a perfect day to go for a ride.

As for homework this weekend the 7s and 8s might have some health questions (although most of the students were able to finish all of the questions during class). They should all have some ELA that is due Monday. They have comprehension questions for Ch. 1 and must also read Ch. 2 and write 5 connections that they found while reading. This task should not be difficult for the students as they have experience making connections during class and with the previous chapter.
In terms of homework I have adopted a new consequence for not completing homework. The ‘pink slip’ (it is printed on pink paper) will be filled out by the student and taken home to be discussed with you and signed. I will attach a copy of the sheet to the blog.

You should have received two handouts today both pertaining to pictures (our day got switched. If you could return the permission forms for Noon Hour, Technology Access and PAA permission that would be much appreciated.


-Mr. Coomber

Thursday, September 9, 2010

September 9th, 2010

Dear Families,

Hopefully you all have received a quick message home explaining that our class has been given the opportunity to represent MC Knoll for the opening ceremony of the bike path. This will all take place weather permitting tomorrow the 10th. If your child does not have access to a bicycle or helmet we will do our best to accommodate. If you could help us out with this endeavor by allowing your child to bring an extra bicycle that would be much appreciated.


There have been numerous students that have not completed their homework (particularly Math) saying that they simply did not understand how to do it. This is a completely valid reason for not finishing homework but must come with a responsibility to come for extra one-on-one or small group instruction. If the students come for help – then they will receive a complete for homework check. These homework checks are worth roughly 10-15% of their final grades. I am available every lunch hour from 12:30-1:00 to help students that might need extra instruction, clarification and/or just to answer questions. If you could please remind your child to come for extra help that would be much appreciated. There is no homework for tonight.

There is a handout which should be coming home today about the Subway Lunch on Sept. 28th. 

Thank You

-Mr. Coomber


Tuesday, September 7, 2010

September 7th, 2010

Dear Families,

Just a heads up to remind all of the students that they should have some Math homework due tomorrow.  The Grade 8s also have Science due tomorrow. 

- Mr. Coomber

Friday, September 3, 2010

September 3rd, 2010

Dear 7/8 Families,

We made it through our first week of school!

Finally we are up and running and you have access to this blog.  Today you should receive the new and updated Adventure Ed. handout.  Please return the permission form along with the $25 with your child.  There are also a number of Technology Use Agreement forms that are outstanding.  They are the blue newsletters.  If you have not received this newsletter - please drop me a line and I will ensure that your child is given a new one. 

The grade 7s should have some math homework unless they finished it all during their library time.  This unit seems to be pretty straight forward for the students.

All of the grade 8s should have at least one page (7 questions) of math.  If they do not understand and you are unable to offer help - no worries.  I have told the students that if they are unable to complete the assignment because they did not understand then we would meet during recess for small group instruction.  This is one of the most challenging units in Grade 8 but I know that if we put in the time and effort we will all be able to succeed.

We are beginning a novel study using the book War Brothers by Sharon E. McKay. It is a juvenile fiction novel which is set in Uganda. It is the story of a Child Soldier who was forced to fight as part of the LRA. As part of this novel study we will be examining the practice of Child Soldiers througout the world. This may be a difficult issue for some of the students, however, I feel that the first step to changing the world is to understand the injustices found within that world and then act to change it. All of the material covered during this unit will be age appropriate. The purpose is so that the students have an appreciation for what they have and where they live and so that they can understand how different their experiences are compared to others their own age around the world. We have read the introduction of the novel and the students seem keen on learning more. If you have any questions or concerns about this project or any others please do not hesitate to send me a quick e-mail or give me a call.

Enjoy your long weekend!

-Mr. Coomber