Moving on...

On Wednesday, the Kindergarten, Grade One, Grade Two and Grade Three students from St. Theresa Catholic School took a little "road trip" to their new home for September 2013.  As our blessed school closes, we change from cheering for The Hawks to being The Royals.

Our new home will be Madonna Catholic School, and like with St. Theresa, this will be the second time in my careet that I will be teaching in this school.

The three classes of Grade Three (soon to be the oldest students at Madonna in Grade 4) met and played a couple of games that helped them meet each other.  There were smiles all around.

After they played their games, they returned to the gymnasium to sing before being given a treat to remember the day...a lovely lollipop and a skipping rope!

The afternoon brought a new kind of reality to our closing.  We celebrated mass in the gymnasium, only fitting to do so and honour our namesake.

We showered her with flowers.

Father Jack Hamilton blessed us all, and reminded us of the words of St. Theresa. He reminded us that we can take our lessons with us and spread the blessings to others we meet.   

The students learned that Father Dan, who dilgently visited us every month, bringing Jesus' word and song into our classes, would also be moving on.  He will leave Alberta for Victoria B.C. in September.

During mass, the students sang and worshipped...

 smiled and...

danced!

We Love You, St. Theresa!

Provincial Achievement Tests next week

Over the next few days, the children and I will be spending some time learning 'how' to take the multiple choice tests that are given at Grade Three here in the province of Alberta.  I don't stress about them and I work really hard to ensure that the students don't stress about them.  One little guy asked if I was going to send how 'practise tests' because he was already doing tests at home to get ready.

I admire any parent who gets involved in whatever way that they do, in their child's education.

In the past I have sent home 'practise' tests and here's what I have found: the majority of families are just too darn busy doing dance competitions, lacrosse/soccer/baseball tournaments to find time to add one more thing on their plate.  The students have learned everything that they will need to know to accomplish their best next Tuesday and Thursday.  Some will remember everything that they are meant to do: read through the entire passage and all the answers before choosing the best answer, re-read and double check, take your time, use what you know, don't leave any questions out and if you're really not sure, then take a good guess.....and some won't.

I am not trying to sound glib, but I want you to put this in perspective...no child has ever been denied university entrance based on Grade 3 PAT exams.  Do I want them to 'knock their socks off' over at the government offices where the tests are marked?  You bet! But I won't push so hard that they are afraid, or worried or scared.  Instead, I want them to think 'that was easy' and walk away with their heads held high!

What can you do to help them?  Tell your child that you love them, and that you believe in them. Ensure that they have a good night's sleep (no staying awake past 8:00!) and feed them a nourishing breakfast.  Hug them tight!  When it's all over ask them questions like:  What was the easiest question on the test?  Which one did you have to re-read?  Was there a question that was a bit tricky?  How did you figure it out?  Which question did you have to take a guess at?  Let them tell you all about it!

I was impressed with this great article.  Go ahead and take a look!

Here's the link: