TEACHERS: MS. COSCARELLI, MR. ZUBAC
We would like to welcome you and your child to grade seven at Josyf Cardinal Slipyj School. We hope your child will experience a productive and rewarding year. Your child, this year, will be learning many academic, organizational and social skills, as well as develop a greater sense of self-confidence and responsibility. Both teacher and parent will play an important role in helping your child reach his/her maximum potential. By working together, we can help your child become the best person they can be.
We believe that ongoing communication between the school and home is essential to supporting student achievement and progress. The following information is intended to outline our expectations for students and how we will be communicating student progress.
SUBJECTS
Your child will be studying the following subjects this year:
Religion
Family Life
Mathematics
Language Arts: Reading, Writing, Media Literacy, Oral and Visual Communication
Geography
History
Science and Technology
French
Ukrainian
Visual Arts/Drama
Physical Education/Health
Instrumental Music
TEACHERS
Your child may have many different teachers this year. It is important that the student understands the need to be cooperative with all teachers.
HOMEWORK
Regularly assigned homework improves academic results, skills and attitudes. It serves many purposes:
reinforcing skills and concepts taught during class time
providing extra drill in areas where a student is weak
helping students to develop self-discipline and self-motivation
- allowing students to gain experience in research techniques
providing an opportunity for students to develop study habits, including organization of time and materials
How can a parent/guardian help?
make sure that there is a quiet, regular place to work
help the student organize time for assignments and homework; prioritize work according to difficulty
provide an “audience” for oral reading and skills that need drilling
be a resource, providing helpful hints about where and how to locate information
be a proofreader
provide words of encouragement
- monitor visitors and phone calls to avoid unnecessary interruptions
However, we remind you that, “while all these actions can help students, remember that too much help can prevent a student from developing healthy independent study habits.”
(The Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association)
STUDENT AGENDA/HOMEWORK PLAN
As you know, each student has a student agenda. The purpose of this planner is to assist students in developing organizational and time management skills relating to homework completion and assignments. It will also provide a link between home and school. The agenda is expected to be signed by a parent/guardian on a daily basis to ensure completion of homework and parent knowledge of due assignments. Accordingly, your child is expected to keep you informed of upcoming tests so that, if need be, appointments can be scheduled so that a test is not missed.
Due dates will be provided to students on the day that the assignment is given, and will be noted in their agendas and/or monthly calendar. Students and parents should know that work is ultimately assessed and evaluated for report card purposes, and therefore, also for promotion purposes. Incomplete work will not only affect individual results, but class averages as well.
It is essential that all students keep up with their work and come to school prepared. Students will be asked to complete any unfinished homework during morning or afternoon recess whenever necessary.
EVALUATION
Evaluation is based upon the following: daily work, homework, quizzes, tests, assignments, projects, participation and effort. Teacher, self and peer assessment will be conducted. Evaluation is ongoing, and will include both process and product. The following marking scheme will be used:
LEVEL |
GRADE |
PERCENTAGE |
1- |
D- |
51 - 53 |
1 |
D |
54 - 56 |
1+ |
D+ |
57 - 59 |
2- |
C- |
60 - 63 |
2 |
C |
64 - 66 |
2+ |
C+ |
67 - 69 |
3- |
B- |
70 - 73 |
3 |
B |
74 - 76 |
3+ |
B+ |
77 - 79 |
4- |
A- |
80 - 83 |
4 |
A |
84 - 89 |
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
The following is a summary of classroom expectations. These expectations have been discussed with your child and will continue to be reviewed throughout the year. When students experience difficulty in meeting classroom expectations for homework completion or good behaviour, parents will be notified.
Listen when someone is speaking-avoid interruptions or distractions
Help maintain a positive learning environment-keep voices low
Be thoughtful and courteous to others. Use appropriate language
Solve problems and conflicts in a cooperative and Christian way
Be punctual and come prepared for school with necessary supplies
Follow teacher directions carefully and use your time productively
EXCURSIONS
We know that education is not confined to the classroom, so we will schedule excursions throughout the school year. You will be notified when these take place.
CURRICULUM
RELIGION
Text: Grade 7 Believe in Me
The students will review prayer, scripture, doctrine and the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church, employing the framework of the Apostle’s Creed as a basic statement of faith. The students will also be involved in the planning, writing and participation of various liturgies and prayer services.
Weekly visits from Father R. Lobay
FAMILY LIFE
Text: Grade 7 Fully Alive
The students will have opportunities to develop insights into human relationships and to develop Christian attitudes and habits of behaviour that are loving and life giving. Students will see themselves as unique individuals created in the likeness of God. The following themes will be discussed this year:
- Created and Loved by God
- Living in Relationship
- Created Sexual: Male and Female
- Growing in Commitment
- Living in the World
MATHEMATICS
The intermediate math program is designed to help students acquire a more thorough understanding of the fundamental operations and to apply them with accuracy and ease. The strands to be covered in mathematics are:
Number Sense and Numeration
Measurement
Geometry and Spatial Sense
Patterning and Algebra
Data Management and Probability
LANGUAGE ARTS
Texts: Grade 7 Language Power, Novels, Anthologies, Short Stories, Class Blog
Students will develop thinking, listening, speaking, writing and reading skills in order to increase their appreciation of literature and language. These skills are part of all areas of the curriculum and will be evaluated across the curriculum. These skills will be strengthened through the study of:
Literature: novel studies, book reports, poetry, independent reading, process writing
Grammar Development
Vocabulary Development
Oral and Visual Communication
Media Literacy: The Media Triangle, analyzing media, constructing media
GEOGRAPHY
Text: Grade 7 Patterns in Physical Geography
The students will develop a range of skills that are required for geographical inquiry. They will become aware of major geographical patterns and the interdependence of physical and human geography.
Grade 7 Strands:
The Themes of Geographical Inquiry
Patterns in Physical Geography
Natural Resources
HISTORY
The students will develop a range of skills and competencies that are required for historical inquiry. They will develop an understanding of the impact of significant people and events on the history of various communities and of Canada.
Strands:
New France
British North America
Conflict and Change
SCIENCE
Text: Grade 7 Investigating Science and Technology 7
etest: www.pearsoncanada.ca/pearsontext
The students will develop an understanding of the processes of science and the skills essential for participation in scientific work. They will be encouraged to search for knowledge about nature and our environment.
STRAND |
GRADE 7 |
Life Systems |
Interactions in the Environment |
Matter and Materials |
Pure Substances and Mixtures |
Energy and Control |
Heat in the Environment |
Structures and Mechanisms |
Structures: Form and Function |
PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH
The students will develop an awareness of the importance of physical fitness. They will acquire proficiency in motor skills and sports skills and develop social skills through experiences in group activities. Students must come prepared for this class-a change of appropriate clothes, non-skid running shoes and deodorant are necessary. Students will also acquire knowledge about healthy living.
STRAND |
GRADE 7 |
Fundamental Movement Skills |
Locomotion, Traveling, Manipulation and Stability |
Active Participation |
Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, Living Skills |
Healthy Living |
Eating Healthy, Growth and Development, Personal Safety, Substance Use and Abuse |
VISUAL ARTS
The students will produce two and three-dimensional works of art using appropriate art forms. They will be introduced to the principles of design and use them when producing and responding to works of art. We will also look at artistic choices and how they affect the viewer.
DRAMA
The students are going to have opportunities to create dramatic pieces using a variety of techniques. They will critically evaluate their work and others. Drama will be integrated across the curriculum.