End of Year Party!

I would like to say thank you to all of my students for working hard this year, keeping a growth mindset, and being the best that they could be. This year was by far, the most fun I've ever had with a group of students. They showed me that no matter their age, they could do big things to make our world a better place. They literally brought the curriculum alive! I was also impressed this year by their love of math. Never, in 18 years of teaching have I had a class that made learning math so much fun! Each student said that they liked math. Wow! Every time we did a lesson, the students were attentive and focused. Their ideas and thoughts were rich and developed. Each student worked hard to foster a growth mindset. They really did see that math is everywhere.

I would like to give my sincere appreciation to my students' families for their support this year. Without our parents' and guardians' help we couldn't have accomplished what we did. Thank you.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy summer! See you in September!

Mr. McNeil

To conclude the year we had a class party. Students munched on snacks and played on electronic devices. Lots of fun!

Readers Theatre

This past week our students presented Readers Theatre presentations.

Light Savers

On Friday, the students in 5M concluded their power saving initiative called Light Savers. The students had asked all classes in the school to shut off at least one set of lights for approximately 6 weeks in order to reduce the amount of fossil fuels being burned to produce electricity. The winning class, 4Z received an ice cream party. As a school, 74% of all classes participated on a regular basis. We had shut off over 500 sets of lights during the initiative. I am so proud of the students in 5M for being difference makers! They did the whole initiative on their own. They made the logos, the posters, the announcements, the tracking sheets and they checked the progress of every class, every single day. They also compiled the results and served the ice cream. Relentless dedication from our Grade 5's. Way to go!

FNMI Symposium

A couple of weeks ago, West Gate P.S. had its first ever, First Nations, Metis, Inuit (FNMI) symposium. We had a visit from peers from Antler River Elementary School of the Chippewas of the Thames reserve in Muncey, Ontario, watched a drumming and traditional dance session, heard a singing demonstration and made an amazing art lesson with looms and beads based on Treaties. We also ate a delicious traditional lunch with our new friends. What an excellent day!

Skype with China

This year's partnership with Southwest University concluded with a Skype session. Students were able to attend the session and communicate questions to their peers in China. What an amazing experience to talk to someone on the other side of the world! We hope to continue our partnership next year.

Science Presentations

Students in 5M were challenged to make a plan of action to reduce energy consumption at home or in their community for a one week period. They were also asked to make a presentation to the class in a format that they felt comfortable using. The presentations were thought-provoking and excellent. 

Art Class

Here are some pics of our class painting Inukshuk scenes with watercolours:

Going to get the water

Mapping and Math!

Did you know that mapping has a lot to do with Math? Well, it does! Maps use coordinates, scale and measurement. In 5M we made maps with a written set of instructions, maps with coordinates and Battleship game boards using coordinates! Great fun to combine Math and Social Studies!