There is an old expression, “the calm before the storm." However when referring to Christmas Concert preparations, the expression should read the other way, “ the storm before the clam!"
Each class is busy learning their songs, poems and lines for their skits. Then classes will join together, with more than 80 students in total, to practice the group songs. The younger students are wide-eyed as older students and teachers invade their room, since it is the largest in the school. The Grade 6 and 7 class try to be excited to practice singing again, but know it is probably their last concert and they have smiles on their faces. The teachers make line ups and then change their minds, daily.
Soon the real excitement begins when the classes start to practice on the stage. The first practices always run smoothly, but the excitement starts to fade when they realize they are going to the stage to practice, again!
Throughout all the preparations, students remember their families and community members will be coming to watch on the evening of the performance, so they do their very best and to make sure everyone leaves with big smiles on their faces, a few laughs and a great feeling of pride.
The Grades 2 through 5 classes have been invited to the Maymont Seniors’ Center on the afternoon of Monday, Dec.12, to perform. The students will be performing a couple of songs and a poem before enjoying the cookies the seniors will be sharing with them.
Cassidy Serhienko did not advance to the final round in the Loran Scholarship competition. She reported that it was a lot of fun, interesting and she met a lot of great people. Cassidy does receive some money to help with her education in the fall.
Driver training classes are now complete. Several students still have to practice their driving with the instructor, but their classes are done.
The library has their very own elf on a shelf. The students have named him Frederick. One day he was sitting on some books and roasting a marshmallow over a flickering, imitation candle. Another time he was in the doorway, behind a large piece of paper wishing the students a great evening of popcorn and movie watching. Students are excited to go into the library each day and see where Frederick is hiding!
The school community council sponsored a movie evening Dec. 2. Students were treated to a free viewing of Santa Paws. They also had warm, buttery popcorn and juice boxes to drink. They had a lot of fun. Thanks to the SCC members for all your work.
JeanAnne Jackson and Cathy Gillatt attended the school division's Math Professional Learning Committee workshop Nov. 29. There are several meetings throughout the year to discuss the new math initiatives.
One of the school's goals for the 2016-17 school year is to implement the 6 + 1 Writing Traits. Staff members volunteered to make a different bulletin board each month to promote the trait that is the focus for the month. In October, Twyla Stott and Cathy Gillatt made a bulletin focused on Ideas. In November, Jean Brehon and JeanAnne Jackson focused on Organization. In December, Ryan Nickell and Sean Lockwood will be making the bulletin board for Conventions.
The flu bug has hit several of the students and staff members in the last few weeks. Let's hope that it passes quickly so everyone will feel great for Christmas!
Don't forget, the Christmas Concert is Dec. 19 at 7:15 p.m.
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