DIV 8-6

Monday, Sept 29th: Today was Orange Shirt Day at school. We began the day by participating in an Orange Shirt Day reflective walk. We joined all the classes at Royal Oak and walked around the block. Later in the day, during advisory, we discussed Orange Shirt day and what it represents and the legacy of the residential schools, and the significance of The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. In block 1, we did Math today. Students received their marked Unit 1 Tests back and Mr. Menzies went over the test. We also received a Unit 1 Self Evaluation and Reflection where we had to review our tests, identify areas of strength, and areas that remain shaky, and also reflect on our learning behaviors / approach to learning in Math through this unit. Mr. Menzies asked us to staple this self evaluation to our tests, take home tonight to show our parents/get signed, and bring back to school where we can keep them in a folder for when we do review at the end of the year. After this, we continued with Unit 2 and today we just had time to begin review of subtraction of whole numbers and decimals (Part B - Click Here). We will continue with this topic later in the week. In block 2 we had LA and in block 3 we had SS today. Finally, in block 4 we had PE and learned a group activity outside as we began our next unit on throwing and catching a ball. Students are reminded that the weather has changed and to bring appropriate clothing for rainy, windy, and cooler temperatures as we move into October. Home work and Reminders: Please make sure you have finished Part C-1 from science last week as we will be moving on to Part D on Wednesday Click Here. Also, now is a good time to do some organizing: Do you have all of your school supplies and are they organized, and is your binder organized into clear sections for MA, SCI, LA, and SS with handouts in chronological order? Reminders: Math tests for Unit 1 have been marked an handed back. Students reviewed their test today and filled out a self-evaluation that should be staples to their test to show parents, get signed, and bring back to school on Wednesday. Tomorrow there is no school as it is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Friday, Sept 26th: Today we had LA in block 1 and French in block 2. In block 3, we did both Math and Science. First we did some math and continued reviewing addition systems of whole and decimal numbers. Mr. Menzies reviewed the basics and specifically reminded us how to line the decimals up when we add decimals numbers and use our reasoning and estimating skills to help ensure we place the decimal in the correct spot in our answer (the sum). Students had about half the block to continue working on Parts A-1 and A-2. A-2 is applying addition to work application situations such as word problems and calculating perimeter of shapes Click Here. After this, we switched to science. Yesterday we completed much of Part C-1: Using Science Equipment and Collecting & Analyzing Data. Mr. Menzies showed us a video about collecting data and presenting it in graphic format. The video also reviewed what type of graph is appropriate for different types of data. We then had the rest of the block to complete Part C-1 Click Here. Homework and Reminders: Please spend 15 minutes reviewing Parts A-1 and A-2 in math over the weekend Click Here. Also make sure Parts A to C-1 are fully complete for Monday as we will be moving on to Part D next week Click Here. Reminders: Please be advised that the rain moved in next week so think about PE trip for rainy colder weather as we move further into fall. A reminder that the parent/teacher interview sign up document is live for you to schedule a meeting with Mr. Menzies and Ms. Cottier (Click Here). On Monday September 29th it is Orange Shirt Day, and on Tuesday Sept 30th there is no school for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation holiday. Have an excellent weekend!

Thursday, Sept 25th: Today we started the day with some reminders: Tomorrow is the first pizza day of the year. Pizza slices continue to be $2.50 a slice and will be every Friday until the end of the year. Also, next Monday September 29th is Orange Shirt Day at school, and on Tuesday it is the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation holiday and there is no school. After this, we began our next unit in Math: Unit 2: Number Operation Systems. Today we began by watching a video on the history of math symbols and why they were developed, including the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division symbols. We also learned some key terminology: Addends and Sums. Mr. Menzies walked us through the basics of adding multi-digit whole numbers and used visual models to represent re-grouping. He also gave us a strategy for estimating sums by adding the most significant values first. After viewing the slideshow for Part A: Addition - Sums, we received the accompanying practice package Click Here. We just had time to get this started today, but we will continue with this unit tomorrow. For the last 15 minutes of the block, we switched it science and had time to work on Part C: Using Lab Equipment & Collecting and Analyzing Data Click Here. We also watched a short video on the difference between accuracy and precision, and discussed some examples and how we aim for both when measuring and collecting data in science. In block 3, we again focused on Part C and we used the basic science equipment to practice measuring mass, volume, temperature, time, and length. Mr. Menzies did some demonstrations of how to use the equipment for the various types of measurement we would be doing. We then had the rest of the block to practice measuring mass, volume, temperature, and time and complete Part C. Mr. Menzies also advised us that we will have just a bit more time tomorrow to work on the data and analysis of this assignment and it will be due on Monday. Finally, in PE we rounded off our Ultimate Frisbee unit today by doing a peer and self evaluation of skills and game play. Next week we will begin our next unit which will be largely outside on the blacktops and fields. Please dress appropriately as it is supposed to rain periodically next week. Homework and Reminders: Please spend 15 minutes continuing to practice the addition skills from our new math unit: Part A: Addition & Sums Click Here. Reminders: A reminder that the parent/teacher interview sign up document is live for you to schedule a meeting with Mr. Menzies and Ms. Cottier (Click Here). A reminder that tomorrow is the first Pizza Day of the year ($2.50 per slice, milk is $2). On Monday September 29th it is Orange Shirt Day, and on Tuesday Sept 30th there is  no school for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation holiday.

Wednesday, Sept 24th: Today we wrote our first math test of the school year. In block 1, Mr. Menzies went over tips and tricks for writing tests, including reading the question carefully, clearly communicating thinking by showing our work/calculations/methods, and also doing the question we are confident with first. We handed out green duotangs in today with our practice booklets from unit 1 enclosed. We then had the whole block (and additional time if needed) to write the Unit 1 test: Number System. Mr. Menzies encouraged us to reflect on our learning in unit 1 as we wrote the test and consider how confident we became with the skills and concepts. Also, to reflect on our learning behaviors/work habits and whether we used our time in class effectively, advocated for our learning if we didn't understand, and did adequate practice of skills to obtain "solid" understanding an competence. Finally, Mr. Menzies announced that their will be a re-test opportunity next week for students who want to review Unit 1 topics and try to improve their mark. Students will get their marked test back early next week and we will fill out a self evaluation to attach to the test, take home to show parents/get signed, and bring back to school. The time and date of this re-test will be announced next week and it will take place at lunch recess. Homework and Reminders: Please make sure you have finished Part B from Science as we will be moving on to Part C tomorrow. Reminders: A reminder that the parent/teacher interview sign up document is live for you to schedule a meeting with Mr. Menzies and Ms. Cottier (Click Here). A reminder that this Friday is the first Pizza Day of the year ($2.50 per slice, milk is $2). On Monday September 29th it is Orange Shirt Day, and on Tuesday Sept 30th there is no school for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation holiday.

Tuesday, Sept 23rd: Today we began this short week with French in block 1. In block 2 we spent 15 minutes going over reminders and some housekeeping items, including the beginning of grade 8 intramural soccer, pizza day, and the calendar ahead. Mr. Menzies reminded us that is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation next Tuesday Sept 30th and there is no school that day and that it is Orange Shirt Day on Monday next week. After this, Mr. Menzies reminded us what we have done so far in Math and that we have our Unit 1 math test tomorrow on Parts A-E. He showed us an example of a study sheet and urged us to use the rest of the block to work on either creating a study sheet to review key concepts, or doing some extra practice of skills in our booklets to prepare for the test. He also went over how to organize and submit our Math work at the end of each unit and showed us how to do this in our green duotangs. Mr. Menzies advised us to take our duotangs home to do some further review tonight in preparation for the test and he will expect us to hand it in tomorrow when we write the test. We then had the rest of the block to review Unit 1 topics for tomorrow's test. Homework and Reminders: Please spend some time reviewing for tomorrow's Unit 1 math test. This can be completing your study sheet of main topics and skills or doing some extra practice questions in our green duotangs. Reminders: A reminder that the parent/teacher interview sign up document is live for you to schedule a meeting with Mr. Menzies and Ms. Cottier (Click Here). A reminder that this Friday is the first Pizza Day of the year ($2.50 per slice, milk is $2). On Monday September 29th it is Orange Shirt Day, and on Tuesday Sept 30th there is not school for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation holiday. I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Friday, Sept 19th: Today we had LA in block 1 and French in block 2. In block 3, we did Math and learned about Part E: Scientific Notation Click Here. First we learned why it is used and how it is related to our base 10 number system and exponents, the topic we learned about last math class, to represent very large or very small numbers. First we viewed the Part E slideshow Click Here, and watched a video explanation and went over several examples of converting numbers from standard notation to scientific notation and vice versa. Students learned that we can represent movement of the decimal with x 10 to the power of a positive or negative exponent. A positive exponent in scientific notation indicates a large number whereas a negative exponent indicates a small number. Students received the Part E: Scientific Notation practice package and some notes for todays lesson Click Here. We then had the rest of the block to work on developing our understanding of scientific notation. Later in the block, earlier finishers who felt competent with this skill, could switch to working on Part B: Scientific Measurement Click Here, or an extension activity booklet with some more complex/challenging problems related to scientific notation Click Here. Homework and Reminders: Spending some time reviewing any math concepts we have covered and doing 10 more minutes of practice and review is advised if you feel shaky on any of the concepts or skills covered. Also, completing Par B: Scientific Measurement from science is also recommended for Tuesday next week as we will be moving on to Part C.  Reminders: All assignments/handouts/slideshow for Math and Science lessons can be found in the Google Classroom (Click Here). Monday, September 22nd, is a Pro-D day and students do not have school that day.  Next Wednesday, Sept 24th, is the Unit 1 Math test (Parts A-E). Have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday, Sept 18th: Today we did main math but also some science in block 1. We started with math and then moved on to science. In Math, Mr. Menzies let us know that we have one more topic to cover (Part E: Scientific Notation) to finish Unit 1, and there will be a Unit 1 Math test next Wednesday, Sept 24th to wrap up this unit.  Today we learned how to begin creating a study sheet to help us review the concepts and skills we have covered so far in Unit 1. Mr. Menzies went over how to do this, and we had time to begin a study sheet for Unit 1. This includes parts A-D, our most recent topic form yesterday being Powers & Exponents. We also could do some more practice questions to better establish our competence with topic covered so far. Half way through the block, we switched back to science. Continuing with what we started yesterday (Part B) Mr. Menzies walked us through the rest of the Part B slideshow and discussed units of measure, both US Customary/Imperial and Metric / SI units. He also went over the equipment we use to measure various properties of matter to collect data when we observe and describe our world or conduct experiments. Students then had more time to work on Part B: Scientific Measurement - Click Here. In block 3, we continued with science and Part B. We had some more time to work on this assignment and develop our understanding of measurement systems and why and how we use them in science. For the second half of the block, Mr. Menzies introduced Part C: Using Lab Equipment and Collecting and Analyzing Data - Click Here. This is when we get to use science equipment to measure various samples of matter and work on accuracy, precision, and recording numerical/quantitative observations. Mr. Menzies showed us how to use a triple beam balance to measure mass, and how to use beakers, graduated cylinders to measure volume. We also learned the displacement method to measure the volume of irregular solids and how to read the meniscus when viewing a volume of liquid. We just had time to begin this assignment so we will have more time in class tomorrow or next week to work on this and practice measuring matter. Later in block 4 today, we participated in the annual Terry Fox run during FAAS. Homework and Reminders: Please make sure your Part A: science safety assignment (brochure or song) is handed in as it we due on Monday and is now considered late. Spending some time reviewing any math concepts we have covered and doing 10 more minutes of practice and review is advised if you feel shaky on any of the concepts or skills covered. Also, completing Par B from science is also recommended for Tuesday next week as we will be moving on to Part C.  Reminders: All assignments/handouts/slideshow for Math and Science lessons can be found in the Google Classroom (Click Here). Monday, September 22nd, is a Pro-D day and students do not have school that day.  Next Wednesday, Sept 24th, is the Unit 1 Math test (Parts A-E).

Wednesday, Sept 17th: Today was an early dismissal day and we did Math in block 1. Continuing with unit 1: Number System, our focus was on learning about powers & exponents today (Part D in Math). We began by watching a Brainpop video explaining what exponents represent and how they are used to represent repeated multiplication patterns. Mr. Menzies went through several examples, and we learned how to say exponential numbers, how to convert them to expanded form, and how to simplify them into standard form. Students received both notes and a practice package today (Click Here) and Mr. Menzies led us through the first few pages as we had the rest of th eblock to develop our understanding of powers & exponents. This will lead us into our next topic later in the week: Scientific Notation. Finally, Mr. Menzies asked us to spend 10 more minutes at home tonight reviewing and practicing the concepts and skills we covered today. Homework and Reminders: Please make sure your Part A: science safety assignment (brochure or song) is handed in as it we due on Monday and is now considered late. Spending some time reviewing any math concepts we have covered and doing 10 more minutes of practice and review is advised if you feel shaky on any of the concepts or skills covered. Reminders: All assignments/handouts/slideshow for Math and Science lessons can be found in the Google Classroom (Click Here). Tonight it is the annual ROMS Open House / Meet the Teacher Night from 5-7. Finally, tomorrow (Thursday) we have the annual Terry Fox Run here at ROMS: Wear red and white, bring your running shoes, and bring a "toonie for Terry" to donate to the Terry Fox Foundation. 

Tuesday, Sept 16th: Today we started the day with French in block 1. In block 2, we did both math and science. Beginning with math, we continued with Part C: Rounding, Comparing, & Ordering Numbers (Click Here). Yesterday we focused on reviewing rounding, and today Mr. Menzies reviewed the key steps and strategies for rounding and explained how it is connected to estimation. He also discussed how rounding is based on how precise we need to be in a given situation and this depends on context. Next, we reviewed how to compare numbers and he led us through how to do this. Importantly, identifying the most significant values of each number and comparing these first, then working right and comparing the smaller place values, can help us determine the larger/smaller number. We went over several examples and became reacquainted with the comparison symbols in math (< > =) and how to use them. Students had an addition 10-15 minutes to practice rounding, comparing, and ordering in Part C (Click Here). For the second half of the block, we switched to science. Mr. Menzies reminded us that our science safety brochures/songs (Part A) we due yesterday and are now late if not handed in already. After this, we began Part B: Scientific Measurement (Click Here). Today we learned about the many types of measurement used in science, and were introduced to the Metric and Imperial systems of measurement. We learned that the metric system is universally used in science (SI units) but that we also use Imperial often in our day to day lives as our neighbour and largest trading partner (The USA) still uses this system. We watched Billy Nye: Measurement and just had time to begin Part B today. Tomorrow we will continue with this topic. Later in the day, we had our annual school photos takes. Students were given a card with a special QR code to that will allow access to view and order photos online. Please ask you son/daughter about this. Homework and Reminders: Please make sure your Part A: science safety assignment (brochure or song) is handed in as it we due yesterday and is not considered late. Spending some time reviewing any math concepts we have covered and doing 10 more minutes of practice and review is advised if you feel shaky on any of the concepts or skills covered. Reminders: All assignments/handouts/slideshow for Math and Science lessons can be found in the Google Classroom (Click Here). Tomorrow night it is the annual ROMS Open House / Meet the Teacher Night from 5-7. Finally, on Thursday we have the annual Terry Fox Run here at ROMS: Wear red and white, bring your running shoes, and bring a "toonie for Terry" to donate to the Terry Fox Foundation. 

Monday, Sept 15th: Today we began the day by going over some notable events happening this week. School photo day is tomorrow (Tuesday), the ROMS Open House/Meet the Teacher night is Wednesday 5-7pm, and the Terry Fox Run is on Thursday this week during PE or FAAS. He also reminded us that our science safety assignments were due today (brochure or song)(Click Here). After this, we did Math and began with some review of the topics we covered last week: whole and decimal number place value. Students worked with a partner and a whiteboard to take turns answering some review question for the main concepts we covered last week. After this, we started our next math topic: Part C - Rounding, Comparing, and Ordering Whole and Decimal Numbers (Click Here). Mr. Menzies went through the Part C slideshow and we watched a few video clips and went through some examples for rounding. Students then received a practice package and notes on rounding, comparing and ordering numbers and we had the rest of the block to review rounding skills. Early finishers could work on some extension math problems available. Tomorrow we will spend part of block 2 going over comparing and ordering numbers.  Homework and Reminders: Get your science safety assignments (Part A... brochure or song) completed and handed in as it is now late (Click Here). Please spend some time (10-15 mins) on the math we have covered so far. Reminders: All assignments/handouts/slideshow for Math and Science lessons can be found in the Google Classroom (Click Here). It is school photo day tomorrow, Tuesday Sept 16th! On Wednesday night it is the annual ROMS Open House / Meet the Teacher Night from 5-7. Finally, on Thursday we have the annual Terry Fox Run here at ROMS: Wear red and white, bring your running shoes, and bring a "toonie for Terry" to donate to the Terry Fox Foundation. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Friday, Sept 12th: Today we had LA in block 1 and French in block 2. In block 3, we continued with Science and had time to continue working on our safety in the science classroom brochures or songs (Part A: Science Lab Safety Orientation - Due Monday (Click Here)). We had about half an hour to work on this. For the second half of the block, we had the choice to continue working on this assignment, or play a Kahoot Mr. Menzies had made to end the week. Mr. Menzies reminded us that Part A from science is due on Monday. He also advised us to have a look over the Math we did this week (Parts A & B) and do a few more questions to ensure we have a solid grasp of these skills and concepts as we. Finally, we had FAAS in block 4 today to wrap up the first full week of Grade 8. Homework and Reminders: Please make sure you finish your Science lab safety assignment for Monday as we will be moving on to our next topic. Also, please spend 10-15 minutes doing a few Math questions from topics covered this week. Reminders: All assignments/handouts/slideshow for Math and Science lessons can be found in the Google Classroom (Click Here). The ROMS Open House / Meet the Teacher Night is on Wednesday, September 17th from 5-7pm. Cross Country, Ultimate, Soccer, Grade 8 Rowing, and Basketball will be starting soon so please check the ROMS Athletic website for details (Click Here). Lastly, a reminder that Pizza Day will begin next Friday, Sept 19th. Have an excellent weekend!

Thursday, Sept 11th: Today we began the day with Math. Yesterday we learned about place value and whole numbers and students received notes and a practice package for Part A: Whole Numbers (Click Here). Today we extended out lesson on the place value, base 10, number system, by learning about decimal numbers. Mr. Menzies introduced this topic and we worked through a slideshow, watching a video explanation and discussing, and going through some examples. Of note, was the relationship of decimal numbers to fractions. Today we received Part B: Decimal Numbers - Notes & the accompanying practice package (Click Here). Mr. Menzies reviewed the notes and led us through the beginning to the practice package. We then had the rest of the block to review the related skills and concepts and reacquaint / strengthen our understanding of how our number system works and how to comprehend, represent, and communicate numbers. Mr. Menzies advised us to spend 15 minutes tonight reviewing Parts A and B to make sure we have a solid understanding of the skills and concepts we have covered this week in Math. In block 2 we did Social Studies with Ms. Cottier. In block 3, we did Science today and had nearly the whole block to work on our science safety assignments, introduced earlier this week.  Mr. Menzies reviewed what we had learned and went through the safety in the science lab guidelines, the information we were to use to create a brochure or song/rap. Today we had nearly the whole block to work on this assignment and Mr. Menzies announced that this will be due on Monday next week. Finally, in block 4 we did PE and worked on our Ultimate frisbee skills. Homework and Reminders: Please spend 15 minutes tonight reviewing what we did in Math this week: Part A: Whole Number Place Value and Part B: Decimal Number Place Value. Please deliver the school forms package to your parents to review, sign, and return to Mr. Menzies ASAP if you have not done so already. A reminder to please ensure you have all of your school supplies ready to go as we have officially started academics this week. Lastly, Cross Country, Ultimate, Soccer, Grade 8 Rowing, and Basketball will be starting soon so please check the ROMS Athletic website for details (Click Here). Lastly, a reminder that there is NO Pizza Day tomorrow so to bring a lunch. The first Pizza Day will begin next Friday, Sept 19th.

Wednesday, Sept 10th: Today Mr. Menzies began by going over some reminders: school forms, PE strip, school materials organized, and reminded us of our word of the week: Character. After this, we began our first unit in Math: Number System. Mr. Menzies explained that we will be doing some review of foundational skills before we get into truly new Grade 8 Math topics this term. Mr. Menzies introduced our first unit in Math: Number System. Today our focus was on Part A: Whole Numbers (Click Here) and he walked us through a slideshow that explained the origins of our number system and how it is designed to work as a "base 10" system (Click Here). We watched a few short videos explaining this, and went over some examples and details. We then received a Part A notes page (Click Here) and Unit 1 - Part A: Whole Numbers (Click Here) practice package. In this package we reviewed several concepts related to whole numbers and how our number system works, including what exactly "place value" means, identifying it, and communicating whole numbers. While we do these review units, and Mr. Menzies get better acquainted individual's knowledge, confidence, and skill, he advised us to do at least 5 question per page, but to ensure we have have very solid grasp of all skills and concepts included in Part A. He also offered extension math problem solving resource if we happened to finish, or if we found the practice package not challenging enough once we had reviewed the skills included. We then had the rest of the class to reacquaint ourselves with this topic and the key concepts and skills of whole number place value, and also get help or clarification from Mr. Menzies. During Advisory today, we began our Mental Health program and Mr. Menzies introduced this topic by discussing what the ROMS staff had been exploring over the summer related to this topic. We had a discussion about the importance of mental health and the difference between mental health and mental illness. For Monday - Thursday this year we will be focusing on literacy or mental health topics primarily as part of the ROMS initiative and school goals related to these topics. Homework and Reminders: Please spend 10-15 more minutes reviewing the math from today's class. Please deliver the school forms package to your parents to review, sign, and return to Mr. Menzies ASAP if you have not done so already. A reminder to please ensure you have all of your school supplies ready to go as we have officially started academics this week. Lastly, Cross Country, Ultimate, Soccer, Grade 8 Rowing, and Basketball will be starting soon so please check the ROMS Athletic website for details (Click Here).

Tuesday, Sept 9th: Today Mr. Menzies started the day with some reminders: 1. Please have school supplies ready to go as we begin our first units today and tomorrow in academics. 2. Please make sure school forms have been delivered to parents, reviewed/filled out/signed, and returned to Mr. Menzies. 3. We have our PE strip organized and ready for this term. In block 1, we had French with Mr. Henderson. In block 2, we began our first unit in Science: Unit 1: Science Skills. Today we learned about safety in the science lab as well as chemical safety at school and at home. Mr. Menzies walked us through Part A slideshow and we learned safety guidelines for working in the science lab, chemical safety symbols (including WHMIS), and were assigned two options to engage with these ideas and show our learning: Create a safety in the science lab brochure, or work with a partner to write a rap/song that communicates safety guidelines and safety symbols. Students had the rest of the block to begin these assignments and we will continue to work on this in block 3 on Thursday and Friday. During advisory today, we did silent reading and delved into our new books that we signed out of the Learning Commons yesterday. In block 3, we had Language Arts with Ms. Cottier and began our first unit. Finally, in block 4 we had our second class of FAAS for the new school year. Homework and Reminders: Please deliver the school forms package to your parents to review, sign, and return to Mr. Menzies ASAP if you have not done so already. A reminder to please ensure you have all of your school supplies ready to go as we have officially started academics this week, including PE strip to safety and comfortably participate in PE. Lastly, Cross Country, Ultimate, Soccer, Grade 8 Rowing, and Basketball will be starting soon so please check the ROMS Athletic website for details (Click Here).

Monday, Sept 8th: Today we began our first full week of school. In homeroom Mr. Menzies went over some reminders for the week and we listened to the daily announcements. In block 1, we went to the gym for a grade 8 assembly hosted by Mrs. McEwan and Mrs. Warren. In the assembly we reviewed school wide expectations, as well as more specific expectations and opportunities for Grade 8's in the year ahead. In block 2, we did both Math and Science today. Last week Mr. Menzies did an introduction to Science and today we did the second part. Today we learned what science is all about and how the sciences are categorized under the main fields of study: Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Social Sciences. After this, we had time to wrap up a few items we started last week: Our "Math and Me"  reflection and survey, our All About Me in 2025 Questionnaire, and our personal surfboards. If we had finished all of these, Mr. Menzies had a end of Grade 7 check my understanding handout for us to review some of the main skills form previous grades. Math and Me Survey and Warm-Up package (Click Here). We then had the rest of the block to complete the survey and also do a few activities to get our mathematical thinking warmed up. We will start our first unit tomorrow. or Wednesday. In block 3 we were with Ms. Cottier for LA and went to the Learning Commons for an orientation and to sign out a book for reading. Finally, we had PE in block 4. Today we began our unit on Ultimate. After doing a warm-up activity, Mr. Menzies showed us some cues and techniques for throwing a forehand and backhand pass. We had some time to practice and then we played a short game of basic rules Ultimate for the last 20 minutes of the block. Homework and Reminders: Please deliver the school forms package to your parents to review, sign, and return to Mr. Menzies ASAP if you have not done so already. A reminder to please ensure you have all of your school supplies ready to go as we have officially started academics this week. Lastly, Cross Country, Ultimate, Soccer, Grade 8 Rowing, and Basketball will be starting soon so please check the ROMS Athletic website for details (Click Here).

Friday, Sept 5th: Today we had Ms. Cottier for block 1. In block 2, we had our first French block with Mr. Henderson and became acquainted with his class for the year. In block 3, Mr. Menzies introduced Science 8. He began be getting us to think about what the Universe is, what it is made up of, and how it came to be, and also about Earth and what we call life that inhabits it. We listened to Carl Sagan describe the Earth and its place in the Universe as we know it. We also discussed the main units/topics we will be exploring this year in Science 8. After discussing this, Mr. Menzies explained a STEM task where we had to put our brain to use to solve a problem related to landing a lunar module on the moon. Students used the materials provided to troubleshoot this challenge and refine their designs and then work together to complete other more difficult challenges. We will continue to get Science up and running next week.  Finally, we received our start of the year school form package to take home, show parents, fill out and sign, and return to school ASAP. This included a PHE Course Outline the we went over yesterday in our first day of PE: ROMS PHE Course Outline (Click Here). Mr. Menzies asked to make sure that we put this safely in our backpacks to take home and deliver to parents this weekend and advised us to get this task done and off our plate this weekend so we no longer need to worry about it. Thus concludes the first week of Grade 8! We are up and running and next week we will begin with a grade wide start up assembly with Mrs. McEwan and also get Math and Science up and running! Homework and Reminders: School forms were sent home today to be reviewed, signed and returned to school ASAP. This includes the PHE course outline. As we begin academics next week, please make sure you have all of your school supplies collected and ready to go, and also have begun reestablishing home routines such as bedtime and homework. It was great to meet and begin to get to know Division 8-5 this week and I look forward to the year ahead! Have an amazing first weekend of the school year!

Thursday, Sept 4th: Today we had our first full day following our weekly schedule (Click Here). In block 1, we were with Mr. Menzies and after reviewing some reminders from the previous days, we focused on strategies for having a successful Grade 8 year, including organization, attitude, kindness, patience, and work ethic. Mr. Menzies walked us through a slideshow on this topic and discussed, and we and looked at some inspirational quotes about an effective, growth mindset approach to learning. We then looked over the Saanich Schools student code of conduct and discussed, drawing comparisons to the rights and responsibilities of Division we devised together yesterday. Finally, Mr. Menzies provided a checklist for for us to go through to the last 20 minutes. This included making sure we have our locker all set up with a timetable taped on the inside door, organizing and preparing our binders and school supplies, completing some of the surveys we started on Wednesday, and making sure we have completed a few other housekeeping tasks. In block 2, we were with Ms. Cottier for the first time, learned about her and her classroom, and did some introductory activities. In block 3, we were back with Mr. Menzies and he introduced Math for this year. He showed us an introductory slideshow, and we discussed what math is, how it is like a language to describe the world around us, and why it matters. Mr. Menzies also handed out a Grade 8 Math course outline (Click Here) and went over the topics/units we will cover in the coming months. He emphasized that we will begin with some review topics to help us reestablish our foundational skills and understandings as he gets to know us and our relationship to Math at this point. Finally, we received a beginning of Math 8 survey (Click Here) to help Mr. Menzies understand where are skills and confidence is at with key grade 6 and 7 math concepts, and we also did a few math exercises and puzzles to help us shake the dust off. Homework and Reminders: Please bring the school supplies you have collected so far to school and aim to have everything you need by Monday next week. School forms for parents to sign will be handed out tomorrow (Friday) to be taken home, filled out, and returned to school. Tomorrow we continue our regular schedule, transitioning between classrooms (8-6 Schedule - Click Here) and subjects. Tomorrow, we will be with Mr. Henderson for the first time and we have our first block of FAAS as well.

Wednesday, September 3rd: Today we continued to build our new class community, go over details for the year, and get to know Mr. Menzies. Throughout the morning Mr. Menzies reviewed procedures, routines, and policies, and oriented us in our new classroom. We also did a few ice breaker/get to know each other games and activities, and generally became acquainted and organized to get the year going. We then learned about the expectations of Division 8-6 and had the opportunity to contribute/offer ideas and we devised a list of rights and responsibilities for Div 8-6. Later in the day, we did a team geography challenge and a creative activity to express our interests and identity by creating our own personalized surfboard designs. We also worked on completing an accompanying questionnaire to tell Mr. Menzies about ourselves today. We will have more time to polish these off tomorrow and Friday. Finally, we we assigned our lockers today and could begin using it as the main place to store our backpacks and school materials. Homework and Reminders: Please bring the school supplies you have collected so far to school and aim to have everything you need by Monday next week. School forms for parents to sign will be handed out tomorrow to be taken home, filled out, and returned to school. Tomorrow we will begin our regular schedule, transitioning between classrooms (8-6 Schedule - Click Here). Tomorrow, we will be with Ms. Cottier for the first time and we have our first block of PE as well. Friday we  will have our first FAAS block of the school year. 

Tuesday, September 2nd: The 2025/2026 school year and our final year at ROMS officially began today! Today we found out who our Grade 8 teachers will be this year as well as who is in our Grade 8 homeroom class. Mr. Menzies introduced us to our homeroom classroom and showed us an introductory slideshow so we know the basics for the coming year. We also did some icebreaker / community-building activities to get to know each other. Mr. Menzies also sent home an introductory notice for parents to read (Click Here) as well as a more specific school supplies list. These are both linked to the right. We will be continuing to become familiar and comfortable in our new class and do some fun activities throughout a homeroom-based day. Homework and Reminders: Tomorrow students will get assigned their lockers. Please bring a school-approved lock (available for purchase in the school office) and the school supplies you have collected. School forms will be handed out and sent home soon!