WELCOME TO DIV. 17

20 February 2025

Hello Everyone! 

Here’s an update on what we’ve been working on in class! In Grade 5 math, we are practicing simple division and will soon move on to long division. In Language Arts, we are working on Spelling Unit 7. 

At school, we are also celebrating Kindness Month, focusing on ways to be kind in our words and actions. Did you know Pink Shirt Day is next week on the 26th? It’s a great reminder to stand up against bullying and promote kindness in our community.

In Social Studies, we are learning about Canadian identity, immigration, and the experiences of different cultural groups in Canada. Keep reading for more details on this project and how you can support your child at home! We are using a research-based approach to help students understand:

✅ How Canada’s identity has changed over time

✅ How immigration policies have evolved

✅ The experiences of different cultural groups in Canada

✅ Past discriminatory policies and their impacts

✅ Canada’s responses to discrimination and human rights

To guide our learning, we are using the Coast to Coast to Coast book series, which is age-appropriate and keeps our research consistent. Students will be working on a structured research project using a booklet that helps them explore key topics like:

🔹 Where and when different cultural groups settled in Canada

🔹 Why they came to Canada (push and pull factors)

🔹 The challenges they faced

🔹 Their traditions and celebrations

🔹 Their contributions to Canadian society

How We’re Doing This in Class

1️⃣ Research Phase – Earlier in the week we met in groups to choose an individual interest, then read the books aloud to understand them. The class did an amazing job.

2️⃣ Drafting Phase – They will organize their ideas using this structured booklet that we have in class. 

3️⃣ Final Copy & Presentation – Students will create polished versions in Google Slides, which will be printed and displayed on posters. See this in the Google Classroom! You child can login using their school account. 

How You Can Support at Home

📖 Ask about their project – Encourage them to explain what they are learning.

🌎 Discuss family history – If comfortable, share your own family’s immigration story or cultural traditions. Their Matchbook 

📺 Watch or read about Canadian history – Shows or books about immigration can help build connections.

🗣 Talk about fairness and inclusion – Relate it to current events or everyday life.

This is a meaningful project that will help students connect history to the present and better understand the diverse society we live in. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

Thank you for your support!

>>>> Mr. O’Connor

14 February 2025 

A Busy (and Chilly) Week in Division 17!

Happy Valentine's Day! Despite it being the coldest weeks of the year so far, Division 17 has been keeping warm with engaging and meaningful learning. From exploring history and identity to hands-on projects and exciting upcoming events, students have been hard at work developing new skills and expanding their understanding of the world around them.

We had the privilege of a virtual visit from Jeff Chiba Stearns, an incredible artist and filmmaker, who shared insights into Japanese Canadian identity, immigration history, and the treatment of Japanese Canadians over time. He showcased his graphic novel, On Being Yukiko, which tells a powerful intergenerational story about Japanese Canadian history, identity, and cultural resilience. His presentation sparked deep discussions, helping students reflect on the importance of understanding history, identity, and inclusion. This connects directly to our ongoing exploration of immigration in Social Studies. Students are now diving into research on immigration experiences using a book series that highlights different cultural groups, including Chinese, Irish, Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian, Japanese, and Caribbean immigrants. Each book provides valuable insights into the experiences of these communities in Canada, helping students develop a deeper understanding of immigration and its impact on our country. Students will be learning to find information in a book, and then to rewrite it in their own words in a Google Slide via Google Classroom. 

In ADST, students put their skills to the test by constructing heart-shaped popsicle stick boxes, designed to store their Valentine’s cards. This hands-on project emphasized precision, patience, and safe use of materials—particularly the ever-popular hot glue guns. It was a great opportunity to practice problem-solving, creativity, safety and fine motor skills, with some beautifully crafted results - see the photos below for proof of their skills! 

Math has kept our brains warm as we tackled multi-digit multiplication using both the split strategy and the standard algorithm. Up next: division! We will be introducing long division, a key skill that builds number sense, problem-solving abilities, and perseverance. It’s not always easy, but with practice (and maybe a little mathematical teamwork), students will strengthen their confidence in working with larger numbers.

On the extracurricular side, some of our athletes are getting ready for two exciting district events. The Basketball Jamboree is set for March 7th, offering a great opportunity to develop sportsmanship, teamwork, and some solid defense. Not long after, on March 13th, students will be making a splash at the District Swim Meet, where they’ll put their swimming skills to the test in a friendly competition. These events give students a chance to challenge themselves, support their peers, and represent our school with pride.

We also kept the momentum going with our spelling work, focusing on contractions last week. Mastering contractions helps with both writing fluency and comprehension—plus, it gives us a great excuse to say things like, “We’ve been learning a lot!” instead of “We have been learning a lot.” Efficiency at its finest!

On a personal note, I also had the opportunity to complete a course on the ethical use of AI in education today, which was a great experience. As AI tools become more common in learning spaces, it’s important to understand how to use them responsibly and effectively—something I look forward to keeping in mind as we continue exploring new ways to support student learning.

With plenty more learning ahead, Division 17 continues to bring enthusiasm and curiosity to everything we do. Stay tuned for more updates—and hopefully some warmer weather!

>>>> Mr. O'Connor

09 January 2025

Happy New Year and welcome back! I hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable holiday season. It’s been wonderful to see the students return with enthusiasm and energy as we dive into the first week of 2025. The start of a new year is always a great opportunity to set fresh goals, reflect on past achievements, and continue building on the learning journey we’ve shared so far.

Here’s a look at some of the exciting projects and activities we’ve been working on this week:

• Grade 5 Math Board Games: Students have been busy designing their own math board games to demonstrate their cumulative knowledge of Grade 5 math concepts. These creative projects combine problem-solving and design skills. We’re excited to test them out together next week! Many students are already done, and all games are due on Monday.

• Math Games for Multiplication Fact Fluency: Through fun and interactive CARD games, students are also practicing their multiplication facts to improve fluency and build confidence in their math skills.

• Spelling Units in English: In English, we’ve been focusing on spelling through engaging activities that encourage students to expand their vocabulary and refine their language skills. Reminder: We have our first spelling test tomorrow as it should be written in their agenda. Forgot the words to practice? It's on the agenda!

• Mixed Media Art Projects: Our art projects have explored the fascinating world of burrowing animals. Students have been experimenting with mixed media techniques to create unique and vibrant pieces inspired by these creatures.

• Digital Literacy Week: This week, we focused on becoming more digitally literate as part of our annual Saanich School District initiative. Students participated in lessons co-taught with Mrs. Malloy, exploring topics such as managing screen time and spotting fake information online. By dedicating time to these important lessons, we ensured students gained a deeper understanding of how to use technology responsibly. We will continue to learn about this ever-changing part of our lives throughout the term.

• Social Studies: Canada’s History of Immigration: We’ve just begun a major Social Studies unit exploring Canada’s history of immigration and how it has changed over time. To begin this journey, we read The Matchbook Diary, which encouraged students to reflect on their own family histories. For homework, students are preparing presentations about their family’s past, which they will share with the class next week. Please check your child’s agenda for details—these presentations are STARTING on January 10, 2025.

We’re excited for the term ahead and are looking forward to all the learning and growth that 2025 will bring! Thank you for your continued support, and let’s make this a great year together!

>>>> Mr. O’Connor

20 Dec. 2024

Dear Division 17 Families,

What an incredible term we’ve had in our class! As the year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the growth and accomplishments of your children. It’s been an exciting journey filled with creativity, learning, and community building, and I’m proud of everything they’ve achieved.

One of the highlights of the term has been our dragon projects. The effort, creativity, and attention to detail in their posters and papier-mâché creations were outstanding. These projects allowed students to let their imaginations soar, and the results were nothing short of impressive. Thank you to everyone who visited the classroom to celebrate their hard work—it meant so much to them!

Another memorable moment was our winter concert. From learning the songs to perfecting their stage presence, the students brought so much energy and dedication to their performance. Seeing them shine on stage was a proud moment for all of us, and their teamwork during rehearsals was just as remarkable.

This term, I’ve also witnessed tremendous growth in both academics and personal development. Whether it was tackling challenging math problems, exploring science concepts, or expressing themselves in creative writing, your children showed curiosity, resilience, and determination. It’s been a privilege to see their confidence grow with every new challenge they embraced.

What stands out most, however, is the kindness and support they’ve shown each other. Moments of friendship, encouragement, and thoughtful gestures have created a warm and welcoming classroom community. These connections remind us that school is not just about learning but about growing together as a group.

Thank you for your ongoing support and for allowing me to guide your children this term. Wishing you all a restful and joyful holiday season filled with family, laughter, and love. I look forward to starting the new year with even more opportunities for learning, growth, and success.

Warm regards,

>>>> Mr. O’Connor

22 Nov. 2024

Dear Families,

Over the past few weeks, our class has been very busy with exciting projects, meaningful learning, and fun events!

One highlight has been our Papier Mâché Dragon creations, inspired by the novel Dragons in a Bag. This project connects to the Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies (ADST) curriculum, where students are learning that:

• Designs can be improved with prototyping and testing.

• Skills are developed through practice, effort, and action.

• The choice of tools and materials depends on the task.

Students have shown great creativity and problem-solving as they test and refine their designs. Each dragon is as unique as its creator, and we can't wait to share the final results with you!

In literacy, we’ve been researching and writing about women in science. Through scaffolding—a step-by-step approach to learning—we explored how to build clear and organized paragraphs. Students started by gathering research, organizing their ideas into outlines, and drafting their paragraphs with guidance on structure and content. They are now finishing their good copies, which will soon be displayed in the hallway for everyone to enjoy.

We also had the opportunity to go on a story walk with our buddy class, exploring local W̱SÁNEĆ Indigenous stories. As we walked through the area, students engaged with storyboards that shared traditional teachings and histories connected to the land. This experience encouraged thoughtful conversations about the connections between storytelling, culture, and place. It was a wonderful way to learn outside the classroom, learn to collaborate with buddies and deepen our appreciation for W̱SÁNEĆ knowledge and traditions.

In math, our Grade 5s have been focusing on:

• Addition and subtraction of whole numbers up to 1,000,000.

• Using flexible computation strategies like decomposing (e.g., friendly numbers, compensating) and combining numbers in a variety of ways.

• Estimating sums and differences up to 10,000.

• Applying addition and subtraction in real-life problem-solving situations.

• Participating in whole-class number talks to discuss strategies and deepen their understanding.

Our learning has been hands-on and interactive, with lots of opportunities for students to share their thinking and build confidence in math. Please continue to work at Mathletics at home - you can login with them and check their progress and see if they have any task to complete.

Lastly, our soccer teams had an amazing time yesterday at the Soccer Jamboree at Blue Heron Park! The students demonstrated fantastic teamwork and sportsmanship, making the day a memorable experience. Be sure to check out their photo!

Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue our journey of learning and growth together.

Best regards,

>>>> Mr. O'Connor

24 Oct. 2024

Hello Families,

What a fantastic week we had in Div. 17! On Take Me Outside Day, we ventured to Blenkinsop Lake to embrace outdoor learning. The students participated in nature sketching, inspired by the local artist Robert Bateman. This activity not only fosters a love of nature but also helps us understand local wildlife and habitats. Observing nature while creating art deepens our connection to the environment and encourages lifelong engagement with the outdoors.

Last week we also enjoyed a visit to the Central Saanich Fire Hall, where students learned about fire safety and prevention. This important training helps raise awareness and equips our students with essential knowledge to stay safe.

In math, we wrapped up our unit on place value. The students learned how the value of a digit changes based on its position in a number. For instance, in the number 3458, the place value of 5 is 50, while in 5781, it represents 5,000. We are now moving on to addition strategies, where students will explore various methods to enhance their math skills (Addition and subtraction of whole numbers to 1 000 000).

In writing, we're focusing on paragraph structure—crafting strong introductions, providing supporting details, and concluding effectively. Their Paragraphs of the Week (P.O.W.) are shining with excellence, and I’m thrilled to see improvement with each attempt! The growth they’re demonstrating is fantastic!

As the NHL season kicks into gear, we're diving into floor hockey in P.E.! While developing our skills, we’re placing a strong emphasis on teamwork, kindness, and sportsmanship. It’s great to witness the students supporting one another, both on and off the gym floor. We’re also discussing the importance of learning to lose graciously and celebrating our successes without showing off. These lessons help us grow as athletes and individuals, fostering a positive and respectful environment for everyone.

Lastly, we completed our Student Vote with CIVIX! The results are in, and you can find them here. More than 180,000 elementary, middle and secondary students participated in Student Vote BC 2024 - we're one school of many!

Thank you for your continued support!

>>>> Mr. O'Connor

04 Oct. 2024

Hello Families!

We've had a busy and fun-filled few weeks in grade 4/5!  Whether we were reading an interesting book, meeting our new little buddy, or making friendships at recess, each moment has helped us grow and connect with one another.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the MANY THINGS 😅 your children have been up to:

Social Studies: Our inquiry into the upcoming Student VOTE on October 17th for the Saanich South election has sparked a lot of curiosity about democracy in Canada! Students are honing their skills by asking critical questions, gathering and analyzing information, and sharing their findings. It’s been a great way for them to connect with real-world issues and understand the importance of civic engagement. Be sure to check the agenda to see what they should be bringing to our class!

Math: We’re investigating place value this month including number concepts to 1 000 000. The students were also excited to explore our new Mathletics program, generously funded by the PAC. Thanks for this resource! It’s been a neat tool for reinforcing their math skills while making learning engaging and interactive! Their sign in (username etc) is glued into their agendas.

Orange Shirt Day: On September 30th, we participated in Orange Shirt Day to honor the Indigenous children affected by residential schools. Wearing bright orange shirts, our class came together to reflect on this important part of our history and raise awareness.

PE: With the NHL season around the corner, our floor hockey skills sessions have been a hit! Students are developing their skills while enjoying the excitement of teamwork and competition.

Science Experiments: We conducted some fascinating science experiments focusing on germs and handwashing. We even tested whether mold would grow on bread left unwashed! The results will no doubt be eye-opening and sparked lots of laughter and discussion. Look for the experiments in our classroom windows as this experiment will likely take weeks if not longer!

Writing/Book of Thoughts: Lastly, each week our students will likely bring home a notebook called the Book of Thoughts. This is a space for them to express their feelings about the week, share what they learned, and reflect on their experiences. Parents are encouraged to read their child’s entries and respond with thoughts or questions. It’s a great way to engage in meaningful conversations about their school life! Thanks for taking the time to respond so far, and please don't worry if you haven't yet! A new response will come home today.

It’s been a busy time here and we’re excited for the learning adventures still to come. Thank you for your continued support!

>>>> Mr. O'Connor

PS: Our trip to visit our provincial parliment is next week! Exciting time ahead!

PPS: Be sure to see the pictures below with your little ones!

20 Sept. 2024

Dear Division 17 Families,

It was so nice to meet or reconnect with so many of you at our open house yesterday!  We are off to a great start and I can tell this year is going to be a huge success!  If you were unable to make it but would like to swing by and check out our space please don't hesitate to get in touch.

We are well underway with a number of our academic units.  Students have been producing some wonderful writing within their social studies activities as well as their Book of Thoughts journals. Please read this book that is in their bag with the instructions on the inside cover. We will be moving onto paragraph writing next week where the focus will be around organization, ideas and conventions (spelling and grammar).  Students will learn about topic sentences, supporting details and closing sentences as well.

Another big theme of the week was working on a colourful art piece.  Students created a wonderful seaside town and used water colour paints.  These will be sent in for the Card Project and you can choose to purchase cards (or other items) with your child's creation on it.  This is a PAC fundraising initiative.  I have also uploaded pictures to the class website which you can check out below.

Some other highlights of the week include:

• number patterns and skip counting in math

• playing passing games and four corners for soccer in gym

• the Terry Fox Run and related activities

• word art for Terry Fox in the learning commons with Mrs. Malloy

***Please note that Monday is a professional development day and there will be no school for students*** I will be at a conference on Monday offered by our school district called: Student Voice In Action: Our Collective Work Towards Anti-Racism and Decolonization.

 Thank you and have a wonderful weekend!

>>>> Mr. O'Connor