WELCOME TO DIV. 17!

Discover our latest achievements! Every day brings new opportunities to grow and move closer to our personal goals. In Division 17, we focus on progress over perfection. Stay tuned - exciting developments are on the way!

15 June 2026

HELLO EVERYONE:)

As we wrap up our year in Division 17, it is remarkable to look back on just how much has happened since September.

This term was filled with learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Students explored biomes and ecosystems, strengthened their reading, writing, and math skills, created artwork, built projects, participated in athletics, and developed a deeper understanding of the world around them. From novels and poetry to track and field, Minecraft builds, buddy activities, field trips, and countless classroom discussions, there was never a shortage of opportunities to learn something new.

Just as importantly, our class was made up of many different personalities, strengths, interests, and ways of learning. Throughout the year, students learned to work together, support one another, and recognize that everyone has something valuable to contribute. Whether collaborating on projects, helping a classmate, celebrating successes, or working through challenges, students showed patience, empathy, and kindness in many ways.

Next week, we will take part in one final class adventure: a hike up PKOLS (Mount Douglas). For many students, this mountain has been part of the backdrop of their elementary school years. They have seen it from the playground, the field, and our classroom windows throughout their time at Lochside.

After years of looking up at it, next week we'll finally climb it.

I've enjoyed getting to know this group of students beyond the academics - hearing about their interests, sports, hobbies, family adventures, celebrations, concerns, and all the stories they shared each day. The recent World Cup conversations, predictions, and debates outside at recess have been a perfect example of the enthusiasm and personality this group brought to school every day.

If you haven't walked past our classroom lately, be sure to stop by and check out the window display and student work still on display. There is a lot to be proud of!

I've also enjoyed the many conversations with you, the families throughout the year. From celebrating successes and sharing classroom updates to discussing challenges and finding ways to support students together, those connections have been an important part of what made this year so positive. Thank you for your trust, support, and partnership.

Thank you to our families for your support, encouragement, and partnership throughout the year. It has been a privilege to be part of your child's journey.

Have a wonderful summer, Division 17, and congratulations on a fantastic year. You should be proud of all you have accomplished.

>>>> Mr. O'Connor

08 June 2026

Hello Everyone!

As we move into the final weeks of the school year, I continue to be impressed by our students' work ethic, perseverance, and willingness to support one another. We have been focusing on creating an inclusive classroom where students learn to appreciate different perspectives, work collaboratively, and ensure everyone feels welcome and valued.

In Science, our large Biomes unit is entering its final stages. Students began by exploring the world's major biomes through interactive videos, learning how to identify key features such as climate, plants, animals, and location while practising the important skill of taking notes from informational videos. A helpful way to think about these concepts is that a **biome** is like a large neighbourhood (such as a rainforest or desert), a **habitat** is a specific home within that neighbourhood where an organism lives, and an **ecosystem** is all the living and non-living things interacting together within that space.

Students then selected a biome of personal interest and are currently researching it through a biome circle booklet that will be transformed into a three-dimensional hanging mobile. Early finishers have also been creating digital biome worlds in Minecraft Education, where they are terraforming a blank landscape into their chosen biome and adding signs to teach others about the unique features of their environment.

In Language Arts, we have been immersed in poetry. Students have explored a wide variety of poems, ranging from humorous and playful to thoughtful and reflective. We spent considerable time studying concrete poetry and examining how poets use shape, layout, and word choice to communicate meaning. Students have experimented with several poetry forms, including acrostic poems and other creative styles, while developing their confidence as writers. We are now combining art and writing through our *Summer Senses Poem and Sunglass Self-Portrait* project, which encourages students to reflect on themselves and the experiences they associate with summer.

In Physical Education, students have been preparing for the upcoming track meet. Whether attending the event or not, all students have been practising the 100 m, 200 m, and 4 × 100 m relay events. Some students have also challenged themselves with the 400 m and 800 m races. Along the way, we have been learning important track and field skills such as baton passing, lane awareness, sportsmanship, and personal goal setting.

In Mathematics, we have wrapped up our work with fractions and moved into perimeter and area. Students are currently tackling a *Design a Zoo* challenge where they must use their understanding of measurement to create animal exhibits that meet a variety of rules and space requirements. Interestingly, one of the biggest challenges has not been the mathematics itself, but carefully reading, interpreting, and following detailed instructions - a valuable skill that connects to learning across all subject areas.

The preparations for our Talent Show are also underway. Students are busy auditioning, rehearsing performances, writing scripts, and working behind the scenes to help prepare for the big event. There are many exciting activities still to come as we approach the end of the year, so please continue to check the Class Agenda regularly for upcoming dates and events.

All the best,

>>>> Mr. O'Connor

We invite you to stop by and see our 3-D perspective artwork, hanging biome booklets (nearly finished!), zoo designs (almost complete!), and self-portraits (not pictured, but proudly displayed in the hallway!).

12 May 2026

Today our classroom was transformed into a living Social Studies museum as students proudly shared their cumulative inquiry projects with classmates and visitors. Students spent several weeks researching important topics connected to the BC Grade 4 and 5 Social Studies curriculum, including early contact between First Peoples and Europeans, the fur trade, exploration, trade routes, colonization, residential schools, voyageurs, mapping and technology, and the unique path British Columbia took toward becoming part of Canada. (curriculum.gov.bc.ca)

It was wonderful to see students presenting topics that genuinely connected to their own interests and curiosities. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and growing confidence as presenters were on full display throughout the afternoon.

Students also took on the role of “History Detectives” as they explored one another’s projects. As they travelled from poster to poster, they searched for interesting new facts, asked questions, and observed the many different ways classmates chose to communicate and showcase their learning. It was a great opportunity for students to learn from one another while celebrating the wide variety of creative approaches taken across the project.

Almost every Grade 4/5 student at Lochside participated in today’s inquiry showcase, and it was incredible to see the gym and classrooms filled with such thoughtful, creative, and well-researched work. The variety of topics, presentation styles, and bonus projects truly highlighted the effort students put into this learning experience.

It was also lovely to connect with families who were able to attend this afternoon and celebrate student learning together. I understand not every family was able to make it, but all projects were sent home today so students can continue sharing their hard work at home as well.

Throughout this inquiry process, students practised asking thoughtful questions, researching from multiple sources, organizing information into clear paragraphs, and presenting their learning in engaging and creative ways. Many students also challenged themselves with bonus projects including dioramas, artwork, models, Minecraft builds, and other hands-on creations.

Most importantly, students demonstrated strong communication, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills while exploring how historical events continue to shape Canada and British Columbia today. We are very proud of the effort, resilience, and curiosity students showed throughout this process.

Please take a moment to check out some of the fantastic posters and projects above and below!

>>>> Mr. O'Connor

21 April 2026

Dear Division 17 families,

Thank you for your support at home with our current Social Studies project (Two Worlds Meet posters). Students began working on their third paragraphs in class today, though many had already completed this portion at home. Several students have also taken the project a step further with optional extensions, including detailed paintings and even an impressive diorama. I recognize that supporting this work takes time, and I truly appreciate any help you’re able to provide. As a reminder, project information can be found in students’ Social Studies duotangs or on Google Classroom.

In Literacy, we are officially wrapping up our novel study of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. We will finish with a compare-and-contrast activity with the film later this week. It’s been great to see students continue to strengthen their reading comprehension skills, especially their ability to find and use evidence from the text.

Some highlights from the past week:

Picture Day
Trail walk to McMinn
Gardening with our buddies
Math: multi-digit multiplication and estimation in Grade 4; fractions in Grade 5

A few reminders:

Please return field trip notices for Camp Imadene and our salmon release as soon as possible - it really helps with planning.
Our first cross-country meet (of three) is this Wednesday at Centennial Park in Saanichton. Very exciting!

Monday was a Pro-D Day, and I attended a conference through Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related Disorders (POPARD). The focus was on executive functioning - skills like planning, organization, memory, and self-regulation that help students manage tasks and learning. The session provided practical strategies to better support students in developing these skills in the classroom.

Have a wonderful week,

>>>> Mr. O'Connor

14 April 2026

Hello Div. 17 families,

It’s been a busy and productive stretch in our classroom, and we really appreciated the sunshine last week and yesterday (especially with the rain back today!).

We’ve enjoyed several trail walks, action breaks, and a couple of outdoor gym sessions. Playing bocce, baseball and California kickball has been much more enjoyable without the rain.

Social Studies
Students have been working hard across our various units. In Social Studies, we are making great progress on our poster projects. We began with lessons on research, note-taking, and paragraph writing. As of today, all students have either started or completed their first of four paragraphs. These skills are still quite new, so some additional work at home may be helpful. Students are researching their chosen topic and writing good copies in Google Slides (via Google Classroom), which we will eventually print and mount on poster board.

Supporting at Home & Google Classroom
To support your child’s success, please check the class agenda regularly to help them stay on track. It may also be helpful to guide your child in putting their ideas into their own words when writing.

You can also log into Google Classroom with your child to view their project:

Go to Google Classroom
Sign in using your child’s school email/account
Click on our class
Open the Social Studies assignment to see their work in Google Slides

Art – Self-Identity Posters
Our self-identity posters are now up in the hallway! Students created collage-style projects that highlight their interests, likes, and passions. These were a great opportunity for students to reflect on who they are and share what matters to them, and the finished pieces are thoughtful, creative, and full of personality.

Math
Grade 4s are working on multi-digit multiplication with Mr. Koopmans, while Grade 5s are reviewing daily problems and moving forward with fractions.

Science
We are observing our quickly growing salmon - now in the fry stage! Our salmon release is coming up on May 6. Please check the form sent home today.

Additional Highlights

Grade 5 ROMS band visit last week
Building, setting up, and filling our new planter box in the courtyard (we’ll be planting with our buddy class soon!)
Spring Break highlights writing activity
Baseball in gym now, with golf coming up next

All the best,

>>>> Mr. O’Connor

01 April. 2026

Hello Families,

Mr. O'Connor left his computer unattended, so I have taken over the website.

My name is Crosby. You may know me as the grey cat from many classroom stories. After years of careful observation, I can confirm that I am actually in charge.

Recent duties have included:

Supervising from high places.
Inspecting cardboard structures.
Monitoring birds and squirrels - especially on TV.
Testing nap locations.
Reminding humans when it is dinner time - SIX O'CLOCK.

I have reviewed Mr. O'Connor's work and will allow him to continue teaching for now.

Thank you for your cooperation.

>>>> Crosby, CEO (Cat Executive Officer)

12 Mar. 2026

Hello Division 17 Families!

It has been a full and rewarding SECOND term in our classroom, with students showing growth across many areas of learning. In Mathematics, we have been working hard on multi-digit strategies, estimation, probability, and most recently the step-by-step process for Grade 5 long division. Students are building confidence as they learn to organize their thinking and explain how they arrive at answers. It has been encouraging to see many students become more comfortable tackling challenging problems and persevering through the steps.

In Social Studies, we are preparing to begin a major research project right after Spring Break. Students have already selected their pre-determined topics, and we will be researching these together at school before writing 3–5 paragraphs about each topic. Because our classroom resources and books are organized around these choices, topics cannot be switched. If families are interested, there is a bonus portion of the project that students can work on over the break - this part is completey OPTIONAL! All of the project details and materials can be found in Google Classroom WE WILL WRITE THE PARAGRAPHS FOR THE POSTER AT SCHOOL. To access this, please have your child log in using the same school Google account they use at school - they do not need a code to join. If you are unsure how to access it, a quick search online or the resources on my help site should point you in the right direction.

In science, we explored the scientific process, conducted experiments, and began learning about the moon and space. Students have also been developing responsibility for their learning spaces - keeping desks organized, cleaning paint supplies, stacking shoes properly, and taking care of shared materials. In physical education we have enjoyed units on basketball and handball games (including a Quidditch variation), along with many opportunities to practice teamwork and sportsmanship.

Our salmon project is also progressing nicely. The salmon are currently in the alevin stage, where they remain in the gravel and continue to grow using the nutrients from their yolk sacs. They will stay in this stage for a couple more weeks. After the break they will become fry, which means we will begin feeding them and preparing for their eventual release into Colquitz Creek later in the spring.

Looking back on the term, students have taken part in a wide variety of activities and learning experiences. We explored literature through our novel studies of The City of Ember and Once Upon a Tim, and many students enjoyed connecting their reading to creative writing and our ADST wand-building projects. Students practiced editing their writing, using capitals and conventions more carefully, and thinking about how to expand their ideas. We also spent time learning about digital safety, improving our skills with Google Docs and Google Classroom, and working through project-based learning activities such as board-game reviews.

Beyond academics, our class has been learning important skills around communication, collaboration, kindness, and considering different perspectives. Students participated in activities connected to the WSÁNEĆ moons, Black History Month, Lunar/Chinese New Year, Ramadan, and International Women’s Day. We also had wonderful opportunities through our Indigenous Peoples Atlas map activities in the gym, a guest music visit with Norman Foote, and an author visit with Nicole Smith!

Students also participated in several memorable community experiences this term, including buddy activities such as spaceship building, our competitive Settlers of Canada game with the Grade 4/5 classes, learning about French-Canadian culture through Maple Man, and of course some fun creative moments like crafting our Valentine’s boxes and our tool cart safety training and quiz.

Finally, thank you to all the families who were able to visit the classroom during our recent open house and see some of the work your class has been doing. It was wonderful to connect with you, and hear about your lives outside of school! I enjoyed watching the kids share their projects and celebrate the progress they have made this term. Your ongoing support at home makes a real difference in helping students grow in confidence, responsibility, and curiosity.

Wishing everyone a relaxing and enjoyable Spring Break, whether you are travelling or enjoying some quieter time close to home. We look forward to seeing everyone back refreshed and ready for the final stretch of the school year.

>>>> Mr. O'Connor

22 Feb. 2026

Hello everyone in Division 17,

It has been a busy and engaging stretch in our classroom, with lots of hands-on learning and steady growth across subject areas. Below is a snapshot of what we have been working on recently. The photos above are students practicing their drama skills for Social Studies!

ADST - Tool Cart Creations

Our class recently completed another ADST project by designing and building Valentine’s holders using popsicle sticks. Hopefully you saw these come home - they also make excellent pen and pencil holders. This project focused on planning, problem solving, and safely using classroom tools. Students showed care and patience as they worked through design challenges and learned how to use tools responsibly.

Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies gives students a chance to learn by doing. Through hands-on projects, students move from ideas to real, tangible outcomes, learning that design takes planning, patience, and revision. ADST encourages problem solving when things do not work the first time and builds resilience through trial and error.

Working with tools and materials also teaches responsibility. Students learn how to use equipment safely, follow procedures, and respect shared spaces. These skills transfer beyond the classroom, supporting independence, confidence, and collaboration.

Most importantly, ADST helps students see themselves as capable makers. Whether building a simple structure or refining a design, students develop practical skills alongside creativity and critical thinking. We are currently using these skills to help our buddies build a rocket ship.

French Language and Culture - Maple Man Assembly

We also enjoyed a special school assembly celebrating French-Canadian culture, organized by Mme Cannady, our French language teacher at Lochside. Students participated in a Maple Man cultural workshop that brought traditional French-Canadian life and customs to life in an engaging and memorable way.

The presentation helped students explore traditional Canadian occupations connected to maple syrup production, combining storytelling, music, movement, and hands-on experiences. Highlights included tasting real maple taffy on snow, learning how maple sap is transformed through a short narrated film, and experiencing traditional French-Canadian rhythms through violin music, wooden spoons, and step-dancing marionettes. Students also took part in a traditional French-Canadian dance, recreating the lively atmosphere of a sugaring-off celebration.

It was an engaging way for students to connect language, culture, music, and movement while deepening their understanding of French-Canadian traditions.

Physical Education and Community - Skating Buddies

Our skating buddies trip to Panorama Recreation was another highlight. It was great to see students helping one another, encouraging friends, and building confidence on the ice. Some students also demonstrated strong skating skills, showing speed, balance, and control.

Literacy - Author Visit

Thank you to Mrs. Malloy for helping make this possible. Lochside was fortunate to welcome Nicole Smith, a children’s author and archaeologist, to our school. She shared her experiences as both a writer and a researcher, which led to thoughtful questions and conversations about storytelling, history, and curiosity as a pathway to learning.

For families interested, her book is Dig Deep: Connecting Archaeology, Oceans and Us by Nicole F. Smith, published by Orca Book Publishers.

Science - Salmon in the Classroom

Our salmon are beginning to hatch. We are raising coho salmon as part of the Salmonids in the Classroom project. Students are closely observing changes as the alevins emerge and are learning about life cycles, habitats, and care for local ecosystems. Later in the year, the salmon will be released into Colquitz Creek, connecting our learning to the local environment. For more information, please see the photos below or visit the Stream to Sea website.

Social Studies - Two Worlds Meet

We continue to explore our Two Worlds Meet inquiry, examining different perspectives around European exploration and early contact with Indigenous peoples of North America. Students are learning to consider multiple viewpoints and to think critically about how history is told and understood. In the coming weeks, we will begin a larger research project where students will choose a topic, research it, and present their learning on a poster board. Some students may also choose to include 3D elements - stay tuned for more updates.

Music - Victoria Symphony Experience

Our class had a special opportunity to attend a Victoria Symphony performance at UVic. For many students, this was their first experience hearing a live orchestra. They were engaged and thoughtful listeners, and we had some great discussions on the bus ride and back at school about music, sound, and performance.

Math - Building Number Sense

Lastly, in Math 5, students are working with three-digit numbers, including division with remainders. The focus has been on breaking problems into clear steps, explaining thinking, and building confidence through practice. Families can watch the videos in the math section of the website to learn more. Our next topic will be partial product multiplication as we work toward two-digit by two-digit multiplication.
For example: 788 × 67 = ?

All the best,

>>>> Mr. O’Connor

P.S. We also took time this week to acknowledge Canada’s hockey losses at the winter olympics. While the results were disappointing, it led to some thoughtful discussion about competition and effort, and how teams respond when outcomes do not go their way.

Our Coho! Progressing along!

One strategy we're learning in Math5 (above). At UVIC - Symphony (Right)

22 Jan. 2026

Hello Division 17 Families,

Happy New Year to you! It has been a busy, creative, and did I say busy? stretch of learning in our classroom! See the photos below! Students have been deeply engaged in hands-on projects, inquiry-based learning, storytelling, and active play. There has been a mix of focus, imagination, collaboration, and laughter - the best kind of learning environment. Where to begin - Let's take a look at math 5.

Math: Project-Based Learning - Board Game Design

In Math, our Grade 5 students completed a massive Project-Based Learning unit where they designed and built their own math board games from start to finish. Students began by choosing a theme connected to their interests - ranging from anime and fantasy worlds to space adventures, global cities like New York and Paris, and personal passions like sports.

They then selected math skills to focus on from concepts we’ve already explored this year, including:

Number operations; + - X / ; Multi-step word problems 7 digit addition and subtraction questions and more!

Students designed game mechanics (how players move, win, and face challenges), created themed boards with clear paths and goals, and wrote question cards that reinforced math skills in fun and meaningful ways. Games were playtested in small groups and revised based on feedback because nothing reveals a math error faster than a very competitive classmate. The creativity, problem-solving, and pride students showed in this project was fantastic. Bravo grade 5 students!

Looking ahead, students are excited to add “expansion packs” later in the year as we tackle new math concepts such as multi-step multiplication as seen in this video!

English Language Arts: Novel Study - Harry Potter

This creative work connects directly to our Harry Potter novel study. Through the novel, students are building skills in:

Reading comprehension
Identifying story elements (characters, setting, plot, problem, solution)
Writing complete sentences
Skimming and scanning text to find information
Developing reading stamina and confidence

Most importantly, students are loving the story and are eager to discuss predictions, favourite moments, and character choices. Thank you to families who have shared that you are reading along at home - that joy for reading truly matters. Audiobooks are available in Google Classroom, and our daily agenda always shows what we are reading so you can join in together at home. Keep up with the work - check the agenda for due dates :)

ADST & English: Magic Wand Design and Creative Writing

In ADST, students combined design, responsibility, and creativity through a Magic Wand Project. Before building, students completed a safety lesson and passed a tool safety test to become certified to use classroom tools. Safety goggles were worn, hot glue was handled carefully, and responsibility was taken seriously. I can report that not one student was turned into a toad (maybe two).

Students then designed and built their own unique wands using safe tools and materials. To extend the learning, students wrote creative stories in Google Classroom about their wand, exploring:

The wand’s name
Its magical core
The history and origins of the wand
The type of magic it performs
The relationship between the wand and its owner

These stories are currently being edited and refined, and they are imaginative, detailed, and full of personality - truly magical writing.

Social Studies: Two Worlds Meet

We officially launched our Social Studies unit, Two Worlds Meet last week with a large-scale inquiry day. Students worked in mixed Grade 1–6 groups and rotated through classrooms across the school, each focusing on a key theme connected to early contact between First Peoples and mainly European peoples:

Cooperation
Integration
Empathy
Power & Trade
Influence & Perspective
Competition

This launch helped students build shared background knowledge and begin thinking critically about relationships shaped by geography, resources, worldviews, and power.

As the unit continues, students will explore:

Early contact, cooperation, trade, and conflict
The fur trade in pre-Confederation Canada and BC
Economic and political reasons for colonization
Impacts of colonization on First Peoples, locally and nationally
Local First Peoples and community history
Canada’s natural resources and geography

Students are encouraged to consider multiple perspectives, ask thoughtful questions, and develop empathy and respect when learning about Canada’s past.

Science & Place-Based Learning: Coho Salmon in the Classroom

We were excited to welcome 100 eyed Coho salmon eggs into our classroom yesterday! Students are learning how to care for the salmon while observing their development and learning about life cycles, freshwater ecosystems, and environmental stewardship.

This project also connects to our Social Studies learning, as students explore the importance of salmon to local First Peoples and the deep connections between land, water, culture, and responsibility. When the salmon are ready, they will be released into Colquitz Creek, helping students see how classroom learning connects to the place we live. These tiny swimmers are already making a big splash in our learning.

Physical Education & Active Play

Students have also been staying active through PE, a new lunchtime basketball extra-curricular (with lots of enthusiastic sign-ups), and a very energetic game of Quidditch. While the running, passing, and teamwork have been impressive, brooms remain firmly on the ground - no flying licences issued… yet 🧹😉. Students - wow you found the code word! .ʎʇᴉɔᴉɹʇɔǝʅƎ sᴉ pɹoʍ ǝpoɔ ǝɥꓕ

One Read Aloud Over, and Another Begins!

Lastly, we recently finished our class read-aloud, Once Upon a Tim by Stuart Gibbs - a silly medieval novel full of humour and quirky characters. It sparked lots of laughter and great conversations about character traits, problem-solving, and how humour works in storytelling. Next up? The City of Ember, An engaging sci-fi story about two young teens in a race against time to save their city before the lights in Ember go out forever....

Across subjects, Division 17 students have shown creativity, curiosity, focus, and teamwork. Thank you for your continued support - it truly helps our classroom magic happen.

>>>> Mr. O'Connor

Kids VS Teachers!

The Ice Rink Parade!

The Great Fantasy Race!

Lost in NEW YORK!

The Ocean Race!

Godzilla Video Game Mash Up!

Candy Rush!

A Night in Paris!

Rainbow Run!

One Piece Labyrinth!

Mini-Ball Madness!

Jail Escape!

Minecraft Mania!

Soccer Mayhem!

Golf Mayhem!

Lost in the Woods!

Road to Pokemon Master!

Police VS E-Bikes!

Sporting Mania!

Sprite! The Game!

Pokemon Mania!

Into the Wonderland!

Our new eye Coho Salmon!

19 Dec. 2025

Hello Again, Muggles, Witches, and Wizards!

Thank you to all families for a wonderful first term. It has been a joy to watch so much individual growth in each student - in confidence, creativity, and learning. I am incredibly proud of the hard work the students have put in, and I truly appreciate the support and encouragement you provide. It makes a real difference in our classroom.

The past few weeks have been filled with curiosity, creativity, and just a touch of classroom magic.

Art
Students became winter landscape artists while creating English countryside winter scenes. This multi-step project challenged students to plan ahead, follow directions, and carefully layer techniques to add depth and detail. The results show patience, focus, and growing pride in their work. Be sure to come and see them in the hallway!

Writing
In writing, students explored imagination through the creative prompt “If I Was Trapped in a Snow Globe.” They practiced using descriptive language, sensory details, and clear sequencing to help readers step inside their snowy worlds. Each piece reflected the student’s voice and creativity. Be sure to come and see them in our classroom!

Literacy
We completed Chapters 1–5 of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, setting the stage for the adventures to come. Students worked on comprehension, making predictions, and discussing characters and events. We will continue the story after the winter break - wands ready.

Math
Students have begun designing their own math board games, combining creativity with mathematical thinking. Although the games are not finished yet, students have already shown strong perseverance - testing rules, revising ideas, and problem-solving when challenges pop up. This process has been a fun and meaningful way to reinforce math concepts.

Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies (ADST)
Our wand-making project was a magical success! Students followed the design process to imagine, create, and refine their wands while learning about tool use, safety, and finishing techniques. The wands have been sealed and are now curing over the break, quietly gathering their magic until we return.

Wishing you all a restful and joyful holiday break. We look forward to continuing the learning - and the magic - in the new term. 🪄

>>>> Mr. O'Connor

01 Dec. 2025

Hello Muggles, Witches, and Wizards!

We’ve had an exciting, rainy and creative stretch in Division 17! I know I almost always say something like this, but it’s true.

Our class has begun exploring Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and the level of enthusiasm has been incredible. Students shared some outstanding artwork - some even completed pieces at home with their families, which was wonderful to see. We also held our Sorting Ceremony, where students were sorted into four houses that they’ll work within over the next several weeks. These houses will support our learning in comprehension, making inferences, following schedules, and taking on a variety of Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies activities (with a few fun surprises still to come).

This past week was also Career Week. Students developed their keyboarding skills and explored a variety of careers such as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and other trades and professions. We had great conversations about the many different paths students might take as they grow. Specifically because we’ve also begun preparing to use the Tool Cart as part of the Saanich Building Bright Futures initiative. Across the district, select classes are developing hands-on skills with mobile tool carts filled with a variety of hand and power tools, and we’re excited to join in. We'll work on authentic projects and our class is beginning the early steps toward creating, designing, and building. One student summed up the excitement perfectly:

“I’m so excited. I can’t wait to use these tools and build stuff.”

During our time in the LLC, Mrs. Malloy continued guiding us through important lessons on digital citizenship, including understanding the difference between fact and opinion online - an essential skill for safe and thoughtful digital use.

We also practiced a fire drill last week. The class did an excellent job moving safely, quietly, and quickly to our muster point. We’ll continue reviewing expectations so students feel confident and prepared during any emergency procedure.

In PE, we continued building our floor hockey skills, focusing on stick handling, passing, spatial awareness, and learning how to work as a team during small-sided games. The energy (and sportsmanship!) has been fantastic.

In Math 5, we’re about to begin our summative project-based board game unit. Students will design and create their own math board games that review key concepts from the term - everything from operations to place value to problem-solving strategies. These games will include instructions, chance cards, question decks, and creative themes. Stay tuned… this is often a highlight of the year! Lots of learning, creativity, and collaboration ahead.

All the best!

>>>> Mr. O'Connor

Enjoy a bonus free reading of HP!

20 November 2025

The past few weeks have been incredibly productive in Division 17, with students strengthening their skills across many areas of learning. As we explore digital literacy and keyboarding, here’s a riddle to begin:

“I’m full of keys but can’t open a door. I help you learn faster, think clearer, and work smarter. What am I?”

In Career Education, we are strengthening our keyboarding skills - perfect timing as Career Education Week approaches at Lochside next week. Developing accuracy and efficiency now helps prepare students for the growing digital demands of school and future careers.

In Science, we have been exploring Earth’s rotation, axis, the seasons, and the Saanich Moons. Students are making thoughtful connections as they investigate how celestial movements influence our environment.

We are also learning about mental fitness and social-emotional well-being, grounded in current neuroscience. Students can now explain how the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala work together to support focus, learning, and emotional regulation. Ask your child how mindful breathing can help when we’re upset - or how our tactile “calming stickers” support grounding and self-regulation. These tools are helping students build emotional literacy, resilience, and compassion.

Yesterday, Division 17 had a brilliant and unforgettable visit to the Goldstream Hatchery. The Goldstream Volunteer Salmonid Enhancement Association (GVSEA) welcomed us at the CRD Watershed and guided students through an in-depth look at the salmon life cycle. Our class rotated through three fascinating stations focused on spawning adults, eggs, and fry/fingerlings, giving students a rare opportunity to see each life stage up close. The visit concluded with an exciting visual - and in some cases, hands-on - experience with an egg-take or salmon dissection, which sparked thoughtful questions and plenty of wide-eyed curiosity. It was an incredibly rich learning experience that connected perfectly with our science curriculum and deepened students’ appreciation for the salmon that are so important to our local ecosystem. We will raise salmon in our classroom in the new year! How exciting!!!

In Visual Arts, we created LEGO-style self-portraits as part of our learning about identity, personal expression, and overall health. Understanding ourselves and the various aspects of well-being helps students develop a more balanced lifestyle.

This two-day project began with a discussion about what a self-portrait is - an artistic self-representation - and an exploration of famous artists’ self-portraits. A key idea we highlighted is that self-portraits often reflect an artist’s own unique style. Students embraced this beautifully and created imaginative, personalized LEGO-inspired versions of themselves.

In Mathematics 5, students finished up our bigger unit on addition and subtraction and examined how data can be represented using many-to-one correspondence in graphs. Next week, we begin multiplication fact fluency and work toward multiplying two- and three-digit numbers.

In Physical Education, our trail walks continue as we explore the changing landscape behind the school - including the rapid progress on the new housing development next door! We also began our inclusive hockey unit, focusing on daily physical activity, movement skills, and building personal fitness.

As a school, we marked Remembrance Day with meaningful guest speakers, talented student emcees, and thoughtful musical and spoken-word performances. Bravo to all involved. Our class also created beautiful felted poppies with our buddy class from Ms. Miller’s room.

We also held our parent–teacher conferences this month. It is always an extremely busy week, but such an important and positive opportunity to connect with you and discuss each child’s learning, growth, and goals.

We recently finished Linda Bailey’s Seven Dead Pirates - a book with a spooky-sounding title but rich themes about friendship, shyness, courage, and bullying. Funny, adventurous, and full of heart, it quickly became a class favourite. (You could say we hooked the students with this one!)

Our newest read-aloud is The Fourteenth Goldfish, Jennifer L. Holm - a light and engaging science-fiction novel that explores curiosity, scientific discovery, and big questions about change and growing up. Students are already intrigued by its humour and imaginative storyline.

In the Learning Commons, students revisited digital safety through guided lessons about effective searching. They explored:

Why search engines like Google sometimes gives irrelevant results
How search operators work
How to use keywords and strategies to improve search accuracy

Lastly, a huge shout-out to our soccer players who showed up, played hard, and stayed committed throughout our lunchtime practices. This was a completely free, open-to-all opportunity, and every player who joined demonstrated fantastic growth in skills, confidence, teamwork, and perseverance - even while putting up with me and Ms. Howells at lunch!

Their dedication paid off with an exciting, match-filled day at Blue Heron Turf Field, where they represented Lochside with pride, positivity, and heart. We saw slide tackles, strong passes, brave saves, and plenty of smiles. Christine Sinclair reminds us that leadership is about lifting others up, and Alphonso Davies shows us that joy, speed, and determination can take you far - our players embodied that spirit all season long.

Well done, everyone!

Division Seventeen continues to grow, wonder, and learn each day - thank you for your ongoing support!

>>>> Mr. O'Connor

PS: The answer to the riddle is... ¡pɹɐoqʎǝʞ ɐ

17 October 2025

WOW, as I typed this up I I can see Division 17 truly has had a busy and exciting few weeks. I’m really proud of the effort and growth students are showing across all subjects.

On Monday, September 29, we observed Orange Shirt Day, reflecting on the message that “Every Child Matters.” We talked about the importance of kindness, inclusion, and listening to one another’s stories, and how we can help make our school a place where everyone feels they belong. As part of this, students made buddy activity bracelets with a partner. The bracelets are a simple but powerful reminder of our responsibility to treat others with care and respect, and to honour the experiences of Indigenous children and families affected by residential schools.

In English, we’ve been focusing on making our writing stronger and more engaging. Students have learned how to start their paragraphs with list statements, power number statements, and attention-grabbers, and many are already using these confidently in their work. We’ve also had a spelling test in class today of common words like the days of the week and months, which is helping us build up a spelling foundation. On top of that, we’ve been exploring “Triple Scoop” words. "Triple-Scoop Words” is a vocabulary strategy (from Adrienne Gear) that encourages students to replace plain, overused words (like good, nice, fun) with richer, more precise language.

Just like adding extra scoops to an ice cream cone makes it more exciting, adding stronger words makes student writing more descriptive, expressive, and engaging. Students start with a “single-scoop” word and brainstorm three or more “triple-scoop” words to use in their stories, journals, and persuasive writing. This helps grow their vocabulary and confidence as writers.It’s been great to see their writing grow more detailed and expressive as they gain confidence using these tools. Ask you child what his/her word was tonight!

We’ve been continuing our read-aloud novel, Seven Dead Pirates by Linda Bailey, and we’re now almost halfway through. The story follows a shy boy who discovers a room full of ghostly pirates, and through his adventures, learns about facing fears, building confidence, and finding a place to belong. These themes tie in beautifully with the social and emotional learning we do in class, especially around bullying, shyness, and fitting in. We tied in art in a fun and creative way, students designed and made their own pirate hats last week. The results were fantastic - each hat had its own unique design, showing off students’ creativity and excitement for the story as it unfolds.

In Math, the Grade 5 students have been doing a fantastic job working with whole numbers up to 1 000 000, especially with addition. They’ve been trying out different strategies, solving problems that involve money, and building confidence through practice and games. We’re starting subtraction next, and I’m excited to see them apply what they’ve learned so far. This work builds important number sense and problem-solving strategies that students will keep using all year.

Next week, we’ll also begin our Science unit, where students will explore how the Earth’s axis, rotation, and orbit affect the positions of the Sun, Moon, and Earth. We’ll be investigating how these movements create patterns we can observe, like day and night and the changing seasons.

In PE, we’ve been continuing to build cardio strength through our trail walks, exploring local parks like Outerbridge and Lohbrunner Park. Students love searching for the resident owl in Lohbrunner and observing seasonal changes along the way. These walks have also been a great chance to integrate science, as we’ve been noticing local plants and wildlife, making connections between what we see outside and what we’re learning in class. Alongside this, we’ve been focusing on soccer - building movement skills, playing games, and supporting our indoor lunchtime teams. Just as importantly, we’re talking about how to be cooperative, kind, and resilient when challenges pop up. It’s been great to see students encouraging each other and showing a growth mindset both on and off the field.

We also spent some time sharing and learning about our own holidays, traditions, and celebrations, and reflecting on how these experiences make us feel and connect us to one another. We explored a range of cultural and religious observances that are commonly celebrated across Canada, helping students appreciate the diversity of experiences within our classroom and in the wider community.

We mapped out where everyone was born, and it was exciting to see the variety of places represented. Many students were born in B.C. and Alberta, while others were born in India, Hong Kong, and Singapore. This led to thoughtful conversations about our different backgrounds and shared experiences, and helped students see how our personal histories shape who we are as a group.

To build on this learning, we focused on a Diwali project today, a festival that some students in our class and school celebrate. Students painted and decorated their own diyas (small clay lamps), which are traditionally used during Diwali to symbolize light and hope. It was a creative and meaningful way to build understanding and celebrate the rich cultural mix within our classroom.

Lastly, it's also been an exciting time for school activities and clubs, with lots happening outside of regular class time. Students had the chance to sign up for a variety of lunchtime activities, and it’s been great to see so many getting involved. Our indoor soccer teams have begun, with students joining once-a-week practices open to all skill levels, leading up to a tournament at the end of the season. Choir is also up and running at lunchtime, giving students a chance to explore music, build confidence, and be part of a supportive performance group. Lochside also started our crossing guard safety program, with students taking on leadership roles before and after school to help keep our community safe with neat tips from the Saanich Police! It’s been wonderful to see the kids stepping up with responsibility and care.

And finally, we had some great results at the school Spelling Bee - one of our students placed second overall, and another represented our class with focus and pride. It was a terrific example of students challenging themselves and supporting one another.

>>>> Mr. O'Connor

PS: Good Luck Blue Jays -

26 September 2025

Hello Families and Students!

Division 17 has had a fantastic start to the year, filled with learning experiences that stretch across subjects and connect to the world around us. Here’s a look at some of the highlights from our classroom.

Digital Citizenship

We’ve started our Digital Citizenship unit, where students are diving into what it means to use technology in safe, thoughtful, and responsible ways. Our conversations have sparked lots of interesting ideas as we’ve talked about protecting personal information, communicating kindly online, and finding a healthy balance between screen time and offline activities. It’s been great to hear the different perspectives students bring from their own experiences with technology!

These lessons connect directly to Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies as well as the Personal and Social Core Competency, guiding students to see how their choices with technology affect not just themselves, but also the people around them. By building strong digital habits now, students are setting the stage for confident, ethical, and positive use of technology in the years ahead. It’s such an important conversation - one we return to often as part of our learning. See photos below!

Bike Safety with Capital Bikes

Last week, we were fortunate to host Capital Bikes for a practical and engaging bike safety session. Students practiced fitting helmets, learned about hand signals, and discussed how to share paths and roads responsibly. Beyond bike skills, this work supports the goals of Physical and Health Education, where students are encouraged to develop lifelong habits of active living, safety awareness, and healthy decision-making. The students left the session not only more confident in their riding but also more aware of how their choices can keep themselves and others safe. See photos below!

Mathematics: Place Value

In grade 5 mathematics, our focus has been on place value up to one million. Students are reading large numbers aloud, writing them in expanded and word form, and beginning to see how numbers are structured and related. This unit ties into the Mathematics curriculum’s focus on reasoning and analyzing, as students strengthen their number sense, patterns, and prepare for more complex problem solving in operations later this year. We will conclude this unit with a short assessment next week, giving students the chance to demonstrate their growth and allowing us to plan next steps.

Literacy: Seven Dead Pirates

Our novel study of Seven Dead Pirates has captured the attention of Division 17. As we read together, we are learning to identify story elements such as character, setting, conflict, and theme - key learning standards in English Language Arts. The story has also sparked meaningful conversations about bullying, shyness, and friendship, helping students connect literature to their own lives. To support comprehension, we are applying Adrienne Gear’s Strong Readers strategies, which encourage students to make personal connections, ask thoughtful questions, and visualize as they read. This blend of literacy and social-emotional learning helps students become more thoughtful, engaged readers and community members.

The Arts: Card Project

In art, students are creating original pieces for The Card Project, where their designs will be turned into professional-quality greeting cards. This project connects to Arts Education, which emphasizes the creative process and the ability to express ideas visually. Students are experimenting with design, colour, and composition, and showing perseverance as they refine their ideas into finished products. It has been inspiring to see each student’s unique style emerge, and we’re excited to share their creativity with families when the cards are complete.

Trail Walks are a Go!

This week we set out on our first community trail walk, learning how to safely share paths with walkers, runners, and the increasing number of e-bikes. Along the way, we practiced staying aware of our surroundings, walking together respectfully, and supporting each other on the trail. The highlight was climbing the hill to see the view from PKOLS (Mount Douglas), where we were surprised to find a family of vultures resting nearby!

We learned that turkey vultures are nature’s clean-up crew, playing an important role in the ecosystem by eating what others leave behind. Just like vultures work best together, our class “family” is learning to support each other and care for the spaces we share. Experiences like this connect to Physical and Health Education, encouraging students to develop safe habits, healthy choices, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world around us. See photos below!

Professional Learning

On Monday’s non-instructional day, I attended a full-day professional learning workshop at Claremont Secondary called How Do We Move Forward? led by Dr. Tsnomot Brad Baker (Ed.D.). Through storytelling, Dr. Baker highlighted how Indigenous and Western perspectives can come together to enrich the learning environment. He emphasized the importance of educators knowing themselves and reflecting on the perspectives they bring into the classroom. This learning connects to the BC Curriculum’s commitment to fostering inclusive, culturally respectful learning spaces, and I am excited to bring these ideas into our daily work in Division 17. See photos below!

Division 17 is off to a strong start, and students are showing curiosity, creativity, and care in their learning each day.

>>>> Mr. O'Connor

11 September 2025

Over the past couple of weeks, Division 17 has been busy settling into routines and learning how to work together as a class community. We’ve been practising turn-taking, asking thoughtful questions (one at a time to Mr. O!), and building collaboration through activities such as our STEM newspaper tower challenge, where students had to show ingenuity, handle setbacks, and rebuild with a new plan. In the gym, we’ve enjoyed many cooperative games, while in the classroom students have been writing in their Book of Thoughts journals (please check backpacks for these today). We’ve also started playing math games and reviewing basic facts to see where everyone is at.

A highlight in our room has been the growing Family Photo Wall - thank you for sending in 4x6 photos to make it feel more complete. Alongside these activities, I’ve been getting to know each student’s interests, strengths, and areas for support. Together, we are beginning to build not only independence but also the grit to stick with challenges and see them through. One of our ongoing projects uses a big puzzle as a metaphor for the year: with patience, persistence, and a growth mindset, we can take on complex challenges one step at a time.

We are also very fortunate to have the support of Mrs. Houston in the mornings and Mrs. Schure in the afternoons - their help has already made a big difference. Coming up next, we’ll begin using Mathletics (generously funded by LEPAC - thank you!), complete our district reading and writing assessments, and continue adding more experiences to our year of learning. I also appreciate families sending in forms, indoor shoes, and other supplies - it makes a big difference as we get started.

Wishing you a great weekend,

>>>> Mr. O’Connor

09 September 2025

Just a quick update with the biking form, and my newsletter in case it became misplaced.

Bookmark this page and check back regularly - we’ll be adding important info, reminders, and helpful links throughout the year.

Glad you’re here - let’s make it a great year together!

>>>> Mr. O’Connor

03 September 2025

Welcome to Division 17’s class website! This is your go-to spot for updates, resources, and everything you’ll need to stay connected with our learning this year.

Bookmark this page and check back regularly - we’ll be adding important info, reminders, and helpful links throughout the year.

Glad you’re here - let’s make it a great year together!

>>>> Mr. O’Connor

P.S. To keep Division 17 learning strong, check out the supply list below.

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