Students have been learning the effects of garbage on the natural environment, the process of waste decomposition, and they have been devising various pollution preventative measures and solutions. Students participated in a field trip to the Incineration Plant to further enhance their learning.
One day each month, students and teachers at TIS are given the opportunity to get creative and ‘Dress Down’. The Student Leadership team vote on different themes and students are given house points for their creativity and fun accessories. In the past we have had dress down days themed as; sports, favourite movie/book character, twins, pajamas and Chinese traditional dress. This month, saw the school dress in their national costume. With students’ representing over 40 countries at TIS it was a great chance for everyone to showcase their unique clothes from different ends of the globe.
In connection with our Science unit, students have been learning about the detrimental effects of waste and how it is affecting our world and the environment we live in. Grade 4 students had the opportunity to collaborate in creating a depiction of the world map using different types of reusable materials such as cardboard, plastic bags, plastic utensils, paper, and styrofoam. Students took ownership of this project from choosing and painting the colour of the background to carefully planning and assembling each loose part onto the canvases. Students furthered their artistic creativity, fine motor skills, and teamwork through this collaborative piece.
The Grade 4s went on an overnight field trip to HK last week (March 14-15) . The students took part in team building activities, and were learning different lessons that come from unsuccessful experiences. They learned tactics they could apply when they fall down, and how to accept success appropriately. This trip pushed students to consider the people around them, physically and emotionally, and increased their ability to empathize, show care, and give assistance in multiple ways.
From TIS
To the Cotai Ferry
In the Cotai Jetfoil on our way to HK
Arrived safely in HK
Dragon Fly welcomes the Grade 4s and their teachers.
In Social Studies, we have been learning about and exploring Macao's unique history and cultural heritage. Students have gained knowledge of the distinctive Macanese culture along with the historical development of Macao through a variety of media; field trips, print material, information technology and student-directed research. Moving forward, students will demonstrate their understanding of Macao’s history in a self-published book.
Students were all busy learning, compiling and collecting information about the history of Macao during their field trips around Macao.
"Here we are at one of our writing celebrations after finishing a unit of study. We just finished writing essays for the first time, and composed some pretty convincing pieces! We were lucky to have teachers and students from Grades 5 and 6 take part in our celebration, too. Well done, first time essayists!"
In Grade 4 we utilize learning centers to get students to take a more active role in their learning. We design our math centers in a way that provide review, practice, and enrichment for students. We also use them to differentiate to meet students' needs and interests. Students are also asked to create their own games as this helps them understand math problems and concepts at a deeper level, plus they love playing each other's games.
A simple act of kindness against bullies back in 2007, at a Canadian School has today become known worldwide as ‘Pink Shirt Day’. On Wednesday, March 10th, the TIS playground was a ‘sea of pink’, with clothing and accessories being worn in solidarity and awareness about practicing kindness and not tolerating bullying. The leadership team sold pink candy-grams and friends and teachers took advantage of the purpose made photo frames to capture the moment!
To fulfill the Alberta Physical Education Program of Studies, students are expected to participate in activities in an alternative environment. To meet this requirement students attended Cheok
Van Pool for an hour of swimming activities. On Tuesday, May 14th, all of Grade 4 students along with parent volunteers filled Cheok Van pool with excitement and energy. Our swimming field trip is always a top favourite amongst students and parents. We were very lucky and had wonderful weather. The students explored various parts of the pool with their friends and family illustrating and strengthening their swimming skills.
In preparation for our annual Poetry Celebration, Grade 4 students had the chance to brainstorm and create their own poems. Students were able to write about any topic that they liked. They drafted, published, and shared their poems with the class. Two students from each Grade 4 classes were chosen to represent the class in the Poetry Celebration highlighting the importance of physical presence, voice, evidence of understanding, and accuracy.
On Tuesday, April 23rd, students were able to showcase their unique creation and to celebrate their passion for poetry.
Our annual Volunteer Tea has been renamed the Donagh Marr Volunteer Tea in honour of the school’s very first TISPA president. The event is held annually to thank the many volunteers who give their time so generously throughout the year, to help at the school whether it be reading in the classroom or assisting on school trips.
Parents were served coffee, tea and scrumptious pastries. Entertainment included ukulele performances by the grade 3s, song and dance by PK & JK, and poetry recitals by students in Grades 2 and 4. Many thanks to the Recognition & Awards Committee for coordinating the event and to the amazing Elementary Leadership Team and teachers for helping to set up the MPR and serve the food and beverages.
