6-8 (MYP)

Jan 5th - Jan 14th, 2022

Middle School Notes (6-8):

• The above schedule follows a two week cycle, Week A Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

• ALL MS classes are taught synchronously

• MS Music and Learning Strategies to alternate the class period (not split 50 minutes). The first course to start will be the one that appears on the student HR timetable.

• Teachers will be available on set days at 2:15 pm for extra support or for one-on-one check-ins

Dear Parents and Students,

While there are many needs to consider in an online timetable, the priority is student learning and wellness. Teachers and students were consulted, and many parents provided input. The guiding principles to the revised online timetable are:

1) limiting online screen time (includes school instruction and homework)

2) offering many breaks for movement, and nutrition

3) continue to advance curriculum learning

4) considers both middle and senior school students

Please note that the timetable will continue to follow the day 1, 2, 3, 4 etc. format. Learning Strategies and Music classes will alternate and take the entire 50-minute class block. Homeroom teachers will explain this to students.

All of the middle school faculty are in agreement that our students need more movement. Please help your child include activity during the day, and if possible outside. These habits will provide students with balance and wellness.

Thank you for your understanding of the above changes. We believe this will be the last change while we continue to learn online. We look forward to returning to in-school learning when the lockdown is over in February.

Be well and be safe.

Regards,

Ms Gin

Dear Students,

While learning remotely we are asking all students to:

1) Dress for a school day; students, you may wear casual clothing, but do not come to class in your pyjamas.

2) Create a learning space that puts you in the mind of working - ideally at a desk /table in a quiet room; this isn't a time to lounge in bed with your laptop.

3) Turn your camera on unless you have been specifically allowed to turn the camera off. Now that teachers aren't able to see students every other day, it is essential that we create a sense of social engagement in which the teacher can observe whether learning is taking place. Our teachers take pride in teaching and cannot determine if learning is occurring by simply grading assignments.

4) Arrive for classes on time. Attendance will be taken for all classes, including homeroom.

5) Engage in learning by participating in the chat, icons, discussions.

On our part, teachers will give you screen breaks to stretch and get the blood flowing to the brain, have a snack or bio break.

We hope that this period of complete virtual learning is short-lived. We know that we can all make an effort during this period to create the best possible learning environment for all community members.