Hey, Suncrest Families of Division 4!

We’ve officially begun our Passion Project journey, and the excitement in our classroom is electric! Students are diving into topics they’re passionate about, and we’re already seeing sparks of curiosity and creativity.

What’s a Passion Project?
It’s all about exploring topics that truly interest and inspire students. Whether it’s learning about space, wildlife, robotics, or art, this project is their chance to turn what they love into something meaningful and unique!

Why are Passion Projects important?
These projects empower students to take ownership of their learning while building essential life skills like:

Curiosity & Creativity – Asking big questions and thinking outside the box
Perseverance & Problem-Solving – Learning to tackle challenges
Self-Awareness & Confidence – Exploring their own interests and strengths
Adaptability & Research Skills – Preparing for a lifetime of learning!

What do we need from you?
To ensure your child stays on track and makes the most of this experience, we need your support! Here’s how you can help:

Brainstorm ideas together – Chat with your child about what excites them.
Help with research – A trip to the library or exploring online is a great start.
Check in regularly – Ask your child about their progress and what they’re working on.
Share your expertise – If you have knowledge in a student’s chosen topic, we’d love to have your insights!

Important Reminder
The final projects are due at the end of May, and students should be dedicating time at home to work on them. Let’s make this an inspiring and successful journey together!

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—I’m here to help!

Here’s to an adventure in learning,

Valentine’s Day Party – Movie & Treats!

Friendship, and a little movie magic are coming our way! We’re excited to announce that we will be having a Valentine’s Day Party which will take place on Friday, February 14th!

To celebrate, we’ll be enjoying a fun movie in class and indulging in some tasty treats. To make the day extra special, it would be great if each student could bring a snack or treat to share with their classmates. It could be something sweet, something salty, or a little Valentine’s surprise—whatever brings joy!

Important Allergy Reminder: We have one student with a cinnamon allergy, so please make sure all treats are cinnamon-free.

It’s going to be a fantastic day full of fun, laughter, and Valentine’s spirit!

Dear Families,

We have an exciting few weeks ahead in our class, with three major assignments coming up and some fun at-home activities to encourage learning and creativity! Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening:

1. Book Talk Presentations

Students have been working hard on their Book Talk Presentations over the past three weeks. Each student selected an independent novel of their choice at the beginning of November and has been preparing to share their thoughts and insights with the class.

• Due Date: This Friday, January 31st
• What to Expect: Students will give a short presentation on their book, sharing why they chose it, their favourite parts, and what they learned.

2. Social Studies News Broadcast

For the past two weeks, students have been collaborating with a partner on a Social Studies News Broadcast. This creative assignment requires them to produce a 5-minute “news segment” on a topic they’ve explored in class.

• Due Date: Monday, February 3rd
• Details: The broadcasts will be presented in class, and we are so excited to see the creativity and teamwork that has gone into these projects!

3. Suncrest Shines Writing Contest

In celebration of Literacy Week and Pink Shirt Day, students are participating in the Suncrest Shines Writing Contest. The theme this year is “The Suncrest Sun—Celebrating Kindness.”

• Due Date: Wednesday, February 14th
• Guidelines: The piece must be no more than one page, and students have received a criteria sheet with all the details.

4. Read Bingo Activity

To make reading even more fun, students have brought home a Read Bingo sheet today. This activity is to be completed at home each day and returned to school on Monday.

• What’s Next: Students who complete their sheet will be entered into a draw on Monday, where one Primary and one Intermediate student will win a prize!

Thank you for your continued support in helping your child stay organized and prepared. If you have any questions about these assignments or activities, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Warm regards,
Ms. McCann

Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to 2025! I hope you had a restful and joyful holiday season filled with wonderful memories. As we kick off the new year, I am excited to continue working with you all in Term 2.

This term promises to be filled with engaging activities and opportunities for growth. One highlight to look forward to is our Book Talk on January 30th. It’s going to be an exciting event where students will have the chance to share their insights and thoughts on their chosen novels.

To ensure everyone is prepared, please remind your child to complete their novel by the end of next week. This will give them ample time to reflect and get ready for a meaningful discussion and presentation.

Thank you for your ongoing support. Let’s make this term a fantastic one!

Warm regards,
Ms. McCann

I am so incredibly proud of the students and their amazing Winter Villages! They worked hard on these creative projects, and it was wonderful to see them displayed in the gym during our school’s Pancake Breakfast. The festive atmosphere was truly enhanced by their beautiful work.

A big thank you to all the parents who helped their child gather the materials needed for the project – your support really made a difference. Everything came together so wonderfully, and it was a joy to see our class’s creations brighten up the event.

Wishing everyone a wonderful winter season!

Attention Students!

We will be beginning our Winter Wonderland Villages project this Wednesday! Please come prepared by bringing any materials you may need to start building your village. This could include things like:

• Cardboard, foam, or wood for bases
• Paint, markers, or other decorating supplies
• Small figurines, trees, or any winter-themed decorations
• Hot glue guns, tape, or other adhesives
• Scissors, craft knives, and any other tools to help with construction

Make sure to think creatively about your design and come ready to bring your vision to life! This is a fun and exciting hands-on project, so let’s get ready to build a magical winter village together!

If you have any questions about materials or the project itself, feel free to reach out.

Dear Parents,

We’re excited to announce that we will be having a class celebration on Tuesday afternoon! To make it extra special, we are inviting students to bring something to share with their classmates—whether it’s a treat, snack, or something else they’d like to contribute.

If you’d like to send something with your child, please let us know. We kindly ask that any items be nut-free to ensure the safety of all our students.

Thank you for helping us make this a fun and memorable event!

We will be having a Secret Santa gift exchange on our last day of school before Winter Break! Please see attached notice that was given to students today!

Dear Parents,

We are excited to inform you about an upcoming project in our Language Arts class: the Individual Novel Study with a Book Talk Presentation! This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to explore a book of their choice, while developing essential reading, note-taking, and presentation skills.

What is the Individual Novel Study?

Each student will begin reading an independent novel in class. The book they choose will be read solely during class time—students are not expected to read their novels at home. We believe this approach helps them focus on the process of reading and reflecting without the pressure of outside commitments.

To support their comprehension and critical thinking, students will be given class time at the end of each Language Arts block to complete a Note-Taking Worksheet. This worksheet will help them jot down important details, quotes, and reflections from their reading. The notes they take will be essential when it comes time to create an outline and prepare for their Book Talk Presentation which will be sometime in January.

What is a Book Talk?

A Book Talk is a brief presentation where students will share insights about the novel they’ve read. They’ll discuss key themes, characters, the plot, and their personal reflections. This will allow them to practice public speaking and hone their ability to express their thoughts clearly and confidently.

How Can You Help?

1. Encourage Focus: Please encourage your child to bring their independent novel to class daily. Having a quiet, focused time to read in class will help them stay on track.
2. Support Their Process: While students will do most of the work in class, feel free to check in with them about their progress. Helping them stay organized and on task will set them up for success!
3. Ask About the Novel: As they move through their novel, ask them about what they’re reading. Discussing the book outside of class can help deepen their understanding and make their presentation even more meaningful.

We’re looking forward to seeing how each student engages with their novel and presents their ideas. It’s sure to be a fun and enriching experience for all!

If you have any questions about the project, feel free to reach out.

Ms. McCann