The Aliens Are Coming!!!

What would you do? Would you believe a radio broadcast about an alien invasion? Listen to the 1938 radio broadcast of War of the Worlds that sent the world into a panic.

Life in Colour

Good morning Grade 8s,
Today we are beginning our Life in Colour project. Each group will take three black and white photos with a focus on one particular colour. You must include an explanation for why you chose the subject matter and why you chose the particular colour to highlight. What does the colour represent? How does your picture help illustrate the themes present in The Giver?
I can't wait to see your pictures in our class gallery exhibit.
Have fun and happy snapping!

Real or Hoax

"What if life were perfect? What if we lived in a perfect world of perfect people and perfect things, with everyone and everything doing the perfect thing at the perfect time. What if, at one perfect moment in your perfect world you decided...perfection is a perfect bore! What if, at that perfect moment you noticed, for the first time, a button marked "surprise". What if, in that perfect moment, you paused, considered all that was included in the concept of surprise, took a deep breath, pushed the button, and found yourself exactly where you are right now, doing and thinking, exactly what you are, right now?"

If you were this person, would you push the button? What do you think life would be like and what would it contain after pushing the button? How would it differ from the 'perfect' life before the button was pushed? The society in The Giver creates a utopian society which is void of any colour.
It is difficult for us to imagine a world without color, personal freedoms, and love, but in The Giver, the society relinquishes these things in order to make room for total peace and safety. Compare the theme of colour in The Giver with the movie Pleasantville. How is colour a metaphor for life? Do you think the 'perfect' life in the above quote has colour? Why or why not?

Student of the Week - Breanne

Favourite food: salad
Favourite movie: A Walk to Remember
Favourite book: I Like Him, He Likes Her

Favourite activities: sports, drawing and reading

What her friends say about her:
"Breanne is always upbeat and happy. She is lots of fun!"
"Breanne is a wonderful friend and is always there for you. She has a very bubbly personality and she always puts a smile on your face."
"Breanne is always enthusiastic and optimistic."
"Breanne is an amazing friend and is very humourous."
"Breanne is an extremely kind and caring person, she loves all people and animals. She's really fun."

Real or Hoax?

Giant human skeleton
USA fly by of fighter jets
Man survives truck/plane crash

Cat eyes

Da na...Da na...Da na...?

Shark attack!
Indigestion?
Modern day diplocaulus
San Diego gym entrance
President Bush with upside down book
Giant tomatoes
Giant Camel Spiders in Iraq
Do you think you can tell the difference between reality and a hoax? See how smart you are...take a look at the following pictures and then write your answers and explanations on a piece of loose leaf. How did they create some of these hoaxes? Have this prepared for Monday. Bonne Chance!!

Grade 7 Treasure Hunters...this one is for you...

the rosetta stone the rosetta stone was discovered in august of 1799, and deciphered by a french scholar named jean champollion. the stone has three different languages written on it—hieroglyphics, demotic and greek. the stone itself is made of basalt, a volcanic rock, and measures about three feet nine inches long by two feet four inches wide and eleven inches thick.i hope everyone had fun doing this. Can you decipher the message?

The Ultimate Dream Job Contest

Our very own Stacey has been chosen as a finalist in the Ultimate Dream Job Contest. The student with the most votes will win a great prize so click here to vote for Stacey in her dream job of a cake decorator. Bonne Chance, Stacey!!!

IF MUSIC BE THE FOOD OF LOVE, PLAY ON - Shakespeare

You all did an incredible job on this assignment. It was a very emotional morning because the songs you chose were all so powerful. Music is an amazing way to express yourself and send important messages to people. Can you imagine a world void of these kinds of artistic outlets? You are to choose one specific song that was especially meaningful to you and discuss why it spoke to you the way it did. Discuss your reaction to the song and/or the video in a well-organized paragraph for tomorrow. Have a great night!
I've added the links for those songs that weren't already posted on the blog:
Concrete Angel
One Tribe
Beautiful
Alyssa Lies
Nothing to Lose

Hidden in Plain Sight

Hello Grade 6,
Between 1800 and 1860, thousands of men, women and children found their way to freedom with the help of courageous people along the Underground Railroad. Signs of a different sort were used to lead the slaves to freedom. Music, quilts and other "hidden" signs were cleverly used to guide them safely to safety. The following site examines some of these secret messages.

Love The Way You Lie by Eminem ft. Rihanna

Love The Way You Lie displays some mental, verbal, physical and emotional abuse that happens commonly (scary but it's true) in normal homes; to normal people.

Independance Day by Martina McBride

Independance day is about child abuse. An eight year old girl's dad is an alcoholic and comes home and abuses her. She finally has enough and burns down her house with her father inside it.
This song makes me feel sad because there are some sick people in the world who think that abusing their children is natural. It's also sad because the girl has to resort to arson as well as murder to get out of her situation. It should be much easier to get out of an unsafe situation in Canada or the United States because of our freedom and laws yet sadly it's not. Often times children are afraid that if they tell the authorities that they are being abused, the abuse will become worse. Studies show that 50% of child abuse is commited my women although most people think that men commit more.It is true however that men commit a higher percent of physical abuse and that most child abuse commited by women is neglect.
This song is sung by Martina McBride it was written by Gretchen Peters. Gretchen wrote the song from the point of view of an eight year old girl but says that she did not realize that until the song was complete. She said that she might have done that because she can understand the sadness of a eight year old girl because when she was eight her parents got divorsed.
When Gretchen Peters wrote the somng she had trouble writting the ending. From the start she knew that she wanted to end the song with the house burning down, but she had wanted to come up with a different ending. She finally decided to keep the song how it was because that had been her original idea. When she had written the song her intent was that the little girl sacrificed herself in the fire to get away from it all but decided to leave that part out and keep it to herself.
At the start of the song it is actually Gretchen Peters and not Martina McBride singing.

Have you ever wondered which books are on the top of the charts when it comes to challenged books. Here is a list of the Top 100 challenged books according to the University of Illinois. You may find some of your favourites on this list.

'>Where where you- Allan Jaxon

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September dayOut in the yard with your wife and children or working on some stage in LA, Did you stand there in shock at the site of that black smoke rising against that blue sky. Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor, or did you just sit down and cry. Did you weep for the children, who lost their dear loved ones. And pray for the ones who don't know.Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble, and sob for the ones left below. Did you burst out in pride for the red white and blue. The heroes who died just doing what they do. Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer, and look at yourself to what really matters

Ref: I'm just a singer of simple songs I'm not a real political man I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you the difference in Iraq and Iran. But I know Jesus and I talk to God, and I remember this from when I was young Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us and the greatest is love.

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day teaching a class full of innocent children driving down some cold interstate. Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor in a crowded room did you feel alone. Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her, did you dust off that bible at home, did you open your eyes and hope it never happened. Close your eyes and not go to sleep. Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages, Speak with some stranger on the street. Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow.Go out and buy you a gun .Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching .And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns, did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger.Stand in line and give your own blood. Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family Thank God you had somebody to love

I'm just a singer of simple songs I'm not a real political man I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you The difference in Iraq and IranBut I know Jesus and I talk to God And I remember this from when I was young Faith hope and love are some good things he gave usAnd the greatest is love

I'm just a singer of simple songsI'm not a real political manI watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell youThe difference in Iraq and Iran, But I know Jesus and I talk to God And I remember this from when I was youngFaith hope and love are some good things he gave us And the greatest is love
The greatest is love The greatest is love
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day

Father help us. We need some guidence from above...you got us questioning...Where is the love?

The Black Eyed Peas Where is the Love? poses a difficult question that many people are desperate to answer. What social issues are weighing down upon the artists? Your task is to find a song that addresses a social justice issue. Be sure that it is suitable for class. You may create a link when you comment to this post. Be prepared to share your group's song tomorrow.

What are some of our own unsolved mysteries? Have you ever heard of the Oak Island treasure? What about the Avro Arrow?

The Importance of Memory

Watch the following videos with your tribe and use the discussion guide to discuss your reactions to each one.
Holocaust survivor

First Nation residential school survivor

Former residential school student interview

Japanese Canadians internment camps

Adults surviving child abuse

Happy Birthday, Mason!!

We were so thrilled to hear that you came through your surgery yesterday with flying colours. We know that you are getting some much needed rest. Even though we can't be there to celebrate with you today, our thoughts, prayers and birthday wishes are with you. We thought this might make you smile! Maybe we can look into getting M DePape some singing lessons when you get home!!

Student of the Week - Adam

Favourite movie: The Other Guys

Favourite food: anchelupers

Favourite activity: taking long walks on the beach

What his friends say about him:

" Adam is great at football and he always lets you join the game. He's also really funny and outgoing."

" Adam is funny and very good at football.

" Adam is a really good athlete."

" Adam is good at making people laugh even when he's not trying to and he is also good at sports."

" Adam is a pretty awesome dude and a good friend."

Bienvenue!

What a great start to the year! I have really enjoyed the first few weeks of school and I know this is going to be a fantastic year...how could it not be with so many amazing young people!

Everyone loves a good mystery...Take the mysterious death of a young pharaoh and combine it with a number of unexplained deaths and you have the mystery of King Tut's Curse.
There is also an interesting video from National Geographic to view.