Labour Day

Ahhh... there's nothing like celebrating Labour Day by doing... absolutely nothing.  RANDOM FACT:  Labour Day in Canada can be traced back to the 1880s where workers at that time demonstrated for luxuries like a 58-hour workweek.  How times have changed.

Although, I did manage to get some much-needed planning done and a quick trip to Echo Dale with the family.  It was a gorgeous day... who could possibly resist?

Tomorrow marks the return to school, although this will be a bit more gradual at CHHS with our annual Activation Day.  Junior High students should have already stopped by to grab timetables, books, lockers, etc.  Tomorrow is dedicated to Grades 9 to 12.  However, if you find yourself roaming the hallways and want to stop in and say hi, you'll likely find me in my classroom (Room 632).

I'm looking forward to what will be a new and challenging year.  The switch from senior to junior high might be a bit crazy at first, but I'm certain that this will be the most memorable year yet.

Cheers!

~Mr. T

Song Crushes...

Every so often, I hear a new song and I cannot for the life of me get it out of my head.  This usually drives my wife crazy, which makes the purchase of headphones more worthwhile.

Image courtesy of bit.ly/15sRby4

Today's culprit comes courtesy of a friend who recently shared a few glimpses of the show 'Portlandia' over this past weekend.  While I have enjoyed a number of sketches and segments from the show, the theme from the show lodged itself into my brain and has made itself rather comfortable in my auditory cortex.  It seems a rather fitting song to accompany the fast-approaching end of summer.  Enjoy!

Cheers,

~Mr. T

Back to school...

I suppose there's no time like the present to get back into the swing of things.  After a hard-earned, and well deserved break for staff and students alike, the unforgiving tones of my alarm clock (eventually) manged to chase the sleep from my eyes and begin my day.  And yet... in spite of these so-called challenges, I was excited to arrive at CHHS and see so many students for Junior High Activation.

I spent most of the day in my classroom, trying to erase signs of the move I had put off for far too long.  Old desks were removed, new ones arrived, flags were hung... all in all, not a bad day.  And I am very excited for the opportunity to work with my new students to make that space our own.

Most of the day was spent thinking about how I would approach the new course-load given to me this semester.  More importantly, I thought a lot about how I can use space like that found on this blog to better showcase what's going on in our day-to-day activities.  For now, I'm going to focus on three main goals:

1.  Regular review of learning objectives and activities

2.  Showcasing of student materials and activities

3.  Sharing of matters of interest for students, parents, and anyone else who may happen upon this humble blog.

I'll try to keep option 3 minimal and focus more directly on the first two.  After all, that's what will likely be bringing you here.  Not to hear me ramble on about this and that... at least not too much.

More information on how this blog can/will be used will be forthcoming.

Cheers

~Mr. T

Daily Review

Drowning in essays (always fun) will keep me occupied for most of the week.  That won't stop us from getting some good ol' fashioned work done.

SOCIAL 10:

• after completing the last essays (in-class and take home), we now turn our attention to global economics and regional trade blocs (EU, NAFTA, etc)
• everyone should have received via email a Chapter 10 Review (DUE THURSDAY, MAY 9) and a World Map.  Complete it using the instructions on Lab Day #6
• you will also form groups (up to 3) where you will choose one of the regional trade blocs provided in Lab Day #6 and complete a visual summary of the criteria provided.  I will provide the paper.  A due date for this assignment will be provided in the next day or two.

SOCIAL 9:

• after an energetic discussion of the dress code (please, just follow it) we moved on with economic policies and an examination of how different economies function
• you were given time to finish some of the projects that you already have on the go:

1. Chapter 5: Part 3 Review (DUE TODAY)
2. Chapter 6: Part 1 Review (DUE WEDNESDAY, MAY 8)
3. Immigration Brochure/Pamphlet/Poster.  Remember that the focus of this assignment if to sell Canada to a new generation of Immigrants.  Use the following criteria to help you complete your assignment:

• What types of immigrants are you trying to attract?
• Where should immigrants consider moving to in Canada?  Why?
• Why should people want to move to Canada?
• What sorts of programs/services will immigrants be able to take advantage of once they get here?
• Additional facts and information that you feel might be helpful to potential immigrants

Oooo... Shiny!

Post will be brief as I'm working hard to finish marking a large plethora (just fun to say) of exams.

Of note (meh... bad pun) are Canada's new $10 and $5 dollar bills.

I, for one, am a fan.  I particularly enjoy the new references to Canadian identity/culture.  And... how many other currencies are you aware of that have been unveiled IN SPACE?  Exactly.

I'll post the summary of yesterday's activities later.

Cheers.

~Mr. T