Grade 4C at HIS 2016-17: Week 20

Dear Parents and Students,

Semester One has come to an end, and we have enjoyed a busy and successful Literacy Week to finish up the term. We have had Readers' Theatre in Performing Arts, as well as in Science, Caves Bookstore once again held a stall in our foyer, and on Wednesday, we all enjoyed a colourful day as we dressed up as Disney-related book and film characters. These were just some of the activities we enjoyed this week. You can find a link to photos taken during the week at the end of this post.

In Maths, completed Topic 11, which was an extension of what we have been learning about fractions. Our test was held on Thursday, and on Friday, we began Topic 12. This topic is a study of fractions, so once again, we all need to be paying close attention to the newer material. This is another short topic, with the test due to take place on Tuesday, 6^th February.

A short note to parents in regards to tests– please ensure that all tests and assignments bearing the Parent's Signature stamp are returned to school with your signature. The signing and checking is to ensure that you are up-to-date with your child's progress, and your signature shows me that you have seen the results of each test and assignment. A number of tests have not been returned recently. I hope that they can all be signed and returned soon.

In our Literacy Workshop, all of the hard work we have done on our Book Promotion came into fruition as we enjoyed some high-quality presentations on Thursday and Friday. We also spent some time designing storyboards inspired by short movies from Pixar. Next week, we will return to our regular schedule, and we will begin with a story from our next reading theme: That's Amazing!

In Science, we continued to build circuits, including a parallel circuit, and a circuit with a switch. A link to photos of our investigations can be found below. We also kept to the literacy theme with a Readers' Theatre script about Benjamin Franklin and his study of lightning. Our Physical Science Unit will come to a close next week, with a minor test to take place on Thursday.

In Social Studies, we began our study of the American Southeast, beginning with the geography of the area. We also managed to tie in our literacy theme with an investigation of Sequoyah, a native of the region who developed a written form of his language, along with his young daughter, Anyokah. We will look at the history of the region next week.

The closing of this semester finds us saying goodbye to one of our classmates. Harry is returning to Korea for the next semester, after several years at HIS. Harry, we will miss your enthusiastic assistance in group assignments and your energetic contribution to the class atmosphere. We wish you all the best of luck at your next school

Next week begins the second semester. I hope you all have a restful weekend, and I will see you all back again on Monday!

Important Dates:

Mon, 29^th Jan: First day of Semester 2

Thu, 1^st Feb: Science test – Chapter 3

Fri, 2^nd Feb: Maths test – Topic 12

5^th – 9^th Feb: Chinese Week

14^th – 20^th Feb: Chinese New Year Vacation

Wed, 28^th Feb: 2/28 Peace Memorial Day

Fri, 2^nd Mar: Lantern Festival

Mon, 5^th Mar: Semester 2 Clubs commence