Hello R7A families – 

The very strange Canada/U.S. custom of watching a groundhog come out of a cage on February 2nd has happened again. “Wiarton Willie” supposedly did not see his shadow which means we will have an early spring. Given the snow walls and perma-ice on the roads and sidewalks, I think Willie may have needed a cup of coffee to wake up. On the other hand (paw?), Shubenacadie Sam from Nova Scotia did see his shadow, foretelling a long winter. Whatever the prediction, we might as well enjoy what we have here in Ottawa, especially when it is not so cold.

Speaking of snow, SKI TRIP forms are due TOMORROW. I am looking for a volunteer who likes being outside, moving around a lot, and preferably a skier who can accompany some of our novices on the chairlift and on the hills. I will be at the tubing hill where a lot of our students will be having lots of fun. Please let me know if you can help out. Volunteers come with us on the bus and get a ski lift pass. If finances for the student trip are an issue, please send me an e-mail as soon as possible.

The study of the teenage brain continues in Language Arts. We will be watching “Inside Out” this week. Snow days delayed our viewing. In guided reading, we will be reading articles about the brain and discussing what we have learned. The students are showing a lot of interest and curiosity about brain growth and development. We are particularly focusing on emotional reactions originating from the limbic system and how they are mediated by judgment and experience (cerebral cortex). In Ourstory, we will be wrapping up research on British North America and creating Google slide presentations. Our last unit will focus on the War of 1812 and the fascinating story of the Ontario and Quebec rebellions. And, in Health Education, students are in working groups to develop safety tips for teenagers on a range of issues.

Report cards will be going home on February 14th (created with a lot of heart and effort by your children’s teachers!). Many of the R7A students wrote a self-reflective report card; I am impressed by their honesty and earnestness. There will be no large interview process. You are always welcome to come by for a meeting and I will be in touch with certain parents. IEPs for Term two will be going out in the last week of February.

Winterlude begins this weekend. Many things to do in Ottawa!. https://www.ottawatourism.ca/events/winterlude/. I did a 3.5 hour hike in Gatineau Park today, and will be moving slowly tomorrow, if anyone is trying to catch me!

A warm welcome back to Mme Deschenes, whatever the weather has been outside! Ms Haslam, our VP, has been dropping by and getting to know R7A.

Ms. Swail