Loading...
Times Advocate, 1995-11-22, Page 12Page 12 Times-Adt'ocate, November 22, 1995 McCurdy School provides many learning opportunities for students JK/SK The children in the Early Years class have had a busy two months. The seniors enjoyed .seeing how last year's "Kinder Garden" grew over the summer - with Mrs. Le Goffs help. The juniors are making many new friends and have learned their way around the school very well. All the children enjoy our class- room pets, Harry the guinea pig, and G.P. the hamster; they give them both lots of attention and treats every day. Each child is proud of his or her own personal art space which is full of their special creations. The ' boys and girls in Mrs. Eagleson's class are our com- puter buddies once a week in the computer lab. Ms. Dunlop, our adult volunteer, also helps us in the computer lab, our classroom and the library. Grade one The Grade one class at McCurdy Public School is working hard and has been very busy. The students are very eager to learn to read. They have learned a great deal about letters and their sounds. They are starting to put sounds together and decode new vocabulary. They enjoy making and reading small books in the classroom. The students in Grade One enjoy Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell walk GRAND BEND - Grand Bend is getting in the Christmas spirit. On Dec. I the village of Grand Bend will host their 6th annual jin- gle bell walk and the entire com- munity is welcome to participate. Barb Wheeldon, council member and walk coordinator, said people an' encouraged to bring a non- perishable item and childrens win- ter clothing to help with a local food and winter coat drive. "We're going to try to keep it lo- cal because there are enough needy families in the area," said Wheel - don. The jingle bell walk will com- mence at the tourist information building where walkers will regis- ter and receive their jingle bells. After a special tree lighting cere- mony by Santa Clause at 7 p.m., the troop will walk to the end of Crescent Street and turn back end- ing at the Legion Hall where chil- dren will be treated to refreshments and a "special surprise." Protect your trees from winter Stephen Harburn, ABCA Fo- resty Technician EXETER - With the onset of winter, comes many critters that like to feed on young trees. Mice tunnel through the snow up to the trunk of young trees and girdle the bark. Mice prefer to chew on apple, maple, ash,c and Austrian pine trees but in severe winters they will girdle almost any tree. One way to protect from rodent damage is to spray a rodent repellent, such as Skoot on the base of the trees. A plastic guard wrapped around the tree will also protect the tree from rodent damage. Deer and rabbits also like to fed on young trees through the winter. Deer and rabbits 'will feed on the branch tips of young tress. If you notice the branch has been cut on an angle, that's rabbit damage. If the branch is cut straight, the dam- age is done by deer. To keep rab- bits at bay, you should place chick- en wire around the trees you want to protect. One way to keep deer from browsing your young trees is to put human hair in mesh bags and place them around the area you wish to protect. If you've planted hardwood trees over three feet in height this year, they should be staked through the winter. The stake will help support the tree and root during strong winds. The stake should only re- main on the first year - the root will be developed enough to sup- port the tree after that time. If you require any more informa- tion about protecting your trees this winter, contact your local nur- sery or the Conservation Authori- ty. spending time each week with their buddies in Grade 2/3.We planned to take part in the school's Remem- brance Day ceremony in Novem- ber. This was a special event and helped the children understand the meaning of the day. Grade 2/3 So far we've established routines, become familiar with our class- room and adjusted to many chang- es. The first weeks provide many challenges for children and every- one has been adapting well. Here is a sampling of what we have been doing: Class videotaping and photos; Thanksgiving celebra- tions; Pumpkin carving; Paul Mor- in's Asia presentation; Block Par- ent workshop; Dental hygiene seminar; Pizza lunches; Remem- brance Day ceremony; Family vis- its; Volunteer participation; Book Fair. Grade 4/5 Students in grade 4/5 are well into another busy school year. A number of interesting activities have already taken place in the first term. Students in grade 5 were pre- sented with new Bibles during a visit from the Gideons in Septem- ber. All students were fascinated during a presentation by Paul Mor- in, writer and illustrator, of a num- ber of interesting books. Many sto- ries were told of interesting and ex- otic places. Pupils in the junior di- vision have been enjoying noon - hour soccer games and many par- ticipated in cross-country try -outs at McCurdy. A new computer, complete with CD-ROM has ar- rived for grade 4/5 to make good use of during the remainder of the year. Pupils in grade 4/5 are also busily involved in activities that are more academic in nature. The novel "My Side of the Mountain" is teaching students a lot about life as well as improving reading skills. Personal reading is also an important compo- nent of our program, as is teacher reading. Students are keeping record cards to document their ac- complishments. JA -1st term -SCC The primary/junior self contained class has had an exciting fall. Two new students joined our group in September. We have the pleasure of being school helpers for atten- dance monitoring, as well as for the recycling of fine paper. We also act as computer tutors for the Early years class one period a week. Our class measured the school halls using our bodies, as well as metre sticks and then made com- parisons of the lengths of our halls and estimated the distance from one room to another. We completed a playground study and researched our findings with the CLN class, as well as be- ing involved in a "Special Person" unit, cooking and craft ideas. The end of October has us learn- ing among the spider webs and haunting reading material of Hallo- ween. On the evening of October 26 we shared this all with our par- ents and astounded them with our knowledge of computer technolo- gy. Grade 6/7 Our new year began with the grade seven's heading off for Camp Sylvan for three days - a great way to kick off the year's science activi- ties. Upon their return the business of reviewing last year's work began for everyone. Meanwhile the cross country participants were practic- ing for the regional meet. Several of our class, Colin Sauder, Hung Vo, Matt Pfaff, Jasmine Lather, Brent Tatara, Lindsay Parsons, and Ken Tilley placed high in the stand- ings. Another highlight of the term was the visit from Paul Morin, a book illustrator, who related his ad- ventures in China, while he was re- searching his next book. Grade 7/8 October has been busy for us with our fundraiser - organizing, participating, tallying, banking, etc. However, it has now come to a suc- cessful close, just in time for us to enjoy a Halloween costume parade and dance. We have also completed our na- ture study which included poetry, legends, research, oral presenta- tions and mural painting. We have already started our Remembrance Day activities, including learning songs and making posters from the 40's, reading novels with war -time settings and writing poetry to ex- press our feelings about war and peace. We are also learning how to use our new school camcorder in preparation for a later media theme. CLN The CLN class has been busy making dictionaries. Computer lab periods are used for math skills with each student working at his/ her level. The Breakfast Program is a highlight with each student cook- ing and cleaning up. Bagel recipes have been popular - and pizza toast. Students in SCC and CLN classes have been diligently hammering and designing string art projects. Some are on a second time- consuming circular design. Paul Morin's visit was followed with ex- cellent dragons by each student. The CLN class raised $507 for school fundraising. Festival of Lights Jean Hodgins LUCAN - Peter McNaughton of Ilderton-McNaughton Tours, was crowned "Mr. Festival of Lights Motor Coach - 1995", held on the weekend at Niagara Falls, New York, Convention Centre. A few of his many pa- trons, three busloads, from McNaughton Tours, were there for the Festival Weekend, and were very proud to be in atten- dance to see this Promotion Award presented. Peter MacNaughton, wearing his gold crown and banner, re- ceived a gift certificate for two, to be used in the Niagara Falls area, plus a bountiful fruit bas- ket of goodies. Peter McNaugh- ton has been driving tours to the Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls, N.Y. for nearly fifteen years. There were 8,500 in atten- dance for the Roger Whittaker concert on Sunday afternoon, practically all arriving by tour buses, 250 buses for the parking attendants to find space for. Extreme summer temperatures took a heavy toll on cooling systems, batteries and tires. That's why Five Star Service can help get your Chrysler vehicle ready for the cold weather ahead. Dont wait! For peace -of - mind driving this winter, call your local Chrysler Dealer today to schedule a time that's convenient for you! 1.1. OIL AND FILTER CHANGE ONLY $ 99• ■ net: Taira Includes: • • Go to 0 titre= el Molar Premium 011 • A Molar 011 Fitter • 10 Point I$s/ectlen • lube Mere 1011110111110 • "beady elMI premised ...or se dart oar Maranlee' * Offer ends Dec. 30/95 A licaa ble to most Chrysler Canada vehicles. t Ask for details. � � a�■I i 1 L 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 -IN -1 PRE -WINTER INSPECTION ONLY Se 99• IQ,■ P111 TIUS Wife me purcease e1 air 011 and Filter Clime serrlca we'll: 1. Inspect your cooling system. t. Inspect your battery. 1 1 3. 1101111 your 11115. 1111 CHRYSLER FIVE STAR SERVICE • o Chrysler trained technicians o Mopar replacement parts o Committed to your convenience o Courteous attention o Competitive prices 44 jzwp Nobodv knows your CbrYsIr vebiele Eagle like your cbrvSIer DeaIe: 1 AO CHRYSLER CHRYSLER