PYP 8 News

Week of 13th March 2017

Dear Parents, Book week was a success. Students had the opportunity to read with younger students, purchase books and participate in different activities that ranged from Readers Theater to creating their own stories… I hope many of you enjoyed International Day, set up by the high schools to celebrate the diverse community of St. Francis. There were treats and performances from all over the world. Many PYP 8 students and parents were spotted either helping out at booths or participating as a spectator. It is wonderful that we can support the entire community! The business of PYP 8 is not going to stop. We have officially started the exhibition Unit - which means the Exhibition is now 6 weeks away! (well, school weeks, at least - not counting holidays). As students have done the bulk of their research and are now consolidating that information into a research paper - of course students will still do research to continue to add to the essay on an ongoing basis. The main thing we are going to focus on is primary research including collecting data using surveys, interviews and trips. The most exciting and pivotal part of the exhibition is the Action - meaning students use their research to identify a problem and decide how they can have an impact on their community. We are asking parents to be supportive of their student as action will most likely require students to go someplace, and perhaps might have some cost involved. Talk to your child about what their action is - make sure all trips and action plans are approved of by the classroom teacher or exhibition teacher so we can keep track of who is going where and who is doing what. I look forward to seeing you all during the exhibition week to celebrate the learning our students have done. Look forward to receiving an official invitation somewhere closer to the week of May 1st - May 5th!

Upcoming things to remember…. Itaitiaia Parent Meeting has changed and is now 15th March, 8am Pinheiros - Please attend to have all questions answered! This week IB evaluators are going to be in school checking up on the progress of our programs. They will be talking to teachers and students. This Friday PYP 4 and 5 are putting on a bake sale. Bring money! Saturday 18th March is a play rehearsal - 9:00 to 15:00. Pinheiros. April 4th: Student Led Conferences. April 17th to 21st - No School. Half term break.

Homework Exhibition: As the exhibition unit is focused on independent work, the students will be expected to use their time at home towards working on their exhibition. Students have an essay to write, actions to coordinate, posters and art installations to create. Students will also be expected to continue primary and secondary research in support of the work they are doing. Thursday - Due Friday MyImaths - Pie charts

Thanks from the PYP8 Team

Mr. Benzie, Mr. Peterson, Mr. Hurst, Mrs. Spalla, Mr. Oliveira and Ms. Bianco.