Chillin with my grade 9 children

A bunch of students are gone to the Ocean Net Conference and they have left us high and dry. Some kids were saucy to me and I crushed their skulls;]

The rest of us just had a great convo about how each student comes from a family where finances may or may not be an issue and it is important for us all to become aware of the struggles of our community peers. I can't wait for 5th period becauseI hope to continue this discussion!

SHIPMATES 1: Trinity Trip a roaring success!

Well, last week this time I was anxiously scurrying to make sure the trip was going to go as planned. This weekend, I will have nothing to do but catch up on school work and planning....at HOME! Don't get me wrong, I loved the trip, but as many of you can tell from the state of my front lawn...I am needed at home to help oversee all the renovations.

Last week I travelled with 31 students, my own two children, Ms. Melanie Yetman and of course "Diesle Wayne" to the Cape Random Film Set. We were headed out to explore the tangible component of Bernice Morgan's novel / miniseries Random Passage and Waiting for Time. The trip out took longer than expected because of the totally horrible service at the gas stop in Goobies!
However, our students handled that with panache and patience both. We were delighted with our accommodations at the BEDA building and the catering by Beryl Fisher was superb. The tour of Cape Random was phenomenal with "Action" Fred stealing the show. Bernice Miller and her staff at the Cape Schoolhouse Tearoom were the icing on the cake up there. The food was wicked.

Gadding and twacking about Trinity was another highlight of the trip. To their credit, the kids of SMRH were the best group of ambassadors with which I have ever had the privilege to travel.
I can't wait to go again next year and I am looking forward to planning the second SHIPMATES Lit-Retreat to Ferryland where we will explore Wayne Johnston's novel Baltimore's Mansion.

A special tip of the hat goes to Ms. Yetman for signing on at the almost last minute! Also, to Mr. Hoddinott for driving out and back on Saturday whilst smothering with pneumonia...
AND to all the wonderful students who personally took the time to be the kind sweethearts they are whilst tucking Naomi and Tamsyn under their wings.
You know the old saying, "It takes a school to raise my children!!"

Check out the Website for course specific details

Hi there, folks. It has taken a little while to get into the routine of the school year and I suggest that all my students check the website regularly for homework, assignments, deadlines, and notices. Note to you all....All my studnets will be creating a Blog on this site soon, so I advise you to become familiar with this one and perhaps read through my archive to see how it works.

Summer is drawing to a close

Lots of exciting things happening this year. I can't wait to get at it. Guess what? We'll all be creating and managing Web logs in English this year and everyother one from grade 7 -12!!! how fun. See you soon.
love,
yer mudder!

1201 Short Story Unit

Please read the story in our Anthology Sightlines 10 on page 300 : "To everything there is a season." Please answer #1, #2, & #3 a (jot notes for this last one.)

Please answer these in your English exercise / binder.
Due Friday, April 4th

Easter Break Fall out

Welcome back to school everybody! We have a lot to do in the next few weeks to get back on track. Speeches will be concluded in the next two days. A new date for the Speek-off has not been confirmed but it is on the horizon. Level 3s. .. You will be quizzed on Macbeth and A Catcher in the Rye both by next time this week. Please see a previous post regarding the assigned questions for the essay component of the Macbeth test.

ALSO, 3201 English be advised that We begin weekly public exam preparations starting May 5th. This will not take place during class time but instead will be extra-curricular. We will be dealing with thematic issues and getting practice with the exam format and its expectations. There isn;t much time left so please take each moment seriously.

URGENT UPDATE Easter Assigned Readings

URGENT
Many of you were dismissed on Wednesday fully expecting that you would be back Thursday to collect your things required for assigned reading and homework. The School announced over the radio Thursday noon time that I would be at the school from 3pm until 4pm letting students in to retrieve said items from their lockers. Reminder: ALL Grade 9s for both Ms. Kitchen's and my own classes are REQUIRED to read Forbidden City over the break. No Exceptions.

Due to the shortage of the novel Baltimore's Mansion, I am asking the level 3s to contact me ASAP via email to set up the distribution of the novels which are available at this time. As soon as you read this, please pass on the message.

In addition, to get things moving after Easter, any 3201 student who does not have a copy of the novel should begin reading the final two Greek Tragedies in their Theban Plays booklet. Let me4 guess...some of you have left them in your lockers....email me immediately to get a copy!!!
love, yer mudder.

Easter Break Assigned Work for my classes

Grade 9 ELA

• Read final novel for the year...yay! Forbidden City. You will enjoy it. You must also have completed the assigned China worksheet and have selected your Research Paper topic by your return from the break. You will be tested on your reading comprehension of the novel upon your return.
• Vowel Movements!!! Due upon our return from the Easter Break.

1201 English

• Complete your Midsummer Night's Dream Work booklet. It is due upon your return from the break.

3201 English

• Macbeth essay questions will be distributed prior to the break but are also posted here for quick reference:

1. A soliloquy is when a character in a play has a moment "out of time" within the framework of the script whereby he/she may address his or her own thoughts or the audience. Select one such piece in Macbeth and illustrate its importance to character and plot development.
2. Refresh your memory on what makes a Tragic Hero. Is Macbeth a tragic hero? Why or Why not? You must furnish your response with details and solid proof to support your answer.
3. Compare and contrast the character evolution of both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
4. Define in your own words, "ambition". Illustrate, from the play Macbeth, a depiction of a variety of types of ambition from a variety of the play's characters.
5. Define in your own words, "supernatural". Demonstrate your knowledge of the significant elements of the supernatural found in the play Macbeth and explain the relevance of the supernatural to the plot.

Remember, you will have to write an essay on one of the above questions. You can craft one ahead of time and learn it or you can write an outline and prepare some choice quotes. Either way, you must have at least three quotations memorized to support your answer. I highly recommended that you check this blog regularly over the break in case I let fly with some hints or tidbits of info which you may find useful. Given that I have provided you with the test questions ahead of time, I fully expect ALL of you to pull your weight and come though on this test :]

• Baltimore's Mansion will be distributed before the break. You are to have it read over the Easter Break, it is an easy read, folks...no whining. Upon your return, you will have the following quizzes: Part II of A Catcher in the Rye; Part II of Macbeth ( about 20 selected response questions plus the above assigned essay question from which you will prepare ONE (1); and after a class of discussion on Johnston's novel, a test on it.

3203 Folk Lit

Your Field work assignment will be distributed before the break. You will be responsible for finding an informant and completing the biographical data section. This is your preliminary research and we will start stage two of it upon your return from the Easter Break.

2nd Annual Language Arts Fun & Fair a success!

Well done to all SMRH students who helped make this year's Language Arts Fun & Fair a great time! The calibre of the projects is phenominal. Keep up the GREAT work. Thanks also to your family members and friends who showed up to take in the event.

Keep watching for links from my webpage to the 3201 "Totally Macbeth Barbie" projects! Perhaps I could link them from this Blog...I could call it "Out Damned spot!" ;0

Attention 3201 Students & Load & Go Players: Blizzard Blows Speeches away!

Today's weather system has prevented the previously scheduled 3201 Speech presentations from happening this evening. Due to 3 missed days of school and now the blizzard today, the SMRH English Dept. has rescheduled the SMRH Speak-off for either the 3rd or 4th of April. Therefore, ALL speeches will have to be read in the days coming up before the Easter Break.

1201 Speeches will also have to be clued up in these next few days. Be ready to read in either the English 1201, 2200, or 3203 classes.

Load & Go Players...we are not meeting today...obviously. We will get together for a brief meeting recess time tomorrow (Monday).

Language Arts Fair March 8th, 2008 ALL STUDENTS PLEASE READ THIS!!

That's right, Folks! The Language Arts Fair is upon us again and in keeping with the newly forged customs of yesteryear, we are hosting the event on a Saturday.

These projects are being graded by each English Teacher and will represent a significant portion of the term's work.

In an effort to attract your family members and the general public, we will be having a canteen service , face painting for kids of all ages and lots of other treats. In addition, we hope to have organized a tournie of some sport for that afternoon as well.

March 7th - Set up last period of the day
March 8th - Public hours are 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. Participants should be at the school no later than 10:45 am for 11:00 start. We expect you to be in attendance for the duration.

My students may work either indiviudally or collectively ( in pairs), or as in the case with 3201, in groups.

Deadlines for Project approval is THIS FRIDAY February 29th

Suggestions for project methods:
PLEASE NOTE: a written report MUST accompany ALL Language Arts Fair Projects, otherwise a mark cannot be given.

• Book / Play Promotional kits; posters, press releases, movie trailers, ticket stubs, programmes, interviews, photos and mementos. Use your imagination!
• Slide show / powerpoint investigation / report
• Board Game or other type of game
• Choose your own adventure Companion book (what if...?)
• Extended writing collection of poetry, essays, short stories about the topic
• Tableau (No Dioramas please!!!!) Build a small set or paint / creat a 3D model but do not put it in a shoebox for the love of Cod!!
• Orignal artwork: visual art, choregraphy, film / cinematic, sculpture, written work, songs, poetry, collage, scrapbook, textiles (clothing / fabric), photo essay.
• Each presentation does not require a "backboard or bristol board" presentation unless it is relevant to your display.
• Multi-media, spatial, and electrical requirements must be submitted by March 5th.
• I will not accept ANY material cut and paste from any internet site which is intented to be passed as your own original material.

Grade 9 ELA - You are expected to prepare a LAF Project on Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet
I will review what is expected of you in class this week.
Suggestions for topics:

• Love exploration
• poetry of Shakespeare
• modern versions of Romeo & Juliet
• Dreams
• Destiny & Fate
• Reinact your favourite scene from the play and record it!
• Original Artwork: poster, painting, drawing, collage, clothing, songs, poetry
• Write the play as a novel or Cartoon / Manga
• History of young lovers
• Mask from the ball and research
• Sword and research
• History of Wetnurses
• History of Friars
• Other suggestions...

1201 English - Your assignments will all be on a component of Cassie Brown's Death on the Ice. You may present a project idea for approval to me any time this week.
Suggestions for topics:

• Weather Forecasting Then & Now
• The Seal Hunt Controversy
• Abe Kean's role in the Newfoundland Disaster\
• The evolution of the Sealing Fleet
• The Marconi Room
• Newfoundlanders and Superstition
• Omens
• The Greenland Disaster Vs The Newfoundland Disaster
• Cassie Brown Author Study
• The Kean Clan
• A Sealer's Life: a collection of mementos and artifacts
• Interview with a Sealer
• The Newfoundland Disaster: What Went Wrong?
• Newfoundland in 1914
• William Coaker
• Other.....

3201 English - "Totally Macbeth Barbie" ...some assembly required, batteries not included, your parents have to put it together! The purpose of this project is for each group to fully explore an Act of the play and "download" it for the rest of the class in a way which is light-hearted and enjoyable. In this way, I hope the play will become more "hands-on" and worthwhile for you all. All you have to do is:

1. Read your scenes
2. select your quotes
3. plan the drama you wish to represent or storyboard you action
4. select your "talent"
5. have them visit wardrobe
6. ensure your props department has prepared an appropriate set and any relevant props ie:daggers,castles, gallows, trees...etc.
7. Capture it on celluloid (not cellulite!) Use any kind of camera to capture your images. They can be stills, live action, stills manipulated through photoshop, youtube, power point or whatever you please. You may also simply scrapbook them or post them onto a backboard once printed off.
8. Be sure to give your project a polished "Mattel" finish.
9. Write a report which can be submitted for marks. The categories of this report are as follows:

• Group members
• Summary of Act assigned
• Analysis of 10 quotes and overall relevance to the scene, Act, play, and humanity overall.
• Description of each scene and justification of choices made.
• Closing remarks and critique of assignment

No seriously folks you already have been assigned your groups, but here are a few more reminders of what I expect:

• Each group must identify ten (10) prominent quoted from the ACT they have been assigned.
• Each group must choose a leader whose role it is to co-ordinate the "shoots"
• you must select an adequate number of barbies from the collective bin or supply your own. You may augment your scenes with action figures of any kind.
• You must get going on your own time as this is due March 6th!!!
• Have fun please

Grade 9 Adolesence - Homework & Assignments

We have just begun the new semestre! Welcome to my new students! Don't forget to discuss the course materials with your parental units.

English 3203 - Folk Literature - Homework & Assignments

Englilsh 2200 - Theatre Arts - Homework & Assignments

Vocal assignments #3 & #4 are due!

English 3201 - Homework & Assignments

We are currently reading Macbeth. You were all to have read up to and including Act 2 for the end of this week. Friday, Feb 22nd.

Please see this blog for your speech topics!!

Please visit the Language Arts Fair post for your specs on Totally Macbeth Barbie Assignment.

JD Salinger's A Catcher in the Rye should be read by March 3rd.

English 1201 - Homework & Assignments

We are currently reading A Midsummer Night's Dream. You were to have read up to and including Act 2.

Please see this blog for your speech topics and Language Arts Fair Specs.

Death on the Ice is due to have been read by February 23rd!

Grade 9 English - Homework & Assignments

We are reading Romeo & Juliet and you were assigned questions for Tuesday, February 19th.
Please remember to check this blog for your speech topics and Language Fair Specs.

W.O.W. - word of the week

Each week there will be at least one new Word of the Week or W.O.W. as well as a related question for online discussion.
Should you wish to reply to this question, please do so!
Recent WOWs are nearest to the top :)

Note:
I will not edit your grammar. I do however, suggest that you compose your responses in standard English NOT the text messaging language (or the lack thereof!) in which so many of you are so sadly proficient.

Professional
1. working in a profession
2. taking part in an activity such as sport or music, for money
3. very competent
4. person who works in a profession
5. person paid to take part in sport, music etc.

Volunteer
1. person who offers voluntarily to do something
2.to offer one's services regardless of skill
3. to give willingly

Tolerance
1. to allow or exist or happen
2. endure patiently
3. accept as inevitable the existence of other people's rights to their own opinions or actions
Q: Does this mean that if one is tolerant they are open-minded? Is our school tolerant?

St. Michael's Regional High Speakoff

The School Speakoff is scheduled for March 18th at 7pm.
1 class representative from each class and an alternate will be selected to represent their class / grade. Time limits will be strictly monitored. Those outside the time limit will be excluded from the school competition. The overall winner in Senior high will be eligible to compete in both the School District and the Knights of Columbus competions. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be selected from both the Senior and Junior high category on Speak-off night.
Jr High = 4-6 minutes
Sr. High = 5-7 minutes
There will be a question posed to each speaker.

Topics for Junior High are listed below:
1. Pressures faced by teens today
2. Global Warming- Fantasy or Reality?
3. The War in Afghanistan
4. Are schools safe?
5. Are Guitar Heros really losers?
6. Substance Abuse and teens
7. Teens and Crime: the impact on our community.
8. Discrimation: Sexual, Racial, Gender, Age, or Ability.
9. Eating Disorders
10. What has happened to the moral fabric of our society / community?
11. To assign homework or not to assign homework?
12. The shrinking population of our province.
13. Is thre really NOTHING for a teenager to do on Bell Island?
14. Child Pornogrpahy laws.
15. Teenagers and substance abuse

Topics for grade 10, 11, and 12 are listed below:
1. Caring for Aging Parents
2. Global Warming- Fantasy or Reality?
3. The Role of the Canadian Military today.
4. Steroid use and performance enhancing drugs in sports.
5. Paper VS Plastic: the impact on our environment.
6. Homelessness and Social responsability... Global Hypocrasy.
7. Today's youth - Tomorrow's citizens
8. Use of public funds and public accountability
9. Lifestyle - Health Risks
10. How do you see Canada's Immigration Policy?
11. Have we lost the Art of Conversation?
12. Airline Industry - Customer Service
13. Volunteerism and its impact on our community.
14. The current state of Provincial - Federal relations.
15. The changing face of rural Newfoundland & Labrador.