I hear, I forget

I see, I remember

I do, I understand

- Confucius

Principal: Ms. Barbara Miller

Phone: 752-2251 Fax: 752-2509

Email: alexander@brandonsd.mb.ca

Website: www.brandonsd.mb.ca/alexander MISSION STATEMENT: “To engage students socially, emotionally, intellectually, physically and artistically through quality learning experiences in a multi-age environment.”

March 22, 2013

Spotlight on Learning

Mrs. Kohut & Mrs. O’Grady’s Class

During math, we wrapped up a

geometry unit that explored solids and

shapes within the context of two

hands-on projects. The first project

was an art activity focusing on

geometric shapes and organic shapes

using water colour pencils. Our second

project involved building 3-D solids

with marshmallows and toothpicks.

Check out our geo-solids in the display

case.

Our writing focus for this month has

been to compose informational

research reports about penguins.

Students shared their information in

pamphlet form that included

panoramic pictures of penguins in their

habitats.

Mrs. Clayton & Mrs. O’Grady’s Class Our class has been celebrating St. Patrick's Day and Easter this month. We explored lots of St. Patrick's Day centers, which included our Shamrock Rainbow art and "I Caught a Leprechaun". We also enjoyed singing the songs, 5 Little Leprechauns and RAINbow. This past week, we began celebrating Easter and created paper strip Easter eggs and chalk Easter eggs. We really enjoyed decorating Easter eggs on the Ipads too. We will continue to celebrate Easter fun in the first week back after school.

Mrs. Filewich’s Class

Our class has been studying the prehistoric world of dinosaurs. Every day the

students participated in centre-based inquiry learning about dinosaurs. The

centres focused on reading, writing, researching, cooking, drama, and designing

models with sawdust play-doh. We also worked together, as whole class, to

create a large diorama of a dinosaur world. In math, we are working hard to

solidify our multiplication facts for quick and accurate recall. We are also

practicing multi-digit multiplication. During social studies, we have continued

working on our European explorer projects, which includes the use of the com-

puters and the iPads as research tools. We are creating hand-drawn

portraits of our explorers, which will be featured on our final posters. Mrs.

Wood-O’Grady was very helpful in showing us how to draw a realistic portrait.

In French, the students were responsible for planning, organizing, and running

a mini festival du voyageur for the Grade 1 students. They did a fantastic job of sharing their knowledge of French language and culture.

Mrs. Amos’ Class

Students have examined the geography of Japan and Asia, as part of their social studies exploration of world cultures.

Students created cherry blossom paintings, silk hoops with traditional Japanese Kanji (symbols), origami, and traditional

fans. The Japanese drumming artists from Fubuki Daiko will be joining us after spring break to further our exploration

through music and dance. In preparation for their visit, we have been practicing traditional Japanese phrases, which are

used when entering and exiting the practice space. The senior class also began writing a 400 word short story that will be

entered into a writing contest sponsored by World Literacy Canada and Canadian Author, Eric Walters. Their stories are

based on the main characters trip to another world culture. Many students are using Japan as the setting of their story.

Emily S.

I saw a leprechaun. I put him in a leprechaun trap. I pulled the trap up and I caught him by the foot. He gave me his pot of gold.

Written By: Kaden

Welcome to our Art Gallery Walk

Katrina

Charli M.

Kendal

Ashlyn

Maya

Agriculture in the Classroom

Macey and Andrew are crushing

canola seeds to make canola oil.

Lauren

Kiara

Ashton’s Dino Model

Lauren’s Dino Model

Brendan’s Dino Model Austin’s Dino Model

Segwun

Ryder

Carson

Jasmine

Author’s Corner Penguin Research

Writing samples from the students' penguin pamphlets... Most penguins can swim 15 miles per hour. Penguins eat fish, squid, shrimp, and krill.

Written By: Lucas

African Coast penguins sound like donkeys. The Little Blue penguin is the smallest type of penguin.

Written By: Ally

Some penguins live in Africa. There are over 18 different types of penguins on the world.

Written By: Jack

I like penguins because they are fat swimmers. Penguins slide on their stomachs. Written By: Rowan

Senior Class Writing…

I felt like I had been shot out of a cannon. Who were these people? Where in the world was I? Before I could get my bearings I was almost run over by a stage-coach. I looked around to see a man wearing a large red coat with gold buttons carrying muskets. That’s when I noticed I was bleeding and needed to find a doctor. That’s when a woman in a big purple dress started shouting at me. Where was I? Or better question, when am I? The woman took me to her cabin where she treated my wounds. There was something, comfortable about this woman. I started to think about my family while lying on that cold wooden table. I thought about my little girl who was turning seven the next week. Then thoughts about my wife started flooding in. The way she laughed, smiled, and even walked made me think about her. A sharp pain entered my torso ending the lovely thoughts of my family.... (to be continued)

Written By: Carson

I felt like I had been shot out of a cannon. Who were these people? Where in the world was I? Before I could get my bearings I was almost run over by a herd of tears. I choked them back and carried on. What could I do? Where could I go? I had no previous knowledge of the tribes of Africa. Me, a 21 year old male from Canada by the name of Steven, without a strong previous connection with god, said a silent prayer. I felt a throbbing pain in my temple. All I could remember was I had been hit over the head with something while in the African city of Gamboma and when I woke up I was in the forest being escorted by men with spears. I caught a few glimpses of a machete. After an eternity of walking, we came to a clearing with many bamboo buildings and tall trees surrounding the compound. Then once again I said a prayer, but this time it was out loud… (to be continued).

Written By: Adam

Dinosaur Writing There’s a Lambeosaurus Outside Your School Win-dow

When I saw it, I screamed! My teacher was going to yell at me but she saw it too. She yelled, “Principal, dino, dino, dinoooo!” When the principal came, she fainted. She hit the floor, but we had to leave her because we had bigger problems. Some of my classmates were laughing, some were crying, and some said they wanted to go home and see their mommies! When the police showed up, they were too chicken to deal with the dino. They got right back in their cars and drove away. Now, my class has a new pet!

Written By: Lauren

If I Rode a Dinosaur

I would like to ride a Brachiosaurus because of his long neck. I would treat him like a day. I would get him a huge, huge, huge dog house. I’d feed him fresh leaves, and he would take me for walks on his back.

Written By: Segwun

If I Rode A Dinosaur If I could ride a dinosaur, I would ride a Triceratops. I would ride a Triceratops because they are plant-eaters and they don’t have horrible defences, just three horns. I would ride him to the swimming pool in Souris, and my friends and I would play with him in the water.

Written By: Emily T.

I Caught a Leprechaun I caught a leprechaun in the twisty tree. He was very angry but I gave him a cookie. He took me to a rainbow.

Written By: Evan

I can see a leprechaun. I'm going to get him. I caught him by the tree. He gave me a wish. I wished I was an NHL hockey player. I said thank you and then I got to play with the Winnipeg Jets!

Written By: Ryder

I Caught a Leprechaun I found a leprechaun in the forest. Then I caught him by the ear. He gave me his pot of gold. Then I was HAPPY!

Written By: Charli M

Principal’s Message March has been a crazy weather month! I can’t remember if March came in with the face of a lamb or following the

tail of a lion, but I am hoping April brings signs of spring. April promises to be an exciting month. We will begin the

month working with guest artists, Fubuki Daiko to explore the Japanese culture through movement and music.

Students have been busy preparing for their visit by learning some simple Japanese words and customs that they

will use during their work together. The students will share their learning on Friday, April 5 in the afternoon. Please

mark this date on your calendar and plan to join use for this cultural experience. Thank you to KK Penner Tire for

their donation of retired tires to use during our drumming activities.

Students have been working with Mrs. Pickering and their classroom teachers to gain a better understanding of the

effects that bullying can have on others as well as on the bully themselves. This work will continue after spring

break and all of our students will have the opportunity to participate in the Day of Pink being held on Wednesday,

April 10, 2013 that represents their commitment to stand up for and value each individual as a person deserving of

respect.

If you have not sent in your child’s registration form, please do so as soon as possible. It is important that we have

accurate information, as we move forward with staffing our school appropriately to meet the needs of our learners.

Please accept this invitation to visit our school and see all of the interesting events that will be taking place over

the next few months. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please address them with your child’s

teacher or myself.

Your Partner in Education,

Ms. Barbara Miller

Parent Council News A presentation was made to Parent Council by Teresa Campbell about the possibility of a nursery school

program being established in Alexander. Teresa is hoping to survey the community to see what the need is in

the community. If you would like to connect with Teresa, please contact the school and your name can be

forwarded to her. Our Family Quiz Night was cancelled due to inclement weather. There has been a new information and

registration form sent home to host this event on Friday, April 5, 2013. Hopefully everyone will be able to

attend!

FUNDRAISER - Kim Humphries is planning a Pancake Breakfast to be held at Applebee’s restaurant on Saturday, May 11, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. as a fundraiser to raise money to purchase an Oodle

Swing. Tickets will be available for $10.00 each (pre-school tickets $5.00). If you are able to volunteer to

support this event, please contact the school. More information to follow.

FUNDRAISER - Sobey’s gift cards are still available. Please contact the school (752-2251) or Sandra Couling (752-2374) to purchase yours today.

Please Note: A complete listing of the Parent Council minutes are available

on the Parent Council page of the Alexander School Website.

We would love to see all parents come out and get involved in your child’s school community.

Our next Parent Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at 7:00 pm.

Childcare is available for $1 per child.

A great big Thank You goes out to the following people: Karen Curtis, Kathleen Gillon, Heather Knox, Cherie Wilson and Caroline Hiebert for

working our hot lunch days in March KK Penner for donating tires for us to use with our artist

TRIPLE P POSITIVE PARENTING PROGRAM

SEMINAR SERIES

Triple P help parents learn effective ways to deal with the challenges of raising healthy, happy children. These seminars provide an introduction to the principals of positive parenting which provides opportunities for parents to

learn how to use positive parenting to promote their child’s health and wellness.

Parents of children 0 to 12 years of age may attend one or all of the seminars to be held at

7th Street Health Access Centre

20 – 7th Street, Brandon, MB

on the following dates:

Seminar One – The Power of Positive Parenting Wednesday, April 3, 2013

6:30 to 8:00 PM

Seminar Two – Raising Confident, Competent Children Wednesday, April 10, 2013

6:30 to 8:00 PM

Seminar Three – Raising Resilient Children Wednesday, April 24, 2013

6:30 to 8:00 PM

For more information call Sandra at (204)578-4825

To register contact the Front Desk at (204)578-4800

BOOK FAIR

Another excellent book fair! We raised over $1200 at the fair. Jack T. was our

lucky book fair winner. A big thank you to Mrs. Matthews, Sarah and Adam

who volunteered their time. Thanks again to all staff who helped set up!

Mrs. Kohut

Day Of Pink The Day of Pink anti-bullying event will be held on Wednesday, April 10. In the morning, the teachers and students will be given their pink t-shirts to wear before attending a school-wide assembly lead by the Youth Revolution students and Mrs. Pickering. Following this, the YR students will take their anti-bullying message to each class where videos, followed by question and answer sessions will teach students the importance of making Alexander a Bully Free School. The senior students are being taken to Crocus Plains High School on the morning of April 4,for a division-wide anti-bullying forum. G. Pickering

Catch-up Clinic for School Immunizations

May 25th, 2013 from 11:00-2:00pm

or May 28th, 2013 from 3:30-6:00pm

Public Health Services 800 Rosser Avenue

No appointment necessary!

Please call 578-2504 with any questions

I LOVE TO READ WEEK WINNERS

Congratulations to the following students who answered our daily trivia question

correctly and won a prize:

Olivia Xaviare Declyn Dreyton Lauren Dexter Grace Logan M.

Lucas

Sobeys cards are available from the school.

Please phone and order your cards today!

MILK DRAW Congratulations to the winners of our milk draw this month:

Tyson Charli M. Dreyton

Grace B. Sienna

Jaedyn Emily S.

Keep drinking milk!

DATES TO MAKE NOTE OF:

Apr. 2 Parent Council 7:00 pm

4 Anti-Bullying Forum Gr. 5-8

5 Fubuki Daiko performance 2-3:00 pm

Family Quiz Night 7-8:30 pm

10 Day of Pink (Anti-Bullying)

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2

7:00 p.m.

Parent Council Meeting

3 4

Anti-Bullying Forum

Gr. 5-8

5 Subway Day

Fubuki Daiko Performance

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Family Quiz Night

7:00- 8:30 p.m.

6

7 8 9

Industrial Arts & Home Ec.

10

Day of Pink

11 12

Hamburger Day

13

14 15 16 17

Industrial Arts & Home Ec.

18 19

Pizza Day

20

21 22 23 24 25

Industrial Arts & Home Ec.

26

Hot Dog Day

27

28 29 30

April 2013

Day 5 Day 6 Day 1 Day 2 Day 3

Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 1 Day 2

Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6

Day 4 Day 2 Day 3 Day 5 Day 6

Day 1 Day 2

Welcome Back!

Industrial Arts & Home Ec.

Day 1