Next project and homework for winter break

Assalamu-Alaykum

Parents/Guardians,

As winter break approaches, students are looking forward to play time. They deserve this indeed  as they accomplished  two important projects in  Fiction Unit (The Fable &the Pioneer Bravery story). Even though they were having their CTBS tests during three mornings, they pursued their projects in the afternoons. I would like to thank them for their endeavour. As a parent, you might want to prepare them for upcoming learning so that they do not lose much of what they were taught since September. Here are some things I may suggest to encourage out of school learning in a light way.

·        Language Arts: Since  next Unit will be about Media Literacy, I suggest you encourage your child to explore media texts like Television Shows, commercial breaks, news broadcasts, laugh tracks, magazines, brochures, leaflets, flyers, recipes, Guinness Book…and so on. The resources are available in the library, the Internet, the newspapers, sitcoms, Muslim community events  etc.  Simulate TV interviews with him/her about any topic he/she chooses. Make him/her bake his/her favourite recipe and explain the process he/she follows. The Curriculum expectation of this unit is to communicate (oral and written forms) the similarities and differences between different media texts and a class magazine will be produced to achieve this objective.

·        Social Studies: We are done Alhamdulillah with Pioneer Unit. The next unit will deal with Urban and rural communities. I suggest that you take a virtual or real trip to factories, farms, banks, markets…etc. so that your child compares distinguishing features in the town and the village. The curriculum expectation of this unit is to make students compare and explain common and different aspects. The reading strategies that will be held in class (charts-practical samples-lists of words of comparison…) will enhance the learners ‘skills insha’Allah .

·        Homework :

v Wrap up Pioneer Unit: Please encourage your child to answer the questions and use his/her book “Pioneers’ life” when necessary. This sheet is aimed to consolidate your child’s knowledge and understanding of the already learnt unit.

v Building paragraphs: This is a long document that boosts the writing skill .I need your cooperation to encourage your child to read it and share ideas with him/her.

v Spelling: A four-page list of adjectives. Encourage your child to search the meaning of unknown words in the dictionary or the internet. Make him /her write a list of 5 adjectives describing each member of the family. We did this in class and the children enjoyed sharing information. Some of them even sent letters to each other after decorating it. It demonstrated the scope we had in building positive class bonds.

v Spelling List: It is always possible to do the spelling work we missed in September (week 1 to week 5). I will talk to the students who need more spelling work during vacations. You already received spelling grades. If your child received Grade B and below, I do require your full support to make him /her do the spelling lists. It is only a question of time and practice. Insha’Allah they will have better grades next time.

v Internet reading links : Make reading enjoyable and fun  to your kid by consulting the following links : www.kids-reading-games.com and http://www.tvokids.com/games

Finally, I would like to thank 3 A & 3 B students for providing me the opportunity to teach them in a creative and funny way. I promise to post the photos of the dramatic performance in the blog as soon as possible. (My son had exams at University and didn't have time to show me the photos in his camera.) A BIG THANK YOU to all the parents who sent me nice words in their e-mails. I am grateful to the extraordinary teaching experience I had with your children. I could not do better without your dedication and commitment to your child’s success. May Allah protect them and guide them to the right path.  

Jazakum Allah Khairan

                                                                 

Message from our librarian T.Nancy

Dear Parents,

Assalamu Alaikum

This past Scholastic Book Fair was a huge success, Alhamdulillah!

I would like to offer a big heartfelt thank you to all the parents, students and teachers for their tremendous generosity.

The library made in net sales $3059.04. The total cash commission that stays in the library was for an amount of $917.71.  As a result, we've purchased new library material that will benefit each and every student in their quest for learning.

Again, Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your generosity!

Sincerely,

Nancy-Ann Brethour, Librarian

Abraar School Library

1085 Grenon Avenue

Ottawa, Ontario

K2B 8L7

Tel.: 613-820-0044 ext. 225

Fax: 613-820-1495

Email: nbrethour@abraarschool.com

Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers. ~Charles W. Eliot

Message from T.Samia

Abraar School 4^th   Annual Quran Competition 2012-2013

·      Registration:         All entries must be registered with Tr. Samia and must be received by January 31^st, 2013.

(No registrations will be accepted past this date).

·      Judging Criteria:  Students will be judged based on memorization, rules of recitation (Tajweed), voice quality,                     

and voice clarity.

·      Prizes:                   First and Second places in each age group will receive valuable prizes Inshallah.

·      More details and information will follow and for any questions please contact Tr. Samia.

JK	Al Fateha, Annass, Al Falaq, Al Ikhlas and Al Masad. (5 Suras)
SK	Al Fateha, Annass, Al Falaq, Al Ikhlas, Al Masad, Annasr, Al Kawther, Al Asr,  Al Feel and Quraish. (10 Suras)
1	Al Asr, Al Feel, Quraish, Al Kaferoon, Al Maoon, Al Homaza, Attakathor, Al Qareah, Al Adiat and Al Qadr. (10 Suras)
2	Al Zalzala, Atteen, Al Qadr, Al Alaq, Ashareh, Adduha, Allail, Ashams, Al Balad and Al Fajr. (10 Suras)
3	Al Gashia, Al Alla, Al Bayyana, Attariq, Al Borooj, Al Mutafifeen, Abasa and Al Infitar. (8 Suras)
4	Al Mutafifeen, Al Infitar, Atakweer, Abasa, Annaziaat, Annaba, Al Insan and Al Mursalat. (8 Suras)
5	Al Mursalat, Al Insan, Al Qiama, Al Mudather, Al Jinn and Al Mozzamel. (6 Suras)
6	Al Mozzamel, Al Jinn, Nooh, Al Maarej, Al Haaqa and Al Qalam. (6 Suras)
7	Al Qalam, Al Mulk, Attahreem, Attalaq, Al Monafiqoon and Attagabon. (6 Suras)
8	Al Hasher, Al Momtahena, Assaf, Al Jumoaah, Al Monafiqoon and Al Tagaboon. (6 Suras)

Week 16: Updates, homework reminders, and news

Assalamu Alaikum we Rahamatu Allah we Barakatuh, dear parents,

I congratulate 3 B & 3 A students for succeeding in enchanting the audience during their dramatic performance last Thursday, December 13^h. Here we are in the last week before winter vacations .I hope we will achieve it in the greatest faith and glamour with a surprise party on Friday.

Updates

In Language Arts, students are pursuing their writing project “pioneer bravery story “. Meanwhile, we will stop a bit to make reminders about the organisation of a story (beginning-middle-end) and the need to edit and revise by referring to the class resources (dictionary-word wall-vocabulary lists-peers’ help-guidance of the teacher).  A big chart will be presented to the students to help them proofread their stories ins-ha Allah .

In social studies, we will close up the Pioneer Unit and a wrap-up test will be assigned to check the students’ knowledge and understanding.

In Islamic studies, we will read stories about Prophet Mohammad (PBUH ) and deduce lessons  from  his kindness and leadership Salla Alla alayhi wa Sallam . The last synthetic test will be also corrected and returned inshAllah .

And in Arts, we will integrate Fiction with Arts. Your child will tell you about it as this is also a surprise.

Homework

• Spelling list (week 16 ) due Thursday ,Dec,20^th.
• Read  aloud “ The smuggler “ and answer the questions .

News

• You will receive a newsletter telling you more details about the next project your child will be doing after winter vacations. It is related with the unit: Media Literacy. I talked a bit about it to your children and they are already excited about it since they will become reporters and journalists at school. I am confident that your child will continue his/her excellent job as he/she did in the fable and the pioneer story. It is a pleasure to see their creative minds and great motivation in learning. Without your cooperation, I couldn’t do better. All my sincere gratitude!
• Also, along with the letter I will be sending a 4-page list of adjectives. Please encourage your child to learn more vocabulary and explain the words  when  necessary.

I hope you will spend fantastic winter vacations

Jazakoum Allah

Week 15: Updates, homework reminders, and news

Assalamu Alaikum we Rahamatu Allah we Barakatuh, dear parents,

I congratulate 3 B students for getting their Cleanest Class Award last Friday, December 7^th. Many other events are coming next week to celebrate their big effort in learning and creativity.

Updates

In Language Arts, students are pursuing their reading comprehension questions of “Brave As a Mountain Lion “. Meanwhile, we will stop a bit to learn summary techniques of  a long story. We will also explore positive adjectives out of an alphabetically-ordered  list of   adjectives I will be sending home. Please find the time to revise this list which will enrich your child’s vocabulary in the writing skill.

In social studies, students continue exploring pioneer jobs (Gristmill-doctor-teacher-sawmill-blacksmith)

In Islamic studies, we will revise what we learnt about Islam and bullying as well as Cooperation in Islam by presenting role-plays. 

And in Arts, students will construct symmetric butterflies and decorate them Insha Allah .

Homework

• Spelling list (week 15 ) due Thursday ,Dec,13^th.
• Read “ All About Writing “ (parents ‘assistance is much appreciated )

Reminders

• Canadian Tests of Basic Skills start on Tuesday and finish on Thursday.  Please note that these tests are not counted in assessment. They are aimed to see the levels of students in Language Arts, Mathematics and Science. Kindly encourage your child to endeavour as it is a useful training to him /her for the provincial test.

§    Students’ play performance will take place on December 13^th at 1.30 pm. Please encourage your child to be relaxed and speak slowly while moving on stage. I am confident that our actors and actresses will be fantastic. If it is not done yet, please send the photo permission form with your child.

§  A swimming session is scheduled on December 13^th. Please send a labelled towel and the necessary clothing with your child.

I sincerely look forward to seeing you Thursday at 1:30

Jazakoum Allah Khayran 

Week 15 reminders

Assalamou alaykoum dearest parents,

     I just need to remind you that for week 15, your child is supposed to complete the list (week 15) due Thursday 13^th. I also sent a four -page document about writing. Encourage please your child to read one page a day. This doc will help him /her understand the process of writing we will be doing once we are done with the comprehension questions of "Brave as A Mountain Lion ". Another doc will be sent next Friday inshAllah that will further boost this important skill.  Last, I kindly request that you check the corrected reading, spelling and Islamic (3 B) assignments with your child, sign them and make your child return them in his/her portfolio.
A BIG THANK YOU for your cooperation. I am confident that your beneficial partnership and involvement is highly required and much appreciated. 

A message from Quran teacher (Tr. Samia )

We started reciting and memorizing Surat Abasa after we had a test on all of Surat Attakweer . This test was on Tajweed rules ,reading rules and memorization of the whole surah ,I sent a Quran rubric of this test with your child ,please sign it and send it back .  To practice Quran  with your child please use this website and go to Sheik Ibrahim Alakhadar: http://quran.ksu.edu.sa  

 Congratulation to the best memorizers  and reciters of the month of November: 

1.Rayyan M.

2.Lyan T.

3.Hajar H.

4.Saifullah S.

Jazakum Allahu Khairan for your cooperation.

Tr. Samia

Preview (week 14) &reminders (3 A &3 B

Salamoualaykoum dear parents ,

Here is what we will be learning throughout week 14 insha'Allah :

Language:

·         Words with multiple meanings.

·         Reading: Medicine Walk.

·         Challenge tasks: synonyms-antonyms-homophones.

·         Remediation task on capitalization.

Social studies:

·         Butter churning.

·         Importance of the water element in building the pioneer community.

Islamic studies:

We will carry out an in-class correction of two quizzes about the Pillars of Islam & Pilgrimage. I will then send the quizzes home. Please, check if your child learned from his/her mistakes, sign, and return the quizzes the following day, by storing them in your child’s portfolio.

Arts:

We will watch do-it-yourself about making glittery snowflakes. Your child may choose to take his/her snowflake home on Friday Insha ‘Allah.

Reminders:

·         The on-going reading assessment of «Brave as a Mountain lion`» starts on Monday Dec, 3^rd. Please make sure your child brings the project with him/her.

·         Remind your child to complete the spelling lists of week 14, which are due on Thursday Dec 6^th.

·         A spelling test on homophones, antonyms, synonyms and capitalization will take place on Friday Dec, 7^th.

·         Please ensure that the correction has been completed by your child for the two reading assessments “The tent” and “Upper Canada”. Please sign and return the reading tests to your child’s portfolio.

·         In two weeks, we are fastening our belts to get ready for the play. I will send you a request for permission to take photos of those children who partake in the play. If you have not already signed, please sign and return the request before Friday, Dec, 7^th. Also, please get your child ready emotionally and help him/her choose suitable clothes/costume along with other accessories so that he/she can easily and comfortably play his/her role adequately. I am confident that our kids will be creative and amaze the audience!

Jazakoum Allah Kheir

Week 13: Updates, homework reminders, and news

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahamatu Allah wa Barakatuh, dear parents,

Many good things are happening  during Week 13 and students continue to learn and enjoy their school activities. Here are few highlights:

Updates

In Language Arts, students have learned to use suffixes (-ful, -ness, -fy, -less, and –ian).Students also continue their readings about Early-days menus and a visit to the General store. Reading strategies include encouraging students to deduce facts and speak about them based on illustrations, the title and headings, and their prior knowledge about pioneers’ daily life.

In social studies, students are learning about nutrition in the pioneers’ era, such as what they used to have for breakfast, school lunches, and family dinners. Students will also peek into the early pioneers’ jobs, starting with the general storekeeper.

In Islamic studies, we are revising  Units 1 and 2 which dealt with the pillars of Islam and pilgrimage.

And in Arts, students spent  memorable moments crafting images, using an assemblage of small pieces cut of coloured paper.

Homework

By now, you have probably seen the five-page story that was sent today with your child Brave as a Mountain Lion. For this reading and writing project, your child is requested to read the story to you and with you, and for that I kindly request your collaboration.

On Monday, December 3^rd, your child must return the project to the classroom. The project assessment will begin by testing students on their reading skills; then by asking them to respond to text comprehension questions before they start working on their own stories in class.

Please continue to actively work with your child on the spelling daily exercises. The spelling list review for Week 13 is due on Thursday November 29^th, 2012.

In reading comprehension, students continue “Practice Makes Perfect” and they have to read pages 12 and 13 ( due  Thursday, November 29^th, 2012).

Reminders

§  Students’ play performance will take place on December 14^th at 1.30 pm. Please join us in big numbers and a BIG THANK YOU to those who have confirmed their participation and attendance.

§  A swimming session is scheduled on December 13^th. Please send a labelled towel and the necessary clothing with your child. We are always looking for great helpers; please let us know if you are able to volunteer.

§  I sincerely look forward to seeing on the Parents’ Meeting Night: Friday November 30^th, 2012. See you all then!!

Jazakoum Allah Khayran 

Grade 8 Graduation Chocolate Sale

Assalamu Alaikum Dear Students and Parents,

The grade 8 students will be selling chocolates in an effort to fundraise for their graduation. We will be selling boxes of chocolate during snack and lunch times. The chocolates are nut-free and come in a variety of flavours. The price is $2.50 per box. Please send exact change. The chocolates will be sold every Wednesday insha Allah. We are very grateful for your generosity and support!
What: Chocolate!

When: Every Wednesday at Snack and Lunch recess
Where: Abraar School Gym

Jazakum Allahu khayran,

From T. Amal , the Arabic teacher

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

انتهينا من درس (مرحبا بك يا جدي) قراءة وفهما واستيعابا . أما في القواعد فقد  بدأنا بشرح  أقسام الكلام ،وأنواع الجملة (مفيدة وغير مفيدة)

سيكون هناك امتحان قراءة كتابي في درس (عليك أن تنظم وقتك) أسئلة - معاني مفردات - ترتيب جمل - وتعبير عن بعض المشاهد.

سأقوم بمراجعة الدرس مع التلاميذ يوم الاثنين الموافق 26 نوفمبر . سوف يكون الامتحان يوم الثلاثاء الموافق 27 نوفمبر أريد مساعدتكم وشكرا

                                                                                                                                                             

Updates – preview( week 12) & reminders

Dear parents, (3 A & 3 B )

Today:

    Language : homophones ( Game :matching pairs of homophones & handout )

    Reading   :  We learnt a text entitled “What’s for Dinner?”? Written by Derek Antel and illustrated by Andrew Tong. We did predictions from the title-illustrations-headings. Then, students confirmed or revised their predictions after reading aloud the parts of the story. We also described the characteristics of the main character and connected his experience with the students’ one.

    Social Studies: We learnt about how pioneers used to preserve and store food. Then we compared this with modern times.

Preview :

    More practice on context clues

    Revision of irregular plurals &plurals with ies &ys.

    Another reading related with pioneers “ Early settler Menu “

    Communicating skills : Homophones pages 93-96 & synonyms page 43 done as a classwork and completed  at home  if  necessary

    Spelling book (lesson 3)

    Writing : suspense writing prompts

    Islamic studies : Ibadat

    Arts : Cutting a dinosaur and putting its parts together

Reminders

    A spelling test next Friday  on irregular plurals-2 sentences containing words from the spelling weekly lists from week 6 to week 11- capitalization-plurals with ys & ies.

    Dramatic Performance: Insha’Allah next week, you will be receiving invitations to the play that will be held in the gym. I need your cooperation to encourage your child to memorize and rehearse his/her role. More precision about the exact date, timing and things I need for the decoration/accessories will come next week Insha’Allah.

    The summative project is almost ready. It assesses your child’s   reading fluency, reading comprehension and writing. Your child will hand you a letter next Thursday explaining the detailed outline and the requirements of this End-of Term project.  In brief, the project is a booklet containing an eight-page story (A story of bravery) .Your child should read a part of it (fluency). Then, he/she should answer the comprehension questions. After, your child should write a composition about a fictional pioneer character who was brave enough to make a better life in Upper Canada. The writing should follow the process of writing (web- first draft- revision and editing – The final draft). This project will take about 3 or 4 weeks to be done.

        Finally ,based upon  my  on-going  assessment of the fable (presentation+ writing ) and  my  daily assessment of reading fluency , I expect that your child is willing to do his/her best in the next project Insha’Allah. I really thank him/her for his/her efforts and above all for your precious cooperation to achieve your child’s potential.

Jazakoum Allah Khayran