Newsletter Oct. 29-Nov. 2

Weekly Newsletter Grade 5

Dates:  October 29-November 2, 2018 

Curriculum Information for the Week:

Literacy: We hear from many parents, how do I support my child in reading anything but fantasy? Well the next reading and writing units are a supportive step in that direction. From now until the winter break students will be immersed in the world of nonfiction (but still have that independent choice reading book!). In fifth grade we ask them to tackle a more complex text and look at how the content is organized, how to decode content specific words, and how to approach a text with multiple main ideas. Since reading and writing are heavily linked, we will also be asking kids to produce this type of writing aligned with our science unit on renewable energy.  As a parent you can support by talking about articles that you are reading, current events, or interesting non-fiction books that you have read (in any language!). Who knows, maybe they will set down Percy Jackson for a few minutes...by choice! 

Math:  Adding and Subtracting Fractions continues this week as we move into operations with mixed numbers and unlike denominators. Students will continue to develop their conceptual understanding by drawing and labeling rectangular fraction models to show their thinking.

Unit of Study:  The students will  finish our learning on Types of Government, and reflect on the Melaka trip. We will also start our first science unit of the year, where students study energy sources and its properties as well as sustainable alternative energy sources.  They will also be participating  in a variety of lab experiences, looking at electrical circuits, energy consumption and conservation. You can support at home by engaging with your child’s home learning. There is always a component linked to our Unit of Study!

For more information and ways to support your child please visit the Parent Learning Connection page.



Important Reminders/Information: (also see GLC updates)
This Week: 
ES Halloween Dress UP Day, Wed Oct 31, School Policy: NO weapons, NO masks, NO scary costumes

Upcoming Events :
New Event: Bake Sale for International Fest click HERE for details
Sat Nov. 10, ISKL Annual International Festival, 4:00 pm - 8:00, see flyer below
Tues Nov. 13, Deepavali Cultural Celebration Tour,  Temple of Fine Arts. More details coming soon.
ES Dress Up Days: plan your days in advance click HERE for dates and details

Highlight From Last Week:
What an amazing trip as students climbed a ropes course, wondered about the rich history of Malaysia and of course went swimming in Malacca. You know it was a rich experience when kids come home smiling and exhausted.
A HUGE SHOUTOUT to our parent volunteers who joined us in Melaka. We could not have had a successful trip without you!!!

Children’s Hospital visits
Our next visit is on Sunday 4 Nov.

Newsletter Oct. 15-19

Weekly Newsletter Grade 5

Dates:  October 15-19, 2018 

Curriculum Information for the Week:
Literacy: Students are continuing with book club groups using discussions to help them stretch their thinking about the book and develop themes. We are encouraging students to think about what they are learning about real life from their books. These ideas that are generated from their book club books will be used in their literary essays, which we will continue to learn about next week.

Math:  Adding and Subtracting Fractions continues this week as we move into operations with unlike denominators. Students will develop conceptual understanding using manipulatives and models to show their thinking.

Unit of Study:  We will continue our learning on Types of Government, and will begin our preparation for Melaka trip by looking into the history of the area.

For more information and ways to support your child please visit the Parent Learning Connection page.

Important Reminders/Information:(also see GLC updates)
This Week: 
Friday Oct 19 RED HAT Free Dress Days for RM 5 Donation to charity
Upcoming Events :
New Event: Fri Oct 26, 6:30-8:00, 1st Annual PTA Family Trunk or Treat
ES Halloween Dress UP Day, Wed Oct 31, School Policy: NO weapons, NO masks, NO scary costumes
New Event: Bake Sale for International Fest
Sat Nov 10, ISKL Annual International Festival, 4:00 pm - 8:00,
Tues Nov 13, Deepavali Cultural Celebration Tour,  Temple of Fine Arts. More details coming soon.

Grade 5 Specific: 
Tues 23 - Wed 24. Oct - Melaka Trip - 5DH, 5KC 
Wed 24 - Thurs 25. Oct Melaka Trip - 5CB, 5CC and 5JV

Highlight from Last Week:
The kiddos have a great Social Change Makers Conference on Thursday last week listening to passionate changemakers in our society. We look forward to our students’ future contribution as new changemakers, and we are also excited welcome more speakers in April.

Children’s Hospital visit started yesterday with our students. There are more opportunities for your child to partake in this great community service. 

Newsletter Oct. 8-12th

Weekly Newsletter Grade 5

Dates:  October 8-12, 2018 

Dear Parents,

Curriculum Information for the Week:

Literacy: 
The students will continue read independently using their book club discussions to go more deeply into one book or story to write their literary essay. They will continue to discuss connections, predictions, characters, setting and most importantly THEMES (life lessons). You can support your child by making sure that your child is reading for 30 minutes a day (365 days a year!) at home on a just right book (graphic novels/comics count!). 
During writing, the students will continue to work on making a claim (opinion) about a theme(s) of a short story or novel and provide evidence from the story to support their claim.

Math: 
We continue on with your understanding of fractions.  Ordering, identifying and comparing fractions is just the beginning! Having a conceptual understanding is demonstrated through modelling, either with diagrams or through the use of manipulatives.  This will help to secure the students’ understanding before we begin adding and subtracting fractions with different denominators.

Unit of Study:  
The students will be participating in the Social Change Makers Conference. 
Children’s Hospital October 9:
Dr. Teh Kok Hoi - works at the KL Children’s Hospital as a Paediatrician.
Conference Part 1 October 11:
Janine Williams - volunteers at the CWO (Chin Women's Organization)
Suan Tan - works for WWF Malaysia
Naima Ismail - Community Health Educator at HEI (Health Equity Initiatives)
Siti Kasim - lawyer who volunteers as a legal advocate for Malaysian indigenous people - the Orang Asli
Munirah Hamid - set up and organizes volunteers at the The Pertiwi Soup Kitchen
Ana Popovich - volunteer ‘Trash Hero’ and  ISKL MS student

For more information and ways to support your child please visit the Parent Learning Connection page.

Important Reminders/Information:(also see GLC updates)

G5 Melaka Trip Parent Information meeting and Q & A on Thursday, October 11 from 9:15-9:45 am in the ES Community Room. Parents are invited to attend. 
G5 Social Change Makers Conference will be on Thursday, October 11 from 10:30am-12: 30 pm. A list of presenters will be available shortly. Parents are invited to attend.

Band Master Class continues:
Day 1-Flute
Day 2-Clarinet
Day 3-Saxophone
Day 4-Trumpet
Day 5-Trombone
Day 6-Baritone and Tuba
Day 7-Percussion

Highlight from Last Week:
Thank you so very much for attending the conferences either Thursday or Friday. It is so very important that children take the time to reflect on their learning and set attainable goals. Your support is invaluable!

Newsletter Oct. 1-5th

Weekly Newsletter Grade 5

Dates:  October 1st-5th, 2018 

Dear Parents,

Curriculum Information for the Week:

Conferences:
This week students will continue to reflect on their learning, set goals and will prepare to talk with their parents during conferences about their plan.  Parents, please plan to bring your child to conferences on Thursday or Friday so, they can share all they have done in 5th grade so far. Your child and their teacher will be sharing about their learning and goals.

Literacy: 
The students will continue read independently using their book club discussions to go more deeply into one book or story to write their literary essay. They will continue to discuss connections, predictions, characters, setting and most importantly THEMES (life lessons). You can support your child by making sure that your child is reading for 30 minutes a day (365 days a year!) at home on a just right book (graphic novels/comics count!).
During writing, the students will continue to work on making a claim (opinion) about a theme(s) of a short story or novel and provide evidence from the story to support their claim.

Math:
We begin a new fraction unit! Students will begin by showing what they know about ordering fractions, identifying fractions and comparing.  Later students will begin to model different types of fractions as well as adding and subtracting fractions with different denominators.

Unit of Study:
The students will be introduced to various forms of government: monarchy, democracy dictatorship etc. and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these government systems. This work helps us to explore the essential question: How does government affect people’s lives?

For more information and ways to support your child please visit the Parent Learning Connection page.

Important Reminders/Information:(also see GLC updates):
ISA testing Monday, October 1st and Tuesday, October 2nd.
Tuesday, October 2-Parent Band Workshop
Three Way Conferences on Thursday, October 4 and Friday, October 5,
G5 Melaka Trip Parent Information meeting and Q & A on Thursday, October 11 from 9:15-9: 45 am in the ES Community Room. Parents are invited to attend.
G5 Social Change Makers Conference will be on Thursday, October 11 from 10:30am-12: 30 pm. A list of presenters will be available shortly. Parents are invited to attend.
Please complete, sign and return the Melaka parent permission, medical information and emergency contact form by Wednesday, October  3.

Band Master Class continues:
Day 1-Flute
Day 2-Clarinet
Day 3-Saxophone
Day 4-Trumpet
Day 5-Trombone
Day 6-Baritone and Tuba
Day 7-Percussion

Highlight from Last Week:
The new playgrounds have opened! Much more space to run around and wonderful places to just sit and socialize.