Week 1

Dear parents and students,

The first (half) week of Grade 4 has run very smoothly. Everybody seems happy to be back, and we have wasted no time in getting things started. We have spent time this week establishing our routines and procedures, and we have developed some very creative ideas for how to present our classroom rules – rules that have been devised and agreed upon by the class as a whole.

Next week, we will begin to settle into a more consistent routine, as we become more familiar with our new class and environment.

Please check this blog frequently, as it will contain updates of schedules, homework assignments, and links to useful online resources.  Also, parents, please make sure that you sign the Homework and Communication Book each evening.

I hope you enjoy your weekend, and look forward to seeing you all on Monday!

Dates to remember:

• Monday, September 8: Moon Festival Holiday
• Thursday, September 11: Parent Introduction Evening
• Monday, September 15: Clubs begin

Homework, Friday, 29th August

Maths: Practice 1-1 Thousands; Enrichment 1-1 Changing Places
I would like everyone to at least try the Enrichment activity. If you have any difficulties, we can talk about it on Monday.

That's it for this week, enjoy your weekend!

Homework, Thursday, 28th August

Maths: 

• Read the Visual Learning Bridge at the top of pages 4-5
• Complete the odd numbered problems in Leveled Practice pp.5-6
• If you need a challenge, try the problem solving section, numbers 20-25
• If you are having difficulties, see me in the morning.

P.E. tomorrow!

Dress accordingly, and maybe bring a change of clothes.

Homework, Wednesday, 27th August

Students and Parents,

Well, we made it through day one, congratulations!

Homework tonight is very simple. Find some time to discuss "ownership" with a friend or family member.

What does ownership mean? (You may use a dictionary if you wish.)
How does ownership apply to our classroom?
How can the rules we set for our classroom help to build successful ownership of our class this year?

I look forward to sharing your discussions in our morning meeting tomorrow.

PARENTS:
I am still waiting for some parents to complete the questionnaire, Getting to Know Your Child, that was emailed to you last week.  If you didn't receive the link, you can access the questionnaire here:

Getting to Know Your Child Questionnaire

Please let me know if you didn't receive the email - I may have an incorrect email address.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Class Dojo

As in Grade 3 with Mr. Joseph last year, we will be participating in the Class Dojo reward system for classroom performance.

A sign-up sheet has been sent home in the Communication Books.

Please sign up for Class Dojo, sign the form, and return it to class tomorrow.  Your account code is included on the form.

Thanks for your cooperation and support!

Please click here to sign up for Class Dojo: 

PARENTS      STUDENTS

Student Lockers

Dear Parents,

A form regarding students' lockers has been sent home with your child. Please complete the form and return it tomorrow morning. Lockers won't be issued until all forms and deposits have been received. Thank you for your cooperation.

Grade 4 Class Schedule 2014-2015

This schedule can be easily accessed at any time by clicking on the link at the top of this page.

Welcome to Grade 4!

Dear Parents,

Welcome to Grade 4 at HIS! 

Many of you already know me, but for those who don't, my name is Eddie Costello, from Melbourne, Australia. I first arrived in Taiwan in 2004, and I have since settled in Hsinchu and started a family.

I have been teaching in Hsinchu for the past ten years, and this is my fourth year at Hsinchu International School. I greatly look forward to beginning the school year, and I am pleased to be teaching your children.

Please take time to read the following information. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact me at the email address listed at the top right corner of this blog.

• Please note that class begins each day at 8:20 am. We will begin each day with the morning meeting.All students are expected to be in class and ready to begin by this time. Students who are late to this meeting will miss important information about the day ahead. The classroom will be open and supervised from 8:00 am each day.

Homework, homework book and communication:

Each day, homework assignments and other important information will be sent home in the Homework Assignment Book. Please ensure that you check this book each day, and sign your initials in the appropriate space. In addition to ensuring that all homework is completed, important messages in the book will keep you up-to-date and well informed in regard to your child’s progress. Space is provided for any questions, queries or comments you may have.

Class Blog

Homework, important messages and updates will also be posted on this blog. Please check here frequently, as it will also include useful links, important dates and events, and other information.

Nutrition Break

As part of our daily routine, we have a healthy nutrition break each morning. Please help to promote good eating habits by providing your child with healthy snacks, and avoid providing snacks that contain added sugar. A healthy snack will help your child to focus on class work during the long stretch between the beginning of school and lunch.

Physical Education Clothing

All students should wear appropriate clothing for PE class. The HIS PE uniform is ideal for warmer weather, but is not mandatory. Clothing for warmer weather includes shorts, t-shirt, and a hat. For colder weather, exercise pants or loose pants, and a loose shirt or sweater is recommended. Clothing layers are recommended in case the weather changes. Please note that, for safety reasons, running shoes should be worn for all PE lessons.

• A spare change of clothes kept at school can be very handy in the case of your child wanting to change after PE class, and also in the case of any unexpected spills or accidents that may occur.

Grade 4 Stationery List

• 4 pencils

• 1 pencil sharpener

• 2 erasers

• 4 ink pens: 1 black, 2 blue, and 1 red

• 1 compass / protractor set (see picture below)

• 1 ruler - (showing both centimeters and inches, at least 30cm long)

• 1 pair of scissors

• 1 glue stick (solid glue, e.g. “UHU stic”; no liquid glue, please!)

• Colouring pencils – set of at least 12

• Markers – for art and decorating

• Packet of sticky notes (e.g. Post-It Notes)

• School bag

• Box of tissues

• One personal water bottle (please fill with water only)

• One hat/cap for P.E.

• One warmer shirt / sweater to be left at school (for when students find themselves chilly in the classroom)

• A top to be used for protecting clothes during art and science classes

• Student portfolio binder *This is the same binder that was sent home with your child at the end of last semester. Please return this (emptied) as soon as possible. If you do not have this binder please let me know either via email or the Communication Book.*

Compass and Protractor

Please mark all belongings with your child’s name.

Thank you for your attention. I look forward to seeing you all next week!