Thursday, July 17, 2008

Field Trip to Burns Bog by: Nicholas

On May 9th/2008, Div.4 went on a field trip to Burns Bog (as a gift from Tanner's parents).

First, we took a school bus from Willoughby to Burns Bog in Delta. On the bus we played a game called “Stop-Go” that Mrs. Albrecht likes to play (she catches everyone).

When we got to Burns Bog, a tour guide lady guided us around the Bog and we saw some “interesting” plants (well, to me). One plant called “Sphagnum” definitely deserved to be called the “King of the Bog” .

When we came back to Willoughby, I thought that the day was fun BUT. Ms. Bublitz made us do a whole “Burns Bog Activity Booklet” .

*And, kindly, Devon’s mom gave us a chocolate cookie each.

Aside from the work packet, the trip was great.

Dancing by Peter Kacz

We did dancing in P.E. a few weeks ago. We had to learn hip hop, line dancing and we had to make up our own. David and I made up a weird dance that consisted of 24 beats and 4 moves (try and follow that one!).

David and I used different moves in our dance and so did everyone else in the class. There were some great (and hilarious) dances. Everybody in the class got into groups and created some kind of dance.

Ms.Bublitz taught us specific moves like the 'grape vine' and she taught us whole dances like The Men In Black dance.

We did a lot of dances in P.E. with Ms.Bublitz during April and May.

Birds attack! By Gavin Gill

On a warm sunny day in May we were marking our math (from the day before), when two birds flew into the classroom. Their names were Molly and Joe, although there have been some heated disputes over the names.

Ms.Bublitz (our student teacher) ran out of the class and Tanner jumped under a desk. Please note, Ms. Bublitz’s pathological fear of birds had her disregard the safety of the entire class; she forgot we were even there!

Neil was screaming his head off and in the melee, I kicked my whole desk over.

We all ran screaming into the hallway at which time Mrs. Albrecht appeared. She told us to go back into the classroom while she tried to shoo the birds out the door. They (the birds) were not having any of it.

We all went outside with Ms. Bublitz and walked/ ran while Mr.Harrington came and tried to get Molly and Joe out. After one hour we went to the library and after recess we got to go back inside because Molly and Joe were gone.

Published By: Gavin Gill also known as G doc in the hood

Monday, June 23, 2008

Last Post of The Year

Sports Day at Willoughby Elementary By: Peter Kwon

Today was the day everyone was waiting for - everyone was so excited to start Sports Day. I heard people cheering for Yellow, Orange, Red, and Green House colours. There were also some parents here, cheering for their children. Teachers were also having fun watching their students compete.

There were many fun games such as hockey, carrying a wiffle ball on a badminton racket, carrying a potato on a spoon, pulling a big rubber ball with a hoop, and carrying a tray that has a dish, a cup, a fork, a spoon, and a knife.

As the time passed by, the order of 4 colours began to change, but not Yellow. Yellow always stayed in the first place position, followed by Orange, Green, and then Red.

Finally it is the time for the Grade Seven chariot race and grade groupings’ tug of wars! Red came in the first place, wearing red clothes and hats. Green came in second with their ‘bee’ costumes. Yellow came in third and Orange came in last because their chariot broke down.

During the tug of wars, it was very funny when one team could not handle the other team’s strength and every one of them fell backwards and forwards. As I remember, Orange won most of the tug o wars.

Then it was time to finish our wonderful Sports Day. Now, we need some drum rolls! First, Red came in last. Green was third. Who is the first place? Yellow or Orange? And the second place was… Orange! So that means Yellow came in the first place! Congratulations, Yellow!


Track and Field By: Harry

At Willoughby, students tried out for track and field by running a preliminary race. The top students were chosen to represent our school.

My name is Harry and I was chosen to compete after I won the 200 meter trial race. I went to the track meet, on May 28th, and participated in the 100 meter, 200 meter and the relay race.

I thought Willoughby was going to do great, but it was harder than I thought. I was disappointed that I got 6th place (out of 8) in the 200 meter.

One of the students Harry competed against ran like Naruto – he finished the race in like 20 seconds.

I was so upset, I missed the 100 meter race. Then I realized, I can do this! I ran my hardest during the relay race. Although I didn’t win, I think I did my best and I ran as fast as I could.

I think the Track Meet was awesome. I also think that doing your best is better than the final outcome..



Photography Analysis by Brianna

During the last two weeks we have been studying photography angles. We now know ten different angles. To start off learning the angles, we found magazine pictures that used the angles, cut the photographs out and labeled them.

Afterwards, we brought digital cameras and went outside (during designated times of the day) to take pictures. The picture taking could take you all over the school ground from the far back field to the doorway of our classroom.

I think we all had a wonderful time studying photography.



Our End of the Year Trip to Playland By. Mike. C

Where do I start? Well, Playland was awesome. We went with Mrs. Sofiak’s class. Everyone had fun but I think we didn’t stay long enough. We got wet, we got hyper, and some of us got sick.

The Playland trip was planned in April, and we all complained it would be forever before we go to Playland. But soon enough, I was exclaiming to Mrs. Albrecht, “How did the time pass so fast?” Mrs. Albrecht replied, “I don’t know. I really don’t know.”

Once we arrived at Playland we were already hyper. After we got in it was nothing like you’ve seen before. (Parents, you have never seen your kids this excited, trust me.)

Each group had parent supervisors and they even went on some of the rides. They looked like they were kids again.

I’m not saying that Mrs. Albrecht exaggerated, but she figured there would be hardly any schools there. But guess what? There were a lot of high school and elementary school students there. Although the lines were really long, it was still worth it. Some of the rides carried a lot of people so we didn’t have to wait a long time in line.

From my point of view, I think the roller coasters were the best. For any adults who don’t know what roller coasters are, ask your kids - they probably know all about it.

All I have to say is that we had a tremendous time at Playland.


Good-bye Ms.Bublitz By: Eric C.

Wow, where should I start? So much has happened since Valentine’s Day but this article is only about Ms.Bublitz leaving.

We are really sad to see you leave, Ms.Bublitz. You were great Ms.Bublitz. Every day you came into the class energized and ready to have a good time. We had some great times (especially when the birds flew into the classroom). I can’t believe you left us in the room alone with those birds… way to make sure we’re safe!

Overall, you were a great student teacher and at times it seemed like you were the actual teacher. I think the other student teachers were jealous.

Thank you Ms.Bublitz you were a fun teacher and whatever school gets you is very lucky!




Speeches By: Sean

Mrs.Albrecht assigned two-minute speeches. She gave us two minutes to talk about anything we wanted. A couple of people spoke about their animals, but it wasn’t as easy as it sounds.

Mrs.Albrecht tested us on – eye contact –clarity – loudness – timing, and not reading off sheets.

“The most hard thing was trying to remember what to say” said Eric C.

We got two days to find a topic, and practise at school and at home.

We presented our speeches to the class and my speech was on pandas that I saw at the San Diego Zoo There was a mama panda and a baby panda (they were just imported from Japan). I passed around some pictures that I had taken when I was at the zoo.

Our Last Entries

Interview With Ms. Kuehn By: Jackie

I decided to interview Mrs. Kuehn for my final class article because she has helped me a lot over the last few years.

Mrs. Kuehn’s favourite day is the first day of school, in September, because she loves her job as an English as a Second Language teacher. She looks forward to teaching new students that the English language is difficult, but not too scary.

Her other favourite day is the end of June, because she enjoys seeing the growth the students have made and she enjoys the beginning of summer weather.

Mrs. Kuehn's favourite food is Hungarian food, as well as dumplings or anything with paprika seasoning. Her other favourite food is Vietnamese food: especially soup, noodles, and dumplings. She also enjoys French cuisine.

Mrs. Kuehn’s favourite singer is Celine Dion because she is a beautiful and talented singer. As well, Mrs. Kuehn admires how Celine overcame many English-speaking obstacles, while learning to sing in English. As a result, Celine is one of the top-charting singers in the entire world. It just goes to show that perseverance pays off,especially when learning a new language.

Friday, December 21, 2007

Some Drama To Look Forward To



Drama: We finished up our final presentation of first term’s plays. During the first term, the dramatic focus was on delivery - knowing their lines, demonstrating proper vocal modulation and enunciation. During second term, the focus is on vocal delivery and the incorporation of props. The third term will involve vocal delivery, use of props and creativity with costumes.

I have several more areas to delve into, but I will address those (hopefully) over Winter Break.

Thursday, December 20, 2007

December, the Month of Giving




December usually reminds me of all the marking I have to do over the holidays (hence the book pictures) but it also makes the students of my class 'shine' in their generosity.



December has also been a busy month for giving - both in charity and amongst friends. We have several important causes/events to celebrate.

Gift Jars - (December 13th was jar shopping day) The PAC has come up with a wonderful idea for fund-raising. Each child was encouraged to bring a gift themed jar. These jars may contain a ‘bath’ theme, ‘candy’ theme, ‘toy’ theme, ‘sticker and stamp’ theme, ‘coffee and tea’ theme etc.



The class (Mrs. Webber's) who brought the most gift jars, received cookies and milk and the opportunity to go 'jar shopping' first! (Well Done!)

Classes followed in the order of number of jars collected. The class with the second largest submission of jars were chosen to go shopping, and so on, through all of the classrooms. Wow! What a fabulous idea and an amazing set up. The gymnasium was filled with tables offering jars for $5.00, $2.00 and $1.00! Such a great bargain for Christmas shopping and a great idea to raise money for the schools. Already, students were discussing next year's "Jar Sale". I even received a couple of gift jars courtesy of Devon and Eric C., which was very thoughtful. As usual, Willoughby's Parent Advisory Committee presented a unique fundraising idea and made it successful. Kudos to PAC.




A big thank you to Mrs. Chan for coming in and helping our students craft a fabulous gift. Everyone was able to produce a card craft that looked as though it was bought in a gift store (but better). Such a professional touch. I later talked Mrs. Chan into helping out with Mrs. Sofiak's class. Heh! The poor woman was put on the spot! But we all know that Mrs. Chan is an outgoing and amiable woman, so she graciously signed on to present to another class.

Another fundraising drive, Toys for Tots, also went well. Overall, I am pleased with Division Four's charitable and generous nature. I am proud of my students’ willingness to rise to any occasion.

Last, but not least, our students enjoyed a Secret Santa exchange. Unfortunately, I missed the event due to an ill child and the exchange wasn't handled quite the way I would have liked it. One student did not receive her secret Santa gift, but being the ever-so-classy gal, she didn't make a fuss or blow an angry fuse. She wanted to speak to me first before she reacted. As it turned out, her gift had been stored away in my file cabinet for well over a week but my Teacher on Call failed to understand with the note I left. Christmas is a hectic time for everyone, including TOC's, so the misplaced gift is just 'one of those things' that happens to all of us and I am sorry that I wasn't there to sort things out.

As usual, Division Four responded to the girl's situation with charitable generosity; offering to share just-opened Secret Santa gifts with her, and offering to purchase a new Secret Santa gift which they would bring in the next day. Such an amazing group of kind-hearted children. I am proud to know them.