Grade 8
Blog
Teacher: Mr Smith
Are there any themes for this year?
The main themes this year will be understanding and critically analyzing important historical events (social studies), bolstering our skillset with numbers, shapes and data (math), gaining a better comprehension of our faith and the origins of the Catholic Church (religion), strengthening and expanding language/literary abilities (ELA) and delving deeper into more complex branching concepts of biology, chemistry and physics (science).
What are the biggest learning/teaching milestones in this grade?
This will be students’ final year at St. Emile before moving on to high school life, which can be both exciting and a little bit scary. In grade 8 we will be focusing on fostering independence and personal responsibility, as well as building on more advanced academic skills like essay writing, conducting research, exam preparation, creative inquiry and project-based learning.
Is there anything special about the classroom (new gear, tech, books, etc)?
We are all very enthusiastic about our brand new classrooms for grades 6 – 8! Throughout the year we will be building up and decorating our grade 8 room together in a collaborative effort to make it the best possible learning space. We will also continue to incorporate a variety of technology use in our everyday learning and use it to enhance our classroom experience, including a new projector system, as well as personal Chromebooks and full use of Google Education Suite for each student.
Why are you excited to teach this class?
This will be my fourth year at St. Emile and third year teaching grade 8. I’m very much looking forward to expanding my own knowledge and learning with this older and more mature grade level. Grade 8 social studies in particular (ancient history and civilizations) is my absolute favourite thing to learn about, and I hope to pass along this passion to students.
What are students most excited about?
Students are no doubt excited to enter into their new classrooms for homeroom, French and music. Being in grade 8 means they have an opportunity to make their last year at St. Emile a memorable one, while being positive role models for the younger grades. They have the ability to use everything they have learned in grade 7 to elevate their own learning and prepare themselves for future success as they graduate into high school.
Are there any major dates or events to note (class trips, concerts, etc)?
Grade 8 out of province trip in the spring!
Blog
Teacher: Mr Bartlett
Are there any themes for this year?
Grade eight will be filled with various themes across the curriculum. Themes that will allow the students to extend the curriculum will include, but not limited to: February’s study of African American literature and culture during Black History Month, a study of the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol, and inquiry based projects in both science and history.
What are the biggest learning/teaching milestones in this grade?
Grade eight is a monumental year for several reasons. The final year of middle school prior to entering high school can be both exciting and daunting. This is the year to implement all the lessons, both curricular and non-curricular, that have been learned since pre-kindergarten. For some students, the journey at St. Emile has lasted almost a decade, and now finally in grade eight, the class of 2024 gets to lead by example and foster the ideals of the school to the younger students. In class, along with establishing and building upon social relationships, the students will be challenged and supported in learning civilizations dating back to the Paleolithic time period, manipulating numbers using a variety of methods, interacting with science in a new way, critically analyzing a vast range of literature, and continuing on their journey of spiritual growth.
Is there anything special about the classroom (new gear, tech, books, etc)?
I always strive for my classroom to be a combination of traditional teaching techniques, coupled with progressive strategies. Utilizing the Google Suite of applications to enhance the use of technology in the classroom is the starting point. Exposing the students to other websites, applications, and programs throughout the year will be beneficial to enhance their bank of resources as they head into high school.
Why are you excited to teach this class?
My journey to St. Emile has been a long one and I am excited to bring my approach to a new class of students and school community. I have taught in Catholic schools in Manitoba, and my home province of Newfoundland, for sixteen years. This will be my first year in many moons when I will have the same students for all the core subject areas. I am excited to utilize cross-curricular endeavours during the school year to deepen the learning of the students. As per my teaching philosophy, even though we will work hard both in school and at home, there will be guaranteed laughter, story telling, and adventures along the way.
What are students most excited about?
As grade eight students, the opportunity to culminate their St. Emile journey in a positive way is at the forefront. Striving to pursue academic, athletic, artistic, and spiritual goals to cement their legacy as a St. Emile Husky is always the most exciting part of grade eight.
Are there any major dates or events to note (class trips, concerts, etc)?
From regularly scheduled spiritual movie studies, a large focus on African American literature and culture in February, and of course a trip in the spring, this will be an exciting year with events for each student to enjoy. The students finish their journey with St Emile School with an out of province trip!