Classrooms

Pre-Kindergarten

Teacher: Mrs Stevens

Are there any themes for this year?

We have themes every second week and child-inspired themes the alternate weeks. Some examples are: Fall Changes, Farming and Harvest, Winter Animals, Occupations, All About Me, Bugs, etc.

What are the biggest learning/teaching milestones in this grade?

Learning to print their names. Identifying their letters, numbers, shapes, colors. Recognizing patterns. Learning to share, take turns, express their feelings and build relationships with peers.

Is there anything special about the classroom (new gear, tech, books, etc)?

We have a smart board and our own bathrooms in the classroom. The students enjoy many educational play-based centers including a kitchen area, sand table, fine motor activities, math and language art centers. We also have a class pet, a fish named Wally, who the children love visiting and caring for.

Why are you excited to teach this class?

I enjoy teaching Pre-K as you get to experience things with them for the first time. Their excitement and humour and never ending amount of hugs makes every day a special one.

What are students most excited about?

They are most excited to see their friends and be part of our Pre – K family. They love hands on activities and chances to explore.

Are there any major dates or events to note (class trips, concerts, etc)?

Christmas concert, Bike-a-thon, Boston Pizza, Pre-K farewell.

Kindergarten

Teacher: Ms Pacheco

Welcome to Kindergarten!

Hello families! My name is Cindy Pacheco, and I am so excited to welcome you and your child to Kindergarten.

This is my ninth year teaching at St. Emile and my 22nd year in education, with 18 years in Kindergarten.

My husband, Kevin, and I have two children—Luke, who is in Grade 12, and Julia, who is in Grade 8. As both a teacher and a parent, I understand how special this first school year is, and I look forward to creating a warm, caring, and fun learning environment for your child.

We are going to have a fantastic year filled with learning, growth, and many special memories!

Are there any themes for this year?

In Science we look at Trees, Colours and Paper. In Social Studies students learn “All about Me”, The World Around me and The people around me. In Language Arts we look at our “POPCORN WORDS” (sight words), we look at “Word Families” and we also do Poetry. In Math we look at Patterns, Number recognition, and introduce adding and subtracting.

What are the biggest learning/teaching milestones in this grade?

Printing correct letter formation and learning letter sounds. We are using a program called “Letterland” where each letter has a different character and action for the sound. Students will also begin recognizing numbers to 50 and start putting letter sounds together to create words.

Is there anything special about the classroom (new gear, tech, books, etc)?

Students use the iPads where they work on alphabet tracing and a program called RAZ KIDS.

Why are you excited to teach this class?

In kindergarten students grow and learn so much. I love the innocence, excitement of learning, and the eagerness.

What are students most excited about?

We will be celebrating our 100th day of school. We keep track by putting a puzzle piece up each day on our 100 piece puzzle.

Are there any major dates or events to note (class trips, concerts, etc)?

We usually like to visit the Children’s Museum and the Farm.

Teacher: Mrs Patek

Welcome to Kindergarten!

Hello Kindergarten families! My name is Shauna Patek, and I am so happy to welcome you and your child to St. Emile School.

This will be my thirteenth year teaching Kindergarten at St. Emile School. I feel truly blessed to spend my days with our youngest learners as they begin their school journey.

My husband, Mark, and I have two children – Frankie, who is in Grade 11 at St. Boniface Diocesan High School, and Johnny, who is in Grade 6, at St. Emile School. As both a teacher and a parent, I understand how important and exciting this first year of school is for families. 

In Kindergarten, we focus on building a strong foundation for learning through play, exploration, and community. 

It is going to be a wonderful year full of learning, laughter, and special memories. We can’t wait to begin this adventure with you!

Are there any themes for this year?

Each month we have a new author of the month, and a new pattern. As part of our Science curriculum, we learn about trees, seasons, colours, and paper. As part of our Social Studies curriculum, we learn all about “me”, the people around me, and the world around me. As part of our Religious program, we learn about the Advent, Lent, and various saints. We also learn the Lord’s Prayer and Hail Mary.

What are the biggest learning/teaching milestones in this grade?

Printing, learning the alphabet (identifying letters and sounds), learning numbers 1 – 30 (identifying numbers, counting, sequencing). We also introduce high frequency works, and reading.

Is there anything special about the classroom (new gear, tech, books, etc)?

Smartboard, classroom fish named Francis, and the Wiggles (vermicomposting worms). 

Why are you excited to teach this class?

The students are so excited to learn. They love coming to class, and they love their teachers.

What are students most excited about?

Students love socializing with the other students. Students love when they are the Student of the Week (and they get to create their own robot).

Are there any major dates or events to note (class trips, concerts, etc)?

Classroom parties (Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s and 100th Day). PJ Day and Brunch with Santa. Field Trips: Children’s Museum and the farm.

Grade 1

Teacher: Ms Villegas

Are there any themes for this year?

One major theme is community and how each student belongs to different communities, from our classroom community, to school community, to cultural and outside school activities communities.

What are the biggest learning/teaching milestones in this grade?

For the kids, one of the biggest milestones is independence as many of them are able to read and understand questions without being told what to do. They feel very accomplished when they have done something on their own and can move forward at their own pace.

Is there anything special about the classroom (new gear, tech, books, etc)?

Our whole room is something new and exciting because it used to be the school library. It definitely looks different than it did last year!

Why are you excited to teach this class?

I am excited because after so many years of subbing at St. Emile, I get my own classroom. It has been a great challenge starting a classroom up from scratch and I have been having fun learning about grade 2!

What are students most excited about?

The students know I love art and they are always excited about new art projects. They also love Science and are eager with every new experiment.

Are there any major dates or events to note (class trips, concerts, etc)?

There is the annual grade 2 popcorn sale in the new year. For field trips, we will go to the Japanese Cultural Center and Lower Fort Garry with the other grade 2 class.

Teacher: Ms. Aco

Are there any themes for this year?

“We are Bucket Fillers” will be this year’s theme, inspired by Carol McCloud’s book Have You Filled a Bucket Today?. The Grade 1 students will be filling each other’s buckets with kindness, becoming more aware of their own emotions and those of their peers as they build strong relationships. Additionally, they will continue to appreciate and become stewards of God’s beautiful creation.

What are the biggest learning/teaching milestones in this grade?

The primary goals for this grade are learning to read and beginning the transition from concrete to abstract concepts in math. To achieve these goals, students will engage with the curriculum through hands-on, project-based activities and play. This approach will help them build prior knowledge, making it easier to grasp new concepts. It will also provide them with meaningful experiences, allowing them not only to decode and count but also to apply these concepts in practical ways.

Why are you excited to teach this class?

This age group is curious about the world around them. They are eager to learn new things and are enthusiastic about participating in fun classroom activities. I am excited to help them build friendships and foster a love for learning.

Is there anything special about the classroom (new gear, tech, books, etc)?

Amazing classroom improvements were made over the summer which included new lights and a drop ceiling, new floors, and a new Loft Board. The early years will be using brand new tablets and subscriptions to Raz Kids and ABCya.

What are students most excited about?

We’ll have plenty of opportunities to spark wonder and curiosity through art and experiments. They will be raising butterflies from caterpillars! They are also looking forward to class parties to celebrate special events and achievements.

Are there any major dates or events to note (class trips, concerts, etc)?

In October, we will be watching the play ‘Gather’ by Julia Lederer and Julie Ritchey at MTYP. We’re also planning visits to the Manitoba Museum and Morning Sound Farm.

Grade 2

Teacher: Mrs Mak

The main themes for our class this year is community and teamwork. We will be focusing on learning about our own family community, our class community, school community, and learning about different cultural communities. Helping others in different ways will be a focus in our classroom as well. We want to celebrate our differences and uniqueness.  

Teacher: Ms. Porco

Are there any themes for this year?

The main theme for our classroom this year is Mindfulness. Mindfulness is the inception of compassion and consideration of others, which is learned through conversations and personal experiences or reflection. Being mindful of our own emotions as well as the emotions of others is a goal that we will strive to achieve this year. Students will have the opportunity to learn how to be mindful through various activities throughout the school year.

What are the biggest learning/teaching milestones in this grade?

In grade 2, students develop stronger skills in reading and writing. They are able to build off skills that they have previously acquired in their educational experiences. Students begin to read with more fluency and expression. They develop stronger writing skills, which includes being able to write in full sentences and use correct punctuation.

Is there anything special about the classroom (new gear, tech, books, etc)?

We will have the opportunity to use the iPads once per school day cycle. During this time the students can explore educational sites and applications including ABCYA, RazKids, and Mathletics. Later on in the school year the students will also use iPads to complete mini research projects.

Why are you excited to teach this class?

I am excited to teach grade 2 because the students love learning at this age. I also really like the grade 2 curriculum and can not wait to teach it to my class, specifically the science component.

What are students most excited about?

Students get the most excited abount hands-on experiences and activities that are cross-curricular in nature. My goal is to make every learning experience relevant and meaningful for my students. At this age, having these hands-on experiences are key and allow us to explore the world around us in fun and creative ways.

Are there any major dates or events to note (class trips, concerts, etc)?

Students will have the opportunity to go on various filed trips throughout the school year that will compliment their in class learning. In the spring, I hope to receive caterpillar chrysalises to give my students the opportunity as a class to watch them turn into butterflies!

Grade 3

Teacher: Mrs. Remple

Are there any themes for this year?

“Be here. Be you. Belong.” Brene Brown

Our focus this year will be on building our class community, creating a culture of peace and learning about the world around us. In Language Arts, we will explore various texts, read and write poetry  and collaborate with others. In Science, we learn about Growth and Changes in Plants, Soil and the Environment, Forces that Attract or Repel, and Materials and Structures. In Social Studies we focus on who we are, where we come from and communities around the world.

What are the biggest learning/teaching milestones in this grade?

We will continue to build our literacy skills as well as our numeracy skills. We try to understand and master the basic addition and subtraction facts to 20, adding and subtracting 2 and  3-digit numbers, and multiplication and division facts to 5 X 5 ! We work on the conventions of writing and cursive writing.

Is there anything special about the classroom (new gear, tech, books, etc)?

We have a class set of chrome books to use for research, Raz-kids, Mathletics and Typing Club.

Why are you excited to teach this class?

Grade 3 students are eager and curious. They are excited for added responsibility and a challenge. I especially love engaging my students in learning about others and the world around them.

What are students most excited about?

The students are excited to make new friends, have new experiences along with more responsibility.

Are there any major dates or events to note (class trips, concerts, etc)?

This year we hope to go to MTYP along with Fort Whyte or Deer Meadow Farms. The students always love our annual Bike-a-thon as well as our Christmas concert.

Teacher: Mrs Boktor

Are there any themes for this year?

In Science we learn about Plants and Soils, Forces, as well as Materials and Structures. Communities are the focus in Social Studies beginning close to home, then expanding out into the whole world.  Grades three and four make up the choir at all Eucharistic Celebrations (masses).

What are the biggest learning/teaching milestones in this grade?

Responsibility increases in grade three as we will now learn how to complete unit tests on a regular basis. We aim to reach reading level P. We try to understand and master basic addition and subtraction facts to 20, adding and subtracting 2 and 3-digit numbers, as well as multiplication and division facts to 5 X 5.  We work on the conventions of writing and cursive writing.

Is there anything special about the classroom (new gear, tech, books, etc)?

We use Chrome Books and start typing with Typing Club. We use Mathletics and Razkids. We research online about other countries and use Google Slides to present our research.

Why are you excited to teach this class?

Grade three is a lovely age, they want to do well and are eager learners.

What are students most excited about?

Most students are excited about the raised expectations.  They like a challenge, learning new things, and opportunities to use technology. They are also excited about the opportunity to learn to play the recorder with Mr. Plant.

Are there any major dates or events to note (class trips, concerts, etc)?

The students always love our annual Bike-a-thon as well as our Christmas concert, and we will aim for an end of year field trip regarding our Current Communities unit in Social Studies.

Grade 4

Teacher: Mr. Gudz

Are there any themes for this year?
Our central classroom theme for this school year is “Our Learning Journey”. Students
will understand that learning is an adventure that we take together and that each day is
a new step forward filled with curiosity, discovery, and personal growth. Students will
also learn to celebrate challenges as opportunities, support each another along the way,
and reflect on how far that they have come. This theme reminds us that the path of
learning is ongoing, meaningful, and unique for every student.

What are the biggest learning/teaching milestones in this grade?
In our classroom, students will experience engaging and meaningful learning across all
subject areas. This year’s milestones include exploring the geography of Canada and
Manitoba, learning about life in Canada’s North, and understanding the rights and
responsibilities of Canadian citizens. In math, students will strengthen their number
sense, mental math, and problem-solving skills. In English, they will discover new ways
to express themselves through writing while building their reading stamina with novel
studies, lessons, and activities. Science learning will focus on understanding the world
around us and making choices that support a healthy environment. In addition, students
will develop important knowledge about safety, personal and social management, and
healthy lifestyle practices to help them grow into responsible, independent, and
hardworking young adults.

Is there anything special about the classroom (new gear, tech, books, etc)?
My classroom has undergone a transformation over the summer and is a well
organized, colorful and welcoming space with encouraging posters all around, a class
showcase board to highlight student achievement and an expanded library full of books
from many genres. We will use Chromebooks when learning and expanding our
knowledge on focal topics, as well as collecting research data for assignments. My
classroom has a reading area with a carpet for students to gather and additional
comforts while they read. A variety of board games and learning activities are also
available for student enjoyment during free periods.

Why are you excited to teach this class?
I am thrilled to teach Grade 4 because it offers so many opportunities to create
meaningful and enjoyable learning experiences that students will carry with them
throughout their educational journey. At this stage, children are becoming more
independent and increasingly curious about themselves and the world around them. I
feel privileged to be part of this important milestone in their lives by providing
opportunities for them to grow, build essential skills, and nurture the passions,
curiosities, and talents that will guide them toward their future goals and dreams.

What are students most excited about?                                                                                                                                                  Students are looking forward to continuing to grow as learners and obtain new skills to
add to their already diverse set. Students will enjoy our Chromebooks and library whilst
embarking on their yearly journey of academic growth, as well as field trips that will
provide them with a memorable adventure and a deeper dive into concepts taught in
class.

Are there any major dates or events to note (class trips, concerts, etc)?
While we have no fixed dates just yet, we will be going on field trips to a variety of
locations to aid students as they learn new concepts in class. Students will showcase
their talent and skills during school concerts, activities and track. Fun activities will also
occur during important times throughout the year, such as Catholic Schools Week.

Teacher: Ms Hudson

Are there any themes for this year?

A theme for our classroom  is “working together for our world”. As a classroom we will be learning and growing together as one and to be global ambassadors to our planet. In our classroom, we will appreciate and acknowledge how our differences make us unique and special. Our classroom is a safe place where we can feel free of judgement and feel appreciated and inspired to be the best people we can be.

What are the biggest learning/teaching milestones in this grade?

In grade 4, the students are encouraged to have their multiplication tables memorized up to 12. Students are continuing to work on their reading and writing along with growing their confidence in public speaking.

Is there anything special about the classroom (new gear, tech, books, etc.)?

We are very fortunate to have had our classroom recently remodelled. The room is feeling fresh and ready for a year of exploring and learning.

Why are you excited to teach this class?

This year I am excited to teach grade 4 because I really enjoy this age group. There is a great eagerness to learn and explore new concepts. I encourage students to ask questions and share their personal thoughts and ideas. I am heavily involved in UNESCO, and have my students take part in many of their initiatives. We will be continuing with the work my students did last year with our overall goal of making St. Emile greener and a more welcoming space for all to enjoy.

What are students most excited about?

The grade four students will be excited to have access to chrome books and will be looking forward to school field trips and activities.

Grade 5

Teacher: Mrs. Burdey

Are there any themes for this year?

What are the biggest learning/teaching milestones in this grade?

Becoming more independent learners in terms of their problem solving skills and ability to research a topic. Learning how to do multiplication with up to three numbers multiplied by two. Then long division with four numbers divided by two. In grade 5 we focus on reading for meaning and looking for the author’s purpose and message in the book. We have many discussions and try to see everyone’s point of view in a respectful way.

Is there anything special about the classroom (new gear, tech, books, etc)?

We use chrome books to assist and enhance our learning. Using programs such as Mathletics and RazKids among others to allow students to practice their learning in a fun way. We use technology to research in science, social studies, religion, language arts and present or idea to the class through such programs as google slides.
The grade 5 students get to participate in the Roots Of Empathy program which is a world renown program helping students identify and practice empathy with each other through the developmental stages of a baby

Why are you excited to teach this class?

The students in grade 5 have great energy and are fun to teach. They are excited to learn new things in the world around them. They are becoming more independent learners and risk takers. They like to be challenged and have interesting discussions about a variety of topics. Grade 5 is an amazing year of growth and independence!

What are students most excited about?

Students look forward to learning how to be a school patrol. They enjoy the Roots of Empathy program. They look forward to using chrome books and presenting their learning to the class. They enjoy field trips to the Manitoba Museum, Lower Fort Garry, and especially an overnight camping (or ski)trip.

Are there any major dates or events to note (class trips, concerts, etc)?

Students look forward to the annual Bike-a-thon! They look forward to meeting their Roots of Empathy baby and their younger reading buddy! They also get excited about the Christmas concert, track meets and all the fun and exciting events going on.

Teacher: Mrs. Martin

Are there any themes for this year?
The overall themes within our classroom are of respect and community. We will be focusing on collaboration and teamwork throughout the year through a variety of projects and activities across all subject areas.

What are the biggest learning/teaching milestones in this grade?

This year, we will continue to develop our independence in learning, as well as learn to take ownership and responsibility over our learning, including time management for completing assignments and projects.

Is there anything special about the classroom (new gear, tech, books, etc.)?

We use Chromebooks to supplement and enhance our learning. We use programs such as Prodigy and Typing Club among others to allow students to practice their learning in a fun way. We use the Chromebooks for research in all subjects areas and to present projects such as T.U.S.C.

Why are you excited to teach this class?

Students at this age are so fun to teach! They are continuing to build their independence and gain confidence in their abilities and knowledge, which is so lovely to see as they progress over the school year. The grade 5 curriculum is also very interesting and allows for a lot of fun, engaging activities and projects which I am very excited about

What are students most excited about?

The students are excited about using chrome books in class to complete assignments and projects. They are also excited about some of the fun and interactive projects we will have this year, including our weekly TUSC meetings.

Are there any major dates or events to note (class trips, concerts, etc)?

The students look forward to taking part in the Roots of Empathy program and reading buddies. They also take part in the Christmas concert, track meets and other fun field trips such as to the Manitoba Museum, and Lower Fort Garry

Grade 6

Teacher: Mr. Guyot

Are there any themes for this year?

Grade 6 is an important year when learning about history. Students not only learn about
Canada’s involvement in WWI and WWII, but also how these events impacted Europe
and the rest of the world. In grade 6, students also learn about the dark history of
slavery in the United States before the Civil War. Students also learn about the heroes
of the Underground Railway and how the impact of many Canadians aided in their
journey to freedom. These topics are present in both our SS and ELA curriculum.

What are the biggest learning/teaching milestones in this grade?

This year we will learn about how to study effectively for tests, as well as to take ownership and responsibility over our learning, including time management for completing assignments and projects both at school and at home, in order to prepare for junior high.

Is there anything special about the classroom (new gear, tech, books, etc)?

Students are very fortunate to be in the new addition this year! This is the second year
for myself and I really enjoy the natural light in the room as well as the wide hallways
the addition offers. I change the seating plan monthly and we often change the dynamic
in the class in terms of how we set up desks. This enables group work to function in a
more efficient manner.

Why are you excited to teach this class?

The grade 6 curriculum is some of the most exciting and thought-provoking curriculum
in the middle years! Students learn about the amazingly diverse planet we share with
other animals and plants. Students learn about mysteries of the universe in our Space
unit – are we alone in the universe? Probably not! Are there other planets and moons
that may harbour life? What ingredients does life need? Can we live on Mars one day?
It’s all very exciting! In our social studies units, we learn how Canada became unified
and its contributions during the World Wars making it a country to be respected.

What are students most excited about?

Students are looking forward to our novel study units, our exciting science curriculum,
using Chromebooks to enhance their knowledge and are most definitely thrilled to be in
the new wing of St. Emile!

Are there any major dates or events to note (class trips, concerts, etc)?

Students are looking forward to our novel study units, our exciting science curriculum,
using Chromebooks to enhance their knowledge and are most definitely thrilled to be in
the new wing of St. Emile!

Teacher: Mr. Luciano

Are there any themes for this year?
“Welcome to Grade 6! This year will be filled with exciting opportunities to learn, grow, and
discover new things together. In Grade 6, students will strengthen their skills, build confidence,
and prepare for the exciting transition to middle school. We will work hard, but we’ll also have
fun along the way—with activities that encourage creativity, teamwork, and leadership. Our
classroom will be a place where everyone feels safe, respected, and supported. Together, we’ll
make this a memorable year full of new friendships, achievements, and experiences that
students will carry with them into the future.”

What are the biggest learning/teaching milestones for this grade?
We are excited for a year full of learning, growth, and discovery! Students will explore reading,
writing, math, science, and social studies while building confidence, independence, and
teamwork. This year is about trying new things, supporting one another, and having fun while
preparing for the next step into middle school. We can’t wait to share this exciting journey with
you!

Is there anything special about the classroom?
Our classroom is welcoming and organized, with desks in clusters for teamwork and flexible
seating options. It includes a reading corner, hands-on math and science area, and a space for
group projects. Student work and learning charts are displayed to motivate learning, while
supplies and quiet areas are easily accessible. The room encourages independence, creativity,
and a love of learning.

Why are you excited to teach this class?
Teaching grade 6 is especially meaningful to me because it offers the chance to genuinely
connect with students at a critical stage in their development. I’m inspired by watching sixth
graders grow more independent, curious, and confident every day, and it’s deeply rewarding to
play a direct role in their transition from childhood to adolescence. Their openness, humor, and
enthusiasm make each day enjoyable, and knowing that my guidance in this pivotal year can
influence them for years to come brings me a true sense of purpose and personal satisfaction.

What are the students most excited about?
This upcoming school year, I’m excited to see my students embrace new independence and
take on more responsibility in our classroom. I can’t wait to dive into hands-on activities,
experiments, and projects with them, where they can be creative and collaborate with one
another. I’m especially looking forward to exploring new subjects, reading engaging stories
together, and enjoying fun events and field trips. Watching them grow, build friendships, share
their ideas, and celebrate their achievements will make this year truly special for all of us.

Are there any major dates or events to note?

Grade 6 will be an exciting and rewarding journey. Together, we will explore engaging novels
that broaden our perspectives, take part in hands-on science experiments that encourage
curiosity and discovery, and participate in meaningful school activities that strengthen our
classroom community. Our field trips will allow us to experience learning beyond the classroom
walls, making our time in Grade 6 both memorable and inspiring.

Grade 7

Teacher: Mr. Martin

Are there any themes for this year?

We’re big on math, learning about ecosystems, and exploring the different continents and cultures of the world.

What are the biggest learning/teaching milestones in this grade?

Independence. Students will work to develop routines and habits that help them take ownership and responsibility for their own learning.

Is there anything special about the classroom (new gear, tech, books, etc)?

Our beautiful, spacious classroom is part of the school’s new wing. Grade seven students will have access to their own Chromebooks, which we will use to enhance our learning.

Why are you excited to teach this class?

Grade seven is a fun year! You can really see them growing up and coming into their own. It’s rewarding to be a part of that process, helping them to build confidence and tackle challenges.

Are there any major dates or events to note (class trips, concerts, etc)?

We will welcome guest speakers into our classroom as they relate to our studies. Field trips are to be determined.

Teacher: Mr. Le Sage

Dear Parents,

Welcome to Grade 7! I am grateful and blessed to be your child’s teacher, and I am thankful that you have chosen St. Emile to be your child’s faith-based educational institution. I do not take your investment in their education lightly, and I am committed to ensuring your child receives the value-added education they deserve. We have a fantastic year ahead of us, and I’m eager to get started.

This year, our themes will focus on emotional intelligence, building relationships, and critical thinking. We will also work on how to critically identify subjective truth from objective truth so that students become more informed decision-makers. We’ll also explore the importance of service to our school and the wider community. My goal is to create a classroom environment that not only meets high academic expectations but also nurtures students’ personal growth. We’ll be working on essential skills such as effective study habits, note-taking, and time management to help your child become a more independent and capable learner. We will be adding new books to the extensive classroom library to ensure the students have reading material that interests them, and we’ll have a class set of Chromebooks and each student will bring a personal whiteboard to use in all subjects.

I am particularly excited to teach this class because Grade 7 students have a high level of self-awareness and are able to identify how their actions and emotions can contribute to a positive or negative classroom environment. This year, we’ll specifically work on developing their moral reasoning for an informed conscience, so they can understand that their actions and decisions have a significant impact on the classroom and school culture. As they prepare for adolescence, they desire independence but require guidance to steer them toward becoming effective and thoughtful contributors to their social environment. I look forward to providing specific, constructive feedback that will help your child gain confidence in themselves as they become independent thinkers and capable citizens. I am thrilled to become a part of the St. Emile community and work alongside you to help your child succeed.

We will have guest speakers join our classroom throughout the year to enrich our studies. I will keep you updated on any major events or field trips as they are planned.

I am looking forward to this journey with your child!

Sincerely,

Jeff Le Sage

Grade 8

Teacher: Mr Smith

Are there any themes for this year?

What are the biggest learning/teaching milestones in this grade?

Is there anything special about the classroom (new gear, tech, books, etc)?

Why are you excited to teach this class?

What are students most excited about?

Are there any major dates or events to note (class trips, concerts, etc)?

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 2026 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. We regularly complete online science lab experiments, take part in weekly typing assignments, and create beautiful projects using Canva. 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 and philosophy to a new class of students. I have taught in Catholic schools in Manitoba, and my home province of Newfoundland, for close to twenty years. 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. Building a strong, welcoming classroom culture, and creating new relationships with the students is always my favourite part of a new school year.

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)?

The pathway of grade eight will be filled with “lasts” as students of St. Emile. Their final assemblies, musicals, sports teams, masses, science fairs, and spirit days. Students will be offered a class trip in June out of the province following their June exams. Lastly, their year will end with a memorable Grade Eight Farewell held at the end of June.

French

Teacher: Madame Pedersen

Are there any themes for this year?

Some of our themes this year will include: numbers, alphabet, colours, school objects, clothing, body parts, household objects, food, calendar, weather and holidays, family members, animals, transportation, prepositions and occupations. The older grade will also learn about themes exploring my life, school, food and health as well as Canada and the world.

What are the biggest learning/teaching milestones in this grade?

In the early years I find that students are eager to learn a new language, and seek out opportunities to use this language in their everyday lives. Most students have the same french language ability at this stage and are constantly asking for new vocabulary words in french. A big milestone for the early years is becoming a ‘petit prof’ and leading the daily routine in class with little or no assistance from myself or others.
In the middle years, I find there is a wide range of abilities in each of our classrooms. Some of our students come from french immersion programs and find less of a challenge continuing their language learning, while others are just beginning their learning of the French language. A big milestone for these students is gaining the ability to have a conversation in french.

Why are you excited to teach this class?

I love the french language and am always excited to share it with all of my students in fun and creative ways. I believe there are many benefits to learning the french language and about Francophone culture as well.

What are students most excited about?

Our early years students are the most excited to learn about our songs and question routines, as well as Monsieur Hibou, our Francophone owl. In the middle years , students thrive when they are able to converse in and understand the french language, as well as being able to respond to questions about themselves in french. These classes enjoy being able to express their learning through various mini projects.

Are there any major dates or events to note (class trips, concerts, etc)?

There will be many opportunities for adventures in learning this year! Our Grade 5’s will get the opportunity to go to Festival du Voyageur in February, as it ties into both the French and Social Studies curriculum.

Physical Education & Health

Teacher: Mr. Katopodis

Are there any themes for this year?

Summer Olympics will be a big theme later in the year!

What are the biggest learning/teaching milestones in these grades?

Students learn to skip, gallop, shuffle, throw, roll and kick properly. The students also learn team work!
Is there anything special about the classroom (new gear, tech, books, etc)
New dodgeballs and Frisbees.

Why are you excited to teach this class?

I’m very excited to teach these classes because the students primarily enjoy physical education, and love to learn new skills and push themselves.

What are students most excited about?

Cross country , track and field and the basketball program.

Are there any major dates or events to note (class trips, concerts, etc)?

A cross Country meet at Crescent Drive Park, 3 indoor track and field meets at the University of Manitoba, Knights of Columbus outdoor track met, our school track meet at Grant Park, field days and jungle gym days!

Physical Education & Health

Teacher: Ms. Turgeon

Music

Teacher: Kim Lapatha

Is there anything special about the classroom (new gear, tech, books, etc)?
I have spent time organizing all of the instruments and added lots of storage systems. In the
works is a semi-permanent spot for the xylophones, metallophones, and glockenspiels.

Why are you excited to teach this class?
I am excited to continue building upon the music that was learned last year. I am excited that we
get to make music in community while having lots of fun doing it. I am looking forward to getting
to know the students better and building lasting relationships with them.

What are the students most excited about?
The students are excited about improving their skills while playing the instruments.

Are there any major dates or events to note?
There will be a Christmas concert in December. The dates will be decided upon soon.