St. Monica Book Fair welcomes Clifford, The Big Red Dog

We have just finished our December 2012 book fair!  And our special fair mascot was Clifford the Big Red Dog.  He often greeted us in the morning, or joined us for a bit of lunch. The kids loved getting and giving Clifford hugs!

Clifford was a great guest, making sure to welcome everyone to the book fair and encouraging us to reach our goal of selling 225 books.  Here's Clifford with one of the book fair flyers displaying the exciting selection of Scholastic books available at the fair.

 

 

As we got closer to our goal Clifford encouraged us to keep reading because he knows "that every reader is a Star!!" 

 

Our big final push at meeting our goal was on the evening our of St. Monica Fine Arts Gala.  Parents and their children were here for a lovely evening of music and song. Our students shone brightly this evening and we all enjoyed the beautiful performance! 

 

Afterwards, the book fair was open for an hour and we sold many books to our Gala guests.  At the end of the evening we were only a book or two short of our goal!  Yippee!  A special thanks to all our Grade 9 (and one Grade 8) book fair assistants who volunteered at the book fair that evening and all week.

 

 

 

The next morning, and the final day of our book fair, we continued to encourage everyone at the school to reach our goal.  And no surprise, considering the wonderful students and staff we have at our school, it only took until 8:20 in the morning for us to reach our goal of selling 225 books!  We did it!!!  And not only that, for the second year in a row we blew away our book fair goal and exceeded the number by quite a bit.  Our final number was 262 books sold!! 

 

St. Monica School - you should be proud of yourself!!!  Not only are we great readers, but we are amazing STARS!!!

 

Thanks to everyone who supported the St. Monica School December Book Fair!!!  And thanks to Clifford for being our fair mascot this December!

 

 

Be sure to remember: "Every reader is a Star!!!"





Betty White - School Librarian

Do you remember back, way back to when you were in school?  Do you recall that favourite teacher, friend, coach, librarian?  Really, librarian?!  Yes! Some of us actually remember our school librarian! She (and now a days often a he) always recommended their latest amazing books and stories that would transport us away to another world.  They forgave us when our books were overdue, and helped us to find the right resources for that project or assignment that was worth a ton!

But what about the librarians themselves? Did they have their favourite patrons? Those they liked and those they didn't?  The kids they loved to pass along those book and story recommendation to. The students who challenged then to come up with new adventures,  hot fictional series or funky information sources.  Those tricky to find or extremely cool websites?  The librarian that treated you like she had been waiting for you to come along her whole life so she could share her reading suggestions, wisdom, experience, caring, concern and enthusiasm with. Just imagine it!

That librarian could have been Betty White.  Check out the Youtube clip of Betty White, the awesome and memorable librarian!  Enjoy!  :-)

 

Celebrate boys' boyness - and work with it!

"Celebrate boys' boyness - and work with it"

This is a great article printed in the Globe & Mail, back in November by Margaret Wente.

Click here for a direct link to the article.



We love our boys, don't we?!!!  Let's find better ways to work with them and support them, as teachers, librarians, administrators and parents.

Canadian Author Rocks St. Monica School !!!

On the morning of Thursday November 15th, St. Monica School was privileged and very excited to host Canadian author Sigmund Brouwer.  The author of numerous children and young adult books energized  and enthralled students, teachers, staff and administration with his Rock & Roll Literacy tour!   

All students, from Kindergarten through Grade 9, and even the teachers were on their feet singing and dancing to his upbeat music selections of current hits (Gangnam Style) and even some awesome tunes from days gone by. Students screamed, cheered and danced to what one student said was Sigmund's fantastic taste in music. 

Our caretaker, Mr. Friedt, who has seen many presenters and presentations over the years, says you can always tell when the kids think a presentation is a hit: it's the volume of the cheers coming out of the gym and down the hallways!  The volume on this particular morning declared the show a resounding success!!!

As exciting as the the music and dancing was, Brouwer managed to sneaking in some student learning. He talked to the students about incorporating emotions and feelings into their stories.  Writers, he suggests, should try to push the audience's buttons.  In order to do that you have to know who your audience is: who you are writing the story for and who you want to invoke the emotion in.   Finally, he reminds writers to cover the classic five "W's" of writing into their creative masterpieces.

To learn more about Sigmund Brouwer and his Rock & Roll Literacy presentation check out his website: www.rockandroll-literacy.com.

Talk with your children to help them succeed!

Every parent wants their child to succeed, and the child's performance and achievements in school have a huge impact on their future.  Recent studies however, have shown that not only does school play a large part but parenting can be even more important. Read this "TIME" article:

 The single largest advantage parents can give their kids.

WeDay Calgary 2012 - What an event !!!!!

we DAY 2012 was an amazing event enjoyed by a number of St. Monica students and staff.  Read our Principal Rick Paolozzi's report below:

It was a fantastic event at the Saddledome today.  Our St. Monica students were overwhelmed with inspirational speakers and performers, and I can tell you that everyone is looking to continue our efforts to make a difference in the world. 




Founders of We DAY and the Me to We movement: Craig and Mark Kielburger

Larry King spoke about some of the most influential and “change makers” he has interviewed over the years.  The most fascinating stories, King says, are the stories which come from ordinary people who make a huge and positive impact on the world. 



Larry King at WeDay Calgary 2012

Other speakers included Spencer West, who has been a part of the WE DAY organization for many years.  Spencer is missing half of his body, but that didn’t stop him from climbing to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro last June powered by his hands. 



Musical artist: Lights, Spencer West, Craig Kielburger and Jason Hoggard of the Band: Hedley

Molly Burke, a young woman who lost her eye sight at the age of 13, spoke about how she was bullied by the “cool girls” at her school.  Molly spoke about being strong and following the right path, even though it might not be the most popular path to take. 



Molly Burke

The overall message of the day was simply “We can make a difference in the world”. 

It was a great day for the students who attended and the teachers who helped prepare and guide the students.  Thank you to both teachers, Suad Ziadeh and Laurel  Hagel for your leadership.

Craig Kielburger

In addition to the excitement of the big day, our own Bianca Zangheri (Grade 8) was interviewed by reporter Licia Corbella from the Calgary Herald.  Check out the story by clicking here:  STORY

we DAY - What a day it was!!!!

Celebrating Student Creativity at St. Monica School !!!

Our very talented grade 9 students last year put together some amazing artwork.  Cartoon characters came to life! 

Some were small and some were BIG!!!!  Some were too big to take home!  Fortunately the St. Monica Library was the recipient of many of the students' amazing works. 

Have a look below at some of pieces!  Thanks to all the students for their donations - we LOVE them!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Wishing all of our St. Monica students and their families a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Auntie Margie's Thanksgiving Manners Quiz

1. It's time to get ready for the big family dinner and get together. Mom asks you to go get changed before you all leave.  What should you wear?
a) Your Ninja costume.
b) Your dress pants and shirt, or your nicest dress.
c) A yellow polka dot bikini.

2. You arrive at Auntie Lily and Uncle Roland's house and everyone comments on how big you have grown.  What do you reply:
a) "It's all that junk food Mom and Dad keep feeding me."
b) "Thank you" as you smile back at them.
c) "Are you saying I'm getting fat?!!!"

3. Your Dad reminds you to say hello to your new cousin, little baby Cathy.
You've never met her before, because she was just born.  
a) Do you let her hold your finger in her little first.
b) Do you say, "Hi Baldie, where's your hair?"
c) Do you say, " Stop looking at the baby everyone! Watch me!"

4. Before you all sit and eat they ask you to say the Blessing.  Do you:
a) Say "Grace!"
b) Say a heartfelt "Bless Us Oh Lord"
c) Squirm and say "It's not my turn!"

5. Everyone sits down to enjoy their Thanksgiving dinner. Auntie Jan hands you a plate.  You notice in horrified fascination that one of the Brussel Sprouts is touching the Turkey meat. Do you:
a) Hand it back and loudly say, "Not on your life, Auntie!!"
b) Take the plate and ignore the touching food disaster.
c) Say, "Do you have any KD?"

6. You are finished before Uncle Roland is done carving the turkey.  Do you
a) Sit patiently and chat with Auntie Mary and your cousins.
b) Sneak under the table and steal everyone's napkins off their laps.
c) Ask Auntie Ina if she would like to go to a movie?

7. Dinner is finally over! What's the best way to say your Goodbyes?
a) Skip out before they ask you to stay and help with the dishes.
b) Say "So long!" to your Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and especially Baldie.
c) Thank your relatives and give them all a hug and kiss. 


Enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner, and mind your manners!   :-)

Coming Soon.........

The St. Monica "Make Your Own Book Mark" Promotion! 

        

October is “Library Month”

The Canadian Library Association has declared October: “Library Month”.  Here at St.Monica, we will be celebrating by having a “Make Your Own Bookmark” promotion.  Each student will have the opportunity to make their own individual book mark and to have it displayed in the library if they so wish.

So start thinking about your very favourite book or author, or what your library means to you. Come up with a unique and original art idea!   Students will be provided with a blank bookmark that they can customise any way they want – so start planning!  All students who create a bookmark will be given a small prize.

Take some time this month to celebrate “Library Month” with your family by visit your school or local public library, and by reading something special!

 

 

Thanks to our library Volunteers

A big thank you to Mrs. Joyce David and to Sister Helen who volunteered many hours this month in the library helping to prepare the bookmarks for this promotion.  Your help is much appreciated!

 

 

Have fun making your bookmark masterpieces!

 

 

Mrs. Margie Meakin

St. Monica School Librarian

Welcome Back!!!!

The new school year, 2012/2013, has started and the St. Monica Library would like to heartily welcome you back!!  Mrs. Meakin has missed you students and parent volunteers! It's also wonderful to see all of the teachers and co-workers - yes, I missed you too!  Can you tell that I'm happy to be back?!

I hope that you continued with your reading over the summer and found some great books to share with the rest of us. If you would like to submit a book or story review, I'd be happy to post it for others to enjoy! Please let me know if you would like to contribute a review.

I spent many an hour reading fantastic books this summer and would like to tell you about a few of them.  I'll categorize them by age group.
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For Pre-schooler and Kindergarteners:

"Me Hungry!" by Jeremy Tankard



Such a fun book! Guileless wording makes it easy for young people to relate.  Illustration are bright, strong and engaging!  Kids will be able to help read this book quite quickly!

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For Grades 1-3:

"The Gruffalo" by Julia Donaldson and Illustrated by Axel Scheffler

One of my and my children's all-time favourites, The Gruffalo packs a lot of excitement in one little book. It's scary, it's fun, it combines bravery, cunning and keeping your wits about you altogether in one fun adventure!

This book was so good that they actually turned it into a short movie back in 2009.  A story that is considered (by some) even better than Maurice Sendack's "Where the Wild Thing Are".  I guarantee that you'll love it!  Oh, and your kids will too!


 It's so good!!!!!!

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For Grades 4-6:

"Harriet the Spy" by Louise Fitshugh

A fun, short, easy to read novel that many people talk about as being one of the favourite first novel they ever read is: Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh. This book won the Sequoyah Book Award and the New York Times Outstanding Book Award in 1964.

Fitzhugh's story incorporates love, friendship, interpersonal struggles, curiosity and the consequences that come with satisfying it, adventure, courage, making amends, and takes a thoughtful look at how one person's actions can affect others.




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For Grades 7-9:

"The Artemis Fowl" series by Eoin Colfer

 "Artemis Fowl is a series of eight science fiction fantasy novels written by Irish author Eoin Colfer, featuring the titular character, Artemis Fowl II. A teenage criminal mastermind, Artemis captures a Fairy, Holly Short, in the first book and holds her for ransom to exploit the magical Fairy People and restore his family's fortune. In the sequel, Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident, he allies with the Fairies to rescue his father from the Russian Mafia. The series introduces Artemis as an anti-hero and the fairies' enemy, but as the series progresses, he assists the Fairies in resolving conflicts with worldwide ramifications. Artemis develops a strong sense of morals, and by the final book, he is willing to sacrifice his life for his friends. The series concluded with Artemis Fowl: The Last Guardian, released July 2012"

Source: Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemis_Fowl_(series)

The Latest in Artemis Fowl Series released just this summer 2012: "The Last Guardian"



Seemingly nothing in this world daunts the young criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl. In the fairy world, however, there is a small thing that has gotten under his skin on more than one occasion: Opal Koboi. In The Last Guardian, the evil pixie is wreaking havoc yet again. This time his arch rival has somehow reanimated dead fairy warriors who were buried in the grounds of Fowl Manor. Their spirits have possessed Artemis’s little brothers, making his siblings even more annoying than usual. The warriors don’t seem to realize that the battle they were fighting when they died—a battle against Artemis—is long over. Artemis has until sunrise to get the spirits to vacate his brothers and go back into the earth where they belong. Can he count on a certain LEPrecon fairy to join him in what could well be his last stand?

New York Times best-selling author and comic genius Eoin Colfer will leave Artemis Fowl fans gasping up to the very end of this thrilling finale to the blockbuster series.

Source: Good Reads   http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9307674-the-last-guardian
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Enjoy!

U.S. Diplomats Donate Books to St. Monica Library

Ms. Julie Jacobson, wife of the U.S. ambassador to Canada, says her position allows her to experience Canada’s rich culture through a variety of diplomatic functions.  Ms. Jacobson arrived at St. Monica School on June 18^th to continue her diplomatic efforts as she spoke to Gr. 3-6 students about American history.  Students were mesmerized as Ms. Jacobson read a book entitled, Of Thee I Sing, which was authored by U.S. President Barack Obama and published in November of 2010.  The book pays tribute to 13 ground-breaking Americans whose traits President Obama sees in his own two children, Natasha and Malia. Students were anxious to ask Jacobson if she had ever met President Obama.  Jacobson said she did have the opportunity to meet Obama a few times during official functions and events.

Both Jacobson and the U.S. Minister Counselor for Public Affairs, Ms. Susan Crystal, presented St. Monica School with a box full of hard-cover books about black history.  Ms. Crystal joined the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa in 2010. She has held public affairs/public diplomacy positions in Australia, South Africa, Mauritius, Ecuador and Haiti. 

When given the opportunity students rushed to the tables displaying the donated books, excited as they examined the new additions to the school’s library collection. The event gave students some perspective on the importance of the relationship between Canada and the United States.  Many were also curious about public office and what it means to be a diplomat.   

Jacobson described her job as more of a “position”.  She says, “I don’t get paid, but I work very hard to support the U.S. mission in whatever way I can.  Practically every day is different; I host and attend a lot of functions in the diplomatic, political, business and cultural communities. I engage with many organizations in my community, mainly book-related, including sitting on several boards and occasionally giving speeches.”   

Jacobson was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa.  She attended Washington University in St. Louis where she studied history. After graduating from college in 1983, she attended New York University School of Law where she earned a J.D. degree in 1986.

Mr. R. Paolozzi,

Principal

Graphic Novels - Kids love them! Why should parents and educators love them as well? Here's why.....

Why read graphic novels?

•  Visual learners can connect with graphic novels in a way they can’t with books
• They can often be used as a stepping stone to more complex reading
• They help to develop reading skills (comprehension & language development)
• They can cover any subject: history, horror, romance, adventure, religion and more
• Curriculum topics can be covered in a fun and interesting way
• Good for young people, those with lower reading skills and ESL students because they usually have simple sentences and visual cues to the story
• They address current, relevant and complex social issues, as well as topics that are important to teens adn tweens
• Graphic novels inspire creativity! They often have amazing artwork!
•  Plain and  simple: they are appealling! 

The St. Monica school library has a great collection of Graphic Novels and many, many more can be found at the Calgary Public Library!!  Graphic Novels make great summer reading that your kids will love to spend time doing. A fantastic way to keep your kids reading this summer with this fun and appealing genre!