2nd Week of 2023-2024
Hello all grade 5 students and parents,
I am happy to publish my first ever OJCS blog post.
In some subjects, homework has started; however, for the near future it will be mostly what cannot
be finished by individuals in class.
We have an early dismissal tomorrow and Back-to-School night next Tuesday.
I hope to maintain this as much as possible
Setting goals for the new academic year inspired by Dr. Seuss book, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
We started our year with a powerful message from the Dr. Seuss book, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! In our class, we’ve used this story to inspire our students to set their own goals for the year ahead.We discussed its message, and then asked each student to create their own academic and personal goals for the year, and how to overcome challenges. The results were inspiring, they’ve taken ownership of their success, understanding that they’re the captains of their educational journey. Throughout the year, we’ll revisit these goals, celebrate milestones, and provide guidance.
שנה טובה!
בְּרוּכִים הַבָּאִים לְכִתָּה ה’
Dear Grade 5 students,
I’m very excited to welcome you back tomorrow and get to know each of you. I have already posted our first weekly plan for the week,you can find access to our planner under the name “Weekly Slides – כִּתָּה ה’ שֶׁל הַמּוֹרָה מָרִינָה.”I have added a bookmark on our Grade 5 blog so that you can quickly access our schedule. On our planner, you can also find additional resources, the Digital Library, Parshat Vayetze (our Parsha of the year), and more. You will receive further instructions tomorrow in class.
בְּהַצְלָחָה לְכֻלָּם,
הַמּוֹרָה מָרִינָה
Summer Reading Challenge!
Take a look at the summer reading challenge!
The challenge includes recommended reads for Grade 5s and Middle School!
Congratulations!
We were thrilled to have special guest judge, Mrs. Laderoute, join us for the public speaking contest. This added an extra layer of excitement and expertise to the event. We couldn’t be more proud of all the participants who showcased their courage and delivered outstanding speeches, proving their strong skills in both writing and oral presentations.
On the top of the podium we have…
5A
- Raisa
- Lily
- Sadie
5B
- Coby
- Kayla
- Noa
Congratulations to our winners!!
וְאָהַבְתָּ לְרֵעֲךָ כָּמוֹךָ”- רַבִּי עֲקִיבָא”
In the spirit of Lag BaOmer, and Rabbi Akiva’s teachings: ” love your neighbour as yourself” we brought both classes together to incorporate the themes of teamwork, self-control, kindness, joy, gratitude, forgiveness, modesty and humility with the “Win-Win” mindset ( one of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People®)
Through meaningful discussions and activities, the students focused on understanding how to resolve conflict in a positive way, so that everyone can be happy with the solution.
Having a Win-Win mindset means:
- Seeing life through a lens of cooperation instead of competition
- Balancing courage for getting what you want with consideration for what others want
- Being kind to others and trying to make them happy
- Working to find solutions to problems that make everyone happy
We finished off our time together with spreading kindness and leaving each other meaningful messages.
Algebra Quiz: Monday, May 1st
We will be having our algebra quiz on Monday, May 1st.
Here are some review videos of all the concepts we have learned for this unit:
Vocabulary Review
Evaluating Expressions
* This video has two examples with exponents. You DO NOT need to know exponents. Watch the first two examples until 2:10
Solving Equations (Balancing)
Reading Inequalities
Solving Inequalities
* This video has one example at the end with negative numbers. You DO NOT need to know this. We are only using whole numbers. Watch the first three examples until 4:15
Graphing Inequalities
Writing Equations from Word Problems
Students are encouraged to use IXL algebra and patterning recommendations and assigned tasks, alongside paper practice. Here are the worksheets to print if you prefer paper copies:
- Simplifying expressions
- The balancing act
- Find the value (1 step)
- Graphing Inequalities
- Word Problems
To help you study at home, here is a study planner, as well as tips for how to study!
Students also received a study package to take home today. Students also have access to 6 lessons with examples and videos to review concepts. Students will receive an answer key to the study package on Thursday to make corrections.
As always, there will be check-in sessions in class with the teacher and peer mentoring opportunities. If you need to reach out, please do not hesitate!
M=a+t+h
Grade 4/5 Night Out!

Public Speaking 2023
Hello, Grade 5 families!
Students have now started their digital copy of their speech writing work packs for public speaking. In this package you can find the due dates for each part of the writing process. In Grade 5, most of the written work is completed in class with submissions dates for teacher feedback on each section. In class, we will also have writing workshops to remind students of writing hooks, interesting openers, persuasive writing tools and impactful conclusions.
Students will also have opportunities to check in with myself, ensuring everyone is on track with writing deadlines and to discuss feedback.
Writing the speech is only half of the task…presenting their speech to a kind (yet critical!) audience is also really helpful. Please encourage your child to read their speech out loud and offer feedback. If you’re unavailable, ask your child to record themselves! You can listen later plus your child gets to see themselves and begin to make adjustments independently.
Check out this awesome speech by a 10-year girl, looking at not only the words but the non-verbal cues and these amazing Tedtalks showcasing the use of anecdotes.
There will be more information to follow about the structure of the public speaking finals.
Please reach out to Ms. Whitteker, if you have any questions or queries regarding this writing project.