Giver Online

 Click here to read online
Or listen to the audiobook in 20-30 minute installments.

Kids Lit

Just a reminder that if you would like to participate in Kid's Lit this year, you should write me a letter indicating your interest. Your letter should tell why you want to participate - say how you think participating will help your learning and what strengths you bring to the team. Be sure to give a description of your reading over the past three months. Hand this to me by Wednesday, October 22.

We Scare Hunger

You've shown an interest in taking action in our community to lessen the problem of hunger. Most of you want to get involved by running a We Scare Hunger campaign. You will make a plan and carry it out; I will offer some support and guidance. As you conduct this campaign, it is important to understand the issue of hunger. Firstly, it will help you to communicate more effectively about it, but more importantly it will strengthen your sense of purpose and you will have a greater feeling of satisfaction since you will be better able to grasp the importance of your action. Here is a list of online resources to help with your research:

ƒFood Banks Canada Hunger Count 
ƒThe Salvation Army Canada
ƒOntario Association of Food Banks
ƒFood Banks Canada
ƒMeal Exchange 
ƒFood Research and Action Center 
ƒThe Hunger Site
ƒWorld Hunger Year
ƒWorld Food Program

Guidance Counselor Visit

This morning our guidance counselor came into our class to show a presentation and gave us information about transitioning to high school!

Since she is the guidance counselor for both John Buchan and the JAGLA she is expecting the grade 8’s and their parents in the John Buchan/Stephen Leacock Library on October 28th at 6:30 pm. ALL grade 8 parents are required to be there, as it is important for them transitioning to high school.

Today she also gave us important websites that you need to look at:

One of the links she gave our class was http://www.myblueprint.ca/tdsb

It is a website that will helps student create a path to their career and plan their career.

Another link is http://www.tdsb.on.ca/goingtohighschool

and this website gives you information on different high schools. If you’re moving you can find out where your new home  high  school. You can also find out information on special high schools (ex: performing arts)

If you have any questions, email the guidance counselor: rita.gill@tdsb.on.ca

Written by Alivea

Peer Reviewed by Maham

Malala Wins the Nobel Prize for Peace.

Malala Yousafzai

In receiving the Nobel Prize for Peace, Malala Yousafzai joins the company of the Dalai Lama, Mother Theresa, Kofi Annan, Neslon Mandela, Kim Dai-Jung and many others. Every year, since 1895, the prize is given to the person or group of persons who have done the most or the best work to bring countries together or to promote peace. The awardees get a medal, a diploma and about US$1 million.

Read more about Malala's win - click the links I've provided. The CBC gives a quick summary of Malala's story, plus they have a video of her response to the announcement. The Gaurdian quotes an Indian community leader who says that Malala is a living representation of Ghandi's message of non-violent resistance. Craig Kielburger has posted a congratulatory message.

Remember that there are always multiple perspectives to any story. This article by The Guardian mentions that one point of view questions the motives of the West for granting this award to Malala. When I say questions the motives, I mean this point of view is distrustful of the West. Someone who holds this point of view might believe that the West is not thinking purely about the work Malala has done for children's rights, but that they might have something to gain from giving this award to Malala.

Interesting fact: Did you know that Mahatma Gandhi never received the Nobel Prize for Peace?

Extend your thinking: How has Malala promoted peace?

Home Work

I'm not assigning any new home work, just  reminding you of unfinished work, or work to be handed in.

Grade 7 Science Lab 

History on Desire to Learn - From home, use your student number and the same password you use to log into a tdsb computer.
Grade 7s go here
Grade 8s go here

Language
About four of you did not hand in your WeDay article.

Scientists in School

We had Scientists Avril and Elizabeth in our classroom today.  In this picture Maham is crushing an alkaseltzer tablet. What was the purpose of crushing the tablet? What conclusion did you draw from the results? 

What else did you learn? What do you want to learn more about? What was interesting? Write your responses below.

Ted Harrison-Inspired Art

Ted Harrison is an acclaimed Canadian artist who uses a technique called serigraphy to paint Canadian (especially the Yukon) Landscapes. His art is characterized by bold lines and vibrant colours. He is often quite playful with colours - one might find pink whales and purple moons.

The task was to paint a landscape that means something to them, in the style of Ted Harrison. Great job on the art project ladies!