Interview Time

It is almost time to start our formal interview process - in the next few days, we will start making time to talk about your progress this term.  Your blog should be part of the process, something that you can use to track the activities we have done as well as your thoughts and feelings about the class.

This is an opportunity for you to organize your thoughts - what do you want me to know about how you are doing so far?  When have you worked the hardest?  How are you motivated to participate?  What have been the most powerful experiences for you and why? 

Sometimes the interview process is difficult for students - talking one on one with an adult and trying to express yourself can be difficult.  At the same time, it is a skill that can improve with practice, and this is a perfect time to prepare and make improvements.  Prepare by creating a blog post that includes the information that you want to communicate to me.  I find interview time very rewarding, I love having the chance to really listen to what is important you each of you.  I'm really looking forward to getting them started!

Skating Field Trip

On Monday, our Get Fit class went skating at Newton Arena (last minute change due to a gas leak at the Cloverdale Arena).  I was very happy with the positive energy & gratitude of the girls who participated.  Of the 10 girls who came on the field trip, 2 had never been on skates before.  It is great to be able to provide the opportunity for students to try something new in a safe and supportive environment of our class.  As a class, we completed 168 laps of the arena in a 10 minute period.  That sure warmed us up.

I had made arrangements with Mr. Hayward for the few girls that I knew were not attending the field trip to spend the block in the library.  No one checked in with him.

While I feel that the field trip was very worthwhile for the girls who attended, I am disappointed by the number of girls who were not in attendance.  I think that there is a great value in experiencing a wide range of activities, which is why I feel that field trips are such an integral part of our learning experience in Get Fit.  With the change in schedule at Sullivan this year and the elimination of double blocks, it is making providing field trips for the class more challenging.  However, just because something is difficult, does not mean it is not worth doing!  I would like you all to make the choices that are right for you and not just choose the easiest option.  

I would like you to write a blog post about your class on Monday - whether you were skating or not, how you spent the class and why you were not able to come with us.  Please be honest - your blog posts are a chance for you to speak openly and for us to start a dialogue about some important topics.  What do field trips mean to you?

Woo Kim Field Trip

It was so fun taking our Get Fit class to try Tae Kwon Do last week.  I've never seen so many smiles & apologies as the girls are learning how to take their opponent down to the mat!  I liked to see the intensity and willingness to try new things.  That is what Get Fit is all about!  Many of you could have been less worried about hurting someone and really kicked and punched with all your might.  When do you get a chance to do that?  Maybe next time?

Interim Reports

Your next blog post (I've booked the library for Thursday) is going to be a reflection on your progress in Get Fit so far.  Please show your parents both your blog post and my Get Fit blog and encourage them to keep in touch with what we are up to in Get Fit in this way.

Some guiding questions for your reflection:

Have you been motivated to participate in Get Fit so far this semester?  What motivates you?
What have you enjoyed in Get Fit and why?
Have you seen any improvements in your fitness so far?  Be specific.
How have you contributed to your personal success and the success of the class?
How could you improve?  Think leadership, respect, participation, active learning....
What would you really like to learn about / participate in / accomplish this semester?

Look forward to reading your posts!

Field Trip Update

Here is an update of our field trip dates & times:

Woo Kim - Tuesday, Oct 16 during block 4

Cloverdale Arena Skating - Monday, October 22 - need BUS FARE and early dismissal from block 3

Panorama School of Dance - Nov 14 & 15

Mt. Seymour - December 6 - leaving at 11am back at school by 4pm

Please return your parent permission forms and Field Trip fee ($50 or $40 without grouse grind)

Splitz Field Trip