Sept.23

Seedfolks: Sae Young monologue chp.8

What do you think of Sae Young as an individual?  What affect did the garden have on her?
From her voice, you can sense that Sae Young is a gentle-soul, a kind lady who hopes for a better future after leaving Korea.  She says she loves to be around people.  She is maternal - she longed to have children but was unsuccessful. Her husband died suddenly and she was robbed/brutally assaulted.  The assault traumatized her to the point that she remained secluded and living in constant fear.  It took her a long time to leave her apartment and face the outside world again.    The garden helped her build her self-confidence and to trust others again; she helped to solve the garden's water issues and this made her feel proud, happy and connected once again to others in the community as if they were her own family.

Geography:  Place & Location

Continue working on your Toronto Districts/Cultural Neighborhoods task.
Select any 2 of your choice (relative map, description, landmarks/festivities)
Refer to Sep.20 blog entry for additional help and links.
Due Sept.27th or 30th at the very latest.

Sept.20

Geography: Place & Location

Toronto's Unique Districts & Cultural Neighborhoods

Task:

• Select any 2 districts of your choice (independently or with only 1 partner)
• Create a relative map of its location within Toronto with boundaries to the north, south, west & east of it to enclose it
• Provide a brief overall description of the district
• Identify any landmarks within the district that make the district special or any festivities that take place to promote/celebrate this district

Browse through some districts below you wish to further explore:

Other districts you may wish to consider:

• Bloor West Village (Bloor St. W. between Jane & Roncesvalles) 
• Little Italy (College St. between Ossington & Bathurst)
• Cabbagetown (Parliament & Gerrard area)
• Little India (Coxwell & Gerrard area)
• The Portlands (Commissioners St off of Queens Quay)

Link to Toronto's diverse neighborhoods: 

http://www.seetorontonow.com/explore-neighbourhoods/

Rotary Language Seedfolks

Chapter 7 Virgil monologue

As individuals, how do Virgil and her father differ?  Which of them do you think would make a positive difference in the community and why?

Science assignment due Wednesday.  Page 91 3 questions.  Page 92 #1-2 concept maps.

Math mid chapter review.  Page 21 #1-12.  Workbook page 5.

Continue working on your Family Life self-concept task.  See Sept.12 blog entry.

Very creative out-of-the-box artwork Gr7s!!!

Giulia:

Jaden: 

Austin: 

Matthew:

Sarah:

Alexia:

Jessica:

Alona:

Camilla:

Gabby:

Miranda:

Great job using Prezi to showcase your 2013 summer highlights!  

Below are the links:

Gab: http://prezi.com/clrinfib5tyn/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy 

Alexia: http://prezi.com/18lkyrxsw4sh/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share

Giulia: http://prezi.com/6gkz7zzzo9mg/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy

Camilla: http://prezi.com/anlmgeoxkv9t/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy

Jessica: http://prezi.com/ek-ee0oprcfl/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy

Jorel:  http://prezi.com/iwicbidfslr2/my-summer-highlights/

Sarah:  http://prezi.com/ntpcr4pipkgg/my-summer/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy

Sophia: http://prezi.com/jcr1_vttdzpx/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy

Miranda: http://prezi.com/mlyrgme5e-l4/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share

Rebecca: http://prezi.com/fyl2qf-qefsk/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy

Michael: http://prezi.com/qkhn0pwekdpl/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy

Beatriz: http://prezi.com/uhum5f4amif1/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share

Meagan: http://prezi.com/uhum5f4amif1/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share

Isabelle: http://prezi.com/d4djcwasznfl/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share

Miranda: http://prezi.com/mlyrgme5e-l4/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share

Sept.19

Welcome Mr. Marchetta to our class.  Be cooperative and respectful. 

8.30-8.35
Attendance

8.35-9.05
Instrumental Music

9.05-10.15
Continue working on any of these tasks (use your class time wisely):

• Geography place of interest (due Friday)
• Novel monologues 1-5 Kim, Ana, Wendell, Gonzalo, Leona (due Friday)
• Family Life self-concept/self-esteem using your brainstorm handout & self-portrait
• Eco-Ranger promotional poster

10.15-10.30

Recess

10.30-11.00

Italian

11.00-11.30

Continue working on any of the tasks listed above.

12.35-1.05
French

1.05-1.40
Rotary Math/Science @ Tassone
Tassone/Bucci rotary students: geography & novel both due tomorrow.

1.40-1.55
Recess

1.55-2.25
Rotary continued

2.25-2.45 
work period 

2.45-3.30
gym: softball
everyone tidy up class prior to gym

Sept 18

Rotary Language Tassone/Di Croce:

Seedfolks Chp.5 Leona:

What do you think of Leona as an individual?

Leona is just like her Granny - stubborn, doesn't take "no" for an answer, brave, go-getter, self-confident, self-reliant, self-assured, very determined, perseveres until she reaches her goal. She wants to make a positive change to the neighborhood by eliminating completely the trash and will do whatever it takes to ensure this happens.  She cares.  Leona is relentless: no one, nothing will stand in her way - she will be heard and noticed, will not give up.

Chp.6 Sam:

What do you think of Sam as an individual?

Sam is friendly, always smiling, promotes peace among all people/all cultures, not concerned about ethnic segregation (division), he wants to bring different people together, get them to talk and get along with one another.  In the end of this chapter, we learn that Sam has his work cut for him because the garden became a mirror of the neighborhood, that is, it became racially divided.  Sam wants everyone to collaborate and communicate with each other in a respectable, welcoming and friendly manner.  He is not about "division".  He is a pacifist (believes in peace, harmony).



Rotary Math Tassone:

1.4 
Text pg.14 A-G
Workbook pg.4

1.5 
Text pg.18 #6,9,10.


A reminder to continue working on your geography & novel study since both are due Friday Sept 20th

Sept 17

Rotary Geography Tassone/Di Croce

Task due Fri. Sept. 20

Below is a sample for reference:

Unit 1 Geography: Place & Location

My place of interest is The Westway Park & Arena.

Below is a relative/mental map of its location.  It is enclosed by the Westway to the north, Islington to the west, Royal York to the east and Eglington to the south.

The Westway Park & Arena is located in Etobicoke (Toronto), ON in the community or residential area of Royal York Gardens.

From St. Simon, I would follow these directions by car:

·         West on Wallasey
·         South on Weston
·         401 East
·         Exit Islington south
·         South to Westway
·         Park on south/east corner Islington/The Westway

From St. Simon, I would follow these alternate directions by car/TTC/bike:

·         West on Wallasey
·         South on Weston
·         Merge on St. Phillips
·         South on Royal York
·         East on The Westway to Islington
·         Park located on south/east corner

The Westway Park & Arena is maintained by Toronto Parks & Recreation and is considered a conservation/recreational/communal area.

Geographically, I think this place makes sense because it is located in a high population residential area in which all people of the community can take advantage of its different facilities i.e. play-scapes, baseball diamond, skating arena, tennis courts and green spaces.  Because it’s located on a major intersection it is visible, convenient and easily accessible by everyone to enjoy. I think every residential area benefits from green spaces such as this.

This place is of interest to me because I have enjoyed taking my young daughters there to introduce them to and practice different activities and, overall, enjoy quality family time together.

Rotary Language Tassone/Di Croce
Seedfolks 
Wendell Chp.3 

I think Wendell is an individual with a positive outlook on life because he chooses not to dwell on the past/on the negative (i.e. family problems) but look forward to the future.  Wendell is optimistic and hopeful.  He wants to make a positive difference/change to the neighborhood - Kim taught him this.  He is a very good/kind-hearted person because he looks after Ana and her needs.  It seems that dwelling on the negative is wasted time for Wendell - focusing on the positive will be more fruitful and offer more personal growth.  He is an individual that wants to do "good" for others and as a result, he will feel better. His is self-confident, self-reliant and sure that he can make a BIG change in the community.

Gonzalo Chp.4

What does the vacant lot/garden do for Gonzalo's uncle?  How does it transform him "from a baby to a man"?
How is Tio Juan affecting the neighborhood?

By the end of this chapter Gonzalo's uncle, Juan, has a purpose.  Instead of walking around aimlessly in a foreign country and being treated like a baby by his nephew, Tio Juan now finds direction, purpose and personal empowerment at the vacant lot - his expertise should help transform the lot into an organized and bountiful garden.  Juan should have a positive impact on the neighborhood and he will hopefully establish positive relationships with Kim and Wendell.   


Be prepared to hand in your work for the first 5 chapters of Seedfolks this Friday Sept 20th.  It should include your ideas + ideas discussed in class/posted on our blog.  Continue reading the novel - the entire text has been uploaded for you to read on anytime you wish :)

Sept 16

Rotary Language Seedfolks continued from Friday's entry...

Our reflections of Ana's monologue chp.2 :

• We think Ana thinks negatively of others, is constantly suspicious of others; she is the typical "nosy neighbor" spying on, wondering about other people's business, watching; enjoys gossip and gossiping about others; slightly creepy nature; territorial of her space/neighborhood; maybe Ana should involve herself in the community directly instead of watching from afar.
• We think that she judges others harshly; we don't approve of her discrimination; she needs to readjust her attitude towards others - it's rude and disrespectful because we should embrace diversity; stop being the nosy and creepy neighbor.
• I think Ana should "move on" with her life and not get caught up in the drama of the neighborhood because it seems she has nothing else to do but spy; she could have been hoping that the community would return to its original days with other Romanians; she made a good choice to stay on and see how the community evolves over time; her choice to stay may turn out to have a positive effect/influence on her; she can't "let go" and wants to maintain a close connection; it's surprising because she seems to be critical of everything and everyone, so why not leave and move on? but Ana LOVES the drama of the community
• she may learn that people are good, that you shouldn't prejudge others on their ethnic background; she may learn to trust in others; she may not change her attitude/perspective of others; others may change the way Ana thinks of the world; she may "repent"

Wendell's monologue chp.3

"there's plenty about my life I can't change.  Can't bring the dead back to life on this earth.  Can't make the world loving and kind.  Can't change myself into a millionaire.  But a patch of ground in this trashy lot - I can change that.  Can change it big.  Better to put my time into that than moaning about the other all day.  That little grammar-school girl showed me that."

What does this quote say about Wendell as an individual?  What does it show you about the type of person he is?

Rotary Math Tassone:
Textbook pg.10-13 #4,7,8,10,11,14,15

Sept 13

Rotary Geography Tassone

Geography Place & Location Task

1.            Select any place in Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) that is of interest to you.

2.            Draw a relative map of its location.  It should be enclosed within a quadrant with street boundaries to the north, south, west and east of it.

3.            What community within the city does it belong to?

4.            Provide specific directions to get there from St. Simon via car, public transit, walking and/or cycling.

5.            Describe the place.  Is it part of residential complex, commercial/business park, industrial area, communal/cultural meeting place, recreational/conservation area, governmental buildings, spiritual/religious, or a tourist destination/attraction?

6.            Do you think the location of this place makes sense?  Questions to consider when answering this question:  What reasons do you think an urban planner located it there?  Is it easily accessible?  What surrounds it?  Do you think the places/things that surround it complement its function?

7.            Why is it of interest or special to you?  

8.            Does its name have any significance?

A reminder that you may independently on this task or with a partner, only 1.  You may use MS Word for the questions and grid paper or PPT for your relative map.  If you need any clarification & support on any part of the task, please ask :) 

Rotary Language Tassone & Di Croce

Seedfolks monologue 2 "Ana"

1. What's your opinion of Ana?
2. What do you think of her attitude towards other cultures?
3. Unlike other immigrants that have treated the neighborhood (as Ana says) like a "cheap hotel", what do you think of Ana's choice to live there indefinitely?
4. Do you think Ana's attitude towards the world and others may change?

We learn through Ana's monologue that this is a culturally-diverse neighborhood.  The neighborhood has always been characterized by many transient ethnic immigrant groups over the years, that is, they live there just until they have enough money to move onto a better place.  We sense that Ana is closed-mined and closed-hearted to other cultural groups other than Romanian/European, with whom she shares a connection.  She also worked for the police's parole department and, as a result, may have developed a negative and suspicious outlook towards others, thinking that they are all somehow criminals.  Spying on Kim and uprooting her seeds hopefully made her aware of these faults.

Rotary Math Di Croce Homework:

textbook pg.7 #17-20

textbook pg.8 A-H

Science titlepage due Wednesday.

We will continue working on the following this coming week:

-wrap up prezis

-geography task

-family life task

-visual arts task

Have a great weekend everyone :)

Sept 12

Family Life: Who Am I?

Generating Ideas About Yourself

Some self-concept aspects to consider illustrating around your self-portrait: 

·         Gender

·         Age

·         Cultural background

·         Strength

·         Something you would like to work on/improve

·         An opinion about something you stand by or hold to be true

·         Your daily attitude towards life, learning, others

·         Something/someone that inspires you or an inspirational quote that motivates you to always strive to be and do better

Some self-esteem aspects to consider illustrating around your self-portrait:

·         Identify talents, skills, abilities and how they make you feel about yourself i.e. proud, determined to reach another level etc.

·         Identify any achievements or goals you set out to fulfill i.e. academic, athletic, social, family-related etc. and how it would make you feel upon successful completion

·         How would you describe your personality?

·         How would you describe your behaviour in social situations?

·         How do feel about your relationships with family & friends?

What do others say about you and how does that make you feel?

Rotary Tassone Language below:

Novel Study of Seedfolks chapter 1 "Kim"

Below are open-ended questions that prompt you to offer your own opinion:

1. By deciding to plant lima beans in the neighborhood's vacant lot full of garbage, what do you think Kim hopes to show her late Vietnamese father?  
2. What does this show about her as an individual?  
3. What affect do you think it may have on the community?
4. What is ironic about what is happening?

Sample responses:

By deciding to plant lima beans in the neighborhood’s vacant lot, I think Kim hopes to establish some kind of connection with her late father.  She never experienced the same love and affection that the rest of her family received.  She wants her father to know that she exists and she wants him to be proud of her.  She hopes that her father will notice her from wherever he may be and know that she is truly his daughter because she is gardening just as he did in his home country.  Kim is doing this to honor her late father.

Her resolution to make these beans grow in the vacant lot shows that she is a very determined individual.   She wants to ensure that these beans “thrive” and honor her father.  This shows that is a very hopeful, compassionate, respectful and thoughtful individual because she hopes to create a bond/connection with her father from earth to heaven.  She probably wishes what it would be like to be called “daddy’s little girl”.

Her planting this new garden could inspire other people in the community who may have lost a loved one to plant alongside her; it could prompt others to clean up the neighborhood and take better care of it; others may not care and could vandalize her work and ensure her garden does not thrive.  Some individuals may still want the lot to continue to be a dumping ground and not respect what Kim is doing.  I think someone may extend a helping hand and be a “father figure” for her.

It is ironic that something beautiful/vivacious like a garden which needs constant care, attention and love is being created in a vacant lot/dumping ground where the environment is clearly not suitable for this.

GREAT IDEAS, WELL DONE!!!

Sept 11

Rotary: Language Tassone below:

Language Tab

Novel Study

Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman

Pre-reading Team Task

Below are questions to consider before reading the novel.  These are open-ended questions which allow for many different possible responses.  Everyone should offer their own personal opinions.  Collaborate and share ideas with a partner.

What words would you use to describe the word individual?

alone, solitary, by yourself, independent, different, single, unique, original, special, one-of-a-kind, separation, creativity

What words would you use to describe the word community?

Family, united individuals, people coming together, company, village, town, neighborhood, groups, friendly, school, classroom, no separation, many skills, many talents, cooperation, collaboration, collective creativity, the street you live on

How do you think an individual can make a big or little difference in a community?

Volunteering to help others (charities, food banks); taking care of the environment; smiling/friendliness/welcoming others/courtesy/respecting others/feeling safe; helping the elderly; greeting others;

Negative impacts: criminal activities, littering, vandalism, disrespecting others etc.

Do you know of an individual(s) that has made either a positive or negative impact on your community? 

Neighbors behaving “neighborly” doing good deeds for others on the streets instinctively

Teachers, parents, guardians, coaches guiding/encouraging etc.

Neighbors who don’t behave “neighborly” and are disrespectful towards community

Neighborhood watch, firefighters, police

How do you make an impact at home? school? or community?

I help my neighbors cut grass/shovel snow

Helping with family chores/watching younger siblings

Me to We, Eco Rangers, anti-bullying awareness

Involvement with local church activities/initiatives

How does the community in which you live affect you and your family?

Safety issues, criminal activities taking place affect how you feel about your community

Everyone wants to live in a safe, welcoming, friendly community in which people help one another and look after each other.

Whatever happens within a community, either positive or negative, will have an impact

Where are the communal spaces at school and in the neighborhood?  What are the benefits of these communal spaces?

Carmine Stefano Community Centre, Strathburn Park, Joseph Bannon Park, Humber Park path etc. 

Benefits: socializing, meeting points, discuss and solve community issues in a cooperative manner, celebrate, share ideas about community development etc.

Rotary: Geography Tassone below:

Geography: Place & Location Chp.1

Goal:  to understand the difference between relative and absolute location.

St. Simon school is located in the neighborhood of Humberlea-Pelmo Park in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  It is located north-west of the central core of the city, in the former suburb of North York.  Like its name implies, it is composed of two geographic areas, the first being Humberlea, is bordered by Sheppard Avenue West to the north, Oak Street to the south, the CNR to the east and the Humber River to the west.  The second area, the Pelmo Park area which is bordered by highway 401 to the north, Woodward Avenue to the south, Jane Street to the east and the Canadian Pacific Railway (CNR) to the west. 

Many of the neighborhoods in this quadrant of the city can aptly be described as family neighborhoods with access to parks, green space and a slower pace than found closer to the downtown core.  There is a large Italian population living in this north end neighborhood.

Locate the following landmarks on the relative map Humberlea-Pelmo Park:

• Humber River
• St. Simon School
• Superstore 
• Superstore Gas Station
• Shell Gas Station
• Becker's Plaza
• Petro Canada Gas Station
• Sheridan Mall
• No Frills Supermarket
• Canadian Pacific Railway
• Spielman's Garden Centre
• Delta Bingo Hall
• Home Hardware Building Centre
• Downsview Arena
• Strathburn Park
• Melody School (New St. Simon site)
• St. Basil High School
• Carmine Stefano Community Centre
• St. Jude School/Church
• Crossroads Shopping Centre
• Dairy Queen

Di Croce's class:

Fully Alive Task: Who Am I?

Self-concept involves what I think and know about myself; it includes facts about my gender, age, appearance, beliefs, attitudes, opinions, strengths, weaknesses, ambitions, inspirations etc.

Self-esteem involves how I feel about myself; it has to do with how I evaluate my talents, achievements, personality, social behaviour, relationships with others etc.

Using a combination of mixed media (i.e. text, digital photos, hand-drawn images, magazine clippings, clip art, 3d objects etc.) create a collage of who you are, beginning with a self-portrait, showcasing some aspects of your self-concept and self-esteem.

Get started on a self-portrait.  Import into PPT, crop, insert shape border of your choice, save to memory stick.

Rotary Tassone Math Homework:
text pg.4-5 a-e
text pg.6-7 #6,7,10,12,14,15.

Rotary Tassone Science Homework:
continue working on title page.