Meet the Teacher - 5A Introduction
STAR OF THE SEA CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Mr. J. Luyten
Grade 5A
Meet the Teacher
Dear Parents,
Here is the grade 5 year at a glance:
THE PROGRAM
Core Competencies:
We will be supporting our students with the “Core Competencies”. The Core Competencies are sets of intellectual, personal, and social and emotional proficiencies that all students need to develop in order to engage in deep learning and life-long learning. The core competencies will be integrated as they explore and learn through the Big Ideas prescribed in each core subject area. The students will build an understanding of what each Core Competency is and what it means. With teacher support, the students will learn to reflect upon their personal learning by guiding them through a self-reflection process which will help them focus on how much they engage in these skills. This allows students to see skills and areas that they may like to grow further. More information and specific elaborations on each of the core competencies is available on the Ministry website: https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/competencies
Christian Education: We will be focusing on the theme of “Living, Celebrating, and Proclaiming our Faith”. We will also be taking a close look at the sacraments, the Mass, the saints, and the commandments. As well, by following the liturgical year, the students will develop a greater understanding of the seasons in the church. They will have the opportunity to prepare and lead the school Mass on January 9th, 2026 and will present The Passion Play on April 2nd, 2026.
Language Arts: We will use story and essay writing in order to continue to improve upon the students’ writing skills. We will explore the differences between formal and informal writing styles. We will also read several novels as a class and the students will have the opportunity to complete several independent novel studies. As well, we will continue to focus on spelling, grammar, and vocabulary skills. The novels that Grade 5 students will be reading include Holes and The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe.
Math: We will build upon the students' understanding of number concepts and work to strengthen their basic operation skills. We will explore the topics of fractions, decimals, measurement, financial literacy, geometry, and data analysis. We will also look at different strategies involved in problem solving, BEDMAS, and introductory algebra.
Social Studies: In Grade 5 this year the students will be learning about and focusing on Canada, in particular, Canada’s government and immigration. We plan to have a field trip to Victoria later in the year to visit the Parliament Buildings and the Royal BC Museum.
Science: The grade five students will look at the complex system of the human body, as well as study about force and motion and the topic of renewable and non-renewable resources, rock cycle and solutions. Throughout each unit, the students will have hands-on opportunities to explore science.
Please note that students will be using Google Classroom in addition to Seesaw for many of their assignments this year.
P.E., French and Music:
Skills based programs taught by specialist teachers.
USE OF THE STUDENT PLANNER
Used as an important tool:
to help establish and maintain a regular homework routine
to develop good time management strategies
to encourage responsibility for independent learning
to effect communication between parents and teachers
to promote parent involvement in student learning
HOMEWORK
Homework will typically consist of extra practice such as Math and reading.
All projects and assessment activities will be done in class only.
this includes tests, presentations, etc.
homework is usually only assigned if the assignment has not been finished during given class time
It should take no more than approximately 30 minutes to complete homework.
Due dates need to be respected; all texts and student work must be brought to school each day.
Homework slip policy or email in place to track late or missing work and to inform team-teachers and parents.
EVALUATION
Evaluation is a multifaceted process
Students are assessed using tests, presentations, collaborative work, discussions and projects.
Follow your child’s progress by talking about his/ her learning and seeing student work regularly (students are encouraged to take home their books any time).
Major assignments and tests will be sent home on completion of units of study; they should be signed by parents and returned to school to acknowledge that you have seen current results.
4-Point Scale
THINGS YOU CAN DO TO ENHANCE YOUR CHILD’S LEARNING
continue to foster their spiritual growth at home by helping them understanding and practice their faith daily – journey with them as they deepen their relationship with Jesus
discuss local, national, and international issues to make them more aware of their world and to help them develop opinions and take a Christian stand on current issues
help them become media savvy; take advantage of any programming or learning experiences which will reinforce material being studied in class
monitor internet use
discourage them from over-scheduling themselves; although young people this age love to be involved in a variety of sports, cultural, and recreational activities they also need time to just “hang out” with their families and friends.
set up study/work area with Dictionary, Thesaurus, Atlas, Bible, and necessary supplies
reinforce organizational skills at home by ensuring students develop responsibility for work and materials
ensure your child has a local library card and visit local library regularly for recreational reading and media loans as well as for research materials and homework helps offered by the library
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Should you need to inform me of any issues involving your child please email me at jluyten@sosschool.ca or leave a message with the school office. I will get back to you as soon as possible. I look forward to a great year working with you and your children.
Sincerely,
~John Luyten