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Grade 7 / 8 Program

At St. Ignatius School, we have one class of each, grade 7 and grade 8. Enrollment in these classes is a maximum of 30 students.

The teachers and administration at St. Ignatius School take our responsibility for academic excellence and faith formation very seriously.  As middle years educators, we respect that all students come to us with differing levels of ability and believe in the importance of:

  • motivating them to fully develop their unique talents and skills;
  • meeting their learning needs through differentiation;
  • encouraging ownership for their learning by promoting self assessment;
  • facilitating their independence through strategic teaching and learning opportunities;
  • providing opportunities for them to contribute as members of their learning community; and
  • setting high standards in order to foster within them a life-long love of learning and active citizenship.

Based on this philosophy, our program of study for grades 7 and 8 includes strategies to maintain consistent communication to parents, to enhance opportunities for student participation and accountability, and to support students in the transition from elementary school to senior high.

What is the Grade 7/8 Team?

One of the biggest changes faced by students as they enter grade 7 is the change from having one generalist teacher to several subject-based teachers. Depending on the developmental and maturity level of the student, this may continue to present a challenge in grade 8. The grade 7/8 team consists of all the teachers responsible for the teaching and support of the grade 7 and 8 students. This team meets once per six day cycle to identify students who require extra assistance and to strategize about specific ways to put our middle years philosophy into practice to the benefit of all students.

The grade 7/8 team consists of the following staff:

Brenda Probetts - ELA/Social Studies/Health/Religion 7

Pat Barnson - Math/Science/Religion 8

Maria Marasco - French

Cheryl Van Dale - Physical Education

Christy Bedard - Resource Teacher

Danielle Kolton - Administrator

What are P.O.D.S?

Pupil Organization Development Systems are designed to provide meaningful weekly contact in a small group setting. P.O.D.S. leaders (see grade 7/8 team) work in collaboration with the classroom teachers and the parents in order to help each student reach his/her full potential. Each P.O.D.S. group is thoughtfully assembled by the grade 7/8 team based on the strengths and challenges of each of the students and consists of eight grade 7 and 8 students. P.O.D.S. groups will be announced at the first P.O.D.S. meeting on Wednesday, September 14, period 8.

P.O.D.S. provide:

  • a small group, informal setting that increases a sense of belonging and encourages increased participation;
  • twice weekly opportunities for individual advice, guidance, direction, and support particular to the specific needs of the group;
  • opportunities for students to clarify expectations and procedures so that they can participate fully;
  • ongoing academic support to help students become more independent learners;
  • instruction of specific skills in time management, organization, study skills, and leadership;
  • monitoring of student's ability to cope with workload and the completion of work by due dates;
  • communication to parents regarding student work and goal-setting.

How is the Grade 7/8 Timetable Different from the K-6 Timetable?

The grade 7/8 timetable consists of three 50 minute periods in the morning, followed by four 40 minute periods in the afternoon. The rationale for this difference is to increase instructional minutes per day as prescribed by Manitoba Education Citizenship and Youth for middle and senior years. Core academic subjects (ELA, social studies, math and science) are taught in the longer timeslots which allows for more flexibility with teaching strategies. Students are provided five minutes between morning classes to get books from their lockers, to go to the washroom, and/or to eat a nutritious snack. French, physical education, health, industrial arts/home economics, and P.O.D.S. are scheduled for the shorter afternoon classes. Students are also provided with a 15 minute recess break in the afternoon. Students are expected to be in class on time following all breaks.

What is included in the Grade 7/8 School Calendar Year?

The grade 7 and 8 school calendar year is divided into two terms as follows:

 

 

Dates

Exams

Reporting on Student Progress*

TERM   1

Last day to hand in assignments for Fall Session - December 18

Nov. 24 - 26

October 29, 30 - Conferences

December 14 - Exam Results Mailed

January 29 - Report Card

TERM   2

Last day to hand in assignments for Winter Session - March 26

 

Last day to hand in assignments for Spring Session - June 4

Mar.17 - 19

June 14 - 21

March 4, 5 - Conferences

April 9 - Exam Results Mailed

April 22, 23 - Conferences

June 30 - Report Card

* Please note that some of the dates for reporting on student progress differ between K-6 and 7/8. The junior high team has carefully planned the grade 7 and 8 calendar in order to fit their program of study and to provide regular, formal communication with parents. This means that there will be times when K-6 students will have no classes in order to attend conferences, but grade 7 and 8 students will be in class, and visa-versa. Please refer to the school calendar for these important differences.

What are the Homework Expectations?

The goals of assigning homework are to reinforce basic skills, to supplement classroom experience, and to develop organization and time-management skills. Research indicates that when students complete homework, the level of engagement in their studies increases, thereby fostering a positive attitude about learning.

As a general guideline, grade 7 and 8 students at St. Ignatius School should spend approximately 70 to 80 minutes per day (six days out of seven) on focused, uninterrupted study. Since students complete work at different speeds and/or use class time more or less effectively than others, the suggested time is intended to serve as a general parameter.

The role of the parent in homework remains a significant one. Although students at this age are seeking independence, parents play an invaluable role in the monitoring of homework completion and assessment dates.  Take time to talk daily with your child about time management, task definition, resources needed, and workload. Ask to see your child's assignments on a regular basis and continue to communicate with your child's teachers in order to share your concerns or to seek clarification on assignment expectations.

Please note: Study Hall will be available from 8:00 - 8:35 a.m., Monday to Friday during which students may work quietly on individual or group assignments in a supervised room. At 8:35 a.m., students will be asked to go outside to the supervised school yard until the bell rings at 8:50 a.m. Students who are at school but do not want to use the Study Hall must be in the Before-School program. There is no fee for the Study Hall; please refer to the Family Handbook for the Before-School fees.

How are exams in grades 7 and 8 arranged?

Exams in the fall, winter, and spring session of school offer students an opportunity to learn more about study skills and to prepare them for increased rigorous studies in senior high. Preparation for exams begins in PODS groups and is supported by the classroom teachers. Students learn about study schedules, topic chunking, stress management techniques, and specific study strategies. During the fall and winter exam periods, students write one major academic area exam and one minor academic area exam. The spring exam period (June) provides practice in writing exams in all subject areas. Please see the school calendar for the subject area exams per session.

 How do Shops classes work?

Students in grades 7 and 8 attend home economics and industrial arts classes at Churchill HighSchool through the provision of a shared service agreement with The Winnipeg School Division.Classes take place one afternoon of each six-day school cycle (day 4). Parents are responsible for the transportation of their child to and from Churchill High School and may select either public transportation or self-arranged car pooling. On each day 4, students will be required to eat their lunch at school and will be dismissed at 12:30 p.m. to either take the city bus or be picked up by a parent.

What leadership opportunites are available to grades 7 and 8 students?

At St. Ignatius School, we recognize that student engagement, ownership, and accountability are enhanced by providing leadership and mentoring opportunities for students. There are several ways that students in the middle years become involved in their learning community. Students are encouraged to apply for a variety of other leadership positions. Interested applicants are invited to submit a typed letter to the Leadership Selection Committee outlining why they would be well suited for the position. A review of expectations will be provided to all successful candidates. Where necessary, training will be provided before duties commence.