November 23

Today's schedule: D C B A X

D block: Socials 11
Today, you'll have the block to finish up your research projects. I'll be handing out a WWII battle package so that you have some additional information to check out. If there's time (and if you need it), you can work on your propaganda posters. Remember: they are due today!

A block: Law 12
We'll finish up our mini presentations on criminal defences, and then we'll watch an episode from Law and Order.


Today's the last day of my practicum! Thank you so much for your patience and for the good times. It's been quite the ride!

November 21

Today's schedule: B A D C

A block: Law 12
Today, we'll finish off Life With Murder and talk about the serious creepy factor in this movie. What does this tell us about our Canadian Court System? Afterwards, we'll do an activity on criminal defences in Canada and look at some interesting cases, such as Kenneth Parks, the sleepwalker who assaulted his parent-in-laws.

D block: Socials 11
Thank you for all the Anchorman tweets!

Today, you'll get some time to work on your propaganda posters (they're due on Friday... this is a strict deadline!). You'll also get started on a research project on important battles in WWII (these will also be due on Friday).


For those of you who continue to stop by class on your own time...

November 20

Today's schedule: C D A B

D block: Socials 11
Yesterday, we talked about the various causes and events that led up to WWII. I gave you this sheet and asked you to fill out the map of Europe in 1938. Before we work on our Twitter projects, we'll talk about Canada's reaction to the Invasion of Poland.

A block: Law 12
We'll finish up the last of the presentations today, and then you'll work on some worksheets and identify various crimes. Afterwards, we'll watch a documentary called Life With Murder (it's about a family living with the pain that their son killed their daughter -- it's an interesting documentary and shows a perspective we haven't discussed in class, that of the families of criminals).

November 19

Today's schedule: A B C D

A block: Law 12
Today, we'll finish up the presentations. You'll be filling out self-evaluations, and then we'll be doing some discussion on various crimes.

C block: Humanities 8
Today's the first day in awhile that I won't be hanging out in the classroom with you. I'll come by and say hello!

D block: Socials 11
We'll go over the quizzy test on the 1920s and the 1930s. I think some of you need to work on your studying habits. Here's a link - maybe there are some helpful hints. After that, you'll work in pairs and recall the events that led up to WWI. This will set the stage for our discussion - the events and causes of WWII. You'll be filling out a map of Europe in 1938 and if there's time, we'll get started on our Twitter projects.

November 16

Today's schedule: A B C D X-block

A block: Law 12
Today will be your very last day EVER to work on your projects! I realize that there have been some technical difficulties... if you're able to present your project today, then we'll go ahead. Others may present on Monday. I can't wait to see the final products!

C block: Humanities 8
You'll continue working on your Roman Empire vocabulary after we talk about a current event.

D block: Socials 11
Today, we'll be in the computer lab, and you'll be getting some ideas for your WWII propaganda posters. I'll give you this hand out. I'll give you time to work on the poster on Monday, but you should complete the questions by the end of this class (if you don't, they'll be for homework).

November 15

Today's schedule: D C B A

D block: Socials 11
This morning, you have a quizzy test on the 1920s and 1930s. When you are finished writing it, you can get started on your propaganda assignment.

C block: Humanities 8
We'll be taking down some notes on the Fall of Rome today. Afterwards, we'll talk about some current events.

A block: Law 12
You'll have your quiz on Chapter 5 today, and then you'll get the rest of class to work on your criminal offence projects... remember, they're due tomorrow! 

November 14

Today's schedule: B A D C
I won't be here today as I'm going with the Grade 8 girls' volleyball team to compete in a tournament. Mr. Young and Mr. Miller are taking over (lucky you!).

A block: Law 12
You'll have some time to work on your projects, but there will be a short lesson first. You'll briefly discuss the different kinds of crimes and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. You'll do questions #3 and #4 on page 247 and #2 and #5 on page 250. After you're done, you can work on your projects.

Remember: you have a quiz on Chapter 5 tomorrow! You'll need to know the rights of the accused, duties of police, the steps to a lawful arrest, obtaining a search warrant, rights of being detained, etc...

D block: Socials 11
Today, you'll have time to finish off the questions and definitions that I assigned in last class (define: appeasement, War Guilt Clause, isolationism, St. Louis Liner, Kristallnacht and do questions #2-5 on page 98). After that, you'll watch an episode from Love, Hate and Propaganda: Strongmen (it goes over the rise of dictators and shows you how they used propaganda to gain vast support). It will also show you what was going on before WWII.

Here are the notes from last Friday's class on Adolf Hitler.

C block: Humanities 8
You'll have time to finish up your notes from the textbook. Afterwards, you'll be watching a video clip on various Roman Emperors. It will explain why Rome fell. You'll have a few discussions in partners and as a class and discuss why we study the fall of Rome.

November 13

Today's schedule: C D A B

C block: Humanities 8
After Silent Reading, we will write in our journals. Afterwards, I'll ask you to do questions 1 to 5 in your Across the Centuries textbooks. If you finish early, you may get started on the Fall of Rome vocabulary list.

D block: Socials 11
We'll finish up our discussion on Hitler (I'll show you the last video clip) and then you'll work on a couple of questions from the last few pages in Chapter 4. Afterwards, we'll discuss what's on the quiz. Here's the review sheet that I'll be handing out to you:

Terms, Events and People that you will need to know for the quizzy test you have this week:
Winnipeg General Strike        Person's Case
Balfour Report                       Causes of the Depression
Arthur Meighen                     William Aberhart
Mackenzie King                     CCF
King-Byng Crisis                  Appeasement
Chanak Affair                        League of Nations
Statue of Westminster            Potlach
Buying on the Margin           Treatment of Minorities in Canada
Pogey                                    Unemployment camps
Laissez faire                          Residential Schools
Fascism                                 Totalitarianism
Aboriginal Title                     Kristallnacht
On-to-Ottawa                        Jewish Immigration
Ride the Rails                        Hitler's Rise to Power

A block: Law 12
I'll give you most of the block to work on your projects. We'll talk about the quiz you'll have this week on Police Investigations.

November 9

Today's schedule: D C B A
There's a Remembrance Day assembly at 11:25am, and there is no X block.

D block: Socials 11
Yesterday, we talked about the state of the rest of the world during the Depression and why there was a rise in dictatorships in Europe. We talked about Mussolini and Stalin, and in today's class, we'll talk about Hitler and his rise to power. We'll do a "wake up, it's Friday!" activity first, and then take some notes and watch a couple of video clips.

C block: Humanities 8
This is your last day in the library to work on your Roman villa brochures! If you have already handed yours in, don't worry! You can work on questions 1 to 5 on page 31 in Across the Universe while others are finishing up their pamphlets.

A block: Law 12
You'll have the class to work on your creepy crimes. I'm really looking forward to your presentations!


Reminder to all: today (Friday, November 9) is the last day we'll take in anything for Term 1 marks!

November 8

Today's schedule: D C A B

D block: Socials 11
Today, we'll talk about how countries deal with stress - what do they do? What do the people do? Who might the people turn to for hope? We'll talk about the rise of dictatorships, totalitarian and fascist governments, and we'll also take a look at some powerful leaders in the 1930s.

A block: Law 12
You'll get the whole block to work on your projects.

C block: Humanities 8
After Silent Reading, we'll do a creative journal write. You'll look at a couple of photographs (click here to see them if you missed class!) and write up anything that comes to mind as you're looking at them. Afterwards, we'll brainstorm about what the Roman Empire was before it fell - what did people do? How can we characterize the Empire? We will then discuss reasons why the Roman Empire fell, and in partners, you will start drawing up posters to warn Roman citizens that the end is near.

November 7

Today's schedule: B A D C
If you're late to class, it had better be for a good excuse... like staying up late and watching the American election!

A block: Law 12
Today is Post Secondary Liaison Day! Mr. Young has some information on his blog. Here's the link for your projects... we'll work on them tomorrow and Friday.

D block: Socials 11
We'll watch the last few minutes of Cinderella Man (because not seeing the end of a good movie is terrible!) and then review the events that led up to the Depression. After that, you'll get into groups, and discuss how Canada moved forward from the Depression.

C block: Humanities 8
Today's your last day in the library to work on your brochures! It's also the last day that you will get to work on them in class. They are due on Friday. Use your time wisely!

November 6

Today's schedule: C D A B

C block: Humanities 8
After Silent Reading, we'll go back to the library to continue working on our brochure assignment.

D block: Socials 11
We'll continue watching Cinderella Man (it's a long movie!). If you need some time to finish up the questions about the Depression, you'll have some this class. If you have already finished them, you can read about the Canadian government's reaction to the Depression.

A block: Law 12
We'l discuss the Controlled Substances Act today, and then afterwards, you'll get a good chunk of time to work on your projects. I've rented out the netbooks so that you can get started on your research.

November 5

Today's schedule: A B C D 

A block: Law 12
I showed you the outline of the crime assignment in the last class. Today, I'll give each one of you a copy. Before we get started on the project, we'll do an activity on the YCJA.

C block: Humanities 8
We'll be in the library today after Silent Reading. To continue with our Fall of Rome unit, we'll be writing up some brochures to attract visitors to Rome!

D block: Socials 11
If the technical forces are with us, we'll continue watching Cinderella Man. If we have no such luck, we'll take some notes and read about the Canadian government's response to the Depression.

November 1

How is it November 1?!

Today's schedule: C D B A

C block: Humanities 8
Today is the start of our new unit: The Fall of Rome. We'll be working on maps of the Roman Empire.

D block: Socials 11
We'll watch an episode of "Boom and Bust," which will show the booms of the 20s and the beginning of the Depression. Afterwards, I'll give you a worksheet to complete after you look at these Stock Market Crash questions:

What is the significance of Tuesday, October 29, 1929?
Why do you think this happened?

Please define these terms: Red Scare (Communism), Autonomy, Depression, Branch Plants, Slums, Urbanization, Group of Seven

Here is a sheet with some important economic vocabulary.

A block: Law 12
We'll talk about Property Crimes, and then the rest of the class will be used for finishing up the crime assignments or watching an episode of Law and Order: Criminal Intent.

October 31

Today's schedule: B A D C

A block: Law 12
We're going to look at the nitty gritty bits of various crimes and talk about what will happen if youth commit them.

D block: Socials 11
We'll be going back to the library to finish off our research from last class. For those of you who were away, here is the assignment. If you finish your research and paragraph, you'll start reading about the Stock Market Crash of 1929.

What is the significance of Tuesday, October 29, 1929?
Why do you think this happened?
How could such an event affect ordinary people?
Please define these terms:
Red Scare (Communism), Autonomy, Balfour Report, Depression, Branch Plants, Slums, Urbanization, Group of Seven

C block: Humanities 8
Last block of the day = Halloween party!

Have a safe night, everyone!

October 30

Today's schedule: C D A B

C block: Humanities 8
After Silent Reading, you will write a reflection on our unit on World Religions. I will hand back your marks for your presentations and posters. To get started on our new unit of Ancient Rome, we'll discuss what leadership qualities are important in a good leader.

D block: Socials 11
I will hand back your letters/photographs from WWI today. We're going to work on an assignment about those who "Missed the Roar" of the 1920s. The worksheet is here, and I'd like you to download it to your computer and fill in the answers. We'll be in the library doing some research in our textbooks and this website.

A block: Law 12
I've booked the library for you to work on your perfect crime assignments. Remember, they're due on Friday!

October 29

Today's schedule: A B C D
A block: Law 12
Today, we'll quickly go over what happens when the accused is awaiting trial - I'll give you a few notes. You'll read the issue on page 176 and then discuss in partners. I'll show you some articles on the Robert Dziekanski case, too. After that, we'll watch an episode from Law and Order: Criminal Intent.

C block: Humanities 8
After Silent Reading, you'll write your World Religions quiz. Don't worry, it'll be fun! After that, we'll write a poem as a class and check out the earthquake that occurred over the weekend in BC.

D block: Socials 11
We'll talk about what life was like in the 1920s. I'll show you some videos and photographs, and we'll discuss what life might have been like. What did people do? How did they live? Would you have wanted to live in the 1920s? What was the economy like? I'll give you some more time to work on your timelines.

As an exit slip, you all have to show me that you can dance the Charleston (I'm kidding!). 

October 26

Today's schedule: C D A B
9:05-10:00 - C block
10:05-10:25 - AG
10:30-11:25 - D block
11:25-12:05 - lunch
12:10-1:10 - A block
1:15-2:15 - B block
2:15-3:15 - X block

C block: Humanities 8
We'll do some Silent Reading, a current event and a creative writing activity.

D block: Socials 11
You'll have the whole block to work on your "famous Canadian from the 1920s" business cards. I revamped the assignment to make it a bit easier to understand and will bring in an example to show you!

A block: Law 12
We'll be hanging out in the computer lab so that we can get some work done on the perfect crime assignments. Feel free to bring any sort of art supplies that you may need!

Have a nice weekend!

October 25

Today's schedule: D C B A

D block: Socials 11
Today, we'll be heading to the computer lab to do some research. You're going to create an advertisement for four different public figures from the 1920s. You'll have to research who they were, what they were good at and what their accomplishments were.

C block: Humanities 8
After Silent Reading, we'll finish up the World Religions presentations. To finish up our unit, we'll take some notes on religions. You'll need all this information for the test you have on Monday!

A block: Law 12
Today, we're going to take a look at the Getting Arrested and the Awaiting Trial processes. In groups of 3-4, you'll come up with a brief summary and a visual (a tableaux or short skit) to explain a specific concept. After the presentations, you can continue working on the questions on the Police and Investigation Processes and/or your perfect crime assignments.

October 24

Today's schedule: B A D C

A block: Law 12
I'll give you a bit more class time to finish up the questions that we started today. After that, I'll talk about your next project: creating some sort of visual that portrays the perfect crime. You can do a cartoon, a poster, a Powerpoint, a skit... it will be up to you to decide how you would like to explain the crime (which will start at the thought and go all the way to the arrest... in a lawful order!).

D block: Socials 11
Yesterday, we talked about the emergence of labour unions and a bit about the Red Scare from Russia. Today, you'll be drawing up your very own 1920s timeline. I will give you a list of events to include, and it will be your job to put them in chronological order with a short explanation of what happened and its relevance.

C block: Humanities 8
You'll be presenting your World Religions posters today! Remember to speak clearly, look up at your audience and smile! No one likes a grumpy presenter :)

October 23

Today's schedule: C D B A

C block: Humanities 8
Today's the day! You'll be putting your World Religions posters together (I'll give you some class time after Silent Reading) and then you'll be presenting them to one another.

D block: Socials 11
We can relax now - you got through WWI! Today, we'll start looking at what was going on in the world after the war. We'll talk about what was going on in Russia (the Bolshevik Revolution) and what effect that had on Europe and Canada. You'll read the first few pages of Chapter 3 in your textbook and use these as guiding questions while you read:

 1. What did soldiers returning to Canada after WWI face?

 2. What rewards did workers, who had taken wage reductions during the war, face afterwards?

 3. Why were there so many strikes in the years after WWI?

 4. What political ideas may have influence union leaders in western Canada in this period?

 5. What was the OBU?

 6. Define collective bargaining.

 7. What did Winnipeg’s metal and building workers demand when they went on strike in 1919?

 8. Describe the effects of this strike on Winnipeg.

 9. How did the Citizens Committee of One Thousand see the strike?

 10. What was the federal government’s response?

 11. Describe the events of Bloody Saturday. What happened to the strikers after it was all over?

 12. Which side do you think was right? Explain.

 13. Who was JS Woodsworth?

A block: Law 12

You'll be checking out Chapter 5 today and defining these terms and answering these questions:

Please define and explain the following: lineup, accused, detained, summons, warrant, Police Services Act, telewarrant, evidence, disclosure

1. What are the duties of police officers?

2. What process do police have to go through in order to search for evidence?

3. What are the rules of search laws?

4. Look at the R. v. Clayton case on page 156 and answer questions 1, 3 and 4.

5.  List three rights a Canadian has on being detained or arrested.

6. What happens to the fingerprints and photographs of people who are acquitted of a crime? Do you agree with this procedure?

7. What are the steps to getting arrested?

8. What are citizens’ rights?

9. What happens during the Awaiting Trial period?

10. Read the piece on Alan Borovoy on page 172. Answer questions 2 and 3. 

October 22

Today's schedule: A B C D

A block: Law 12
I won't be handing back the quizzes today as not everyone in class has written them yet. We will start a new chapter - the police investigation and how to get arrested (or more... how not to get arrested!). I promised that we'd watch some sort of video, so it'll be your choice - an episode of the Black Widow or one from Law and Order.

C block: Humanities 8
Today's your last day in the computer lab - you have to finish up your research and your written parts of your project. If your group is pretty far along, you may start thinking about how you'll like to set up your posters.

D block: Socials 11
Today's your WWI unit test! I know you'll do fine because you finished up your WWI review package :)

October 18

Today's schedule: D C B A

D block: Socials 11
I'll hand back the charts you completed yesterday in class about what life was like in Canada during WWI. You'll do a worksheet on the Paris Peace Conference details, and I will then hand out a WWI Review Package for you to fill out before your unit test (which is on Monday!).

C block: Humanities 8
After Silent Reading, we'll talk about what your posters should look like, and what kind of format you should be writing out your research in. Many of you are getting to the stage where you're writing out your answers - those of you who are at this stage should think about printing out your paragraphs and having someone peer edit your answers. This will be due on Tuesday, and I'll give you Monday to put the finishing touches on it!

A block: Law 12
You'll have a chapter quiz on your Introduction to Criminal Law unit. Good luck! Afterwards, we'll start talking about the next chapter: The Police - Investigation, Arrest and Bringing the Accused to Trial.

October 17

Today's schedule: B A D C

A block: Law 12
We'll continue our discussion on cyberbullying and how it fits into our criminal law unit. I'll give you some time in class to study for the Chapter 4 quiz you have tomorrow!

D block: Socials 11
You'll be presenting your topic to other groups today (no - not in front of the class, don't worry!). Each of you will have a chart to complete, and you'll hand that in before the end of class. We'll talk about Italy (they switched sides a few times), and about the end of WWI.

C block: Humanities 8
Before we go back to the library, we'll talk about the posters and what you should expect from each other. How will you contribute to your group's project?

October 16

Today's schedule: C D A B

C block: Humanities 8
Today, you'll be going to the library in your research groups, and starting your projects on World Religions! Mr. Errico will do a researching seminar with you, and help you locate textbooks and various sources that you'll find useful for your projects.

D block: Socials 11
Today, you'll be in the library in your expert groups, working on this assignment.

A block:
We'll be discussing cyberbullying and how it fits into the Criminal Code. I will be giving you hypothetical scenarios that you will rate, and then we will talk about real-life cases, such as the current one of Amanda Todd.
Some questions to consider:

• how would you feel if the government and/or authorities read through your Facebook pages, your private emails... anything online?
• How does cyberbullying differ from offline bullying?
• How should rights to freedom of expression be balanced against rights to security of a person?

October 15

Today's schedule: A B C D

A block: Law 12
Today, you'll have the rest of the block to work on your fairy tale briefs.

C block: Humanities 8
After Silent Reading, you'll have the opportunity to do a free write in your journals. I'll give you some interesting sentence starters, and it'll be up to you to write a creative story. Afterwards, you'll get into your groups and get ready for your creation story presentations. One of the class groups will present their current event from last week.

For the rest of the week, we'll be working on our World Religions research project. You'll be in mixed groups and will be working in the library.

D block: Socials 11
Today, we'll go over Canada's changing identity. You did some work last week on these battles, and we will go over a few more details. We'll talk about various war technologies (tanks, airplanes, u-boats, poisonous gases...) and the types of fighting (battle of attrition and total war). I will show you a short clip from Canada: A People's History on Vimy Ridge, and we will discuss why Vimy Ridge is so important to Canada.

The chronological order of the battles that the CEF played a major part in are: Ypres, Somme, Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele.

October 12

Today's schedule: A B C D
*X block day*

A block: Law 12
You'll be working on your fairy tale briefs in the library this morning. You could check out National Geographic for some Grimm fairy tales or here for some other ones. The creepier, the better!

Here's yesterday's example of the Three Little Pigs: R. v. The Big Bad Wolf.

C block: Humanities 8
Today, our first group will present their current event. Afterwards, we'll get into groups and you'll create your own creation story!

D block: Socials 11
We'll be going over the CEF today. First, you'll work on this worksheet - you'll find the answers in your textbook. After that, we'll watch a 25 minutes video about the Canadians in WWI.

You will also have to answer these questions:
1. Why was trench warfare used in WWI? What led to using trenches? What were the conditions like?

2. What was "No Man's Land"? What was in this area? What would happen if you entered in?

3. What types of weapon technology made it so dangerous for soldiers in the trenches?

4. What is a battle of attrition?

5. Who was Sam Hughes? What was his role in WWI?

6. What was the War Measures Act? Who implemented it?

October 11

Today's schedule: C D A B

C block: Humanities 8
I'll read out two additional creation stories after Silent Reading. We will then start talking about what a "God" is - there are so many religions and many interpretations. You will take some notes (this is important, as you'll have a quiz on these next week!). We'll look at how Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Shintoism view God. I'll show you some symbols of the different religions as well.

Reminder: your "What Am I?" poems are due today! Good copies should be written in some sort of creative form.

D block: Socials 11
Today, we'll go over the pop quiz from last class to ensure that everyone understands the steps that led up to WWI in Europe. Then we'll ask: "Europe's at war - what does this have to do with us?"

I'll give you some notes on Sam Hughes, the Minister of Militia and Defence in 1914, and we'll take a look at some propaganda posters used in Canada. After, we'll take notes on War in Europe and talk about trench warfare.

A block: Law 12
Today, we'll take a look at "how to read a case" - this came up a few times yesterday when we were summarizing the criminal cases. We'll talk about the different levels of courts in Canada, and then I'll read out a fairy tale, and we'll discuss all of the criminal issues involved! Your homework will be to take a fairy tale, and write up a case brief on it!

October 10

Today's schedule: B A D C
*Short blocks (45 minutes) due to 2 hour early dismissal*

A block: Law 12
Today, we'll look at the cases you bring to class. I'll hand out the case model analysis sheet, and you'll write up some summaries.

The case summaries are due tomorrow.

Use the Case Study Analysis Model and write up a summary of a case.

            Please include:

·      Elements of the criminal offence

·      Parties to the offence

·      Type offence

Please write up a good copy summary that outlines the various levels in the case.

Citation: Cite the source (what page in the textbook? What website did you use?)

Applicable Laws: what section of the Criminal Code was broken?

D block: Socials 11
You'll finish up your map of Europe in 1914 after the pop quiz on the countdown to war. I'll give you a handout for you to fill in - you'll take brief notes on why certain countries went to war in 1914. We'll also look at various propaganda posters that were used in Canada, and we'll talk about Sam Huges, Robert Borden's Minister of Militia and Defence.

C block: Humanities 8
We'll finish up our culture maps of British Columbia, and then you will listen to two creation stories. We'll compare and discuss them afterwards - how are they different? What are some similiarities?