Wednesday, December 14, 2011

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

The invention of Hugo Cabret – Brian Selznick 
The invention of Hugo Cabret is an amazing book although it has a lot of pictures it is a great book.  It starts off as Hugo (the main character) running through the train station into his little apartment at the top of the train station.  Hugo is an orphan.  But only he knows that.  A couple years back his dad went to work but he never returned that night Hugo heard a knock at the door and it was his uncle (also known as the clock worker at the train station).  He had told Hugo everything that had happened to his dad.  So Hugo now works with his uncle as the clock worker at the train’s station.  Until one night when his uncle never returned.   Now poor Hugo has no family left and has to steal to survive but a machine that his father was working on that got destroyed in a fire Hugo now has to fix to find out what his father was trying too tell him.  Hugo goes threw many troubles trying to fix the machine his dad was once working on and he steels from this   toy booth in the train station and the man who work’s there catches him sand tells him to empty his pockets and he has this notebook that is the only way to fix the machine that his father was once building.  The old man looks at the notebook and takes it away from Hugo and that’s when the adventure begins in this book.  Hugo goes threw many troubles between trying to get his notebook back and working the clocks by himself.  It won’t bee easy for him but he has to fix the machine.  Hugo meets this girl along the way and she tells him she knows where his notebook is.  Hugo eventually fix’s the machine and finds out what his father  was trying to tell him.  It doesn’t make sense the message is not from him. You’ll have too read the book to find out where Hugo’s adventure will take him.
Carly ~ Mr. Nixon grade 5

Monday, December 12, 2011

Book Review by Gr. 5 student Ryan ~ Guardians of Ga'hoole #4 : The Siege

  Guardians of Ga'Hoole #4: The Siege
                
 “Well, sprink on your spronk”!  One of the most famous quotes from the funniest yet most savage Guardians book yet.  Judging by the cover, it seems that the book is presumably violent, but don’t judge the book by its cover.
 The book opens with Kludd, Soren’s evil brother whose face got burnt during book 3. It shows him killing Simon, a pilgrim owl, in the middle of the forest of Ambala. This is a slightly brutal way to begin the book, but I don’t see why not. The plot line is simple, Kludd and his “pure ones” are planning an attack on the tree of Ga’Hoole, while Soren and his new found organization “the Chaw of Chaws” go and spy on the deadly orphanage they were once forced to live in. However due to different reasons, the pure ones are using the orphanage’s ultimate weapon, iron flecks.
 So, the story ends with one of the most gory battles the series has to offer.  Some clever new add ins have came for this book, including  Kludd having an even more evil mate, Soren having “starsight” (being able to predict the future while dreaming),and a new slipgizzle “Mist” whose true identity is more interesting than you think. This book makes you cry at least once because there are some down hearting deaths in this book, especially one that will get you, and Otulissa crying.  Funny parts are common though, especially when Otulissa was angry at Dewlap for not letting her read a book, so she yelled at the top of her lungs “WELL, SPRINK ON YOUR SPRONK” which was enough to make Dewlap faint. I also found it funny that Mist’s snake talked very sssssssslittttthhheryyyy when addressing Soren and friends.
There was some not well placed violence though, because we really didn’t need those barn owls fighting each other randomly when they betrayed the pure ones. We also didn’t need the fact that Otulissa scarred Stryker and Wortmore, because only Nyra deeply deserved it. This is a great fiction book by a great author (Kathryn Lasky) in a great series, but it is slightly repetitive. This book is best to be read in its correct order in the series, so all the secrets you already know will come in handy for this book

                                             Verdict
                     O: Good plotline
                     O:  Humour is great
                     O: Sad parts make the story better
                      X: Unnecessary violence
                      X: Slightly repetitive battle style of the last book
                              8.5/10
                            A great book for animal lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Ryan ~ Grade 5

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Gr. 5 Book Review

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane-By Kate Dicamillo

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is a heart-warming story about a rabbit who learns to love.  I cried the first time I read it.  Edward is owned by many people, yet he only starts to love them when he gets lost over and over again.  Edward’s heart is broken time and time again, but he manages to mend it even if it is a little crooked.  The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is “an achingly beautiful story” that is one of my all time favourites.  The genre is romance because Edward learns to love and it’s fairly sad as well.  Kate Dicamillo uses very descriptive words that take you soaring thought the story with Edward painting a beautiful image into your mind.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

By: Catherine Gr. 5

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Book Club Grade 6 & 7's

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins   We have just started a book club at Randerson with the Grade 6,7's choosing the first title Hunger Games.  Any grade 6 or 7 student interested in taking part is welcome. The book must be read by Friday, January 27th.  We will meet in the library at long recess and I will bring snacks and juice.  Be sure to have some questions ready and be prepared to discuss your views of the book. 

If you need a copy before the winter break please see me soon so we can ensure everyone gets a copy before our discussion. 

Throughout the year we will have a book club for different age groupings.  Stop by the library and chat if you would like to suggest a title. 

Thanks to Ms. World's Gr. 6/7's for suggesting this title.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Some great winter reads!!!

With winter now upon us what better than to sink into a comfy chair, cozy up to a warm blanket and read, read, read
This snowy weekend I did just that. 
Here are two books I loved and hope you do too!

Cabin Fever by Jeff Kinney: The latest Diary of a Wimpy Kid is hilarious from cover to cover.  Be sure to read the front page Dear Reader (on scholastic versions only) explaining how Jeff came to write this book caught between two storms which included an extended stay in Vancouver, BC. 

Cabin Fever starts just before Christmas when Greg is trying to be on his best behaviour so Santa will be good to him.  Of course things go array when Greg and Rowley inadvertently damage school property.  The excitement continues through a nasty blizzard, police chase and Manny taking control of the house.  This laugh out loud installment does not disappoint.  Get caught up in Cabin Fever over the holidays.  The library has 3 copies :)  
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick:  This is my second time reading this wonderful graphic novel. With the movie just around the corner and a new book by Brian called Wonderstruck just released, I thought it was a great time to re-read one of my favourites.  The Invention of Hugo Cabret follows the life of young Hugo who looses his parents, then his uncle whom he was living with.  Hugo lives in an abandoned apartment above the Paris train station in the 1930's.  He is a clockkeeper ensuring all the clocks in the station run exactly on time.  Hugo is fascinated by automation and mechanics.  Finding himself at the wrong end of a shoplifting adventure, Hugo begins to unravel the mystery of his father and embarks on uncovering secrets of the past. 

Told in black and white, as in the style of a 1930's movie, Selznick blends fiction with history as he weaves through the life of renowned French filmaker Georges Méliès.  Like all graphic novels you must 'read' the pictures as well as the text to progress the story.  Don't let the size of the book turn you off....it is a quick read with wonderful illustrations by Selznick and photographs of black and white films from history.  The Inventions of Hugo Cabret has been one of the best youth books I've read in the last few years.  Let me know what you think. 



Sunday, November 13, 2011

Randerson Remembers


Wreaths made and presented by each class








What does Peace feel like...?

        We Remember With our Buddies            



Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Grade 3 book reviews Mrs. MacDonald's class

Ten Little Mummies
by Philip Yates Illustraded by G. Brian Karas

  • This book was really funny because of the mummies.
  • I liked the story because it was a pattern, taking away one each time and all coming back at
  • I like this book because it was neat
  • I like this book because it was very cool and the art was nice! 
  • I like this book because it is funny.
  • I loved this book because it was FUNNY
  • I LOVE THIS BOOK  BECAUSE IT WAS CREATIVE!
Ready for Anything by Keiko Kasza

  • I liked because it was about friendship.
  • I liked it because it was a good teaching tool about not being afraid.
  • i  liked  this  book  because its  cool     
  • I thought this book was too babyish for us.

Grade 1's Review Marshall Armstrong is New to Our School

       Today Mrs. Rhodes Grade One class looked at three books new to our library. Scoot by Catherine Falwell, Ready for Anything by Keiko Kasza, and Marshall Armstrong is New to Our School by David Mackintosh.  

       After using our Strong Reading Tools including looking at the cover and discussing what we know for sure, what we might predict and what we would like to know from the story, we voted on which book to take a closer look at.  That is the book we read, discussed and reviewed today.

Photo taken on i-phone by Gr. 1 students
Grade One Review:
Students discussed what Marshall Armstrong might be feeling at his new school?
Scared
Nervous
Shy

"If a new person comes to school we should be their friends." 
"We should share our toys"   
"We should show them how things work at our school (routines)."
"I would play with him at recess because that would make him feel better."

My favourite part of the story was.....
  • when they slide down the pole in Marshall's house...all the way to the bottom floor
  • I liked when they took a nap because I would like a nap after playing so hard then I would have lots of energy to play some more
  • I would like to try organic birthday cake. It sound yummy
  • I liked it when the new girl came to school and it all started again said
Students took a picture of the dedication in the front of the book. 
 We talked about what a dedication is and could be and we talked about Mrs. Royle retiring.  We had lots of warm memories of Mrs. Royle being our school secretary when we were in kindergarten.

14 students gave it ...

4 student gave it...

1 student gave it...

Thank you Grade One's for reviewing this book :)


Mrs. Uhlmann's grade two class book review

Mrs. Uhlmann's Grade 2 class talks about our favourite part of the books we read today.

Ten Little Mummies
by Philip Yates Illustraded by G. Brian Karas



  • I liked this book because the mummies got in trouble by painting the Sphinx.
  • I liked the part when they said "I hope its more fun tomorrow.
  • I liked the part when the sun was too hot for the mummy and he got sun stroke and had to leave.
  • I liked when the falcon came and took one of the mummies.
  • I liked it when the mummy got unravelled.
  • I liked when the mummy rode on the hippopotumus.
  • I liked it when the mummies surprised the lonely mummy in the tomb.
We took pictures of our favourite pages.
                            

Duck at the door
by Jackie Urbanovic

  • I like it when duck was hogging the remote.
  • I like when duck came back to Irene's house and brought his whole flock.
  • I liked when all the ducks flew into the house. 
  • I liked when all the ducks came in.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Operation Christmas Child @ Randerson Ridge

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
RANDERSON RIDGE SCHOOL    
        Our class will support the shoebox initiative, which provides gifts to needy children in developing countries.  It is heartening to know that many members of the Nanaimo community have already supported this project in the past.  We intend to take an afternoon to make and wrap as many shoeboxes as we can, so donations of gifts and wrapping paper will need to be collected over the next few weeks. If you wish to make one box at home please note the following:

          What is the shoebox campaign about?  - bringing joy to the lives of needy and hurting children throughout the world.  This year our shoeboxes go to Haiti  (earthquake devastated).

          Where do I get a shoebox? – Mr. McKinlay has some ‘Operation Christmas Child’ shoeboxes, ready to be assembled, otherwise find your own box and wrap it with Christmas paper.

          What goes into the shoebox? – a variety of gifts, suitable for a specific age group, and for a boy or a girl.  Small toys, school supplies, hygiene items, and small items, such as hard candy, sunglasses, ball caps, socks, t-shirts, hair clips, small picture books, etc. (see brochure).

Do not include food items other than hard candy, any used items, anything that could melt, freeze, leak, break, or scare or harm a child.

          For whom should I buy gifts? – decide whether you wish to buy gifts for a girl or a boy, then decide on one of the following age groups:

2-4 years, 5-9 years, 10-14 years (choose the label from your colourful brochure, or attach a photocopied label, which will be made available by your child’s teacher).

          What else should go into the shoebox?If possible, please include a cheque for $7.00, in the envelope provided (or your own and payable to Samaritan’s Purse), or $7.00, which helps to pay for shipping and other costs.  In addition, you may wish to include a note and a photo of yourself.

          Cover your shoebox with a rubber band, and bring to your classroom teacher.


            PLEASE NOTE:  The deadline, for all shoeboxes to be at school, is NOVEMBER 24TH.

                              Thanks very much for your support.
                                                       
                                                D.McKinlay




Saturday, October 29, 2011

Randerson Pumpkin Parade on Monday

Randerson's Pumpkin Parade is set for Monday Randerson Ridge is transforming into a ghoulish walkway as a sea of orange monsters, goblins and ghoulish figures line the hallways. Be sure to bring your pre-carved pumpkin for the pumpkin parade on Monday as we ban together to raise money for Unicef.
Thanks Mr. Nixon for organizing this fun event. 


  

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Grupo Axé Capoeira visits Randerson

The acrobatic dance troupe Axé Capoeira

Today we enjoyed the talents and energy of Vancouver dance troupe Grupo Axé Capoeira  as they performed traditional and contemporary Brazilian dances.  We learned about unique instruments and the history of this form of dance.  Thanks for visiting Randerson Capoeira!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Randerson Ridge Pumpkin “Parade”
 ~ Monday October 31st ~
     There will be a pumpkin display at Randerson Ridge to raise money for UNICEF Canada.  These funds will be used to help underprivileged children all over the world. 

     For a loony ($1), students may bring pre-carved pumpkins into the Randerson foyer/entrance from 8:00 to 8:30am on Thursday 27th, Friday October 28th , and Monday 31st for display throughout the school. 

     Primary pumpkins will be displayed in the west wing (music room wing), and intermediate pumpkins will be displayed in the east wing (Kindergarten wing).  Each pumpkin will be registered and given a number and a small collection vessel (jar, Dixie-cup) in the foyer for “votes”.  Division 4 (grade five) students will set the pumpkins out along the corridors during the early mornings.  Throughout Monday morning, students will be given the chance to vote for their favourite primary and /or intermediate pumpkin with a quarter.  Parents may vote too. Students can vote for as many pumpkins as they have quarters for; however, students may not vote for their own pumpkin!

     By the end of the day, votes will be tallied and two pumpkins will be recognized: the best primary pumpkin and the best intermediate pumpkin.  There will be a prize for each pumpkin owner announced over the PA.
     Students are responsible for picking up their pumpkins at the end of day from the corridors – for use that evening at home, of course!
Quick Facts About the Pumpkin Display:
·         Pumpkins must be carved prior to arriving at school
·         Pumpkins may have an internal light source (batteries only)
·         No candles or flames of any sort can be used
·         Pumpkins must be entered between 8:00-8:30 AM in the Randerson foyer on Thursday, Friday and Monday
·         Entry cost is a loony; parents and students vote with quarters; all money to UNICEF
·         Votes must be cast by Noon (12:00)
·         Prized will be awarded for the best primary and the best intermediate pumpkins
·         Pumpkins can be picked up by their owners in the hallways at 2:15 or at the classroom teacher’s discretion after afternoon recess
Last year’s event raised $595: the more entries the more fun, and the more money is raised for UNICEF.


Paul Nixon

PS: Don’t forget the usual Halloween Costume Parade which takes place in the Gym at 8:45 to 9:15 on the same day.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Drop Everything and Read a Huge Success at Randerson

322 kids in pajamas + 21educators (most in pajamas) + 5 Nanaimo Clippers Hockey Players   
= A whole lot of fun

Thank you to the Nanaimo Clippers Hockey team for reading with Randerson kids. 
We had lots of fun!
                                                  
  Members of the Nanaimo Clippers choosing books to read to the kids
Thanks
Kyle Kramer
Jesse Neher
Trevor Fitzgerald 
Brett Hartskamp
Josh Bryan




                                                                                Mr. Mazzei enjoying a good book during DEAR

Early Dismissal All week @ 1:00 PM



Just a reminder students get out at 1:00 PM each day this week for parent-teacher interviews and informal chats.  In conjunction with the interviews PAC is hosting a Scholastic Bookfair in the school foyer Mon-Thurs 1:00-3:30. 

Monday, October 17, 2011

Pajama Day
Monday October 24th we will celebrate Drop Everything and Read with Pajama Day.  What better way to read a book than in your coziest jammies?  Kindergarten through grade 7 students, teachers and EA's will all be wearing jammies.   


Saturday, October 15, 2011

Drop Everything and Read

Monday, October 24th


On Monday October 24th, students and staff at Randerson will be taking part in the annual Drop Everything and Read.  What started with a few schools in Victoria in 2007 has grown to more than 48,000 students, 16,000 teachers and administrators and countless other community members taking part in BC's 2010 challenge.  This year DEAR has gone national with BC leading the way.

Special guests joining us at Randerson are members of the Clippers Hockey team and our new superintendent Dave Hutchinson.   Grab a great book and enjoy your DEAR time.

Pajama Day - as part of DEAR day we are having pajama day.  Wear your jammies!


Join Us to...Drop Everything and Read!


WHERE: Wherever you are!

WHEN: Monday, October 24, 2011 @ 9:30 - 9:50

HOW: Stop whatever it is that you are doing and...just read!

WHY: Because the love of reading is a beautiful, valuable, lifelong habit that everyone should enjoy, every day.
 
 

Welcome To Randerson's Library Blog

Welcome to Randerson's Library Blog.  Here you will find information about what's happening in the library and other great events at our school.  I would love to see students guest blog 'book reviews' and 'recommended reads'.  Students can stop by the library to inquire about guest blogging. I look forward to your contributions.  Mrs. Martineau



The more you read, the more things you will know.  The more that you learn the more places you'll go!  
Dr. Suess 'I Can Read with My Eyes Shut'