Monday

Science Test Today.

Thursday

It's On!

Only one will emerge the winner in the grade 6/7 PONG TOURNAMENT!

http://www.ponggame.org/

Tuesday

Things we learned today:

How to tie a tie.

How to braid a braid.

How to juggle.

Last week we learned how to sign our name and how to shake hands.

It was a lot of fun. Congrats to the winners of our tie-off competition. We learned the four-in-hand knot and the half-windsor (which I recommended they learn as their main go to knot.)

Learning to tie ties went really well, most kids learned it, some will even be able to show off to you at home. Learning to braid was also great, everyone was able to do it very well.

Learning to juggle was a little bit less successful!

Monday

A great day at the park, much fun had by all.

Bring a tie tomorrow.

A Response

We received an absolutely wonderful letter from Steve Earle. The man to whom we wrote to after he helped a woman off a plane after a crash in Halifax. His words are worth reading.

Grade 6/7 Class

Beavercrest School

Markdale, Ontario

May 5, 2015

Dear the Grade 6/7 class

My apologies for having taken so long to respond to your letters.  I have been quite busy with my work and a busy family with after school activities etc. as I’m sure you can understand.  I also wanted to make sure that I had the opportunity to put as much thought into my response as you obviously put into your letters, and I wanted to answer all of your questions – of which there are quite a few.

I really do feel honored that you each think that my small action that night was heroic, but I really do believe that it was not.  I was capable, and Ruth wasn’t, so I believe that I had an obligation to do whatever it was that I was able to do.  Many of you stated that you think that the world needs more people like me, but I believe that MOST people are like me – including you!  I just happened to be the man who switched seats with Ruth and was close enough to see that she needed help.  I like to think that if I was not on that plane, but my wife or children were, that there would be people willing to help them if they needed it.

There are people around the world, every minute of the day that are doing much more profound, dangerous and selfless acts for other people than what I did.  It’s unfortunate that the news and media often overlook these acts in favor of reporting more on the “bad” things that are happening, or people are doing.  You might have to look a little harder to find these “good” stories – but they are there.

To answer your questions;

1)      The most popular question of all:  What was I thinking while the plane was crashing?

There are many, many things going through your mind very quickly in a time of crisis like this, but I can tell you that (surprisingly) I did not feel afraid.  Beyond the shock of it registering in my mind that it was actually happening, I was more sad and disappointed at what I thought my family might have to go through if I did not survive.  My heart hurt for them profoundly.

2)      Would I do the same thing again?

Absolutely, and I hope that there would be someone willing to help me if I needed it.

3)      Why do I prefer “Human” to “Hero”?

It’s difficult situations like this that I believe our “human” obligation to each other is at it’s highest.

4)      How did I feel as I carried Ruth?

I was wondering to myself if we would make it away quick enough and if I had the strength.  I was also hoping that my carrying her over my shoulder in that way and running would not hurt her.

5)      Did I have any second thoughts when I saw that Ruth needed help?

None

6)      If I could change anything that happened – would I?

Not now.  Other than wishing that the accident never happened at all, I believe we were all very lucky that the outcome was not worse.  It was very difficult for me mentally for a while afterwards, but the huge amount of positivity that everyone (including you!!) surrounded me with because of that little thing I did really helped me overcome a tough time – THANK YOU for contributing to that.

7)      After the “fame” what do people think of me?

That’s difficult to answer – but I don’t think that they think any differently of me, at least I hope not – because they shouldn’t.

8)      Why did it take so long for me to come forward when I heard that Ruth was looking for me?

I really wasn’t sure that I wanted the attention – specially at the time, but my friends and family convinced me to do it because it would mean a great deal to Ruth.

I really want all of you to know that what happened to that plane is NOT something that happens all the time.  It’s a complete anomaly.  Most pilots who fly hundreds of times a year for their 30+ year careers never encounter anything like what occurred.

There will be things that happen in your life that might scare you, or make you worry.  Be smart – and be safe with your decisions as best your can, but try not to let fear take away from your ability to live your life with enjoyment. 

I got back on an airplane again 3 days after the accident with my family because it was important for me to do for myself, and to show my kids they need not be afraid – and neither should you.

I am extremely flattered that you apparently all think so much of me and what I did, but it really was just “human” – at least to me.  I’m just a regular guy, father, husband.  I have made decisions and done things in my life that I am proud of, and not so proud of.  That’s human.

Thank you all for taking the time and for such kind thoughts, and thank you Mr. Elkins for being the kind of teacher that shows your kids that all the news is not necessarily bad news or sensational junk out of Hollywood.

I do have one request of the Grade 6/7 Beavercrest class however!!  It’s an assignment;

If Mr. Elkins agrees, I would like each of you to research and find 2 or 3 wonderful, selfless acts that people around the world have done for each other and share them with each other, and your school.

Thank you!!

I wish each of you all the best in all your endeavors - wherever that might take you.

Sincerely,

Steve Earle

Friday

Things we're learning:

How to shake hands
How to sign your name
How to braid hair
How to tie a tie

For Tuesday - Bring in a Tie!

Thursday

The business sale was incredible yesterday! Every single student was able to pay off their loan and several businesses quite a bit of money. Congratulations to Sign Here for making a total of $115.00 after tax and loan repayment!

Pictures Here

All the money earned will be spent on our year end party. The tax money will be donated to Me to We.


The talent show was also wonderful. Well done to our trumpet players.

Monday

Field Trip Tomorrow!

Dress for the weather.

Bring a lunch or buy one.

Be ready to hike.

Bus leaving at 8:45AM.

We'll be back for normal end of day.

The permission form, for anyone who missed it, is here.

Friday

Happy Weekend all.
Field trip on Tuesday, business sale on Wednesday.

Tuesday

Health and Sex-Ed

Today will be the standard conversation about physical changes in the body during puberty. It's always a great talk, and the students, though sometime giggle a bit, are always very engaged.

Friday (and possibly next week as well) will be the broader talk on healthy sexuality and STD's. If any parents want to get in touch with me before Friday, please email. If you have any questions or suggestion, or if there are any subjects you'd like me to discuss that you aren't comfortable talking about, please let me know. I've done this for years and it always goes well.

Over the next two days, students will be invited to ask any questions, anonymously, that they want answered on Friday.

As always, feel free to continue these discussions at home.

UPDATE:
The discussion today went great. Maturity and serious questions all around. Today we covered the basics of puberty and the basics of changes to the female body. Tomorrow we'll discuss the male body and on Friday health sexuality and STD's. On Friday, as well, we will be splitting the boys and girls up with myself and Ms. Caughill for a bit of a separate talk on a few specific issues.

Monday

Track is cancelled tomorrow, it is on Thursday.

Math today
We calculated stats and averages from the great sports weekend that just past:
- Christine Sinclair's goal
- American Pharaoh's triple crown win
- The Blue Jays huge comeback
- The Cavaliers overtime win
- The Tampa victory over Chicago
- Novak Djokivic's big loss.


Bring a baseball glove!

Thursday

Have a great weekend all.
Bring a baseball glove next Monday.

A great day today. We worked on math, and business, played soccer in gym, and drew logos for our companies.

We also watched some clips from Dragon's Den. Ask your child about the App the silences your ringtone. It was great to see and I still think every kid in the class is lying to me! If you have Netflix, you can watch it at the 18 minute mark on Season 6 Episode 7.


We handed out permission forms for our field trip to Blue Mountain on Tuesday, June 16. Parents are welcome, but make sure you bring good shoes for a hard hike.
- We're walking through a ropes and climbing course run by the Blue Mountain staff
- We're hiking the Cascades trail up the mountain.
- We're riding the gondola back down.
- Lots of free time to eat lunch or buy lunch,
- Cost is $19.00
- Students can bring money to buy lunch or shop if they want to.
- We leave right at 9:00 and return by 3:00.

Wednesday Part 2

A great day today.

Quidditch was a lot of fun.

Math - We looked at the value of Apple - 725 billion and how big that number actually is.

The businesses are going great, we have three that have already made sales.

Bring a baseball glove for gym.

Wednesday

READ THIS

http://blogs.wsj.com/moneybeat/2015/06/02/apple-stretches-lead-over-global-giants/



Apple is the biggest company in the world. Apple is worth $725 billion.


Here is a breakdown of how much money Apple gets from each product.





Here is the price of an iPhone.





Here is a list of the 10 richest people in the world.





Here is a list of the largest companies in the world. Look at the Capitilization section.





Here is a list of margins on phones.




Here is the global population


Here is the amount of money held by the bottom half of people in the world.

$110 000 000 000 000