Holiday Concert 2008

The Benson auditorium was filled with holiday spirit on the evening December 16th. Students sang, danced, played, acted and joked their way through a fantastic holiday programme.
Ondraya was an entertaining Master of Ceremonies and there were starring performances from:
JK and SK- Jingle Bells medley , jokes and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
1C and 1/2M - Kris Kringle’s Jingle Bell Band and Must Be Santa
2P - The Snowman and The Gingerbread Man poems
3M - Why Santa Hired the Elves dramatic presentation and The Elves Freeze Dance
Mme. Kazoun’s Grade 4’s and Mrs. Lynn’s ESL class - Ding Din Don C'est Noel
Mrs. Moore and Miss Landry’s Dance Team featuring dance moves from girls in 5/6M and 6/7K - Hip Hop Sleigh Ride
3/4G. 4SW and 5J Candlelight Silent Night choir
4SW and 5J African Noel Choir and Live Percussion
BAND (Students from 6/7K, 7/8K and 8C) O Canada!, A Christmas Sleigh Ride, First Rockin’ Christmas

Book Fair Success!

Thank you to the staff and students for supporting the book fair this year. Many of you are now enjoying some excellent reading selections, and we raised almost $1000 in book credit for our school library! We will be conducting our draw for the Family Event winner and the poster winners at the assembly on Monday, Dec. 1. Thanks. Mrs. Moore

Remembrance Day

Students in 4SW and ESL attended the Remembrance Day service at the Downtown Windsor centotaph. Students paid their respects to the soldiers who have in the past and continue today to keep peace for our country Canada. Students met Mayor Eddie Francis and talked with several veterans who were also in attendance at the centotaph. Back at school Ms. Landry, Mrs. Pohanka and their team put on a touching ceremony in the school auditorium. Classes participated by presenting class-made wreaths as symbols of our respect.

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Little Ones Learn Mad Science!

The Junior and Senior Kindergaten and Grade One students are budding little scientists! On Friday, November 7, our youngest students learned about magnets and made other scientific discoveries under the guidance of the presenters from Mad Science!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Eric Walters Visits Benson

On Thursday, November 6, award winning author Eric Walters visited Benson School. The Junior and Intermediate students enjoyed listening to his dynamic presentation. His passion for life is evident in his sharing of his writings, his humour and his tales about children less fortunate than we are. You can take a look at some of the projects the students have been working on with Mrs. Moore in the library regarding Eric Walters and his novels on the Benson Library Wiki.

Anti Bullying Poster Contest Winners

Anti-Bullying Poster Contest

Wow! Benson students are fantastic media artists! We had so many wonderful entries, many of which are decorating our front hallway.
Congratulations to the contest winners!

Primary - Hridita, Livia and Rawand
Junior/Intermediate - Denise, Nhi and Rebecca

Visit www.moblyng.com to make your own!

Walk-A-Thon

On behalf of the Benson staff and students, we would like to sincerely thank all our families and community friends for their warm generosity in pledging donations in support of our school walkathon.  The proceeds will benefit all students (e.g. extra-curricular activities, field trips, house league incentives, etc.). Our entire school walked proudly with great school spirit!  We’d also like to thank Ms Colebrook’s grade 8 class as they raised approximately $1200.00 as our top class and the school raised a total of just over $4000.00!  A job well done!
Mr. Petrusenko
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School Council News

Our school council would like to encourage parents to attend our next school council meeting on Wednesday, November 26 at 12:30 in the auditorium.  If you have any suggestions or questions, a Parent Suggestion Box is now available.  One is located just outside the main office and the other is located in the Ontario Early Years’ room.  Our school council chair, Mrs. Caroline Postma has also graciously offered to have parents contact her directly through her e-mail address as she looks forward to acting as a liaison between our parents and the school. Caroline’s address is: cpostma@city.windsor.on.ca 

Harrier Meet

The Harrier team had a beautiful, sunny day to travel to Malden Park to take place in the long distance running races. Thank you to Mrs. Hillis for taking the time to practise with us and to Mrs. Gelinas for accompanying us to the meet.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Peaceful Happenings at Benson School

Pinwheels for Peace
On the morning of September 19, 2008, J.E. Benson School joined many other schools across Windsor and Essex County, by taking part in the International art and literacy project, Pinwheels for Peace.
All week long leading up to this event, students joined Mrs. Moore in the library for a literacy lesson based on peace and to create pinwheels decorated with words and drawings which express their feelings of peace. Friday morning the students planted their pinwheels in the front schoolyard facing Wyandotte Street, as a public statement showing how Benson students promote peace at school, throughout our community and the world!

Toonies for Terry
Students continued to think of others Friday afternoon by participating in the annual "Toonies for Terry" Terry Fox Walk. Students raised funds by collecting loonies and toonies. A donation will be made to the Terry Fox Foundation to help find a cure for cancer.

Safe School Committee
The J.E. Benson Safe School Committee is made up of students who want to make Benson a safe and caring community for all learners! This team of student leaders meet weekly with Mr. Cutting, our CYW, to plan events, be trained as playground coaches, and share ideas to promote peaceful interactions at Benson School. One of their first initiatives is an Anti-Bullying Poster Contest.

Anti-Bullying Poster Contest
Students are participating in a school-wide poster creation contest to increase awareness about bullying and to continue our quest to prevent bullying in our school community. Winning posters from each division will be highlighted on our school web site and prominently displayed in the welcoming foyer of our school.

Welcome Back!

Welcome back to the 2008/2009 school year!

This photo is from an old classic TV show, Welcome Back Kotter... funny stuff (really, moms, dads, and grandparents will back me up, just ask them:-)

We are all looking forward to another superb year at Benson School. Remember to get your AUP and Media Release forms signed and returned so that we can start adding your fine work to this blog!

:-) Mrs. Moore

Grade 8 Graduation

Believe You Can Achieve!

Our Benson Grade 8 graduates said goodbye to their elementary years this past Thursday during a beautiful and inspirational graduation ceremony. Congratulations to all graduates!

Music With Brian

Today the boys and girls in JK, SK, 1M, 1/2C and 2M enjoyed a fantastic concert on our front lawn. We sang and danced to the musical stylings of Music With Brian. Tiko did a great job as "Father Duck" and all of the students showed us their very best dance moves! What a special way to spend a warm Thursday afternoon!

Ojibway Park

The Grade 1's and 2's in Ms. Mellanby and Mrs. Crowder's classes visited Ojibway Park last week. The students explored the marsh, scooped up tadpoles, did some bird watching and even spotted a deer. What an exciting way to start off the month of June!
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Medieval Feast in 4L

The Grade 4 students have been learning about Medieval times. Students in 4L and 3/4SG built their very own model castles and brought them in for the students to display in a walk through. Wow, what creative and intricate castles!
4L celebrated the end of this social studies unit with a Medieval Feast. Students drew names to choose the royal members who presided over the feast. Brianne and Joel, Omar and Hena were the class royalty. They were the only ones to eat the feast with utensils!! The jesters and peasants enjoyed the feast in true medieval fashion...with their bare hands. A deliciously royal time was had by all!
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Bobcats Jump Rope For Heart

On Friday, June 6 Benson students participated in the Heart and Stroke Foundation's Jump Rope For Heart fundraiser. The students kept active all day skipping and throwing hoops! Keep jumping Bobcats!
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Activity Thon Fundraiser

Great job Bobcats! You helped to raise almost $2000 for our school in our ActivityThon Fundraiser! Click the play button below to see students involved in reading, board games and other fun activities which do not involve turning on the TV!

Firefighters Visit Benson School

Benson students in Grades 1,2 and 3 are learning fire safety from some of Windsor's own firefighters. We had a talk about fire safety, demonstation of fire fighting equipment, a tour of the fire truck and a question and answer period. Thank you to our settlement worker Heidi Lui for organizing this activity.

Turn Off the TV Week

What a great week! Following a rainy start on Monday, Tuesday saw many students participating in our Activity Week with after school activities such as crafts, fooseball, baseball, skipping, jewellery making and science experiments. We are learning that even though the TV is waiting for us at home, there are SOOOO many things to do after school that are even more fun! On Wednesday many more students joined in activities such as painting, golf, skipping, baking and ping pong. Thursday afternoon we will be heading over to Wilson Park for our Track and Field events. Friday is our ACTIVITY-THON Fundraiser! The entire school will join in reading, physical activities, a neighbourhood walk, board games, activity centres and a school assembly featuring a Turn off the TV Media spot created by Mrs. Moore's Early Literacy students and Gr. 7 & 8 dance groups! Remember to collect those pledges and return your yellow form on Friday!

Learning Through the Arts

The Learning Through the Arts Program has been a tremendous success at Benson School this year! This program which brings professional artists to the students has been a highlight for students in 1/2C. To share their excitement in creating unique art pieces, click play on the slide show below.

3K Citizenship Assembly

Students in 3K know what it takes to be a good citizen at Benson School. Mr. Kennedy and the class worked on creating an original rap song sharing what they know with the rest of the school. Take a look at Benson's first ever original music video highlighting their fantastic presentation at the last school assembly!

Blue Spruce Winner!

The Primary classes have been casting their votes this week to choose their favourite Blue Spruce picture book! Over the past few months in Early Literacy, the students have been enjoying Canadian picture books especially selected by the Ontario Library Association. After reading and discussing all ten nominees, the students selected Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend by an overwhelming margin!

Some of the students in 3K chose to record a podcast to explain why they voted the way they did. Click to hear Rawand discussing In My Backyard, Sarah discussing Please Louise, and Alvin, Daniel, Heather, Elijah, Harman and Jessika supporting their vote for Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend.

Benson Idol!

"Benson Idol".... where all the participants are winners!!

Benson School students have been rehearsing for weeks now, perfecting their singing, dancing and instrumental skills.
Today, in our auditorium, these fantastic students presented "Benson Idol" for parents, classmates and staff. Under the direction of Mrs. Harrison, Miss Landry and Mr. Williamson, Benson students were invited to showcase their unique talents. The participants wowed the audience with singing, dancing, martial arts, gymnastics, instrumental talents and much, much more! Way to go Benson Idols ... you are all stars! The play button below for more pictures of our Benson Idols.

New Class Web Page

Check out Mr. Malmberg's new class web page The 6M Mix!

Faith Nolen Visits Benson

Friday, April 18th Benson School hosted singer, Faith Nolen. There was a celebration of diverse cultures as Faith invited students to join in singing and dancing their way through songs embracing a wide variety of cultures. The space was packed with swaying, rocking, singing and friendship! Thank you Faith Nolen for visiting our school and bringing your enthusiasm!

SK Earth Day Tips

Mrs. Hillis' SK class have been talking about saving our planet! Visit their podcast for some Eco tips!

Earth Day Tips from JK and SK

Visit our Podomatic page hear our JK students and their Earth Day Podcast. They share some tips to keep our Earth happy!

Precious Plastecine Art!

Mrs. Moore's Early Literacy classes have been learning about Canadian author and illustrator Barbara Reid. She is known for her detailed illustrations created with plastecine.
Click the play buttons below to watch short animoto videos featuring creations from our Primary students.
1M

1/2C

2M

3K

Class of the Week Interview

Last week Mrs. Pickersgill's AM JK class were featured on AM 800. Click here to listen to that interview.

Tiger Day!

Staff and students will celebrate the Detroit Tiger baseball opener on Monday, March 31. Show your school spirit by wearing you Tiger gear and support Mrs. Pohanka's favourite team!

JK - AM Class of the Week!

Congratulations to Mrs. Pickersgill and her JK AM class. They have been selected as the AM 800 Class of the Week and will be hosting guests from AM 800 Thursday, April 3. The boys and girls will also be enjoying a delicious complimentary breakfast from McDonalds. Way to go JK AM!

Breakfast Club Volunteers Needed

Benson School is always looking for dedicated volunteers either in the classroom or in other capacities. Currently, there is a need for anyone who can help our students in the Breakfast Club getting students off to a great day with a nutritious breakfast. If you can help out on any day from Monday to Friday during the hours of 8-9 am, please call Mr. Petrusenko at 254-3761. Thank you so much.

Welcome

Welcome to the new blog for J.E. Benson School, home of the Bobcats!

Posted here will be current, up to the minute information for all of our Benson families.

We hope that everyone had a restful and entertaining March Break. We are ready to get back to stretching those minds!! Here are a few engaging literacy sites to keep students busy until Monday:

1. For Primary/Junior students:

Create sentences and put words in order: http://www.xmleducation.co.uk/magnets.html

2. For Junior/Intermediate students:

Spell your name with images from Flickr

http://metaatem.net/words/

3. For Primary students:

Have fun reading and working with words:

http://www.starfall.com/

4. For everyone:

Visit the Windsor Public Library online. Click Kids Corner : Fun & Activities, then Tumblebooks to listen to great stories on your computer.

http://www.windsorpubliclibrary.com/

Have fun! See you next week:-)
Mrs. M.