Brian Deines was here!
On May 10th South Slope/BCSD
hosted illustrator Brian Deines as part of TD Canadian Children’s Book Week. He shared many stories with us and brought some of his original oil paintings, too. Students asked him many questions about his work and his life as an artist. They also waited patiently for his autograph at the end of the day. He enjoyed his visit and we loved having him.
Come and check out the library gallery for student art work inspired by Brian Deines’ books.
Illustrator Visit May 10th
On Thursday, May 10th we will be hosting illustrator Brian Deines as part of TD Canadian Children’s Book Week (http://www.bookweek.ca/). 
Mr. Deines will be giving 4 presentations to our students throughout the day. In the weeks leading up to the event students are reading books he has illustrated during their library times and in their classrooms. In some classes, students are responding to his books with art of their own. For more information on the presentation, please go to:http://www.bookweek.ca/authors/brian-deines
Some of Brian Deines books include:
Battle of the Books begins!
On Wednesday, March 14th the Battle of the Books will begin at South Slope Elementary. Divisions 1 and 2 will combine together to form 6 teams and will “battle” it out on Thursdays beginning March 29th. The school based final will be April 26th and the interschool final will be on Tuesday May1st. Students will be introduced to all the books on Wednesday and will choose one to read over Spring Break.
Check out the prezi below to learn more about the books. Happy reading and good luck Divisions 1 and 2!
Martin Luther King Day
On Monday, January 16th it was Martin Luther King Day. Although this is celebrated in the US, it is also significant to Canadians and Canadian history.
Division 3 and 4 have been learning about the biography genre. One of the biographies introduced last week was Martin Luther King Jr. However, most students were unfamiliar with him and his accomplishments.
Today Division 3 heard Martin’s Big Words in the library. It is a picture book biography that gives important background information to the civil rights movement and Dr. King.
We also looked at The King Center site and watched a clip of Dr. King’s famous “I have a dream” speech. Click here to see the teachertube version.
Other great books related to this subject:
Come and see Mrs. Araujo in the library if you would like to check out these books on Martin Luther King Jr. or any other biographies.
100 Nights of Reading
It’s hard to believe, but we reached 100 nights of reading on January 3rd. Many of you have handed in your forms and picked up your new 150 nights form. Thank you!
If you haven’t, please hand in your forms as soon as possible to the library. There will be an assembly on Jan. 23rd to recognize those of you who have completed 100 nights of reading. We will also find out how far we have traveled in our quest to Read Around the World.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
— Dr. Seuss, “I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!”
And the winner is…
Just before the winter break, Divisions 5,6,7,8 and 9 voted for the Canadian Picture Book of the year. (see earlier post Nov. 24th)
And the winner is…Spork! 
This book about a “spork” who is neither “spoonish” nor “forkish” won the hearts and minds of most of the students.
“I chose this book because the book tells you you should like yourself who ever you are.” Vanessa Div. 6
“I like the story and drawings. It started out plain and then it had more colour.” Reya Div. 6
“Spork is weird and the other kids ask me why do I have curly hair.” Enoch Div. 7
“I liked how it ended. It had a happy ending.” Ethan Div. 6
Check out more comments on all of the books on the display just outside the library doors.
Book Week 2012 Writing Contest for Kids & Teens
Book Week 2012 Writing Contest for Kids & Teens
The Canadian Children’s Book Centre is running a Writing Contest for Kids & Teens in celebration of TD Canadian Children’s Book Week 2012 (May 5 – 12, 2012).
The contest is open to students in Grades 4 to 12. One winner from each grade will receive a $250 gift certificate to the bookstore of his or her choice!
Deadline for entries is February 1, 2012.
Reading Club reaches 8250km!!!!!
Hello everyone,
Congratulations! As of Dec 1st 165 students and staff completed in their 50 nights of reading! We have travelled across Canada and are now just past Newfoundland over the Atlantic. Names are now posted on the bulletin board beside the lunch room.
Thank you for completing your forms and promoting the Reading Club. Remember it’s never too late to join. Come pick up your forms at the library any time.
What is your vote for the Canadian Picture Book of the Year?
Divisions 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 are reading the five nominated titles for the Mailyn Baillie Picture Book of the year.
Click on the book cover to read more about each title.
Which is your favourite so far?