Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years!

Today's film, Joyeaux Noel, was full of not only amazing visuals and music (aside from the atrocious lip-synching) but it also has a great message of love, acceptance, comraderie and togetherness.

I wish you all a very restful break filled with family, friends, food, fun, fondue, french fries, fatouche, funny movies, fudge, Family Guy, etc etc etc....

Remember about the essay that is due when we get back; we will be working very closely with these so be sure that you do them! And do them soon, while the story is fresh in your mind.

Again, all the best over the next two weeks.

Mr R

The Wars information

I just found this site online and thought it would be very useful. Use it to spur your own thoughts, but remember, this is information for a play that is being staged in Vancouver; as such, not all of the information/events are the same as in the book.

http://www.vancouverplayhouse.com/_files/pdf/plays/the_wars_play_guide.pdf

Diploma Prep

The government has posted some guides for Diploma Exam prep on the following websites. Be sure to check them out - especially English - and if you have any questions, come see me.


http://education.alberta.ca/students/exams.aspx
http://education.alberta.ca/media/604806/ela30-1_student_guide.pdf

Perfect Timing

It needs to be stated that our discussion of the book, The Wars coincides perfectly with Remebrance Day and all of the ideas and celebrations that go with it.

Be sure to take a moment from your day and reflect on this one fictional character and the thousands of real ones like him who gave their lives in the war.

The Posters are Beautifully done...

I have yet to closely look at your posters and study guides, but they appear to be very well done; full of symbolism and relevant images, etc.

As for the upcoming exam, you are expected to know the five stories that were discussed in class as well as those literary terms that we initially looked at on the handout: approximately 1 - 33.

If you have been in class, if you have been active in discussions and group work and if you have kept up on assignments, you will do fine.

Comments

First of all, I am sorry to those of you who have been contributing to the blog. I will be more active on this thing from now on.

If you make a comment, please leave your name at the end of your post so that I know who is using this board.

And please do not be afraid to ask questions!!!! That's what this is for!!!!

Context - The Great Depression

The Great Depression was a time of immense struggle for many people across North America. Both the film we recently viewed and the short story we will soon be examining are set in and around this time.

By understanding the many challenges that were faced by the characters in the film, we have a better chance of empathizing with the characters in our short story.

"Context" is an important term that you must know. Make sure you are clear on both the definition and how it is used in practice.