• On Monday the grade 6/7 MACC Classes had a presenter from SFU, who talked about brain activity and neuroscience. Dr John McDonald & Grad Student Greg Christie showed students a live EEG and OEG and explained some about how they would begin to analyze brain activity.  Students were engaged and fascinated – ask your son or daughter about some of the questions that were discussed. 
• We tried to get the students to stretch their understanding of Empires, on Tuesday students watched a documentary called “Memoir of Japan: A Secret Empire” – students were asked to analyse the information in the movie with the concepts they already knew from their projects. 
•  Grade 7/8 students have continued to work on their nutrition projects in Health and Career Ed (HCE).  Students have completed a 7 Day Food Journal and are know analyzing the amount of fibre, sodium, sugar, carbs and protein they ate for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.  
• Grade 6’s had another session with Ms. Moss (District Teacher) and discussed Superflex (a social thinking program).  The students discussed the “Team of Unthinkables” and learned strategies that can help develop better self-awareness and self-monitoring skills. 
• Grade 8’s toured the high school in their catchment to learn about the programs offered in grade 9.  Many of the applications for specialized programs are already due and we look forward to hearing where the grade 8’s will be for secondary school.
• MACC Clubs Day registration was due on Thursday, you son or daughter will receive an email shortly informing them about which session they are registered for and any additional information they might need for the day.
• Extra-curricular activities are on the go at Hillcrest – right now we have: basketball teams, a table tennis club, a wrestling team, a Ski and Snowboard Club, Whistler Ski Trips, intramurals, Spirit Squad and Yearbook Club. 
• Ms Moody has a unique opportunity for up to 30 of our students to participate in at the the Inspiration Garden at Town Centre.  Students will be working throughout the spring with a buddy class from Walton Elementary in the garden.  There will be lessons, work time in the gardens, and journaling.  Students have been asked to let Ms. Moody know if they are interested in participating.
• MACC 6/7 will also be organizing the Hillcrest Candy Grams for Valentines Day.  Students will have the opportunity to show leadership in advertising (posters and announcements), making the candy grams and selling them at lunch times.  Students will be working on this project over the next two weeks.
• Hope you had a great Pro-D Day on Friday – Ms. Moody and I took the opportunity to learn from other gifted teachers in the district and to network with colleagues about personalized learning.

And even though it was a short week, we still have a lot to talk about… stay tuned for this weeks update.