Grade 2

  • Class Overview

  • Grade 2

    I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you and your child to Grade two and to provide you with some important information and an overview of our upcoming school year.

    Grade two is a very special year of spiritual growth and understanding as the students prepare to receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and Holy Communion. It is a true blessing for me to guide and prepare them along the way.

    We will embrace our school theme with a school-wide focus on the different people in the Bible who are great examples to us of deep care for one another.  We will also consider what Christian Hope is about, as we get to know the Lord more.

    Below is a snapshot of the grade two curriculum outcomes and expectations:

  • Curriculum Summary

  • Christian Education

    As stated, one of our main focuses is sacramental preparation. However, we do follow a prescribed curriculum and use the Christ Our Life series. We will learn about God’s creation, mercy, forgiveness and love through scripture study, reflection and personal responses. We will identify what the church celebrates, focusing on Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter and tie these to the celebration of the Sacraments. The students will learn the Act of Contrition prayer in preparation for their first confession. We will identify the parts of the mass, symbols and people seen there. We will learn about the life and teachings of Jesus and the important people in his life.

  • Language Arts

    There is a heavy focus on L.A in grade two, as in all primary grades. It encompasses reading, writing, phonics, spelling, grammar and oral language. We will build on the foundations and skills learned in Grade one through guided reading, independent, shared and home reading, word work, spelling, phonics and grammar skills, creative, personal and informational writing and development of oral language skills.

  • Math

    I really love to teach Math and I want the students to love it too. So I believe in a “hands on minds on” approach to skill development and learning. I like to teach through games and exploration. We will cover concepts in the areas of sorting, patterning, number sense (counting to 100), addition and subtraction of basic facts and two digit numbers with and without regrouping, measurement, place value, financial literacy and geometry.

  • Science

    Our Science curriculum is really interesting and lends itself really well to experiments as well as observing the natural world around us.  I like to invite a Scientist into the classroom over Skype to discuss what we are learning and make a broader connection.  We will learn about scientific tools, skills and processes, chemical and physical changes of matter, forces and their influence on objects and the water cycle, sources and conservation.  We will also come to understand that water is an essential component to life itself, all around us.

  • Social Studies

    This subject really helps the students learn what it means to be a responsible student and citizen in their school and communities. We will work on problem solving and decision making as well as explore our school community and neighbourhoods. We will develop an appreciation for Aboriginal heritage and learn about the various cultures of Canadian society.  

  • Fine Arts

    This subject area includes Art and Drama. We will use various materials, processes and images to look at and recreate line, shape, colour, value, texture and form. Many of our final products reflect a particular theme – it could be religious, a special event or artist study. Drama is integrated with subjects such as L.A., Social Studies and Career Education where students have an opportunity to role play, act out reader’s theatre and of course poetry recitation and bible readings in Speech Arts in the spring.

  • Check out this class news and homework

  • Class Teacher

    • Mrs. Rita Wakely
      Grade 2 & 7 Teacher

      Mrs. Rita Wakely

      Grade 2 & 7 Teacher

      Mrs. Wakely received her Bachelor of Education degree from the University of British Columbia. Mrs. Wakely has taught a variety of grades from Kindergarten to Grade 10 in such locations as Prince Rupert, Nanaimo and Abbotsford. Mrs. Wakely has gained a wealth of experience in her more than 25 years of teaching. Mrs. Wakely has completed the Google For Education Fundamentals Training.

    • Mrs. Tara Gaudet
      Grade 2 Teacher

      Mrs. Tara Gaudet

      Grade 2 Teacher

      Mrs. Tara Gaudet received her Bachelor of Music – Major in Oboe Performance and Education from the University of Victoria. In addition she studied musical theatre at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario. Prior to St. James she taught in the Integrated Fine Arts School for Abbotsford School District as a music teacher and Grade One classroom teacher. Mrs Gaudet has been teaching at St. James Elementary for 6 years and thoroughly enjoys being a part of this community. Mrs. Gaudet has her Orton Gillingham classroom certification.