1. September 7, 2010<br />Parents and Guardians,<br />This semester, the students in my grade 9 Religion classes will be participating in a class blog. For now, the blog will serve as an online resource for both students and parents to access information about the course – units of study, up-coming and important dates as well as assignments currently being worked on. This is not a homework help site, however. As I get to know my students and get a sense of the classroom dynamics, I will gradually introduce students to posting their work online if I feel it will benefit the students. Otherwise, the blog will continue to function simply as a class website. Please be assured that I have taken every precaution in ensuring that this blog is completely secure from unwanted visitors. <br />The purpose of this activity is to promote co-operative learning, but in a virtual space. This sort of digital communication skill is increasingly in-demand in both the workplace and various educational institutions. Periodically, students will be asked to respond to a posting, which will be put on the blog by me. These postings relate to specific themes and issues that arise in the curriculum of this course. At times, students will be allotted class time to complete these assignments, and some responses will be assigned for homework. Please note that students may still submit their work in hard copy if they wish. <br />On the blog site, I have posted the “ground rules” – the parameters which will help to ensure a safe and enriched learning environment. Should there be a breach of these ground rules at any point, this activity will cease. Please feel free to visit the class blog with your son/daughter at http://bewithmegrade9.blogspot.com/. Parents are more than welcome to visit this site at any time.<br />Please be aware that both the school principal, Mr. Villani, and the department head of Canadian and World Studies, Ms. Gentile, have also been made aware of this blog and have been invited to visit the site from time to time. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at school. <br />Sincerely, <br />Christine Cosentino <br />Teacher, Religion Department<br />St. Jean de Brebeuf C.H.S<br />