Week of November 27th

Today was a chilly one outside!  We noticed that some children had shorts and t-shirts as their "spare" set of clothing at school. We have sent them home but please send pants and a long sleeve shirt back.  We also noticed that many children are missing a spare pair of socks.  With the unpredictable weather, you never know when a soaker might occur!  An extra pair (or 2) of socks would be helpful.

Our letter of the week is "w" and our word of the week is "we".  The sk students are doing a great job thinking of the letter sounds and putting them together.  We will be working on this skill all year but feel free to practice at home as well.  

This afternoon we started practicing our songs for the Christmas concert.  We are still checking the calendar to see what day is best but we will get that information out ASAP.  It will be a little performance followed by a craft and gathering in the classroom.  You won't want to miss it!

Here are some pictures from the day:

Week of November 20th

It was so nice to talk with you about your child's progress thus far during interview night.  We are so happy with all of our students and love watching them learn and grow.  If you did not sign up for an interview and would like to discuss your child's progress, please write a note in the communication book and we can schedule a phone interview.  We always like to talk to every parent and touch base at this time of the year.

Our letter of the week is the letter "o" and our word of the week is "to".  The sk students did an amazing job writing a thought or a sentence using the word "to".  We are so proud of their writing so far and it is only November!  Please keep reviewing the letters and their associated sounds during your nightly reading.

We were busy making snow globe art today in light of our recent dump of snow.  They look adorable and the students had a blast making them.

Most kids were so excited to play in the snow today!  Please ensure that your child comes to school with mitts, a hat, snow-pants, a warm coat and spare clothing in case they get wet.

Reminder:
Friday is a PD Day so there is no school for the students.

Missing Roots Hoodie

Hello Parents,

We are on the hunt for a missing Roots hoodie.  It is the same style as the picture below but in heathered grey instead of black.  If you have seen it or if your child brought it home by accident, could you please let us know.
Thank you!

Week of November 13th

Today we had a very busy day.  We started off with a lockdown practice first thing in the morning.  The children did such an amazing job staying calm and quiet.  We were so proud of them.

Our letter of the week is "s".  We practiced printing this tricky letter with our magical finger! Our word of the week is "is".  We sounded it out by putting the letter sounds together.  This is a tricky task to say the sounds and try and put them together.  Please practice this with yout child if your child is in sk.  We will be working on this all year.  Some of the children are sounding words out on their own and are eager to attempt new words.

On Wednesday, your child will be receiving their Initial Observation.   Thursday is parent -teacher interviews.  If you have not signed up for a time, please do so soon. Mrs. T and I are very excited to discuss your child's progress thus far.

Today, we also worked on placing numbers in order.  The children worked together and were able to place numbers 1-40 in the correct order.  We often play a "what comes before/after" game in the morning.  This is a quick and fun game to play with your child and is really beneficial for them.  (What comes after 7? )  For our jk students, we go up to 5.  Try going past 10 if your child is in sk.

On Tuesday, November 21, 2017 from 7:00 pm-8:00 pm, St. Gabriel will be hosting an informative session on Social Emotional Learning (SEL).  This session will help parents understand the school wide focus on being calm, focussed and ready to learn.  If you are available to attend, please confirm your attendance by completing this form.
Register here


Here are some pictures from today:

Week of November 6th

Our letter of the week is the letter "t" and our word of the week is "it".  Today we talked about words and how to make words by putting letters together.  Since last week's letter was "i", we practiced putting the sound of "i" and "t" together to make "it".  Please continue to practice letter recognition and letter sounds at home.

This week we will be talking about poppies, peace and Remembrance Day.  We have been learning a song about peace.  Ask your child to sing it to you.  Our focus will be on kindness and how lucky we are to live in such a wonderful country.  On Friday, we will be having a special visitor in to give a presentation.  He will be dressed in his uniform and will be answering any questions the children may have.  We are looking forward to having him come into the classroom.

Next Wednesday,  your child will be coming home with their first "report"called the Initial Observation.  Interviews will be held the following evening (Thursday, November 16th).  An email was sent out last week on how to book an interview online.  We hope to meet everyone that night.  It's always a great way to talk about your child's transition and progress so far.  If you did not get the email regarding booking interviews, please call the school or write a note in your child's communication book.  To ensure that we stay on time that night, please knock on the door when it's your time.  They are only 10 minute interviews.

With the cold weather moving in, please send your child to school dressed appropriately for the weather.  We are outdoors for 30 minutes in the morning, 20 minutes at lunch as well as 15 minutes at the end of the day.  Please send in extra socks and a spare set of clothing for your child if they do not have any in the classroom.

This Friday we will be sending the blankets home to be washed.  Please send them back on Monday.

Here are some pictures from today:

Week of October 30th

Today we had a fun filled day on such a wet and gloomy Monday.  The children had a blast exploring the games that the Grade 6 students made.  Thank you for sending in donations.  This money will go to the Free the Children Foundation.

Our letter of the week is "i" / "I".  We practiced printing this letter with our magical finger and also buttered the "I" in our poem.  Our word of the week is also "I".  We spoke about the importance of using an uppercase and that when "I" is on it's own, it needs to be uppercase.  The sk writing is really coming along.  They are learning all the important concepts of print.

Please continue to read to/with your child. It's is so beneficial for them and they love listening to stories.

Tomorrow, we are having a visit from a motivational group called NED.  This is a program that centres around 3 important messages: Never give up + Encourage others + Do your best.  It is suppose to be a real engaging and fun show for the children.

Tomorrow, the children are welcome to wear orange and black clothing.  Please leave the costumes at home.  We don't want them getting dirty or damaged before trick or treating.

Here are some pictures from the day:

Play For Change -Monday, October 30th

On Monday, October 30th, we will be participating in the Grade 6 fundraiser called Play for Change.  The school will be filled with games that the Grade 6 students have made.  The money collected will be going to the Free the Children Foundation.  If you have any change to spare, please send it in a ziplock with your child on Monday.  All children will be able to participate in the games on Monday morning.  It is always so much fun for the children and they are looking forward to going!