Multicultural Day

Thank you soooo much for your generous contributions today!  We ate like Kings and Queens…I can't figure out where these little people put it all!  They are currently in a coma-like state from  being over-stuffed…so can we do this every Friday?!  ;-)

I didn't get a chance to take pics during the grazing but you know what they look like when they eat.  I did manage to snap some pics of the group and class dances that we took part in in the gym.

GREAT DAY!

Student-Led Conferences

Student-led conferences are coming up next week - the sign up sheet is now in the foyer of the school.  If you can not make it in to sign up, please see the current pic of the schedule below and email (lmaclaren@sd44.ca) the time you would like.  If no times are convenient, just let me know.

Please note that these conferences are student led, with 4 children visiting at a time, which means this is not an opportunity to speak to me about your child.  It is your child's chance to share their environment with you.

If I feel that a private conference is necessary, I will email you to schedule one.  You are always free to request a meeting with me.

I will NOT be taking attendance :-)

***Tuesday and Thursday mornings are NOT available***

Axe Capoeira

We watched a performance by Axe Capoeira yesterday - they are a team of people showcasing Brazilian culture through dance, and music.  It was amazing and even led to some cool moves on the playground right afterwards :-)

Grade 1 Fieldtrip

Grade 1s are heading to the symphony on Wednesday!  Please ensure that they have a good breakfast that day because they are not allowed to eat on the school bus or at the theatre.  After breakfast their next opportunity will be upon their return at noon.

Curling

We have a curling instructor in the school today and tomorrow!  We just had our session and the kids LOVED it!  We learned about the house, button, stones, and sweeping.  These pics should help you to have a chat with your child about it :-)

Kindergarten Parents Only

GRADE 1 parents please note : Your children are involved in activities that day with the rest of the school.  A Schools Connect message has or will come home about that day for them.

Div. 14 will be celebrating Multiculturalism in Kindergarten on Friday, February 27.  On this day we will honour the fact that each of us has a unique heritage comprised of different traditions, clothing, music, languages and foods.  Please let your classroom teacher know, via email or in person, if you would be able to contribute on this day by bringing a food item that can be sampled by all the children, sending a CD of music unique to your culture, or having your child wear a traditional outfit.  Perhaps your child may even be able to recite a greeting or phrase for the class in another language!

Some examples of food items might be as simple as breads, pastries, teas, dips and fresh fruits, to things requiring a little more preparation like sushi, curry, etc.  There should only be enough for children to “sample” so large quantities are not required.  Please communicate with your classroom teacher with regard to allergies or other restrictions.  It would be helpful if your dish included things needed for serving where applicable (utensils, spoons, Dixie cups, etc.) and a written blurb about what the dish is, where and how it is traditionally served, and any other interesting information.

You may still send a lunch for your child on that day, just in case, as they are only sampling these foods; however, in past years we have literally grazed all day and been bursting at the seams by 3:00.   Grazing begins at 10:40!

Valentines Day

We will be handing out Valentines Day cards on Friday this week.  Please note that if children are bringing any Valentines cards at all, they must bring one for each student…not just those they consider close friends.  This, to avoid having hurt feelings.

There is a class list on this blog if you need it.  We now have 20 students in class.

In keeping with out focus on health and nutrition, they will be limited to 1 Valentines Day treat at school that day.  If you send in a class treat, please consider that it will be traveling home with children that day.

Thanks!

Reminder

Just reminding parents to please call the office each day that your child is absent.  The office staff do have to make every effort to contact parents of absent children if they haven't been called and this can be VERY time consuming, especially if they can't reach someone.

The exception would be if you have contacted me and I have confirmed receipt of your message.

Thanks!

Risky Play

Our district hosted a presentation on Risky Play recently and Brooksbank teachers in attendance found it really interesting.  I tracked down an article that encompasses the ideas from this presentation.  It is interesting so thought I would share.