Newsletter #17

 February 5^th Edition of

The Kindergarten/1 Class News

Greetings Everyone!

It has been an interesting couple of weeks here at school with many children away due to illness and various “extra” activities, including a visit from baby lambs! I was pulled away from the class a few times for various reasons and the kids were very well behaved for the Teachers On Call.

 

We continue learning about the objects in the sky and the portable planetarium visit last week was a real treat! We went on a visit to outer space and even touched a piece of a real shooting star. We have taken this study across all subject areas, writing about it and creating art. 

 

We have been focusing on learning how to identify syllables in our Oral Language Groups. 

 

During our math explorations, we have added counting by 5’s into our counting collection work as well as working with doubles. 

This is the time of year I always tend to notice the kids really starting to “get it” in many areas of our learning which is exciting! I sent out a link to sing up for our Student Led Conferences that are happening on February 18^th. Please sign up for a time to come in and have your child show you a bit of what they have been learning in class. This is meant to be a celebration of learning with your child.

 

Valentine’s Day is also coming up! At school we like to encourage kindness to all, and this is a great opportunity for your child to make cards/tokens for their peers, spreading a little love around. As Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday this year, we will have our class celebration/card exchange on Tuesday, February 17^th. If you can send in a snack to be shared, it would be appreciated! We will be making little card collection bags at school in advance. 

 

February 20^th is a school Friday and our Winter Showcase! Thanks to those of you who filled out the form (optional) if your child wanted to sign up for the talent show or talent display. You are invited to come watch the show on this day at 1:30pm in the gym. Displays are to be brought to school that morning, clearly labeled and removed at the end of the day. This event is a favourite of many and showcases our very talented school community.

 

Important Dates to Remember:

February 14 Valentine’s Day

February 16 Family Day (no school)

February 17 Valentine’s class celebration

February 20 School in session

February 25 Pink Shirt Day (to support anti-bullying) 

 

Warmly,

Ara Van Riel

avanriel@sd64.org

 

      

 

  

 

Newsletter #16

 January 22^nd Edition of

The Kindergarten/1 Class News

Hi Everyone!

Another week goes by. Here is a recap of some of the things we did.

 

We have been working and playing hard here at school. The class has been interested in basketball skills lessons during PE and are getting pretty good!

 

We continue to explore counting collections and have added doubles in the mix. These hands-on explorations have been engaging and productive. We also continue to build on our multi-language counting to 10.

 

We have been studying objects in the sky and this week, focused in on the moon. These little scientists have great curiosity, and we are learning a lot! 

 

I will be hosting Student Led Conferences on February 18. This is an early dismissal day, and you are invited to come in and let your child show you what they have been learning. I will be sending you a sign-up document soon. Please sign up for a time slot that works for you.

 

Important Dates to Remember:

January 27 Portable Planetarium

January 29 Hot dog lunch if you ordered (please also send lots of other food for our 2 snacks prior) 

February 14 Valentine’s Day

February 16 No School

February 18 Early dismissal (12pm) for Student Led Conferences.   

February 20 Winter Showcase (forms went home today!)

February 25 Pink Shirt Day  

 

Warmly,

Ara Van Riel

avanriel@sd64.org

      

 

  

 

Newsletter #15

 January 8^th Edition of

The Kindergarten/1 Class News

Welcome back Everyone!

I hope you all had a good holiday and are ready for a great new term. The kids are, understandably, readjusting to the routines and expectations of the classroom and are likely pretty tired out after our days!

 

Please be sure to send in a bag with a full set of spare clothes to be left at school (if you haven’t already done so). Everything was sent home before the break so if you don’t remember sending clothes in this week, your child likely doesn’t have any at school. 

 

I also appreciate all the art folders that have come back. I will be re-filling these to send home. 

 

We have started learning how to count to 10 in Hul'qumi'num and the kids are really enjoying it! We are also exploring counting collections using different tools such as tens frames, number paths and groupings.

In science we will be studying objects in the sky, seasons and the senses. 

 

Along with our free choice days, the class has been enthusiastic about learning basketball skills.  

 

There are some exciting events coming up this term including a portable planetarium and our annual talent show (historically known as the Spring Showcase but it’s winter so… let’s call it the Winter Talent Show). 

 

Next week is ‘Nn’ week for Show and Tell.

 

Important Dates to Remember:

January 14 The Circle

January 27 Portable Planetarium 

February 14 Valentine’s Day

February 16 No School

February 18 Early dismissal (12pm) for Student Led Conferences.   

February 20 Winter Showcase  

February 25 Pink Shirt Day  

 

It was a great first week back. I hope you enjoy your weekend.

 

Warmly,

Ara Van Riel

avanriel@sd64.org