Sunday, December 27, 2015

HOME + SCHOOL CONNECTION

Dear Parents,
Here are a few suggestions for “Homework” that parents can easily integrate into daily routines. This basic personal information is essential for every child to know.

Please review:
  • Child’s first and family names (spelling and printing)
  • Child’s birth date (day and month)
  • Home address (unit number, street name, & city)
  • Phone number (singing it to a familiar tune often aids one’s memory)
On the academic side, we encourage children to be inquisitive and explore their surroundings; these real life experiences create the foundation for any future learning! Keep these ideas in mind whenever an opportunity arises:  

  • conversations on different topics with various people 
  • making connections between a new concept and an older one strengthens new learning 
  • letter recognition; naming letters in and out of sequence
  • connect letters to their sounds by using environmental print (such as street signs, cereal boxes, etc)  
  • recognition of numbers, patterns and geometric shapes or simple adding & subtracting
  • regularly review common sight ("Popcorn") words, such as: I, a, me, see, and, the, he, she, is, in, you, can, was , went, said
  • Count to 100 by 1's, 2's, 5's, 10's
  • Measure household items, room dimensions, whatever, using body parts or other non-standard random items such as hand, foot, pencil, fork, etc. 
  • Canadian coins (name and value – (eg.) nickel = 5¢)

                                    Thank you for your ongoing support in this regard.

                      Sincerely,
                                               The Kindergarten Teachers

Monday, December 14, 2015

THANK YOU.

WE ARE GRATEFUL TO ALL THOSE PARENTS (& Grandparents) WHO WERE ABLE TO JOIN US LAST FRIDAY!  WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED YOUR TIME WITH US.


Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Milk Cartons NO LONGER REQUIRED.

Purple, Red and Green Groups are doing a similar Christmas craft on Friday, which did require a 250ml milk carton/per student.  However, a kind staff member brought in over 100 milk cartons from a school milk program, so we no longer need your donations in this regard. The 3 above-mentioned groups also require a few electric mixers in order to make the icing for our craft.  (Please label yours mixer if you bring it in.)


We sent home a note about volunteering, so please return it ONLY IF YOU ARE COMING. Thank you.


*ALLERGY ALERT!!   
Although we tell the children that this craft is only a DECORATION, the candy and icing are difficult to resist. If this presents a medical concern for your child, please notify the teacher and provide your own selection of safe icing and treats.

(Blue Group will be doing something different.) 


Help keep cold toes warm and dry!

We are welcoming donations of socks for the needy. These will be distributed through the Shepherds of Good Hope. 

Although the Kindergarten classes are collecting socks as our contribution to Holy Redeemer's Christmas community gift, you are welcome to donate other items if you prefer. 

*Some basic essentials are: toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shaver, shampoo, dental floss, underwear, hat, scarf, gloves or mittens. 

Sunday, December 6, 2015

IMPORTANT DECEMBER NEWS

As we begin the holy season of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, we hope to make the Christmas story come alive in a meaningful way for our students.  In order to help them experience the gift of God coming amongst us, we will unite all classes for weekly Advent celebrations. Christmas discussions will focus on the birth of Jesus and how "acts of kindness" are the best birthday gifts for Jesus. Advent means a time of waiting... awaiting the birth of our Lord.

As an extension of the activities being done at school, we invite you to celebrate at home using your own Advent wreath  
Week 1 - Nov. 30 - Dec. 6   one purple candle
Week 2 - December 7 - 14 two purple candles
Week 3 - December 15 - 21 two purple + pink candle
Week 4 - December 22 - 25 three purple + pink candle


CHRISTMAS CRAFT Day - Friday, December 11 @ 10am

We are expecting a number of parent volunteers to assist us in mixing icing for our special Christmas craft.  Afterwards we will have a sing-along. If you have not returned the RSVP form confirming whether or NOT* you will attend this event, please return it as soon as possible. (*even if you are not coming) 

*Please note that Friday, Dec. 11th is the same day as the School Christmas Concert. Primary grades (1-3) will be performing 8:45 - 9:45 and then Junior level classes (Grades 4-6) will be performing 10-11, which is the same time frame as the Kindergarten craft event. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Please note that if your child is in Red, Green, or Purple Groups, he/she requires a 250ml milk carton and also large, flat-bottom paper bag in order to transport the craft home.
 {available at the LCBO}

Parents help make the icing and then assist the children in building their craft, so please do not bring younger siblings along. Also, please discuss any allergy concerns with the teacher before the event.  Thank you. 

In case we don't see you on Dec. 11, then we would like to wish all of our Holy Redeemer families a very "MERRY CHRISTMAS  and a wonderful holiday!"

Thursday, December 3, 2015

MEANINGFUL GIVING!

The most important gifts at Christmas are the

 gifts of kindness that we show toward one 

another.      
                
To cherish the true meaning of Christmas, here is a wonderful family activity that helps prepare our hearts for the celebration of Jesus' birthday and focuses more on "giving" to others rather than on commercial gifts.

1.  Find a small box and decorate it. 
This will hold Baby Jesus' gifts.
      

2. Place the box in a prominent place where you will see it on a daily basis. Keep some small note paper and a pencil next to the box to write down any random acts of kindness during the Advent season

4. As often as possible, family members add a note into this box, which represents a gift* of giving for Jesus. (*"Gifts" such as sharing, helping, cleaning, listening, visiting etc.......any act of kindness that they have witnessed or received from someone.) 

5. On Christmas Eve, place the box under the tree so that in the morning, before you open your own  gifts, you can give your gift to Jesus.  Read aloud the acts of kindness and giving that were witnessed over the Advent season.  Share together the many good works that were done in preparation for the birth of Jesus and offer thanks to God.
                                               


                                       
MERRY CHRISTMAS!


Friday, November 27, 2015

REQUESTING 250ml MILK CARTON

Purple, Red and Green Groups will all be doing a similar Christmas craft in a couple of weeks. 

This craft will require a 250ml milk carton for each student.  Please send one (or more) to school as soon as possible! 

(Blue Group will be doing something different.) 

We will be sending home an RSVP note next week asking if you are able to volunteer to help out with our Christmas Craft on Friday, December 11th at 10 am Please look for this note in your child's mailbag in order to fill it out and return it to school as soon as possible.   We also require a few electric mixers, which are required to make the icing for our crafts.



*ALLERGY ALERT!!   Although we tell the children that this craft is only a DECORATION, the candy and icing are difficult to resist. If this presents a medical concern for your child, please notify the teacher and provide your own selection of safe icing and treats.


*Please send in the small 250 ml milk carton well before the event in order to participate in the craft!



Tuesday, November 24, 2015

SPIRIT WEEK continues!


WEDNESDAY is CRAZY HAIR DAY.



THURSDAY is SCHOOL SPIRIT DAY.


FRIDAY is SPORT JERSEY DAY.



       
      
                      



 

Monday, November 23, 2015

YOUR kind SUPPORT is REQUESTED.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are requesting that all parents please talk to their child about appropriate toileting behaviours

We have had an ongoing issue with children forgetting to flush the toilet. This has continued to happen despite numerous lessons. Please assist us by reinforcing this habit at home. 
[*At least half dozen teachers are flushing toilets all day long!! (Yikes!)] 

We also have a big problem with urine all over the washrooms - toilet seat, floor and even walls!  
[*Our poor custodian is being called down to clean the washrooms several times a day!]


We would really appreciate your support in this regard. 


Thank you.


Saturday, November 21, 2015

Friday, November 20, 2015

THIS IS SPIRIT WEEK!!

MONDAY is PYJAMAS DAY.



TUESDAY is "TACKY TOURIST" (dress funny) DAY.



WEDNESDAY is CRAZY HAIR DAY.




THURSDAY is SCHOOL SPIRIT DAY.



FRIDAY is SPORT JERSEY DAY.



       
      
                      



 

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

VOCABULAIRE de Novembre

Novembre:     PRONOUNS:  Je = I ,  Tu / Vous = You,  Nous = we
  
LES PHRASES:
J'ai un / une _____.  /  J'ai deux ____.   /  J'ai cinq / dix _____. 
Le Corps / the body: 
  • la tête      /  head                     les cheveux /   hair 
  • épaules   /  shoulders              le bras         /   arm
  • genoux   /   knees                    le pied         /   foot
  • orteilles  /   toes                       la jambe      /   leg
  • yeux       /   eyes                      la main        /   hand
  • oreilles   /   ears                       le cou         /    neck
  • la bouche / mouth                    le dos         /    back
  • le nez      /  nose                      les doigts   /    fingers
________________________________________________
LES PHRASES:
J'aime _______. / Je n'aime pas _____.  /  Je mange ___. 
nourrissante / pas nourrissante

Les legumes / Vegetables:
la carrotte   /  carrot
la lettue      /   lettuce
le poivron  /   pepper  (rouge / jaune / vert = red / yellow / green)
la pomme de terre  /  potato
Les fruits:
la tomate  / tomato
la fraise    /  strawberry
la banane  /  banana
les raisins  /  grapes
les cerises  /  cherries

__________________________________________________
LES PHRASES:
Je porte un(e) / des ______  .
[ie. Je porte un manteau rouge.  / Je porte des bottes. ]               

Les vetements  /  clothing:
pantalons (de neige)  /  (snow) pants
chapeau  /  hat
manteau  /  coat
bottes  /  boots
mitaines  /  mittens
foulard (écharpe) / scarf
soulier / shoe
chemise / shirt 

NOVEMBER 20 is a PD DAY.

NO SCHOOL ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20.

WASHING of BLANKETS

Occasionally, or as needed, we will send home the children's blankets to be washed.  

[This will usually happen on a Friday.]
Please remember to send them back with your child on the Monday so they have something to curl up with during Quiet time.




Saturday, November 14, 2015

Mark Your CALENDAR for POPCORN Days

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Students can order popcorn for their snack at $1.75 a bag for a total of $14.00. 


Popcorn is organized by Parent Council members and supplied by "Kernels" and is available in 2 flavors: Buttersalt and white Cheddar. (Both flavors are gluten free, peanut, almond and tree-nut free.)

Popcorn days are on Tuesdays:

Nov 17, Dec 15, Jan 12, Feb 9, Mar 8, Apr 12, May 10 & June 7.

 
Deadline for orders to be submitted is Monday, November 16thPlease go on your SchoolCashOnline account to place your order.
Thank you.


Wednesday, November 11, 2015

NO TOYS at school REMINDER.

Dear Parents,

We have noticed a sudden increase in toys and stuffed animals coming to school.  Also, we are seeing Pokeman cards appearing both in the classroom and outside at recess. These items usually become the source of conflict and/or upset because they get damaged, lost or "borrowed" by others.

Please support our efforts by reinforcing the "No toys at school" rule and checking your child's backpack to ensure these items remain at home.

Thank you!
The Kindergarten Teams

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

POPCORN ORDERS AVAILABLE ONLINE NOV. 5

Dear Parents,

Online popcorn ordering will be available November 5 to 10.


{Sorry that an earlier message about popcorn orders was posted before the order form was available.}

The first popcorn day will be Nov. 17

Monday, November 2, 2015

PROGRESS REPORTS (?)

Kindergarten students do NOT receive a "Progress Report" on November 5th when Grades 1 to 6 students will be receiving theirs. However, during our interview evening on November 12th we will let you know how your child is adjusting to school life and how Senior K students are progressing with the academic aspects as well. 

At this point in the year, we expect most SK students to minimally be able to print their name, know at least half their letters and some sounds, and count to 20 or beyond. (Many students are able to do more than this.) However, if your child is struggling in any area, please work on these at home to encourage and support their efforts.

Interview night is scheduled for Thursday, November 12. You can book your own interview online, time slots between 3 to 5 pm or 6 to 8 pm will be available for those who want to meet with their child's teacher
**The online link and instructions are being sent home in a blue letter.**

CLASS PHOTOS - NOVEMBER 9th!


Class photos will be taken on photo retake day, which is Monday, November 9th.





Please wear your best smile! 



Individual photos were sent home last week and if you wish to purchase any, your photo order is now overdue. 
[* They were due on Monday, November 2nd.]

Saturday, October 31, 2015

PENCIL GRIP INFO

Each stage of holding a pencil or crayon is dependent on how “steady” the shoulder and arm muscles are. As your child develops physically, and takes part in lots of fun gross motor activities the shoulder and arm muscles get stronger and steadier, and this should help your child’s pencil grasp to mature as well. 

Younger children tend to use their shoulders and arms to move the pencil and older children tend to use wrist and fingers more to move the pencil.


A three finger tripod pencil grip is considered the most appropriate pencil grip, for both right and left handed writers, as it allows the fingers and wrist to work together to provide a more free flowing movement.



Tuesday, October 27, 2015

COSTUME PARADE FRIDAY!!


All Kindergarten students are invited 


to WEAR a HALLOWEEN COSTUME!

Please have your child wear their 

costume to school on Fri, October 30th

 for a Costume Parade.  Please include 

a bag for all the pieces of the costume.  

 If your child does not want to wear his/her costume then 

please encourage them to wear Orange and/or Black to 

mark the occasion.


What is the "Costume Parade"? 

We line up dressed in our costumes and march around the 

main hallways of the school & all the other students 

cheer us on. (Only Kindergarten students are permitted to 

wear a costume, other grades can wear orange or black to 

mark the occasion. Your child can wear orange or black if 

they do not wish to wear their costume. 



POPCORN DAYS
The monthly Popcorn Days start November 17th; this is an optional School Council fundraiser project.   Please return your order form, even if your childoes not  want any popcorn. This option should be posted online shortly.


FYI: Most students have ordered it and on Popcorn Day those children who don't receive any often become upset. Please explain this situation to your child so they are prepared.


Still awaiting a (4x6FAMILY PHOTO 
from each child.
Please send it in as soon as possible!