DATE: September 2015
TO: Kindergarten Parents
FROM: Kindergarten Teachers: Sra. Wilkinson, Doña María and Srita. Jordan
RE: September Newsletter
Theme: This month we will be learning about school, feelings and the community. We will be working on classroom and school routines. Also focus on recognizing and printing the student’s first names. Other concept/vocabulary work will include number recognition (1-5) in English and Spanish and sorting objects (by size, color, shape, materials, uses, etc.) related to the community in both English and Spanish. Furthermore we will be working on developing students fine motor skills and controls through a variety of hands on activities. Fine motor development is essential in order for students to develop strong printing and writing skills, therefore this will be an on going activity throughout the school year.
Fall Assembly: On Wednesday, September 23, we will hold our first “participation” assembly. We would appreciate if you could please send your child to school wearing autumn colours (brown, orange, yellow, red or light blue). The purpose of this activity will be to welcome this wonderful season and to introduce our students to its characteristics; such as the weather and landscape changes, the appropriate clothing, as well as fruits and vegetables harvested during this time.
Volunteers: We appreciate parental interest in volunteering throughout the year and to be the “classroom volunteer coordinator”. The coordinator will help with the organization of our “Volunteer Group”. Please send a message with your child if you are willing to participate in one or the other. Further information around the specific requirements will be shared during the Parents/Teacher interviews.
Shoes: Please make sure that your child has both indoor and outdoor shoes that they can put on and tie up independently, and ensure that the shoes are labeled. Thanks!
Special Helper: Your child will be assigned to a particular “Special Helper Week”. On this week, your child will have “extra special” responsibilities such as being the line leader, holding exit doors, and helping the teacher around the classroom. Children find this week very rewarding, and will enjoy sharing with you about how the week as a “Special Helper” was for them.
Library: We have started visiting the library on Fridays for all AM and PM kindergarten classes. Our library has a wonderful selection of books that children can enjoy. As these are very expensive to replace, please help you child learn how to care for their library books. Remind your child to read the book away from snacks and drinks and to keep it in a safe place where it won’t be damaged or coloured on by younger children. Also, please remember to return books the day before “library day” (Thursday) inside the school bag, so that your child can choose another wonderful story.
Snacks: We encourage parents to provide their child with nutritious snacks and beverages. They could be fresh fruit, dairy products, vegetables, salads, muffins, cookies, crackers, juices and/or natural water.
Independence and our Entrance Routine: In kindergarten, emphasis is placed on independence and responsibility. In the first months this is evident as we practice our entrance routines, i.e. changing shoes, handing in the mail folder and managing snacks. We fully understand that some students still require some help getting ready and organized to start their daily activities. Thanks to the positive support and guidance, we hope that by the end of October all the students will be able to do so independently.
Thursday Mail: Please check your child’s Mail Folder on a daily basis, as this is our primary means of communication. The folder must be returned each day, inside of the backpack, so that we can send home any necessary information.
Scholastic Book Clubs: Our school partners with Scholastic Book Clubs. The reason to do so is for the excellent selection of books they offer. We will start ordering books the first week of October. Below are some helpful tips and important points when completing book order forms. Please:
· Write your child’s name on the order form(s) from which you are selecting books
· Ensure your total number of items ordered and your cost totals are correct
· Note that the prices INCLUDE the GST! You do not need to add it in.
· Make ONE cheque payable to: Scholastic Canada Ltd. NO CASH PLEASE!
· Write “___(child’s name)’s book order” as the Memo on your cheque, if possible.
· Send the book order to school by the due date.
TO: Kindergarten Parents
FROM: Kindergarten Teachers: Sra. Wilkinson, Doña María and Srita. Jordan
RE: September Newsletter
Theme: This month we will be learning about school, feelings and the community. We will be working on classroom and school routines. Also focus on recognizing and printing the student’s first names. Other concept/vocabulary work will include number recognition (1-5) in English and Spanish and sorting objects (by size, color, shape, materials, uses, etc.) related to the community in both English and Spanish. Furthermore we will be working on developing students fine motor skills and controls through a variety of hands on activities. Fine motor development is essential in order for students to develop strong printing and writing skills, therefore this will be an on going activity throughout the school year.
Fall Assembly: On Wednesday, September 23, we will hold our first “participation” assembly. We would appreciate if you could please send your child to school wearing autumn colours (brown, orange, yellow, red or light blue). The purpose of this activity will be to welcome this wonderful season and to introduce our students to its characteristics; such as the weather and landscape changes, the appropriate clothing, as well as fruits and vegetables harvested during this time.
Volunteers: We appreciate parental interest in volunteering throughout the year and to be the “classroom volunteer coordinator”. The coordinator will help with the organization of our “Volunteer Group”. Please send a message with your child if you are willing to participate in one or the other. Further information around the specific requirements will be shared during the Parents/Teacher interviews.
Shoes: Please make sure that your child has both indoor and outdoor shoes that they can put on and tie up independently, and ensure that the shoes are labeled. Thanks!
Special Helper: Your child will be assigned to a particular “Special Helper Week”. On this week, your child will have “extra special” responsibilities such as being the line leader, holding exit doors, and helping the teacher around the classroom. Children find this week very rewarding, and will enjoy sharing with you about how the week as a “Special Helper” was for them.
Library: We have started visiting the library on Fridays for all AM and PM kindergarten classes. Our library has a wonderful selection of books that children can enjoy. As these are very expensive to replace, please help you child learn how to care for their library books. Remind your child to read the book away from snacks and drinks and to keep it in a safe place where it won’t be damaged or coloured on by younger children. Also, please remember to return books the day before “library day” (Thursday) inside the school bag, so that your child can choose another wonderful story.
Snacks: We encourage parents to provide their child with nutritious snacks and beverages. They could be fresh fruit, dairy products, vegetables, salads, muffins, cookies, crackers, juices and/or natural water.
Independence and our Entrance Routine: In kindergarten, emphasis is placed on independence and responsibility. In the first months this is evident as we practice our entrance routines, i.e. changing shoes, handing in the mail folder and managing snacks. We fully understand that some students still require some help getting ready and organized to start their daily activities. Thanks to the positive support and guidance, we hope that by the end of October all the students will be able to do so independently.
Thursday Mail: Please check your child’s Mail Folder on a daily basis, as this is our primary means of communication. The folder must be returned each day, inside of the backpack, so that we can send home any necessary information.
Scholastic Book Clubs: Our school partners with Scholastic Book Clubs. The reason to do so is for the excellent selection of books they offer. We will start ordering books the first week of October. Below are some helpful tips and important points when completing book order forms. Please:
· Write your child’s name on the order form(s) from which you are selecting books
· Ensure your total number of items ordered and your cost totals are correct
· Note that the prices INCLUDE the GST! You do not need to add it in.
· Make ONE cheque payable to: Scholastic Canada Ltd. NO CASH PLEASE!
· Write “___(child’s name)’s book order” as the Memo on your cheque, if possible.
· Send the book order to school by the due date.